Until the seventh presenter stepped forward, no one offered a Purple Qi Cloud Pattern Pill.
Qingci gritted his teeth and reluctantly spent 110,000 spirit stones to purchase one.
One pill alone wasn't entirely secure, but cultivating as a rogue cultivator was no easy feat. Most Purple Mansion rogue cultivators didn't even have access to a single third-grade spiritual vein.
Qingci had inherited the legacy of a senior sword cultivator, his wife was a third-grade talisman master, and they occupied Peach Blossom Mountain, a third-grade spiritual vein—by rogue cultivator standards, they were quite successful.
Yet even for them, spending 110,000 spirit stones was a heavy blow, forcing them into a more frugal lifestyle for future cultivation.
Having obtained the Purple Qi Cloud Pattern Pill, Qingci's joy was evident, and Elian congratulated him courteously.
A little while later, someone finally presented a Sun Crystal for trade.
The trader was a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator who displayed a high-quality third-grade Sun Crystal.
"Everyone, I wish to exchange this Sun Crystal for a top-grade third-grade magical treasure."
"Who would be willing to trade?"
The man's opening demand was exorbitant. Though the Sun Crystal was indeed high-quality, its market value was around 80,000 spirit stones.
Asking for a top-grade third-grade magical treasure was clearly an overreach.
Someone immediately shook their head and said, "While Sun Crystals are rare, they aren't absolutely essential. Asking for a top-grade third-grade treasure is purely taking advantage of its rarity. No one here is that foolish."
Seeing no one willing to trade a top-grade magical treasure, Elian took out his Green Blood Demon Sword and said, "Considering the rarity of Sun Crystals, I'll offer a mid-grade third-grade flying sword. What do you think?"
"A flying sword, you say?"
The trader's eyes lit up slightly. Mid-grade third-grade magical treasures were valued between 80,000 to 100,000 spirit stones, but flying swords were particularly desirable.
A mid-grade third-grade flying sword was versatile—it could be used for combat, defense, and flying. For a late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, it was a very practical weapon.
Despite being mid-stage Purple Mansion himself, the trader lacked a mid-grade third-grade flying sword.
Tempted, he attempted to haggle. "If you add another 50,000 spirit stones, the trade is yours."
"You're asking too much."
Elian frowned, his expression showing slight impatience.
"While I need a Sun Crystal, there are substitutes for it."
"And with over 200 cultivators present, I doubt you're the only one who has one."
He then firmly stated, "How about this? I'll add 20,000 spirit stones. If you're willing, we'll make the deal."
"Fine, fine. Let's settle it at that price."
The trader quickly agreed, exchanging the 80,000-spirit-stone Sun Crystal for a mid-grade third-grade flying sword and 20,000 spirit stones.
This price was already a 40% premium. Most cultivators weren't willing to part with such valuable items, and others who needed a Sun Crystal hesitated, ultimately abandoning their bids.
Satisfied with the purchase, Elian turned his attention back to the ongoing trades. During the remainder of the event, he used several third-grade spiritual materials to acquire five Spirit-Nurturing Flowers, which he planned to use for refining Spirit Nourishment Pills.
Having secured what he needed, Elian refrained from further exchanges. The treasures he had brought were limited, and he didn't have an immediate need for anything else.
Meanwhile, Qingci and his companions discreetly exchanged sound transmissions.
Fairy Qingyan glanced at Yu Qingyan, her expression cautious.
"Can we trust this Wei Zhongyang?"
"He and I crossed Ghostwind Mountains together. It's a bond forged through shared adversity," Yu Qingyan replied, then added quietly, "He's also unaffiliated in Yuan Kingdom, making him an ideal candidate."
"But that ruin is no small matter. If he gets greedy, it could lead to disaster."
Fairy Qingyan hesitated, her concerns evident.
Yu Qingyan shook her head and reasoned, "We've tried multiple times over the years. With our current strength, we simply cannot claim that ruin."
"Even if Qingci reaches the late stage of the Purple Mansion, would you feel confident in taking it?"
Qingci shook his head with a sigh.
"The monstrous entities in that ruin are formidable. Even as a late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, I'm not confident in defeating them."
Hearing this, Yu Qingyan continued, "I've seen Wei Zhongyang in action. His strength likely rivals that of a late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator."
"With you two working together, there's a good chance the ruin can be conquered."
Qingci furrowed his brow in thought, then nodded slightly.
"I sensed his sword intent—it's awe-inspiring and righteous."
"If his strength is as great as you claim, he's indeed qualified to join us in exploring the ruin."
Both women nodded in agreement. For a sword cultivator, temperament was crucial. A twisted or sinister personality would manifest as treacherous and malicious sword intent.
Elian's sword aura was vast and majestic, imbued with a righteous determination to annihilate all foes. As a fellow sword cultivator, Qingci could sense this immediately.
The group remained preoccupied with their thoughts until the trade conference concluded.
Outside the venue, Yu Qingyan approached Elian and transmitted a message: "Brother Elian, please follow me. We have something to discuss."
"Oh?"
Elian raised an eyebrow but followed her out of Qinyuan Market.
The group arrived at a desolate mountain range where Qingci solemnly erected a soundproof barrier.
"What's so important that it requires such caution?" Elian asked, his tone skeptical.
Yu Qingyan finally spoke, her expression serious.
"To be honest, we'd like to invite you to explore a ruin with us."
"A ruin?"
Elian's eyes flickered with interest. In this world, ruins were often the remains of destroyed sects or immortal clans.
Yet, such ruins were usually plundered by their conquerors. Unless intentionally left untouched or destroyed by sudden disasters, it was unlikely for treasures to remain.
Moreover, even rogue cultivators, barring a few reclusive ones, usually passed on their legacies to disciples before their deaths.
For instance, Qingci's master had been a senior rogue cultivator who entrusted his legacy to Qingci before passing away.
In his hundred years of life, Elian had heard of rogue cultivators' abodes being discovered but rarely encountered scenes of exploring ancient ruins as depicted in novels from his past life.
He couldn't help but suspect that the trio might have fallen into a demonic trap.
Sensing his doubts, Qingci shook his head and clarified, "The ruin we discovered is the resting place of an ancient cultivator."
"It's no fabrication…"
As Qingci explained further, Elian began to piece together the story.
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D