Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation-Chapter 120 - 16: Targeting the Spirit Flame_2
Li Ji'an was also filled with suspicion at this moment. He had just "seen" the true form of the Spirit Flame and confirmed it was indeed a Spirit Flame of a not very high tier. Yet, he still couldn't understand how it managed to break through Xiao Changfeng's Qi Cultivation late-stage magic barrier so swiftly.
"Coincidence? Did it just happen to hit a weak spot in the barrier?"
"No matter, Brother Xiao, you've already been a great help. Without you, I fear I wouldn't have even found traces of the Spirit Flame. I'll continue searching along the way." Li Ji'an instructed Gugu to pursue as he gave Xiao Changfeng a solemn bow.
Now that he had a lead, with Gugu's mystical ability to conceal and its Earth Escape talent, it surely wouldn't get away.
However, as Gugu was his second-tier trump card, he wasn't planning to reveal it to the public until faced with a life-and-death crisis.
"Alright, let's continue searching separately." With that, Xiao Changfeng handed back the Spirit Trapping Talisman.
Li Ji'an waved his hand: "No need, Brother Xiao, you keep it. In case of another encounter, you can activate it in time."
With those words, he intended to follow in the direction Gugu was pursuing.
"Fellow Daoist, please wait."
Just then, an urgent and clear shout came.
Immediately, two figures were seen flying in from the south.
"Is that a Spirit Trapping Talisman in your hand? I'll buy them all!" The leader wore a red dress, youthful and vibrant, in her twenties. Despite her slight urgency, her face, graced with a touch of frost, was beautiful and her demeanor was remarkable.
"Oh, it turns out to be a high disciple of the Upper Sect. I am Liu Jiuqian of the Beast Taming Liu Family. Fellow Daoist, please grant me a favor." When she approached and saw Xiao Changfeng in his Biyun Sect Inner Sect disciple attire, her expression relaxed slightly.
Xiao Changfeng turned his gaze and greeted her with a smile: "Fairy Liu, I hope you've been well."
"It's actually Fellow Daoist Xiao." Liu Jiuqian smiled brightly.
Being from the Beast Taming Liu Family, one of the Five Great Clans, she had frequent interactions with some senior Elders of the Biyun Sect. As the most talented beast tamer of the Liu Family's current generation, Liu Jiuqian had deep connections with the true disciples of the Biyun Sect.
In comparison, Xiao Changfeng, as a regular Inner Sect disciple, held slightly lower status. He had only met Liu Jiuqian during a mission with a true disciple senior brother.
Back then, Liu Jiuqian had a pleasant conversation with the true disciple senior brother, leaving Xiao to smile along on the side.
"Since we're acquainted, Fellow Daoist Xiao, I'll be frank. I am currently undergoing my clan's trial, aiming to independently capture a late-stage demon beast. After several months of searching, I unexpectedly found a late peak-stage Fire Extreme Mink. Capturing it would secure my eligibility for clan elder status and ensure my Foundation Establishment stage within the year. Rest assured, I will remember Fellow Daoist Xiao's kindness then."
"However, this mink excels in escape speed, possessing a Gale Spirit Mechanism. After months of entanglement, just as success was in sight, I realized I lacked the necessary Spirit Trapping Talismans to imprison it, thus my urgent need for them now."
Liu Jiuqian straightforwardly explained her intentions.
Xiao Changfeng was somewhat moved upon hearing this. The Beast Taming Liu Family held nearly the top position among the Five Great Clans in Cangyun State, just below the Biyun Sect, thanks to their exceptional beast taming skills. Although their clan's individual strength wasn't the strongest, their clan's spirit beasts were a formidable power.
Their Second Tier spirit beasts were akin to nuclear weapons influencing a state's battles in the entire Cangyun State; many Foundation Establishment clans would beg to purchase a clan guardian spirit beast.
It was rumored that their ancestors once nurtured a Tier Three spirit beast whose combat capability matched that of a Core Formation True Man of the Human Race.
If he could earn the favor of Liu Jiuqian, who might well become a Liu Family Elder or even clan leader in the future, he might gain a Second Tier spirit beast companion, enhancing his overall combat strength significantly.
However, with a slight sigh, Xiao Changfeng honestly said: "Please forgive me, Fairy Liu. This talisman belongs to Brother Li. I am also assisting Brother Li in capturing the Spirit Flame on this journey."
"Oh? Is Fellow Daoist Li a Pill Master?" Liu Jiuqian asked, turning her gaze toward Li Ji'an.
"Indeed, Brother Li is a renowned Pill Master in the Immortal City." Xiao Changfeng introduced and silently transmitted the woman's identity and status to Li Ji'an.
Liu Jiuqian slightly furrowed her brows: "A Pill Master of Immortal City? A Loose Cultivator?"
Coupling her thoughts with Xiao Changfeng's words, she quickly understood: a Loose Cultivator Pill Master from Immortal City, seeking to capture Spirit Flame by hiring and amassing resources for Foundation Establishment with the help of sect disciples.
As a core figure of the Liu Family, who frequently interacted with the true disciples within the sect, she knew the challenges faced by Inner Sect disciples. Unlike her, whose clan had early on prepared all resources needed for Foundation Establishment, non-true disciples in the sect didn't have it as well.
In times of insufficient sect tasks, it was common for disciples to undertake outside missions to earn extra resources.
Realizing Li Ji'an's identity, her demeanor showed no arrogance or superiority.
Instead, she looked at Li Ji'an with a warm smile, even somewhat ingratiatingly: "Pleased to meet you, Fellow Daoist Li. I am Liu Jiuqian."
If it were a sect disciple, she could rely on her connections with the sect's true disciples for a straightforward transaction.
But with a Loose Cultivator, she had to put in a bit more effort. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
After all, Loose Cultivators, often self-reliant and unappreciative, were sometimes obstinate. If encountering someone already resentful of family monopolies on resources, they might not respect her.
Causing herself to lose face and unable to use force in front of sect disciples, lest it tarnishes her family's reputation.
Furthermore, she didn't need to lower her status to argue with such a Loose Cultivator.
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Liu." Li Ji'an responded with a smile.
Xiao Changfeng had already transmitted to him the background and identity of this woman, with a hint of advice to build goodwill with her.
Coincidentally, his second-tier trump card, Gugu, and his "Rejuvenation" assurance, were at a crucial point for advancing to a Second Tier, needing a Blood Pill.
However, aside from the Blood Pill's value, even if he managed to gather sufficient Spirit Stones now, without a special connection, acquiring a Blood Pill would be challenging.
After all, one Blood Pill could imply an additional demon beast of Second Tier, equivalent to a Foundation Establishment stage, appearing in the state.
And the Liu Family, known for expertise in Beast Pill crafting, had the final say in this area.
"Fellow Daoist Li, you're too kind. As those Spirit Trapping Talismans belong to you, I brazenly request that you sell them to me. Consider this a favor I owe you, to be repaid in future should you face difficulties, under my name." Liu Jiuqian nodded slightly, appearing quite sincere.
"A favor?" Li Ji'an chuckled inwardly, noting how she spoke of owing a kindness to Xiao Changfeng moments ago.
"Don't worry, I'll purchase at thirty percent above the market price!" Liu Jiuqian promptly added after perceiving Li Ji'an's slight hesitation.
Li Ji'an pondered quietly. He had plenty of Spirit Trapping Talismans; before Xiao Changfeng's arrival in the Immortal City, he had crafted a batch of nine mid-stage Spirit Trapping Talismans. Later, as he learned about Xiaoqiao's Divine Abilities, his confidence surged, leading him to create an additional three late Upper Grade Spirit Trapping Talismans.
Now, knowing the tier of the Spirit Flame here, he believed that at most three mid-stage Spirit Trapping Talismans should suffice to capture it.
However, he presented a slightly troubled expression: "Fellow Daoist Liu, you may not realize, in seeking advancement in Alchemy Skill, the Spirit Trapping Talismans I prepared are quite limited."
Liu Jiuqian's pupils slightly contracted, yet she maintained a forced smile, persuading earnestly: "Fellow Daoist Li, how could you believe such baseless rumors? I've spent quite some time here, and many of my elders frequently stop here seeking Fire Element demon beast cubs. There's no Spirit Flame here; those are deceitful tales meant to mislead you. Don't be fooled."
Li Ji'an's eyelid twitched. If he hadn't already locked onto that Little Spirit Flame, he might have believed her.
Realizing this woman's mind was not simple and her ability to lie with open eyes was innate, he made up his mind.
"Since Fellow Daoist Liu is so frank, let me be straightforward too. I can sell you the Spirit Trapping Talismans, but I need a promise from you."
Compared to some intangible favor, a concrete promise felt more reliable.
Without equal status and influence, without a long-term exchange of value, without potential that the other party sees, it's unrealistic to imagine simply currying favor with those in high places.
From his many lives, he understood that many in power use others' psychology like this to gain without effort, even some swindlers exploit this psychology.
It was only because she currently urgently needed the Spirit Trapping Talismans that she spoke so amicably with him.
If it were any other time, she probably wouldn't even glance at him.
Of course, the most crucial aspect was that his first impression of this woman did not suggest someone with a noble character who understands and appreciates gratitude.
And his consistent principle of making beneficial connections wasn't driven by flattery or suction, but by the exchange of value.
