Chapter 398: Ling Dan for the Treasures, Remnant Map of Thunder and Fire

From a Useless Spirit Root, I Begin Demonic Cultivation!

“One Nascent Soul Pill and two high-grade Rank 4 Saint Abyss Demonic Essence Pills. These spirit pills enhance cultivation, helping Rank 4 Demon Kings quickly accumulate demonic essence.”

This was a very high bid.

The demons in the arena had an even more fervent look in their eyes. While they had been unsure before, it was now certain that this person was a rare Rank 4 alchemy master.

Seeing murmurs begin to rise and no further bids, the Five-Color Saint Lord, though feeling a slight pity, nodded in agreement.

“Very well. I will exchange this Heart-Deer Antler Pearl with you, fellow Daoist.”

The transaction was completed.

Wang Yu was now fully in everyone’s sight. The Demon King of the Dragon-Python clan frowned repeatedly, having noticed the Two-tailed Shadow Cat that had approached them earlier.

They appeared to be quite familiar with each other.

The Dragon-Python King couldn’t help but ask a transformed great demon from his clan who stood nearby, “Did the Demon Cat clan contact our clan previously? Was there a human Nascent Soul cultivator who wanted the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform and was willing to trade Rank 4 spirit pills for it?”

Another dragon-python, only in the early Rank 4 stage, was specifically responsible for managing the clan’s general affairs. At the King’s words, a nervous look flashed in his eyes, and he replied cautiously,

“Yes, there was… but we didn’t respond. At the time, we were preoccupied with preparations for the Demon King’s Feast and weren’t inclined to waste time on such uncertain matters, so we…”

He was worried about being held accountable, as every demon clan coveted alchemists, and a Rank 4 master was already the highest caliber they could hope to interact with.

Missing out on such a master’s connections would cause anyone deep distress, and the Dragon-Python King was no exception. However, after only a brief moment of thought, he spoke.

“When that master comes down, send someone to deliver a Heavenly Enlightenment Platform as an apology gift—one so damaged that no Dao charm remains. Tell him the Dragon-Python clan was preoccupied with the feast and overlooked external messages.”

“Once he accepts it, then reveal that our clan possesses three more Heavenly Enlightenment Platforms that can be used for twenty years each, and ask if he’s willing to exchange Nascent Soul Pills for them.”

“As you command!”

The Heavenly Enlightenment Platform is a legendary treasure, said to have been bestowed by immortals during their preachings. Sitting upon it can enhance a cultivator’s comprehension.

For ordinary cultivators, it might be a magical artifact of limited utility, but for Nascent Soul cultivators, it serves as an excellent aid, allowing them to comprehend mystical arts and dharma intents by leveraging the platform’s power.

Therefore,

it was not only extremely useful for Wang Yu, but also a channel for other Nascent Soul cultivators to quickly comprehend mystical arts and dharma intents. However, its utility was limited beyond that.

After all, too much time had passed; Heavenly Enlightenment Platforms were almost all in a damaged state, and the Dao charm on them quickly dissipated with each use, limiting their overall usage time.

This comprehension enhancement also had its limits.

Beyond a certain threshold, it would become of limited utility, unless one comprehended a second mystical art or dharma intent. Otherwise, its effect on the Dragon-Python King had already become mediocre.

It would be better to take advantage of his current power to acquire some high-grade Rank 4 cultivation spirit pills. This would accelerate his progress to the Grand Completion stage of Nascent Soul and allow him to cultivate a cadre of absolutely loyal transformed subordinates.

His position would become as stable as Mount Tai.

Moreover, the most important gain would always be befriending Wang Yu. Alchemy masters were highly sought after in Taihu, and in Chiyuan, they were both coveted and held as paramount.

Among the demon race, they were truly invaluable treasures.

They were extremely rare!

From a long-term perspective, offering substantial gifts was an acceptable price, the Dragon-Python King mused.

However, after Wang Yu completed his transaction with the Five-Color Saint Lord on stage, he did not immediately descend. Instead, he became the second individual to offer items for trade, and with a wave of his hand,

glowing Rank 4 spirit pills, one after another, spread out like a long snake across the high platform. Wang Yu then spoke clearly:

“Here are ten Saint Abyss Demonic Essence Pills in total: four high-grade, four mid-grade, and two low-grade. All you fellow demon cultivators are welcome to make an offer.

“If I find an offer suitable, I, Wang, will naturally agree to the trade. Personally, I prefer Rank 4 spiritual materials with Yin or Ice attributes, or main ingredients for certain Rank 4 pill formulas.”

His proposed conditions were similar to those of the Five-Color Saint Lord.

Aside from his preferences, there were virtually no other requirements; it all depended on what the transformed great demons present possessed.

Indeed.

When he produced more spirit pills, the entire venue erupted. No one was a fool; for Wang Yu to have so many pills of the same kind, even if he hadn't refined them himself,

there had to be an alchemy master behind him.

The potential gains and losses were immense. Even the Five-Color Saint Lord, standing nearby, harbored thoughts of recruiting him; he was clearly a talent.

Soon,

the Golden Horn Demon King, who had made an earlier bid, cleverly offered Taihe Silver Flow Gold again, proposing to exchange it for one high-grade Saint Abyss Demonic Essence Pill.

The value of Silver Flow Gold was inherently tied to alchemy; it was more suitable for alchemists than ordinary spiritual materials, which naturally drove up its price.

Wang Yu agreed immediately.

As long as the value wasn't too outrageous, it was a win-win situation. He was willing to trade if the item was worth it.

“Master, I am willing to offer a portion of Ice Plain Marrow in exchange for two high-grade spirit pills.”

This was one of the treasures produced in the Endless Ice Plain.

Buried deep in the permafrost,

even Nascent Soul cultivators found it difficult to excavate. This item could enhance the power of his mystical arts and refine magical artifacts, so he was equally tempted.

“One high-grade and two low-grade.”

The other party hesitated for a moment, then decisively agreed.

“Good. I am the Earth Dragon Beast King. Today, I’d like to befriend the Master.”

“I offer a piece of Profound Yin Divine Iron in exchange for two mid-grade spirit pills.”

“Accepted.”

It was generally two spirit pills for one Rank 4 spiritual material.

Wang Yu’s willingness to accept all offers made the transformed demon kings who hadn’t yet spoken anxious. Bids became much more chaotic, yet also more frequent.

“I offer one Lapis Lazuli Heavenly Light Jade.”

“Deal!”

“I offer one Skyfrost Stone.”

“Deal!”

After these exchanges, all ten spirit pills were gone, and the venue became fully animated. Feeling the substantial gains in his hand, Wang Yu was unwilling to let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With another wave of his hand, Wang Yu revealed more items. After killing two Nascent Soul cultivators and plundering their Violet Lightning possessions, he had acquired numerous Rank 4 magical artifacts, though many were unsuitable for his personal use.

As soon as they were presented, they immediately caused continuous astonishment among the demons. From their attributes and styles, these magical artifacts clearly originated from different cultivators.

Two of these, being Natal Artifacts, became the central focus.

This meant... these magical artifacts were — spoils of war!

The treasure exchange continued.

With over a hundred transformed demon kings of various attributes attending the Demon King’s Feast, Wang Yu naturally had no shortage of buyers.

In a short while, he acquired three more Rank 4 spiritual materials: the Nine Deaths Revival Grass, a primary ingredient-grade spiritual material for spirit-sense enhancing pills.

Blue Feather Spirit Gold, a water-attribute material, which he planned to refine with Taihe Silver Flow Gold as the main material for a new alchemy furnace, though he hadn’t yet decided whom to ask for assistance.

Considering he also had the massive corpse of a Dragon Blood Demonic Tree in his Sea Heart Ring, it might also be worthwhile to extract a core material from it for the alchemy furnace, leveraging the principle of water nourishing wood, and wood enhancing fire.

With his true identity concealed, and the Northern Lands demon race lacking masters in various cultivation arts, he faced the awkward predicament of having no one to turn to for such specialized skills.

The limitations of being a “rogue cultivator” were glaringly evident at this point. As the saying goes, “many hands make light work”; the cultivation world could truly be seen as a society.

Masters in various paths were like production companies. Rogue cultivators were akin to unemployed individuals navigating modern society: starting ventures was arduous, and meeting diverse needs was extremely difficult. If they didn’t learn something themselves, they could only seek help from others.

This gave rise to networks of connections.

Talismans and formations weren’t widely used, and the latter could be temporarily substituted with geomantic mystical arts. However, alchemy and artifact refining were difficult to overlook; he might need to consider learning artifact refining himself.

The existence of the “placement feature” could inherently save him countless hours, setting him on a path to comprehensive versatility.

This path might not be entirely correct,

but when he desired to learn more skills, it was an indispensable and excellent aid. He recalled that the ancient art of Demon Refining contained a section on artifact refining.

Perhaps he could consider deducing and perfecting it.

The third treasure was a partial map—the Thunderfire Fragment Map. This item came from the first abbot of Thunderfire Abbey and was said to record locations of natural thunder and fire he encountered during his travels across the world.

As the map was too incomplete, only some locations could be vaguely identified. Moreover, due to its ancient age, vast changes had occurred, and the terrain had been altered by time, making it very difficult to locate these places.

It was also uncertain whether the natural thunder and fire within these locations had already been taken. The transformed great demon who presented this item was merely trying his luck.

To his surprise, Wang Yu actually agreed to the trade.

He exchanged for this fragment map primarily to cultivate the Secret Art of Swallowing Thunder and Spitting Lightning. Additionally, the future path to Rank 5 for his Ice Chi Pill Flame might be achievable by devouring the origins of other spirit flames.

Cultivating a powerful pill flame from scratch brought a profoundly comforting sense of accomplishment—that feeling of complete belonging and perfection,

was no less invigorating than the clear and refreshing sensation experienced during a cultivation breakthrough.

Thus,

with all exchanges made and pills refined, the possessions of three Nascent Soul cultivators had been transformed into items useful to Wang Yu. For this alone, his attendance at the Demon King’s Feast had not been in vain.

With the exchanges concluded, Wang Yu spoke.

“I have recently been challenging the Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain. After its completion, I will temporarily reside with the Demon Cat clan for a period. If any friends are interested in alchemy, feel free to seek me out.”

After leaving a hook for continued transactions, Wang Yu returned to Hei Xiong’s side and immediately saw his tear-filled eyes, causing his mouth to twitch involuntarily.

“Hei Xiong, what are you doing?”

“My virtuous brother, your kindness is immense! With your words today, my Demon Cat clan is sure to become highly sought after among the Northern Lands demon race. Who knows how many demon kings will be begging you for pills!”

Wang Yu, however, shook his head.

“This is both an opportunity and a danger. Whether I, Wang, can cultivate in peace and conduct normal transactions with the demon race will depend on the powerful backing you, Hei Xiong, can secure.”

After these words, Hei Xiong quickly recalled the envoy who had been dispatched to the Gigantic Ant clan. The Gigantic Force Demon King was ranked seventh among the demon kings.

He had power, but it wasn’t enough. Since Wang Yu was willing to engage in alchemy trades, Hei Xiong decided to seek the most formidable patron available... the Sky Roc King!

Yes.

He had a persistent feeling that something was off with the Five-Color Saint Lord’s situation. Following his intuition—a cat’s keen sense was indeed like this!—he chose the Sky Roc King, who possessed the most kingly aura.

After Wang Yu descended from the stage, he had virtually displayed all the treasures he could exchange. Two Nascent Soul Pills remained: one was reserved for Xue Yu, and the other was kept for unforeseen needs.

Whether to sell them or give them away was still undecided.

He didn’t need to worry about the people close to him, whether Yu Tangtang, Yan Ling, or Lei Yao. Their formidable backgrounds ensured they could obtain the spiritual materials needed to form their Nascent Souls.

The only one who needed his help was Tantai Chan.

This item was priceless and perpetually out of stock everywhere; it couldn’t be bought with spirit stones, so transactions were mostly conducted through bartering.

Giving it away for free was out of the question, but the pill could be sealed for several hundred years.

Granting Tantai Chan priority purchasing rights would be considered a very considerate approach in Chiyuan.

The most heartless people in the world were often once the most passionate.

And also the most stubborn.

In a short while, as the third person stepped onto the stage to display spiritual materials, the treasure exchange continued. After all of Wang Yu’s spiritual materials were exchanged, only useful items remained in his possession.

To avoid the development of a “fated connection” with any more treasures, he decided to leave and continue his challenge of the Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain.

Just then,

many demons actively approached him.

“Master, might we invite you as a guest to my Wind Wolf clan? We will spare no effort in hosting you and will revere you as our clan’s esteemed master…”

“Scram! What right does your Wind Wolf clan have to speak here? Master, why not come to my Sky-Horn Ox clan instead?”

“Absurd! Master, how about you come to my Mountain-Splitting Beast clan?”

When the Nine Demon King clans spoke, those demon cultivators, though indignant, ceased their protests, not daring to offend in the slightest.

Times had changed.

With the Saint Lord newly established, it was precisely the time to assert authority by making an example. The Nine Great Demon Kings also wished to seize the opportunity to display their strength and bring more demon clans under their subjugation as subordinate races.

Wang Yu’s appearance had made him the center of a swirling vortex.

The early Rank 4 transformed great demon dispatched by the Dragon-Python King finally squeezed his way in from outside and directly presented a dilapidated Heavenly Enlightenment Platform whose effects had vanished.

He announced loudly,

“Master, this is a token of our apology. My Dragon-Python clan wishes to conduct spirit pill transactions. When might you be available for us to discuss this?”

Hearing this,

although Wang Yu was inwardly displeased, he prioritized benefits. There was no need to make an issue of the Heavenly Enlightenment Platform, an item he had been craving almost day and night since he last used it.

Even if the platform wasn’t as enduring as an Exquisite Inner Core, which could permanently enhance comprehension, it was still an unparalleled method for accelerating deductions. Even with a poor impression of the Dragon-Python clan, there was no need to refuse.

“After the Demon King’s Feast concludes, friend, you may visit the Demon Cat clan’s territory, and we can discuss the matter in detail then.”

“Excellent, excellent. We’ll speak then.”

The Dragon-Python envoy returned overjoyed, having successfully carried out the Dragon-Python King’s instructions. However, the surrounding demon clans witnessed this and misunderstood the situation.

They promptly began offering generous gifts.

“Oh dear, it was my oversight that I neglected the Master. This is an apology gift from my Bloodthirsty Demon Tree clan, Master, what do you think?”

“You may also wait at the Demon Cat clan’s territory.”

Wang Yu’s eye twitched as he accepted wave after wave of gifts.

It took him quite some time to handle it all.

Hei Xiong, standing nearby, couldn’t help but instruct, “Bai Ling, go back now and tell our clan members to prepare. Construct a temporary meeting hall.”

“I understand, my lord.”

With so many important figures to entertain, thorough preparations were naturally necessary. Hei Xiong also needed to personally speak with the Sky Roc King, as otherwise, the demands of these demon kings could not be met.

It would be very easy for relations to escalate, turning cooperation into a scramble to win Wang Yu over.

Wang Yu was only one person; he couldn’t create clones or manifest three heads and six arms. His capacity made it difficult to satisfy all the demon clans, especially since the demands of even a single clan were immense.

How exactly to proceed still required careful consideration.

“Hei Xiong, I will go to the Ancient Beast Ancestor God Mountain first. If I can obtain the Beast God’s inheritance at the summit, this matter will undoubtedly proceed smoothly.”

“I understand, virtuous brother. Go ahead and do what you must.”

(End of Chapter)