Starry Sky Professional Directory 147
Chapter 147: The Vajra Fruit (Making up for overdue updates 2)
Bei Li Immortal City.
This immortal city stands at the border of Qi and Zheng states, its walls towering and vast, like a giant dragon lying down.
Various talismans are engraved on the bricks of the city walls, each emitting a different glow.
The city guards enforcing the law wear spirit armor, each possessing profound cultivation.
Even at intervals along the city walls, large cannon barrels can be seen on the battlements.
These are large-scale war artifacts, powered by spirit stones, and are said to be able to unleash a strike comparable to that of a Nascent Soul cultivator!
In addition, the entire city is shrouded in a layer of white mist.
From afar, it looks like an upside-down bowl made of white jade.
“Bei Li Immortal City, it truly lives up to its name as an immortal city with a genuine Nascent Soul cultivator residing within… It’s said to have a history spanning generations, clearly not comparable to Zi Yuan Mountain City…”
Compared to Bei Li Immortal City, Zi Yuan Mountain City is like a huge makeshift stage.
Fang Xing landed his sword light, retracting the Wind and Snow Sword.
His main body smiled slightly, following behind his cultivator clone, appearing like a mere martial artist servant.
When the two entered the immortal city, they weren’t even charged an entrance fee!
‘Bei Li Immortal City is truly magnanimous. You know, the entrance fee to Zi Yuan Immortal City is a considerable sum… Are they trying to stimulate tourist flow and develop commerce?’
Fang Xing observed all this, secretly sighing to himself.
Just then, a commotion erupted ahead, accompanied by fluctuations of magical power.
“He won again!”
“Jade Sword Child, worthy of being an inner disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he’s already won ten consecutive matches, hasn’t he?”
…
Walking forward, he saw a huge square, and on the square, there was an arena.
Two Foundation Establishment cultivators were engaged in a magical battle there.
“What happened here?”
Fang Xing casually grabbed a Qi Condensation cultivator and asked.
The Qi Condensation cultivator initially wore a slightly impatient expression, but upon sensing the Foundation Establishment pressure emanating from Fang Xing, he immediately put on a smiling face: “Senior, you don’t know… This is our Bei Li Immortal City’s dueling platform. If cultivators have a conflict, as long as it’s notarized by the law enforcement cultivators, they can settle it on this platform, a fight to the death… Besides, any private fighting within the immortal city is illegal… Normally, under the large formation’s cover, even Foundation Establishment cultivators can’t fly…”
“So that’s how it is…”
Fang Xing nodded.
“Judging by your accent, Senior doesn’t seem to be from Qi State?”
The Qi Condensation cultivator’s eyes twinkled, his face plastered with a smile: “This dueling platform was promoted by the Heavenly Sword Sect, and is now popular in major immortal cities and markets in Qi State. If a cultivator wins consecutive matches, they will receive widespread respect and recruitment… It’s said that in ‘Heavenly Sword City,’ under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Sword Sect, there are ten real dueling platforms… If a sword cultivator performs well in duels, they might be accepted into the Heavenly Sword Sect… The Heavenly Sword Sect venerates swords; sometimes, even inner disciples and true transmission sword disciples will participate, and dying on the dueling platform is not a cause for resentment, nor will they seek revenge… There’s also a rumor that if you can kill a true transmission sword disciple on the dueling platform, the Heavenly Sword Sect will definitely accept you, and you’ll become a true transmission disciple upon entry!”
‘They sound like a bunch of sword fanatics…’
Fang Xing looked at the dueling platform and saw a young man in a white robe, his features unremarkable, except for a pair of eyes as sharp as swords.
In his hand, he held a jade-like spirit sword!
‘Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, are they fond of traveling and dueling?’
Just then, another Foundation Establishment cultivator, cultivating earth-attribute magical techniques, stepped onto the platform.
With a loud shout, huge rocks appeared out of thin air, firmly protecting him.
Seeing this, Jade Sword Child showed a disdainful smile. On his jade-like flying sword, a burst of sword light suddenly erupted!
No!
That light was even more fierce and sharp than sword light…
“It’s sword qi! Refined sword into qi!”
“This Jade Sword Child is probably among the top in the Heavenly Sword Sect’s inner disciples and is qualified to compete for the position of true transmission sword disciple…”
The surrounding casual cultivators exclaimed in amazement.
Fang Xing saw Jade Sword Child unleash a sword, the jade-like sword qi destroying everything in its path, shattering several rocks and sending the Foundation Establishment cultivator who relied on defense off the platform.
“Not bad…”
He nodded and turned to leave.
This transaction was extremely important, and his main body had been here all along to provide support.
The information obtained from Zi Yuan Zhenren was crucial, and Fang Xing decided to act quickly and decisively.
“Wait, Senior!”
The Qi Condensation cultivator, seeing Fang Xing about to leave, quickly spoke: “I am from the Lu family of Cuiyun Lake. My Lu family is eager to find talented individuals. If Senior doesn’t have a place to stay, please come to my house…”
“Cuiyun Lake Lu family, I understand.”
Fang Xing nodded and turned to leave, knowing in his heart that the Lu family must have encountered some trouble they couldn’t solve, hence their indiscriminate approach to recruiting high-level cultivators.
Unless there were significant benefits, he was a fool to seek trouble.
…
“Heavenly Jade Pavilion?”
Before a magnificent and vast pavilion, carved like beautiful jade.
Fang Xing stopped: “This should be the place, right? According to Zi Yuan Zhenren, that Vajra Fruit is in the hands of the master of Heavenly Jade Pavilion—Heavenly Universe Zhenren.”
Bei Li Immortal City had tremendous power; there might be more than one Nascent Soul cultivator.
Furthermore, it was guarded by four False Nascent Soul cultivators.
Heavenly Universe Zhenren was one of them, reputed for his expertise in mechanisms, puppets, and other miscellaneous studies, and he presided over the auction house.
When Zi Yuan Zhenren was traveling abroad, he once participated in a private exchange meeting hosted by Heavenly Universe Zhenren and had seen Heavenly Universe Zhenren display the Vajra Fruit, but unfortunately, it didn’t sell.
Because he needed to trade with a False Nascent Soul cultivator, his cultivator clone’s early Foundation Establishment cultivation was simply not enough. Therefore, Fang Xing’s main body came.
“Senior…”
A young servant came out from Heavenly Jade Pavilion and bowed to Fang Xing: “May I ask what brings you here?”
“I wish to see Heavenly Universe Zhenren.”
Fang Xing took out a token.
This token was entirely purple, bearing the character ‘Yuan,’ a credential given by Zi Yuan Zhenren.
Otherwise, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator seeking an audience with a False Nascent Soul cultivator, while not impossible, would require an unknown wait.
“I’ll go report it.”
The servant took the purple token and immediately returned to the Jade Pavilion.
After a moment, he came out and bowed: “My master has just left seclusion… Please, guest, proceed to the Jade Shard Hall.”
When Fang Xing entered the Jade Shard Hall, he saw a white-haired young man sitting in the main seat.
His appearance was handsome, his white hair scattered in the wind. He suddenly gestured.
The young servant’s bones crackled, shrinking continuously, transforming into a jade boy puppet, which the other party took into his sleeve.
“Haha… Fellow Daoist, greetings. How is my puppet technique? Is it still presentable?”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren laughed heartily but didn’t look at the cultivator clone, his gaze fixed on the main body behind the clone, resembling a martial artist servant.
“Oh?”
Fang Xing’s main body laughed heartily and strode forward: “Why does Fellow Daoist think this trip is led by me, Fang?”
He suspected that Zi Yuan Zhenren had tampered with the token, but thought it unlikely.
“I’ve cultivated a secret technique that allows me to perceive killing intent with great acuity…”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren’s gaze towards Fang Xing was full of apprehension: “Fellow Daoist’s concealment technique is truly extraordinary…”
‘Could it be… Did he sense that I recently killed a False Nascent Soul cultivator?’
‘There are many extraordinary techniques and secret arts in the cultivation world; one can easily fall prey to them…’
Fang Xing secretly warned himself, but a smile appeared on his face: “A mere trifling skill, not worth mentioning.”
“To possess such killing intent, and yet be on equal terms with Zi Yuan Zhenren… Fellow Daoist is truly hiding your depth. I wonder what brings you here?”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren curiously inquired.
“I heard from Zi Yuan Zhenren that you have a Vajra Fruit and are planning to sell it?”
Fang Xing frankly stated his purpose.
“Vajra Fruit, so Fellow Daoist is a body cultivator!” A look of enlightenment appeared on Heavenly Universe Zhenren’s face.
This type of body refinement spirit treasure is too high-level; it doesn’t hold much appeal for spirit cultivators.
Those attracted to it are all high-level body cultivators!
“How many spirit stones are you asking for, Fellow Daoist?” Fang Xing remained noncommittal and instead asked.
A Foundation Establishment Pill costs about 30,000 spirit stones.
But for third-order spirit treasures, a tenfold increase in value is common.
Fortunately, he had recently made a killing and received Zi Yuan Zhenren’s payment for his life, so he had enough spirit stones.
“For us high-level cultivators, spirit stones are no longer that useful… unless they’re top-grade spirit stones.”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren smiled: “But if Fellow Daoist truly desires it, I can give you a discounted price—100,000 spirit stones!”
“So cheap?”
Now it was Fang Xing’s turn to be somewhat doubtful.
“Of course, there’s a small additional condition: I want your concealment technique!”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren laughed: “I’ve always been interested in these miscellaneous techniques and secret arts.”
In fact, he managed the auction house and had cultivated several spirit eye techniques and pupil techniques.
But after secretly investigating several times, he concluded that Fang Xing was merely a mortal, but his Qi and Blood power and physique were incredibly strong, making him even more curious about this nonexistent ‘concealment technique’.
‘Concealment technique? I don’t have any concealment technique!’
Fang Xing rolled his eyes inwardly but outwardly changed his expression dramatically: “This is a secret transmission from my master’s sect and I have sworn a profound oath not to reveal it!”
“What a pity.”
The regret on Heavenly Universe Zhenren’s face seemed genuine: “Fellow Daoist can conceal their magical power fluctuations to the point of being almost nonexistent. It’s truly extraordinary… If you go to the wild lands to hunt, even third-order demonic kings would have difficulty reacting… It’s excellent for gathering precious spirit herbs or taking advantage of the opportunity to kill demonic beasts.”
“What exactly are you trying to say, Zhenren?”
Fang Xing frowned.
“Then, let’s change the additional condition: how about you do something for me?”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren smiled: “There’s something in the wild lands that I’ve been thinking about, and I think only a body cultivator like you who’s mastered this concealment technique can do it…”
“Wild lands? I heard that recently, the Myriad Beasts Sect, following the example of Qingxuan Sect, is opening a market and there are also rumors of secret realms…”
Fang Xing thought thoughtfully, and seeing Heavenly Universe Zhenren’s changing expression, he knew he had guessed correctly.
He shook his head: “I have no intention of taking risks. If you don’t want to sell the Vajra Fruit, then forget it…”
Fang Xing turned around, taking his cultivator clone, preparing to leave.
If this didn’t work, he could think of other ways next time.
If all else failed, he could also inquire about Heavenly Universe Zhenren’s reputation. If he wasn’t a righteous gentleman, then he would find an opportunity to kill him.
“Wait!”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren, watching Fang Xing’s back as he was about to leave the gate, spoke helplessly: “Forget it, let’s consider this making a friend with you. 300,000 low-grade spirit stones, not a single one less!”
For a Zhenren, while he wasn’t too keen on accepting spirit stones, he could accept them if it came to a spirit stone transaction.
Not to mention that high-grade spirit stones can be used for quick recovery of magical power, and a large number of spirit stones can also be used as a general equivalent in auctions.
Moreover, most high-level cultivators have disciples, and even their own forces… These all require a large amount of spirit stones to maintain.
Heavenly Universe Zhenren had wanted to sell the Vajra Fruit earlier because it was indeed useless to him.
Even more embarrassing was that it was the same for other False Nascent Soul cultivators.
Of course, this kind of spirit treasure wouldn’t remain unsold; as a last resort, it could be sent to auction.
For high-level cultivators, precious spirit treasures are more valuable than spirit stones.
However, Heavenly Universe Zhenren decided to sell a favor; he might need this high-level body cultivator later.
“Fellow Daoist is straightforward!”
Fang Xing turned around, nodded, and took out thirty high-grade spirit stones from his storage bag.
This was clearly an overpayment.
Heavenly Universe Zhenren patted his snow-white storage bag at his waist, and a jade box appeared, instantly transforming into light and flying out.
Bang!
Fang Xing’s palm emitted a layer of golden light, steadily catching the jade box. The jade floor beneath seemed to make a crisp sound, yet there was no crack at all.
He knew this was Heavenly Universe Zhenren’s final test, and unconcernedly opened the jade box, revealing a fist-sized white fruit inside, with golden lines on its surface.
“It’s indeed the Vajra Fruit!”
A satisfied expression appeared on Fang Xing’s face: “Thank you, Fellow Daoist.”
“Fellow Daoist even used high-grade spirit stones for the transaction, you’re a straightforward person.”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren laughed heartily: “If I want to find you later, how should I contact you?”
Fang Xing pointed at the cultivator clone: “This junior of mine admires the prosperity of Bei Li Immortal City and plans to stay here to cultivate for a while… With your abilities, Fellow Daoist, finding him will be easy.”
“Agreed!” Heavenly Universe Zhenren slowly nodded.
…
After Fang Xing and the others left, Heavenly Universe Zhenren gently stroked the jade ring on his hand.
A formation appeared, completely enveloping Heavenly Jade Pavilion.
After pondering for a moment, he took out a mirror from his bosom.
This mirror was entirely white like jade, with a strange beast-shaped figure on the back.
As Heavenly Universe Zhenren infused it with a magical power, the mirror surface blurred, then a figure appeared.
“Heavenly Universe Zhenren…”
The figure in the mirror had a hoarse voice.
“I just found a quasi-third-order body cultivator… I’ve already given him the Vajra Fruit, and he might be able to advance to a true third-order body cultivator…”
Heavenly Universe Zhenren spoke.
“Oh?” The figure was somewhat surprised: “Excellent, excellent… If that person truly succeeds, our grand plan will have a better chance of success. Who is that person?”
“He claims his surname is Fang. He should be a casual cultivator. I’ll keep an eye on him… What about the Myriad Laws Secret Realm?” Heavenly Universe Zhenren asked.
“Old Ghost is afraid of death and only sent Foundation Establishment cultivators to explore, the progress is slow… But we will push him.”
The figure let out a hoarse laugh: “This wild land has been too peaceful… The Heavenly Sword Sect’s position as the overlord should also be shaken.”
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