Chapter 2621: North Ming Family

Fifth-order spiritual flames are versatile, excellent for alchemy, artifact refining, or even harming enemies. Lei Yuting was also intrigued and sent a voice transmission to Liu Mi. Wang Qingshan likewise sent a voice transmission to Liu Mi: "Madam Liu, I offer two ten-thousand-year Jade Yin Flowers, a piece of thirty-thousand-year Profound Yin Wood, and three hundred catties of Profound Nether Cold Water. What do you say?" He had traveled for many years, acquiring many valuable items. After careful consideration, Liu Mi agreed to the exchange with Wang Qingshan. Lei Yuting cast a glance at Wang Qingshan but said nothing.

Once Liu Mi finished her exchange, she took her seat. Venerable Lei Peng then rose, flicked his sleeve, and a small black cauldron flew out, hovering high above. "Fellow Daoist Lei, what do you have there?" Zhang Zihao asked, his face full of curiosity.

"A drop of Profound Nether Heavy Water!" Lei Yuting explained. "When incorporated into heavy, water-attributed treasures, it significantly boosts their power." He added that Profound Nether Heavy Water is a highly advanced form of heavy water, distinct from its ordinary counterpart. It possesses extreme yin and cold properties, allowing it to control water with water.

"Profound Nether Heavy Water! This is a seventh-order artifact refining material," Zhang Zihao exclaimed in surprise. "It's said that only cultivators at the Integration Stage can refine a single drop, and it takes them a thousand years to do so." He further explained that while ordinary heavy water is condensed from seawater and river water, Profound Nether Heavy Water is condensed from Profound Nether Water itself. To condense even one drop, a cultivator must be at the Integration Stage, practice water-attribute techniques, and crucially, locate a sufficient quantity of Profound Nether Water. Both conditions are indispensable. Profound Nether Heavy Water is one of the foremost spiritual waters in the Xuanyang Realm, typically found in areas with concentrated Yin energy, such as the Myriad Spirits Abyss.

"I'm seeking Sky Lightning Crystals or other lightning-attributed Dharma Idol materials," Lei Yuting stated in a deep voice. He added that wind, lightning, and ice are relatively rare Dharma Idol materials, with lightning-attributed materials being particularly scarce.

The cultivators exchanged glances. Liu Mi sent a voice transmission to Lei Yuting, then produced a black jade box and handed it to him. "Fellow Daoist Lei, I offer one Sky Lightning Crystal for it. What do you say?" Wang Qingshan, who had acquired a piece of Sky Lightning Crystal from another Void Refinement cultivator, sent a voice transmission to Lei Yuting.

"Only one?" Lei Yuting began to haggle. "An Integration Stage cultivator spends a millennium to refine a single drop of Profound Nether Heavy Water. I require at least two Sky Lightning Crystals."

"I only possess one Sky Lightning Crystal," Wang Qingshan conveyed via voice transmission. "No matter how precious Profound Nether Heavy Water is, it remains an artifact refining material, whereas Sky Lightning Crystal is a Dharma Idol material."

After repeated consideration, Lei Yuting declined the exchange. The items offered by other cultivators also failed to satisfy Lei Yuting, and the Profound Nether Heavy Water remained unexchanged.

When it was Wang Qingshan's turn, he presented over a dozen materials, among them a Sky Lightning Crystal. "I'm seeking Silver Gang Crystal or spiritual waters with Yin-cold properties," Wang Qingshan stated in a deep voice. Many cultivators sent voice transmissions to Wang Qingshan, all eager to exchange for Dharma Idol materials.

"Fellow Daoist Lei, do you possess Styx Water?" Wang Qingshan, somewhat surprised, sent a voice transmission to Lei Yuting. This was the first time he had learned the whereabouts of Styx Water, and he felt a surge of excitement.

"I only have a little over a hundred catties; I discovered it in the Myriad Spirits Abyss," Lei Yuting conveyed via voice transmission, then produced a black jade bottle and handed it to Wang Qingshan. "I've heard Styx Water can be used to condense Dharma Idols."

"Very well, I'll exchange with you." Wang Qingshan verified the item and agreed to the exchange, trading his Sky Lightning Crystal for the Styx Water. In terms of value, Styx Water surpassed Sky Lightning Crystal. However, ordinary cultivators could not use Styx Water to condense Dharma Idols; it was more commonly used for artifact refining. To Lei Yuting, Styx Water was just an artifact refining material, rather expendable. Sky Lightning Crystal, on the other hand, was crucial as it could be used to condense a Dharma Idol and significantly boost his strength. Wang Qingshan was delighted to acquire the Styx Water.

More than an hour later, the exchange session ended, and the cultivators began to chat amongst themselves.

"I heard that the Beiming family's clan-protecting cultivation method has appeared. Does this signify the imminent emergence of the secret realm controlled by the Beiming family?" Zhang Zihao asked curiously.

"The Beiming family? How is it that I've never heard of them?" Lei Yuting questioned, looking puzzled.

"The Beiming family was an ancient cultivation clan with four Integration Stage cultivators," Zeng Yusen explained. "They participated in the destruction of the Void Sky Clan and acquired many valuable treasures. However, it was later exposed that the Beiming family had colluded with foreign races, leading to their annihilation by other allied forces. Legend also claims that the Beiming family left behind several secret realms filled with treasures, though none have ever been discovered."

Zhang Zihao nodded, adding, "The Beiming family possessed five major clan-protecting cultivation methods. The 'Heavenly One Treasure Codex,' for instance, was said to allow cultivation up to the Mahayana stage and included several powerful divine abilities. This time, it's the 'Myriad Flame Secret Tome' that has appeared, acquired by the Li family of Golden Leaf Island."

Liu Mi smiled and remarked, "Rumor has it that the Beiming family acquired a clan-protecting treasure from the Void Sky Clan, or perhaps rare and exotic fruits that aided in reaching the Mahayana stage. However, as this occurred long ago, there are many differing accounts."

"Who truly knows the specifics?" Lei Yuting asked casually. "Nevertheless, the Beiming family was a major clan, so surely some members must have survived. Perhaps there are even Beiming descendants among us. Speaking of which, Madam Liu, I haven't seen your husband around."

"We went to the Myriad Volcano Range in search of treasures and encountered some members of the Spirit Race," Liu Mi stated sincerely. "My husband sustained severe injuries and is currently recuperating. My purpose in coming here today is to acquire some healing elixirs. If any fellow Daoists possess such miraculous healing medicines, I humbly request that you consider me first. The price is negotiable."

The cultivators readily agreed. After chatting for more than half an hour, they all departed for their respective abodes. Zhang Zihao and Liu Mi remained, while the others gradually departed.

"After years of groundwork, many should now believe our story. The rest is up to us," Liu Mi said in a grave tone.

"Standing by the river too long, one is bound to get their shoes wet. I hope this time goes smoothly!" Zhang Zihao's face was etched with worry. "Last time, someone nearly escaped, thankfully that individual intervened."

"I hope so!" Liu Mi proposed. "Otherwise, it will be difficult to explain to it. Who would have thought that a Beiming descendant would switch to cultivating the corpse path? But this works in our favor; with the items he provides, it will be easier to lure other Void Refinement cultivators. Wang Qingshan is from Green Lotus Island and might possess hidden trump cards, so it's best not to involve him. Once this job is done, we'll need to relocate."

Zhang Zihao nodded, a bitter smile on his face. "I hope it honors its promise and gives us that item. It would accelerate our advancement to the Integration Stage. As a corporeal puppet, it has no use for it."

"As long as it can lift the restriction, I'll be content," Liu Mi expressed with some apprehension. "My only fear is that it might turn against us."

"Hmph, I exchanged a powerful treasure with Fellow Daoist Li of the Nine Flame Sect, one specifically designed to counter corporeal puppets," Zhang Zihao let out a cold snort, his face etched with murderous intent. "If it's smart, it will uphold our agreement and hand over the item. Otherwise, it will be a mutual destruction, and no one will benefit."

Liu Mi nodded. "Let's hope so."

In a secluded, blue-tiled courtyard, Wang Qingshan was casually chatting with Zeng Yusen, inquiring about the Beiming family.

"The Beiming family was once a power that rivaled the Cold Flame Sect," Zeng Yusen explained. "They were later mysteriously annihilated; the exact reason remains unknown, though it was rumored they colluded with the Spirit Fire Clan."