Longevity: My Talents Are a Bit Abundant

Chapter 574: The Merchant Guild Pays a Visit

Starlight Island.

Just returned from the Cyan Cloud Sect, Li Ruyi came to pay a visit.

Qi Wanqing brought Lin Yueying to Starlight Island and stayed in Li Ruyi’s cave mansion for two months before leaving.

During these two months, Qi Wanqing asked for insights on Core Formation, feeling quite inspired.

However, with the Qi family’s financial capacity, collecting resources for Core Formation is not an easy task.

Considering past relationships, Li Ruyi agreed to help.

This time, she came to find Shen Xuan to ask him to help trade for a Golden Transformation Pill.

Additionally, she needed some Nether objects for her cultivation in Nether Arts.

The previously obtained Nether Pearls had almost been refined completely.

If given the opportunity, she asked Shen Xuan to trade some at his discretion.

Shen Xuan agreed readily.

Li Ruyi is a Tier Three Pill Master, and as precious as the Golden Transformation Pill and Nether objects are, they do not surpass her contributions to Shen Xuan.

Lin Yueying followed alongside Qin Yuehan.

Being very well-behaved, she was quite liked by Qin Yuehan.

In fact, from the start, Shen Xuan considered Qin Yuehan’s feelings.

Lin Yueying was still young and also had a Wood Spirit Root.

Nominally, she was Shen Xuan’s registered disciple.

In truth, she was meant to accompany Qin Yuehan.

For Qin Yuehan to guide her cultivation.

Even her name was changed to "Yueying" to imply this intention.

Shen Xuan instructed Zhuang Xueqin to guide Qin Yuehan and Shangguan Yan’Er in managing the island’s affairs.

Zhuang Xueqin readily agreed.

After observing for over ten days, Shen Xuan saw that Zhuang Xueqin carefully guided them without complaints.

Only then did he reveal to Zhuang Xueqin the truth—that he would have a more important role soon.

A position even more crucial than that of Deputy Island Master of Starlight Island.

Afterward, Shen Xuan announced his seclusion for cultivation.

This trip had been very fruitful.

But it also delayed him quite a bit.

The path ahead is long.

The most Shen Xuan trusts is still his own strength.

Now, his combat prowess surpasses that of a typical middle-stage Golden Core.

Even if he had to consume lifespan to fully activate [Dragon Blood Boiling].

Even if faced with a late-stage Golden Core.

He could still escape with his life.

"Unfortunately, the time with the Profound Ice Treasure Talisman has been short."

"Otherwise, what is there to fear from a late-stage Golden Core!"

Shen Xuan estimated that for the Profound Ice Treasure Talisman to exhibit its maximum power, it needed to be nurtured for a hundred years.

With his Primordial Golden Core, he could only nurture three Profound Ice Treasure Talismans at the same time.

Anything more would affect his cultivation.

The three Profound Ice Treasure Talismans only had around ten years now.

Insufficient power, incapable of threatening a late-stage Golden Core.

Shen Xuan fell into contemplation.

After forming the Golden Core, he realized the key to magical combat was still Body Refining Techniques.

Inevitably, he was at the peak of the Dharma Realm.

And what he condensed was the True Spirit Dharma Aspect of a Divine Dragon.

The Talent Skill he emphasized was [Dragon Blood Boiling], which instantly amplifies his strength.

After transforming into a Flood Dragon, his combat power far exceeded a regular Golden Core.

Apart from the heart-wrenching drawback of depleting lifespan.

Using it to break through is natural and easy.

"However, enhancing the power of Pill Essence is fundamental."

Body Refining Techniques have too many limitations.

After forming the Golden Core, his flesh body was strengthened multiple times.

This allowed him to continue practicing the Body Refining Technique [Nine Revolutions True Spirit Transformation].

In fact, he had cultivated [Nine Revolutions True Spirit Transformation] to its end.

Beyond that was the cultivation insights, experiences, and deductions from the Bai family’s ancestors.

Fortunately, he had the ancient manuscript [True Spirit Transformation] in his possession.

Comparing the two, he could continue cultivating.

Most importantly, he had the Mysterious Jade Talisman, which could plunder bloodline talents from the Spiritual Objects of Dragon Descendants, such as the essence blood and reversed scales of demon cores, for his own use.

Shen Xuan took out the remaining half of the Silver Light Cold Flood Dragon Demon Pill, shaving some off.

"Well, let’s continue!"

The Mysterious Jade Talisman flashed, and a smile appeared on Shen Xuan’s face.

...

Spring passed and returned again.

In the blink of an eye, a year had gone by.

Cold Ice Cave.

"Husband has come out of seclusion?"

Shangguan Yan’Er said warmly, "Madam is handling the island’s affairs in the hall. Should Yan’Er inform her?"

Shen Xuan waved his hand: "No need, let her be busy."

After teaching Qin Yuehan and Shangguan Yan’Er about island affairs for two months, Zhuang Xueqin extricated himself.

Unknowingly, Qin Yuehan had become the Deputy Island Master.

Shangguan Yan’Er was her assistant.

Everyone on Starlight Island was pleased to see this outcome.

After all, Qin Yuehan’s status was evident.

Zhuang Xueqin, after all, was somewhat lacking in rightful title.

Taking this opportunity, Zhuang Xueqin went into seclusion for cultivation.

To intensely supplement his Earth Technique Divine Power.

"Husband, Zuo Qingning, the president of the United Commerce Association, has sent invitations three times. He seems eager to see you."

"No rush. He’s just a mere merchant."

Shen Xuan didn’t take it to heart.

Given his current status, a Fake Pill True Master from a regular commerce association was of no concern.

"But Zuo Qingning personally delivered the invitations. It’s Golden Core True Master Zhuo Jincheng who wants to see you."

"Oh. He has come?"

Shen Xuan’s heart was clear as a mirror.

This United Commerce Association truly lived up to its name as the top commerce association in Song Country, catching the scent so quickly.

The Purple Yunting Tree traversed the Celestial Tribulation, taking human form, becoming a Tier Four Demon Cultivator.

This matter wasn’t a secret in the circle of high-tier cultivators.

However, the astonishing thing was.

There were rumors that the Golden Core Profound Ice True Master of the Cyan Cloud Sect provided significant assistance in helping the Purple Yunting Tree Emperor through the tribulation into transformation.

No wind, no waves.

Such rumors are worth believing among high-tier cultivators.

Zhuo Jincheng personally came to Starlight Island, certainly having received definite information.

Wanting to follow Shen Xuan and sip from the hot soup.

"If Zhuo Jincheng knows, then those who should know already do."

"I should be preparing to head to Luoxia Lake."

The foreign trade cooperation between Starlight Island and Reflection Cloud Island can only be finalized face-to-face by him and the Purple Yunting Tree Emperor.

...

On the sea of the Wolong Islands.

A Tier Three warship sped across the waters.

On the warship was the emblem of the United Commerce Association.

On the deck stood an elder with a sallow face and a lean body, facing the wind.

This was the behind-the-scenes grandmaster of the United Commerce Association, the foremost loose cultivator in Song Country, Golden Core True Master Zhuo Jincheng.

At this moment, President Zhuo Qingning quietly approached.

"Ancestor, that Shen Xuan is audacious enough to assist the Demon Race in undergoing tribulation."

"Cease your nonsense!"

Zhuo Jincheng sternly rebuked.

"This matter is unverified. It may or may not be true."

Zhuo Qingning sighed lightly.

"It’s my fault. I underestimated him back then. Ancestor, how should we discuss cooperation with him this time?"

"Discuss with him?"

Zhuo Jincheng gave Zhuo Qingning a sidelong glance and shook his head.

"Qingning, over the years, you’ve been busy with the association’s affairs, seldom taking time to truly ponder."

Zhuo Jincheng said calmly, "True Master Profound Ice cannot be underestimated. True Master Wisdom Blade from the True Intention Sect, the leading sect of Yan Country, at the late stage of the Golden Core, was defeated by him."

"Wasn’t it said that True Master Wisdom Blade was injured?"

"So what!"

Zhuo Jincheng spoke sternly, "An injured True Master Wisdom Blade is still not someone ordinary Golden Cores can contend with."

"He entered the Cyan Cloud Sect at Foundation Establishment at the age of eighty. Starting as a registered disciple, he advanced rapidly to become a direct disciple of two branches. He condensed an Ice Technique Golden Core with extraordinary combat strength. Moreover, he is both a Tier Three Pill Master and Talisman Master and practices a body refining technique."

"Truly, how could such a person have languished among loose cultivators in those days?"

Zhuo Qingning remarked with a sigh.

In his mind, his great-uncle Zhuo Jincheng was the foremost among loose cultivators in Song Country.

Now, his repute was vaguely eclipsed by True Master Profound Ice.

It could only be said that amongst loose cultivators, there were many heroes!

However, most were down on their luck and melted into the crowd.

Now, even their United Commerce Association had to lower their stance to seek an audience.

This was despite Zhuo Jincheng personally stepping in.

If he went alone, he would likely be turned away.

They had sent visiting cards thrice, and True Master Profound Ice had not seen him.

Finally receiving a reply, he accompanied Zhuo Jincheng to visit.

Zhuo Qingning pondered silently.

With Zhuo Jincheng’s care and ample cultivation resources, he only managed to form a Fake Pill.

This achievement among loose cultivators was already one in a million.

"Heh, the number of loose cultivators is vast!"

"Heroes are as numerous as carp in the river; even the best struggle. Most contemporaries of mine have fallen."

Zhuo Jincheng shook his head, "For a lifelong path, the key is strength, perseverance, and diligence. More importantly, fortune. When fortune comes, all align, and when it leaves, heroes have no freedom. Furthermore, one needs benefactors."

"Shen Xuan, with his strength and fortune, always had benefactors. As a loose cultivator, he had Foundation Establishment classmates for support. After joining the sect, two Real People from the Cyan Cloud Sect took him as a disciple. Especially True Master Cold Jade, a renowned True Master of Ice Technique in Song Country."

"Now, even the newly transformed Purple Yunting Tree Emperor owes him. He is exceedingly intelligent, skilled at leveraging power. Seemingly forbearing, in truth, he moves when the time is right, cautious yet advancing steadily."

"I see!"

Zhuo Qingning suddenly understood.

This is the way ordinary cultivators survive.

Weighing pros and cons, they always make the best choice.

"This time, the Purple Yunting Tree Emperor owes him. He opens a trade channel with the Demon Race of the Wilderness in Starlight Island’s name, isn’t that enormously profitable?"

"Thus, the roles have reversed. Previously, he asked us to help him purchase herbs and resources. Now, it’s me seeking him out to include our United Commerce Association."

Zhuo Jincheng sighed.

The relentless waves of the Yangtze push forward.

Shen Xuan is indeed bold.

Even daring to involve himself in the Demon Race’s tribulation transformation.

"So, he has a way to help the Demon Race more easily pass their celestial tribulation?"

Zhuo Jincheng fell into contemplation.

He, too, was a Golden Core True Master, having been at the Core Formation for a hundred years, middle stage.

Yet he would never dare meddle in the Demon Race’s tribulation transformation.

Not to mention the potential backlash from powerful humans.

His cultivation and realm couldn’t withstand the celestial tribulation’s divine might.

The two remained silent.

At this time, the vague outline of Starlight Island appeared ahead.

Under the morning sun, Starlight Island was as splendid as a brocade, with dozens of sea ships coming and going at the port ceaselessly.

The cultivators on the ships were brimming with energy and joy.

...

Cold Ice Cave.

Shen Xuan had just emerged from the practice room when Shangguan Yan’Er told him that True Master Zhuo of the United Commerce Association had been waiting outside the cave mansion for a long time.

Shen Xuan went out to greet him.

"Zhuo Jincheng of the United Commerce Association, greetings to Fellow Daoist Profound Ice!"

Once, Zhuo Jincheng and Shen Xuan had met.

This was during the Gan Water Secret Realm event.

Shen Xuan had hidden behind True Master Cold Jade, like an insignificant figure.

Now, he was a renowned Ice Technique Golden Core in the sect.

Zhuo Jincheng noticed Shen Xuan’s appearance, even more youthful and handsome than before, with a calm and composed demeanor, and couldn’t help but be slightly surprised.

The aura emanating from this person was exceedingly strong, no less than his own.

"True Master Zhuo is too courteous."

Shen Xuan returned the courtesy and glanced at Zhuo Qingning standing behind Zhuo Jincheng.

Zhuo Qingning hurriedly offered his respects.

Though he was also a True Master, he was only a Fake Pill.

In front of Shen Xuan, he had no presence.

"President Zhuo, long time no see."

Shen Xuan said with a smile, without returning the courtesy.

Zhuo Qingning feigned a look of gratitude.

But inside, he felt uncomfortable.

They entered the reception room.

Shangguan Yan’Er served three cups of Spirit Tea.

"This is Frost Spirit Tea from the Glacier Snow Mountains, a specialty of the Wilderness. Please, savor it, Fellow Daoists Zhuo."

Zhuo Qingning looked around.

In the teacup, there were only three spirit tea leaves, lush and floating within.

The tea was a clear green, brimming with Spiritual Qi, gently swirling like a spiritual power vortex, forming its own world.

Zhuo Qingning took a sip.

A crisp, plant-like fragrance surged from his throat straight to his Dantian, spreading to his limbs, bringing him pervasive comfort.

His Divine Soul cleared, his thoughts becoming considerably sharper.

The few doubts he had during regular cultivation suddenly became clear.

This tea actually had a slight enlightenment effect.

"Excellent tea!"

Zhuo Qingning exclaimed involuntarily.