Chapter 399: Chapter 250: Golden Body Accomplished
"Oh, Fourth-Tier Earth Vein Spiritual Qi?"
Qin Xuan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He had to admit, the reward Zhu Cangzhen offered was truly generous.
Enough to entice any Purple Mansion Cultivator.
With the help of Fourth-Tier Earth Vein Spiritual Qi, the success rate of Core Formation could be increased by at least ten percent on top of one’s existing chances.
With some luck, it might even improve the grade of one’s Golden Core, allowing a leap from a Low-Grade Golden Core to a Mid-grade Golden Core!
’Heh, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. This old fox is probably trying to set me up.’
Qin Xuan instinctively became wary.
It would be a lie to say he wasn’t tempted, but that was before. Now, Qin Xuan possessed the Dirt and Filth, the Yin Crow Gang Wind, the Extremely Cold Profound Ice, the True Sun Fire...
Each of these Spiritual Objects could increase his chances of successful Core Formation by twenty percent.
Forming a Golden Core was practically a certainty for him; the only question was its grade.
The Fourth-Tier Earth Vein Spiritual Qi would merely be the icing on the cake.
Just as Qin Xuan was about to refuse, the sphere of light in his mind suddenly burst with a brilliant golden glow.
Two Ancient Bamboo Sticks flew out.
[Middle-Lower Draw: Refuse Zhu Cangzhen. The Green Blood Sword Demon will find a way to use it against you. Constant trouble. Ominous.]
[Middle-Lower Draw: Agree readily. You may obtain a Ninth-Grade Opportunity, but your vitality will decline. Constant trouble. Ominous.]
Qin Xuan’s expression turned grim.
’The Green Blood Sword Demon?’
’So it’s you, Lu Hanzhou. You just won’t go away. So you’re involved in this.’
"Fourth-Tier Earth Vein Spiritual Qi... Senior Brother, you are truly generous. This item would indeed be of great benefit to me."
After a moment of thought, Qin Xuan, who had been about to refuse, changed his tune.
"However... Senior Brother, you’ve come at an inconvenient time. I was just in seclusion, forcing a breakthrough. Although I was fortunate enough to make some minor progress in my Body Refinement, my Divine Sense was injured in the process. I’m afraid I’m not up to the task of Fire Control and Gold Holding, which requires extreme precision."
"If I were to force myself to act, not only would I be unable to help you, Senior Brother, but I might even damage the Magical Treasure. In that case, not even ten thousand deaths could atone for my failure."
As he spoke, Qin Xuan gently rubbed his temples, looking slightly weary. His acting was flawless.
"Master Chu, could you perhaps give me a few days?"
The smile on Zhu Cangzhen’s face froze, and he gave Qin Xuan a deep, long look.
"Oh, your Divine Sense was injured? What a shame."
Zhu Cangzhen said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes:
"In that case, I will not insist. Demon Prince, please rest well. I will return once you have recovered."
"I hope the Demon Prince recovers soon."
Qin Xuan cupped his hands in a salute and saw Zhu Cangzhen out.
...
After Zhu Cangzhen left, the smell of blood lingered in the quiet room for a long time.
Qin Xuan’s brow was furrowed in thought about how to handle the situation when the Restriction on his door rippled again.
"Who is it?"
"M-Master Demon Child, it’s me."
The person outside was tall and thin, his face so pale it was bloodless. His eyes were sunken, and his black robes hung loosely on his frame, making him look like a frail scholar just recovering from a serious illness.
It was Ruan Fusheng.
Ruan Fusheng forced a smile, his voice weak and lacking energy. He bowed deeply and presented a jade box with both hands.
"Before, I was blind and offended you, Master. I have specially prepared this Three Yin Soul Condensing Jade as a token of my apology. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my past transgressions."
Qin Xuan’s gaze swept over it, and he understood immediately.
This Spirit Jade, which emanated a pure yin energy, was actually a Tier Three Middle Grade Magical Treasure.
Looking at Ruan Fusheng’s current state, he had likely gone to great lengths to acquire it.
Unfortunately for him, something like this was no longer impressive in Qin Xuan’s eyes.
Qin Xuan didn’t even reach out to take it, simply saying coolly, "Altar Master Ruan, you’re too kind... But why do you look so frail?"
A flash of terror crossed Ruan Fusheng’s face, and he bowed even lower.
"COUGH COUGH... Master Demon Child, you see clearly. It’s just that Master Zhao is using the Demon Order to collect Demon Blood from everyone. My body... it’s about to be completely drained. I can’t hold on much longer. I implore you, Master, to put in a good word for me with Master Zhao and ask for a little more time..."
Qin Xuan’s interest was piqued.
’Old Zhao is quite capable. So that’s where the Purple Mansion Essence Blood came from... Not bad, not bad at all. He knows how to get revenge for me.’
Glancing at Ruan Fusheng again, a sudden idea flashed through Qin Xuan’s mind.
"Speaking of which, I do have a matter that needs to be taken care of."
A light immediately burst forth in Ruan Fusheng’s murky eyes. He hurriedly said, "Please, Master, tell me! I will do everything in my power!"
Qin Xuan’s face remained impassive. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, musing for a moment before speaking.
"Do you know Zhu Cangzhen, Master Chu of the Artifact Refining Hall?"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Fusheng’s expression relaxed, and his tone became more animated. "I do, of course I do... Master Chu and I are old friends from the same year. We entered the Holy Sect together back in the day and have always been on very good terms!"
"Oh?"
Qin Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone flat. "That’s excellent. Master Chu’s Fourth-Tier Earth Vein Spiritual Qi would be a great help for my Core Formation. Master Chu has promised to lend me his Blessed Land if I help him with some Artifact Refining. However, I am in seclusion studying the Sword Talisman inheritance and have no time for other matters."
"Since you have a history with Master Chu, I’ll entrust this matter to you."
"As long as you handle this matter properly, all past grievances between us will be wiped clean. I might even consider speaking to Master Zhao on your behalf."
Ruan Fusheng was overjoyed, an unnatural flush rising on his pale face.
"Master Demon Child, rest assured! You can leave this matter to me. I will definitely not fail you."
Qin Xuan nodded slightly and said meaningfully, "Remember, you’re the one who volunteered to solve this problem for me. The job must be done beautifully. Don’t tarnish my reputation. Otherwise..."
Ruan Fusheng shivered and quickly bowed. "I understand! I will act with caution and would never dare to disgrace your name, Master!"
Watching Ruan Fusheng’s retreating back as he left, thanking him profusely with unsteady steps, Qin Xuan slowly sat back down on his cushion, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
’You’re the one who walked right into this. Don’t blame me.’