The banquet suddenly fell silent, and everyone's gaze shifted in unison.
Yu Ci's eyes were slightly cold as he turned to look at Monk Yi Xin who was sitting next to him. The monk's face was expressionless. Amidst the surprised or excited gazes of the crowd, he placed a small, exquisite Seven-layered Treasure Tower on the table.
The focus of the crowd's gaze immediately shifted again. The Seven-layered Treasure Tower on the table was no more than a foot high, its entirety a dark golden color. It seemed to be made from the mold of a real pagoda. The bottom layer had a door, and from the second layer up, each layer had four doors and windows. The sides of the tower were adorned with lotus leaf hooks. The top of the tower was shaped like a gourd, with a lotus flower supporting it. But upon closer inspection, it was actually a collage of grotesque demon figures. Despite the exquisite craftsmanship, it was uncomfortable to look at.
Monk Yi Xin said softly, "This Demonic Treasure Tower was obtained by me in my early years. It's from the Western Buddhist Realm. The Fiendish Monk and Ghostly Slaughter, who once wreaked havoc, blessed it with their unique Buddha-bathing power and spent two hundred years refining this Magical Instrument. Inside, it locks Three Thousand Yin Demons. When consecrated, it can capture people's Divine Souls, or lay down the Eighteen Dark Demons Wheel Formation to trap and kill strong enemies. It's very powerful. This item is a one-method Refining Ritual door. If converted into the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Refining Method, it can be equivalent to a High-quality magic weapon of the Twelfth Heaven. But..."
Before the Cultivators at the banquet could express their amazement, Yi Xin shook his head and added, "This treasure doesn't match my method. After obtaining it, I haven't consecrated it for a long time, causing the spiritual energy to leak. Now it has slightly declined, I'm afraid it's not up to the standard of the Twelfth Heaven. However, all sorts of sacrificial patterns and seals on it are complete. I can guarantee that if someone gets it and diligently consecrates it with their method, within ten years, this tower can undoubtedly reach the Twelfth Heaven again."
Even so, it was quite impressive. The Cultivators all praised it and, while the treasure tower was displayed on the table, they widened their eyes to take a few more looks: a once Twelfth Heaven Magical Instrument! Most people here would never see one in their lifetime.
Yu Ci and He Qing exchanged glances, both a bit surprised. If it were anyone else, they would think that Monk Yi Xin was desperate for the Vacuum Energy Life Extension Pill, and was willing to pay a heavy price for it. But the two of them had just recently discussed suspicions about him, they couldn't help but think more about it.
But for Yu Ci, the most important thing now was the ownership of the Vacuum Energy Life Extension Pill. At this moment, everyone's gaze was focused on Shen Wan. Under these circumstances, the result would be decided by this female merchant!
After the initial surprise, Shen Wan had returned to her usual demeanor. She smiled faintly without revealing any particular inclination, simply following the procedure, bringing forth the Phantom Demon Golden Tower for careful appraisal. As the pagoda was refined in the "One Method" mode, the appraisal took longer. However, hardly anyone found it tedious. Most were eagerly awaiting the final result. For these uninvolved cultivators, being able to witness such a spectacle at the end of the Treasure Exchange Banquet was already worth the price of admission.
At this moment, Yu Ci furrowed his brow. He still held the trump card in his hand, but now, he was not as confident as before. He did not look at He Qing's expression again. After all, the Treasure Exchange Banquet was hosted by the Random Heart Pavilion, not the Self-Improvement Hall. If it were the latter, relying on the Sect's long-standing trade relations, He Qing would undoubtedly be much more composed than now. At present, hoping for her help was less reliable than making a firm decision and taking a gamble!
Finally, Shen Wan spoke leisurely, "This Demonic Treasure Tower is indeed a rare treasure. In terms of quality, it is almost on par with the Magical Instrument of the Twelfth Heaven. Its inherent value has exceeded 180,000 Ruyi Money!"
There was immediate commotion among the attendees. Yu Ci's heart sank, and images of the treasures he possessed flashed through his mind like a carousel. Under the current circumstances, only one item could ensure his unbeatable position. However, if he were to present that item, whether Shen Wan would accept it or not was one thing; worse, it might lead to endless troubles!
Touching his chest, feeling the unique warmth of the jade there, Yu Ci pursed his lips, making a decision in an instant.
However, before he could speak, Shen Wan had already changed her tone, "However, Master Yi Xin should know that the methods of the Western Buddha Land are somewhat different from ours, and to control it without hindrance requires considerable effort. Therefore, according to tradition, the value of such a Magical Instrument should be reduced by 30%. And according to what the Master said, this item is clearly a demonic artifact, which will also depreciate its value."
At this point, Shen Wan shook her head gently, "For this Demonic Treasure Tower, our pavilion can only offer between 120,000 to 130,000 Ruyi Money, roughly the same as Immortal Yu's bid. But our pavilion has a rule: when the Ruyi Money and the Magical Instrument are both offered as exchange items of equal value and there is a conflict, the Ruyi Money takes precedence. Therefore, I'm sorry, but if the Master only offers this Phantom Demon Golden Tower, he still cannot exchange it for the Spiritual Pill."
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The commotion at the table had not yet subsided. The majority of the cultivators present were perplexed, even suspecting that Random Heart Pavilion was deliberately trying to curry favor with the Lichen Sect. This was because they did not understand the unparalleled strategic significance of Ruyi Money to Random Heart Pavilion. However, the parties involved had no doubts. Monk Yi Xin's square face remained calm. After a moment of silence, he turned to Yu Ci and asked,
"Immortal Yu, would you be willing to part with this Vacuum Energy Life Extension Pill?"
Yu Ci, having just breathed a sigh of relief, began to ponder the reason for Yi Xin's offer. He was taken aback by the question, but quickly shook his head resolutely, "This is the most important thing to me right now. I will obtain it at any cost."
Yi Xin was not surprised. He too shook his head, appearing somewhat regretful, and then withdrew his golden pagoda. Clearly, he had no intention of making further bids.
At this moment, Bi Chao, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up, "Master Yi Xin, do you still intend to part with your pagoda?"
Her sudden interest in the pagoda was quite surprising, but Monk Yi Xin simply replied, "We'll see," before standing up, "I've had my fill today. The sect has some matters to attend to, so I must leave early. I hope you all understand."
With that, he gave a slight bow, took his disciple, and left.
Most people felt that Monk Yi Xin was dissatisfied with the outcome and left in anger. Zheng Yan, however, remained calm and even had time to greet Yu Ci before leisurely departing.
With this, the Treasure Exchange Banquet was coming to an end. Apart from a few cultivators who were intensely interested in the treasures presented by Shen Wan, most people were ready to leave. Shen Wan, however, was not in a hurry. She followed the procedure, confirmed that there were no more bids, and then smiled,
"In that case, this Vacuum Energy Life Extension Pill belongs to Immortal Yu. I wish you further progress in your cultivation level, and a successful journey on the path of immortality."
Yu Ci took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart, and softly thanked her before finally accepting the Ocean Sinking Box. The small box, less than half a foot square, weighed nearly a hundred pounds. It was heavy in his hand, but it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.
Inside was the Vacuum Energy Life Extension Pill. This spiritual pill, comparable to a magical instrument refined to seventy layers, was in fact a hope, a lifeline. Having witnessed the old Daoist's state of despair, Yu Ci understood the unparalleled value of this spiritual pill.
Yu Ci felt a surge of joy in his heart. At last, he had something to repay Old Daoist Yu Zhou for his care and appreciation.
Thirteen hundred thousand Ruyi Money, it was worth it.
Ah, didn't this turn into the transaction that He Qing had mentioned?
The sudden thought made Yu Ci pause, but he quickly laughed it off. What was the point in mulling over this? He and He Qing were ultimately not of the same kind.
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, paying little attention to the changes at the banquet. There were many others like him. Shen Wan, understanding the mood of the crowd, quickly announced the end of the Treasure Exchange Banquet. As for the remaining Magical Instruments, Elixirs, and Pills, those interested could continue trading on the floor below.
With this, the banquet could conclude for the night. For the hosts, Bi Chao and the Xuan Yin Sect, they had achieved their intended purpose. From this night forth, the restrictions Cliff City had imposed on the Xuan Yin Sect would come to an end. The mess left by Red Yin was finally cleaned up.
Yu Ci had lost interest in this long ago. He was eager to return and deliver the pill to Yu Zhou. When Dong Yan came to inquire about the Sword Ball in his possession, he was not in the mood to entertain him, suggesting they discuss it another day at Cinnabar Cliff.
After dealing with several prominent figures in the city, Yu Ci was about to leave when He Qing stopped him:
"Come with me!"
Her words were purely a command. Yu Ci frowned, but recalling how He Qing had extracted the Destiny Spiritual Object's spine to exchange for the Spiritual Pill, he refrained from further words. He simply nodded to Gan Shi Zhen and Bao De, then followed He Qing to the viewing platform.
The bamboo forest on the platform had been knocked down, with the culprit now looking dispirited, coiled into a "snake formation" in the corner.
He Qing only glanced at it before beckoning Yu Ci to come forward. She pointed ahead and said, "Look at that."
Outside the building, a thin misty rain still fell, the city's lights scattered into halos in the fog, bobbing in the night. Following He Qing's pointed direction, Yu Ci leaned forward, his night vision revealing two monks who had left the building first: Yi Xin and Zheng Yan.
Judging by their location, those two were probably returning to their Sect. Yu Ci, a man, thought he understood He Qing, a woman's, intentions and nodded, "Rest assured, Immortal Elder, I will make contact with Zheng Yan in a few days. He is a good-natured fellow."
He Qing cut him off, "Do you know why I want you to interact with them?"
Before Yu Ci could respond, she continued, "You mentioned that you had a conflict with Monk Zheng De of the Pure Water Sect last year."
"Yes."
"Monk Zheng De disappeared in Sky Rift Valley shortly after, along with Lu Mingyue's disciple Lu Quan and Xu Ji of the Thousands Spirits Sect. It caused quite a stir at the time. Then there was the standoff among the various sects in Cliff City in Sky Rift Valley, as well as your conflict with White Sun Mansion. Following that were the cold wave and turmoil, and finally, you masterminded the extermination of White Sun Mansion."
He Qing demonstrated a comprehensive grasp of the information, clearly showing she had done her homework. However, her final statement made Yu Ci feel somewhat awkward. After saying all this, He Qing paused, then added:
"In your report to the Sect, you also mentioned the conflict between Ghost Beasts and Demons."
Yu Ci responded with an affirmation.
"In that case, the Ghost Beasts are also implicated in this turmoil. If we take the appearance of the Ghost Beasts and your conflict with Zheng De as the starting point, and this Treasure Exchange Banquet as the end point, we can discern eight threads."
"Threads?"
"Those who have been involved from start to finish, very active, enough to link everything together, are the threads. The Ghost Beasts' several appearances constitute one thread; the demons and monsters form another, each of the five Sects in Cliff City is a thread; and you, too, are a thread."
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