Chapter 304: Hundred Birds Embracing the Cauldron

To be honest, Yunhe is still somewhat interested in the Suspending Azure Jade Bamboo, after all it's a famous divine wood on the Divine Wood Ranking.

However, Fengxi Daoren's demands are indeed not low; what Yunhe can think of is probably the Heavenly Thunder Gold Essence, which is both thunder-attribute and metal-stone.

Unfortunately, he no longer has any Heavenly Thunder Gold Essence on him.

Even if he did have it, trading it would actually cause him to lose a lot.

After Wuchen Heshang, many others also took out their own treasures.

It must be said, the good items on the bodies of these Yuan Ying old monsters present are truly plentiful; compared to them, although Yunhe also has quite a few valuable items, and even more Spirit Stones, in terms of the grade of items, he ultimately falls short a bit.

This is also unavoidable; who let him only just form his Nascent Soul not long ago, his accumulation of time is far less than these old monsters present.

Not one of them has lived less than five hundred years; seven or eight hundred years is the norm.

Although Yunhe had previously killed many Jie Dan cultivators, among whom there were plenty of Late Jie Dan Stage ones, even if the spoils taken from those cultivators were valuable, they still could not reach the level required by Yuan Ying cultivators.

At their level, many things cannot be bought with Spirit Stones.

Of course.

Also, some cultivators still need Spirit Stones.

After all, not everyone is like Fengxi Daoren, who once fed himself can basically leave his family worry-free; the vast majority of Yuan Ying cultivators have a sect, and the Spirit Stones they earn are still of considerable use to the sect or its disciples.

Yunhe clearly knows how difficult it is for loose cultivators to reach the Yuan Ying realm, so the vast majority of Yuan Ying cultivators possess a sect.

When weak, they receive protection from the sect and obtain resources from it; when they become strong, they become the sect's protection—this is the reason the sect has endured to this day.

Finally, Fengxi Daoren, from among the many metal-stones, still chose Wuchen Heshang's Buddha Before Gold Essence.

Thunder-attribute materials were hardly ever produced; even when they were, they were mostly far inferior to the Suspending Azure Jade Bamboo.

Recently, demonic cultivators ran rampant; thunder-attribute treasures, which restrain demonic cultivators, are all kept as supreme treasures, aren't they?

It seems Fengxi Daoren wants to exchange for thunder-attribute treasures, likely also to guard against demonic cultivators.

However, not obtaining the thunder-attribute material he wanted, the Buddha Before Gold Essence is an excellent substitute.

This gold essence, before the Great Buddha of Jin Guang Temple, having been cleansed by the scriptures chanted day and night by countless monks, inherently possesses Buddhist nature, and its restraining effect on some demonic secret arts is also very outstanding.

After Fengxi Daoren's 'casting brick to attract jade,' this exchange meeting was then truly underway.

One after another, Yuan Ying old monsters took out their own collections, hoping to exchange for something they needed, or for some Spirit Stones.

Naturally, some old monsters also frequently made moves.

But it seems because Fengxi Daoren was present and presiding, the cultivators present all appeared more restrained.

It's also possible that some people, like Yunhe, have already noticed that among those present there are Sea Clan cultivators.

Of course, not everyone can succeed in exchange; a few failed because their items were too obscure, or although their items were decent, their demands were too high, and they also could not complete the exchange.

Yuan Ying old monsters are all crafty individuals; trying to gain an advantage in exchange is basically unrealistic.

"My turn."

An old man wearing a mask and an azure brocade robe flicked his sleeve; accompanied by a fluctuation of magical power, an ancient-looking tripod cauldron appeared on the central table.

On this cauldron is engraved a bird-shaped figure rather divine, and among them are plenty of phoenixes and mandarin ducks.

Just looking at the cauldron's exterior is enough to see its extraordinariness, not to mention the white bird phantom formed by the faintly emitted special spiritual energy fluctuations, which is even more marvelous and extraordinary.

All the cultivators present were well-informed and experienced; upon seeing this item, they all felt refreshed.

At the same time Yunhe's heart stirred, someone had already called out the name of this item.

"The Alchemy Cauldron Sect's Hundred Birds Embracing the Cauldron! Fellow Daoist, you actually dare to take this out for exchange? Although this cauldron is merely a replica of the Alchemy Cauldron Sect's Hundred Birds Embracing the Cauldron, it is said that even replicas, there are only three in the Alchemy Cauldron Sect; this cauldron is comparable to a Fourth Level Middle Grade Magic Treasure, and is an excellent treasure needed by fellow Daoists who assist in alchemy."

A well-informed cultivator couldn't help but exclaim aloud.

This undoubtedly let cultivators like Yunhe know the origin and value of this cauldron.

"Since this fellow Daoist has recognized this cauldron, then I shall not say anything further."

"Wait a moment!"

Suddenly someone interrupted the Old Man in Brocade Robe's speech.

Such conduct could be said to be already an offense toward that Old Man in Brocade Robe, but the person's voice continued somewhat coldly:

"As far as I know, the Alchemy Cauldron Sect has never sold any Hundred Birds Embracing the Cauldron; I don't know where fellow Daoist obtained this one."

"Fellow Daoist!"

But that Old Man in Brocade Robe also gave no face, interrupting this person's speech.

"Where I obtained this cauldron has nothing to do with this exchange meeting, right? I recall Fengxi Daoist saying that in the exchange meeting, any item is not questioned about its origin nor its ownership."

"Two fellow Daoists, two fellow Daoists."

At this moment Fengxi Daoren also had to speak, he put on a peacemaker's smile, pressed his hands down on the two, and said:

"I hope the two fellow Daoists, for my sake, will abide by the rules of the Fengxi Pavilion."

Upon saying this, the previous person also did not speak again.

Seeing this, Fengxi Daoren hastily performed a salute, sincerely saying: "Thank you, fellow Daoist!"

But regardless, after this person's remarks, those present gained further understanding of this cauldron.

'This cauldron probably has a dubious origin; if the person who buys it is discovered by the Alchemy Cauldron Sect, they might face some trouble.'

Yunhe narrowed his eyes, secretly thinking:

"Fellow Daoist, if you feel this cauldron's value is compromised, you can take it back and exchange for something else." Fengxi Daoren said apologetically to the Old Man in Brocade Robe.

"Hmph!" The Old Man in Brocade Robe gave a cold snort; although that person's remarks undoubtedly affected the value of his producing this cauldron, he still said:

"No need! I, the old man, need water-attribute magic treasures, materials, or elixirs; fellow Daoists may first converse with me, and I will select the most pleasing item."

Water-attribute magic treasures or materials?

'This person... could he not be a Sea Clan cultivator? That's why he dares to take out the Alchemy Cauldron Sect's Hundred Birds Embracing the Cauldron so recklessly.'

This inevitably gave Yunhe such a thought.

However, at this point his identity and such are no longer important; this cauldron holds considerable attraction for him, and perhaps it could allow his alchemy level to break through the Fourth Level more quickly.

Not only him, many cultivators present also tried to contact the old man with their divine sense, each making an offer.

Yunhe was no exception.

But speaking of it, he actually didn't have much to show for himself.

If it were Spirit Stones, he would claim not to be inferior to the vast majority of early Yuan Ying Cultivators present, but as for treasures,

Even so, he decided to give it a try.

His divine sense turned into invisible threads.

"I wonder, does the elixir you need have to be effective for us Yuan Ying Cultivators?" Yunhe asked.

Although Yunhe only released a trace of divine sense, the old man could still feel its strength and immediately dared not slight it, speaking seriously:

"Fourth Level elixirs are rare, I know that, but if it's a third level elixir for advancing cultivation, the quantity would probably be"

"How do you find this elixir, fellow Daoist?"

Yunhe took out a bottle from his storage bag, the "Ling Sui Elixir" refined from a third level late-stage demon beast inner core.

This is what he had left over from when he was in the Late Jie Dan Stage.

Not much, two bottles total, fifteen pills altogether.

And the bottle he now produces contains seven pills.

This elixir has no specific grade, but its potency is strong; for a cultivator who has never taken it and has no tolerance, it may be slightly weaker than a low-grade Fourth Level elixir for advancing cultivation, yet it is far more precious than a top-tier third level elixir.

At least, it still has a decent effect on Yuan Ying Cultivators.

And as Yunhe lifted the restriction on the old man, the old man's divine sense swept over the several "Ling Sui Elixir" pills in the jade bottle, his eyes suddenly lighting up.

"This elixir, though slightly inferior to a low-grade Fourth Level elixir for advancing cultivation, is indeed a rare elixir." The brocade-robed old man, still having some discernment, suppressed his surprise and said slowly:

Upon reaching the Yuan Ying realm, elixirs for advancing cultivation become far rarer than in the Jie Dan stage, and their value skyrockets exponentially.

Yunhe's "Ling Sui Elixir" can barely touch the threshold of a Fourth Level low-grade elixir, also because this elixir is refined from a demon beast inner core, giving its power an overbearing nature.

"Fellow Daoist, you have keen eyes!" Yunhe complimented, "I wonder, what do you think?"

The brocade-robed old man slightly furrowed his brow.

To be honest, he knows this elixir isn't as good as a true Fourth Level low-grade elixir, but it is indeed useful to him, a thing that can be encountered but not sought.

After a brief ponder, the old man spoke:

"My alchemy cauldron, if you think you can exchange it for just these seven pills, that seems a bit lacking, doesn't it?"

Yunhe gave a slight smile, secretly thinking "there's a chance," and countered: "Then, fellow Daoist, how many do you think are needed?"

Upon hearing that, the old man pondered again and tentatively said: "At least ten!"

Ten?

Yunhe stared.

To be honest, he had prepared for the other party to make a lion's demand, but he never expected them to ask for just ten "Ling Sui Elixir" pills.

But after thinking it over, he understood.

The other party was treating his "Ling Sui Elixir" as a Fourth Level low-grade elixir!

Moreover, since this cauldron's origins are dubious, the sharp-eyed people present have all noticed that, so their bids aren't high, making his "Ling Sui Elixir" the strongest "competitor."

Ten "Ling Sui Elixir" pills to him are merely equivalent to one and a half third level late-stage demon beast inner cores; exchanging them for a cauldron comparable to a Fourth Level mid-grade treasure?

'Is this a bargain?'

'No, it can't be considered a bargain. This cauldron surely comes with trouble; if you factor in that hassle, the old monster opposite isn't losing out.'

But this also let Yunhe better understand the value of the "Ling Sui Elixir" and the significance of cultivation-advancing elixirs for Yuan Ying Cultivators.

For Yuan Ying Cultivators, the most precious thing is undoubtedly lifespan, i. e., time.

And elixirs that advance cultivation are time-saving.

Especially for those old monsters with little lifespan left but already close to the next realm.

This let Yunhe realize that, originally, the most valuable trade item he currently carries is actually the "Ling Sui Elixir"!

However, he couldn't show it too obviously, gritting his teeth and saying: "Eight! No more!"

"Fellow Daoist, it's not proper to say it that way."

Finally.

After some haggling, Yunhe exchanged eight "Ling Sui Elixir" pills plus thirty thousand Low-grade Ling Stones for this Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron!

Spirit Stone was just a bonus; the eight "Ling Sui Elixir" pills were the key.

In the end, money and goods were both settled.

But Yunhe's purchase of this cauldron was still noticed by many.

Others didn't know him, but Jiang Han Ning beside him knew his identity.

Of course, what they knew was only his false identity as the Bee Daoist, which is also one reason he was willing to take a certain risk to buy this cauldron.

"Bee Daoist, you actually know alchemy?" Jiang Han Ning didn't show too much surprise, just a bit surprised that Yunhe could make elixirs.

He knew that Yunhe was only over two hundred years old; at that age, not only is his cultivation outstanding, but he also knows the Dao of alchemy?

In Jiang Han Ning's mouth, "understand" certainly doesn't refer to first- or second-level alchemy skill; to use this cauldron, an alchemist's skill must be at least third level or higher, right?

"A little, a little." Yunhe gave a casual, evasive reply.

The exchange wasn't interrupted by this cauldron; it continued.

Soon, it was Yunhe's turn.

He unhurriedly displayed his items, but first spoke:

"I have a bottle of elixir that can advance Yuan Ying Cultivation Base, a set of Fourth Level formation tools, a third level late-stage demon beast inner core; I seek only two things: either a pupil technique at least of Fourth Level standard, or a bottle of 'Phoenix Marrow'."

(End of chapter)