Chapter 305: Two for One

Shi Chun and his group readily complied, stopping and turning to look at Wu Shanshan, appearing bewildered by her meaning.

Wu Shanshan explained, "I possess another treasure. Brother Chun, perhaps you'd like to see if it's suitable collateral."

Shi Chun and the others exchanged silent glances, saying nothing.

Their silence was a clear stance.

Wu Shanshan pressed her hand against the Qiankun pouch at her waist. With a flick of her wrist, a black lotus platform drifted out, steadily growing in size. She phased onto it, settling into a cross-legged position. Immediately, the lotus beneath her erupted with ripples of illusory waves, sending large, book-page-sized lotus petals swirling upwards.

The petals quickly flew up and down, settling in the void to form the outline of a dashed human figure. A ripple-like illusory form seemed to solidify, holding these armored petals in place.

The dashed figure stood approximately three zhang tall. Wu Shanshan, still seated on the lotus platform, floated precisely at the figure's Dantian region.

A stream of light shimmered from the side of the lotus platform, circulating within the dashed figure as if through a network of meridians, finally surging into its right hand.

With a grasp of its right hand, the dashed figure materialized a long sword.

Yuan Yao gasped, his eyes wide with surprise. "Refining a person into an artifact spirit?"

"What does that mean?" Shi Chun turned to Xiao Sheng. Xiao Sheng came from Gathering Spirit Valley, a sect specialized in refining artifact spirits.

Xiao Sheng also wore an expression of surprise. Sensing Shi Chun's reaction, he turned to find Shi Chun looking at him inquiringly and quickly explained, "It's also possible to refine people into artifact spirits, similar to refining demonic beasts. The person must be alive, with most of their consciousness preserved while some is destroyed, their cultivation essence extracted, and their physical body replaced by a magical artifact. Most artifact refiners don't use this type of spirit, nor do common spirit masters create them; it's considered somewhat taboo."

Though his explanation was professional yet vague, the group understood: this magical treasure's artifact spirit was crafted from a living person.

No sooner had he finished speaking than the dashed figure abruptly shot into the air, moving with astonishing, teleportation-like speed. It then plunged to the ground, and as it landed, it swung its sword diagonally, unleashing a massive, illusory sword aura that ploughed deeply into the earth.

With a thunderous boom, the earth violently trembled, and a deep chasm tore across the flat ground.

The dashed figure paused. Gravel continued to cascade down the sides of the chasm, and smoke and dust billowed throughout the long abyss.

Without grand, sweeping movements, a single light sword stroke unleashed such power. If it were fully unleashed, its true might would be unimaginable.

Observing its power, Yuan Yao stated gravely, "A Fifth-Grade magical artifact!"

As he spoke, he conjured an antique bronze bead into his hand, adopting a defensive stance.

He hadn't expected a sect with such a modest reputation in artifact refining to possess a Fifth-Grade magical artifact.

Of course, it was also possible that their own sect hadn't refined it.

Pang Hou also held out a three-foot-tall pagoda with one hand, ready for defense.

The other Shudao Mountain disciples, meanwhile, each drew out a foot-long, arrow-like object, assuming a highly vigilant stance as if confronting a formidable foe.

Lin Yuefang and the other Forgetful Valley disciples observed their reactions, noting the magical artifacts they held.

Xiao Sheng's facial muscles twitched. A sound of shocked disbelief seemed to escape from between his teeth: "They actually refined a cultivator at the Earth Immortal realm into an artifact spirit!"

The dashed figure had already disintegrated, reforming into the lotus platform. Wu Shanshan, riding the lotus platform, floated over, slowly descending to their level. "Brother Chun," she said, "this treasure has a simple name: 'Black Lotus.' It's a Fifth-Grade magical artifact. Is it sufficient as collateral?"

As she spoke, she also noticed the defensive treasures held by the Shudao Mountain group.

She had some knowledge of the major sect participants, aware that Shudao Mountain's leader was the sect master's daughter. She didn't see her, and it was evident that Shudao Mountain's forces weren't fully present. She glanced around, wondering if they hadn't arrived or were concealed nearby.

Shi Chun inwardly approved, but verbally asked Yuan Yao, who was standing nearby, "Brother Yuan, from an artifact refiner's perspective, which holds greater importance: divine flame or this Fifth-Grade magical artifact?"

This was a rhetorical question; he knew perfectly well how obsessed his subordinates, who cultivated fire-attribute techniques, had been with the divine flame.

The answer was unsurprising. Yuan Yao gave a wry smile. "How can one compare them? But if an artifact refiner truly had to choose, they would undoubtedly select the divine flame."

Shi Chun murmured, "So, if they find the divine flame, they might rather abandon this Fifth-Grade magical artifact than honor their promise to exchange the divine flame for its return."

Hearing this, Wu Shanshan promptly stated, "Both parties can sign a contract. Once we leave, if Shudao Mountain takes the contract to Forgetful Valley, the consequences of a breach are something we simply cannot bear. If you don't trust us, surely you trust Shudao Mountain's power to enforce agreements?"

Shi Chun replied, "The issue is whether you can actually find the divine flame. If you can't find it to retrieve this treasure, signing any number of contracts will be pointless."

Wu Shanshan countered, "That's precisely why we're offering you a Fifth-Grade magical artifact as collateral."

Shi Chun scoffed, "Does Shudao Mountain really lack Fifth-Grade magical artifacts?"

He gestured towards Yuan Yao and the others, exaggerating, "They brought several such artifacts with them."

Yuan Yao and the others were speechless. Did he think Fifth-Grade magical artifacts were as common as cabbages?

Under normal circumstances, outside of this unique situation, it would be difficult to even catch a glimpse of one.

Next, Shi Chun pointed at Jin Hao, who had a scarred face and missing fingers, and then at the treasure in her hand. "If you add that 'Immortal-Strangling Silk,' it would be more reasonable. That way, even if you go back on your word, your loss would be substantial."

Jin Hao immediately grew anxious. "A Fifth-Grade magical artifact, and you still..."

Seeing the look on Shi Chun's face, signaling he was ready to back out, Wu Shanshan promptly interrupted her junior sister and replied sternly, "Very well, we'll go with Brother Chun's suggestion. We'll add the 'Immortal-Strangling Silk'."

And so, the matter was settled. The exchange would occur later; first, a contract would be signed, with Shudao Mountain serving as guarantor.

After two copies were made, Wu Shanshan first dispatched someone to take the contract and leave. This was clearly a precaution against Shi Chun's group having ulterior motives after receiving the magical artifact, and also to ensure the transaction proceeded smoothly.

It was clear that Shudao Mountain still exerted considerable pressure on other sects.

Afterward, Wu Shanshan and Jin Hao each erased the consciousness integrated with the artifact spirit from their magical artifacts and handed them over to Shi Chun's group. In turn, the Shudao Mountain disciples reluctantly relinquished the divine flame to the Forgetful Valley representatives.

Having acquired the magical artifacts, Shi Chun's group did not linger and promptly took their leave.

Meanwhile, the Forgetful Valley disciples, holding the divine flame for the first time, were exceptionally excited. Everyone took turns handling it to experience its sensation.

Seeing her jubilant fellow disciples, Jin Hao, however, couldn't share their joy. She turned to Wu Shanshan. "Senior Sister, isn't this price a bit too steep? That Fifth-Grade magical artifact is our primary reliance against enemies!"

Wu Shanshan sighed, "Divine flame is unlike other treasures. Typically, once one is found, it's absorbed immediately, making it difficult to seize unless both parties discover it simultaneously. The magical artifact, while valuable, is primarily for self-defense during conflicts or for eliminating competitors. That's when it serves its greatest purpose.

You and I both know that when searching for divine flame, the worst thing is getting cornered like this. If we can't find it and remain trapped here, not only would we face no enemies, but even ghosts wouldn't bother with us. What use would a magical artifact be then? If we find the divine flame, we still have a chance to retrieve the artifact. Do I need to elaborate on the choice?"

Jin Hao pondered slightly. "True, a divine flame is usually absorbed the moment it's found. It does feel a bit abnormal that Shi Chun and his group are carrying it around."

"What's abnormal?" Lin Yuefang, standing nearby, muttered an explanation, then, with a hint of impatience, added, "They stated clearly it's for exchange. It's obvious they want to collect as many different divine flames as possible, concentrating them on one person to secure victory. The transaction is complete. If we've truly been swindled by that trickster, it's too late for regrets, and dwelling on it now is pointless. We should quickly arrange for someone to absorb the divine flame. We need to act fast and secure the territories where we have intel on divine flame locations. If we drag this out, others will find them all."

Wu Shanshan nodded and looked back, her gaze searching for the designated person to absorb the divine flame, as none of their leaders were suitable for the task.

Shi Chun's group had traveled some distance before stopping in a valley. They were eager to merge their consciousness with the artifact spirits of the magical artifacts. With artifact refiners and those skilled in creating artifact spirits among them, there were plenty of people to guide him.

Concurrently, a cave was dug within the valley, and Tong Mingshan entered it with the divine flame to begin his seclusion.

On the loess wasteland, Qianyan Sect disciples continued their relentless search, both above and below ground. Locating divine flames was indeed a time-consuming and arduous task, and critically, their efforts might not even yield results. In some ways, it was a task that could induce despair.

Gong Shixi and the other leaders halted their search; an undercover agent had returned, clearly with a report.

The newcomer relayed news that Wu Jinliang had once again intercepted a sect that had been lured away, skillfully using persuasive words to extract specific locations related to divine flame clues.

This marked the second instance they were aware of; previously, Shi Chun and his group had used a similar tactic to gain information here.

Zhou Wu Dao frowned. "Senior Brother, it appears Shi Chun hasn't taken your warning seriously."

Gong Shixi said gravely, "You all continue searching here. I'll take two people to stake out the recently cleared territory. If he truly dares to interfere with our affairs, I will certainly teach him a lesson."

However, by the time he and his companions arrived at the target location, it was too late; Shi Chun had already found the divine flame there and departed.

The time lag occurred because his method differed from Shi Chun's. Shi Chun possessed an anomalous ability in his right eye and was eager to acquire as many divine flame clues as possible, even persuading Xu Anchang to disperse their forces and send scouts to tail sects known to have undercover agents.

This same strategy might not suit other sects. Even if Qianyan Sect located a target area, they lacked the ability to quickly find the divine flame, making it crucial to maintain their searching capabilities. Therefore, their undercover agents would only return to report information when they found a suitable opportunity to slip away.

It wasn't easy for the undercover agents to find suitable opportunities to withdraw; they couldn't simply vanish at will.

Consequently, by the time the undercover agent reported back and Gong Shixi rushed to the location, Shi Chun had already obtained his objective and departed.

In truth, bringing people to stake out the area would have been futile, as it would be difficult to evade the detection capabilities of Shi Chun's right eye.

Near the exit, the ten elders on the main peak realized this area had become a convenient hub for certain sects. Once again, individuals involved in the 'lure the tiger from the mountain' tactic, while being pursued, had fallen right into their line of sight.

This time, the newcomers were strangers: two women with facial disfigurements. Based on their gender and appearance, the ten elders roughly deduced which sect they belonged to, rather than from the sect's power or status.

But it didn't matter. As long as they weren't disciples of their own sect, the ten elders decided to be direct.

Someone pointed at the group hovering in the air, who dared not intrude, and shouted, "Ho there, airborne individuals! Identify yourselves!"

The trembling leader from the airborne group slowly descended.

An elder demanded, "Why are you pursuing them?"

The leader immediately pointed at the person nearby holding the divine flame and accused, "They stole our divine flame!"

The party holding the divine flame naturally wouldn't admit it. A woman immediately retorted, "Nonsense! If the divine flame had been in your hands and we snatched it, then yes, you could claim we stole it, and we'd accept that. But how can you claim something that has never been in your possession? The Divine Flame Realm isn't your personal domain; just because you've been somewhere doesn't mean others are forbidden. Esteemed elders, please judge! They were clearly trying to snatch our divine flame!"

This counter-accusation was indeed clever, leaving the other party speechless. Those audacious enough to play tricks under the elders' noses were clearly no ordinary individuals; they were sharp-tongued and quick-witted.

Another elder commanded, "Enough! This is not a courtroom for your arguments. Report the incident's location and a detailed account for future investigation!"