Chapter 2056: True Spirit Family and Exchange

Upon witnessing this, all the Soul Transformation cultivators, except for Wang Ruyan, were stunned. It was astounding because the Blazing Flood Dragon Blade was a mid-grade Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure. Even if Lu Shisan, a mid-stage Soul Transformation cultivator, hadn't unleashed its full power, it shouldn't have been defeated so swiftly!

Wang Changsheng, however, was not surprised. He knew the artifact spirit was most likely an Integration cultivator, and a low-grade Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure refined by such a powerful being was naturally exceptional. Wang Changsheng's own magic power was profound. Since it was merely a spar, Lu Shisan had likely not unleashed the Blazing Flood Dragon Blade's full might. Otherwise, it would have been a killing blow, not a friendly contest. Regardless, the facts spoke for themselves: Lu Shisan had lost.

Lu Shisan gestured with one hand, and the Blazing Flood Dragon Blade returned to him. His expression turned serious, then he said with a hearty laugh, "That was exhilarating! Truly exhilarating! May I ask, Fellow Daoist Wang, which esteemed senior is your master?"

"I have no master," Wang Changsheng replied modestly. "The materials for my treasure are quite rare, and that was its most potent attack. Fellow Daoist Lu did not exert his full strength; otherwise, I might not have defeated the Blazing Flood Dragon Blade's attack so quickly." Wang Changsheng's humility provided Lu Shisan a graceful exit, avoiding any further awkwardness.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, you are too modest," Lu Shisan said carelessly. "A loss is a loss, and there's nothing to it. I can handle defeat." He added, "If one cannot even face oneself, how can one pursue eternal life?" Throughout history, which cultivator has never experienced defeat?

"Fellow Daoist Wang, Fellow Daoist Lu, you have truly broadened my horizons," Long Yunxin said seriously, looking at Wang Changsheng with anticipation. "Fellow Daoist Wang, how about a spar with me? One move to decide the victor."

"Certainly!" Wang Changsheng agreed. "I, too, wish to experience Fellow Daoist Long's divine abilities." He was eager to learn more about the divine abilities of the Long family's cultivators.

Long Yunxin flew to stand opposite Wang Changsheng. With a flip of his palm, a bundle of golden silk threads appeared in his hand. "These are silk threads spun by a sixth-tier Golden Jade Silkworm King," Long Yunxin stated. "If Fellow Daoist Wang defeats me, this bundle of silk is yours." He spoke with a deep, confident tone.

Wang Changsheng's expression remained calm, but he thought to himself, "Long Yunxin must know I'm a body cultivator, yet he still dares to wager a sixth-tier refining material. He must be well-prepared, which suggests he is also a body cultivator."

"I am not as well-equipped as Fellow Daoist Long, as I don't have sixth-tier demonic beast materials," Wang Changsheng replied. "Let's use this pair of Seven-Colored Beast horns as my stake then!" He produced a pair of gleaming beast horns and spoke with a serious demeanor.

Long Yunxin nodded, and his body erupted with a brilliant golden light. A deafening dragon's roar echoed, and a miniature flood dragon materialized, coiling and swirling around his body. With a swift lunge, he appeared before Wang Changsheng. Golden dragon scales emerged on his right fist, radiating dazzling golden light, and he slammed it towards Wang Changsheng.

"The Golden Dragon Spirit Transformation Art! That's the Long family's clan-protecting cultivation method," Yang Hao exclaimed with envy. "It's said that when cultivated to its peak, one can transform into a true dragon and unleash unimaginable divine abilities." He noted that every major power possessed unique ultimate trump cards, most commonly Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures, cultivation methods, secret talismans, or spirit beasts and birds.

"Fairy Long," Deng Yibo complimented, "if your Long family were to produce a Mahayana cultivator, it would surely become the first True Spirit family on the Xuanling Continent!" He explained that typically, Mahayana cultivators could refine the blood essence of True Spirit-level demonic beasts, such as True Dragons or Heavenly Phoenixes. Through secret methods, their descendants would inherit this bloodline at birth, significantly increasing the probability of manifesting a spirit body. True Spirits referred to exceptionally powerful eighth-tier demonic beasts, such as True Dragons, Heavenly Phoenixes, Five-colored Peacocks, or Qilins. Cultivation families capable of consistently inheriting a True Spirit bloodline were known as True Spirit families. True Spirit families had a higher probability of producing spirit bodies. Their members inherited the True Spirit bloodline at birth, giving them a significantly higher starting point than ordinary cultivators and leading to greater achievements.

The higher a cultivator's cultivation level, the lower their chance of bearing offspring, even with the aid of elixirs. This was one reason why the Nine Dragons Pill was considered a sixth-tier elixir. For cultivators above the Integration stage, even with celestial treasures like the Nine Dragons Pill, the chance of having children was extremely low. While still possible, the odds were minuscule. Consequently, the probability of Mahayana cultivators having offspring was exceptionally low. Fewer than ten True Spirit families existed in the entire Xuanyang Realm, and each had produced at least one Mahayana cultivator.

Long Yunzhen chuckled. "Fellow Daoist Yang, you jest," she said. "Entering the Mahayana stage is incredibly difficult. Even if one achieves it, obtaining True Spirit essence blood is no easy feat, and having descendants is even harder. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so few True Spirit families."

"Fairy Long," Dongfang Wu said with a smile, "I've heard that a member of your Long family possesses the Azure Dragon Spirit Body. Could it be your elder brother? The Azure Dragon Spirit Body ranks twelfth on the Hundred Spirit List, and with the Golden Dragon Spirit Transformation Art, while Mahayana might be uncertain, Integration is definitely achievable." Dongfang Wu explained that there were over ten thousand types of spirit bodies in the cultivation world. Enthusiasts had compiled a "Hundred Spirit List" featuring over a hundred of the most notable ones, and any spirit body on that list possessed considerable value. The Azure Dragon Spirit Body's twelfth-place ranking on the Hundred Spirit List indicated its immense potential. It was rumored that Xuanqingzi of the Xuanqing Sect possessed the Myriad Wood Spirit Body, which ranked tenth on the Hundred Spirit List, only two spots higher than the Azure Dragon Spirit Body.

Long Yunzhen shook her head. "Madam Dongfang, you flatter us," she said. "If my brother truly possessed the Azure Dragon Spirit Body, do you think the family would permit him to travel so freely?"

"That's a fair point!" Wang Ruyan said with a smile. "If a member of your Long family truly possessed the Azure Dragon Spirit Body, it would indeed be a great boon for our human race." She noted that Xuanqingzi was one of humanity's two Mahayana cultivators, and if the Azure Dragon Spirit Body's possessor was also human, it would certainly benefit their race.

At that moment, Wang Changsheng swung his right fist, meeting Long Yunxin's incoming blow. With a muffled thud, the air vibrated and distorted as if compressed to its breaking point. Both Wang Changsheng and Long Yunxin were simultaneously sent flying backward.

A flicker of surprise crossed Long Yunxin's eyes. He had underestimated Wang Changsheng; it seemed Wang Changsheng must have consumed body-tempering celestial treasures, otherwise his physical body wouldn't be so powerful.

"Fellow Daoist Long, how about we declare it a draw?" Wang Changsheng suggested politely.

Long Yunxin nodded and smiled. "Fellow Daoist Wang, your divine abilities are truly vast. I'm surprised I've never heard your name before. It seems Zhenhai Palace possesses many remarkable talents!" As an elite disciple of the Long family, Long Yunxin, though not among their absolute top talents, was far superior to ordinary disciples of major cultivation sects. For an unknown cultivator like Wang Changsheng to achieve a draw against him suggested that Zhenhai Palace's more renowned elite disciples must be even stronger. What Long Yunxin didn't realize was that Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan had only recently joined Zhenhai Palace before being caught in conflicts with foreign races. They had been displaced for over a century, only recently returning to human territory. Naturally, Wang Changsheng had no widespread reputation, so it was perfectly normal for Long Yunxin not to have heard of him.

"Our Zhenhai Palace does indeed boast many talented individuals," Wang Changsheng said with a smile. "You are welcome to visit us, Fellow Daoist Long." Wang Changsheng smiled faintly. Although he appeared to have drawn with Long Yunxin, he had relied on a treasure, whereas Long Yunxin had not used any. This meant Wang Changsheng was, in fact, slightly inferior. The Golden Dragon Spirit Transformation Art certainly lived up to its reputation as the Long family's clan-protecting cultivation method. He wondered just how formidable the Long family's most powerful disciples were.

As the saying goes, 'Beyond mountains, there are mountains; beyond people, there are people.' Wang Changsheng was not invincible. Many talented individuals surpassed him, but such prodigies rarely revealed themselves. Even if they did, they wouldn't casually spar, lest they be targeted and eliminated by enemies. Talents were the most susceptible to premature death and the most envied. If an enemy produced a peerless genius who then wandered about freely, assassination would be inevitable. Wang Changsheng's lack of renown meant he couldn't readily interact with the most formidable elite disciples of major powers. However, given his current strength, he was undoubtedly on par with the elite disciples of prominent forces, though still a step away from the absolute top echelons.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, Fellow Daoist Lu, there's no need for further modesty," Yang Hao said with a laugh, beckoning them over. "Come, have some tea." Wang Changsheng and Long Yunxin acknowledged his words and flew back to their seats.

After witnessing the strength of Wang Changsheng, Long Yunxin, and Lu Shisan, the other cultivators' demeanor became notably more cordial, particularly towards Wang Changsheng and Long Yunxin.

"Fellow Daoist Long," Wang Changsheng asked politely, "I've heard your Long family excels in controlling insects and beasts. I have a thunder-attribute spirit beast that has been stuck at the peak of the fourth-tier for many years. Do you know of any effective methods to help it advance to the fifth-tier?"

"It's not easy for a fourth-tier spirit beast to advance to the fifth-tier," Long Yunxin replied slowly. "The common method involves feeding it a large quantity of fifth-tier thunder-attribute demonic cores. If you could acquire a Myriad Beast Pill, the chances would be even greater." He seemed to ponder something, nearly speaking, but then withholding his words.

"Fellow Daoist Long," Wang Changsheng said earnestly, "Please don't hesitate to speak freely." He added that if his Qilin Tortoise advanced to the fifth-tier, it would be a significant asset to him.

Long Yunxin then elaborated, "If you had a Lightning Absorption Pearl or a Lightning Attraction Pearl for it to refine, the chances of it reaching the fifth-tier would increase significantly. However, such pearls are incredibly rare. Certain thunder-attribute formations or specific celestial treasures could also help." Wang Changsheng nodded thoughtfully. He had long been aware of these methods, but acquiring a fifth-tier or higher thunder-attribute formation was beyond his current capabilities. As for celestial treasures, there might be a chance.

"Since we're fortunate enough to gather here today to enjoy tea and discuss the Dao," Wang Changsheng proposed, "why don't we organize a trading fair and exchange some materials?" He noted that gatherings of high-level cultivators often included the exchange of cultivation items, as some rare materials couldn't always be bought with spirit stones. Exchanging for celestial treasures would also be beneficial.

"Excellent!" Yang Hao readily agreed. "I was just thinking the same thing." He concurred, stating it would be a missed opportunity not to exchange resources, given the rare gathering of so many Soul Transformation cultivators.

"As the host, I'll start," Yang Hao declared. With a flick of Yang Hao's sleeve, a colorful glow swept forth, and a rectangular azure jade table flew out. He then placed over a dozen materials onto its surface. These included refining materials, talisman-making ingredients, and demonic cores – all items typically used by Soul Transformation cultivators.

"These items are available for exchange for materials of equal value," Yang Hao stated seriously, with a preference for fire-attribute materials. His gaze seemed to casually sweep over Wang Changsheng and Long Yunxin. Given their backgrounds, Wang Changsheng and Long Yunxin were the most prominent, making them more likely to possess fire-attribute materials.

Having spent over a century in foreign territories, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan possessed extensive knowledge and keen judgment. A quick glance at Yang Hao's offerings confirmed they had no interest in them. Yang Hao's lips moved almost imperceptibly, clearly engaging in a voice transmission. Wang Changsheng remained composed, calmly sipping his tea.

After about fifteen minutes of discussion, Yang Hao successfully exchanged three items. He glanced at Wang Changsheng and Long Yunxin, then, after a brief hesitation, produced an exquisite azure jade box and a red jade box. Opening the azure jade box, he revealed two oval-shaped azure fruits. Countless azure electrical arcs danced and flickered across their surfaces, exuding a wild, violent aura.

"Azure Thunder Fruits!" Dongfang Wu exclaimed, her beautiful eyes widening slightly in surprise. She explained that Azure Thunder Fruits were rare thunder-attribute spirit fruits, taking three millennia to blossom, another three to bear fruit, and then four more to mature. They had to be harvested within seven days of ripening; otherwise, they would automatically drop and dissolve into a puddle of juice. Azure Thunder Fruit trees grew in areas with abundant lightning energy. The fruits themselves absorbed significant amounts of this power, making them highly beneficial for cultivators practicing thunder-attribute cultivation methods. Certain thunder-attribute demonic beasts also benefited from consuming them for their advancement.

Long Yunxin's expression shifted, and he produced an exquisite red jade box, handing it to Yang Hao. As Yang Hao opened the box, an unbearable surge of intense heat erupted, causing the surrounding temperature to rise sharply. He quickly closed it and looked towards Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng then produced a red jade casket and offered it to Yang Hao. When Yang Hao opened the lid, a blinding red light pulsed forth. With a soft 'whoosh,' a cluster of crimson flames erupted from the edge of the jade casket. At this sight, Long Yunxin and the other cultivators uniformly displayed astonished expressions. With their discerning eyes, it was clear that Wang Changsheng's item was extraordinary. Wang Changsheng had presented Fire Rock Divine Crystal, a sixth-tier fire-attribute refining material, vastly superior to ordinary refining components.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, these two Azure Thunder Fruits are yours," Yang Hao said, handing them over. Wang Changsheng accepted them with a slight smile.

Yang Hao then opened the red jade box, revealing a crimson-golden ginseng that exuded a unique, fragrant aroma. "That's Golden Blazing Ginseng," Dongfang Wu exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with desire. "It must be at least six thousand years old!" Wang Changsheng wasn't skilled in alchemy, but he thought acquiring the Golden Blazing Ginseng for future use would be beneficial. Regrettably, he couldn't acquire this Golden Blazing Ginseng; Long Yunxin exchanged for it instead.

After Yang Hao completed his exchanges, the other cultivators began to display their treasures. If any Soul Transformation cultivator was interested in an item, they would privately communicate with its owner. Wang Changsheng exchanged the inner core of his Seven-Colored Beast for a fifth-tier mid-grade thunder-attribute demonic core. This core, combined with the two Azure Thunder Fruits, would significantly aid his Qilin Tortoise's advancement.

About half an hour later, it was Long Yunxin's turn. Long Yunxin presented dozens of items, including over ten silver spirit insect eggs and a golden spirit beast egg, along with various refining and demonic beast materials.

"These are Silver Marrow Worm eggs, and that is a Golden Blazing Sparrow spirit beast egg," Long Yunxin quietly explained. "They are available for exchange for materials of equivalent value." His gaze quickly swept over the cultivators, landing on Wang Changsheng. Given Yang Hao's experience, he particularly hoped Wang Changsheng would offer something valuable for exchange. Wang Changsheng scanned the items but found nothing that piqued his interest. While he showed no interest, other cultivators did, and they began sending voice transmissions to Long Yunxin.