*Clack!*
The Yin Puppet Crystal was set upon the platform, its lifelike puppet drawing one astonished gaze after another.
Puppet crystals were divided into yin and yang.
The Yang Puppet Crystal had been a gift from Earl Dongyang before his demise, while the Yin Puppet Crystal had been claimed after slaying Weird General's natal puppet.
Weird General had refined the Yin Puppet Crystal directly into his natal puppet, and a portion had already fused into it, leaving Qin Sang no choice but to seal and preserve the puppet as a whole.
"A puppet?"
After a brief silence, a questioning voice rose from below.
Qin Sang shifted his gaze toward the speaker, finding the person concealed within a shroud of shadow—doubly disguised, just like himself.
The seal upon the puppet had not even been undone, yet the object had already been identified.
Zhongzhou was indeed not lacking in masters of this craft.
In the present era, top-grade spiritual materials were exceedingly scarce. Crafting a high-tier puppet easily demanded a dozen or even dozens of different varieties, making it an undertaking of monumental difficulty.
Some cultivators skilled in puppetcraft wisely chose to abandon the path once they reached the Nascent Soul realm.
Throughout his journey of cultivation thus far, among the Nascent Soul cultivators Qin Sang had met, Senior Sister Qingjun was undeniably the foremost master of puppets, and Weird General counted as another.
"This is a secret treasure of puppetcraft, obtained from an ancient secret realm. It is beyond comparison with ordinary treasures of the present age. Had I not lacked interest in cultivating the art of puppets, I would never bear to part with it. Fellow Daoists proficient in this path should be able to discern its value without further elaboration..."
Qin Sang unsealed the puppet and displayed it openly, allowing everyone to probe it with their divine senses.
He had no way of accurately assessing the puppet crystal's true worth. The Yin Puppet Crystal was already partially fused into someone else's natal puppet; whether it could be separated intact and how much it had been compromised remained an unknown.
He could only speak vaguely and await the right buyer.
Pausing for a moment, Qin Sang stated his terms in a deep voice: "The Yin-Yang Puppet Crystals in exchange for medicinal pills or secret treasures capable of strengthening divine sense. They must be effective at the level of divine sense taking form."
The puppet crystals had not stirred much of a wave, but Qin Sang's condition provoked an immediate stir.
Gazes filled with varying emotions converged upon Qin Sang.
Even estimating conservatively that he was only at the mid-Nascent Soul realm, reaching the stage where his divine sense took form meant he was bound to be an elite among his peers, his strength not far removed from that of a Great Cultivator.
"Aren't you indulging in wishful thinking?" a female cultivator chuckled softly. "How vital is divine sense to cultivators like us? If someone actually obtained such a pill, they would swallow it at once. Who would be willing to trade it away?"
The speaker was none other than the female cultivator who had traded for the Spirit-Confining Art moments ago.
Before Qin Sang could reply, the figure concealed in the shadows chimed in: "Indeed! Furthermore, the value of these two puppet crystals has not reached such heights. If they were pristine, intact puppet crystals, one might still consider it. But one of them has already fused with a puppet, and if my eyes do not deceive me, this puppet is actually a rare natal puppet..."
This person was clearly well-versed in puppetcraft, having seen through the puppet's origins and holding forth with confidence.
Hearing that it was a natal puppet, the crowd cast glances at Qin Sang. The puppet crystal had most likely been plundered from someone else, though that was harmless enough unless relatives or friends of the aggrieved party were present.
"To obtain the crystal, one must first sever it from the puppet. A natal puppet can be compared to a natal magic treasure; once its master perishes, it loses most of its value. That is the first issue. Second, the extraction process demands immense effort, and there is no guarantee the crystal can be extracted whole. With treasures of this caliber, the slightest flaw ruins everything. To pay such an enormous price for a treasure bearing such immense risk... your asking price is far too high."
Qin Sang stood upon the platform without interrupting, his expression calm.
"Your words are mistaken. A natal puppet cannot simply be equated with a natal magic treasure. Handled properly, obtaining a Nascent Soul-tier puppet is by no means difficult. Consider this puppet an extra bonus; the two puppet crystals alone are worth no less than the treasures I requested. I do not speak out of arrogance—I possess some attainments in the art of puppets myself, but I must dedicate myself to my foundational Dao and cannot divide my attention..."
When Qin Sang subdued the Nascent Soul talisman puppet back then, Qingjun had patiently instructed him. He was not completely ignorant of the subject, otherwise it would have been difficult to counter his counterpart's arguments. He refuted the points one by one with reasoned logic.
The figure in the shadow continued to dispute him, but Qin Sang took no offense. The more this person spoke, the more interested he clearly was in the puppet crystals. No matter how eloquently the other party argued, Qin Sang refused to budge. Finally, he looked around at the assembly. "Which Fellow Daoist is interested in trading?"
Seeing that there was no room for bargaining, the figure in the shadow fell silent.
While they had debated, the others had merely watched the show with keen interest.
The female cultivator glanced toward the shadow, then said to Qin Sang in a serious tone, "Treasures of that level are sought but rarely found, as you must know well. Rather than waiting in vain, why not trade for something useful first? Do you truly have no other needs?"
Qin Sang gave a faint smile and replied in an enigmatic tone, "Can you provide a method for Deity Transformation? If so, not only will I offer the puppet crystals with both hands, but I will also present other supreme treasures as gifts."
His fixation on bolstering his divine sense was, in truth, preparation for Deity Transformation.
*Fire Seed Golden Lotus* would soon encounter a bottleneck.
Crossing that threshold in a single burst of momentum would be of immense significance, yielding an all-around advancement!
If his divine sense could take a step forward first to rival that of a Deity Transformation cultivator, the myriad benefits would be immeasurable.
Not only could he refine all of the Nine Nether Demonic Fire, but he might also be able to sway more Sun God Birds following major breakthroughs in his secret art and divine sense, allowing the power of both divine abilities to take a massive leap.
At these words, everyone was struck speechless. The female cultivator chuckled helplessly, shaking her head.
Afterward, several others attempted to bid, hoping to trade other treasures for the puppet crystals.
Qin Sang saw through their motives. The puppet crystals were indeed extraordinarily valuable, so much so that these people were still unwilling to give up. Had they offered something that tempted him, he wouldn't have minded striking a deal, but unfortunately none did.
Just then, an aged voice drifted from a corner. "This old man has a Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill that can be parted with, but I do not want your puppet crystals."
As the voice rang out, an elderly man in Daoist robes sitting cross-legged upon a prayer mat near the edge of the woods stood up. Stepping out from the gathering, he strode into the pool, supporting a jade bottle in the palm of one hand.
The jade bottle glowed with verdant light.
Inside rested a medicinal pill resembling a droplet of spiritual liquid, crystal-clear as dew and utterly pure, instantly seizing everyone's gaze.
Seeing the elderly Daoist step forward, Jiang You's expression flickered, though he quickly returned to normal and did not stop him.
"The Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill is something you all have surely heard of. A thousand years ago, a traitor emerged from Tianhao Tower—Old Demon White Ghost. After defecting from Tianhao Tower, he made quite a name for himself in the Northern Wilderness with his superb alchemy skills. Tianhao Tower pursued him multiple times, only to be played for fools again and again, becoming the laughingstock of that era. Back then, every hundred years Old Demon White Ghost would put up a Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill for auction. While most were consumed, a few occasionally circulated, and through many hands, this one came into my possession. This old man has no connection to Old Demon White Ghost; if there are fellow Daoists from Tianhao Tower present, please do not direct your wrath at me."
The elderly Daoist walked up beside Qin Sang, nodded to him, set down the medicinal pill, and faced the crowd. "This pill has the effect of strengthening divine sense. Even for fellow Daoists whose divine sense has already taken form, refining this pill yields considerable benefits; otherwise, the demonic sects of the Northern Wilderness would not have gone to such lengths to shield Old Demon White Ghost back then..."
Qin Sang scrutinized the Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill.
When examining the records of Six Prefectures Hall, he had come across mentions of this pill.
In the present world, speaking strictly of renowned pills that strengthened divine sense, the Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill ranked near the very top.
Pills more precious than this were either monopolized by the great sects and virtually impossible to obtain outside, or were missing one or several ingredients, making them impossible to concoct.
The elderly Daoist looked at Qin Sang. "Unfortunately, this old man does not understand puppet refining. If you can provide any one of these treasures, you may take this pill."
As he spoke, he produced a jade slip.
Qin Sang took it and looked through it, inhaling a sharp breath.
"Heavenly Crow Spirit Crystal, Four Symbols Precious Mud, Ten-Thousand-Year Azure Cloud Dew..."
Every item listed on the jade slip was an exceedingly rare heavenly material or earthly treasure, practically unobtainable; even prominent sects might not be able to produce more than a few.
Clamors had already begun from below.
"Fellow Daoist, why not display the contents of the jade slip?"
"Indeed! Perhaps some among us possess what you need!"
...
The Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill was clearly far more popular than the puppet crystals.
The elderly Daoist cupped his hands all around and smiled. "According to the rules of the treasure exchange, this fellow Daoist takes priority. Please be patient, everyone; this old man has also prepared several treasures whose value is no less than the Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill!"
Under the watchful eyes of all, Qin Sang calmly read on until he reached the final entry of the jade slip. Completely out of place compared to the other treasures, it actually requested a pseudo-spirit treasure specifically designed for breaking formations, with its valuation dependent on its power.
"Breaking formations?"
Qin Sang's expression shifted slightly.
He had no pseudo-spirit treasure, but he had a Heavenly Eye Butterfly that was second to no pseudo-spirit treasure.
Pondering for a moment, Qin Sang pointed to the last entry and said in a low voice, "I cannot provide a pseudo-spirit treasure, but I consider myself to have quite a mastery in the Dao of spirit formations—a match for virtually anyone under heaven!"
The elderly Daoist's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked Qin Sang up and down. "What do you mean?"
"Where is the formation you intend to breach? I can personally accompany you on a trip. If the attempt fails, I shall not take a single coin. But if we succeed..."
Qin Sang's gaze fell upon the jade bottle.
The elderly Daoist frowned. "This old man does not doubt your ability, but... would you be willing to part with it? I have prepared several other treasures for this exchange, and I certainly will not disappoint you."
How could the Heavenly Eye Butterfly ever be handed over into another's hands!
Qin Sang refused without hesitation.
The elderly Daoist stared intently at Qin Sang for a long while, seemingly trying to pierce through his disguise to see his true face, before finally sighing and shaking his head. "This old man does not lack helpers. My apologies!"
Cupping his hands, the elderly Daoist channeled his divine sense into the jade slip, openly displaying its contents to everyone.
Qin Sang fell silent, yet he did not step down immediately.
"I have a bottle of Ten-Thousand-Year Azure Cloud Dew!"
The speaker was the Daoist nun Qin Sang had encountered earlier.
Moving swiftly, she skimmed across to the edge of the pool, clutching a bottle of spiritual dew in her fair hand and setting it upon the water platform, sparking another commotion.
The elderly Daoist's eyes lit up brightly. Securing the Daoist nun's permission, he picked it up and examined it closely, saying joyfully, "It is indeed Ten-Thousand-Year Azure Cloud Dew without a doubt. This Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill..."
"Hold on!"
Midway through his sentence, Qin Sang suddenly spoke up to interrupt.
The Daoist nun whipped her head around, her starry eyes glaring wide at Qin Sang. The elderly Daoist's expression changed abruptly.
Jiang You flashed between the two, a look of vigilance on his face. "Please think twice, Fellow Daoist!"
At the same time, the formations within the spirit array shifted, and a powerful aura, faint yet unmistakably present, locked onto Qin Sang.
Qin Sang's pupils constricted, and he gave an odd chuckle. "Where has Vice Hall Master Jiang's mind wandered? Who would dare ruin Six Prefectures Hall's business in Tianzhong Commandery? I never said I did not want the Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill; I only wish to continue trading."
Jiang You and the elderly Daoist exchanged a glance, their expressions relaxing slightly.
The elderly Daoist reluctantly put down the Ten-Thousand-Year Azure Cloud Dew, unwilling to pass on whatever Qin Sang had to offer. "Have you made up your mind? What treasure do you intend to exchange?"
Qin Sang waved his sleeve, putting away the puppet crystals, and said calmly, "I do not have any of those materials, but I possess a supreme treasure that you will definitely find impossible to refuse. It is just that... a single Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill might not be enough!"
An uproar swept through the crowd.
In an ordinary treasure exchange, rare treasures on the level of the Nine-Refinement Spirit-Returning Pill were seldom seen.
What immense arrogance this man had!
Gleams of brilliant light danced in the elderly Daoist's eyes. A decisive man, he immediately replied, "So long as you have not spoken with exaggeration, this old man shall certainly satisfy all your requirements! Fellow Daoist Jiang can bear witness!"
As he spoke, he nodded toward Jiang You.
"This fellow Daoist is the host of this treasure exchange," Jiang You confirmed the man's identity to Qin Sang. "Earlier, he casually brought out several treasures of immense value that broadened my horizons considerably... Everyone, wait and see."
So he was the host! No wonder he was so wealthy and confident.
Azure light flashed in Qin Sang's palm, revealing a jade box, which he reached out to open.
Everyone had been guessing what kind of treasure it was—an elixir pill, a pseudo-spirit treasure, or perhaps even a genuine spirit treasure.
What appeared before them, however, was a stick of incense.
Spirit-Calming Incense!
Shaped like a jade tally, it was made entirely of jade-green crystal, utterly translucent and flawless. Its unique herbal aroma was repressed by restrictions so that none leaked out, yet one look at its appearance was enough to know it was extraordinary.
Aside from a select few, most cultivators wore puzzled expressions, failing to recognize this treasure.
The elderly Daoist's breath hitched. Staring fixedly at the jade box, his face filled with shock, he blurted out, "Spirit-Calming Incense!"
"You have discerning eyes, Fellow Daoist!" Qin Sang gave a slight nod, privately on his guard.
Though the Spirit-Calming Incense was precious, it was useless to him. It was far better to trade it for things more useful to his growth, and he happened to have crossed paths with a wealthy patron.
Hearing their exchange, the others seemed to recall something, their confusion turning into astonishment.
"It is said that Spirit-Calming Incense was created by an unknown senior. After that senior disappeared, the incense was completely lost, leaving behind only legends, which everyone took to be mere tales. Only when someone unexpectedly uncovered two sticks of Spirit-Calming Incense in a secret realm two thousand three hundred years ago did the world learn that the legends were true. Word has it that they were ultimately divided between two mysterious experts. Could this stick of yours be..."
The elderly Daoist gazed intently at Qin Sang, scrutiny hidden within his eyes.
Qin Sang smiled without answering, his thoughts turning.
Could the person he spoke of be Xiaoxiangzi? That figure had left legends across both Zhongzhou and the North Sea.
Xiaoxiangzi had not only possessed supreme cultivation, but his alchemy was also unrivaled in the world.
To create Spirit-Calming Incense on his own—how extraordinarily brilliant!
"Legend says Spirit-Calming Incense can suppress inner demons. Is that truly so?" someone asked urgently.
"Is the medicinal efficacy truly as good as the legends say? During Deity Transformation, how much of an effect can it have?"
"Is Fellow Daoist truly willing to part with it?"
...
One gaze after another converged upon Qin Sang.
Qin Sang looked toward the elderly Daoist, turning the tables so that he was the one waiting for the best offer. "That depends on what price everyone here is willing to offer. For a Nascent Soul cultivator, its effects are guaranteed not to disappoint. As for whether it will work during Deity Transformation, you will only know once you try it."
Chapter 1592