Chapter 245: Conversations at the Bazaar · Return to Silent Calamity Island

Chapter 245: Conversations at the Bazaar · Return to Silent Calamity Island

"It's been a while since I last took a stroll like this. Today feels like the perfect chance to relax and balance work and rest."

With this thought in mind, Xiao Chen slowed his usual pace and leisurely strolled through the bazaar's bustling streets.

As he admired the unique scenery of the Mercy Sea region, he also kept his ears open to the conversations of nearby solitary cultivators.

"Brother Zhang, Happy New Year! My, my, it's been ages. I heard last month one of your clansmen caused quite a stir in the Guiyun Forbidden Realm, outshining everyone present. Truly impressive!"

"Brother Wang, Happy New Year to you too. Don't tease me like that—I'm nowhere near connected to such prodigies."

"Ah, Brother Zhang, you're being too humble."

Brother Wang chuckled. "I heard Zhang Shouquan was once just an ordinary solitary cultivator like us before this."

"Yet in the forbidden realm, he comprehended a secret technique left by an ancient cultivator, seized his moment, and avenged his enemies."

"In my opinion, you're no worse than him. Opportunity simply hasn't found you yet. When your time comes, just don't forget this old friend of yours!"

The man called Brother Zhang shook his head with a bitter smile. "Brother Wang, don't flatter me. How could I compare to a hidden dragon like him?"

"I heard he mastered the secret technique in just seven days, then fused it into his cultivation seamlessly."

"With a single wave of his hand, he summoned an Ice Dragon over 1,600 zhang (533 meters) long!"

"At my current level, I can't even reach a fraction of his power."

Oh?

1,600 zhang?

Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel surprised. This person was actually quite formidable—nearly rivaling his own strength.

He silently memorized the name Zhang Shouquan, thinking he might cross paths with him someday.

A young cultivator passing by scoffed, "Hmph! We're all Golden Core cultivators. They're only ahead because they learned a True Manasecret technique."

"If I had access to a Heaven-Tierspell, I'd prove just as strong."

An elderly cultivator nearby shook his head. "Alas, it's not that simple."

"Heaven-Tierspells are rare to begin with. Even if you stumbled upon one, the cultivation difficulty of such manuals far surpasses Earth-tier techniques."

"Even disciples of major sects—how many of them can truly wield such grand spells?"

Another voice chimed in, "The old master speaks wisely. Take the guardian of our bazaar, for instance. His 1,300 zhang-long Green Vine spell is what secured him this lucrative post."

With a sigh, he added, "Someday, I hope I too can master a spell like that."

The crowd erupted in murmurs of agreement.

One cultivator declared he'd be content if he ever reached a thousand zhang in his spellwork.

Another humbly admitted that even a hundred zhang would satisfy him—thousands of zhang felt like an impossible dream.

Truthfully, one couldn't blame them for lacking ambition.

The original True Yang Fire Dragon, after all, started at just twelve zhang.

To cultivate it beyond a hundred zhang required decades of relentless effort to reach the Grand Mastery Realm.

For Xiao Chen, however, the rules were different.

Right now, he simply lacked the interest to delve deeply into spell refinement.

Theoretically, he could easily pursue the ten-thousand zhang cultivation stage.

But after careful consideration, he deemed it unnecessary for now.

Spells were ultimately external tools—functionality mattered more than excess.

The extra time was better spent advancing his cultivation stage.

Once he broke through to the True Sovereign Realm from Golden Core, even greater spells would naturally follow.

As the crowd dispersed, Xiao Chen made his way toward the bazaar's center.

Though this visit was spontaneous, he had two small tasks to complete.

First, this leisurely stroll to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere.

Second, to offload several extra Storage Rings and miscellaneous items he'd accumulated, converting them into spirit stones at a fair price.

"Huh? Why's there such a crowd over there?"

Reaching the bazaar's heart, Xiao Chen noticed a large gathering in a corner, buzzing with discussion.

Curious, he pushed closer. To his surprise, someone was selling Cunyang Stones at a stall.

This was rare indeed.

Cunyang Stones were Third Stage Mystic Stones, prized for storing yang energy and repelling yin.

They served as forging materials, formation components, and most crucially, when refined via True Manarituals, they replenished a cultivator's yang energy.

The specifics of their benefits were best left unspoken—those who understood, understood.

"Why would Cunyang Stones be sold openly here?"

Xiao Chen felt puzzled. Normally, such items were reserved by powerful factions.

They rarely reached the open market.

Looking closer, he noticed a "discount" tag on the stall.

That was even stranger.

Theoretically, open sales of such items aimed for higher profits.

Selling them at a discount made little sense.

As Xiao Chen pondered, his sharp ears caught a conversation to his right.

"Brother Zhao, look closely—the stall owner seems to be from the Luo Clan."

"What? Could it really be?"

"Absolutely. Check the Scented Sachet at his waist. I've only seen their family use that specific design to block out mine miasma."

"So it's truly a Luo Clan member. No wonder he could procure Cunyang Stones for sale."

"Indeed! The Luo Clan Head is formidable, and his kin reap the benefits."

"I remember four years ago, the Luo Clan Head was still scrambling to borrow spirit stones to buy the Xizhang Mountains."

"At the time, many mocked him. Who knew he'd uncover a Cunyang Stone vein there?"

"Now, not only has he repaid all debts, but he earns a net profit of 200,000 spirit stones annually."

"200,000? That much?"

"I'm telling you, that's a conservative estimate—only counting Cunyang Stones. The real profit might reach 300,000 spirit stones."

"In four years, the Luo Clan has earned at least a million spirit stones."

At the mention of "a million", his voice rose, carrying to the surrounding crowd.

The onlookers erupted in astonished chatter.

"I'd heard of the Luo Clan Head's achievements, but I never imagined he'd be this impressive."

"Sigh, I've spent my whole life wandering, and I haven't earned a million spirit stones in total."

"Senior Fellow Cultivator Luo truly is extraordinary. Among Golden Core cultivators, few rival his capability."

The crowd's admiration was palpable.

Xiao Chen nodded thoughtfully. This was indeed impressive—most Golden Core cultivators couldn't dream of such income.

The mine's stability ensured steady annual yields, unlike the uncertain livelihoods of most solitary cultivators.

Leaving the stall, Xiao Chen visited three nearby shops.

He sold his surplus Storage Rings, unused pills, cultivation manuals, and spiritual artifacts.

The first three items fetched modestly—380,000 spirit stones total.

But the accumulated spiritual artifacts from past battles proved valuable, netting 1,655,000 spirit stones.

Combined, he'd surpassed two million spirit stones—roughly equivalent to two Luo Clan fortunes.

"Sigh, I still have much to strive for."

Xiao Chen, after all, possessed a secret technique. His goal was to surpass even the great sects.

Achieving that would require relentless effort.

Leaving the bazaar, Xiao Chen hoisted the Moon Wheel onto his shoulder and began his return journey.

Perhaps due to the central region's proximity, his trip back remained uneventful.

He swiftly returned to Silent Calamity Island.

From hundreds of li away, he spotted Su Li as usual—sitting on a rock with her knees hugged, staring blankly at the sea.

Before he could approach, her gaze met his.

Ding~!

The Red Thread Bell chimed.

Su Li immediately rushed forward, her face glowing with unrestrained joy. "You're back."

Her eyes curved like crescent moons as she spoke.

Xiao Chen watched her residual afterimage vanish from the rock, his pupils contracting sharply before returning to normal.

What speed!

If Su Li harbored ill intent, his Night's Blade would've already activated.

Who would've guessed this seemingly delicate girl carried Wu Clan bloodline, a natural Dual Cultivation (Body & Spirit) Golden Core True Sovereign?

"Why did you return so quickly?"

Back at the stone house, Su Li's eyes never left Xiao Chen. "I thought you wouldn't return until the Autumn Prodigy Competition."

She'd genuinely believed that. After all, the Mercy Sea's northwest corner was far from here.

Ordinary Golden Core cultivators moved slowly. Add in searching for Wuling mechanisms and deciphering traps, each task should've consumed significant time.

Sometimes, Su Li even doubted—had she been alone for so long that she'd imagined meeting others?

Thankfully, the two new statues outside the stone house proved her experiences real.

"Originally, it wasn't simple", Xiao Chen smiled. "But don't forget who I am. A small matter like this is effortless."

"By the way, why keep staring at me? Look at this instead!"

He pointed at the massive crystal Moon Wheel on his shoulder. "Aren't you curious what this is?"

During his return journey, many cultivators had gawked at the Moon Wheel he carried, though few dared approach.

Yet since his arrival, Su Li had barely noticed it, fixated solely on him.

"Huh? What is this?"

Su Li turned her gaze to the Moon Wheel, her delicate brows furrowing. "Judging by the design, it doesn't resemble a spiritual artifact."

She leaned closer for inspection, soon spotting the Wu Talisman etched onto the Moon Wheel.

After experiencing thousands of moon eclipses, she'd learned to decipher many Wu Talismans, understanding their meanings.

But precisely because of this, her eyes widened in shock. "This is the Illusory World Moon Wheel of the ancient Wu Clan's Sovereign Wuqi!"

The moment she realized this, Su Li turned to Xiao Chen, her lips parting slightly but failing to form words: "You..."

Back then, in the Great Priest's hands, this supreme Wuqi—crafted with the entire clan's strength—was enough to intimidate the surrounding Suppression Clan Fortune. In theory, even a Golden Core True Sovereign would struggle to resist the Illusory World Moon Wheel's assault.

"Like it?" Xiao Chen reminded her, "This is a gift I specially brought back for you."

"You wouldn't believe how much effort it took to dismantle this thing."

"Dismantle?" Su Li blinked in surprise. Damaging anything within the Wuling was considered a grave act of disrespect. All witches of the Moon Witch Clan should regard it as an enemy. Yet she nodded, smiling faintly: "Yes, thank you. I really like your gift."

Millions of years ago, those broken rules could be followed by whoever wanted to. It had nothing to do with her.

Xiao Chen then retrieved a small orb from his backup Storage Ring: "Here, this is a Wuqi that can suppress curses. You should test its effects later."

He also took out the strange beast skin: "And this seems to be a cultivation manual placed in the main burial chamber. I brought it back for you."

"By the way, do you recognize the Wu Talisman?"

Su Li nodded: "I recognize part of it."

Xiao Chen immediately unfurled the beast skin: "Then come see what this is. Since it was deliberately left behind, it must involve some secret. I'm quite curious."

"This passage says..." The moment Su Li deciphered the content, her heart trembled. A chill surged from her core, her body shivering involuntarily as her eyes reddened.

The distant sea roared, as if a storm was brewing. The Moon Eclipse curse on her body stirred violently, causing the crystal Moon Wheel to glow faintly.

She saw clearly now—the beast skin bore the secret cipher understood only by a few within the Wu Clan. It specifically warned that the coffin was inscribed with the Rebirth Witch Array. Descendants must never open it, or their souls would be destroyed.

Su Li knew the Rebirth Witch Array. It couldn't truly resurrect the Great Priest, but could briefly possess the target's body, forming a new puppet using pre-sealed legacy knowledge. The puppet could exist for up to three years before the stored power depleted.

Feeling the crystal Moon Wheel's resonance, she suddenly understood. No wonder the Illusory World Moon Wheel appeared here—was it meant to suppress her using the Moon Wheel, reducing energy consumption?

It was all her fault. She shouldn't have let Xiao Chen take that risk. The person standing here now should be...

"Not just reading it yourself—read it aloud!" Xiao Chen's voice suddenly interrupted her grim thoughts. "What does it say?"

His tone remained steady, unaffected.

Wait, could it be...? Su Li asked, surprised: "You didn't open the coffin?"

Xiao Chen looked puzzled: "Don't blame me! The Wuqi was inside the coffin. How else could I retrieve it for you? You don't mind, right?"

Su Li suddenly smiled: "Not at all. As long as you're safe."

She had no affection for the Wuling anyway.

Xiao Chen sensed a strange disconnect in their conversation but couldn't pinpoint it. "Of course I'm safe! What does it say there?"

Su Li had already recovered her composure. Her eyes sparkled mischievously: "It records a Heaven-Tier legacy secret technique. Want me to teach you?"

Xiao Chen immediately shook his head: "No thanks, I'm not interested."

His refusal moved her: "Actually, I don't mind if you learn the Wu Clan's secret techniques. This isn't just politeness."

She spoke earnestly: "If it's you, we can share all our legacies."

Xiao Chen waved to decline but softened his words seeing her seriousness: "I'm a bit busy for now. Maybe teach me later when I have time."

"Alright." She nodded. "Do you want to rest first or cultivate?"

She produced two Blood Crystals: "I saved these for you."

After his long journey, Xiao Chen still eagerly declared: "Cultivate first!"

Perhaps due to his improved cultivation realm, the Blood Crystals' effects had diminished—each now provided about ninety strands of true mana instead of a hundred. The increase in vital energy was also slightly reduced, with more energy dissolving into his meridians. Whether this was conservation or waste remained unclear.

The two Blood Crystals ultimately added 180 strands of true mana to his life-essence core. No matter—his current pace would soon reach the 666-strand Golden Core Late Stage threshold. Theoretically, two more Blood Crystals would suffice for breakthrough.

"Finish refining your Wuqi soon. We don't have much time left." After cultivating, Xiao Chen urged her. Though he'd returned as planned, today was already the thirteenth day of the first lunar month. Only a day and a half remained until the fifteenth.

"Alright." Su Li had much to say but understood the urgency. Nodding, she began recalling the Wuqi refinement method. To avoid mutual interference, Xiao Chen moved to the island's far side for cultivation. As a Golden Core True Sovereign, Su Li required vast spiritual energy from a wide area—especially here without spirit veins.

Two days later, on the fifteenth night, the crystal Moon Wheel gleamed exceptionally bright under the full moon, casting the entire Silent Calamity Island in silver light. Everything Xiao Chen saw seemed to shimmer. Yet the most striking sight was Su Li herself.

Dressed in mist-like gauze, her snow-white hair and frost-like skin made her appear otherworldly under the dual glow of moonlight and Moon Wheel. The curse-suppressing Wuqi, now fully refined into near-transparency, hovered before her chest, radiating blinding whiteness.

What was this effect called again? Xiao Chen couldn't recall.

They met at the island's center. With half a watch until midnight, it was time to test the Wuqi's effectiveness. If the Moon Worship Ceremony succeeded, the Moon Eclipse curse would become fully controllable—her rebirth.

Even a Golden Core True Sovereign couldn't suppress her quickened heartbeat. She bit her lip nervously.

"Don't tense up!" Xiao Chen noticed her anxiety. "Proceed step by step. We'll succeed."

But mere words weren't enough. He needed to distract her. Thinking of the Lantern Festival, he suddenly recalled fireworks.

"Su Li, look up!" He waved his hand. Ten thousand Xuan Fire Ravens silently appeared, then divided into ten groups soaring skyward.

"Bang!" Fireworks bloomed—gray-green toxic raven black flames, orange-red Luotian Divine Flames, and countless sparks from self-detonating Xuan Fire Ravens. Spiritual energy surged, creating more falling sparks.

Su Li's eyes lit up at the spectacle. For a Golden Core True Sovereign, second-tier Xuan Fire Ravens were mere parlor tricks. Yet this simple display made her lips curl involuntarily. She glanced at Xiao Chen manipulating the spell—strangely, her heartbeat quickened further.

"Together!" She laughed, raising her hand. Tens of thousands of fireballs soared, each splitting into ten smaller ones before exploding into dazzling fireworks.

But she overdid it. A powerful spiritual energy tide swept the hundred-mile radius, bending nearby Snowleaf Grass and making Xiao Chen's chest feel tight.

Annoying—his Golden Core breakthrough needed acceleration.

Thankfully, the display eased Su Li's tension. Unnoticed, the zi hour arrived.

A tangible moonbeam descended but was blocked by the raised Wuqi. This buffer transformed the once-painful Moon Eclipse into a bloodline legacy ritual.

"Huh?" Xiao Chen looked down as Su Li's soft body stumbled into his arms. "Did the Wuqi fail?"

Impossible! No Datura Flowers appeared around them.

"I haven't fully mastered the Wuqi yet", Su Li blushed. "Maybe the preparation time was too short."

Understandable—only a day and a half was indeed brief. Xiao Chen embraced her. If so, he didn't mind watching the legacy vision again.

This time, the Moon Eclipse revealed the Wu Clan's decline and the last Great Priest's prophecy. The former resembled the Tianxing Sect's account—both mentioned cosmic upheavals that made adaptation difficult. The latter prophesied a Heavenly Witch's reincarnation to revive the Wu Clan, urging current Moon Witch Clan members, especially the Holy Maiden, to find and follow this reincarnation.

Frankly, it sounded unreliable. Xiao Chen finally understood why the Moon Witch Clan had declined. During such an important ceremony, discussing these vague prophecies was less practical than sharing cultivation insights.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end