Chapter 490: Exchange

Chapter 490: Exchange

"The Azure Ring of the Firmament in exchange for the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade?"

Ji Xinghuo was taken aback, his face registering surprise. "Master, you're aware of the significant trouble I've faced because of the Azure Ring of the Firmament, aren't you?"

"Of course," replied Yu Huoxiao with a nonchalant smile. "I heard everything that was said by Xu Kun Tianlin yesterday, and I also had Zhi Ying look into your grudge with him in the Abyss. It's a minor matter."

A minor matter...

Ji Xinghuo's heart stirred, and he asked, "Master, aren't you afraid of offending the Xu Kun family?"

"If it were the Xu Kun family of a thousand years ago, I would definitely give them some respect. But the Xu Kun family of today..." Yu Huoxiao's eyes held a hint of contempt.

He didn't finish his sentence, but his attitude toward the Xu Kun family was clear.

"So, what's your decision? Will you make the exchange?" Yu Huoxiao asked again.

Ji Xinghuo didn't answer immediately, his face reflecting his contemplation.

Both the Azure Ring of the Firmament and the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade were three-star Heaven's Secrets. However, their values were vastly different. The Azure Ring of the Firmament was worth at least 2 million Aetherstones, with an upper limit of over 3 million. This was double, or possibly even more, the value of the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade.

Despite the fact that the power of the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade far surpassed that of the Azure Ring of the Firmament.

The reason for this discrepancy was that not many deviants could use the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade, which limited its market and potential buyers.

On the other hand, the Azure Ring of the Firmament had a very wide range of applications. It had no requirements for the user and could be used both offensively and defensively. It was almost invincible below the seventh stage and could even turn the tide of a battle at the seventh stage.

Ji Xinghuo had experienced this firsthand.

During his encounter with the Royal Thunder Snake in the Abyss, he had easily escaped thanks to the Azure Ring of the Firmament. If he had had the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade instead, he might not have been so fortunate.

Given the choice, the vast majority would choose the Azure Ring of the Firmament.

With the Azure Ring of the Firmament, one could even escape from under the hands of a Star Shepherd. This was why Ji Xinghuo was unwilling to lower the price and let Xu Kun Tianlin redeem it.

Master Yu Huoxiao's proposal for an exchange also stemmed from his recognition of the true value of the Azure Ring of the Firmament.

As for the price difference...

It was clear that Master Yu Huoxiao had no intention of making up the difference. He stood to gain from this difference, shifting the risk onto himself and bearing the brunt of the Xu Kun family's pursuit.

As long as he could withstand the Xu Kun family, Master Yu Huoxiao would profit by anywhere from 500,000 to 1.5 million Aetherstones. Additionally, he would have successfully crafted and tested the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade, proving his forging techniques and design, thus achieving multiple goals in one fell swoop.

It had to be said that he was indeed a shrewd businessman.

Ji Xinghuo's thoughts raced.

Master Yu Huoxiao waited patiently without rushing him, seemingly confident that Ji Xinghuo would agree to the proposal.

To onlookers, it seemed like a risk-free, highly beneficial proposition.

Cang Ya was also very tempted, but as this was Ji Xinghuo's decision, she had no say in the matter and so remained silent.

After a long while, Ji Xinghuo finally responded. He glanced at Zhi Ying, and Master Yu Huoxiao immediately said, "Zhi Ying, leave us." Cang Ya also stood up, preparing to leave the reception hall with the four Dragon Guards from the Cang Long family, but Ji Xinghuo stopped them.

Master Yu Huoxiao raised his hand and activated the soundproof force field surrounding them. "You may speak freely."

"Master," Ji Xinghuo began, "your proposal is very tempting, and I am inclined to agree on one condition: if you can agree to two small requests of mine."

"Two?" Master Yu Huoxiao's expression was unreadable. "Let's hear them."

"First, I hope that within ten years, I can redeem the Azure Ring of the Firmament using Aetherstones, at a price of 2 million," Ji Xinghuo said.

Ten starry years were equivalent to 37 years on Earth. With just a few hunting trips to the Abyss, one could earn that amount, not including the extra spoils of war. Simply by selling exotic species and the treasures found in the Abyss, one could amass a substantial fortune.

Moreover, within 37 years, he should have long since advanced to the Star Shepherd stage.

Master Yu Huoxiao shook his head immediately.

"I'll be taking the Azure Ring of the Firmament from you now and helping you divert the threat of the Xu Kun family. Why would I then sell it back to you at a low price? That would be a waste of effort on my part," he said, a hint of displeasure on his face.

However, Ji Xinghuo could tell that he didn't intend to reject the idea outright.

Negotiations were all about bargaining.

"Then what does Master suggest?" Ji Xinghuo asked cautiously.

"The price will have to go up."

Master Yu Huoxiao replied without hesitation, "Redemption is possible, but it will cost you 3 million Aetherstones."

"Deal!"

Ji Xinghuo agreed without hesitation.

This meant that Master Yu Huoxiao would hold onto the Azure Ring of the Firmament for ten years, do nothing, and still make a profit of 1.5 million Aetherstones. It was a fantastic deal! Ten years later, Ji Xinghuo might no longer need the Azure Ring of the Firmament, so he wouldn't have to redeem it, saving himself 3 million Aetherstones—again, a very profitable outcome.

Ji Xinghuo continued with his second request, "Master, after the exchange, I'd like to borrow the Azure Ring of the Firmament for a period of time, until the Cang Ming auction is over."

"You're afraid of the Xu Kun family coming after you?" Yu Huoxiao guessed, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes, Master," Ji Xinghuo admitted.

"You can publicly announce that the Azure Ring is already in my possession," Yu Huoxiao suggested with a hint of arrogance. "Let them come to me if they dare."

Ji Xinghuo shook his head, unconvinced. "Xu Kun Tianlin values his own and his family's reputation. Even without the Azure Ring, he won't easily let go of our grudge."

"You can defeat him, so what are you afraid of?" Yu Huoxiao chuckled.

"If it were just Xu Kun Tianlin alone, I wouldn't be worried," Ji Xinghuo explained. "But he has the support of a Star Shepherd, and I'm concerned about Xia Wei."

"Xia Wei is on East Emperor Island?" Yu Huoxiao asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

Ji Xinghuo nodded gravely.

"If your information is accurate, your situation is indeed dangerous." Yu Huoxiao frowned, his expression turning grim. "Even with the Azure Ring, your chances of escaping Xia Wei are slim. If you were to be killed, I would lose not only the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade but also the Azure Ring."

"With the Azure Ring, I am confident I won't die," Ji Xinghuo stated firmly.

"Oh?" Yu Huoxiao's eyes narrowed, and he studied Ji Xinghuo intently before suddenly breaking into laughter. "Now I'm curious about your identity."

Ji Xinghuo stood up, and his features began to shift. His height decreased from over two meters to just under one meter and ninety centimeters, and his build became more balanced and sturdy. His eyes changed to a dark golden color, and he resumed his true appearance.

The Fraudulent Mask stopped concealing his aura, and a subtle, abstruse aura emanated from him.

Yu Huoxiao's expression shifted slightly.

"Yingmei Jin greets Senior Yu Huoxiao," Ji Xinghuo said, revealing his name in the True Dragon Empire.

The current him was like a completely different person compared to just a few seconds ago.

Aside from his physical appearance, the most striking change was the awe-inspiring aura he exuded, which carried a hint of destructive intent.

Even Cang Ya, who already knew Ji Xinghuo's true identity, felt her heart tremble.

She realized that Ji Xinghuo had reached the sixth stage.

In just two starry months, his strength had improved by more than one level since his return from the Abyss!

"Yingmei Jin...Yingmei Dragon..." Yu Huoxiao murmured, his eyes narrowing as he studied Ji Xinghuo. Suddenly, realization dawned on him. "I heard that the Titanium-Cobalt family of the Yuan Magnet Clan gave birth to an Extinction Dragon Lord not long ago. That must be you! No wonder you dared to refuse Xu Kun Tianlin. Impressive!"

He praised with a hint of approval in his voice.

If it were just an ordinary Extinction Dragon, Yu Huoxiao wouldn't have given it much thought, but upon observing Ji Xinghuo up close, he sensed a strength far beyond that of a sixth-stage powerhouse.

This Extinction Jin was at least a Heaven's Pride of the Hidden Dragon sequence!

Unless something unexpected happened, he would definitely reach the seventh stage in the future.

Furthermore, from Ji Xinghuo's identity as the Extinction Jin, Yu Huoxiao deduced additional information. The reason Ji Xinghuo wanted to wait until after the Cang Ming auction was due to the upcoming auction of the Magnetic Pole Kinetic Slash, an exotic species that all electromagnetic deviants desired.

Now that he knew Ji Xinghuo's identity, he didn't have to worry about him running off with the Azure Ring. He could just go to Titanium Ring City if needed.

Yu Huoxiao's attitude softened, and his smile grew wider. "How confident are you that you can escape Xia Wei's grasp safely?"

"With the Azure Ring in hand, at least ninety percent," Ji Xinghuo replied without hesitation.

"Hmm..." Yu Huoxiao stroked his chin, no longer hesitant. "I agree to your second request as well."

It wouldn't hurt to build a good relationship with a future Star Shepherd.

In fact, if Ji Xinghuo were to propose easing the first request, extending the redemption period, and lowering the price, Yu Huoxiao would be willing to consider it. However, Ji Xinghuo didn't have such intentions, and he expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Master."

He activated the Fraudulent Mask again, disguising himself once more as an ordinary legendary deviant.

Then, he took out the Azure Ring of the Firmament.

"Please take a look, Master."

After discussing the exchange for so long, it was only right to let Yu Huoxiao examine the Azure Ring personally.

Ji Xinghuo handed over the azure-blue ring.

Yu Huoxiao took it and held it in his hand, carefully examining it. After a while, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Indeed, it is the treasure of the Xu Kun family. Whether it's the material, craftsmanship, or its effects and power, it's absolutely flawless and a rare treasure among the world's treasures."

He shook his head again, "The most important material of the Azure Ring is the Void Prison exotic species, which only the Xu Kun family possesses. Others cannot replicate it."

"What a wonderful treasure!"

After admiring it, Yu Huoxiao returned the ring to Ji Xinghuo. "Take good care of it for me, and bring it to me as soon as the auction is over."

Ji Xinghuo infused a wisp of his star power into the tablet, and the contents appeared before him.

He carefully read through the contract.

It clearly stated the terms of the trade, as well as the agreed-upon redemption period and price, which were the same as what they had discussed. Once both parties signed, the tablets would be locked, preventing any further modifications. The contract would then have legal validity in the True Dragon Empire.

While this so-called legal validity might not hold much weight for a Star Shepherd, it was at least some form of assurance.

After confirming that there were no traps in the contract, Ji Xinghuo signed his name.

They exchanged tablets and signed again.

The contract was now in effect.

Yu Huoxiao put away the tablet and said, "I prepared the materials for the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade many years ago. We can start the crafting process today. There are about ten days left until the Cang Ming auction, so time is tight, but I can definitely guarantee that the blade will be in your hands before the auction."

"Thank you for your hard work, Master," Ji Xinghuo said.

"You can either go back and wait for my notice or stay here at the Casting Star Lake Estate," Yu Huoxiao said before turning into a ball of flames and dispersing, his figure vanishing.

This was just one of his clones.

Ji Xinghuo turned to look at one of the buildings in the Casting Star Lake Estate. The moment Master Yu Huoxiao had signed the contract, he had already begun working on the main body.

Yu Huoxiao wasn't working alone.

He had a casting team of several dozen people, all skilled in operating various equipment. At his command, the entire workshop sprang to life like a complex, massive machine, entering a state of full operation.

"Jing, do you want to come home with me or stay here?" Cang Ya asked.

"I'll stay here," Ji Xinghuo replied.

His reasoning was that with Yu Huoxiao's presence in the Casting Star Lake Estate, staying here would indirectly grant him the protection of a Star Shepherd, making it safer.

"I'll stay with you," Cang Ya said without hesitation.

"Good."

With no one else around, Ji Xinghuo lifted her chin and smiled. "With you here, Xu Kun Tianlin won't dare to make a move. But are you sure you can keep me company for ten days? With your performance last night, I'm afraid you'll be begging for mercy after three days."

This woman lacked strength yet had excessive demands.

A beauty with an insatiable appetite.

Cang Ya's face turned slightly red, her beauty unmatched, as she pouted, "Hmph, who begged for mercy? Don't spout nonsense."

"Hahaha..." Ji Xinghuo laughed heartily, his mood exceedingly pleasant.

At that moment, Zhi Ying walked into the parlor, and the two stopped their flirtatious banter, though from her expression, it seemed she had long guessed what was going on.

Thereafter, Ji Xinghuo stayed at the Casting Star Lake Estate.

Most of his time was spent cultivating, and his star power grew, breaking through the 180,000-point mark. Every day, he had in-depth exchanges with Cang Ya, and whenever they were together, they were often naked. Cang Ya, just like in the secret realm, was addicted to their lovemaking and couldn't extricate herself from it.

During this period, Zhi Ying, as instructed by Yu Huoxiao, publicly announced that Yu Huoliao had sold the Azure Ring of the Firmament to him.

However, he made no mention of the Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade.

Upon receiving this news, Xu Kun Tianlin paid a visit and proposed to buy back the Azure Ring of the Firmament, even offering a price of 1.5 million Aether Crystals. However, he was rejected by Yu Huoxiao.

Ji Xinghuo did not make an appearance.

Instead, he closely monitored Xu Kun Tianlin through the Macrocosmic Eye, secretly observing his conversations with Xia Wei, and discovered that Xu Kun Tianlin seemed to have given up pursuing him but had not removed the surveillance he had placed on East Emperor Island.

"He's still not letting go," Ji Xinghuo judged.

Even though Xia Wei, from the perspective of the family's overall situation, had decided to shift their focus to Yu Huoxiao in an attempt to retrieve the Azure Ring of the Firmament.

However, Xu Kun Tianlin had not set aside his personal grudge.

This was within Ji Xinghuo's expectations. Every now and then, he would use the Macrocosmic Eye to keep an eye on Xu Kun Tianlin, keeping track of his movements.

Through the Macrocosmic Eye, he also observed another important target—the Magnetic Pole Kinetic Slash exotic species. It was stored in the Cang Long family's treasury and guarded by a Star Shepherd. However, Ji Xinghuo never saw the Azure Wave Dragon Emperor during his surveillance attempts.

The whereabouts of this Infinite Realm Master remained a mystery.

Ji Xinghuo was wary, and after a few unsuccessful attempts to secretly observe her, he dared not try again.

In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.

On the day before the Cang Ming auction, loud laughter rang out from the Casting Star Lake Estate, interrupting Ji Xinghuo's cultivation. It was Yu Huoxiao's message: "Your Lightning Ship-Cleaving Blade is done! Come over now!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end