Chapter 344 - 233: Massive Acquisitions, Consecutive Gains of Precious Materials

Chapter 344: Chapter 233: Massive Acquisitions, Consecutive Gains of Precious Materials

Lin Changheng made up his mind.

He carefully stored the Roots. This time, Lin Changheng paid directly with Spirit Stones.

He also gave Liu Yuhuan the address of his cave residence in the Immortal City, telling her she could seek him out directly if she needed any Alchemy services in the future.

Furthermore,

Liu Yuhuan had also disclosed a piece of information to him.

A Sword-Brow Cultivator from the Purple Extreme Sect had apparently obtained a supplementary herb needed for Core Formation. She had seen it from a distance, and it matched the description on Lin Changheng’s list.

The moment she confirmed what it was, her expression changed drastically. Sensing that something was wrong, she immediately turned and fled. Fortunately, the other party was busy harvesting the herb and had no time to deal with her; otherwise, she would most likely have been in grave danger.

When she went back to check a few days later, she found that even the roots and stem had been dug up, with not a single trace left. Otherwise, she would have wanted to bring it to Lin Changheng in exchange for a handsome sum of resources and Spirit Stones.

Hearing this, Lin Changheng also found it to be a great pity.

He had the information, but no opportunity to act on it.

Even if that Purple Extreme Sect cultivator managed to hide the supplementary herb and prevent it from being confiscated by the Sect, he would likely not leave his group and would instead return with his Sect.

Under such circumstances, Lin Changheng didn’t have the guts to make a move in front of a Core Formation Cultivator.

...

With his business concluded, Lin Changheng directly dismantled the Array and departed, beginning his search for other Cultivators who had emerged from the Secret Realm.

Having obtained two of the items he needed from the two Foundation Establishment Cultivators of the Liu Family, Lin Changheng was quite satisfied.

It had even exceeded his expectations.

After all, they had only explored the outer areas honestly. They hadn’t ventured into the core depths, nor had they killed anyone for their treasure...

As everyone knew, only a windfall could make one truly wealthy.

The earlier accusations traded between the Cultivators of the Purple Extreme Sect and the Extreme South Palace had made this point clear, serving as a prime example.

This time, Lin Changheng had also scanned the crowd carefully but saw no sign of any Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Huang Family.

This served as further evidence, making him even more certain that something must have happened to the Huang Family.

And so, he could no longer purchase finds from the Secret Realm through his acquaintances.

It was worth noting that the Qiu Family Ancestor had also come out alive, but his face was dejected, giving off an air of withered defeat and utter despair.

It was as if his objective had not been achieved, and he had gained nothing.

...

Lin Changheng observed from the side for a while, getting a general idea of which Cultivators had been in contact with the buyers sent by Commerce Associations and other Influences, and who seemed willing to sell.

In particular, those who were willing to sell but hadn’t yet reached a deal were the key targets of Lin Changheng’s strategy.

He also had to temporarily avoid the Cultivators who had already been approached by the portly cultivator he was cooperating with, to avoid redundancy and improve efficiency.

The most eye-catching figure was a Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator dressed as a woodcutter. He was surrounded by three other Cultivators who were trying to purchase something from him, and they were in the middle of a discussion.

Evidently, they had received information that this man had something good on him.

But Lin Changheng didn’t go over to join this complicated "battle royale" directly. Instead, he started with the simpler targets.

"Pardon my intrusion, Fellow Daoist."

Lin Changheng first approached a tree in Lijiang’s Cyan Mountain and spoke gently.

"What business do you have with me, Fellow Daoist?"

The pale-faced Cultivator opened his eyes, glanced at Lin Changheng, and spoke in a cold tone.

"I was wondering if you have anything from the Secret Realm that you have no immediate use for? If so, I would be willing to purchase it."

Lin Changheng quickly got to the point and flicked a Jade Scroll over to him.

The pale-faced Cultivator paused for a moment before reaching out to catch the Jade Scroll. After a quick scan, he shook his head. "Unfortunately, I don’t have anything you need."

As he spoke, the Jade Scroll flew back along its original path.

"Is that so?"

Lin Changheng had expected as much. He nodded, bid farewell, and left.

The pale-faced Cultivator watched Lin Changheng’s retreating back for a moment before withdrawing his gaze and resuming his Cultivating.

...

Without any specific leads, it was no different from fumbling around in the dark. It wasn’t until he asked the fifth Cultivator that Lin Changheng finally received a positive response.

It was an old man in gray robes who looked like an old farmer. His Cultivation was also at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.

Hearing Lin Changheng’s inquiry, he didn’t answer immediately. He first scanned the contents of the Jade Scroll with his Divine Sense, then raised his head, revealing a pair of shrewd eyes as he sized Lin Changheng up.

The gray-robed old man’s voice was hoarse, tinged with a merchant-like prudence. "This old man has indeed just acquired something, but the price might be..."

His words implied he had the goods but also made it clear that he was waiting for the right price.

’I’ve finally found a potential seller.’ Lin Changheng’s heart settled. His expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "The price will naturally be determined by the Treasure itself. If it’s convenient for you, Fellow Daoist, could you tell me what it is? You can also state your expected price."

"There’s nothing convenient or inconvenient about it. It’s a rhizome of a [Celestial Crystal Spirit Lotus]."

The gray-robed old man chuckled, then flipped his hand over to produce an object. He held it in his palm, gesturing for Lin Changheng to inspect it with his Divine Sense.

The [Celestial Crystal Spirit Lotus] was one of the three main ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill, but it was slightly easier to obtain than the other two, the [Seven-Star Spirit Moon Grass] and the [Nine-leaf Purple Ginseng].

It was difficult to control its supply, so its value was also relatively lower.

Currently, Lin Changheng only had a [Nine-leaf Purple Ginseng] that was on its fourth harvest cycle.

If he could gather all three, he could start his own furnace, refine a batch that would be entirely his, and obtain three Foundation Establishment Pills.

At that time, whether he sold them, used them to repay favors, or traded them for other materials, the outcome would be excellent.

Because even Core Formation Cultivators have descendants and juniors.

This was also one of the core purposes of his trip.

...

The rhizome of this [Celestial Crystal Spirit Lotus] looked like a work of art sculpted from white jade, completely different from a mortal lotus root.

Moreover, this rhizome was different from a common withered root; it still contained life force and had the potential to be replanted and grown again.

But there was also a chance it wouldn’t survive.

No wonder the gray-robed old man had stated his position this way; he was worried Lin Changheng would use this to drive the price down.

"As for the price... what are your thoughts, Fellow Daoist? Why not speak up and let me hear them?"

Lin Changheng didn’t want to beat around the bush and asked directly.

"Let’s not mince words. There is indeed a risk with this item. The price can be discounted, but not by too much. I wonder if Fellow Daoist understands what this old man means?"

The gray-robed old man flipped his hand and put the item away, directly stating his bottom line.

"Of course. I am sincere about buying it. I’m sure you can sense that, Fellow Daoist."

Lin Changheng nodded.

"You’re a straightforward one, Fellow Daoist!" Upon hearing this, the wary look on the gray-robed old man’s face softened slightly. He pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, this old man won’t beat around the bush either. Although the life force in this [Celestial Crystal Spirit Lotus] is not extinguished, we both know how difficult it is to replant. Most of its value is tied to that slim hope."

He held up two fingers. "Two thousand Lower Grade Spirit Stones. This price already takes the risk into account. If you, Fellow Daoist, can actually manage to grow it one day, and we cooperate to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill, its value will be more than ten times this amount. If it doesn’t grow... alas, we can just chalk it up to bad luck. What do you say?"

This price was indeed not outrageous. It could even be said to be quite fair considering the risk. However, it was by no means a small sum and was enough to make many Cultivators flinch.

Lin Changheng didn’t immediately haggle. Instead, his gaze swept over the old man’s hand as he put the item back into his Storage Bag, as if recalling the details of the spirit lotus rhizome. After a moment, he slowly said, "Two thousand Spirit Stones. I can do that."

A flash of joy instantly appeared in the gray-robed old man’s eyes.

But then he heard Lin Changheng continue, "However, I have one more small request..."

The gray-robed old man was taken aback. He put on a solemn expression and said, "Please speak, Fellow Daoist." In reality, his mind was already racing, calculating the pros and cons.

"For you to enter and leave the Secret Realm safely, your Cultivation must be extraordinary. I was wondering if you might have any other information regarding the items on my Jade Scroll. If you know of their whereabouts, please tell me. If you do, then even if I’m unlucky and this root fails to grow, I will bear the loss myself."

Lin Changheng said this with a slightly solemn expression.

The gray-robed old man immediately chuckled and shook his head. "Ah, Fellow Daoist... you are truly a shrewd one. Very well!"

He thought for a moment, then shared some information he knew. Although the information was fragmented, it was quite important and would significantly reduce the cost for Lin Changheng of having to ask around one by one.

"Thank you for your candor, Fellow Daoist!" Lin Changheng cupped his hands in thanks and, without further hesitation, counted out the Spirit Stones from his Storage Bag and handed them over.

The smile on the gray-robed old man’s face grew wider. He cheerfully handed the Jade Box containing the [Celestial Crystal Spirit Lotus] to Lin Changheng.

The transaction was complete, and both parties were delighted. They then went their separate ways.

Based on the information he had just obtained, Lin Changheng turned his gaze toward the woodcutter-like Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator who was surrounded by people.