Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1410 - 894: Ten Thousand Treasures Store, Zhongli Xiayi (Part 2)

With physique, divine soul, and mana all intact, why is it impossible for a Martial Artist at the Divine Soul Realm to form a Core?

A sudden flash of understanding dawned upon Yang Zhenshan!

"I understand now. Thank you for your guidance, Immortal."

"Haha, it’s merely idle chatter, not guidance!" Zhongli Xiayi chuckled.

As they were meeting for the first time, such casual conversation could help foster a connection.

The Ten Thousand Treasures Store never engages in one-time dealings; their preference is to cultivate loyal patrons and establish friendships with all clients they do business with.

After this brief exchange, Zhongli Xiayi steered the conversation back to the main purpose, inquiring, "I still don't know what you require, Yang?"

Yang Zhenshan harbored a desire to delve deeper into the realms of Martial Arts with her, but realizing it was their initial encounter, he decided to postpone such discussions.

One should not dismiss Zhongli Xiayi's earlier words as trivial; she had subtly alluded to a higher echelon of Martial Arts.

Within the Spirit Source Land, numerous Martial Arts Techniques exist, many originating from the Ancient Relic Array. However, even these martial arts cap out at the Divine Soul Realm.

There are no records or descriptions pertaining to any realms beyond it.

This underscores the extreme rarity of levels in Martial Arts that surpass the Divine Soul Realm.

The very concept of a Martial Arts Golden Core – these four words alone are priceless.

"I wish to acquire some spiritual materials of the Wood and Thunder attributes to refine my Lifebound Magical Treasure!"

Yang Zhenshan stated this without reservation, his honesty evident.

There was truly nothing to conceal.

It was a fairly common practice for a Cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage to refine a Lifebound Magical Treasure.

"Wood and Thunder attributes?" Zhongli Xiayi pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you seeking third-rank spiritual materials or second-order ones, Yang?"

"Both!" Yang Zhenshan responded.

"Second-order spiritual materials are quite accessible; the Ten Thousand Treasures Store offers a variety of spiritual materials across all attributes. However, concerning third-rank ones—"

She cast a meaningful glance at Yang Zhenshan, stating, "Third-rank spiritual materials are exceptionally scarce within White Cloud Immortal City, and should you wish to obtain them, a substantial price will be required!"

"What sort of price?" Yang Zhenshan inquired calmly, taking a sip of his tea.

Third-rank spiritual materials were exceedingly difficult to come by.

To be truthful, Yang Zhenshan had only ever encountered one type of third-rank spiritual material: the Golden Thunder Bamboo!

And even then, the Golden Thunder Bamboo he knew had not yet matured, thus not qualifying as a true third-rank spiritual material.

In essence, Yang Zhenshan possessed no third-rank spiritual materials at present.

"The most straightforward method is to exchange third-rank spiritual materials for other third-rank spiritual materials," Zhongli Xiayi explained.

"Is it not possible to purchase them with Spirit Stones?" Yang Zhenshan inquired.

"No, not unless you possess top-grade Spirit Stones!"

"..."

Yang Zhenshan found himself momentarily speechless.

While Spirit Stones are the most common form of spiritual material, top-grade Spirit Stones are far from common.

Regardless of whether they are low-grade or top-grade, Spirit Stones are merely stones imbued with spiritual energy, suitable for cultivation, alchemy, and artifact refinement.

However, top-grade Spirit Stones possess unique properties.

This is because top-grade Spirit Stones have the capability to continuously emanate spiritual energy.

Top-grade Spirit Stones are also known by another name: Spiritual Source Stones, signifying their role as the origin of spiritual energy.

These Spiritual Source Stones are categorized into numerous types, such as Wood Spirit Source Stone, Water Spirit Source Stone, Fire Spirit Source Stone, and Thunder Spirit Source Stone, among others.

They are, in themselves, third-rank spiritual materials and are highly valued amongst them.

If Yang Zhenshan had possessed several Wood Spirit Source Stones and Thunder Spirit Source Stones, he would have been able to directly refine his Lifebound Magical Treasure without needing to procure any from the Ten Thousand Treasures Store.

"Are there any alternative methods?"

"You can also exchange third-tier Elixirs or Spiritual Artifacts for them!" Zhongli Xiayi replied.

"Why jest with this old man, Immortal?" Yang Zhenshan feigned mild irritation.

Zhongli Xiayi gently shook her head, clarifying, "I mean no disrespect, but the value of third-rank spiritual materials is exceedingly high, and you must offer something of equivalent worth for an exchange!"

Yang Zhenshan responded with composure, "There must be other methods, surely?"

"Certainly, other methods exist. It simply depends on your willingness to meet the required price!"

"Pray tell!"

"Complete three tasks for the Ten Thousand Treasures Store, and you shall be eligible to receive one third-rank spiritual material!"

Yang Zhenshan's eyes narrowed as he regarded her, asking, "What sort of tasks are they?"

Zhongli Xiayi presented a Jade Scroll with a smile. "The Ten Thousand Treasures Store frequently posts various tasks. Any cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage can accept these missions and earn spiritual materials upon completion!"

Yang Zhenshan accepted the Jade Scroll and examined it with his Spiritual Sense.

As Zhongli Xiayi had stated, the scroll listed hundreds of different tasks.

Some were straightforward, others intricate; some posed significant danger, while a few were relatively safe.

However, every task demanded a substantial price, whether it was risking one's life or dedicating an immense amount of time.

For instance, a mission might involve hunting a particular demon beast and delivering its remains.

Alternatively, one could be tasked with guarding a specific location for the Ten Thousand Treasures Store for fifty years.

Or perhaps, tending to a Medicinal Field for a century!

While many safe options existed, even a Foundation Establishment Cultivator could realistically complete fewer than three in a lifetime due to time constraints.

Perusing the available tasks, Yang Zhenshan's brow furrowed deeply.

These missions either necessitated risking his life or consumed an overwhelming span of his time.

"Is there any other method?"

"Indeed!"

"And what might that be?"

"If you possess skills in Alchemy, Artifact Refining, or array formations, you can be appointed a Guest Elder of the Ten Thousand Treasures Store. Your contributions can then be exchanged for third-rank spiritual materials!"

Yang Zhenshan's eyes lit up. "An Alchemist, you say?"

"Naturally. Are you an Alchemist, Master Yang?" Zhongli Xiayi's own eyes sparkled with interest.

"Yes, I am a second-rank Alchemist! I can refine Foundation Establishment Pills, Illusion God Pills, and about seven or eight other second-order pills. I can also refine Demon Essence Pills!"

He recognized this was not the moment for false modesty; he needed to demonstrate sufficient capability to gain Zhongli Xiayi's respect.

"Demon Essence Pill!" Zhongli Xiayi's gaze intensified.

Yang Zhenshan immediately presented her with a Demon Essence Pill, adding, "My current success rate isn't exceptionally high."

Zhongli Xiayi inspected the pill and gave a slight nod.

"Although it's only a second-order low-grade pill, it sufficiently showcases your alchemy mastery!"

"I sincerely extend an invitation for you to join the Ten Thousand Treasures Store. We guarantee, Master Yang, that you will not be disappointed!"

Her expression was one of genuine earnestness.

Alchemists were highly sought after, and a second-rank Alchemist adept at refining Demon Essence Pills commanded significant respect, even within the prestigious Ten Thousand Treasures Store.

Zhongli Xiayi's demeanor shifted noticeably.

Previously, she had treated Yang Zhenshan as a standard customer, willing to offer minor concessions to foster goodwill but nothing substantial.

Now, her objective was to recruit him, offering him the esteemed position of Guest Elder within the Ten Thousand Treasures Store.

Even though Yang Zhenshan's current skill was limited to refining second-order low-grade Demon Essence Pills, his proficiency was enough for the Ten Thousand Treasures Store to actively seek his affiliation.

"I desire third-rank spiritual materials!" Yang Zhenshan stated his terms.

"Upon your joining us, I can ensure you receive a third-rank low-grade spiritual material as a welcoming gift!" Zhongli Xiayi replied.

Yang Zhenshan expressed surprise. "Your generosity is truly unexpected, Immortal!"

Zhongli Xiayi chuckled. "It appears you're underestimating the true value of a Demon Essence Pill."

With her gentle reminder, Yang Zhenshan finally grasped the situation.

It wasn't that he undervalued the Demon Essence Pill itself, but rather that he had overlooked the profound significance of being a second-rank Alchemist capable of producing them.

One must remember, the Demon Essence Pill is a crucial component for Core Formation.

While a top-grade Demon Essence Pill is required, only a select few Alchemists can successfully craft it. The fact that an Alchemist could currently produce these pills indicated a strong potential to refine superior versions in the future.

The value of a top-grade Demon Essence Pill surpassed that of most third-rank spiritual materials. Therefore, securing an Alchemist with the potential to refine such pills was well worth offering a piece of third-rank spiritual material.

"What if I require more spiritual materials?" Yang Zhenshan inquired further.

His request stemmed not from greed, but from a genuine and substantial need for additional third-rank spiritual materials.

The Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron required three distinct types of third-rank spirit wood. Furthermore, the Green Wood Purple Lightning Sword needed at least one Thunder Attribute third-rank spiritual material, in addition to the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

Zhongli Xiayi responded, "Then, it will be contingent upon your contributions to our Ten Thousand Treasures Store!"