Chapter 555: Tiandu Rock

After Granny Jing left, Qin Sang still went out, heading straight for the major merchant associations. After visiting them and meeting Yun Youzi, he finally returned to Che Yutao's residence at dawn.

Qin Sang was contacting various merchant associations, spreading the word that he possessed a Ziwei Secret Talisman and was ready to part with it.

With Duke Dongyang accompanying him, this Ziwei Secret Talisman was no longer necessary.

He had obtained two Ziwei Secret Talismans but, unexpectedly, hadn't used either. With the Ziwei Palace opening in less than half a year, spreading the word sooner offered a greater chance of exchanging it for something he desired.

The contenders for the Ziwei Secret Talisman were primarily Core Formation stage masters. Qin Sang had researched the prices at which the talismans had been auctioned recently, giving him a good estimate.

His exchange conditions were one piece of Heavenly Capital Rock and one Everlasting Camphor tree.

At the Yinshan Pass auction, when the first Ziwei Secret Talisman appeared, the mysterious Core Formation expert had demanded a magical artifact, but that was merely an exorbitant, attention-grabbing ask. The final transaction price was actually far lower than the initial demand.

Sect cultivators with Nascent Soul ancestors did not need the Ziwei Secret Talisman.

Smaller sects and rogue cultivators, however, might not be willing to pay such a high price for an elusive hope, especially in a perilous and dangerous place where they would risk their lives.

Qin Sang only wanted these two spiritual materials, and he felt somewhat apprehensive, unsure if he could successfully acquire them.

After spreading the word, Qin Sang settled down to cultivate in seclusion at Che Yutao's residence.

He first subdued the fierce souls within the Black Tortoise Beast Seal, then fully dedicated himself to helping the Sky-flying Yaksha heal.

Time flew by, and over four months passed in a blink.

Since Qin Sang released the news about the Ziwei Secret Talisman, he had contacted a few individuals, but none of the discussions were successful. To his disappointment, there was still no news about Heavenly Capital Rock or Everlasting Camphor.

Otherwise, he would certainly have found a way to acquire them.

The moon hung high in the sky.

The residence was exceptionally quiet, with moonlight like water flowing into the central courtyard.

With little time remaining, Qiu Mubo and others were fully focused on subduing the fierce souls.

Qin Sang was contemplating the artifact refining insights given to him by Shopkeeper Wu when, suddenly, his heart stirred. He looked down at the jade pendant on his waist, which was flickering with a faint, dark blue glow.

This communication jade pendant, given to him by the Taiyi Pill Pavilion, had a limited range, barely usable within the city.

Noticing the jade pendant's unusual state, Qin Sang's face lit up with joy. He rose, left Che Yutao's residence, found a hidden spot to don a mask, and quickly headed towards the Taiyi Pill Pavilion.

"Daoist Qingfeng has arrived!"

An attendant was already waiting at the entrance of the Taiyi Pill Pavilion.

Upon Qin Sang's arrival, the attendant immediately led him towards a quiet room, explaining in a low voice, "Daoist, about fifteen minutes ago, an elder arrived, stating he had news about Heavenly Capital Rock and Everlasting Camphor and wished to exchange it for your Ziwei Secret Talisman. He requested your presence."

"Only information, not the actual items?"

Qin Sang paused, frowning as he asked.

"He wasn't clear," the attendant replied, shaking his head. "The elder was unwilling to reveal everything, insisting on seeing you and the Ziwei Secret Talisman in person to discuss it directly. He didn't conceal his identity; he is Elder Eight Swords, the Sect Master of the Wind Sword Sect, so he shouldn't be deceiving us."

"Both items?"

"He said he has both."

Qin Sang nodded slightly, recalling information about the Wind Sword Sect.

The Wind Sword Sect was once a powerful sect, similar to the Eight Orthodox Sects. However, after its Nascent Soul ancestor passed away, successive generations lacked talent, leading to its gradual decline.

It is now a minor, unremarkable sect. Its sect master, Elder Eight Swords, holds some renown; it is said his Natal Flying Sword can split into eight, and his sword techniques are exquisite.

However, he is quite old, and his cultivation is only at the early Core Formation stage, meaning he is not a leader capable of revitalizing the sect.

The Wind Sword Sect is also renowned for its sword dao, but unlike Shaohua Mountain, its disciples are true sword cultivators who adhere to the principle of "straightforwardness over intricacy."

Elder Eight Swords always had to consider the sect's reputation. The Wind Sword Sect is currently allied with the Spirit Control Sect, and most of its disciples operate in Jiuyou Pass. He certainly wouldn't have traveled thousands of miles merely for amusement.

With that thought, Qin Sang felt a bit more at ease. He pushed open the door and saw a man who appeared to be about fifty, with a goatee, sitting in the room, accompanied by a Taiyi Pill Pavilion steward.

"My apologies for the wait, Elder."

Qin Sang clasped his hands and said with a hint of apology.

Elder Eight Swords showed no Core Formation master's arrogance; he immediately rose to greet Qin Sang. Seeing him in a mask, he showed no offense and said with a smile, "It is I who have disturbed you, Daoist. Please, come in quickly."

The Taiyi Pill Pavilion steward acted as a witness.

The two sat opposite each other, exchanged brief pleasantries, and then got straight to the point.

"Please have a look, Elder."

Qin Sang wasn't worried about the treasure being seized. He took out the Ziwei Secret Talisman and handed it directly to Elder Eight Swords for his inspection.

The Ziwei Secret Talisman was easy to verify. Elder Eight Swords saw the phantom image of the Ziwei Palace, returned the talisman to Qin Sang, and mused for a moment, "Daoist Qingfeng, must this item be exchanged for Heavenly Capital Rock and Everlasting Camphor?"

This was the crucial part.

Qin Sang said gravely, "That's right. I am collecting spiritual materials for refining magical artifacts, and these two are the most difficult to find."

Elder Eight Swords looked up at Qin Sang, then suddenly changed his tone. "If I'm not mistaken, Daoist, you haven't formed your Core yet, have you?"

Qin Sang smiled and retorted, "My cultivation level shouldn't hinder our transaction, should it?"

"No, no," Elder Eight Swords repeatedly shook his head. "To be honest, Daoist, I only have one piece of Heavenly Capital Rock. However, I am willing to offer a spiritual item that can assist in Core Formation as a substitute for the Everlasting Camphor. This item ranks among mid-grade spiritual items. What do you say, Daoist?"

As he spoke, Elder Eight Swords took out an inkstone-shaped stone and placed it before Qin Sang.

The Heavenly Capital Rock was entirely black, with an incredibly fine texture. Its surface emitted a peculiar luster, and cloud-like gray patterns appeared and disappeared intermittently, making it quite unique.

Qin Sang confirmed that the inkstone was indeed a genuine Heavenly Capital Rock, and couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. After waiting so long, he had finally seen one of the items.

However, Qin Sang was unwilling to exchange the Ziwei Secret Talisman for just one piece of Heavenly Capital Rock.

He remained calm, slowly shaking his head. "To be honest, Elder, I am fully confident about forming my Core, so spiritual items that assist in Core Formation are of no use to me."

Elder Eight Swords looked at him in surprise, likely having never encountered such an arrogant individual. He frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "Daoist, have you inquired? The highest price these Ziwei Secret Talismans have ever sold for is merely three fist-sized pieces of Star Sand Steel. For you to demand such a high price, without any room for negotiation, it's impossible to achieve your wish. How about this..."

Elder Eight Swords said seriously, "I do not possess Everlasting Camphor, but I once learned from a jade slip in a secret realm that where this item grows, it often attracts a particular type of accompanying demonic beast. I will give you that jade slip, and you can follow the map to find the Everlasting Camphor. Isn't that better than fumbling around blindly and relying on pure luck?"