Chapter 254: Chapter 253 Admitting Defeat (For book-reading and debt-paying leader He!)_1
"Are there traces of late-stage Foundation Establishment Ghost Cultivators outside Maple Leaf Island and Golden Turtle Island?"
"An ambush was laid for the reinforcements of Ling Kong Island?"
At Dragon Fish Island, looking over the latest news, Fang Xi shook his head, "Just as I expected... not all Ghost Cultivators lack intelligence, they’ve started to use their wits now."
However, possessing wisdom means weighing pros and cons.
Seeing that my side possesses third-tier Talismans as a foundation, they should quiet down for a while.
Moreover, this is also a message sent out to the outside world.
Fang Xi stood atop the Evergreen Pavilion, looking at the bustling and noisy Dragon Fish Island, a cold smile emerging on his lips.
If he believed that there were no eyes and ears of powers like Mysterious Heaven Sect on his island, he would be incredibly naive.
However, it was a good opportunity to spread the news that he had become a third-tier Talisman Master.
It could also show his worth and have people woo him, instead of being hostile towards him all the time.
’A third-tier Talisman Master’s status in the Cultivation World is roughly comparable to that of a Master Jia Dan, but a third-tier pill or talisman forging master is probably on par with a Master Golden Core... If one is a third-tier Array Master, their status should even surpass that of an ordinary early-stage Core Formation Cultivator.’
’If I were to reveal my identity as a third-tier Array Master, that would truly shock the world...’
’But now, just showing off my third-tier Talisman skills shouldn’t be a big problem...’
In fact, Fang Xi believed his talent in talisman making was only at a quasi-third-tier level, but it was the powerful Treasure Patterns that allowed the Talismans he made to possess third-tier power.
But outsiders don’t know that...
Therefore, being treated as a third-tier Talisman Master is not so far-fetched at all.
...
Several months later, a low-profile Escape Light approached Dragon Fish Island from outside, looking at the mist emitted by the Profound Wood Formation with a trace of solemnity on his face.
"Unexpectedly... even shallow waters can harbor a Flood Dragon, it seems this person is becoming influential."
The Escape Light receded, and from it emerged a thin and shriveled old Taoist, clad in black robes.
This old Taoist had a goat beard, small eyes, and hair half-black, half-white, carelessly bunned into a Taoist knot, with features that looked quite shrewd.
He observed for a moment before taking out a Voice Transmission Talisman from his sleeve and sending it into the Array.
Before long, within the mist, a luminous pathway formed, and a blue-robed Cultivator riding a dragon approached, emitting a hearty laughter, "What merit or ability does Fang Xi have to warrant a personal visit from the Sect Leader of Mysterious Heaven Sect?!"
"Island Master Fang, I am ’Xuan Xuanzi,’ and I greet you respectfully!"
Xuan Xuanzi, the old Taoist, performed a salutation.
"How do I remember that the sect leader of Mysterious Heaven... seemed..."
A look of hesitation appeared on Fang Xi’s face.
"Previously, Brother Qiao was ambushed by the Green Wood Sect and Demon Cultivators and unfortunately fell. I am temporarily filling the position of sect leader," replied Xuan Xuanzi, taking out a Mysterious Heaven Seal Token with great care, "If you have any doubts, Sir, please look at this object!"
Fang Xi released his Divine Consciousness and saw that the seal token, shaped like a small mountain and carved with the Ancient Seal Script characters ’Mysterious Heaven,’ pulsed with spiritual light, appearing to be an Exotic Treasure.
"Indeed... the Mysterious Heaven Seal Token is in the hands of Sir Xuan Xuanzi, your identity is beyond doubt."
Fang Xi smiled warmly, as if he was quite familiar with this seal token.
In fact, it was indeed so; the leadership token of Mysterious Heaven Sect was of no small importance. With this seal token, one could fully mobilize any Foundation Establishment power in Yue Country!
He gestured for Xuan Xuanzi to follow, flying into the Array first.
Xuan Xuanzi secured the Exotic Treasure seal token and followed into the midst of the mist, clicking his tongue in amazement, "This old man’s eyesight fails him... this must be a second-tier high-grade ’Profound Wood Formation,’ with some modifications. Sir, could it be that you are also a second-tier high-grade Array Master?"
"It was only a friend that helped with the modifications..." Fang Xi responded vaguely, leading Xuan Xuanzi to the Evergreen Pavilion. After waving away all the maidservants, the two assumed their respective places as guest and host.
"May I ask what matter brings the sect leader here?" Fang Xi sipped his Spiritual Tea, feigning ignorance with his question.
"Ah... I’ve been informed by Junior Brother Kuang that there was some misunderstanding with you last time; I’ve come to clear up any confusion... I’ve long heard of the great reputation of Dragon Fish Island and not visiting before was rude of me..."
Although Xuan Xuanzi was the leader of a Golden Core Sect, he was not an overbearing character; his manner was welcoming and pleasant.
"Not at all, not at all, it was just a small misunderstanding last time..."
Fang Xi agreed with a few words, and soon the two tacitly moved on from the topic of Yuan Feihong.
"Ah... my Brother Qiao, his death was truly tragic..."
Xuan Xuanzi savored a piece of Spirit Fruit then continued, filled with righteous indignation, "The Green Wood Sect dared to conspire with Demon Cultivators to kill my Mysterious Heaven Sect Leader, this enmity cannot be shared under the same sky!"
’Your sect leader got ambushed and killed... It looks like you’re indeed at a disadvantage in the war.’ Fang Xi mused silently to himself, not saying much, quietly waiting for Xuan Xuanzi’s next words.
"May I ask, Island Master, are you willing to join Mysterious Heaven Sect?"
Valuing solid benefits over empty reputation, Xuan Xuanzi still wanted to recruit Fang Xi; after all, gaining several late-stage Foundation Establishment combatants could effectively help turn the tide of battle, even deciding the outcome of certain battle regions!
Before Fang Xi could respond, Xuan Xuanzi continued, "Within Mysterious Heaven Sect, we have countless cultivation methods and Secret Skills, not to mention various rare resources... and even guidance from Elder Zhang himself! It’s beneficial for reaching Core Formation as well."
"Oh?"
Fang Xi’s eyes lit up, seemingly intrigued.
But in reality, he was completely self-sufficient and had no intention of leaving Dragon Fish Island; he planned to stay on the island until he reached Core Formation.
However, he was aware that the temptation Xuan Xuanzi offered was something not all Foundation Establishment cultivators could resist.
After all, within the entire Cultivation World of the three countries, there were only a few who had reached Core Formation. If one could receive guidance on Core Formation from Elder Zhang, even those cultivators with complete Foundation Establishment would be tempted.
Fang Xi’s eyes gleamed as he suddenly asked, "If I lead the group of cultivators from Dragon Fish Island to join the Mysterious Heaven Sect, I wonder if you could bestow a Core Formation Spiritual Object?"
"This..."
Even with his excellent composure, Xuan Xuanzi nearly cursed out loud.
How precious were Core Formation Spiritual Objects?
If the Mysterious Heaven Sect really had such items, they would certainly prioritize their own people. How could they possibly give them to outsiders?
"Sir, do you not know the rarity of Core Formation Spiritual Objects? Even our sect doesn’t have any... But a set of insights into Core Formation is not impossible..."
Xuan Xuanzi took several deep breaths to calm his anger and answered evenly.
"Only insights into Core Formation? Sigh... It seems that in this life, it is indeed difficult for me to reach Core Formation..."
Fang Xi sighed, looking genuinely regretful, "I am already over one hundred and sixty years old. I just want to live the rest of my days in peace, avoiding further conflicts. Please understand, Brother Xuan Xuanzi..."
"This... well, being able to withstand the Ghost Cultivators at Thousand Island Lake is also defending the northern border for our Mysterious Heaven Sect."
Seeing that his primary goal for the visit was truly unachievable, Xuan Xuanzi had to settle for a secondary option: "The old Daoist has heard... previously, a Foundation Establishment cultivator on your island deployed a third-order Talisman. As far as the old Daoist is aware, there doesn’t seem to be a third-order Talisman Master in Yue Country... and no third-order Spirit Talismans circulating. Could it be Sir’s doing?"
"Indeed, it was personally forged by me."
Fang Xi admitted openly, "How about it, Brother Xuan Xuanzi, would you like to purchase a few? There shouldn’t be a problem with that..."
He had announced this news precisely for this purpose.
Unfortunately, third-order Spirit Talismans were too precious, and within the entire Yue Country, only the Mysterious Heaven Sect could afford them.
"This... our sect is currently at war with the Green Wood Sect, and high-grade talismans are naturally most beneficial in abundance. May I inquire about the price?"
Xuan Xuanzi took a deep breath as he arrived at the most crucial part of the discussion.
"Any treasure, once it reaches a high grade, will surge in price by several times, or even tens of times..."
Fang Xi pursed his lips, "How about this... Sir can use third-order Spiritual Wood or high-grade Spirit Stones for the price offset..."
"This..."
Xuan Xuanzi fell into deep thought. It made sense for the other party to ask for third-order Spiritual Wood, as it was the primary material for making third-order talisman paper.
But high-grade Spirit Stones?
"High-grade Spirit Stones are extremely rare in mineral veins, sometimes not found for a decade, and are always in the hands of our Elder Zhang... It is indeed quite troublesome to trade with them."
Xuan Xuanzi looked troubled, "For us Foundation Establishment cultivators, medium-grade Spirit Stones are already sufficient for daily needs, right?"
"I need high-grade Spirit Stones for my own reasons... If you cannot agree to this, then I must regretfully decline the transaction."
Fang Xi shook his head.
He wanted high-grade Spirit Stones, obviously for his own use.
Whether for studying third-order Arrays in the future or for breaking through to Core Formation by drawing on their abundant pure spiritual energy, both were excellent choices.
"This... the poor Daoist can only consider it, and high-grade Spirit Stones are extremely precious, often costing over ten thousand low-grade Spirit Stones..."
Xuan Xuanzi expressed his many concerns, but his real goal was to probe how many third-order Talismans Fang Xi had in stock and their future output.
"Third-order Talismans are incredibly scarce, and even with sufficient talisman paper, I can hardly forge one in a month... They can only be sold as precious talismans, along with some second-order high-grade Talismans... As for the price of high-grade Spirit Stones, I can make up the difference with low-grade Spirit Stones later on if necessary."
Fang Xi waved his hand nonchalantly about money.
During the ruins incident on Jade Island, he had indeed earned a considerable number of Spirit Stones through the Ling Kong Island marketplace - most of which were low-grade, and he needed to exchange them.
Besides, Yuan Feihong, in order to settle on Dragon Fish Island, had also offered a large amount of spirit materials, some of which surely included accumulations from Baize Immortal City for hundreds of years, with Spirit Stones being no small sum.
’Sigh... It seems this man insists on having high-grade Spirit Stones.’
’If it weren’t for our sect’s current strain, why would I need to humble myself before this man?’
’I must endure it for now. Once the Green Wood Sect retreats, there will come a day eventually...’
Xuan Xuanzi’s mind raced with thoughts, then he showed a smile and settled a rough purchasing contract with Fang Xi.
They also agreed that someone from the Mysterious Heaven Sect would come to Dragon Fish Island for the transaction in the future.
"I heard..." At last, Xuan Xuanzi’s heart stirred as he said, "Sir has nearly not left Dragon Fish Island for a hundred years?"
"Indeed... There are complications in managing the island’s Arrays," Fang Xi replied without a hint of change in his expression.
’This man... must indeed be a hidden Array Master! Dwelling within this Array, apart from Elder Zhang, no one could challenge his dominance. He truly has established a great position!’
Upon hearing this, Xuan Xuanzi couldn’t help but feel awe...