Blazing Sun Stone: Kong Xing Ming Wang's Invitation

"Fellow Daoists, today is the final part of this Exchange Meet —free trade."

"After the trading of the past two days, I believe many fellow cultivators are still feeling unsatisfied."

"Therefore, from now on, everyone is free to invite each other, travel together, and choose any location they like for discussions."

"I would also like to wish everyone in advance that you can make the most of this great opportunity to gather together today, and that you will achieve your goals and leave with a full heart!"

Huo Xinghuai finished explaining the process.

Turning his head, he smiled and looked to his right, "The early apricots in the side garden have already bloomed today. Would Fellow Daoist Qingxiao like to come and admire the flowers together?"

Azure Firmament True Monarch nodded. "Fellow Daoist Huo's invitation is too kind of me to refuse. Please go first, Fellow Daoist."

He was also preparing to order a batch of pills from Hundred Herbs City, so he readily agreed.

Upon hearing this, the other True Lord also sized each other up, pondering in their hearts who they should approach for a transaction.

After resting last night, everyone basically had a general idea of what was going on.

Therefore, at this time, one is more focused on observing the movements and intentions of others.

If they can make eye contact, they'll exchange a smile and leave together to discuss terms in private.

If your preferred candidate has already left, you can either wait for them to return in the pavilion or improvise based on the remaining candidates.

"Daoist Xiao, shall we go sit in the Tea Hall up ahead?"

After Huo Xinghuai finished giving his blessings, Cui Yunxian immediately sidled up to Xiao Chen: "Before the New Year, I accidentally stumbled upon an Ancient Times Heaven-Grade Technique."

"Its ingenious conception and unique idea are both top-notch."

"After reading it, I was truly amazed and found it very rewarding."

"That's why I brought it here today, hoping to share and discuss it with you, fellow Daoist."

Cui Yunxian was actually lying.

She did indeed bring a book of Ancient Secret Technique, and it was indeed exquisitely crafted.

However, it was not obtained by chance, but rather it was Ancient Books that Huo Xinghuai specially collected for his disciple who was pursuing the Path of Enlightenment.

This was so that she could refer to it and thus gain inspiration during her cultivation.

Cui Yunxian's purpose was not to share, but simply to use the book to entice Xiao Chen to come and talk to her.

Then, during the conversation, the Path of Enlightenment came up naturally.

This plan may sound a bit strange, but it's actually a very effective solution.

Because her previous invitation had failed, Cui Yunxian made thorough preparations after returning home.

For example, in order to better understand Xiao Chen, he even specifically sought out Withered Leaf True Monarch to inquire about his movements.

Only then did they decide to use a secret technique as a starting point to bring the two sides closer.

Few outsiders know that cultivators who practice Path of Enlightenment actually need a very large amount of reading.

Enlightenment, too, varies in difficulty.

It's impossible to directly comprehend the great principles of heaven and earth simply through one's own deep contemplation, but it's extremely difficult to succeed.

Most of the time, cultivators who pursue Path of Enlightenment also need to rely on some external aids.

For example, the Cultivation Method and secret arts left behind by our predecessors.

Through these things, try to understand the other person's conception when creating new Law Technique.

This improves one's cognitive level and has a similar effect to training.

Therefore, under such circumstances, cultivators who Path of Enlightenment are often very interested in those uniquely designed secret techniques.

That's why Cui Yunxian chose to invite Xiao Chen in this way.

In her view, this was the perfect example of catering to someone's preferences, and it was sure to win them over.

But after she finished speaking, she didn't see the surprised look in Xiao Chen's eyes as she had expected.

Instead, he received a strange, inexplicable look.

"Um... I might not be free today, because I have to go and negotiate a deal later."

Xiao Chen was taken aback at first, then politely declined, saying, "If there's a chance next time, I'll definitely go."

He had no idea what the other person was doing.

Since today is a free trading session, shouldn't the focus be on the trading itself?

Why did they suddenly start talking about Heaven-Grade Technique and even want to share it with me?

He simply couldn't figure out what the other party was up to.

"Ah?"

Cui Yunxian was stunned when she heard Xiao Chen's almost unhesitating refusal.

Wait a minute, why are you reacting like this?

Aren't you interested in Ancient Secret Technique?

That's a very novel and special secret technique!

What's wrong with you?

After a brief moment of surprise, Cui Yunxian forced a smile, "Alright then, let's talk about it next time."

Although Xiao Chen promised he would next time.

But why did it sound like just a polite remark?

Cui Yunxian found this hard to understand and even had some doubts about whether the other party was truly a cultivator who followed the Path of Enlightenment.

However, she quickly composed herself and rejected the absurd idea.

Judging from Xiao Chen's performance, he has definitely followed the Path of Enlightenment; otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why he broke through so quickly and was able to master such powerful Fire Method.

Therefore, the problem with the failed invitation must lie elsewhere.

Perhaps she didn't express herself clearly?

Or perhaps, today's time is simply not suitable?

While Cui Yunxian was still pondering the reason, Xiao Chen had already given her a slight smile and then strode towards Heng Yi True Monarch.

But they had only taken two steps away when...

Then another voice called out from the side, "Daoist Xiao, I have something I'd like to invite a few fellow Daoists to discuss. Shall we find another place to talk?"

Xiao Chen turned his head and saw that it was the Azure Pine Sword Master.

The other person had clearly approached while Cui Yunxian was speaking, only a beat too late.

Therefore, after seeing that they had not reached an agreement, he immediately extended an invitation.

"What... is this about?"

Xiao Chen first glanced at Heng Yi True Monarch's group, and only after seeing that no one was beside him did he ask, "If it's convenient, could you give a brief explanation here?"

His main goal now is definitely to exchange for pure yang spiritual items.

However, going directly to them might not necessarily persuade them to lower their demands.

Seeing that no one was going to invite Heng Yi True Monarch, he wasn't in a hurry and chose to wait here for a while.

"To be honest, Daoist Xiao, I found an Ancient Treasure Map while searching for treasure in a Secret Realm."

The Azure Pine Sword Master explained, "It's just that the treasure location described in the map is located in the Outer Sea."

"Not only are they somewhat remote, but reliable nautical charts are also lacking along the way."

"If you're going to search for treasure using the map, you're bound to encounter Sea Great Demon or stumble into dangerous places along the way."

Therefore, I thought of inviting a few skilled people to travel together, so that we could look out for each other.

Even if one is Nascent Soul True Lord, it doesn't mean that one can go anywhere at will.

For example, there may be many risks in the Outer Sea.

The main problem is that nobody knows what kind of Demon Beast they might encounter when venturing deep into the ocean.

If you encounter an extremely powerful Great Demon and are all alone, you'll truly be helpless.

Only by becoming Spirit Transformation Venerable can one have the freedom to go anywhere in the world.

Previously, when faced with situations requiring travel to the Outer Sea, people would tend to invite a few like-minded individuals with outstanding practical skills to accompany them.

Speaking of which, uniting to fight against ferocious beasts is an ancient tradition of Human Race.

"This isn't a good idea."

Xiao Chen gently shook his head. "The Vast Sea Secret Realm Inner Realm is about to open. If we choose to venture into the Outer Sea now, there probably won't be enough time."

"And Daoist Qingping, don't you perhaps want to search for treasures in the Inner Realm?"

Logically speaking, it doesn't matter where you go to search for treasure, why go to such lengths when you can find it nearby?

Despite the potential risks within the Inner Realm, venturing into the Outer Sea presents even greater risks.

After all, within the Secret Realm, there are restrictions to ensure that Spirit Transformation Venerable cannot enter, or to provide an early warning in case of a forced intrusion.

If you went to the Outer Sea and happened to have bad luck and bumped into a Fifth-Tier Great Demon, that would be truly despairing.

"Daoist Xiao misunderstands. The Vast Sea Secret Realm will definitely be the priority."

The Azure Pine Sword Master smiled and explained, "Actually, I haven't set a specific time yet; I'm just planning to set off within three to five years."

"We have already arranged to meet Daoist Ling from the Demon Subduing Sword Sect and Daoist Cheguang from the Five Thunder Temple."

"But I felt it wasn't safe enough, so I decided to find another helper, someone with high Law Technique abilities like Fellow Daoist Xiao."

"After all, we need to make thorough preparations before heading out to the Outer Sea."

"I've come to invite you today to discuss whether you'll have any free time in the next few years."

"If it's convenient, let's choose a time when everyone is relatively free, settle our individual matters, and then board the spirit ship together to search for treasure in the Outer Sea."

That makes perfect sense.

But Xiao Chen still shook his head. "It's a good thing that Daoist Qingping is willing to come to me."

"Unfortunately, I'll probably be quite busy these next two years. The Outer Sea are far away, so I probably won't have much time to go treasure hunting."

Judging from this, the other party was clearly impressed by his martial prowess in the fight against the Yin Corpse Sect, which is why they sought him out to travel together.

Unfortunately, Xiao Chen now needs to prepare for his breakthrough to the Spirit Transformation.

His main task now is to find a way to increase his success rate in breaking through to the Spirit Transformation.

Therefore, he may have to spend a lot of time going to the New Cultivation World and occasionally appearing in the outside world with Master Cai to solidify his False Identity.

One reason is to prepare for a future trip to the Holy City.

Secondly, I also wanted to find out if there were any other secret techniques in the New Cultivation World that could help one break through to the Spirit Transformation.

Therefore, there really wasn't much time to go Outer Sea hunting with everyone again.

Therefore, he had to decline the invitation from the Azure Pine Sword Master with a hint of regret.

As the two were talking, most of the True Lord in the Long Pavilion had already left in groups.

In the blink of an eye, only a handful of people remained.

Seeing that almost everyone had left, Heng Yi True Monarch couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

He originally intended to use the Blazing Sun Stone he had to try and exchange it for a Life-Preserving Treasure.

However, judging from the situation, this deal is clearly still somewhat unrealistic.

Therefore, even the Heng Yi True Monarch had to start considering whether he should lower his standards.

As a rogue cultivator, he didn't expect to pass on this Blazing Sun Stone to his future disciples.

Rather than holding onto such a treasure without being able to use it, it's better to dispose of it as soon as possible and then use the proceeds to enhance one's immediate combat strength.

If this also makes it easier to be bolder in the upcoming treasure hunt in the Inner Realm.

In fact, when Heng Yi True Monarch saw that Void Crossing Hunting Boat the day before yesterday, he was already tempted.

Unfortunately, the price offered by that mysterious True Lord was simply outrageous.

He didn't have Breakthrough Spirit Item, and even if he did, he wouldn't be willing to exchange them.

But if we were to investigate the origins of that Void Crossing Hunting Boat now, and then try to commission an identical one to be made and brought back...

Firstly, the chances of success might be quite high, and secondly, it's likely too late.

After all, crafting such a complex Custom Spirit Tool would certainly take a considerable amount of time.

The best course of action now is to reach a deal directly at this Exchange Meet.

The problem now is that when Heng Yi True Monarch looked up, there were hardly any people left in the pavilion.

It seems that his initial asking price was too high, so now no one is prioritizing dealing with him.

In that case, all the good stuff that everyone was willing to offer has probably already been picked over.

Even if a True Lord were to come and discuss things with him next, the remaining items he could still use for further exchange would likely be in no better shape.

Thinking of this, Heng Yi True Monarch couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

At the same time, he had already begun to consider how to maximize his own interests under the current limited conditions.

He was actually a little reluctant to lower the requirements too much and just give up something else in return.

However, if we don't do this, it might still be difficult to sell this Blazing Sun Stone.

While Heng Yi True Monarch was deeply conflicted...

Suddenly someone walked over and stopped in front of him.

He looked up in surprise and saw that the person who had come was Xiao Chen.

The other person smiled at him, "Heng Yi, I have another idea and would like to discuss it with you regarding the Blazing Sun Stone."

"If you don't mind relaxing the exchange terms a little..."

"Let's find a place to talk, and you can hear what I think of my new terms."

Oh, here it comes!

Upon Heng Yi True Monarch's spirits lifted. He knew there would definitely be discerning individuals who would want this exceptionally high-quality Blazing Sun Stone.

If it were the first day, or if Xiao Chen had just come looking for him, he might have hesitated a bit.

However, it seems there aren't many options available right now.

So Heng Yi True Monarch simply nodded. "Very well then, let's go north and talk."

Xiao Chen was overjoyed upon hearing this, feeling that the matter was most likely to succeed.

Because the other party agreed so readily, it was tantamount to tacitly accepting the premise of "relaxing the exchange conditions" that I had just mentioned.

The two traveled together to the northern part of Hundred Herbs Island and found a secluded sea cliff.

Xiao Chen then got straight to the point. "I have something good on hand. Although it can't directly protect Jie's life, it can greatly improve one's ability to survive."

Its full name is the Black Abyss Blood Escape Evasion Talisman.

"I will not hide it from you, fellow Daoist, this talisman comes from an Ancient Demon Sect across the Compassion Sea."

"However, it has a great advantage: it is made with a sufficient amount of Essence Blood, so it does not need to be activated with Essence Blood when used."

"As long as true essence is injected to activate it, one can instantly escape to a place tens of thousands of miles away."

"Therefore, although this item cannot directly block enemy attacks, it can help one escape danger and shake off pursuers."

"If you're willing to relax your conditions, how about we exchange this item for it?"

Upon hearing this condition, Heng Yi True Monarch's heart stirred, and he became conflicted once again.

To be fair, Talisman have a limited lifespan and are prone to various unexpected problems.

For example, being suddenly attacked before you have a chance to activate it.

Or perhaps they encountered a treasure like the Void Crossing Hunting Boat, and were trapped in the great formation, unable to escape.

After all, he was different from Xiao Chen; he didn't have the Night's Edge to deal with these unexpected situations.

The problem is that while the Black Abyss Blood Escape Evasion Talisman does indeed help improve Survival Ability.

Moreover, Heng Yi True Monarch had been waiting for quite a while, but no one else came to him to make a deal.

If we don't accept this condition, I'm afraid we won't even be able to find something like this when we go back.

"This item sounds pretty good."

After hesitating for a while, Heng Yi True Monarch decided to try to negotiate the price. "However, even so, the two are not equal."

"If you're going to use this as an exchange, you'll need to give me at least three Black Abyss Blood Escape Evasion Talisman."

That's clearly too much.

Xiao Chen planned to keep two more for himself, but didn't intend to give away so many.

Therefore, he shook his head directly. "That won't do, just one."

"How about this, if you feel the price is unequal, I'm willing to use Spirit Stone to make up the difference."

Heng Yi True Monarch had originally thought that since three cards weren't enough, he could try asking for one more.

But after hesitating for a moment, he backed down. "One magic talisman will do, but I'll have to add another ten thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone."

Based on his observations, Xiao Chen wasn't the type to haggle.

Therefore, gradually testing the waters might backfire.

Heng Yi True Monarch was also a little worried that the deal might fall through, so he simply asked for a sum of Spirit Stone.

"No problem, then it's settled!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately agreed, first handing over the talisman, and then directly taking out ten thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone: "The Spirit Stone are here as well, please check them, fellow Daoist."

Heng Yi True Monarch accepted the talisman and carefully put it away.

Then he took out the Blazing Sun Stone, glanced at it with a hint of regret, and handed it over.

If he had enough time, he might be able to trade this magical item for something even better.

However, time is extremely limited for any cultivator.

In order to have some self-protection when entering the Inner Realm this time, the best choice is to agree to this deal.

Having successfully completed the deal, the two chatted casually for a few more minutes along the beach before turning back to the City Lord Manor.

There was actually more than one wave of trading today.

After the first meeting, we can return to continue with the second and third meetings if needed.

As long as there is enough time, and as long as there are still people willing to continue talking, it doesn't matter if it lasts for several more days; at least Huo Xinghuai doesn't mind at all.

Of course, in reality, there aren't that many deals that people can actually make.

Basically, by the second round, it was already the cultivators who had completed their transactions by Heng Yi True Monarch and then wanted to specifically supplement their supplies with Talisman and elixirs.

It was only noon, and everyone had already returned to the Long Pavilion.

It's clear that everyone's negotiations were very quick, and whether or not an agreement was reached, it didn't take much time.

This is quite normal, given that there was ample time to consider this Exchange Meet.

Even before today's discussions, most people had already considered their terms, which naturally made the negotiations much faster.

"Fellow Daoists have all returned, so I presume...?"

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Huo Xinghuai was about to say something to conclude the meeting.

Suddenly, a disciple rushed in to report, "Reporting to the city lord, a Fourth-Order Zen Master has arrived outside and says he is looking for someone."

Um?

Everyone present was surprised upon hearing this.

Many people turned to look at Huo Xinghuai —you actually invited Buddhist Sect monks?

Little did they know, Huo Xinghuai also a bit bewildered at this moment.

There are no Buddhist Temple in the Storm Sea.

There are very few Golden Body Arhat on ordinary days, and they are rarely seen most of the time. They have only become relatively more active in the last two years.

He certainly couldn't possibly know the Fourth-Order Zen Master, let alone invite him to the Exchange Meet.

However, since guests have come to the door, it's not appropriate to simply turn them away.

Huo Xinghuai first apologized to everyone present, then led his disciples out to greet them.

I'm going to check what's going on.

Before long, he returned to the Long Pavilion with a strange expression.

Behind them followed an old monk with a kind and benevolent face, wearing a moon-white kasaya and holding a purple-gold alms bowl.

"This is an envoy sent by the Great Universal Salvation Temple. He has come on the orders of the Kong Xing Bright King Edict to seek out Daoist Xiao."

Because Compassion Sea and Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven share the name Universal Salvation Temple, outsiders sometimes use Great Universal Salvation Temple to distinguish which of the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven is the one in the temple complex.

Huo Xinghuai explained the situation to everyone, then stepped back slightly.

His words startled everyone even more.

Whether or not they knew about Kong Xing Ming Wang before, everyone knew that in the Buddhist Sect, only fifth-level cultivators were called Bright King.

Many people turned to look at Xiao Chen.

Especially the two mysterious True Lord, who were looking around anxiously, their eyes darting about, their thoughts unknown.

"I have come on the orders of the Bright King to invite Layman Xiao to my Universal Salvation Temple for tea and to be my guest."

The old monk ignored the gazes of the crowd and focused only on Xiao Chen in the crowd. "The temple will bear all the costs of the World Breaking Stone required for the round trip."

"Please gather your belongings and come with me, layman."

Um?

Will the Kong Xing Ming Wang take the initiative to see me?

Xiao Chen was somewhat surprised upon hearing this, not understanding why the other party would specifically send someone to find him.

Normally, it would be extremely difficult for Nascent Soul True Lord to pay homage to a fifth-tier cultivator; they would usually be too lazy to even bother.

Such a proactive invitation, even with the willingness to bear the burden of the World Breaking Stone.

That cannot be described merely as rare; it is an absolutely unprecedented event, one that happens only once in a thousand years.

The problem is that besides eliminating the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect, I haven't done anything else significant lately.

Surely it can't be because of the Yin Corpse Sect, right?

Or is it possible that the Heavenly Sound Sect is actually related to Universal Salvation Temple?

Oh... that can't be, right?