Chapter 803 Golden Stone Firmness

Ji An bargained, “Three hundred and fifty top-grade Spirit Stones, if that’s acceptable, let’s make the deal.”

His Spirit Stones weren’t blown in by the wind, saving a bit wherever possible was essential.

“Haha,” Master Guangji laughed heartily twice, and said:

“Since you are an old customer, I’ll give you this face, let’s go with that price, I’ll instruct the maid to fetch the Jade Slip.”

Selling Jade Slips was a lucrative business with minimal cost, as the product was merely a duplicate that could be sold multiple times.

Ji An raised his hand to stop him:

“Hold on, does your place have any effective Defense Magic at the Golden Core Level?”

His hypothetical opponents were always late-stage Golden Core or Perfection Level enemies, and the defense provided by his Lifebound Magical Treasure was inadequate.

But his Lifebound Magical Treasure would improve with his Cultivation level, so there was no rush, but he had to use various Defense Magics to make up the gap.

“The Solid Gold Technique has an excellent defense effect, forming a truly formidable Defense Barrier.”

Ji An was speechless, “Last time, I followed your recommendation, and I’ve already purchased that Magic Technique.”

“Is that so?”

Master Guangji immediately felt a bit embarrassed, as the defense of the Solid Gold Technique was indeed strong, but the Magic Technique level had to be above Great Success to show effects.

It was very difficult to enhance this Magic Technique because it consumed a lot of Magical Power, and a Golden Core Middle Stage Cultivator could not release it more than ten times with full Magical Power before it was depleted.

He felt the other person was buying Defense Magic again because the Solid Gold Technique improved too slowly, feeling like a merchant accused of selling fake goods.

However, he wasn’t wrong at the time; as long as the Magic Technique level was high enough, the effect of the Solid Gold Technique was indeed powerful.

“There are several types of Defense Magic at the Golden Core Level, most of which are similar to the Solid Gold Technique in effect, but with less Defense Power. Thinking it over, the only one suitable for Daoist Friend remaining is Golden Stone Firmness, which is not a Mixed Magic but a purely Metal Element Technique. It forms a thin light film of Gold Element Spirit Light that fuses with the skin, possessing both flexibility and hardness, capable of resisting considerable damage. I don’t know how much Daoist Friend knows about low-level techniques, but this one has a cultivation threshold, requiring a profound understanding of the Mixed Gold Profound Armor Spell to cultivate. If Daoist Friend is willing to purchase, I can include the Mixed Gold Profound Armor Spell, which is a Chao Origin Stage Level Technique.”

He didn’t go on, for this Magic Technique was one of the most challenging Golden Core Level techniques to cultivate.

It was quite the coincidence; Ji An was slightly pleased, though he showed nothing on his face.

With pursed lips, his gaze showed hesitation, and he said:

“Sounds good, but I need to cultivate other techniques first, not sure how long it’ll take, time is precious.”

Master Guangji forced a smile, “With your understanding at the Golden Core Level, it won’t take many years to reach the cultivation threshold.”

His words were rather vague, because if the comprehension of the Metal Element wasn’t up to a certain level, it would take too much time.

He didn’t doubt the comprehension of Golden Core Cultivators, as the other person would certainly reach the threshold for cultivating Golden Stone Firmness, as it’s impossible to become a Golden Core Cultivator without meeting the baseline of comprehension.

Ji An silently pondered for a moment, feeling the timing was just right, he slowly scratched his head:

“How about five hundred top-grade Spirit Stones for three techniques?”

Master Guangji’s eyes gleamed with joy, but he firmly shook his head:

“Daoist Friend, you’re driving a hard bargain; this much makes Golden Stone Firmness worth only one hundred forty top-grade Spirit Stones. I am also including a Chao Origin Stage Magic Technique, how about adding a little more?”

“Daoist Friend is really not straightforward, I didn’t haggle over the two Attack Techniques, trying to be friends so I take care of your business in the future.”

Ji An didn’t budge, and finally got what he wanted.

Master Guangji walked out of the lounge, instructed the maid at the door:

“Go to the storeroom and bring the Jade Slips for Earth’s Fury, Heaven-Burning Li Fire, and Golden Stone Firmness.”

He turned back, and with a smile he said:

“Daoist Friend, do keep your word and frequent my humble shop.”

“Certainly,” Ji An’s eyes sparked with interest, and he said in a deep voice:

“Just now, I heard Daoist Friend mention the Taibai Spirit-Slaying Sword several times, could it be that your shop sells techniques at the Nascent Soul Level?”

He instinctively held his breath, awaiting the answer.

Master Guangji displayed a mysterious smile, and proudly said:

“As long as the price is right, nothing is an issue.”

“Haha,” Ji An shook his head in disbelief:

“What about Core Techniques for directly reaching the Nascent Soul Realm? Does your shop sell them too?”

“I’ve said, as long as the price is right, nothing is an issue. Of course, we do not have the core techniques of those Nascent Soul Sects.”

For once, Master Guangji was humble; if he dared to boast like this, the big shots behind the Wind Listening Pavilion would kill him.

“If I wanted to purchase the core technique of the Five Elements Sect, the Five Elements Reincarnation Scripture, can you obtain it?”

“Yes, the Five Elements Sect was once a first-class power in the Central Continent, though it has had its glory days, their mountain gate is broken, so selling their techniques poses no consequences. However, Nascent Soul Sects have jointly issued a ban, strictly prohibiting the circulation of Nascent Soul Level Core Techniques in the Cultivation Realm, so Daoist Friend should be prepared to pay a significant price.”

“What would it cost?”

“Tier Four Resources, a large quantity of Tier Four Resources.”

Ji An patted his forehead, “I was just asking, what would be the price for the Taibai Spirit-Slaying Sword?”

Not to mention he didn’t have Tier Four Resources, even if he had them, he wouldn’t dare bring them out.

For if the temptation is great enough, most people are willing to take risks, don’t overestimate the morals of others.

“Similarly, Tier Four resources are required, but much less compared to the resources needed for cultivation techniques.”

Ji An chuckled dryly, shaking his head.

Master Guangji maintained a smile, not feeling that the other party had the ability to produce Tier Four resources, but regarded him as a potential client for observation.

From fragmented conversations, it could be analyzed that the other party harbored an ambition to break through to the Nascent Soul Level.

First-tier cultivation techniques were beyond the other party’s budget, whereas those unconventional techniques that compromised potential were much cheaper. When pushed into a corner, the other party might be willing to accept them.

A maid carried two palm-sized jade trays and walked in, placing the trays on the desk and bowing before leaving.

Three Jade Slips lay quietly there, emitting silver, yellow, and reddish glows respectively.

Ji An laid out five hundred top-grade Spirit Stones. After Master Guangji counted them, he said:

“The count is correct, the transaction is complete. The key to the Jade Slip is the rotation path of the Object Control Technique.”

Ji An looked surprised, “So simple?!”

“It doesn’t have to be complicated. If I hadn’t told you, would you have known how to open it?”

“That’s true,” Ji An pressed the Jade Slip to his forehead, using his Divine Sense to check the contents within the Jade Slip.

With his current prowess in magic techniques, he could easily discern the authenticity of the content.

Although they had cooperated before, he didn’t believe the other party would sell fake goods, but necessary caution was appropriate.

After reviewing all three Jade Slips, he put them away, “I’m very satisfied with the items. If needed in the future, I’ll come to find you again.”

The two chatted casually for a moment, and Ji An bid farewell and left.

…

Landing at the entrance of the Certification Association, Ji An had just stepped into the hall when unexpectedly he encountered an old acquaintance.

“It’s been years, and you still look as radiant as ever, Daoist friend.”

Feiyun Zhenren covered her mouth, laughing, “How did I never notice before that your words are like honey?”

“Hehe, previously your regal presence was too overwhelming, making it hard for me to catch my breath.”

Ji An jokingly replied; Feiyun used to be the head of the Alchemy Department, often maintaining a very business-like demeanor, prompting Ji An to keep a certain distance.

“Nonsense, do I really project such an off-putting aura?”

Feiyun Zhenren raised her brow slightly and said:

“Daoist friend, I assume you have business at the association today, so I won’t hold up your affairs. By the way, I wanted to ask, is your Grotto Mansion still at Black Stone Mountain? I’ll visit you in a few days.”

Ji An nodded, “Yes, and your visit will be most welcome.”

“Then let’s say three days from now at 7:00 AM, is that convenient?”

“It is.”

Feiyun Zhenren nodded, “It’s a date, then, farewell for now.”

After saying that, she gracefully took her leave, and outside the hall, she soared into the sky like a butterfly.

As her figure disappeared from view, Ji An strode upstairs to find Master Lie Yang.

Over the years, their relationship was very harmonious, with Ji An handling most of the Treasure Flower Pill refining for the association. He had become quite adept at refining this Tier Three Upper Grade pill.

After some pleasantries, Ji An asked:

“Daoist friend, I’m planning to purchase pills to enhance my beast taming realm. The water attribute demon beast, Cyan Water Turtle, has undergone a mutation to have an ice attribute and now aims to advance to the Chao Origin Stage level. What do you recommend?”

The Golden Feathered Eagle had already advanced to the Chao Origin Stage, leaving only the Cyan Water Turtle lagging.

“You’re lucky, the Cyan Water Turtle’s mutation indicates a trace of Ice Chilong bloodline within its body.”

Ji An’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Is that true?”

Ice Chilong is of dragon lineage, and during his travels in the Far North, he encountered a master who raised Ice Chilong.

Of course, the master raised a dragon beast with a dilute bloodline, not a pure blood Ice Chilong.

It’s said that offspring of divine beasts like dragons and phoenixes possess the Chao Origin Stage’s power just upon birth, and even if they laze around, they can reach the Nascent Soul Level upon maturity.

“I wouldn’t deceive you; there’s no benefit to that. I heard this from a Daoist Monarch once.”

Master Lie Yang chuckled and pondered for a moment before saying:

“Are you planning to refine it yourself or buy it directly? If you want to refine it yourself, I’ll recommend the best pill.”

Ji An replied with a laugh, “A finished product would be best.”

If he refined pills suitable for the Cyan Water Turtle, he could only activate Pill Fire, unable to leverage the power of the Cyan Lotus Heart-Burning Fire.

Moreover, the Cyan Water Turtle had been nurtured for many years in the Gourd World, and its foundation was already ample, needing only a small push to break through.

Unlike human cultivators who undergo breakthrough differently, demon beasts focus solely on two points: bloodline purity and vital energy. The Cyan Water Turtle possessed both.

His four tamed beasts enjoyed treatment far superior to most cultivators.

“Just hold for a moment; I’ll send for it. The pill is named Gui Water Meridian Cleansing Pill, best at stimulating and enhancing the bloodline power of ice attribute demon beasts, increasing the Cyan Water Turtle’s defense power.”

Master Lie Yang suddenly laughed and added:

“Although whether the Cyan Water Turtle becomes stronger or not hardly matters, since as a Golden Core Cultivator, you wouldn’t rely on the Cyan Water Turtle against enemies.”

Turtle-type demon beasts are known for their slow growth, more suitable as legacy spirit beasts.