Chapter 2383: Stone Bowl

“I picked a whole satchel full of these fruits back then. If you want them, I'll give them all to you!”

The burly man grabbed a cloth pouch from his sleeve and flung it to Qin Sang.

Qin Sang opened the pouch and saw it was filled with a type of red spirit fruit that resembled plums.

This spirit fruit was called the Void-Eating Date. It was poisonous to most creatures, who avoided it like the plague. It was usually refined into potent toxic elixirs.

Only a very few races possessed abilities that could refine the Void-Eating Date, among them the Vermillion Bird clan. The Vermillion Bird clan's Southern Lihuo (Fire) could transform the Void-Eating Date's toxicity into a poisonous fire, which they could then completely refine. What was poison to others was nectar to them.

The Void-Eating Date had always been part of the Vermillion Bird clan's diet, but it was also extremely rare in ancient times.

Qin Sang had heard the Vermillion Bird mention it many times. Unfortunately, it was the fruit of a spirit vine, a celestial root whose fruits withered as soon as they ripened, making them incredibly rare and sought-after.

Seeing the burly man's straightforwardness, Qin Sang didn't hesitate and tossed the ring in his hand over.

The burly man snatched it. Unable to contain himself any longer, his eyes gleamed with wild joy.

“Moo!”

The burly man carefully brought the ring before him, examined it for a moment, and let out an excited bull roar.

The roar wasn't jarring, but when the other demons heard it, their hearts pounded in unison with the sound, leaving them all astonished.

Immediately after, the burly man opened his mouth and spewed out a puff of silver mist.

The silver mist, upon touching the ring, was immediately absorbed by it. The burly man then spewed out another puff.

After spewing three puffs of silver mist in succession, the ring was finally satiated.

Suddenly, a brilliant silver light erupted, as if coating the hall and all the demons present in a layer of silver paint. The burly man was overjoyed. He wiped a hand across his mask, revealing his nose, and then unexpectedly hung the ring on his nose, treating it as a nose ring.

Just then, the demons suddenly heard another bull roar. However, it wasn't from the burly man; it came from the nose ring itself.

To their astonishment, the demons saw a shadow of a bovine demon appearing before the burly man. The bovine demon's entire body glowed with dazzling silver light, and its two curved horns were also silver. It reared its front hooves as if to charge, appearing as though it could shatter the earth. A powerful and fierce aura swept out.

“This is...the Vast Mountain Divine Ox!”

A demon cultivator exclaimed.

Unexpectedly, perhaps due to the item's damaged state, the aura appeared quickly but dissipated even faster. The bovine demon's front hooves couldn't descend, and half of its body shattered as if losing support, leaving only most of its head. Just as it was about to vanish, the burly man swallowed it in one gulp.

“Hahaha...”

The burly man's eyes brimmed with irrepressible excitement, and he laughed wildly. He said to Qin Sang, “The previous owner of this item must have been a true Vast Mountain Divine Ox. I didn't lie to you; without the bloodline of a Vast Mountain Divine Ox, you'd never be able to activate this treasure in your lifetime!”

By this point, there was no need for the burly man to explain; Qin Sang and the other demons all understood.

The Vast Mountain Divine Ox was one of the strongest races among the ancient bovine clans, which was why it was bestowed the title 'Divine Ox'. No one knew what benefits the burly man had gained from the Divine Ox's phantom.

All the demons couldn't help but envy the burly man's good fortune, and at the same time, they felt sorry for Qin Sang. This trade had definitely been a huge bargain for the burly man.

Qin Sang, however, didn't feel it was a loss. He had simply lacked foresight and couldn't blame anyone else. Besides, exchanging a 'useless' treasure for so many Void-Eating Dates wasn't a bad deal.

“This individual actually possesses the Vast Mountain Divine Ox bloodline. Could it be...”

“It must be that person. I didn't expect the White Dragon King to even invite him!”

Some demon cultivators began to speculate about the burly man's identity.

“This trip was certainly worthwhile; you've helped me immensely. I admit I got the better of you this time. If you ever have a chance to visit my residence in the future, I'll provide you with wine!”

The burly man tossed something to Qin Sang.

The trade fair was only half over, but the burly man had no intention of staying. He pushed open a stone door and strode away.

Qin Sang put away the Void-Eating Dates, sat back down, and felt the object in his hand. It was smooth and warm to the touch, a small white jade ox horn.

“Congratulations, fellow Daoist,” Mo Yan transmitted.

“What's there to congratulate me on? Who exactly was that person?” Qin Sang asked.

Mo Yan replied, “If I'm not mistaken, he must be the renowned Lord of Fallen Moon Mountain! However, to my knowledge, he wasn't among the White Dragon King's invited guests. I wonder if he came specifically for the trade fair, or if he secretly came to gather information...”

The Lotus Crossing Great Marsh was incredibly vast, with a complex web of powers. The White Dragon King had only invited nearby strong cultivators and forces, leading to speculation that he intended to form an alliance and become its leader himself.

Should such a behemoth emerge in the Lotus Crossing Great Marsh, it would undoubtedly pose a threat to other forces. There were certainly many spies near the Crystal Palace right now, probing the White Dragon King's intentions.

In fact, rumors had already spread outside that forces across the Great Marsh were secretly integrating and forming alliances. Undercurrents surged throughout the Lotus Crossing Great Marsh, and this was likely why King Banyan had advised him to stay put.

As they spoke, three more demon cultivators completed their transactions.

The third demon cultivator returned to their seat, fully satisfied. All the demons looked to the next person. They saw it was a female demon in a red dress, with a graceful figure. As the female demon stood up, the red dress clung perfectly to her. It had a high slit, revealing her fair thighs. Her graceful curves extended all the way to her jade-like neck, but unfortunately, anything above that was concealed by a veil.

“I have one more item...”

Her voice was like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, with a hint of charming naivety. She kept everyone in suspense. Once everyone was looking, she finally opened her palm to reveal a stone bowl.

The stone bowl had an ancient, unadorned style. It was clearly an antique, but also very crude, as if the maker had been lazy during firing. Its surface was covered in scattered bumps and lacked any elegant patterns. There were only a few spots of color that looked like they hadn't spread properly and were clumped together.

“What is this object?”

The demons focused their gaze, but couldn't discern anything special at first glance. A demon cultivator then asked.

“A treasure belongs to the fated one. If fellow Daoist doesn't recognize it, then you have no affinity with it,” the female demon unexpectedly mimicked Qin Sang.

The demons immediately scoffed.

Beneath Qin Sang's cloak, his eyes were fixed on the stone bowl. A glint flashed as he transmitted a message to Mo Yan.

“Is this the item you mentioned earlier?”

Mo Yan replied, “I couldn't be certain originally, but since you say so, it's probably correct. What did you sense, fellow Daoist?”

“It's hard to say...”

Qin Sang hesitated for a moment. He sensed a very peculiar aura from the stone bowl, confirming it was a treasure related to ancient demon techniques. However, Qin Sang dared not make any rash judgments about its specific function.

“Then let's buy it first. I'll handle it. Consider it my second gift to you, fellow Daoist...”

Mo Yan said, then loudly inquired, “Fairy, what do you wish to exchange for this 'broken' bowl?”

Before he finished speaking, a demon cultivator suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “This... it seems to be an ancient object too?”

Two ancient treasures appearing consecutively at one trade fair! The first was related to the Vast Mountain Divine Ox. Would the second one have an even greater origin?

“Oh? This item seems to be related to the cultivation methods of ancient cultivators...”

One of the three elders also spoke, possessing keen insight and discerning some of its true nature.

These words piqued some interest, but ultimately, only a very few were willing to pay a high price for it. After all, ancient demon techniques had long been relegated to history.

The female demon observed for a while and noticed that Mo Yan was the most interested. She said clearly, “I wish to exchange it for top-grade water-element spirit stones.”

Everyone present could produce spirit stones, but none could produce top-grade spirit stones.

Top-grade spirit stones had a wide range of uses. Often, a spirit vein might yield only a few, or sometimes none at all. Thus, in the cultivation world, top-grade spirit stones remained extremely rare.

However, for those present, top-grade spirit stones were merely scarce, not exceptionally precious.

The female demon's request to exchange the stone bowl for top-grade spirit stones was unexpected. Mo Yan was also taken aback and questioned, “Fellow Daoist, your request probably isn't for a small amount, is it? Without prior preparation, who would bring so many top-grade spirit stones, especially since you specified water-element?”

“Surely everyone here has some?” The female demon swept her beautiful gaze around, effectively asking Mo Yan to collect donations on the spot.

Mo Yan could only suppress his displeasure. He bowed to the room and said, “Esteemed fellow Daoists, I humbly ask for your convenience; I am willing to exchange treasures for them.”

Void Refinement cultivators had long abandoned spirit stones as 'currency'. Even top-grade spirit stones, unless in vast quantities, were hardly considered valuable enough for such esteemed exchanges.

With an opportunity to exchange spirit stones for treasures, the demons were naturally very willing.

Mo Yan busied himself for a while, then frowned and said, “I'm afraid this isn't enough, is it?”

The female demon hesitated for a moment, then finally bowed to the three elders. “Elders, could you perhaps facilitate this?”

At the trade fair, if both parties couldn't immediately meet each other's demands and also didn't fully trust each other, they would ask the three elders to act as intermediaries. Once the trade fair concluded and they had gathered the complete items, they would contact the elders again. Of course, the three elders wouldn't do this for free.

After a brief private exchange, the three elders agreed.

The female demon trusted the three elders implicitly and directly handed the stone bowl to them.

The three elders looked at Mo Yan. “Fellow Daoist, if you have no objections, you have two choices. First, you can leave this treasure with us and return with enough spirit stones to claim it later. Second, you can take this treasure now, pawn another treasure as collateral, and redeem it with spirit stones later.”

“I am willing to pawn a treasure.”

Mo Yan chose the second option and handed a jade box to the three elders.

The three elders examined it, and once they approved, they handed the stone bowl to Mo Yan, agreeing on a redemption location. They seemed somewhat reluctant to part with the stone bowl, but the rules were set by them and could not be violated.

After the female demon's turn, several more demon cultivators stepped forward and completed several transactions. Eventually, another significant treasure appeared, sparking a wave of excitement. However, Qin Sang didn't see any treasure he felt he absolutely had to have, remaining a spectator throughout.

Finally, the trade fair concluded. The demons left one after another. Qin Sang returned the way he came, following the clam maiden back to the clam shell.

After leaving the clam shell, Qin Sang flew a short distance, formed a hand seal, and a moment later, sensed something. He changed direction and sped for a while, meeting up with Mo Yan.

“This treasure, in my hands, is truly wasted on me. I've examined it for quite a while, but I don't know where to begin...”

Mo Yan wore a helpless expression and pushed the stone bowl towards Qin Sang.

Qin Sang took it into his hands. It felt like an ordinary ceramic bowl. He didn't immediately use a spell to examine it. He said, “We're too close to the Water Dragon Palace here. Let's go outside first.”

Such a treasure was certainly related to the Dao of Stars. With so many powerful cultivators around, if they caused too much commotion, it would be difficult to deal with.

“That's a good idea...”

Mo Yan and Qin Sang immediately headed out of the lake.

Qin Sang remembered something and asked, “Are you going to redeem that treasure from the three elders later, fellow Daoist?”

“If I don't redeem it, I'll suffer a huge loss,” Mo Yan chuckled.

The treasure pawned to the three elders was naturally discounted.

“I'll compensate you with an item; I won't let you suffer any loss,” Qin Sang said nonchalantly.

Qin Sang hadn't taken Mo Yan's earlier statement about giving it as a gift seriously. The reason he hadn't stepped forward to buy the stone bowl himself was that he was worried about disrupting Mo Yan's grand plan.

“A gentleman's word is his bond, how could I go back on it!”

Mo Yan retorted, “Have you noticed anything unusual, fellow Daoist?”

“It seems you also have your suspicions,” Qin Sang said. “It's certainly not easy for that female demon to gather so many top-grade water-element spirit stones, but at a trade fair like this, it seems a bit abnormal. Also, can the three elders truly not be bribed?”

“Your suspicions are not unfounded, however...”

Mo Yan's eyes flashed, and he said coldly, “If the stone bowl was a bait, wouldn't it be simpler to ambush and kill me directly after the trade fair? Unfortunately, I waited a long time but they didn't show up. To be honest, fellow Daoist, I rather hoped it *was* a trap...”

Seeing his confident demeanor, Qin Sang said no more.

Mo Yan's strategic depth was truly unfathomable to outsiders.

Not long after, the two arrived at the shore, quietly flew out of the lake, and then flew deeper into the marsh for a while, reaching a secluded spot.

Mo Yan took out a brush and drew several strokes in the air. The ink lines left traces, intertwining mid-air, forming an ink net that covered the surrounding area, blocking external prying eyes.

“Impressive technique!”

Qin Sang praised, found a reef, and sat down cross-legged, holding the stone bowl flat on his lap with both hands.

It was evening outside, and the dim yellow sunset shone on Qin Sang's back.

Qin Sang silently circulated the 'Heavenly Demon Refinement Scripture'. His mind was focused. Unconsciously, the time it takes for an incense stick to burn passed, but the stone bowl showed no reaction.

“Hmm?”

Qin Sang looked down at the stone bowl, then looked up at the sky. A subtle realization dawned on him.

Stars always existed, regardless of day or night. However, for cultivators and the stone bowl, night was Yin, and day was Yang; there was a distinction between Yin and Yang.

He calmed his mind and waited patiently. The sun quickly set, the moon's shadow began to appear, and gradually, stars became visible.

When night had fully descended and the sky was filled with starlight, Qin Sang once again activated the 'Heavenly Demon Refinement Scripture'. Sure enough, he sensed a strange fluctuation he hadn't perceived before. This fluctuation only appeared at night and could only be detected by cultivating ancient demon techniques.

However, ancient demon techniques were countless and certainly differed. He didn't know about other demon techniques, but Qin Sang's sensation was exceptionally clear.

He tapped into that fluctuation, and the stone bowl immediately underwent an unusual transformation.

Qin Sang made no movement, yet the stone bowl shifted on its own. Its rim faced the bright moon, and moonlight streamed into the bowl.

Immediately, Qin Sang was astonished to find that a bowl full of water had appeared out of thin air inside. The bowl's rim was tilted, yet the water didn't spill out, and the stone bowl's weight hadn't changed at all either.

It was as if he held a bowl of moonlight in his hands, clear and pure, reflecting the entire night sky within it. The bright moon and stars were clearly visible.

Qin Sang gazed at the stars and moon reflected in the stone bowl, pondered for a moment, then closed his eyes, and slowly submerged his consciousness into the water's surface.

In an instant, Qin Sang felt as if he wasn't falling into water, but entering the depths of the night sky. A profound, vast, mysterious, and boundless aura washed over him.