Insect-Dung Spirit Stones

The Lone Pavilion Master sipped his tea, his claw-like fingers slipping inside his sleeve and giving it a gentle shake.

A dozen or so golden pebbles, like grains of gold dust, landed on the table, immediately attracting Fang Shu's attention.

"Indeed, there were traces of Gold-Seeking Insect in the mine belonging to the man surnamed Cao. This is the excrement produced by the Gold-Seeking Insect; it is the color of gold dust and smells like rust. It can be taken as medicine to cure lung swelling and throat ailments."

The old woman spoke slowly and deliberately, which deepened the anticipation in Fang Shu's eyes.

But after a pause, the other person suddenly changed their tone and sneered:

"However, I am not easily fooled. As soon as I saw this, I knew that someone had obtained these Gold-Seeking Insect droppings from somewhere and placed them in the mine as a decoy to deceive those who are not good at seeing."

They only knew that this substance was the excrement of Gold-Seeking Insect, but they didn't know that the Gold-Seeking Insect' excrement was deposited on rock walls, resembling mineral veins, rather than falling onto rocks like rat droppings.

Fang Shu listened intently, his expression changing slightly. He exhaled and spoke:

"Master, do you mean that the man surnamed Cao really wanted to trick me into entering the mine to do wicked things, and that there was no precious medicine to be found there?"

Upon hearing this, the Lone Pavilion Master pondered for a moment and then said:

"There's definitely no precious medicine. But whether he has ulterior motives or not, perhaps he does, perhaps he doesn't. Maybe it's just that guy's men showing off and trying to claim credit."

After all, while Gold-Seeking Insect are rare and precious, their excrement is occasionally sold as gold dust on the market. If you're lucky, you can buy some for very little money.

But the next moment...

The Lone Pavilion Master's ambiguous smile reappeared on her face. With another flick of her sleeve, three Spirit Stone landed on the table with a clang, their spiritual light shimmering.

The old woman chuckled softly:

"But why bother with the truth? Since the matter of Gold-Seeking Insect was fabricated, it just means that the man surnamed Cao doesn't know the rules."

She gestured with her eyes to the Spirit Stone on the table. "Take them."

That fellow was clever enough to know the marks were fake, so he immediately took out three Spirit Stone as an apology, saying that he hadn't properly entertained the uncle and nephew last time.

"Considering that this was his first offense, and that you ultimately didn't fall into the trap, I'll accept this apology on your behalf."

Fang Shu suddenly realized.

With these three Spirit Stones, the mine owner surnamed Cao essentially returned twice the amount of Spirit Stone that his second uncle Yu Le, had given him for his ransom.

However, he showed no intention of reaching out to take the Spirit Stone, and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:

"Thank you for your trouble, Master. It is already a blessing that you would listen to my words and make a trip out of your home. How could I possibly accept this gift?"

As a result, the Lone Pavilion Master drank directly:

"Why are you being so fussy! What I've taken out, I haven't taken back."

The item is right here. If you don't take it and someone else picks it up, that's your problem.

Seeing Fang Shu, Fang Shu showed a hint of shame on his face and said, "I dare not refuse such a gift from an elder."

He then stepped forward and put the three Spirit Stones on the table into his pocket. After hesitating for a moment, he also wrapped the excrement of the Gold-Seeking Insect in a talisman and put it into his sleeve pocket.

With a few Spirit Stone in his pocket, Fang Shu was able to alleviate his recent Fang Shu.

Perhaps the Lone Pavilion Master did this intentionally, trying to find a way to help him out financially.

Fang Shu had accepted the Spirit Stone, the Lone Pavilion Master showed a satisfied expression.

She said indifferently:

"That's more like it. It's just a few Spirit Stone, don't be so short-sighted, no need to take it too seriously."

The reason I handled this matter so leniently and didn't make exorbitant demands is that I'm waiting until you've overcome your second tribulation. Then you can go there yourself, cause trouble for that man surnamed Cao, and extort some money from him."

These words caused Fang Shu to have a strange expression, but he also keenly grasped the hidden meaning in the other person's words.

After asking around, Fang Shu immediately learned that the mine owner surnamed Cao was only at the second level of the Refining Essence.

According to the Lone Pavilion Master, the other party was obviously under the influence of drugs; his breathing was unstable, and at most he might have some ruthless moves, but they were all unorthodox.

That's why the Lone Pavilion Master said that if Fang Shu survived the second tribulation, he could go and cause trouble for the other party on his own.

In addition, the Lone Pavilion Master also gave a brief introduction to the situation inside the lead -Lead Mountain Mine during his conversation.

"The Lead Mountain Mine has been mined for over 60 years, with crisscrossing underground veins and numerous mine shafts."

However, as long as you pay attention to the points I just mentioned, you'll be fine when you try to extort money from me in the future.

Fang Shu nodded and said happily, "Yes, Master."

The Lone Pavilion Master casually took a sip of tea and nodded.

Little did she know that Fang Shu had overheard the information she provided and was even happier than receiving a few Spirit Stone that could solve his immediate crisis.

Of course, Fang Shu could only keep this joy hidden in his heart.

Because what delighted him was precisely the precious medicine depicted on Cheng the Jar's treasure map:

"My master is no stranger; he wouldn't lie to me."

It seems that even if I'm alone, with proper preparation, I can easily venture into the mine to investigate. I just wonder how much of that "Purple Lead Mica Milk" has accumulated...

Then, the master and apprentice talked for a while.

Fang Shu saw the Lone Pavilion Master tap the lid of his teacup and realized he could leave.

He then bowed respectfully and prepared to leave.

But just then, the Lone Pavilion Master suddenly took out another object from his sleeve.

Fang Shu found this object very familiar; it was square and neat, and it was indeed the name card of the Lone Pavilion Master.

The other party handed over the calling card and instructed:

"Hey, after practicing for three or four months, I see you've even mastered the Marrow Refinement Chapter Insect Method. Your comprehension is indeed quite good. Since you have the energy, why not also practice the Lead Method from the Scorched-Tail Hall? One is the main method, the other the supplementary, complementing each other perfectly."

This is my visiting card. Take it with you again and ask the Scorched-Tail Hall to show you the Lead Method from the Marrow Refinement Chapter.

The Lone Pavilion Master pondered for a moment, then added:

"By the way, if I remember correctly, the <Lead-Mercury Blood-Treasure Artifact-Seeding Secret Method> also involves the cultivation of a natal artifact embryo, but I don't know whether it exists in the Marrow Refinement Chapter or the Fat Refinement Chapter."

You kid, remember to compare and study the method for refining that natal artifact embryo with the booklet Fang Lu gave you.

Both of these are used to refine one's natal essence, and the Gu worms of a Gu master are essentially the same as the Law Artifact of ordinary Immortal cultivator. The principles are the same, so studying them more will be beneficial and harmless.

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Master!" Fang Shu bowed and expressed his gratitude.

After saying this, the Lone Pavilion Master pointed outside the council hall without even raising his eyelids.

Fang Shu didn't bother him any further. After bowing repeatedly, he respectfully took his leave.

Just left the council chamber.

Fang Shu looked up in surprise.

Suddenly, he saw more than ten pairs of eyes outside the hall staring at him, making him feel as if there were flowers on his face.

When they could clearly see the fervent, fawning looks in the eyes of the disciples outside the hall, and Li Hou'er being surrounded by several people in the middle, they realized that...

Fang Shu then realized that he himself had become a "rare commodity" and a "good thing to be associated with."

However, he has just obtained a new book on Gu poison and also needs to borrow the Lead Method, so he doesn't have time to engage in pretense with these people.

Fang Shu simply greeted Li Hou'er and then hurried towards his residence.

Watching Fang Shu's dashing departing figure, the disciples' expressions varied, but most were now full of admiration:

"What a diligent ascetic!"

Qin Min left, and Fang Shu also left.

Furthermore, the Lone Pavilion Master of the council chamber did not call anyone in again.

After a few sighs, the disciples outside the hall could only gradually disperse.

Although the people had dispersed, the discussions about Qin Min and Fang Shu in the inner courtyard remained very heated.