As a consumable Demonic Treasure, the Soul Stabilizing Bead's effects gradually diminished with prolonged use. But for Xu Chunniang, who was in urgent need of something to nourish her soul, it was exceedingly useful.
After leaving the Earth Walker Demon, Xu Chunniang visited several other trading houses, hoping to use their connections to have Master Pomegranate forge more Soul Stabilizing Beads for her.
To her surprise, the moment they heard why she had come, they rejected her outright.
"Sorry. Although our trading house works with Master Pomegranate, there are very few slots, and they are reserved for honored guests who have long-term dealings with us."
The other trading houses gave the same answer. Even when Xu Chunniang offered to pay additional demonic crystals, it was to no avail.
It seemed that having Master Pomegranate refine one Soul Stabilizing Bead for her through the Earth Walker Demon's connections was already the limit.
Still, the attitudes of these trading houses reminded her of something.
All scarce cultivation resources were kept from flowing outside. The merchant associations gave their finest demonic materials first to honored guests who maintained long-term partnerships with them.
If she wanted the best demonic materials, she had to establish steady, long-term relationships with them. Otherwise, she would forever only be able to buy the goods others had picked over and discarded.
She lacked neither demonic crystals nor demonic materials. She only needed to spend some time and effort trading with these establishments.
With that thought, Xu Chunniang turned to look at the trading house behind her, then walked back inside.
To undo the second seal imprisoning the Soul Witch clan elder, she needed nine Heavenly Demon-grade items of extreme yin. Relying on herself alone, who knew how long it would take her to gather all nine?
If she could