Chapter 724: Imitation Ancient Treasure, Spirit-Trap Ring

“Qin Dao You , old man here also has a piece of information regarding the Sun God Stone—do you think it’s enough to exchange for one Hunyuan Pill?”

The Xiyu cultivation world’s Tianji Zi spoke leisurely, then flicked his finger, sending him a yellow jade slip.

Qin Ming immediately took the jade slip, scanned its contents, and after a moment said, “Deal.”

The Sun God Stone is an extreme yang artifact of the cultivation world, known as one of the Three Divine Stones.

Even a speck the size of a bean is priceless; compared to it, elixirs and spiritual materials are nowhere near as valuable, and truly hard to find.

To obtain even its location is already quite good.

He then handed Tianji Zi one Hunyuan Pill.

Tianji Zi took the spiritual pill, his face instantly lighting up with deep delight.

At once, Qin Ming became the focus of all present cultivators, and the Hunyuan Pill in his hand became the most coveted item.

Then,

Qin Ming used his remaining three spiritual pills to exchange for several notable fourth-rank spiritual materials, leaving him greatly enriched.

“Next, let this palace present its treasure,” said Nan Mengli, the Supreme Elder of the Crystal Palace, rising slowly, her bearing elegant and noble.

With a flick of her slender hand, a thin, cicada-wing-like green gauze robe appeared before them.

She then explained: “This ‘Biling Xuan Robe’ is a fourth-rank lower-grade defensive magic treasure, capable of withstanding a full-force strike from a Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator, and also defends against spiritual soul attacks.”

The moment it appeared, it instantly seized the attention of all Nascent Soul cultivators present.

“Fourth-rank magic treasure!”

The old monsters’ eyes burned with desire, fixed unblinkingly on Nan Mengli’s treasure.

At their cultivation level, life is precious beyond measure—and this defensive treasure not only blocks physical strikes but also counters spiritual soul attacks, instantly doubling its value.

After all, a Nascent Soul cultivator’s entire essence resides in the Nascent Soul.

The rarity of this treasure was self-evident.

“I never expected Daoist Nan Meng would be willing to part with such a treasure. Rumors say the Crystal Palace excels in artifact forging—truly deserving of its reputation!”

“What does Daoist Nan Meng require in exchange for this Biling Xuan Robe?”

A Huang-named Nascent Soul hermit spoke up, showing great interest.

Nan Mengli smiled gently and replied: “One vial of elixir that enhances Nascent Soul magic power, or two fourth-rank demon beast cores.”

“Uh…” The Huang-named cultivator fell silent.

For while the Biling Xuan Robe was excellent, the exchange terms were far too steep.

Not only are Nascent Soul elixirs hard to come by—only fourth-rank Dan Kings with exceptional alchemical skill can brew them—but fourth-rank demon beast cores are even rarer.

A fourth-rank shape-shifting demon saint possesses power comparable to a human Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator.

Nascent Soul early-stage cultivators often need several working together to slay even a fourth-rank early-stage shape-shifting demon.

And even then, success is not guaranteed.

After all, shape-shifting demons have formidable bodies; if they truly wish to flee, Nascent Soul early-stage cultivators cannot stop them.

Nan Mengli’s terms immediately deterred many.

Her gaze settled on Qin Ming, her eyes asking silently—only Qin Ming, she suspected, could produce a full vial of Hunyuan Pills.

But Qin Ming had little interest in this defensive magic treasure.

His body and spiritual soul were already so strong that even an ordinary Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator could not harm him effectively.

There was no need to add another layer of defense.

Seeing Qin Ming showed no interest, Nan Mengli’s expression turned slightly disappointed.

“I happen to have one fourth-rank early-stage demon beast core—a earth-attribute core from a Fandi Jia Beast. Would that suffice?”

A familiar voice, calm and unhurried, sounded beside him.

It was Han Ya Shangren!

Qin Ming looked at the green-robed youth beside him in surprise and sighed, “Daoist Han Ya, your treasures truly never cease—how can you even have a fourth-rank demon beast core? I am truly envious!”

Han Ya Shangren merely replied with casual ease: “Just relics left by my ancestors—I couldn’t possibly slay a fourth-rank demon saint myself.”

Qin Ming couldn’t help but sneer inwardly—another rich heir.

Nan Mengli took the beast core, inspected it briefly, then smiled with delight.

“Deal.”

Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of all present, Han Ya Shangren calmly took possession of the Biling Xuan Robe.

The Shi Tian Rat blinked, whispering secretly to Han Ya Shangren: “Master Han Ya, you’re showing off too much—be careful.”

Han Ya Shangren’s face twitched slightly, yet remained unmoved: “Relax. After this alliance is sealed, the Alliance Leader has ordered a ceasefire—otherwise, I wouldn’t have revealed a fourth-rank demon beast core so openly.”

“Alright, now it’s this old woman’s turn,” said Long Mu Zhenjun, pulling out several long jade boxes. After opening them, she revealed a pure-white spiritual ginseng, a translucent ice-blue herb emitting a blue flame, and a green spiritual fruit.

“A four-thousand-five-hundred-year Ziyou Snow Ginseng, a three-thousand-year Bingyan Herb, a three-thousand-two-hundred-year Tianchan Spiritual Fruit.”

“These three fourth-rank spiritual plants are to be exchanged for Qingkong Spirit Soil, or equivalent spiritual items.”

The moment her treasures appeared, they drew considerable attention.

These three materials are highly useful to Nascent Soul cultivators, whether for alchemy or talisman crafting.

Qin Ming instinctively glanced at Han Ya Shangren—the fellow clearly still had more hidden treasures, and now looked eager to act.

Yet after internal struggle, he ultimately held back.

Perhaps reminded by the Shi Tian Rat, showing off too much was never wise.

“This humble Daoist will trade with Daoist Long Mu—I happen to have some Qingkong Spirit Soil, though not much,” said the Huang-named hermit, immediately offering a jade box to Long Mu Zhenjun.

Long Mu Zhenjun took it, glanced inside, her expression brightening slightly, then turning slightly regretful: “It is indeed Qingkong Spirit Soil—but the quantity is insufficient; only enough for one item. What do you say, Huang Daoist?”

“Then I’ll take the Bingyan Herb,” said the Huang-named hermit calmly.

“Deal.”

The exchange was completed.

This caused others to glance at the Huang-named hermit with renewed interest—no one expected such an obscure cultivator to possess treasure after treasure.

Then,

Xuán Xiāo, the Third Prince of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace, waved his hand and produced two jade boxes. When opened, a thick aura of demonic energy surged forth.

Inside were two fourth-rank demon beast cores—one blue, one purple.

“These two fourth-rank early-stage demon beast cores are to be exchanged for items of equal value.”

“Or you may pay in superior spirit stones.”

The moment the two cores appeared, the Nascent Soul cultivators erupted in murmurs, whispering among themselves.

At their level, spirit stones were rarely used in trade.

“Tsk tsk tsk—never thought the sea clans weren’t united after all.”

“They kill their own kind without mercy,” Han Ya Shangren whispered secretly to Qin Ming.

“I heard the sea clans’ spirit stone reserves are far poorer than those of the human realm—that’s why they’re offering spirit stones.”

“Qin Dao You , this is a rare chance! Once this passes, where else will you find fourth-rank demon beast cores for sale with spirit stones?”

Qin Ming nodded slightly.

He was deeply interested in the two demon beast cores.

And since they could be bought with spirit stones, all Nascent Soul cultivators immediately began bidding.

“Twelve thousand superior spirit stones.”

“Fifteen thousand superior spirit stones.”

“I offer twenty thousand!”

“Twenty-two thousand!”

“Twenty-five thousand!” said Guang Lingzi of the Xuanming Palace, his expression proud, as if determined to win.

The Beihan cultivation world’s resources were abundant, especially with countless rare spirit mines—hence their wealth and confidence.

“Twenty-eight thousand superior spirit stones, plus one Yunying Fruit,” Qin Ming said calmly. After hearing his bid, Guang Lingzi hesitated several times, then ultimately gave up competing.

He merely gave Qin Ming a deep look.

“I never expected Qin Dao You to possess even a Yunying Fruit—congratulations,” Guang Lingzi muttered bitterly.

Upon hearing the name Yunying Fruit,

Xuán Xiāo’s golden eyes instantly brightened. “Then these two cores are yours, Qin Dao You .”

Qin Ming immediately handed over the spirit stones and the Yunying Fruit.

As he stowed away the two fourth-rank demon beast cores, a quiet thrill stirred within him.

With these two cores, he could brew many elixirs and spiritual wines.

The Nascent Soul exchange meeting lasted a full day before ending.

As time ran out, Zhiyang Shangren stood and said:

“Alright, the exchanges among you all have progressed well. Our alliance has prepared three treasures for you as a final bonus.”

With a wave of his hand, three jade boxes floated into midair.

Zhiyang Shangren flicked his finger, opening one box to reveal a spiritual pill Qin Ming recognized.

“Ningying Pill!!”

All Nascent Soul elders perked up—such strategic-grade pills rarely surfaced.

Yet here, at this Immortal Mansion gathering, the Star Palace had actually produced one.

After all, though the Ningying Pill grants only a thirty-percent chance of Nascent Soul formation, this ancient wonder is exceedingly rare even within Nascent Soul sects.

First, its required ingredients are nearly impossible to gather, demanding extremely high ages; second, only a handful of Dan Masters can brew it successfully—and even then, the failure rate is absurdly high.

Even the Nascent Soul sects before you now obtain their Qi-Condensation Pills through ancient inheritance or from hidden realms.

Each pill used is one less.

Only Soul Transformation sects control the alchemists capable of refining Qi-Condensation Pills.

Moreover, Qi-Condensation Pills carry a certain probability of spurring a Nascent Soul cultivator, greatly strengthening a sect’s power—its significance is self-evident.

Thus, dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators began bidding, the scene fiercely heated, nearly descending into bloody brawls.

In the end, the Tianji Zi of the Western You cultivation realm acquired this Qi-Condensation Pill at an exorbitant price.

Qin Ming had no interest in the Qi-Condensation Pill; his Inner Spirit Realm already held ample spirit materials for elixir refining—he could produce them anytime he wished.

Then.

Zhiyang Shiren opened the second item and said, “The second item is a fourth-rank inferior magic treasure, the Spirit-Imprisoning Ring, forged in imitation of the ancient treasure, the Five Elements Ring.”

As soon as he spoke, everyone’s expressions shifted dramatically.

“The Five Elements Ring?!”

“An imitation of an ancient treasure?!”

This fully ignited the purchasing desire of the Nascent Soul elders.

The competition in the hall surged higher and higher.

Qin Ming remained uninterested; this binding treasure paled in comparison to the Blood Spirit Cage he had seized from the Blood Annoyance Demon Lord.

Moreover, he himself possessed a true ancient treasure.

After fierce bidding, the imitation ancient treasure, the Spirit-Imprisoning Ring, was won by Longmu Zhenjun in exchange for a vial of Qingxu Pills.

Zhiyang Shiren had merely intended to stir excitement at the gathering, yet he had gained such a windfall—he could not help but reveal a rare smile.

He wasted no more words and opened the final treasure.

“The final item is a high-rank sword art scripture, the Qianyuan Sword Array. It requires a complete set of spirit swords to form the array. If perfected, its sword technique becomes peerless, and the scripture forms a complete system—beyond the array, it allows continuous cultivation up to the Soul Transformation realm.”

Next.

The hall erupted again, and fierce bidding commenced.

Qin Ming’s expression remained calm; he had little interest in this scripture.

Beside him, Han Ya Shiren frowned and asked, “Qin Dao You , are you truly uninterested in such a scripture and treasure?”

“Heh! I’ve already exchanged several treasures. My pouch is now empty,” Qin Ming replied casually.

Han Ya Shiren looked skeptical—he clearly did not believe this answer.

A complete high-rank technique held a deadly allure for these Nascent Soul elders.

Soon, the sword art scripture was won by Guangling Zi of the Xuanming Sect.

With the final treasure sold, the Nascent Soul cultivators’ exchange gathering came to an end.

All present had gained something, large or small, and their faces glowed with satisfaction.

“Alright, this exchange gathering is concluded.”

“For the next half-month, disciples of all factions will engage in combat exchanges. Our Alliance and the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace have prepared generous rewards.”

“These include Golden Core elixirs and Qi-Condensation spirit items. You may all remain on the island longer to witness the young talents of today’s cultivation world—something unseen in a century.”

“Meanwhile, independent cultivation chambers have been arranged for you all on Longyuan Island, serene and tranquil.”

Zhiyang Shiren smiled warmly.

Then.

The cultivators in Longyuan Hall dispersed, many elders exchanging words with one another.

Many Nascent Soul cultivators approached Qin Ming, expressing their desire to befriend him.

He politely responded to each one in turn.

He then prepared to leave with Han Ya Shiren, Longmu Zhenjun, and others, seeking a quiet place to catch up and share wine.

But just then.

Zhiyang Shiren walked over and said to Qin Ming:

“Qin Dao You , stay behind.”

“I have a few words to speak with you alone.”

At these words, the other Nascent Soul elders all turned their heads, curiosity plainly etched on their faces.

All wondered: what could the Sixth Elder of Xingchen Palace—the undisputed top figure beneath Nascent Soul Late Stage—possibly want with this newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator?

Qin Ming halted his steps; he had already guessed the reason—likely what Zhiyang Shiren had hinted at earlier.

He intended to take him to select treasures.

Without hesitation, he followed Zhiyang Shiren, leaving Han Ya Shiren and the others stunned.

Zhiyang Shiren led him through layers of intricate arrays, finally arriving at an unremarkable pavilion on the island.

He then withdrew an ancient dragon-patterned token and activated the array within.

Hum—suddenly, Qin Ming found himself deep within a shimmering underwater world.

Soon after, he arrived at a treasure vault hidden beneath the seabed.

This place, no doubt, was the Tianhai Alliance’s secret treasure vault, its exact location unknown.

Zhiyang Shiren walked as he spoke: “I never expected you, Qin Dao You , to ascend to Nascent Soul in just over two hundred years—and your strength is immeasurable.”

“You single-handedly slew the Blood Annoyance True Person of the Blood Refining Demon Sect—proof of your extraordinary technique.”

“I’ve heard of this Demon Lord before. Though I could kill him, it would require great effort.”

“I might even pay a price, unable to accomplish it as effortlessly as you.”

“Also, I wish to ask: are the deaths of Yousha True Person of the Western You Sand Sect and Lihuo Shiren of the Great Jin Lihuo Palace connected to this?”

Qin Ming had anticipated this question.

He briefly recounted the events of that day to Zhiyang Shiren.

He then pinned the killing of the Blood Annoyance True Person entirely on Lihuo Shiren’s final desperate counterattack.

He himself had merely seized the opportunity. (End of Chapter)