Chapter 284: Wood Emperor Nail

The third-rank Void Bamboo, not only brimming with spiritual vitality, but also entirely translucent like jade.

Its surface was covered in golden spiritual runes, possessing a Void attribute distinct from the Five Elements.

This unique property could conceal spiritual power fluctuations, block spiritual sense, making it nearly impossible for cultivators to detect.

Even more rare, this Void Bamboo had developed sentience, granting it extraordinary future potential and high malleability.

Though currently only a third-rank low-grade material, it could be forged into a magic treasure embryo and planted within the life-plant Yin-Yang Mystic Vine.

Over time, it would inevitably grow into a top-rank magic treasure.

The Wood Emperor Nail magic treasure, besides its strong concealment, had another greatest advantage: its attack range was exceptionally long, its speed extremely fast, and its penetration power formidable.

It excelled in treacherous, vicious strikes; ordinary defensive magic treasures could hardly withstand it, leaving one defenseless.

Yet, this set of magic treasures had one obvious flaw.

Controlling one or two was manageable.

But as a complete set, the more Wood Emperor Nails were activated, the more they drained the cultivator's magic power.

Moreover, they demanded extremely high spiritual sense strength.

Even Qin Ming's current abundant magic power and Nascent Soul-level spiritual sense could likely not activate many at once.

As one of the top two offensive magic treasures recorded in the ancient silk, its immense power naturally came with equally high demands on the user.

"When the Wood Emperor Nail emerges, all evils retreat, all cultivators tremble."

Qin Ming's gaze sharpened; following the Magic Treasure Forging Manual, he began disassembling and refining the Void Bamboo.

Each Wood Emperor Nail was three inches long, relatively economical in material use; the third-rank Void Spiritual Bamboo in Qin Ming's possession was sufficient to forge the entire set of magic treasure embryos.

With the technique in hand, he could not only forge eighty-one nail-like magic treasures, but even eighty-one magic treasure swords and cultivate them anew.

Yet the third-rank Void Bamboo was merely the primary material; other auxiliary refining materials were needed, all at least third-rank.

For the other auxiliary materials, Qin Ming planned to trade or purchase them from Canghai True Person and Wei Wuyan.

Given these involved top-tier third-rank spiritual materials, only Golden Core elders likely held stock—virtually nonexistent on the open market.

After all, the Southern Wastelands cultivation realm was a backwater compared to others; Golden Core was the ceiling.

Resources were limited and entirely controlled by these high-rank cultivators.

"Especially the Xuanjin Divine Sand, a third-rank low-grade auxiliary material for forging the Wood Emperor Nail, greatly enhances penetration against all defensive magic treasures, magic power shields, and defensive spiritual auras."

"This substance is absolutely indispensable."

"I heard Lei Yuanzong possesses a Xuanjin Crystal Vein producing small quantities of Xuanjin Divine Sand, monopolized by Lei Yuanzong; Wei Wuyan must have some."

"Additionally, Kongming Soil is needed to neutralize the spiritual properties of various materials and improve forging success rates."

"Kongming Soil is also a third-rank low-grade material—hard to obtain except from Golden Core elders."

"And Dark You Stone, a third-rank material enhancing Void attributes."

"Procuring all these would be a considerable expense. Yet, for forging a magic treasure, it is all worth it."

Qin Ming's hand seals shifted continuously; after several days, he decomposed the third-rank Void Bamboo into eighty-one nail-shaped prototypes, sealed them with Spirit-Containment Talismans, and stored them in a Paste-Jade Box for later use.

Having completed this, he prepared to return to Canghai Xiancheng to exchange spiritual materials with Canghai True Person.

"Sigh—I wonder if Wei Wuyan is even there. Might have to go to Lei Yuanzong after all."

Thus, Qin Ming summoned Silverwing Frost Bee and prepared to leave the island.

He did not intend to bring his other two beast companions, as he planned a quick round-trip.

In the Spirit Field.

The Devouring Sky Rat waved the Shennong Hoe, clearing weeds; seeing Qin Ming prepare to leave, it hurried over, shouldering the spirit hoe with a beaming smile: "Master, where are you going?"

"Need my help?"

Qin Ming replied coolly: "I'm going to procure some materials, will return soon. Keep working."

Qin Ming then opened the Mist Illusion and rode Silverwing Frost Bee out of Wangyue Island.

The Devouring Sky Rat stared at the distant sky, a look of disappointment crossing its face; with a loud "clang," it hurled the Shennong Hoe to the ground.

It cursed: "Pah! I hate tending this damn land—what's the point? I want to go out and roam!"

At that moment,

the Yin-Yang Mystic Vine in the spirit field sent a long black tendril down like a divine whip.

"Snap!" It struck the Devouring Sky Rat's rear end hard.

"Ow! That hurt!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"I love farming! I love farming!"

The Devouring Sky Rat leapt in pain, clutching its rear, grimacing; it instantly learned its lesson.

It quickly picked up the Shennong Hoe and returned obediently to tilling the spirit field.

An hour later,

Qin Ming rode Silverwing Frost Bee at high speed, arriving at Canghai Xiancheng.

Upon entering, he immediately sent a message to Nalan Xi True Person, then headed straight for Canghai Peak's Grand Hall.

To Qin Ming's delight, when he entered the hall, Wei Wuyan of Lei Yuanzong was already there—apparently visiting Nalan Xi to discuss matters, saving Qin Ming a trip to Lei Yuanzong.

"Greetings, Elder!"

"Young Master Qin, no need for formalities."

"Ah, Young Master Qin has come."

Wei Wuyan remained as carefree as ever, treating Qin Ming as an equal—a gesture of goodwill.

"Young Master Qin, please sit. What brings you here specifically?"

Qin Ming silently marveled: his years of accumulated elite connections were finally paying off.

In the Wei Kingdom's cultivation world, which Foundation Establishment cultivator could earn such attention from a Golden Core elder? Only Qin Ming.

"I've come to exchange for some third-rank spiritual materials," Qin Ming said bluntly.

At these words,

Wei Wuyan's face lit up with interest: "Oh? Third-rank materials? Has Young Master Qin finally prepared to cultivate a third-rank spirit plant?"

"Or are you forging a third-rank elixir?"

Nalan Xi True Person, upon hearing Qin Ming, also perked up, eyes gleaming.

"Heh, yes. I'm recently cultivating a third-rank spirit plant requiring several special materials," Qin Ming replied evasively.

Even with his good relations, he would not reveal to these two Golden Core elders that he intended to forge a third-rank life-treasure.

His trump cards must be hidden as deeply as possible.

Nalan Xi had suspected, yet still exclaimed: "Oh! So it's true!"

"Young Master Qin truly excels in spirit plant cultivation. The Wei Kingdom's cultivation world, after a hundred years, may yet produce another third-rank spirit plant master." "Hahaha!"

"Truly cause for celebration!"

Wei Wuyan also smiled warmly: "If Young Master Qin joins Lei Yuanzong, not only third-rank materials—even if you desire anything, I shall gift it to you!"

"Why not reconsider?"

He directly extended the offer.

Qin Ming chuckled, waving his hand.

"What materials do you require, and what can you offer in exchange?" Wei Wuyan, knowing Qin Ming's nature, had expected this and took no offense.

Qin Ming immediately listed his needs: "I need third-rank Xuanjin Divine Sand, Kongming Soil, and Dark You Stone."

Hearing Qin Ming's list, Wei Wuyan and Nalan Xi were both taken aback.

Sand, soil, stone—it did sound related to farming.

Of course, these top-tier materials had broad uses; yet Nalan Xi and Wei Wuyan harbored no suspicion.

A third-rank spirit plant master was already a rarity in the Wei Kingdom, let alone the entire Southern Wastelands; they could not guess what spirit plant Qin Ming intended to grow or why.

"So cultivating a third-rank spirit plant requires so many third-rank resources…"

"I've never known this before."

"May I ask, Young Master Qin, what spirit plant are you attempting to cultivate to ascend to third-rank master?"

"I have Xuanjin Divine Sand, but only a small amount."

Wei Wuyan's curiosity was now fully piqued—if Qin Ming truly ascended to third-rank spirit plant master, it would be a legendary feat in Wei Kingdom history.

Qin Ming gathered his thoughts, then said: "Third-rank low-grade spirit plant: Three Crimson Soul-Returning Grass."

"What?!"

"That rare spirit herb? Young Master Qin must have full confidence," Nalan Xi said, slightly surprised, subtly probing.

Qin Ming made no secret of it: "Heh, the herb has already been successfully cultivated; I merely need to invest more effort and materials in its nurturing."

Upon hearing Qin Ming had already successfully grown the third-rank spirit herb, both elders froze in unison.

According to Qin Ming's words, he had already stepped one foot into the third-rank master threshold.

Both elders, secretly stunned, elevated their evaluation of Qin Ming to unprecedented heights.

"Then, what will you offer in exchange for my Xuanjin Divine Sand?" Wei Wuyan's stern face broke into a sly smile.

Qin Ming smiled faintly, took out from his storage pouch three Five-Element Qi Spirit Peaches and five hundred jin of premium Spirit Qi Rice, then asked Wei Wuyan: "Are these sufficient?"

The two Golden Core elders in the hall, the moment the Five-Element Qi Spirit Peaches appeared, their eyes gleamed.

Especially Nalan Xi True Person—long-established, aged, her desire for extended lifespan far surpassed Wei Wuyan's.

Wei Wuyan, newly ascended, still had centuries to live.

Yet no cultivator could resist the temptation of extended life.

He can give them to the sect's Elders.

These spiritual peaches, though merely top-grade second-rank spiritual fruits, are already comparable in effect and value to third-rank spiritual items.

"I never expected! I heard that Xue Zhili once auctioned a Five-Element Qi Spiritual Peach at his black-market Jiaoyi Society."

"Surely it was you, Young Master Qin, who put it up?"

By this point, the solemn expression of True Person Nanlan Xi had vanished, replaced by a warm, smiling face.

"Heh, that one was indeed mine," Qin Ming replied honestly.

Wei Wuya immediately nodded in agreement: "Deal."

"But I have one more condition."

Seeing Wei Wuya agree to the exchange, Qin Ming's expression brightened, yet upon hearing the additional demand, his brow furrowed.

"Add one jar of Yulin wine, heh!" Wei Wuya stated his condition.

Qin Ming breathed a sigh of relief—he had feared Wei Wuya would demand some outrageous item to part with the Xuanjin Shensha.

Hearing it was Yulin wine, he couldn't help but smile, immediately pulling out two jars and handing them to Wei Wuya: "Not just one—I'll gift you another, Elder Wei."

Wei Wuya smiled broadly, happily accepting Qin Ming's gifts, then retrieved a jade box and handed it to Qin Ming: "Young Master Qin, are these Xuanjin Shensha sufficient?"

Qin Ming took the jade box, opened it, and saw within a kind of Xuanjinse spiritual sand, its surface radiating five-colored light, exuding the astonishing spiritual aura unique to third-rank materials.

His face lit up; he immediately sealed the jade box: "Thank you, Elder Wei—these are more than enough."

"I happen to have Kongming Soil and Shadow Stone on hand. Do you still have any Five-Element Qi Spiritual Peaches to exchange?" True Person Nanlan Xi asked.

Qin Ming smiled faintly and pulled out the remaining dozen or so Five-Element Qi Spiritual Peaches: "Elder Nanlan, I still have some."

Next, Qin Ming exchanged with Nanlan Xi for the remaining materials he needed.

True Person Nanlan Xi's expression also revealed delight—he had never expected that Qin Ming's visit to the Xiancheng would bring her such a pleasant surprise.

After the exchange concluded, Qin Ming prepared to take his leave, eager to return to his spirit-art crafting.

"Young Master Qin, you must be cautious in the coming days. Recently, demonic cultivators have reappeared and slaughtered openly in the Fangcun Mountain marketplace," Nanlan Xi suddenly said.

"Demonic Six Sects cultivators have also been spotted elsewhere—it seems they are stirring again."

Qin Ming froze, then sighed deeply: "Thank you for the warning, Elder. I was also invited to Xue's black-market Jiaoyi Society, but luckily I left early—if I'd stayed, I might not be standing before you two Elders now."

Qin Ming exchanged a few more words with the two Elders; having achieved his purpose, he departed from Canghai Shanfeng.

Inside the grand hall.

Wei Wuya and Nanlan Xi watched Qin Ming's retreating figure.

"Nanlan Daoist, do you think Young Master Qin can truly ascend to third-rank spiritual plant master?"

"I cannot say for certain, but I believe the odds are high—I once commissioned him to cultivate and revive a third-rank Hualing Spirit Fruit, and he succeeded."

"This shows his spiritual plant skills are but a hair's breadth from the third-rank master realm."

"I previously heard that Young Master Qin once obtained a complete third-rank spiritual plant master lineage from the Mo Clan."

"And he has ties with Su Yuqing of the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty."

"You know the Su family has considerable influence."

"Young Master Qin has come this far—he is truly blessed by great fortune."

"Sigh… it's truly a pity."

"Young Master Qin has such mastery in spiritual plant cultivation and alchemy, yet his pseudo-spiritual root is a severe limitation—he'll never rise beyond Foundation Establishment. Otherwise, his potential would be limitless."

"Even we, who walk the Golden Core path, might not have achieved what he could have."

"Indeed—what a shame."

……

(End of Chapter)