Yan Jingchen, however, reined in his anger and said calmly, "If I hadn't seen that your lineage might be of some help to me, why would I have intervened to help you back then?
At the time, I merely considered it a casual move, never expecting that your lineage would produce someone like you.
To have broken through to the Spirit Transformation realm as a half-human, half-demon, with a Tengshe bloodline far richer than those among the Tengshe tribe in the Demon Court who pride themselves on their pure bloodline.
Now you've even become the guardian deity of the Yuanshou Ancestral Court. It seems my casual move back then was indeed the right one."
Upon hearing this, the young man in the black robe shook his head and chuckled, "Guardian deity? To be honest, I'm merely in a mutually beneficial arrangement with them.
The Yuanshou Ancestral Court never placed all their hopes on me. Instead, they've been singularly focused on constructing the Ancestral Hall, hoping to descend the legendary Ancestral Beast Avatar."
"Ancestral Beast Avatar?"
Yan Jingchen's eyes showed a hint of surprise at the name. He looked at the young man in the black robe with some confusion, "Did you not intervene to stop them?"
The young man in the black robe gave a helpless smile, "I did consider it, but Xuan Yi of the Pure Sword Sect personally approached me and explicitly warned me against taking any action."
His strength is not much inferior to your peak in your past life. Faced with his threat, how could I dare to intervene?"
Hearing Xuan Yi's name, a flicker of apprehension appeared in Yan Jingchen's eyes.
Just as he was about to say something, his expression suddenly changed, and he immediately took out a special divination disk.
After listening to the message on it, he immediately showed a pleased expression, "He's on the Emerald Isles! Let's go!"
Before his words had even finished, the two transformed into streaks of light and shot away.
Meanwhile, Ning Fa and Luo Feixuan had arrived at Luoxing Island.
This island was located on the southwestern edge of the Emerald Isles. It was only a few hundred miles in circumference and had a small town with a population of tens of thousands of mortals. Other than that, there was nothing particularly special about it.
With their cultivation levels, it naturally took them less than half a day to search the entire island. However, they found no trace of the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, which caused Ning Fa's brow to furrow, a hint of anxiety creeping into his heart.
Just then, both he and Luo Feixuan sensed something almost simultaneously and turned sharply behind them.
They saw, a few dozen feet behind them, a young cultivator dressed in white robes had suddenly appeared.
He had handsome features, a mysterious golden spiritual mark pattern on his forehead, and eyes as indifferent as ice. He stood there with his hands behind his back, gazing at the two of them.
"Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant!" Ning Fa was overjoyed upon seeing him.
The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant also immediately focused his gaze on him, a hint of brilliance flashing in his eyes. He spoke, "You possess something I require. Are you willing to trade with me?"
These were the exact words the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had spoken when Ning Fa first met him. Now, he repeated them, not a word changed.
Ning Fa suppressed the turmoil in his heart and didn't rush to speak. Instead, he looked at Luo Feixuan beside him and said in a deep voice:
"Fellow Daoist Luo, the transaction between myself and Fellow Daoist Heavenly Treasure may involve some of my secrets. Therefore, I hope you can step aside for a moment."
Luo Feixuan shrugged her delicate shoulders and, without any objection, flew to the side.
Ning Fa immediately cast a sound-blocking barrier, but he still felt uneasy. After all, he had just witnessed her powerful soul techniques.
Just as he was about to employ other soul secret arts, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant said calmly, "There's no need for such trouble."
With that, he pointed his right index finger upwards. A golden light burst forth, transforming into a golden net that enveloped the two of them.
"There, you can rest assured. Even if she has successfully reincarnated using the Immortal Moon Body, she cannot eavesdrop on the contents of our transaction."
Ning Fa looked at him with astonishment.
As expected of the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant. He had seen through his Five Elements Thunder Body at a glance before, and now he had also seen through Luo Feixuan's unique nature.
Ning Fa even mused that it was precisely because of this that the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had approached Luo Feixuan for a transaction earlier.
"May I ask what you require from me?" Ning Fa asked in a deep voice.
The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant stared intently at him and said, word by word, "I require Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones and Star River Essence Dew."
Ning Fa was startled by this. The Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones were one thing, but the Star River Essence Dew was no ordinary item. This was a genuine Rank 6 spiritual item!
Not just now, but even in ancient times when Heaven and Earth spiritual materials were extremely abundant, Star River Essence Dew was considered a legendary item, a supreme sacred object for cultivators who primarily practiced water attributes.
To be blunt, items of this caliber were essentially extinct in the current cultivation world. Ning Fa hadn't expected the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant to ask for such a thing.
However, Ning Fa's heart stirred, because while the Star River Essence Dew might be unobtainable in the outside world, he had a way to produce it.
He had previously used a large batch of various low-grade spiritual ores to test their origin items.
Among them, on a Rank 2 spiritual ore called Shuiyun Star Stone, he had traced its origin to this Rank 6 spiritual item, Star River Essence Dew. The required Origin Points: 2 points of Rank 6 Origin Points.
If it were the previous Heavenly Book, Ning Fa wouldn't have been able to trace this Star River Essence Dew at all, as there were no Rank 6 Origin Points.
But after the Heavenly Book had absorbed a significant portion of the Abyssal Heavenly Pool's essence, the Origin Points required for tracing Rank 6 and below water-attribute spiritual items had automatically decreased by one rank.
This meant he only needed 2 points of Rank 5 Origin Points to trace a Shuiyun Star Stone into Star River Essence Dew.
Even so, this was still a very high consumption of Origin Points, as the Heavenly Book currently only had a total of 58 points of Rank 5 Origin Points.
Ning Fa mused that the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant's sudden approach was likely because he had sensed that Ning Fa had the ability to obtain this Star River Essence Dew and Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones.
Could it be that he had sensed Ning Fa possessed a heaven-defying treasure like the Heavenly Book?
Ning Fa found it unlikely. No matter how mysterious the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant was, he couldn't compare to the Heavenly Book.
Judging by the mysterious characteristics he had displayed, it was highly probable that he could only sense who might possess the items he needed, not necessarily the reason why.
"I have these items. May I ask how you intend to trade?" Ning Fa asked in a deep voice.
Upon hearing Ning Fa's affirmative reply, a gleam of light instantly burst forth in the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant's eyes.
Raising his right hand, a Jade Slip flew to Ning Fa's front.
"Here is a list of Spiritual Materials. It should contain what you need. As for how much it can be exchanged for, that depends on how much of what I need you can provide."
Ning Fa merely glanced at the Jade Slip and was secretly astonished.
The Jade Slip listed dozens of spiritual items, many of which he didn't recognize.
Those he did recognize were all fifth-tier spiritual items, enough to make even a Spirit Transformation Cultivator envious.
However, Ning Fa pushed the Jade Slip away and stared intently at the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, saying:
"I don't need these things for now. Instead, I wish to use these Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones and Star River Essence Dew to hire you, fellow cultivator.
To be frank, I am being pursued by powerful enemies, including Spirit Transformation Cultivators. Therefore, I hope you will lend me your assistance."
Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, whose expression had been as calm as still water, couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. He then looked thoughtful.
Seeing this, Ning Fa became excited, as it undoubtedly meant there was a chance.
After a short while, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant looked at him again and said calmly, "Alright, but my hiring conditions are quite high. I need to make them clear to you first.
Firstly, the hiring period is at least ten years. You need to pay me upfront 5 drops of Star River Essence Dew and 20 Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones.
Within these ten years, I can help you.
Of course, if I encounter an opponent who is too strong and causes me to expend too much vital energy, you will need to compensate me with additional amounts of these two items. The exact quantity will depend on the situation.
If I encounter a danger that could lead to my destruction, I will also escape on my own.
If you wish to continue hiring me after the ten-year term is up, you will still need to pay the same compensation in advance."
After speaking, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant quietly looked at Ning Fa.
Hearing the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant's definitive reply, Ning Fa was initially overjoyed. But upon hearing the required compensation, he couldn't help but smile wryly.
To trace back 5 drops of Star River Essence Dew required 10 points of fifth-tier Origin Points. This meant that the Origin Points he currently possessed were only enough to hire the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant for 50 years.
As for the Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones, they were nothing compared to the Star River Essence Dew.
Originally, tracing them back required 2 points of fifth-tier Origin Points, but now it only needed 2 points of fourth-tier Origin Points.
He had nearly six hundred points of fourth-tier Origin Points, which was enough to trace back many items.
Ning Fa couldn't help but fall into thought. Although the cost of hiring the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant was not low, if he truly possessed the legendary strength, it would be worth it.
With this in mind, Ning Fa tentatively asked, "I can agree, but I'd like to confirm your actual strength first. This is because my troubles might involve Mid Spirit Transformation Cultivators."
The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant's expression remained unchanged as he said indifferently, "Mid Spirit Transformation Cultivators are indeed a bit troublesome.
If you need me to deal with such enemies, you will need to pay me extra Premium Water Spirit Stones.
If the opponent uses treasures like Heaven-Piercing Spirit Treasures, then you will need to pay me additional Star River Essence Dew."
Hearing this, Ning Fa was not surprised but delighted.
Because the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant said this, it undoubtedly indicated that he did have the ability to contend with Mid Spirit Transformation Cultivators. This was truly crucial; spending a little more would be completely worth it.
With this thought, Ning Fa said without hesitation, "Alright, I agree to your terms."
As he spoke, he secretly communicated with the Heavenly Book in his sea of consciousness.
Soon, his storage ring showed that 20 low-tier Water Spirit Stones and 5 Shuiyun Star Stones were gone, while other items appeared.
Ning Fa grabbed with his right hand, and these items instantly appeared before him.
They were 5 sapphire-blue Water Droplets, each about the size of a dragon's eye. Starlight shimmered on their surfaces, as if they were condensed stars, appearing dreamlike and ethereal, not of this world.
Additionally, there were 20 blue spirit stones, each about the size of a thumb, emitting incredibly pure water-attribute Spiritual Energy. These were the 20 Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones.
The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant immediately stared intently at these two items, especially the five drops of Star River Essence Dew, a peculiar gleam appearing in his eyes.
He didn't rush to take these items but flicked his finger, and an ancient scroll appeared between the two of them.
"Since you have produced the hire compensation, let's sign this employment agreement. I can then temporarily stay by your side."
Ning Fa glanced at the text and said after some thought, "I hope you can keep the details of our transaction confidential and not mention it to anyone else."
The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant nodded, "That can naturally be done."
After speaking, he raised his right hand and added another passage of text to the contract.
Ning Fa carefully re-read it before unhesitatingly signing his name. The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant did the same, but the name he wrote was in two Ancient Scripts that Ning Fa did not recognize.
Subsequently, each of them held a copy of the employment agreement. The Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant then collected the Star River Essence Dew and Premium Water Attribute Spirit Stones.
Ning Fa also let out a long sigh, a smile on his face.
Although the price was not small, he finally had a powerful helper.
At this moment, he could also confirm that the savior mentioned by Fairy Yuanxing was indeed this Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant. Speaking of which, Fairy Yuanxing had helped him greatly.
Just then, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had removed the golden net.
Luo Feixuan, having been alerted by Ning Fa's message, had gracefully flown over. She sized up the two of them with her beautiful eyes, a hint of curiosity showing.
Ning Fa smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Luo, I have reached an agreement with Fellow Daoist Tianbao. From now on, he will stay by my side and will act when we encounter strong enemies."
Hearing this, even Luo Feixuan, a reincarnated former Spirit Transformation Cultivator, couldn't help but be shocked on the spot.
She looked at Ning Fa in disbelief, and then at the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, who remained calm and had not spoken in objection, her face filled with incredulity.
This was because the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant was considered a forbidden existence even by Spirit Transformation Cultivators like them.
In her previous life, ten thousand years ago, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had already existed. No one knew when he had appeared or how long he had lived, and his strength was an even greater mystery.
Throughout such a long history, there had been more than just one or two Spirit Transformation Cultivators who had tried to scheme against the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, but all those cultivators had died, while the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had remained alive and well.
Therefore, even if they knew they could trade for the things they desperately needed from the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, these Spirit Transformation Cultivators would generally avoid meeting him, fearing that their accumulated wealth would end up in his treasury.
Of course, there were also Spirit Transformation forces who were very interested in him, wanting to hire him as a guest elder to increase their own influence.
Luo Feixuan knew that the Qianyuan Merchant Alliance and the Nine Immortals Association had both offered unimaginable high rewards, even including treasures like Heaven-Piercing Spirit Treasures, but the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had refused them all.
And now, Ning Fa, a Nascent Soul Cultivator, had actually hired him. How could Luo Feixuan not be utterly shocked?
She looked at Ning Fa in disbelief, "You... what did you use to hire friend Heavenly Treasure?"
Given Luo Feixuan's status, she wouldn't normally pry into such personal privacy, but this time she was simply too curious.
However, Ning Fa shook his head, "Fellow Daoist Luo, I'm afraid I cannot reveal that."
Luo Feixuan didn't press further. A smile then curved her lips, because with Ning Fa having such a powerful bodyguard, it was naturally a great thing for her, who was allied with Ning Fa at the moment.
At this moment, the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant suddenly raised his head and looked into the distance to his right. A strange golden light flashed and disappeared in his eyes, and he said calmly:
"About a thousand miles in that direction, two powerful cultivators are heading here. One of them is a Spirit Transformation Cultivator, who might be the formidable enemy you mentioned."