https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-864-Bounty-for-a-Treasure-Is-That-All-/12545314/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-866-The-Xuanji-Tree-Mother-s-Request/12545316/
Chapter 865: Sowing the Seeds of Their Demise
Chapter 865: Sowing the Seeds of Their Demise
Lu Chen extended his spiritual sense into the jade slip, quickly browsing through the rewards offered for the bounties.
There were quite a number of treasure varieties inside, totaling over six hundred types, most of which were grade-five items, mainly consisting of magical artifacts, talismans, and pills.
Among the treasures were also a few grade-four items of extremely rare types, which held great appeal to the Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Celestial Star Cave.
Scanning through all the treasures, Lu Chen found quite a few varieties of spirit herbs, but only three spirit seeds, all of which were common grade-five types, leaving him uninterested.
"Compared to artifacts, pills, and talismans, spirit plants are still quite niche."
"As for those spirit seeds, if any cultivators were to obtain them and come to me, I could buy them at a high price."
Lu Chen was confident in his approach. He had repeatedly offered high prices for spirit seeds in the past, creating an image of desperately seeking high-grade spirit seeds.
Once a cultivator obtained a rare, high-grade spirit plant, they might very well come to sell it to him.
Although he wasn't interested in the bounty rewards listed in the jade slip, he had underestimated the other cultivators in the Celestial Star Cave.
As soon as the jade slip appeared, the various treasures on the exchange list drove countless cultivators into a frenzy.
Most of the cultivators in the Celestial Star Cave were solitary cultivators of humble backgrounds, lacking powerful artifacts, secret techniques, or profound cultivation techniques and martial arts.
However, the jade slip offered a grade-seven artifact, the 'Nine Heavens Primal Yang Ruler', as well as secret techniques like the 'Innate Capture Art'.
These items were typically only accessible to those from major sects and powers, out of reach for most solitary cultivators.
But now, they could obtain them simply by slaying a certain number of demons. How could this not drive them crazy?
The next day, Lu Chen received a message talisman from a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Thunderfire Star Cave, inviting him to his abode for a gathering.
After a quick preparation, Lu Chen flew towards the cave dwelling of the familiar cultivator.
"Landfriend Lu, it's been a while since we last met."
The cultivator, named Guo Bingqiu, had a refined aura and greeted Lu Chen warmly from a distance.
"It's been some time, Landfriend Guo. Your cultivation has improved significantly."
Lu Chen smiled and sighed, following Guo Bingqiu into the cave dwelling.
In the elegant main hall, over ten Core Formation cultivators were already seated, most of whom Lu Chen recognized, including Ye Xuan Yin, with whom he had a good relationship.
He smiled and greeted everyone, then took out several bottles of spirit brew from his storage bag.
"Landfriends, I came in a hurry, but I brought a few bottles of spirit brew that I crafted myself for everyone to taste. I hope you won't mind."
Seeing the vibrant spiritual energy emanating from the brew, the eyes of the crowd lit up.
"Landfriend Lu is too kind."
"Your renowned spirit brew is something I've longed to taste. Today, I can finally indulge in a glass or two."
The cultivators praised in unison, and Lu Chen sat quietly, smiling without saying a word.
As the group tasted the spirit brew, he secretly scanned them with his spiritual sense to ensure none were possessed by demons, finally putting his heart at ease.
"It's safe for now."
He quietly breathed a sigh of relief and listened attentively to the conversation, occasionally offering his opinions.
"Landfriends, you all know why I've gathered you here today," Guo Bingqiu said after everyone had arrived.
Hearing this, the crowd fell silent, deep in thought.
"We are all aware of the treasures on the list: grade-seven artifacts, low-tier secret techniques, high-grade cultivation techniques... Each one of them presents a great opportunity for us.
"Therefore, I plan to organize a group of fellow cultivators to join forces against these demons."
"By uniting our strengths, it will undoubtedly be much easier to vanquish the demons, thus significantly enhancing our efficiency in demon extermination. We can then focus on claiming the high-tier treasures and distribute them fairly among us according to our individual contributions."
"Fellow cultivators, what are your thoughts on this proposal?" Guo Bingqiu scanned the entire hall with a nonchalant expression as he posed the question.
"Indeed, it is a good strategy. It would be challenging to compete with other cultivators if we were to fight alone."
"By working together, we can easily defeat the demons and reduce the difficulty of obtaining the treasures." Some cultivators voiced their agreement.
"It is a feasible plan, but we must establish a proper set of guidelines. Otherwise, if the distribution of treasures is unfair, it may lead to disputes over interests and damage the harmony among us." Some cultivators also expressed their concerns.
Among the dozen or so cultivators present, most agreed with the suggestion put forth by Guo Bingqiu.
Only Lu Chen and two others remained silent, refraining from sharing their opinions.
"Lu, my friend, would you like to join us in exterminating the demons and claiming those rare treasures?" One of the cultivators turned to him and asked softly.
Lu Chen shook his head. With a resolute heart and a decision already made, he wouldn't change his mind just because of an invitation.
The true intention behind Celestial Star Cave's actions was clear. The rampage of the demons had exceeded their control, forcing them to offer a plethora of treasures to attract countless solitary cultivators to take on the perilous task of eradicating the demons.
Additionally, Lu Chen had no desire to join forces with others to hunt the demons. In the face of enormous benefits, it was easy for unforeseen complications to arise. He believed it was better to venture alone and avoid unnecessary hassles.
Of course, the primary reason was that he didn't find the treasures on the list appealing...
"Friend Xu, I, Lu, have devoted most of my attention to spiritual herbs, neglecting my cultivation. As a result, I possess the realm but lack the corresponding strength."
"If it were ordinary demonic beasts, it would be fine, but these demons are exceptionally powerful. By joining your ranks, I may very well end up holding all of you back."
"Thus, it's better for me to stick to being a spiritual herbologist and mind my own business." Lu Chen sighed and explained with a bitter smile.
"Everyone has their own aspirations, and we can't force you, friend Lu."
"It's true that staying in your cave abode is undoubtedly much safer than venturing out to hunt demons."
"However, if you miss this opportunity, it may be challenging to come across such a grand chance again." A hint of disappointment flashed in Xu's eyes as he spoke to Lu Chen.
"Hard to come by? I'm already tired of opening these group reward talismans..." Lu Chen muttered to himself, his expression conveying a sense of helplessness.
"I have no choice. Having chosen the path of a spiritual herbologist, I must find ways to survive and lead a peaceful life."
"It's entirely up to you, my friend. Just make sure you don't regret your decision later." Xu nodded and then turned to discuss the specifics of their collaboration with the other two cultivators.
The group enthusiastically delved into topics such as luring, ambushing, and forcefully attacking the demons, as well as maximizing the power of their respective artifacts, secret techniques, and the distribution of treasures afterward.
Lu Chen, sitting in the corner, seemed somewhat out of place.
With a calm demeanor, he observed the other cultivators, who seemed to have been captivated by the prospect of the abundant treasures, and took a sip of the spirit brew.
"To destroy them, first make them mad."
(End of Chapter)
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