Chapter 108: The Five Elements Glazed Heart Lamp, The Five Elements Pure Yang Technique

Ten thousand low-grade spirit stones—for a cultivator at the bottom of the hierarchy, this could absolutely be considered a massive fortune. Many cultivators in the late stages of Qi Refining do not necessarily possess such a sum. Xue Tong, known as the "Insect King" and comparable to a seventh-level Qi Refining cultivator, had only possessed a little over a thousand low-grade spirit stones on his person. Zhou Changwang, however, was only at the fourth level of Qi Refining, yet he already possessed a net worth exceeding ten thousand... Finally, he felt a sense of security.

He soon arrived at the rogue cultivator market. Since Brother Xiu’s stall was located right at the corner of the street, the man spotted him immediately and called out. Zhou Changwang walked over, and a sound-dampening spell was cast.

Brother Xiu spoke bluntly, "After some time spent inquiring, I have no news regarding high-level Five Elements cultivation techniques. But there is a Five Elements spell that I believe you will be interested in."

"What spell?" Zhou Changwang asked, momentarily stunned.

He had actually expected that Brother Xiu would have no news regarding high-level Five Elements techniques. After all, the man’s connections and relationships were limited to the Fengmingwu Market; the fact that he had previously managed to dig up two leads on high-level techniques was already quite impressive. At this moment, he did not hold high hopes. As for the spell mentioned, truthfully, he was not very interested.

"Have you heard of the Honorable Guangyuan?" Brother Xiu continued.

"The Golden Core master, the Honorable Guangyuan?" Zhou Changwang looked at him in surprise and blurted out the question. He had heard of this name from Shen Xinyue, a direct disciple of the Shuiyun Sect. It was said that he was a Golden Core master who had created the "Guangyuan Heart Technique," which was also a high-level, if not top-tier, Five Elements cultivation method.

"It seems you have heard of him. This Honorable Guangyuan is far away in the Tianhe Region, at least eight thousand miles from our Lihuo Region. However, the Guangyuan Heart Technique he practices is absolutely a high-level, perhaps even top-tier, Five Elements cultivation method. Of course, I don't have the ability to contact him to obtain that technique. However, I once heard my mother mention that in his early days of rising to power, due to a scarcity of resources, this Honorable Guangyuan once sold a spell. It is rumored that this spell was one of the keys to his ability to reach the Foundation Establishment stage despite his Five Elements spiritual root aptitude. The spell is called the 'Five Elements Glazed Heart Lamp,' and it is a technique capable of refining one’s spiritual power and increasing a cultivator’s innate foundation."

"The Five Elements Glazed Heart Lamp?" Zhou Changwang’s interest was immediately piqued. He asked, "Who currently holds this spell?"

"I don't know who holds it. However, you must have heard that the Bai Family Trading Company holds an auction every three, five, and ten years. The next one is the five-year auction, which will be held in a month and a half. This Five Elements Glazed Heart Lamp is one of the lots for this auction."

After Tuoba Xiu finished speaking, as if aware of Zhou Changwang’s concerns, he added, "Of course, entering the auction requires an invitation from the Bai family. As it happens, I have obtained one. An invitation allows two people to enter. If you are interested, I can take you with me. It will only cost you one hundred low-grade spirit stones. Naturally, if you win any items, you will have to pay for them yourself."

He was, at his core, a businessman; everything had to be linked to spirit stones.

"I will consider it," Zhou Changwang said after a moment of silence.

He had naturally heard of the auctions organized by the Bai Family Trading Company. But the timing... with the six-month deadline approaching, he could not guarantee whether the conflict between the Bai and Chen families would erupt in a month and a half. If it did, the so-called auction would likely be canceled.

After parting ways with Brother Xiu, Zhou Changwang quickly found Fairy Luoxia. She was currently conversing with a man who was short and thin, looking quite ordinary. However, Zhou Changwang’s judgment, honed by his constant use of Clear Eye Spirit Liquid, was no longer what it once was; even without activating his Spirit Eye technique, he could discern much. This man was not simple.

A flash of the Spirit Eye technique—the perfected version was extremely stealthy, with no trace of mana fluctuations. His gaze fell upon the man, and the aura on his body was revealed: sixth-level Qi Refining, with a faint scent of blood. An assassin!

Suddenly, Zhou Changwang recalled the information he had gathered about Fairy Luoxia. He knew she was part of the Green Leaf Alliance and engaged in the business of contract killing. It was obvious that this man was one of their "assassins."

Soon, their conversation concluded, and the man turned to leave. As he passed Zhou Changwang, he merely glanced at him indifferently before departing. Zhou Changwang then approached Fairy Luoxia. Before he could speak, she beat him to it: "There is a result regarding the Five Elements cultivation technique."

"And?" Zhou Changwang asked urgently.

"The technique is called the 'Five Elements Pure Yang Manual,' and it is confirmed to be a top-tier cultivation method. However, it only includes the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment sections. The other party is asking for fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones. If you want it, I will contact them immediately to have it delivered. If not, the transaction can be dropped," Fairy Luoxia said directly.

"The Five Elements Pure Yang Manual? Fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones?" Zhou Changwang was pleased to hear it was a top-tier technique, but the price caused his expression to shift. Fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones were certainly expensive. The entire net worth of a ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator would likely be around that amount. Although he had ten thousand spirit stones, he was still five thousand short.

As for the fact that it only contained the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment sections, he found it normal and acceptable. If the Golden Core section were included, he estimated the price would not be as simple as fifteen thousand—it would be at least ten times that. Besides, he was currently only at the Qi Refining stage; the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment sections were enough. The Golden Core section? He would wait until he reached Foundation Establishment. Buying it now would be a waste.

After a moment of thought, he spoke: "If I decide to purchase it, how long will it take to arrive? Also, is there any room for a discount?"

"At the shortest, twenty days; at the longest, no more than a month. The jade slip for the Five Elements Pure Yang Manual is currently in my master's sect. I only need to send a message, and they will start transporting it. As for the price... if you are willing to join our alliance, I can authorize a ten-percent discount," Fairy Luoxia said, looking at Zhou Changwang.

"Your alliance?" Zhou Changwang asked, feigning confusion, though he knew she meant the Green Leaf Alliance. He had heard from another broker that Fairy Luoxia belonged to this organization. However, he knew nothing of the alliance's nature or power. He had been unwilling to pay the twenty spirit stones the broker asked for to learn more, but now that she was soliciting him, he needed to know.

"We belong to the Green Leaf Alliance. It is a loose alliance of rogue cultivators spanning three immortal regions. In nearly half of the markets and immortal cities in these regions, we have our people. With our exclusive token, you can enter our black market to accept tasks and exchange for cultivation resources. For a high-level Five Elements technique like the one you requested, if you post a bounty in our black market, someone in the alliance will immediately search for the information and accept the task. Moreover, in the black market, you can trade privately, bartering goods. You also don't need to worry about safety; we have personnel stationed there to suppress any trouble."

"Are there any restrictions?" Zhou Changwang frowned.

"No restrictions. The only requirement is that you must participate in completing one small alliance task per month; those tasks also offer rewards. You can also save them up: three small tasks make one medium task, and three medium tasks make one large task. If you complete a large task, you are exempt from alliance duties for a year and can freely enjoy the alliance's conveniences," Fairy Luoxia explained.

"One last question. Why recruit me?" Zhou Changwang asked seriously.

"Potential. Since you are already considering purchasing a top-tier Five Elements technique, you possess sufficient potential, regardless of whether you successfully break through to Foundation Establishment. I value that potential," she replied calmly.

"Potential?" Zhou Changwang gave her a deep look, unmoved by her words. "I will consider it. I will return in a month with an answer." He bowed and strode away.

"Green Leaf Alliance." On his way back, Zhou Changwang frowned. He would certainly not join until he had thoroughly investigated their origins. "I could ask Shen Xinyue about it."

He recalled the Shuiyun Sect disciple he had met before. She had a distinguished background, great strength, and was well-informed. She would surely know about the Green Leaf Alliance. Moreover, since the Five Elements Pure Yang Manual would arrive in half a month, he needed someone reliable to safeguard the transaction. He was only a fourth-level Qi Refining cultivator in the eyes of others. Although she had invited him to join, he knew that fifteen thousand spirit stones were a massive temptation—even he would be tempted, let alone others.

He needed someone with significant power and background to watch over the deal. Shen Xinyue was the only one who came to mind. Although they were mere acquaintances, perhaps because of Qian Xiaoyue, he trusted her to some extent. With her status as the owner of the Shuiyun Pavilion, fifteen thousand spirit stones should not be enough to tempt her.

"I just hope she is willing to help." With that thought, he turned toward the Shuiyun Pavilion.

At the pavilion, he first found Qian Xiaoyue. She walked out excitedly, smiling. "Fellow Daoist Zhou, you were looking for me?"

"Yes." Zhou Changwang took out a talisman and handed it over. "This is a Golden Light Shield Talisman I drew today. The quality is decent; keep it for your protection."

"A finished spiritual talisman? This is too expensive; I cannot accept it..." Qian Xiaoyue waved her hands, shocked.

"Take it. If you hadn't introduced me to Senior Shen last time, I wouldn't have sold my batch of Spirit Gathering Grass for such a high price." He insisted until she accepted it. After inquiring about her sister Lu Wei’er and the rogue cultivator Fang Shitong—learning that Lu Wei’er had distanced herself from him—he felt slightly more at ease. Moving away was not realistic; it required money and would only invite suspicion from Fang Shitong.

Zhou Changwang then requested to see Shen Xinyue. Qian Xiaoyue readily agreed. After waiting for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, he was invited into a guest room.

"Zhou Changwang greets Senior Shen," he said with a bow.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you are too polite. Actually, this time it was thanks to you. If not for the Spirit Gathering Grass you provided, the Shuiyun Pavilion would not have been able to refine so many Spirit Returning Pills. We made quite a profit. Our pavilion has also opened up new avenues and established contact with several herb shops. I should be the one thanking you!" Shen Xinyue poured him tea.

"Thank you, Senior." Zhou Changwang took a small sip. The tea was sweet and infused with spiritual energy. "Good tea!"

"It’s nothing special, just ordinary ten-year-old spirit tea leaves," she laughed, then asked, "Tell me, what brings you here?"

Zhou Changwang didn't feel awkward. "Senior, I have a request. I was inquiring about high-level Five Elements techniques, and I’ve received news. Someone supposedly obtained a top-tier Five Elements technique from the ruins of the Five Elements Hall, a branch of the Heavenly Spirit Sect three thousand miles away. They are willing to sell it for fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones. I am interested, but because it involves such a large sum, I need a senior to help oversee the transaction to be safe."

"I did look into high-level techniques for you, but I had no leads. As for a top-tier technique... I have heard of someone exploring the ruins of the Five Elements Hall. But that place is three thousand miles away. Who are you dealing with? Are you sure they can really sell you the technique?"

"She calls herself Fairy Luoxia and belongs to an organization called the Green Leaf Alliance. Does Senior know of them?"

"The Green Leaf Alliance? That is possible. The predecessor of the Green Leaf Alliance was the immortal sect, the Green Leaf Sect. It was destroyed in a great war a thousand years ago, and the remaining disciples formed this alliance. They have grown quite powerful, and aside from lacking top-tier combat strength, they are almost on par with a sect. If it is them, they might indeed be able to transport the technique. Since it involves fifteen thousand spirit stones, I will accompany you to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Shen Xinyue, as a direct disciple of the Shuiyun Sect, was well-informed and explained the origins of the alliance. She agreed to accompany him, which filled Zhou Changwang with gratitude. He hadn't expected much, as they weren't close.

"One more thing, Senior. Fairy Luoxia has invited me to join the Green Leaf Alliance. What is your opinion on it?"

"That is for you to decide. It is a loose alliance. Joining does not prevent you from entering major sects; many sect disciples are part of it—excluding direct disciples, who must take sect oaths. Many join for the resources and heritage. It is said that you can leave whenever you wish; you simply destroy your identity token, and the alliance considers you withdrawn. That is how a group started by a few Foundation Establishment masters grew into a massive power with seven Golden Core masters."

"I see." Zhou Changwang was tempted. However, he would wait until after the transaction. If it went smoothly, he wouldn't mind joining.

After bidding farewell to Shen Xinyue, Zhou Changwang went to the front of the Shuiyun Pavilion. A female attendant recognized him and nodded. He stopped and asked, "Do you have the Annual Ring Technique?"

"The spirit plant spell? We certainly do."

"Give me a copy, along with three bottles of Clear Eye Spirit Liquid and one bottle of Spirit Eye Gold Liquid."

Although he was saving his spirit stones for the cultivation technique, these items were essential for his eyes and his work as a spirit planter. He wouldn't skimp on things that would improve his efficiency. The Annual Ring Technique was vital for accelerating plant growth; he needed it to mature his Spirit Gathering Grass within a month to earn the necessary spirit stones.

Moreover, he needed to give a gift to Shen Xinyue for her help. She seemed to enjoy tea, and he had planted a second-grade low-level spirit tea tree, the Red Leaf Spirit Tea Tree. If he practiced the Annual Ring Technique diligently, he might be able to mature it into a hundred-year-old tea tree within a month. A gift of tea from a hundred-year-old tree would certainly be appropriate.

The attendant brought the items, and Zhou Changwang paid six hundred low-grade spirit stones. The Clear Eye Spirit Liquid was fifty each (150 total), the Spirit Eye Gold Liquid was three hundred, and the Annual Ring Technique was one hundred and fifty. It was a fair price.