Exchange Meet

After settling the guests from the Azure Mist Commerce Association...

Seeing that the agreed time had arrived, Huo Xinghuai gently tapped the table with his hand.

After everyone looked over, he smiled and said, "I am deeply grateful to all of you fellow Daoists for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend this Exchange Meet."

"Given the presence of several new fellow cultivators attending for the first time..."

"So next, I'll briefly explain the general process of this Exchange Meet."

He spoke politely, tactfully, and in detail, going on for a full quarter of an hour.

However, the content is not complicated because the rules themselves are extremely simple.

Huo Xinghuai talked more about related services and explanations, aiming to make all participants feel convenient and unrestrained.

Generally speaking

This Exchange Meet lasted for three days and consisted of three parts.

Only one step will be done each day, and the extra time can be used to think things through or weigh the pros and cons.

Therefore, no one needs to be nervous or anxious; everyone can try to maximize their benefits.

Today is the first day.

The first step involved exchanging items in sequence.

Each True Lord present can take turns bringing out a spiritual item they don't need, introduce it, and then state their exchange conditions or exchange price.

If the others think it's a good deal, they can exchange.

The only mandatory requirement is that all participants must voluntarily offer something in the first round of the exchange.

There are no other requirements.

There's no minimum value requirement for the items that can be taken out; theoretically, you could even take out a Low-grade Spirit Stone to make up the difference.

Of course, in reality, everyone generally assumes that it should be at least Fourth-tier Mid-grade Spiritual Material, or a rare treasure.

The rest are just things like food, drink, accommodation, and transportation, which don't need much explanation.

"Well, let me set an example for this first item."

Huo Xinghuai took out a tall, blue jade bottle with a long neck and a height of about a foot, and gently placed it on the table. "This bottle contains almost an entire bottle of Toad-Skin Miasma."

"I found it on a Desolate Island by chance when I was passing through the southern seas twenty-four years ago."

"At the time, I was struggling to find a suitable vessel, so I specially commissioned this bottle."

"Originally, I intended to use it to refine some specific ancient Pill Formula, but who knew that over the years, the other auxiliary ingredients would still fall far short."

"Let's take it out today and see if any other fellow cultivators can use it."

"I believe this bottle of Toad-Skin Miasma should be worth a Fourth-tier Mid-grade Spiritual Material, or some other spiritual item worth no less than 400,000 spirit Spirit Stone."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look with interest.

The main issue is that Huo Xinghuai's asking price was clearly too low.

Although most people don't think that the Toad-Skin Miasma is equivalent to Fourth-tier Mid-grade Spiritual Material.

However, they didn't mind exchanging two ordinary Fourth-Order Spiritual Item with a total value of over 400,000 Spirit Stone.

"In that case, I'm willing to exchange two Righteous Qi Fruit."

Withered Leaf True Monarch was the first to make an offer.

After all, Toad-Skin Miasma is indeed a rare thing.

Never mind whether it's useful or not, just take it first.

Anyway, it's not expensive, so even if we lose money, it won't be a huge loss. We can just consider it as expanding the types of goods we have in reserve for the Jade Leaf Commerce Association.

The other sects also showed some interest, and their ideas were largely the same.

However, independent cultivators like Xiao Chen and the Azure Pine Sword Master were less interested.

Finally, after some discussion, Withered Leaf True Monarch Canye added an extra thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone to secure the deal.

"Then I'll take care of the second thing."

Then, Ink Plum True Monarch took out a Jade Slip and introduced it to everyone, "This Inheritance Jade Slip comes from the Golden Armor Tower, one of the High Antiquity esoteric sects, famous for its Talisman Armor Secret Art."

"Its inherited content is complete, and its highest level can directly lead to the Spirit Transmutation Realm, enabling the crafting of fifth-tier rune armor."

"I was given four opportunities to read it, but unfortunately I've already used two of them."

"Originally, I wanted to learn this secret technique, so that I could have another skill to make a living and also a trump card to win unexpectedly."

At this point, Ink Plum True Monarch sighed deeply, "Alas~, I never expected this thing to be so difficult to cultivate. I've wasted sixty years of my life and still haven't even gotten the basics down."

"We're really struggling to keep going, so we might as well use the money to recoup some of our losses."

"Let me make this clear beforehand: if any fellow cultivators are interested, please be sure to consider whether you have enough time and patience."

What he really meant was that people who lack comprehension or are eager to learn shouldn't worry about this.

"Even so, this is still a direct path to the fifth rank."

Ink Plum True Monarch carefully considered his words before speaking, "I would like to exchange this for a Fourth-Order High-Grade Spirit Item, with priority given to earth-type spiritual items."

He did not state any further conditions.

The underlying meaning is that they will not accept exchanges for Fourth-Order High-Grade Spirit Item, and they will not accept purchases with Spirit Stone.

This is actually quite normal.

After all, everyone present was Nascent Soul True Lord, and they were naturally reluctant to give away the treasures they had accumulated to others.

In particular, Ink Plum True Monarch mentioned twice that this lineage leads directly to the Spirit Transformation.

Clearly, he felt this thing was very precious to him.

They might have already prepared to keep it if no one wants to trade with them.

Of course, it's also possible that they'll set a high price first to raise everyone's expectations.

As the saying goes, "Ask for an exorbitant price, then try to bargain."

This is what distinguishes the Exchange Meet from the auction fair; it leans more towards the primitive form of bartering.

Therefore, haggling at the Exchange Meet was a common occurrence.

Unfortunately, perhaps the difficulty level described by Ink Plum True Monarch was too high, making some people hesitant to try.

Or perhaps his asking price was too high, deterring many people.

In short, after he finished speaking, everyone was silent for a few moments, and no one said anything.

This result clearly disappointed Ink Plum True Monarch, causing him to frown slightly.

But he wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he put the Jade Slip away and smiled, "It seems you fellow Daoists are still pondering. Let's move on to the next treasure."

It's worth mentioning that this is a common occurrence at Exchange Meet.

Ink Plum True Monarch's words weren't really an attempt to make excuses for himself; they were, to some extent, a fact.

Because the number of Fourth-Order High-Grade Spirit Item is quite limited, even among those present, there are hardly any extra Fourth-Order High-Grade Spirit Item.

Therefore, given the gravity of the matter, everyone is bound to be cautious.

This is also the second thing that Exchange Meet.

It's uncertain whether something better, or more suitable for our own situation, will come along later.

So even if someone was already tempted, considering the potential cost, they will most likely choose to wait and see how things develop.

Especially if no one else has spoken up to compete, then there's even less of a rush.

It should be noted that Ink Plum True Monarch has publicly expressed his intention to take action.

Since that's the case, if we can't reach an agreement today, we can continue talking tomorrow or the day after.

It cannot be ruled out that some cultivators, especially rogue cultivators, might also be included.

They might not be willing to exchange things in public, and instead choose to contact each other privately afterward.

Therefore, Ink Plum True Monarch was slightly disappointed, but he didn't care too much.

Instead, he calmly gestured to show the next item first.

Seeing this, Lie Que True Monarch took out a fourth-tier pearl and placed it on the table. "Then please take a look at my Flawless Night Pearl."

It was just an ordinary Fourth-tier Mid-grade Spiritual Material; he only used it to join in the fun.

Then came the fourth treasure, the fifth treasure, and so on, all displayed one by one in this manner.

And so they quickly arrived at the eighth treasure.

Heng Yi True Monarch took out a Spirit Accumulating Treasure Box and placed it on the table. He didn't rush to introduce it, but instead opened the lid first.

Immediately, everyone present saw Golden Light shoot out, instantly bathing the entire garden in a golden hue.

What's even more surprising is that this Golden Light light is brilliant and bright, yet not dazzling.

Immediately afterwards, everyone felt a grand and intense aura emanating from it, and even saw a faint golden glow forming above the Spirit Accumulating Treasure Box.

"This time I brought a treasure of pure Yang energy."

Then Heng Yi True Monarch spoke up, "After verification, it should be a Blazing Sun Stone."

"This item is an extremely yang treasure, containing a wisp of intense Fiery Sun Qi, which completely counters all yin and cold substances belonging to ice and water, and also has a very strong suppressive effect on Yin Qi and yin earth."

"It has been a priceless treasure since Ancient Times."

"With the opening of the Vast Sea Secret Realm Inner Realm imminent, I wish to use this item to exchange for a means that can help me survive the tribulations within the Inner Realm."

"I won't change my mind until the Secret Realm opens."

"Also, anything that can increase your self-defense capabilities is welcome to come and talk to me. Maybe we can exchange it for something else."

Finally, Heng Yi True Monarch even gave himself a heads-up.

This should actually be considered the second part of tomorrow's event, but it doesn't matter, it's about the same sooner or later.

After a brief silence in the Long Pavilion, a few soft sighs were heard.

In fact, everyone's attention was already focused on him after he took out the Blazing Sun Stone.

There was no need for further explanation; everyone already recognized that this was not only a Fourth-Order High-Grade Spirit Item, but also one of the top-tier items.

Unfortunately, the condition set by Heng Yi True Monarch was far too high.

The item for self-protection is one of the most valued spiritual objects among all cultivators, even the most prized.

In everyone's mind, its status is basically second only to Breakthrough Spirit Item, or even equal to them.

After all, having an extra item for self-defense could very well mean having an extra life in a critical moment!

Therefore, not to mention that self-protection items that can be effective against Nascent Soul True Lord are extremely rare.

Even if you have it and are optimistic about the Blazing Sun Stone, you still need to carefully weigh whether it's worth it.

Those few soft sighs were enough to explain the situation.

"Heng Yi, is there any other condition for exchange?"

Azure Firmament True Monarch watched with envy, feeling reluctant to part with it, and couldn't help but ask further questions.

However, Heng Yi True Monarch shook his head. "I'm sorry, I don't have any other ideas for the time being."

Upon hearing this answer, Azure Firmament True Monarch sighed in disappointment.

Even Xiao Chen frowned slightly, feeling a pang of regret.

He is currently searching for extremely yang spiritual objects to forge Complete Fusion Spirit Tool for Shattered Gold True Monarch.

Since we've met at the Exchange Meet, we naturally hope to secure the deal directly, saving ourselves the trouble of running around.

The problem is, the conditions set by Heng Yi True Monarch are a bit too high.

Let alone the fact that Xiao Chen doesn't have Life-Preserving Treasure, even if he did, he might not be willing to give them away.

Even though he already possessed the Night's Edge, who would complain about having too much of that?

Therefore, although they were somewhat envious, they could only sigh inwardly.

However, Xiao Chen was not without hope.

It's important to know that there will be a free exchange phase later on.

For some True Lord, if no one is willing to trade their possessions on the first day, but they do have a genuine need for them...

They might soften their stance later and lower the requirements slightly.

The core need of the Heng Yi True Monarch is to ensure his own safety within the Inner Realm.

There is actually some room for negotiation on this point.

A way to ensure safety doesn't necessarily have to be something that can save your life.

Many things can be discussed and agreed upon.

Of course, others might have similar ideas.

Heng Yi True Monarch waited for a while, but no one was willing to make the exchange.

So he put the Spirit Accumulating Treasure Box away again. "It seems everyone needs to think things over. Let's move on to the next treasure."

Then came several more True Lord in succession.

It seemed that everyone had already taken out their items.

Xiao Chen also began to consider what he should take out.

He actually possessed quite a few spiritual items of the middle grade of the fourth rank or higher, numbering in the double digits.

While others might be struggling with their own choices, they seem reluctant to part with what they have.

Xiao Chen, on the other hand, was hesitant, wondering which item he should choose.

Having so many spiritual items to choose from actually made it difficult for him to make a decision.

Fortunately, this problem is not difficult to solve.

Xiao Chen quickly found a very suitable item.

Seeing that most people had already participated in the exchange, he waited for the negotiation to be completed.

Then he took out a Double-Eared Treasure Moon Bottle and placed it on the table. "Hmm, I brought a bottle of Purple Light Divine Water this time."

"You should all be quite familiar with this."

"After consumption, it can accelerate the condensation of true essence, and sometimes it can also be used as an auxiliary material for some elixirs."

"I don't know its specific origin, but it was obtained from the Yin Corpse Sect's warehouse."

"Then I want to exchange for spiritual items that will help me cultivate Law Technique, or rather, spiritual items that will help me comprehend the Great Dao, with a preference for Wood Element Spiritual Material."

oh?

After Xiao Chen finished explaining his exchange conditions, everyone present looked at him with surprise.

For them, treasures like the Purple Light Divine Water are extremely important, and because they are consumables, they are highly sought after.

It's the kind of thing that you should seize the opportunity to get, as long as the conditions aren't too unreasonable.

Many quick-thinking cultivators had already begun to consider what suitable Fire-element Spirit Item they possessed.

No one expected that Xiao Chen would prioritize Wood Element Spiritual Material.

What's the meaning?

Why would someone who practices Fire Method need Wood Element Spiritual Material?

Although wood can be used to start a fire, it should also serve some purpose.

But it's definitely not as direct and convenient as Fire-element Spirit Item.

What are they doing?

No one would believe that Xiao Chen is Wood Spiritual Root Cultivator.

It's not just because his Fire Method is already at its peak.

More importantly, everyone believes that his high level of Law Technique skill is due to the advantage he gained from Path of Enlightenment.

If that's the case, then he must have comprehended the Great Dao of Fire.

There is absolutely no other possibility, otherwise it would be impossible to explain why someone who is not Fire Spiritual Root cultivator could Cultivator of Magic to such a high level in just a few years.

Many people felt a surge of curiosity.

Could it be that Xiao Chen is helping someone else purchase spiritual items?

That would be very interesting.

First of all, there aren't many Wood Spiritual Root Cultivator, and more importantly, we have to exclude everyone present.

After all, if everyone is already there, why bother with all that extra work?

The main reason is that what he wants to exchange is different from the previous items, and there is basically no need for secrecy.

It should be noted that most of the True Lord within the Storm Sea have arrived today.

In other words, behind Xiao Chen, there should be another Wood Spiritual Root True Lord who didn't attend the Exchange Meet today, and someone that no one recognizes.

This almost confirms the rumor that he may come from a Hidden Dao Heritage.

Otherwise, it would be almost impossible for a Nascent Soul True Lord active in the outside world to remain completely silent.

Everyone was speculating, but while some were filled with astonishment, they still kept thinking about exchanging the spiritual items.

"I have a Thousand Year Ink Vine here, which has been growing on the cliff for a full three thousand years."

Withered Leaf True Monarch spoke first, saying, "If one refines this vine, one can comprehend its growth process, which will help in comprehending the Great Dao of Wood."

"But I wonder if Daoist Xiao would be willing to make an exchange."

For him, doing business is always important, no matter when or where. He will actively participate whenever the situation is right.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen nodded slightly, but did not immediately agree.

The Exchange Meet isn't limited to just one person making an offer; you might find something even better if you wait.

Unfortunately, neither the Che Guang True Monarch nor the Ink Plum True Monarch, who were also interested in the Purple Light Divine Water, could produce a more suitable spiritual item.

Although Che Guang True Monarch indicated that he could offer two mid-grade fourth-tier Wood Element Spiritual Material, which was equivalent to paying a considerable premium.

However, Xiao Chen declined the suggestion and chose the Thousand Year Ink Vine instead.

For him, comprehending the Great Dao was the most crucial effect.

Several more spiritual items were then displayed.

Most of them are rare and precious heavenly materials and earthly treasures obtained by chance, or secret techniques inherited from the ruins of the ancients.

However, most of them failed to attract Xiao Chen's attention.

Compared to those things, he paid more attention to the needs expressed by different Nascent Soul True Lord when explaining their exchange conditions.

Don't underestimate this; it's extremely crucial intelligence!

With a little analysis, one can directly discern the directions in which the Nascent Soul True Lord present can be lured and manipulated.

One can also roughly deduce the other party's purpose from the characteristics of some rare items.

For example, if someone is collecting a rare spirit medicine, they are most likely doing so for a rare Pill Formula.

The same principle applies to the rest; they can all be considered information, whether large or small.

If someone were to organize it and put it out there, I believe many Golden Core cultivator would be willing to pay a high price to buy it.

However, none of the people present would actually do such a thing.

After all, everyone here is Nascent Soul True Lord, so they are neither short of Spirit Stone nor lacking in pride.

More importantly, it would be embarrassing if word got out, and others might no longer invite him to such high-level Exchange Meet.

Soon enough, most of the cultivators had displayed the spiritual items they had brought.

Even Vice President Gu of the Azure Mist Commerce Association brought out a brocade of Thousand Flower Ten Thousand Leaf Brocade.

It is said to be a brocade woven from fourth-order spirit silk using special secret techniques, originating from the Central Region. Its surface is indeed embroidered with a thousand different kinds of spirit flowers.

It can be used to create more complex Spirit Robe or exquisite dresses.

This thing may seem useless, but it should not be underestimated.

Because that smooth-to-the-touch, seemingly not very thick brocade could provide protection almost equivalent to an ordinary spirit shield.

It serves both an aesthetic purpose and a practical function.

Of course, for its aesthetic appeal, the price isn't cheap.

The Thousand Flower Ten Thousand Leaf Brocade alone is equivalent to Fourth-tier Mid-grade Spiritual Material, and Vice President Gu's reference price is 550,000 Spirit Stone.

If you factor in the cost of subsequent processing, the total cost could easily reach seven or eight hundred thousand Spirit Stone.

If you were to add some fourth-tier jewelry, the total price could easily exceed one million Spirit Stone.

Unless one is a powerful force or a wealthy True Lord like Xiao Chen.

I'm afraid I should carefully consider whether I really want to spend such a high price.

After all, this is somewhat of a luxury item with a premium.

While everyone was pondering, Xiao Chen spoke up directly and asked, "I'll offer five thousand five hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stone. Is that acceptable?"

These are man-made items, so you should be able to buy them directly with Spirit Stone.

Afterwards, it would be nice to have someone make a long dress and take it back as a gift for Su Li.

"This item sells for 5,500 Mid-Grade Spirit Stone in the Central Region."

Vice President Gu gently shook his head. "If the Spirit Item Transaction, then the original price will apply. However, if it's in the form of Spirit Stone, you'll have to pay an extra thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, which will be considered my profit."

This request isn't actually unreasonable, since his business involves reselling goods at both ends.

If you obtain a spiritual item, you can send it over there to profit from it.

But if you sell it directly, you'll definitely have to add some costs to it.

Although a thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone sounds like a lot, it's not too expensive considering it comes from the Central Region.

"No problem, then add another thousand."

Without even blinking, Xiao Chen agreed. With a million Mid-Grade Spirit Stone at his disposal, he didn't need to worry about such a small amount.

He had been thinking about giving a gift for a while, but hadn't come up with anything suitable.

Now that I've finally found a great gift, I certainly can't miss it.

"Daoist Xiao is truly generous!"

Vice President Gu immediately agreed upon hearing this.

The exchange was completed on the spot, with both parties exchanging money and goods simultaneously.

And so their exchange ended.

At this moment, only the two Nascent Soul True Lord who had come with Vice President Gu had not yet taken out anything to exchange in the entire hall.

Everyone waited for two or three breaths.

After realizing this situation, everyone turned their attention to them.

Even Huo Xinghuai, the Sect Master, turned to look at them.

However, he didn't urge them, but simply watched silently.