Though dilapidated, Longyuan Immortal City spanned a vast territory.
Within its borders rose a mountain crowned with a Daoist temple, where rumor had it that True Person Longyuan cultivated in seclusion.
At the foot of the mountain stretched an unbroken expanse of newly built palace halls.
The headquarters of the Demon Hunting Department was situated right here.
Yet as the day of the Longyuan Auction drew near, the Demon Hunting Department clearly took a back seat.
The true protagonist had become the vice city lord of Longyuan Immortal City, Master Huo Fang.
Possessing profound cultivation, he was one of the rare ninth-layer Golden Core grand cultivators in the Myriad Immortals Association, standing on equal footing with the department's three Eight-Star Demon Hunters.
At this moment, Huo Fang sat at the head of the hall, listening to his subordinates deliver point-by-point reports on the preparations for the auction.
People filed in and out one after another.
When a young woman draped in a purple palace gown stepped into the hall, Huo Fang took the initiative to rise.
"Fellow Daoist Zihou, you've arrived."
Zihou pursed her lips into a smile. Her radiant beauty seemed to cast a dazzling brilliance across the simple palace hall.
"The resources gathered by the Demon Hunting Department have been brought over. Every single item was meticulously selected; they certainly will not disappoint City Lord Huo Fang."
Huo Fang nodded with satisfaction, then said, "How have you considered that matter? Though our Myriad Immortals Association does not lack talented and extraordinary figures, only someone with your beauty, your cultivation, and your eloquence can be equal to that role."
"Hehe, it is merely acting as the auctioneer for an occasion. You flatter me far too much, Vice City Lord," Zihou replied with a chuckle behind her hand, accepting the task graciously.
For an auction of this scale, the host could not be lacking in the slightest.
They had to be either a renowned master appraiser or an experienced high-level cultivator of broad vision.
Choosing Zihou was without doubt Huo Fang's best move.
Having accepted the task, she was determined to see it done to perfection.
On the spot, Zihou requested the auction catalogue from Huo Fang. She needed to familiarize herself with the details of each item to craft her introductions, and devise lines in advance to stoke competition and drive up bids.
The running order on the list was still only tentative, and Zihou needed to plan it out carefully. Precious treasures could not appear too early, lest the latter half suffer a lull for lack of heavyweights; nor could the opening be too dull—it required appealing items from the start to pique the attendees' interest.
When her gaze fell upon the name of a certain artifact, Zihou's expression paused.
"Nine Dragons True Fire Cover?"
Hearing her, Huo Fang answered offhandedly while continuing his work, "It's a high-grade magical artifact sold in a small sundry shop in the city. A deacon happened to pass by, found it rather intriguing, and slotted it into the auction schedule. I believe the shop is called Qingyang Firm. On the surface, it looks like the business of a Foundation Establishment clan, but in truth, it's a front for a Golden Core weapon-refining master to gather wealth. What was his name again? Qingyangzi, Luo Hai..."
As he spoke, Huo Fang paused in his work.
"Zihou, does this person have a grievance with you? If you wish, I can take charge and strike this item from the list."
It was a trivial matter, barely requiring any effort on his part, and he was more than happy to do her a favor.
To his surprise, Zihou shook her head.
"No matter. It is merely a high-grade magical artifact; there is no need to make things difficult over such a trifle. Besides..."
She continued magnanimously, "Qingyangzi doesn't truly bear any enmity toward me. It was merely some entanglement involving a junior."
Seeing this, Huo Fang nodded.
Though rogue cultivators had a reputation for avenging the slightest slight, that applied only when their personal interests were at stake.
Most of the time, they lived by the adage that taking a step back opened up vast skies and oceans, maintaining harmony with one another. Friction involving bloodline juniors rarely escalated into generational feuds the way it did among major sects and great clans.
The trope of striking the young only to provoke the old rarely occurred in the rogue cultivator world.
To rogue cultivators—especially high-level ones—familial sentiment was rather detached.
Just as they set the matter aside to resume their work, hurried footsteps echoed outside the hall.
Before long, a Foundation Establishment deacon walked in, looking excited.
"Vice City Lord, I've secured another treasure!"
"What treasure could make you this worked up?"
"A magic treasure—water-attribute."
"Oh? Bring it here and let me see!"
A magic treasure was precious, but that depended on whose eyes were looking.
Golden Core cultivators like them invariably possessed an item or two of that rank. Above all, to prepare for the tribulation of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm, every Golden Core cultivator forged a natal magic treasure tailored to themselves after forming their core, sparing no expense.
An ordinary magic treasure would hardly catch Huo Fang's interest.
Yet the moment that blue armor scale landed in his hand, his expression changed.
Filled with surprise and uncertainty, he channeled his magic power into it. In an instant, a suit of blue armor materialized before them, rippling with flowing currents of water.
"Oh? A purely defensive magic treasure?"
Beside him, Zihou revealed a look of surprise.
"Now that is a genuine treasure. To think someone would actually be willing to sell it!"
In the cultivation world, offensive magic treasures were a common sight. So long as one had suitable materials and an accomplished weapon refiner, they could be forged.
Even exotic treasures of unusual design were nothing out of the ordinary.
Yet purely defensive magic treasures were exceedingly rare in circulation.
First, it stemmed from their sheer importance in protecting a cultivator's life.
Second, it was due to the immense difficulty of crafting defensive magic treasures!
The latter was the primary reason.
Destruction was always simpler than construction; likewise, defense was harder than offense.
When refining equipment, offensive magical artifacts and magic treasures only needed to stack destructive power and possess the might to harm an enemy.
Even if a weapon had various flaws or caused backlashes when activated, none of that mattered as long as it could wound the target.
Defensive equipment was an entirely different story.
Once forged, it had to be free of glaring weaknesses so that an enemy could not easily spot a flaw and shatter it with a single strike in battle.
Imagine the horror of relying on a defensive magic treasure, only for an opponent to exploit a defect at a critical juncture, turning a supposedly secure barrier into a fatal vulnerability.
Consequently, forging defensive magic treasures was exceptionally arduous.
From the selection of materials to the refinement techniques and the engraving of compatible formation arrays, every step demanded exacting precision.
These stringent criteria led to an extraordinarily high failure rate and steep production costs.
Even renowned weapon-refining masters, after crafting a few signature pieces, rarely took on purely defensive magic treasures.
They preferred crafting so-called "balanced" weapons that served both offense and defense.
Yet discerning minds knew all too well that being balanced meant possessing weaknesses in both aspects; how could it compare to a purely defensive magic treasure?
Still, those discerning minds had no alternative and were usually forced to accept the reality.
Combined, these factors ensured that while magic treasures abounded in the cultivation world, purely defensive ones remained few and far between.
And now, someone was actually willing to put such a treasure up for auction?
Even if it was only of low-grade rank, selling it was still the act of a prodigal.
Huo Fang understood this logic all too well and looked toward the Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"Who submitted this? Are there any extra conditions for the sale?"
The deacon answered without hesitation, "This treasure was brought in by Zhang Jiadi of Qingyang Firm. There are no special conditions for the transaction."
Qingyang Firm!
Huo Fang instinctively glanced at Zihou, and the two exchanged a look.
Just moments ago, they had been discussing that very shop and the master behind it.
Could this treasure belong to Qingyangzi?
"Ah, I remember now," the deacon added. "Zhang Jiadi specifically requested that when auctioning this treasure, we make sure to publicize the renown of the master who forged it."
"Who?"
"The weapon-refining master, Qingyangzi!"
At that, Zihou's expression turned quite intriguing.
This treasure was not simply owned by Qingyangzi—he had forged it with his own hands!
Anyone capable of crafting a purely defensive magic treasure was fully worthy of being hailed as a weapon-refining master. Even Cave Master Moyun, the most renowned master refiner in the Myriad Immortals Association, had not personally crafted one in many years.
Could this Qingyangzi already rival Cave Master Moyun?
Had she known this, she definitely would have stopped Huangfu Song from picking a fight on his doorstep back then.
A master-level figure of this caliber only needed to let slip that he was willing to tailor defensive magic treasures, and countless people would run errands for him.
How could the meager handful under Huangfu Song compare to Qingyangzi's rallying power?
Clearly, Qingyangzi was using the Longyuan Auction to make a name for himself, perhaps precisely to prevent such harassment from ever happening again.
'Should I take the initiative to pay him a visit and smooth over what happened last time?'
'Qingyangzi clearly left room for compromise back then; he obviously doesn't want to offend me too deeply either.'
'Still, going to his doorstep like this would cost me quite a bit of face.'
While Zihou's expression wavered between doubt and hesitation, a rumbling sound arose beside her.
It was Huo Fang testing the power of the magic treasure named Deep Blue Mystic Armor.
After a long while, Huo Fang ceased his movements, looking thoroughly pleased.
"It is indeed a purely water-attribute defensive magic treasure, and its suppression against fire is exceptional. Furthermore, it holds additional wonders: divided into an inner armor and a qi armor layer, it can even deflect physical attacks."
"In terms of power, when driven to the fullest, it should withstand an all-out strike from an early Golden Core cultivator without taking damage, and it will remain adequately effective against mid Golden Core attacks. Of course, to grand cultivators like us, it poses no hindrance."
"Lastly, its consumption of magic power caught me by surprise. It even gives me the impression that a late Foundation Establishment cultivator could activate it."
After offering his assessment, Huo Fang clicked his tongue in admiration.
"This Qingyangzi's weapon-refining craft truly has real substance. It has been years since I last saw such a high-quality low-grade defensive magic treasure."
"This treasure can be included in the Longyuan Auction—ideally placed near the opening to whet the appetites of both Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators."
"I also agree to Qingyangzi's condition."
In a matter of moments, Vice City Lord Huo Fang settled the matter.
This time, he did not bother asking for Zihou's opinion, as though having forgotten his earlier mention of her grievance with Qingyangzi.
Evidently, personal ties could not outweigh the grand event of the Longyuan Auction!
Zihou watched quietly without offering an objection.
Yet in her heart, she had already made up her mind.
She would have to make a trip to Penghu—and not merely watch from the outside like last time, but step inside in person.
……
As a rare grand occasion in the Myriad Immortals Association, the Longyuan Auction drew countless cultivators.
Among them were rogue cultivators, as well as sect and clan disciples from neighboring Shenyuan City.
The former came to purchase resources, while the latter mostly came to broaden their horizons and see if anything caught their eye.
The auction lasted two days in total.
Neither too long nor too short, it was enough to make Longyuan Immortal City bustle with fervor.
During the event, the reputation of a weapon-refining master exploded from a modest circle of fame into an overnight sensation.
Qingyangzi, Lord of Penghu, could forge low-grade defensive magic treasures!
For a time, after the auction concluded, many cultivators tried to visit Qingyangzi at Penghu, only to be turned away by the protective formation.
Unable to gain an audience, they did not lose heart, instead flocking to Qingyangzi's business in Longyuan Immortal City, Qingyang Firm.
Though the shop had no defensive magic treasures for sale—leaving many Golden Core cultivators to depart disappointed—the high-quality magical artifacts and large batches of talismans on offer delighted the Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment cultivators.
In their scramble to buy, Zhang Jiadi's Dao companion Wen Xiu, who oversaw the shop, was forced to raise prices.
Even so, demand continued to outstrip supply.
Faced with steep prices, ordinary rogue cultivators were naturally priced out, but cultivators from Shenyuan City possessed substantial wealth.
Once they realized the artifacts and talismans were genuinely top-notch, they parted with their spirit stones without batting an eye.
This bustling spectacle caused a sensation along the entire street where Qingyang Firm stood, even giving nearby shops a boost in trade.
Naturally, the other resources that the Zhang family had placed in Qingyang Firm for sale brought in overflowing profits.
Inside the shop.
A group of cultivators stared at the bare artifact shelves, grumbling in dissatisfaction.
Then a female cultivator appeared.
Wen Xiu looked slightly nervous, yet her tone remained measured and calm.
"Please don't worry, everyone. Master Qingyangzi will occasionally place his creations on consignment in our shop, and there will be even better weapons in the future."
"Whenever you have free time, feel free to stop by; you might just happen to find something."
"Besides, all other goods in our shop are guaranteed for quality. You will never buy at a loss or be deceived."
With these words, the buying frenzy sparked by the auction gradually settled.
Yet it was easy to foresee that with its name now established, Qingyang Firm's future business would certainly flourish.
Outside the shop.
Two cultivators watched the scene—one looking sullen, the other gloating.
"Cave Master Moyun, I didn't lie to you back then, did I?"
Facing Huangfu Song's mockery, Cave Master Moyun's expression darkened. He admitted he had misjudged.
He had not expected Qingyangzi could truly forge a magic treasure.
Yet in front of Huangfu Song, he refused to show weakness.
"It was merely a stroke of luck, yet he dares flaunt it. I don't believe Qingyangzi will ever forge another defensive magic treasure!"
Huangfu Song blinked. "And what if he truly does?"
Cave Master Moyun sneered. "Would he be willing to sell it in a tiny shop like this? For weapon refiners like us, forging a defensive magic treasure carries exorbitant costs and immense risks. Unless it is custom-ordered by someone who supplies their own materials and assumes the losses of failure during refinement, we would never lightly open the furnace. Unless Qingyangzi has lost his mind, he would never place a painstakingly forged defensive magic treasure in a mere shop."
Huangfu Song was momentarily at a loss for words, but inwardly sneered.
Cave Master Moyun's mouth was stubborn as a dead duck's beak, but his words practically conceded Qingyangzi's skill in weapon refining.
Cave Master Moyun shot a distasteful glance at Huangfu Song. "Don't bother trying to sow discord either. Moyun Cave primarily deals in offensive artifacts and magic treasures. Qingyangzi hasn't crossed me, so I won't lift a finger against him on your behalf. Besides, you've already found another spirit land to manage; why continue coveting the spirit land of Penghu?"
His intentions laid bare, Huangfu Song flushed red.
Opening and closing his mouth, he managed only one sentence: "That's not what I meant. I was only thinking of your best interests, Fellow Daoist."
"Enough. I appreciate the thought, but I've been terribly busy of late, so do not come disturbing me again."
With that, Cave Master Moyun brushed his sleeves and walked away.
He left only Huangfu Song standing in place, clenching his fists in bitter indignation.
Had Luo Chen been present, he likely would have shaken his head again.
It was hard to imagine how many resources had been piled onto a person of such temperament to force him into the late Golden Core stage.
……
As dusk fell, Cave Master Moyun returned to Moyun Cave.
Only upon returning home did confusion show on his face.
"It makes no sense!"
"During our discussion last time, Qingyangzi clearly hadn't reached the level where he could forge a magic treasure. Why did he manage to craft one in just a single year—and a purely defensive magic treasure at that?"
His muttering was met with a reply.
"Perhaps he truly is a genius at weapon refining?"
Cave Master Moyun turned around to look at a massive, weary-looking figure.
The figure was massive solely because the man was immensely obese, looking as though oil might drip from him at any second.
And yet, his face was gaunt, featuring a sharp, hooked nose that stood in jarring contrast to his build.
With such an unusual physique, had Luo Chen been here, he would have recognized him at a single glance.
It was none other than Ding Yi, the rogue cultivator who had traded Soul Nourishing Wood with him on Lengguang Island!
"Fellow Daoist Ding, didn't I tell you to watch the furnace? That treasure is tied to your very life; nothing can go wrong."
Gathering his spirits, Ding Yi waved his hand. "No matter. I can sense it's nearly complete—otherwise you wouldn't have set aside your refining duties to rush out, would you?"
Cave Master Moyun was struck dumb; the other man was entirely right.
The earlier refinement was mainly his responsibility.
However, the later refinement required the treasure's owner, Ding Yi, to take the lead.
Since Ding Yi felt it was nearly done, it most likely was.
Just to be safe, however, he gave a reminder.
"Refining the living Zhuyuan beast and fusing it into that treasure basin fish—the earlier steps aren't the crucial part; the key lies in the subsequent nourishment. That cannot be achieved overnight. By my estimation, it will take at least ten years. Not the slightest mistake can occur during that period, so you must still take it to heart, Fellow Daoist Ding."
Ding Yi nodded. It was a matter of utmost importance to him, so naturally he would not be careless.
Right now, however, he was even more curious about the Qingyangzi whom Cave Master Moyun had mentioned earlier.
"That Qingyangzi... his Daoist title is rather similar to a certain powerhouse of the demonic path I know of."
"Who?"
"Demonic Lord Qingyang."
"Er... to tell you the truth, Fellow Daoist, he really is that Demonic Lord Qingyang."
Ding Yi's small eyes narrowed, his expression turning quite colorful.
"To think he is actually here in the Myriad Immortals Association as well. I ought to find an opportunity to pay him a visit."
Cave Master Moyun waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't even think about it. He entered secluded cultivation recently and sees no one. Even Zihou, one of our Demon Hunting Department's three Eight-Star Demon Hunters, paid him a visit in person and was turned away at the door."
Ding Yi stared blankly.
'Putting on such airs?'
That seemed somewhat different from the man he had encountered on Lengguang Island.
Back then, however, Demonic Lord Qingyang had disguised himself, and his true abilities were only revealed during the great battle on Lengguang Island.
Recalling the terrifying might of Demonic Lord Qingyang, Ding Yi's eyes narrowed slightly.
'Moyun isn't weak, but his true forte is weapon refining. If I want to go to that place, his abilities fall somewhat short.'
'In contrast, although Demonic Lord Qingyang's cultivation is slightly lower, his true combat prowess is universally acknowledged as formidable.'
'With his aid, my chances of success might be much higher.'
'Should I have a talk with him?'
For a time, the fat cultivator turned various calculations over in his mind, and tales of Demonic Lord Qingyang's deeds resurfaced repeatedly in his thoughts.
At last, he seemed to reach a decision.
Chapter 617