Chapter 1347: Corpse Bone True Bamboo

However, everyone soon realized that there was no aura of death as they had imagined, nor any murderous intent emanating from Yu Yanluo. The light emanating from her eyes was focused solely on the rough stone before her.

“This is...” Realization dawned on everyone. It wasn't the Eye of Death they had envisioned, but rather her intently examining and selecting a rough stone.

“I never knew the Medusa’s Eye had such an ability,” Chiwen exclaimed, surprised. Even he, a sea creature, had long heard of the Medusa’s Eye’s formidable reputation.

The Little Golden Roc King nodded discreetly. “I see. The Medusa bloodline is naturally attuned to earth elements, and the Medusa’s Eye is a forbidden earth-element technique. Rough stones are, after all, enshrouded by earth elements.”

Princess Sauron was pleasantly surprised. “Does that mean she can see exactly what’s hidden inside the rough stone?” Having encountered Yu Yanluo at Marquis Sui’s tomb previously, Princess Sauron instinctively felt a closer connection to her. She had initially believed Yu Yanluo would surely lose, given Shi Min’s power, but now the tide seemed to be turning.

Shang Liuyu shook her head slightly. “While the Medusa’s Eye can certainly connect more deeply with rough stones and perhaps reveal signs invisible to ordinary people, it’s absolutely impossible to see the precise contents within. This is dictated by the laws of heaven and earth. Likewise, the Qiu family’s ‘Flicking Finger Divine Art’ is merely the culmination of centuries of accumulated experience in gem-betting. Those techniques hold some truth, but they are not infallible; otherwise, the Qiu family would have long become the preeminent family in the world.”

The Second Prince praised, “Princess, your profound insights are truly admirable.”

The Little Golden Roc King also commented, “Princess, do you perhaps also have knowledge of gem-betting? Would you care to try your hand?”

Shang Liuyu smiled faintly. “I don’t understand this art myself; I merely overheard an elder discussing it once.”

“Princess, you are too modest,” the Second Prince and the Little Golden Roc King chuckled in unison.

Chiwen’s expression was odd. Those two were constantly trying to curry favor with his aunt; clearly, they had ulterior motives. Want to be my aunt’s husband? Not a chance.

At that moment, Shi Min also composed himself. He was no ordinary person, after all, and quickly dispelled any distracting thoughts.

He, too, paused before a long, rough stone. This particular stone was nestled within a bamboo grove, its exterior a greenish hue, with concentric, bamboo-joint-like protrusions. It so perfectly resembled a real bamboo stalk that it blended seamlessly into the bamboo forest.

“What is the price of this stone?” he asked in a deep voice, concerned that any unusual manifestation might prompt the vendor to inflate the cost.

“This stone is called the ‘Bamboo Gentleman,’ priced at 2,000 Heaven-tier Spirit Stones,” the Green Garden steward replied.

Shi Min nodded, then rapidly flicked his fingers against the stone, leaving trails of afterimages. The stone emitted rustling sounds, like a gentle breeze passing through bamboo, yet there was no wind in the courtyard at all. Immediately afterward, a sound like wailing ghosts and howling wolves erupted. The previously spirit-rich garden suddenly felt like the Underworld itself.

“This is...” A jolt went through everyone present. What a powerful, sinister energy!

Shi Min’s expression also shifted, but he nevertheless declared, “I’ll take this rough stone.” With that, he produced the Heaven-tier Spirit Stones he had already prepared.

“Very well,” the steward said, handing the Spirit Stones to an attendant. “Shall we cut it open now?”

“Wait!” Shi Min glanced at Yu Yanluo and the others. “Have you made your selection?”

Yu Yanluo did not reply. The faint golden light from her eyes simply shone upon the rough stone before her. Gradually, the stone began to shimmer with golden light, and then many observers witnessed an unusual vision on its surface. They saw yellow sand filling the sky, an endless desert, with a solitary piece of dry, dead wood sticking out of the sand. As the wind blew, the wood gradually became engulfed.

Yu Yanluo’s gaze returned to normal. “I’ve made my selection as well. This one.” She had inquired about the price earlier. This particular rough stone, appearing ordinary and without any obvious anomalies, was among the cheapest in the ‘Immortal Character’ room, priced at only 500 Heaven-tier Spirit Stones.

Everyone murmured in astonishment, finding the method truly astounding. Could Queen Medusa genuinely see what was inside the rough stones?

Shi Min’s face also changed dramatically. The recent vision proved that this rough stone was undoubtedly exceptional. It seemed he had indeed underestimated her; this woman genuinely possessed considerable skill. However, the die was cast. He was quite confident in his own judgment. The rough stone he had chosen would surely lead to victory.

Shi Min snorted coldly. “Begin.”

The Green Garden steward nodded and started with Shi Min’s stone. The many princes and princesses gathered closer.

The Green Garden steward proceeded with extreme caution, not hacking wildly as he had in the ‘Yellow Character’ room. Instead, he gently abraded the outer layer, each pass shaving off a stone skin as thin as a cicada’s wing, as if meticulously avoiding any damage to the treasure within. The others naturally understood this precaution and refrained from urging him, all holding their breath and watching intently. Fortunately, the Green Garden steward was experienced. Although each cut was thin, his movements were precise, and gradually the rough stone began to reveal its true form.

With another cut, a jet-black light dispersed. Immediately, everyone seemed to hear the wailing of countless vengeful spirits, and gusts of sinister wind swept through, causing even the highly cultivated individuals present to involuntarily shiver. It was identical to the strange phenomenon perceived earlier, but its power was many times greater.

The steward also trembled, but his hand remained steady. After a few more cuts, the true form of the object inside was directly revealed. It was a bone, jet-black, twisted and gnarled, with repulsive protuberances that divided it into several sections, making it eerily resemble a bamboo stalk. Though the object was unsightly and repulsive, a potent spiritual energy emanated from it—an aura indicative of a Heaven-tier item.

“This is the True Bone Bamboo!” the Second Prince exclaimed, clearly recognizing its origin.

Those nearby quickly asked him about the True Bone Bamboo. He explained, “This item typically grows in places of extreme yin and malice. Sometimes, it can even be found in the remnants of battlefields, due to the concentrated vengeful spirits and remains of fallen soldiers. However, its growth conditions are exceptionally stringent; many have sought it specifically, but finding even one is incredibly difficult.”

“This item is a potent tonic for cultivators practicing necromancy or wielding cold yin energy. Keeping it nearby can double one’s cultivation speed.”

“Additionally, this item can be used to forge the legendary Immortal-tier weapon, the Soul-Summoning Banner. When activated, the Soul-Summoning Banner can seize souls, transforming cultivators into mere walking corpses.”

“An Immortal-tier weapon?” Everyone’s expressions shifted. The value of such an item would be immeasurable.

At this point, the Little Golden Roc King also spoke. “I, too, have heard of this item. However, it seems no one has ever successfully crafted it into an Immortal-tier weapon, though Heaven-tier Soul-Summoning Banners have been created.”

The Second Prince nodded. “Indeed, Immortal-tier weapons are rare.”

Despite this, Shi Min was quite satisfied. He smiled at Yu Yanluo. “I wonder what Her Majesty has chosen?” He had the demeanor of someone utterly confident of victory.