Chapter 1001: Dealing With Patriarch Hou

After accepting the map and secret orders from City Lord Lingxu, Li Qing returned to his cave abode.

He didn't rush to leave, as the flames of war ignited by the Tree Demon Clan had yet to reach Profound Ancient City. He could still cultivate here for a while.

"This map is incredibly detailed, even marking minor islands," Li Qing murmured, spreading the map out and studying it carefully.

It not only charted the sea territories surrounding Tonggu Continent but also highlighted relatively safe sea routes. These routes had been forged by transcontinental merchants over centuries, making them far safer than uncharted waters.

Of course, "safe" was a relative term.

The spirit realm's sea territories were infinitely more perilous than those of the human realm. In those fathomless depths, encountering a true spirit was not uncommon. Without the strength of the body integration realm, attempting to cross the sea was nothing more than a fool's dream.

From the detailed map, Li Qing could tell that City Lord Lingxu had likely considered leaving Tonggu Continent in his younger years.

"It seems City Lord Lingxu once contemplated leading the entire human population of Profound Ancient City to the Heavenly Origin Continent, where humans reign supreme."

"But transporting such a vast number of people across the sea territory for an intercontinental migration would be an almost impossible feat."

In the end, the map fell into Li Qing's hands, granting him future destinations.

This was crucial for Li Qing.

He would inevitably leave Tonggu Continent, whether to reach the Heavenly Origin Continent or to seek out the thunder pool on Thunderclap Continent to cleanse the Demonic Ancestor's Mark on his wrist. This map was essential for both journeys.

Li Qing carefully stowed the map away and exhaled deeply.

"There are still plenty of Earth Spirit Grass Fruits left. Before the flames of war engulf us, I should push my cultivation forward as much as possible."

With that thought, Li Qing retrieved an Earth Spirit Grass Fruit from the Heavenlight Secret Realm and swallowed it whole.

Boom!

Pure energy erupted within Li Qing's body. He focused on circulating the Crimson Blaze Heaven-Burning Art, aided by four heavenly spirit fires to refine and assimilate the energy.

With the help of the Earth Spirit Grass Fruit, Li Qing's cultivation advanced rapidly, progressing at a visible pace far surpassing his usual meditative practice.

Days passed unnoticed as he consumed five Earth Spirit Grass Fruits. His cultivation now approached the late divine transformation realm.

He had completely refined the medicinal power of each fruit, leaving no residue, converting every trace into his cultivation.

Just as Li Qing prepared to break through the final barrier, a voice called out from outside his cave abode.

The Marquis Family!

Patriarch Hou of the Marquis Family stood outside Li Qing's cave abode, his face radiating respect as he came to pay his respects.

Li Qing withdrew his divine sense, instantly understanding the patriarch's purpose.

"Patriarch Hou, long time no see. I trust you've been well?" Li Qing said with a faint smile as he emerged from his cave abode.

"Immortal Li's ability to fight his way out of the Heavenlight Secret Realm is truly awe-inspiring," Patriarch Hou replied. "I was wondering about the trade we discussed earlier..."

Patriarch Hou asked tentatively, his eyes constantly scanning Li Qing's face for any sign of displeasure. He was wary of offending this cultivator of unfathomable power.

Hearing this, Li Qing smiled. "Heh, This Li is not one to break his word. I have indeed collected some essence blood from the Ancient Savage Beast. The question is, has Patriarch Hou brought the Ghost Eye Purple Gold?"

Patriarch Hou acted swiftly and decisively. He immediately produced a black cloth pouch and handed it to Li Qing.

"This is all the Ghost Eye Purple Gold our family possesses. Our ancestor left us only this much. Please accept it, Immortal Li."

Li Qing didn't bother opening the pouch to check its contents; his divine sense had already confirmed its contents.

Inside the pouch were four fist-sized pieces of Ghost Eye Purple Gold, each brimming with spirituality—perfect spiritual material for artifact refinement.

Combined with the two pieces he already possessed and the section of jade bamboo he had obtained in the Heavenlight Secret Realm, this would be more than enough to refine his second killing sword.

Li Qing nodded in satisfaction. With a flick of his wrist, three white jade porcelain bottles appeared in his hand.

"In the Heavenlight Secret Realm, I encountered only one Ancient Savage Beast—a Spirit Devouring Beast at the late divine transformation realm."

"These two bottles contain the Spirit Devouring Beast's true blood, while this third bottle holds the essence blood I personally extracted from the beast."

"Patriarch Hou, please examine them and see if they meet your satisfaction."

Hearing this, the Hou Family Patriarch's face lit up with delight. He accepted the three white jade bottles from Li Qing and carefully opened each one in turn.

As the stoppers were removed, a surge of overwhelming baleful qi erupted from the bottles, accompanied by faint roars that seemed to echo from the Spirit Devouring Beast itself.

Without a doubt, this was the blood of a formidable Spirit Devouring Beast.

The Hou Family Patriarch was naturally overjoyed.

He carefully resealed the jade bottles, tucked them into his robes, and then asked, "Immortal Elder Li, do you happen to have any more of the Spirit Devouring Beast's essence blood? I'd like to trade spirit stones for another bottle."

Li Qing still had essence blood to spare. He had extracted a total of seven smaller bottles from the Spirit Devouring Beast. If the price was right, he wouldn't mind selling more.

However, Li Qing found ordinary spirit stones unappealing. After a moment's contemplation, he spoke:

"I have less than a bottle remaining. If Patriarch Hou can provide three top-grade fire attribute spirit stones, I'll make the trade."

He intended to reserve the essence blood for other purposes and had no intention of selling it all at once.

Upon hearing Li Qing's demand for three top-grade fire attribute spirit stones, Patriarch Hou hesitated before gritting his teeth and replying:

"No problem, but it will take some time. Immortal Li, would you be willing to wait a few days?"

Li Qing responded calmly, "Then make haste. I don't know when I'll be leaving Profound Ancient City and won't wait indefinitely."

Clearly, even in the spirit realm, top-grade spirit stones were not easily obtained.

Even the Marquis Family, with its considerable influence in Profound Ancient City, struggled to immediately produce three top-grade spirit stones of a specific attribute. They would need time to arrange the exchange.

In trades between top-grade spirit stones of different attributes, the party initiating the transaction often had to accept less favorable terms.

With that, Patriarch Hou hastily took his leave from Li Qing's cave abode, hurrying off to gather the three top-grade fire attribute spirit stones.

Li Qing didn't care how the other party obtained the spirit stones, as long as he received three top-grade fire attribute spirit stones, that would suffice.