Chapter 2382: Gu Lady

"Who was that?" Qin Sang asked Scarlet, after the young man and Inkstone had left. He had a good understanding of the dominant figures around Tianyun Port, and the young man's cultivation was only at the Mid-Void Refinement stage.

"The Witch Mother's son," Scarlet replied, her tone unfriendly.

"The Witch Mother?"

Scarlet nodded. "The Witch Mother and the Pestilence Lord call each other sister and brother, though it's unclear if they are blood relatives."

"He's the Pestilence Lord's nephew? I see..." Qin Sang suddenly understood. "That fellow hides a dagger in his smile; what is he plotting?"

"I'm not sure. That fellow talks a lot of nonsense. However, it's said that the Witch Mother has been in seclusion for many years, and her son almost never appears. His sudden appearance now suggests the Witch Mother might have emerged from seclusion..."

Scarlet's tone was heavy. She and Bone Charm were openly antagonistic, and now that Bone Charm had sided with the Pestilence Lord, the stronger the Pestilence Lord's faction became, the greater her pressure would be.

That had just been a minor interlude. They continued their journey and soon arrived before a red pavilion. This pavilion was remarkably carved out of a massive agate, earning it the name 'Red Agate Pavilion.'

Scarlet stepped forward and gently knocked the door knocker. The door opened on its own, and the precious light of the red agate shone from within. The demons followed Scarlet inside. The interior was bright and clean, with a long table by the window. In the center of the table was a potted plant, and several chairs carved from red agate were placed in front of it.

The room was empty. All the demons looked at the potted plant on the long table.

Inside the pot was only a two-foot-tall small banyan tree. Its slender trunk resembled a freshly sprouted twig, but its branches and leaves were exceptionally lush, like a green umbrella.

As they watched, the small tree's branches and leaves suddenly began to twist and transform, revealing the face of an old man.

"Master of Tianyun Port, Fellow Daoist Silver Ring, you've finally arrived," the old man spoke, his voice ancient and deep.

Silver Ring was Scarlet's current daoist title.

Scarlet bowed slightly. "Fellow Daoist Banyan Tree truly possesses great divine abilities, to be able to send roots into the Water Dragon Palace and flourish here."

"Haha..." The banyan tree's laughter made the Red Agate Pavilion hum. "It is White Dragon King's magnanimity that allowed a clone of mine to enter... Have you decided how you wish to trade, Fellow Daoist?"

Scarlet turned to look behind her. "This is the Banyan King. I'm sure you've all heard of him, so I needn't introduce him."

The demons nodded in agreement. While experts were numerous in the Great Lotus Marsh, not everyone sought dominance. Among them were unique beings, such as the Banyan King. It was rumored that the Banyan King's roots permeated the entire Great Lotus Marsh, appearing everywhere, yet no one knew the location of its true form.

The Banyan King most enjoyed trading with other demon kings and was particular about his trading partners. Only dominators like the White Dragon King, or those with sufficient prestige in a given region, could earn the Banyan King's recognition and be granted a Banyan Token.

Conversely, a Banyan Token was also a mark of status and prestige. Scarlet had clearly received a Banyan Token, indicating that the Banyan King had acknowledged her and Tianyun Port's standing.

"This is an opportunity not to be missed. If any of you have needs, feel free to present them to the Banyan King, but first, prepare your offerings..." Scarlet stepped aside. This was a favor she extended to the demons.

The demons took turns stepping forward to converse with the Banyan King, most of them eventually showing delight, having gotten what they wished for.

Qin Sang was last. When it was his turn, he walked to the table, facing the Banyan King directly. He felt that the eyes, woven from branches and leaves, truly seemed like real eyes—wise eyes that appeared to have seen through the passage of time and the ebb and flow of worldly affairs.

"What do you wish to trade for, Fellow Daoist?" the Banyan King's voice resonated in Qin Sang's ear.

Qin Sang pondered, "May I exchange for a detailed map of the Great Lotus Marsh?"

"No." The Banyan King flatly refused, offering no explanation.

Qin Sang felt disappointed. "If I wished to journey to the Southern Reaches, could you point me to a clear path?"

The Banyan King replied, "The path ahead is unpredictable; it is better to stay put."

"Very well, please find some spiritual herbs for me that can condense a Dharma Aspect. These are your compensation," Qin Sang said, handing some treasures he had collected in the Great Lotus Marsh to the Banyan King.

Although contemporary demon cultivators did not practice ancient demon arts, they still needed to condense a Dharma Aspect before integrating it into their physical bodies, making these types of spiritual herbs universally useful. Of course, Qin Sang couldn't rely on just a few spiritual herbs for his cultivation; this was merely a pretense. His true hopes lay with Inkstone.

"The spiritual herbs will be delivered to Tianyun Port within a few days." The tree canopy opened and closed, swallowing the treasures. Immediately, the branches unfurled, and the Banyan King's face disappeared, reverting to its tree form.

This indicated that it was closing time for guests. The demons wisely retreated, and after exiting the Red Agate Pavilion, they eagerly thanked Scarlet, clearly having gained much.

"Where do you plan to go next, Fellow Daoist?" Scarlet asked Qin Sang.

"First, I'll explore this Water Dragon Palace," Qin Sang replied, looking around.

"I have appointments with a few other daoists, so I won't accompany you. Be careful while you explore; if anyone dares to cause trouble, call the Dragon Palace water guards—they wouldn't dare act recklessly within the Water Dragon Palace," Scarlet advised before leaving first.

Finally, Qin Sang wandered alone in the Water Dragon Palace. The next morning, he quietly arrived at the location Inkstone had mentioned.

"Fellow Daoist Qingfeng?"

"It is I." Qin Sang revealed his identity.

The courtyard gate slowly opened. Qin Sang walked in and saw an elegant garden. The exotic flowers and plants underwater possessed their own unique charm, their beauty in no way inferior to those on land.

"Please come in!" Inkstone had already prepared spiritual tea. Both revealed their true forms and sat facing each other.

Pouring a cup of tea for Qin Sang, Inkstone kindly warned, "The Witch Mother has emerged from seclusion. That old hag is temperamental and has a deep connection with the Pestilence Lord. You and Fellow Daoist Scarlet must be extremely careful."

It seemed Inkstone had already found out their current identities and knew about the animosity between Tianyun Port and the Pestilence Lord.

"Thank you for the warning," Qin Sang said curiously. "When did you join the Witch Mother's faction?"

Unexpectedly, Inkstone denied it. "Not so! I intentionally befriended that eldest young master to obtain a token for a trade fair."

Qin Sang instantly understood. As more and more experts gathered in the Water Dragon Palace, various trade fairs would certainly emerge, but these would be impromptu and not very large-scale. The fact that Inkstone needed to befriend the Witch Mother's son to qualify suggested that this particular trade fair was far beyond comparison to the others.

Inkstone set down the jade cup in his hand and took out two circular copper coins with square holes from his robes.

"This trade fair has been held many times, but it is very secretive and unknown to the outside world. Only those with this token can participate, and very few tokens are issued each time. This time, I was lucky enough to obtain two, so I can give one to you, Fellow Daoist," Inkstone paused, then revealed his true intention, "This time, some interesting things might appear, and I'd like you to help me appraise them."

"Interesting things? Could it be..." Qin Sang immediately thought of star spirits.

If Inkstone needed him to appraise something, it was likely a treasure related to ancient demon arts!

Inkstone nodded slightly and pushed one of the copper coins towards Qin Sang. "Taking advantage of the White Dragon King's invitation to heroes, the location of this trade fair is within this lake. When the time is right, the coin will guide you there..."

Afterward, Qin Sang didn't stay long. He quietly left and returned to his residence, entering secluded cultivation.

Scarlet managed all affairs methodically, requiring no intervention from Qin Sang. To this day, Qin Sang was unaware of what Scarlet and the White Dragon King had discussed, nor was he interested in finding out. That evening, a crisp chime suddenly emanated from Qin Sang's sleeve. He took it out to look, and the copper coin shimmered with golden light. This light transformed into a pair of golden wings, ready to carry the coin away.

Qin Sang, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately stood up, left the Water Dragon Palace, and went to a secluded spot. He clutched the copper coin and focused his mind to sense.

A moment later, Qin Sang confirmed the direction, donned a large cloak, and moved through the dark lake bottom.

Qin Sang went further and further, until the Water Dragon Palace was barely visible. Eventually, his surroundings plunged into complete darkness, with only swaying water plants and the occasional strange fish swimming by.

Dragon Palace water guards patrolled in the darkness, but it was impossible for them to detect Qin Sang's presence.

After another period of swift travel, the copper coin in Qin Sang's hand trembled and then fell silent. Immediately, Qin Sang saw a river mussel half-buried in the lake sand ahead. Judging by the visible portion, its main body was probably as large as a small hut.

At that moment, the mussel shell opened a crack, and a slender woman floated out; she was a mussel fairy.

The mussel fairy timidly said, "Please give me the token, Senior."

Qin Sang handed over the copper coin. The mussel fairy examined it, then invited Qin Sang into the mussel shell.

The mussel shell was connected to an underwater vortex. Qin Sang followed the mussel fairy into the vortex and felt a powerful suction. Once he broke free, he found himself inside a palace made of mud.

"Please enter, Senior..." The mussel fairy dared not proceed further, gesturing with her bare hand for Qin Sang to go ahead.

Qin Sang pushed open a stone door and immediately felt beams of gaze directed at him.

It was a circular palace with seven or eight people sparsely seated, and several empty seats, indicating that not everyone had arrived yet.

Qin Sang paused slightly, scanned the room, then sat in the nearest empty seat and closed his eyes to rest.

Among the other attendees, some withdrew their gazes, while others continued to secretly size him up.

Subsequently, more demon cultivators arrived one after another. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the empty seats were mostly filled. Qin Sang opened his eyes and quickly located Inkstone, who was not far from him.

At this moment, a demon cultivator in a black robe stood up, drawing the attention of all the demons.

He walked onto the platform and let out a low chuckle with his ancient voice. "This trade fair is hosted by this old man. Some of you are here for the first time by invitation, but no matter, you don't need to know my identity, as long as you can leave with a full harvest."

As the black-robed elder spoke, Inkstone's voice transmitted to Qin Sang, "The trade fair is hosted by three individuals in rotation, known as the Three Elders. Their identities have always been a mystery. With them in charge, there have never been any incidents, and the Three Elders' strength is beyond doubt..."

At this point, after the black-robed elder finished his customary announcement, he pointed to someone on his left. "Fellow Daoist, we'll start with you. Present your treasures in turn. As for other rules, I needn't say more; let's begin..."

With that, the black-robed elder sat back down. The demon cultivator he pointed to stood up. He wore a grotesque mask, concealing his face, and took a jade box from his sleeve.

"A Cold Elixir. I have no special requirements; you may all bid."

The demon opened the jade box, and a misty vapor floated out. Within the mist was an ice-like pill, and the mist itself was the cold air emanating from the pill.

"This is..." The demon elixir caused a stir.

Suddenly, a demon cultivator in white robes abruptly stood up and roared, "Fellow Daoist Luoshui has been missing for many years! Where did you get that Cold Elixir?!"

This demon cultivator seemed to recognize the elixir's original owner. Unexpectedly, a good show had started right away. The demons' gazes swept back and forth between the two, watching with great interest.

The masked demon cultivator, also not expecting to encounter an acquaintance of the elixir's former owner, did not panic. He snorted angrily and looked at the Three Elders: "When trading here, must one also declare the origin of the treasure?"

"No." The black-robed elder glared at the white-robed demon cultivator and said coldly, "Fellow Daoist, did you stand up to make a bid?"

"I..." The white-robed demon cultivator was momentarily speechless. In the end, he dared not anger the Three Elders and resentfully sat back down.

The Cold Elixir was quite valuable, sparking a bidding frenzy. The white-robed demon cultivator participated in several bids but was ultimately outmatched by his wealthier opponent, watching helplessly as the elixir fell into another's hands.

The tense atmosphere greatly eased. As one demon cultivator after another presented their treasures or stated their needs, the mood gradually became more enthusiastic.

Qin Sang observed throughout, rarely participating. Most of the demon cultivators present had cultivation levels inferior to his, and there were very few treasures that caught his eye.

Finally, it was Qin Sang's turn, and the gazes of all the demons converged on him.

Qin Sang rose, took out an item he had prepared, and placed it in his palm, saying only, "You may all make your offers."

In his palm rested a ring-sized silver band, but it was incomplete, with a piece missing.

This item had been brought out from Qingyang Pass, excavated from the Storm Realm. Its precise origins were unknown, but he could sense it emitting demonic energy, indicating it was likely a demonic tribe treasure.

Qin Sang possessed several similar items whose origins were unknown, but for now, he only presented this one.

"What is this?" Looking at the silver band, all the demons fell silent, exchanging glances. One demon cultivator couldn't help but ask, clearly, they also couldn't discern the item's true nature.

The item looked like a damaged piece of scrap, but no one dared to be certain; such an occasion was no place for jesting.

"Treasures belong to those fated to possess them. If Fellow Daoist doesn't recognize it, then you are not fated for it," Qin Sang said profoundly.

For a moment, no one dared to step forward and question him, but no demon cultivator made a bid either. Qin Sang waited for a while, then sighed softly, about to put it away, when he suddenly heard a demon cultivator hum, "I want this treasure. What do you wish to exchange it for?"

In a corner, a masked demon cultivator abruptly rose. His body was like an iron tower, his head almost touching the dome, and his voice thundered.

As he spoke, the burly man took a step forward, flung his arm, and precious light immediately radiated throughout the hall.

Qin Sang noticed the burly man's hidden, eager gaze, and his heart stirred. "Could he truly recognize it?"

"You recognize this item?" Qin Sang's question immediately drew a few low curses.

The burly man burst into laughter. "I knew you wouldn't recognize it! Of course I recognize it, and I'm the only one here who can. Sell it to me, and I'll tell you what it is! It won't hurt to reveal a bit: this item is only useful for certain bloodlines; it's useless for you to keep it."

Qin Sang and Vermilion Bird had long since examined this treasure dozens of times, and their conclusion was similar to the burly man's: it required a special bloodline to activate its residual power.

"Are you afraid I'll go back on my word, Fellow Daoist? Since I've brought it out, I certainly intend to sell it..." Qin Sang looked at the ball of red light in front of the burly man. "How many of these fruits do you have?"