Chapter 696: Transaction

Rain hit the bluestone.

"What price are you asking?"

Qin Sang toyed with it for a moment, appearing very interested, and then looked up to ask the vendor.

While Qin Sang examined the bone flute, the vendor quietly observed him. Hearing the question, the vendor didn't answer directly. After a moment of silence, seemingly lost in thought, he finally couldn't help but ask, "Have you recognized the origin of this bone piece?"

Qin Sang had already prepared an excuse. He shook his head and replied, "No, but I sense something from this bone piece that seems somewhat compatible with my cultivation method."

He possessed the Spirit Concealment Art, which masked his aura. Since the vendor's cultivation was similar to his own, Qin Sang wasn't afraid of being exposed.

The vendor's eyes flickered. "Forgive my presumption, but may I ask what kind of cultivation method you practice?"

Qin Sang snorted coldly. "Your question is indeed quite presumptuous! However, you can probably guess a thing or two without me telling you, so it's fine to inform you. My cultivation method is special, requiring me to draw upon the power of the stars. That's precisely why I'm interested in this bone piece. You should know that whether in the Inner Sea or the Outer Sea, treasures like this bone, imbued with the power of the celestial stars, are rare. Having finally encountered one, I don't want to miss it, regardless of its immediate utility."

The vendor let out a hoarse, strange laugh. "To my knowledge, among both humans and the Witch Tribe, cultivation methods that utilize the power of the stars are even rarer than treasures. It seems this item truly has a connection with you."

Qin Sang's expression grew impatient. "Have you decided yet? Are you selling it or not?"

"I'll sell it!"

The vendor gritted his teeth and emphatically agreed, but when it came to discussing the price, hesitation appeared on his face. He then surprisingly said, "You can take this item for just one magical treasure."

Qin Sang's expression instantly darkened. He said angrily, "Are you mocking me, or are you just trying to extort money now that someone is finally interested in this item? Not only do I not have any spare magical treasures, but even if I did, I wouldn't exchange one for something of unknown use. I don't think you're sincere at all."

The vendor looked embarrassed and quickly called out to Qin Sang. The commotion of their argument had attracted the attention of some nearby people. The vendor waved his hand to set up a sound-isolating barrier and whispered, "Fellow Daoist, please don't be angry. Look closely at this item. It appears to be a bone, but it's actually a strange material that is bone-like yet not bone. This material is unique in the cultivation world; even we Core Formation cultivators can't see through it. Based on the material alone, its value is no less than that of a magical treasure, not to mention the unknown secrets it might contain."

As he spoke, the vendor let go of his usual composure, adopting a pitiful demeanor.

"Before you, Fellow Daoist, I won't hide anything. Look at my current state; it's all thanks to those wicked Witch Tribe scoundrels. I had to self-detonate my Natal Magical Treasure to barely escape with severe injuries and save my life. All my accumulated wealth has been spent on healing elixirs, leaving me unable to purchase another magical treasure. Without a magical treasure, even if my injuries heal, how much of my strength will remain? This delay might make my path to immortality even more hopeless. This bone piece is a relic left by my master and holds great significance to me. Had I not been forced into such a desperate situation, I would never have considered selling it."

Qin Sang's earlier intuition was correct; the man was indeed still recovering from severe injuries.

It seemed his injuries were severe, as his complexion still hadn't improved despite consuming so many elixirs.

Hearing the vendor's seemingly heartfelt words, Qin Sang's expression softened slightly, but he still wouldn't budge. "I don't care how you acquired it. You've held onto it for years, so you must know more about it than I do. In my opinion, it's unlikely to contain secrets; most probably, it's a fragment of some treasure. While gathering all fragments would be ideal, with just this small piece, its value is significantly diminished. The Demon Sea is vast, making it impossible to collect all parts. I'm only buying it to try my luck, and I'll offer at most one talisman treasure."

Qin Sang placed a talisman treasure before the vendor.

Qin Sang had effortlessly seen through the item's true nature, causing the vendor's face to fall. He dejectedly said, "Fellow Daoist, you truly have discerning eyes, worthy of one who cultivates star power... But this item is far from ordinary. Even with my reduced strength, I wouldn't sell it for just one talisman treasure. If you're unwilling to offer a higher price, I'll have to wait for the trade fair, or simply return to Hun Tian Island and see if the Island Master is interested."

The vendor's expression was resolute, making further negotiation impossible.

Although Qin Sang knew he was bluffing, he didn't dare risk that there wouldn't be other discerning individuals. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Do you know where your esteemed master obtained this bone piece?"

The vendor shook his head. "My master had already acquired the bone piece when I met him. Later, I heard him mention that he bought it at a trade fair in the Inner Sea, but I have no idea of the specific location. If we knew its origin, my master and I would have gone to search for it long ago; we wouldn't have waited until now."

So it was originally from the Inner Sea, though it could also have circulated from the Demon Sea.

Qin Sang had initially hoped to find some clues through this person, thinking he might track down other bone flute fragments along this lead, but it was too wishful a thought.

However, since he already possessed one, he absolutely couldn't miss out on this one.

At this thought, Qin Sang's face showed difficulty. He cautiously glanced around and then transmitted his voice, "To be frank, you've probably approached more than just me, and haven't managed to make a deal, have you? How about this: I can offer a bit more, exchanging it for a Natal Magical Treasure... But let's be clear, after we leave this place, I absolutely will not admit that this Natal Magical Treasure came from me."

"A Natal Magical Treasure?"

The vendor was startled and looked at Qin Sang suspiciously. "Someone else's Natal Magical Treasure?"

"Could it be my own?"

Qin Sang scoffed. "You don't need to look at me like that. This magical treasure is spoils of war I confiscated from a Witch Tribe scoundrel. I'm telling you upfront because I don't want to invite trouble."

An expression of realization dawned on the vendor's face. "Under the current circumstances, such situations are not uncommon. I haven't heard of anyone kindly returning them, so Fellow Daoist, you needn't worry. It's just that... a Natal Magical Treasure is intimately cultivated by its owner. When used by someone else, its power is bound to be greatly diminished, and..."

"You only need to carefully nurture it for a period, and the treasure's power will gradually increase. It won't be too much of a difference."

Qin Sang scoffed. "An unidentified fragment in exchange for a magical treasure. If you're still not satisfied, I'll have to take my leave."

"Fine! Take it, Fellow Daoist!"

The vendor reluctantly handed the bone flute to Qin Sang. Qin Sang's lips curved slightly as he took out another person's Natal Magical Treasure and gave it to the vendor.

Seeing that it was a spirit sword, particularly skilled in combat, surprise and delight instantly appeared in the vendor's eyes.

Qin Sang, without further delay, turned and left.

After a few steps, he deliberately tried to put the bone flute into his mustard seed bag, but it immediately sprang out.

Qin Sang let out a soft gasp of surprise, then abruptly quickened his pace and departed.

At this moment, the vendor, who had been secretly eyeing Qin Sang's retreating figure, finally withdrew his gaze and began to fondle the precious sword in his hand, unable to put it down.