CHAPTER 269: CHAPTER 264: SCAM

As Song Boling’s voice fell, everyone’s gaze swept around the surrounding crowd.

The cultivators present were mostly from the Condensed Core Realm. Their purposes varied, yet fundamentally, all had come ’for treasure’. As for how to obtain the treasure...

"I’ll go first." At this moment, an elder in one direction took the initiative to speak up, "I have a Demon Core from a Demon Python with Jiao Dragon bloodline, and I wish to exchange it for a set of Fire Attribute spells that demand aggressive attack. I wonder if anyone is willing to trade?"

For cultivators of this level, wealth held little significance, hence such small-scale trading meetings often involved barter, taking what they needed. Therefore, certain criteria had to be met; not just anyone could enter.

Ordinary people could not produce corresponding trade chits.

"May I see this Demon Core?" In another direction, a middle-aged man in a black robe seemed somewhat interested.

"Certainly." The elder nodded and then produced a Demon Core, surrounded by demon energy and accompanied by thunder light.

"Thunder Attribute, not bad." The man in the black robe smiled as he soared forward, landing beside the elder and said, "First, take a look at the part of the spell I’m offering."

Upon finishing, a light moved from the center of his brow towards the elder. After inspecting it, the elder also showed a satisfied expression and said, "It’s acceptable."

"Give me the Demon Core first, and I’ll give you the complete spell." The middle-aged man in the black robe said. The elder hesitated but eventually handed over the Demon Core. The man in the black robe kept his word, and both parties completed the transaction smoothly, returning to their positions.

"This kind of trade has higher safety; items like Demon Cores and spells are generally less prone to being snatched." Sun Zhao said in a low voice.

"I have a fifth-tier magical treasure, wanting to exchange for a set of high-level Thunder Attribute Qi Cultivation Technique."

To Li Fan’s left, a middle-aged man in purple attire spoke, revealing long hair draped over his shoulders and a broad back, exuding a majestic aura like a fierce beast.

"What kind of magical treasure, let’s have a look?" In another direction, an elder asked.

The middle-aged man in purple attire shook his head slightly and continued, "This treasure is of the metal attribute, capable of absorbing gold attribute mana to aid a Qi Cultivator in cultivation and can be used to ward off enemy attacks. But if you want a look, you must first have what I seek."

Magical treasures are far more precious than single Demon Cores and easily arouse greed, so the middle-aged man was cautious. Only if someone could offer what he sought would he consider showing the magical treasure.

"If you don’t show it to us, even if we have what you want, it’s hard to say." Another person said, but the middle-aged man in purple attire remained unmoved, standing quietly, ignoring the speaker.

He was well aware of their intentions.

Seeing no one speak, the elder who spoke before glanced around and continued, "You see, everyone waits to see the hare before the hawk is released. If you don’t show the treasure, I fear the transaction won’t be completed."

"Since no one shows sincerity, then there shall be no transaction. Goodbye." The middle-aged man in purple attire was decisive and promptly soared away.

"Quite swift and clean." Luo Qingyan laughed, watching the departing figure and turned to Li Fan, "Did you learn, brother?"

Li Fan smiled and nodded, presumably to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The trading continued, with people stepping up successively. Some succeeded in trading while others failed.

Moreover, the success rate was not high, which was normal. Such a trading meeting required both parties to have suitable chits that could satisfy the other.

"I have quite a few Demon Cores, including fifth-tier ones. I wonder if any gentleman has Magical Armor to possibly consider?" Beside Luo Qingyan, the middle-aged scholar-looking Meng Hong spoke.

Li Fan looked towards Meng Hong, noting that having fifth-tier Demon Cores and quite many of them implied Meng Hong was formidable, perhaps having hunted numerous demons in the sea.

However, Demon Cores could aid cultivation, but with limited enhancement and attribute segmentation, whereas Magical Armor was incredibly precious. Meng Hong’s desire to trade such a treasure seemed to be facing slim hopes.

"Meng Hong, you’re dreaming, trying to trade a mere few Demon Cores for armor. How about a fourth-tier armor?" Luo Qingyan laughed.

"What use is fourth-tier to me?" Meng Hong said, "Besides, who said I only had a few Demon Cores?"

Luo Qingyan’s eyes brightened, looking at Meng Hong, "Seems you’ve slain quite a few demons, or perhaps snagged them from somewhere?"

"Luo Qingyan, it’s not something you need to worry about." Meng Hong stated indifferently, scanning the crowd, "Anyone interested?"

"How many Demon Cores exactly?" someone else asked.

Li Fan noted that these people, while not necessarily here to trade, were quite interested in others’ treasures... every time someone spoke, they sought to dig deep.

Even if... they didn’t have what others required.

Meng Hong was naturally experienced and simply replied, "Won’t let the trading party suffer a loss."

Many regarded Meng Hong with interest, meaning the number was significant...

"A fifth-tier armor’s value must at least match dozens of fifth-tier Demon Cores, Meng Hong, what a haul." Nearby, Tong Liang chuckled.

"Old Demon Tong, it’s none of your business." Meng Hong glared at him with disdain, this Old Demon harbored ill intent.

"Just asking out of curiosity." Tong Liang stroked his beard and laughed; his ’neighbor’ was quite wealthy.

Despite that, no one was willing to trade Magical Armor for Demon Cores; having Magical Armor could be life-saving at critical moments.

As the trade continued, the crowd soon became quiet again.

Though quite a few people had come this time, there weren’t many. After all, Condensed Core Realm cultivators were not so common even here on West Emperor Island.

"Song Boling, they’re all waiting for you." Someone said, instantly drawing everyone’s gaze towards Song Boling.

The backdrop of this trading meeting arose from rumors of the Resurrection Jade Dew, driving many to attend, making the Rain of Resurrection the highlight of this gathering.

Song Boling smiled and nodded: "Everyone already knows, so please make your offers..."

He did not make the first offer, instead letting the others present make their bids, thus maximizing the value.

Generally, for popular treasures, this is the typical process, so no one found it strange.

"What does Young Master Song want?" Although Song Boling had asked them to make offers, someone still tried to probe.

"As long as the price is right, anything will do." Song Boling smiled warmly.

"I have a fifth-level piece of magical armor, is Young Master Song satisfied?" An elder in the Condensed Core Realm spoke up, catching Meng Hong’s attention. Previously, when he wanted to trade for the magical armor, the other party said nothing. It turns out, they were saving it for the Resurrection Jade Dew.

The cultivation of a Qi Cultivator, upon reaching the Condensed Core Realm, places great importance on Divine Soul cultivation, as it even concerns breakthroughs in realm.

So, it’s not only Li Fan who desires it.

"Seems I’m out of the game..." Luo Qingyan sighed. Starting off with magical armor, how could one compete with that?

"I also have a magical treasure that can absorb the Spiritual Energy of heaven and earth and possesses extremely strong Fire Attribute power. Would Young Master Song consider it?" Another Condensed Core elder said.

"May I take a look?" asked Song Boling.

The elder hesitated, then waved his sleeve and extended his palm. In his palm, a flame lotus flower bloomed and folded, surrounded by scorching currents. The flame lotus seemed to be burning, with mana extremely dense. As sunlight shone down, Spiritual Energy actually fused into the flame lotus.

After displaying it, the elder swept his sleeve to retract it and said: "This item can be used for cultivation, defense, and can even be integrated into a Dharma Form. What does Young Master Song think?"

"Not bad." Song Boling nodded with a smile, but he had no intention of trading and instead looked towards the others.

This scene caused the elder to frown slightly, displeased in his heart. Such a magical treasure was also not to his liking?

If it weren’t for the injury to his Divine Soul, he wouldn’t have brought out such a magical treasure; it was an act of desperation.

But this Song Boling, he was indeed greedy.

"I also have a magical treasure..." Someone else began, taking out a golden attribute magical treasure, also quite precious.

Afterwards, five people successively brought out treasures, hoping to trade for the Resurrection Jade Dew.

However, Song Boling still did not relent.

"I have a Sword Scripture, is Young Master Song interested?" At this time, Li Fan also spoke up, Lu Yuan gazing at him. Li Fan gave her a reassuring look.

There are many Li Mountain Sword Scriptures, and he remembered quite a few. Casually taking out a set would be advanced Sword Scriptures. Of course, he wouldn’t take out anything too precious.

Holding the identity of Li Mountain Sword Master, and for the sake of Li Mountain disciple Lu Yuan, the elders of Li Mountain would naturally understand.

"Oh." Song Boling looked at Li Fan: "May I see a portion first?"

Many eyes turned to Li Fan; Sword Scriptures are extremely precious. An advanced Sword Scripture is invaluable, even if one does not practice Sword Dao, it can be exchanged for other treasures.

"Certainly..." Li Fan’s thoughts moved, and a ray of light from his forehead shot towards Song Boling. After a moment, Li Fan stopped. Song Boling’s eyes flashed sharply as he looked at Li Fan: "That’s not enough, could I see more?"

"If Young Master Song understands the Sword Scripture, you should know its value. If you don’t understand, seeing more is meaningless." Li Fan said, "May I know if this Sword Scripture can be exchanged for the Resurrection Jade Dew on Young Master Song?"

"Didn’t I say, it’s not enough, you need to see more to make a judgment." Song Boling smiled at Li Fan.

"I can add some Demon Cores as bargaining chips." Li Fan continued.

Beside him, Sun Zhao was a bit nervous, as many eyes turned towards Li Fan.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Luo Qingyan whispered beside him.

Cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Realm, in such a setting...

Previously, she had warned Li Fan, but it seems he is still too young, not knowing the danger in people’s hearts.

"Your offer is indeed tempting, but I still need to think it over." Song Boling said.

"Song Boling, what do you mean by this?" someone asked.

"Even though your offers tempt me, they still fall short..." Song Boling said: "I’ll think it over for a few days. If I make up my mind, I’ll come to you all."

Saying this, Song Boling seemed to want to leave.

"Wait."

Li Fan spoke, causing Song Boling to stop. Then he heard Li Fan say: "How about I add two more magical treasures?"

This statement drew more eyes onto Li Fan.

But Song Boling still didn’t stop, raising his foot to leave.

Watching Song Boling about to depart, Li Fan’s eyes turned cold.

"I have no magical treasure, but you probably don’t have the Resurrection Jade Dew either!"

They had been deceived.