Time slowly passed, and Liu Changxu's discourse on the Dao finally drew to a close. The instant his voice stopped, the swirling sword qi formed by the mingling and surging of their auras lost the power sustaining it. In moments, it faded into nothing like wisps of smoke.
Within the Grand Hall, the cultivators remained immersed in the lingering resonance of the profound Great Dao of the Sword. They sat in silence, pondering inwardly and earnestly contemplating the essence of the sword Liu Changxu had conveyed. Everything around them seemed to have fallen still, leaving only the mysteries of the Great Dao of the Sword shining brightly in their hearts.
Tuo Ba Tao was the first to emerge from his contemplation. Paying no heed to the other cultivators still absorbed in quiet reflection, he bowed to Liu Changxu and said in a clear voice:
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Liu, for such a magnificent discourse. We have all gained a great deal! Next comes the treasure exchange everyone has been looking forward to. If any of you have eighth-tier spirit treasures you do not need, feel free to bring them out and exchange them for something you desire.
"Of course, if you urgently need something, you may also speak openly and ask to purchase it from those present. I shall begin by casting out a brick to draw forth jade."
As he spoke, spiritual light flashed across the jade table before him, and five rare treasures suddenly appeared, wreathed in radiant light and myriad auspicious colors. Their dazzling spiritual radiance instantly illuminated the spacious Grand Hall, leaving the cultivators itching to acquire them.
Among the five treasures, a green crystal no larger than a fist caught Liu Changxu's eye the moment it appeared.
Small though the crystal was, its pure, rich