Several Spirit Transformation Cultivators, including Luo Feixuan, listened intently, only now learning of the deeper story.
Of course, Old Monster Tiansheng knew more information because Yue Long had previously performed a soul search on Ling Yuqing.
Although Ling Yuqing didn't know that Xuan Ling was the nascent Artifact Spirit of the Mystic Sky Treasure, she was aware of Si Chenxing having another powerful adversary. The Nine Immortals Association naturally knew this as well.
Therefore, hearing Ning Fa speak at this moment gave him a sense of sudden realization.
Ning Fa continued, "Although Xuan Ling was eventually killed, Lord Si Chenxing also sustained significant injuries.
Her greatest goal is to have the Abyssal Heavenly Pool, this small grotto-heaven, return to the Spirit Realm to find her master, the senior Ancestor Yuan.
However, it is difficult for her to leave the Abyssal Heavenly Pool, so she gave me this Ancient Star Stone Tablet, left behind by the senior Ancestor Yuan.
This Ancient Star Stone Tablet contains a special visualization diagram. If its profound mysteries can be deciphered, one can master the enigmatic Star Secret Technique, which can then be used to open a special star passage and ascend to the upper realm.
This Ancient Star Stone Tablet is actually the ultimate reward for the Abyssal Heavenly Pool trial. Originally, Ancestor Yuan intended to leave it for his most outstanding descendant.
Both Lord Si Chenxing and Xuan Ling were previously placed under a restriction by Ancestor Yuan, preventing them from privately comprehending this treasure."
After Ning Fa finished speaking, the four Spirit Transformation Cultivators were all visibly shaken.
Although this was just Ning Fa's side of the story, it sounded plausible.
The four Spirit Transformation Cultivators stared intently at it, their eyes unable to conceal their elation.
Even though Ning Fa hadn't specified Ancestor Yuan's realm, the mere fact that he possessed a small grotto-heaven like the Abyssal Heavenly Pool was enough to indicate that his cultivation realm had reached an unimaginable level.
Therefore, the value of this Ancient Star Stone Tablet left by Ancestor Yuan was immeasurable.
Furthermore, at first glance, the Ancient Star Stone Tablet was indeed extraordinary and appeared to be something left behind by a cultivator of that caliber, which made them subconsciously believe Ning Fa's words.
Of course, Hermit Tianyi's prior divination about a special treasure that could pierce the weak points between two realms had already given the other three Spirit Transformation Cultivators a preconceived notion.
After all, they held great faith in the renowned Hermit Tianyi.
Now that Ning Fa had indeed produced the mysterious item that matched his description, they subconsciously believed him.
Although Ning Fa's expression was solemn, seeing the expressions of the Spirit Transformation Cultivators, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
His explanation was the solution he had devised over the past few days.
While he was talking nonsense, this Ancient Star Stone Tablet was a mysterious item that even a Mahayana expert like Ancestor Yuan couldn't decipher. It was naturally easy to fool these Spirit Transformation Cultivators.
Of course, the Ancient Star Stone Tablet itself was indeed an extraordinary treasure, and parting with it felt somewhat regrettable.
However, given the current situation, it would be difficult to escape unscathed without offering something genuine, so he had to be willing to sacrifice it.
Especially since Ning Fa had originally obtained two Ancient Star Stone Tablets, and he was now only presenting a slightly smaller one.
The other stone tablet had denser and more complex star patterns, suggesting its value was certainly higher than the one he presented.
It was very worthwhile to resolve this major crisis by sacrificing this small piece.
Of course, another key factor was the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant.
Without his threat, even if Ning Fa's explanation was one hundred percent true, these Spirit Transformation Cultivators would definitely have captured him first and performed a soul search.
Even Hermit Tianyi, who appeared to be showing goodwill, Ning Fa felt would be no exception.
It was precisely because of Tian Bao that Ning Fa had the leverage to negotiate with them.
Thinking of this, Ning Fa deliberately put on a reluctant expression: "As Senior Tianyi said, the situation is indeed as it is. If I, your junior, do not present this Ancient Star Stone Tablet, I fear there will be no peaceful resolution.
Therefore, it is not impossible for me to present it, but..."
Upon hearing this, Hermit Tianyi smiled and said, "Young friend Ning, rest assured. As I said earlier, as long as you are willing to share this Ancient Star Stone Tablet, you can certainly state your conditions, and we will do our best to satisfy them."
After speaking, he looked at Wen Yuchen, Fairy Linghua, and Tiansheng, and said sternly:
"Fellow Daoists, you can also represent the Nine Dragons Sea and the Tianwu Cultivation World.
This Ancient Star Stone Tablet is indeed extraordinary. I fear that it is not something that a single Spirit Transformation Cultivator can easily decipher its mysteries.
What we seek is nothing more than to ascend to the upper realm. As long as we can decipher it, this method of ascension should be shareable in the future.
Therefore, let us cooperate and share this Ancient Star Stone Tablet.
Of course, we three parties will also do our best to satisfy young friend Ning's conditions."
Wen Yuchen and Fairy Linghua's eyes flickered, then they looked at each other and exchanged rapid whispers.
Immediately after, Wen Yuchen nodded and said, "Fellow Daoist Tianyi speaks the truth. Regarding this matter, I, on behalf of the Tianshu Alliance, can agree."
Hermit Tianyi smiled and then looked at Old Monster Tiansheng.
Old Monster Tiansheng's eyes flashed with sharp light, and he then sneered, "This matter is of great importance. Do you all think it's enough to just believe this brat's word? Who knows if he obtained even more powerful treasures from it?"
Ning Fa's heart tightened, and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant's gaze instantly turned sharp. The golden ruler in front of him reappeared, emitting an astonishing spiritual pressure.
Ning Fa also said solemnly, "I have said all I can. If you seniors still don't believe me, then there's nothing I can do.
However, if you want me to surrender obediently and let you search my soul, I will never agree, even if it means death."
Old Monster Tiansheng snorted, "It's acceptable not to search your soul, but you need to take out everything in your storage ring for us to see."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yuchen and Fairy Linghua's eyes flickered, clearly showing interest.
But Ning Fa laughed heartily, "Old Monster Tiansheng, if you have the ability, come and take it! Anyway, before I die, I will definitely destroy this Ancient Star Stone Tablet first!"
As he spoke, Ning Fa's right hand, holding the Ancient Star Stone Tablet, began to glow with sharp lightning.
Seeing this, the four Spirit Transformation Cultivators' expressions changed instantly.
Although they didn't believe Ning Fa could destroy something left by such a powerful expert, if it were truly damaged and they could no longer comprehend the method to ascend from it, wouldn't that be a loss outweighing any gain?
At this moment, Hermit Tianyi looked at Old Monster Tiansheng and snorted, "Tiansheng, are you blinded by greed?
Even if young friend Ning obtained other treasures in the Abyssal Heavenly Pool, how could they compare to ascending to the upper realm for us?
I am very sure that this Ancient Star Stone Tablet is indeed the wondrous item I divined before.
Now that young friend Ning is willing to take it out, don't be greedy for more. Otherwise, don't blame this Daoist for being impolite!"
As he spoke, mysterious gray spiritual light began to emanate from Hermit Tianyi, and an extremely dangerous aura radiated from him.
Old Monster Tiansheng's expression immediately changed, and he retreated several feet.
At this moment, Ning Fa's eyes flickered, and he suddenly said in a deep voice, "It is normal for you seniors not to fully trust what this junior says.
Although this junior cannot allow you to search my soul, I can make an oath that this Ancient Star Stone Tablet is indeed the most precious item I obtained in the Abyssal Heavenly Pool.
If there is even half a lie in my words, may my cultivation never advance!"
As soon as Ning Fa finished speaking, a gray, hazy mist appeared out of nowhere, circling him for a moment. An inexplicable aura spread out, and then it disappeared.
Tiansheng, Wen Yuchen, and Fairy Linghua's expressions stirred at first, then they relaxed.
At this point, they had no doubts about what Ning Fa had said. After all, the higher a cultivator's cultivation, the stronger the restraint of such an oath.
Little did they know that within Ning Fa's sea of consciousness, a black stone figure that looked extremely similar to him had opened its eyes. wisps of gray mist coiled around it, and then the stone figure sank into his sea of consciousness.
Seeing that the stone figure was effective, Ning Fa also breathed a sigh of relief.
This item was called a Substitute Nightmare Stone Puppet, a very precious treasure for averting calamity. Its special characteristic was that it could even withstand the backlash of a Heart Demon Oath for the cultivator.
This kind of spiritual item was listed in the jade slip that the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant had presented when they wanted to trade River Starlight Dew and top-grade Water Spirit Stones with him.
Ning Fa absolutely could not allow these Spirit Transformation Cultivators to search his soul. If he took out the Ancient Star Stone Tablet and then made a Heart Demon Oath, those Spirit Transformation Cultivators would no longer have any doubts, saving him a lot of trouble.
Therefore, even though Ning Fa spent a drop of River Starlight Dew to exchange for it, it was very worthwhile.
Moreover, speaking of which, he wasn't necessarily wrong when he said that the Ancient Star Stone Tablet was the most precious item he obtained in the Heavenly Pool.
At this moment, Hermit Tianyi said solemnly, "Young friend Ning, since you are so understanding, you can state your conditions.
As long as they are not too excessive, this Daoist will do his best to help you achieve them."
Upon hearing this, Ning Fa's eyes flickered.
He had already anticipated this.
Even if he handed over the Ancient Star Stone Tablet, he would not give it away for free. He had to demand a price, so Hermit Tianyi's words were exactly what he wanted.
He coughed lightly and said, "This junior does have a few requests.
First, you seniors must guarantee that once you comprehend its mysteries and obtain the method to ascend to the Spirit Realm, you must share it with this junior.
And you must also guarantee that if you ascend to the Spirit Realm in the future, you will use this item to find Senior Yuan Ancestor.
After all, this is what I promised Lord Si Chenxing. Since you have obtained the Ancient Star Stone Tablet, you must fulfill this promise."
"There is naturally no problem with this."
Hermit Tianyi was the first to agree, and the other Spirit Transformation Cultivators also had slight changes in their expressions, clearly having no objections.
"For the second request, this junior happens to have a large batch of urgently needed cultivation resources, all of which are in these two jade slips. I hope you seniors can provide them."
As Ning Fa spoke, he threw two pre-prepared jade slips in front of the Spirit Transformation Cultivators.
The Spirit Transformation Cultivators were initially unconcerned, as with their wealth and backing forces, they felt that fulfilling Ning Fa's request should not be difficult.
But as soon as they scanned them with their divine senses, their expressions changed.
One of the jade slips was fine. Although most of the spiritual items were of third-tier or above, and they were all widely used, the quantities were extremely large.
For example, a thousand Foundation Establishment Pills were requested, a hundred Condensing Crystal Pills, and many third-tier spirit ores that could be used as main materials for magic treasures, also in quantities of dozens or hundreds of pounds.
Such quantities were enough to empty the coffers of a large sect, but for these Spirit Transformation Cultivators, it was naturally nothing.
However, the items listed in the other jade slip made these Spirit Transformation Cultivators' expressions change.
They were all at least fourth-tier spiritual items, such as thirty Infant Transformation Pills, and many other spiritual items that aided in forming a Nascent Soul, which were considered ordinary in this jade slip.
The key was that a considerable portion of them were extremely precious fifth-tier spiritual items, which were hard to come by even for them, Spirit Transformation Cultivators.
It could be said that the value of the spiritual items listed in this jade slip was enough to bankrupt not only a Nascent Soul sect but even a Spirit Transformation sect.
"Kid, don't ask for the sky! Be careful you don't break your teeth!" Old Monster Tiansheng said angrily.
Wen Yuchen also frowned. Although the Tianshu Alliance was powerful, it was still very difficult to provide the items listed in this jade slip.
Ning Fa's expression remained unchanged, "This junior does not think it is excessive.
After all, this Ancient Star Stone Tablet was left by Senior Yuan Ancestor. Perhaps it contains the senior's inheritance, and its value cannot be measured by spirit stones or other spiritual items.
Speaking of which, this junior still feels he is at a disadvantage, as he might miss out on a great opportunity because of this."
Hermit Tianyi stroked his beard and said, "Young friend Ning has a point. The value of such a treasure is unimaginable, and it is only right for us to make some compensation."
"Besides, these things aren't being provided by just me alone. The major powers are splitting the cost, so it's manageable."
The others' expressions eased slightly.
Ning Fa's eyes flashed, and he continued, "Furthermore, this is a one-time deal for me. In the future, other Spirit Transformation Cultivators will surely approach you. Whatever you ask of them then will have nothing to do with me."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yuchen and the others' expressions stirred even more.
Hermit Tianyi laughed heartily, "Young friend Ning is indeed clear-headed. However, Young friend Ning, some of these items may very well be extinct in our realm. Could you perhaps replace them with other spiritual items or spirit stones?"
Ning Fa thought for a moment and replied, "I can, but I must receive ninety percent of the spiritual item resources. For the remaining ten percent, you can substitute with spirit stones, but they must be high-grade spirit stones."
Hermit Tianyi pondered for a moment and then nodded, "This Daoist feels there's no problem. What do you fellow Daoists think?"
Wen Yuchen and Old Monster Tiansheng also thought for a moment before nodding in succession.
At this point, Ning Fa looked at Wen Yuchen and said solemnly, "I have a third request. I am currently the Hall Master of Fu Ling Hall, and Fu Ling Hall is being besieged by Yan Jingchen of Lei Prison Mountain, putting us in a difficult situation. Therefore, I hope the Tianshu Alliance can put a stop to his actions and publicly permit the existence of Fu Ling Hall. Additionally, I find the Black Star Archipelago, located between the Haoqiong Sea and Wuye Sea, to be quite suitable, and I hope the Tianshu Alliance can grant Fu Ling Hall ownership of this archipelago."
Wen Yuchen understood Ning Fa's intentions after a brief thought. After all, with the Heavenly Treasure protecting him, Ning Fa wasn't afraid of Yan Jingchen's trouble. His primary goal was to gain official recognition for Fu Ling Hall from the Tianshu Alliance, allowing them to operate openly in the Nine Dragons Sea. As for Ning Fa's request for the Black Star Archipelago, Wen Yuchen was slightly surprised but didn't think much of it, as he considered the place to be of little value. Without much hesitation, he nodded, "This is also not a problem. As long as Fu Ling Hall does not oppose us, the Tianshu Alliance, this alliance can permit its existence. I can also agree to the Black Star Archipelago. Of course, all of this will only be valid during the period when Young friend Ning serves as the Hall Master of Fu Ling Hall."