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墨書 Inktalez
Fang Lin Kong recalled the Mechanical Demon Soldier, feeling a surge of excitement. In his youth, he had been infatuated with the animated series Transformers, dreaming countless times of wielding Megatron, piloting Optimus Prime, and being followed by Big Train, Devastator, Mechanical Dinosaur, Eight-Faced Monster, and so on! He envisioned himself as a valiant hero, commanding the universe with grandeur.
Now that he had this opportunity, despite knowing he lacked sufficient funds, he thought it wouldn't hurt to offer something in exchange.
Flora Dam smiled brightly and said, "You two truly are Master Uncle's disciples; your plans are perfectly aligned. But I wonder what you intend to offer in return?"
Fang Lin Kong had no experience dealing with merchants aside from purchasing computer parts at the electronics market. However, while there were references for those items, he found it difficult to estimate the value of the Mechanical Demon Soldier. After some contemplation, he gritted his teeth and presented his most valuable item that he could part with.
"I'm currently unemployed and quite strapped for cash. I don't have much of value, but how about this Frodham's Horn? What price do you have in mind, Flora Dam Boss?"
"What! Is that Frodham's Horn?"
Fang Lin Kong's offer didn't faze Dan Xiazi much, but the other two could hardly contain themselves.
Flora Dam was a top-tier fire elemental beast. It took the form of a massive Flame Bull and could transform into a high-level Minotaur. According to the Monster Compendium's classification, its level was forty-four as a Flame Bull and ninety-eight when transformed into a Minotaur.
Ancient texts suggested that capturing such a Flame Bull and marking its forehead with one's blood to create a Subjugation Spell could transform Flora Dam into a flaming sword, binding it to its master for life. However, it was well-known that no one had captured Flora Dam in three hundred years.
The Frodham's Horn was said to possess immense power capable of splitting mountains and seas. It was one of the S-Class Divine Weapons, on par with the Liexie Twin Hooks. In the underground weapon black market of the International Demon Alliance, it was considered a legendary treasure with no price tag. Throughout history, records from Demon Hunting Teams, the American Exorcist Guild, and the International Demon Alliance noted only seven instances of Flora Dam transforming into a Flame Sword, all wielded by exceptionally powerful masters. Flora Dam had even been approached by a Prince of the Blood Clan to acquire such a sword but had never found a source.
Flora Dam had previously contacted those who possessed Frodham's Horn but found no one willing to sell such a treasure.
Now Fang Lin Kong unexpectedly offered this item in exchange for a Mechanical Demon Soldier. This delighted Flora Dam immensely. However, being not just a profit-driven merchant, he advised Fang Lin Kong gently: "This Frodham's Horn is worth far more than any Mechanical Demon Soldier. Even if I were to give you hundreds of my modified Mechanical Demon Soldiers in return, it still wouldn't match the value of Frodham's Horn. While Flora Dam is indeed powerful, it's not impossible to capture; the issue lies in its rarity—only seven have ever been recorded since history began. This horn seems unlike any previously documented; you must have captured it yourself?"
Fang Lin Kong nodded in affirmation but hadn't anticipated such a high value for Frodham's Horn. He recalled that battle and felt fortunate.
Flora Dam continued: "If you're willing, I can help auction off this Frodham's Horn for you. However, once such a treasure is sold, it’s hard to come by again. You might regret selling it later on. If you also like my Mechanical Demon Soldiers, I can give you a complete set as a gift."
Fang Lin Kong felt embarrassed to accept something for free and quickly replied: "In that case, Flora Dam Boss can calculate its worth and throw in some of your creations as well; I really have no use for this Frodham's Horn!"
Fang Lin Kong did not think this item was particularly precious. He mused, "Although I have never encountered a second Flame Bull, I have captured hundreds of Divine Beasts and Celestial Birds of equal power. Selling one, why would I regret it?"
Flora Dam felt a surge of goodwill upon hearing Fang Lin Kong express interest in his creations. In fact, while Flora Dam ran this Antique Shop, his pride lay more in his magical artifacts. However, he usually looked down on those who came to buy; they had to be in his good graces even to catch a glimpse of his wares.
Today, Fang Lin Kong suited his tastes perfectly, which is why Flora Dam was so agreeable.
"Since you like my creations, I'll gift you some Magical Tools."
Dan Xiazi had just returned to Earth. While he lacked currencies like euros or dollars, as an immortal who had ascended for a millennium, he understood the market far better than Fang Lin Kong. Moreover, he did not live alone in the Lira Star System; he had many peers and connections. His lifelong collection was naturally extensive.
Seeing Fang Lin Kong finalize the transaction, Dan Xiazi smiled and released a colorful stone that floated gently in mid-air.
"Dirty Mysterious Immortal Stone!"
"My goodness! Such a thing still exists in this world! This kind of Celestial Stone should have long been extinct on Earth!"
Flora Dam and Green Brow exclaimed almost simultaneously.
In the cultivation world, there is a saying about Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. However, these so-called Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are not merely buried minerals or elements from the periodic table. Anything that contains immense energy or possesses special spiritual effects can be considered Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. This includes rare herbs, mysterious metals, ancient jade stones, and so forth. Among them, the most sought after by cultivators and the rarest are these peculiar Celestial Stones.
There are many types of Celestial Stones, each with its unique functions. However, no Celestial Stone originates from Earth itself; they only appear in outer space or otherworldly realms. Obtaining a usable Celestial Stone can lead to crafting magical artifacts or refining pills to enhance one's cultivation—an opportunity that is hard to come by.
Flora Dam had cultivated for three thousand years but was seeing the true form of the Dirty Mysterious Immortal Stone for the first time.
"This Celestial Stone," he said, "is known to be one of the main materials for refining Azure Origin Pills and can also be used to repair certain magical tools. While I can't estimate its exact value at this moment, it is still not enough to offset the price of the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar."
Though shocked internally, Flora Dam was ultimately a businessman with precise calculations. He quickly determined that the Dirty Mysterious Immortal Stone was insufficient to cover the cost of the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar. Dan Xiazi smiled slightly and said, "I know this one piece isn't enough, but as long as Boss Flora Dam is satisfied with it, I will know how to make an offer."
Flora Dam calculated briefly and replied, "If you have a few more pieces like this one, I would be willing to sell you the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar. As for the specific quantity, I will need to observe market reactions; it's not something that can be concluded hastily."
At this point, Flora Dam truly found himself in a difficult position. Although the Celestial Stone was of great value, its rarity meant that no one had offered a price for it in a long time. He couldn't provide a suitable estimate.
Dan Xiazi, however, seemed unconcerned. With a casual gesture, he placed a palm-sized jade box into Flora Dam's hands. When Flora Dam opened it, he was taken aback. The box was filled with colorful Celestial Stones. Just by glancing at them, he could tell that their value far exceeded that of the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar. Such items were not typically sold at fixed prices; selling them would inevitably involve an auction process, meaning the actual sale price would often be several times higher than the initial estimate.
A customer like this was not someone Flora Dam could afford to overlook, and he began to suspect Dan Xiazi's true identity. Yet, he hesitated to confirm his suspicions.
Green Brow's eyes darted around, feeling quite intrigued. However, she was shrewd enough to realize that it would be better to gather more information about Dan Xiazi through Fang Lin Kong later on. After taking Dan Xiazi's Celestial Stones and Fang Lin Kong's Frodham's Horn, Flora Dam promptly handed the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar over to Dan Xiazi. Shortly after, he returned with a pocket-sized book and handed it to Fang Lin Kong, saying, "I once had a period where I was quite enamored with animations from Europe, America, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. So I created this little collection item. This Pocket Grimoire can hold various storage cards. I've already inserted a set of Transformers cards for you, along with some of my proudest works. When you want to use them, just toss out these storage cards and the corresponding items will appear."
Upon hearing Flora Dam's introduction, Fang Lin Kong took the Pocket Grimoire and casually flipped through it. Inside were hundreds of storage cards showcasing a dazzling array of items for eating, wearing, living arrangements, and transportation. There was even a card for a luxury restaurant that looked impressive just from its description. Not only could it conjure up a restaurant comparable to a five-star hotel with just a toss, but it also offered an array of Chinese dishes from the Manchu Han Imperial Feast series and various local delicacies, as well as French steak, Italian cuisine, American fast food, and Japanese dishes. The entire restaurant was staffed by little fairies flitting about to serve food and act as waitstaff—truly an indulgent experience.
Although such items involved magical applications and were much cheaper than actually building a top-tier hotel, Fang Lin Kong recognized that this item was extraordinary and not inexpensive. He understood that what Flora Dam offered might even surpass the true value of Frodham's Horn. This deal was merely about making a friend; he wasn't profiting from it.
Fang Lin Kong closed the Pocket Grimoire with ease; he knew well what this entailed but said nothing more. After shaking hands with Flora Dam, he quietly left. From then on, Fang Lin Kong and Flora Dam became close friends despite their age difference and maintained frequent contact.
Lin Yu grew anxious when Fang Lin Kong had been inside for quite some time without coming out. However, she knew that Fang Lin Kong's skills far surpassed her own Spell abilities; if something happened to him, her entering would only hinder him further. Though reason led Lin Yu to make the right choice, she couldn't suppress her anxiety any longer and was about to rush in when she saw Fang Lin Kong emerge triumphantly with a rather young-looking man whose age she couldn't quite determine.
Dan Xiazi slightly raised his head and spotted the Baihai Dragon Hovercar that had already concealed itself using invisibility techniques. He had heard Fang Lin Kong mention the research conducted by Azure Sky Ancestor regarding such things. While he found Azure Sky Ancestor's skills alongside Flora Dam's somewhat surprising, these minor tricks were nothing in the eyes of someone like him who had already Ascended.
Once one reached a certain level of cultivation, they would form an energy field around themselves that shielded them from external detection. Generally speaking, the deeper one's cultivation level, the better this shielding effect worked. To ordinary humans, this ability appeared as an Invisibility Technique. This Spell could evade not only human senses but also electronic devices alike. Whether humans or monsters or Divine Demons were concerned, Invisibility Technique was one of their common methods for avoiding detection by ordinary people. The Hundred Seas Dragon's invisibility technology could only fool regular humans; it was less effective against cultivators like Dan Xiazi who saw right through it.
Fang Lin Kong shamelessly said to Dan Xiazi: "Master Uncle left in such haste last time we met that you didn't leave anything behind for your nephew as a memento. If I can't see you again in the future, how will I remember you?"
Fang Lin Kong brought up how Dan Xiazi had left him alone to confront Ancient God Chaos last time—implying that he wanted his share of the spoils. Dan Xiazi had taken an extra Celestial Robe along with the Ancient God Chaos Origin Body last time; such treasures were not easily forgotten by Fang Lin Kong. Although he still didn't know what use the Ancient God Chaos' original body had, he recognized that the Celestial Robe was indeed valuable. Even if nothing else came out of it, getting something else would suffice; seeing how interested Flora Dam was in those colorful stones made Fang Lin Kong certain that Dan Xiazi must have plenty of treasures on him.
Dan Xiazi smiled slightly as if he had anticipated this inquiry all along and calmly replied: "Nephew should know that cultivation on Earth is quite arduous; many items are extremely scarce under such conditions. After I Ascended and traveled through several other realms beyond this one, I truly felt this way myself. Master Uncle has long prepared various essential items for cultivators just waiting to be given to you."
With a casual gesture, Dan Xiazi handed something over to Fang Lin Kong who reached out to take it—only to find that it was the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar.
Fang Lin Kong glanced at the shimmering little jar with curiosity and said doubtfully: "Master Uncle wouldn't be so stingy as to fool your nephew with just this little thing now would you?"
Dan Xiazi pressed his finger against his brow, and a beam of cold rainbow light shot forth, as he soared into the sky, leaving behind a long, hearty laugh echoing in Fang Lin Kong's ears.
"Disciple, your cultivation is still too shallow. You do not know that this Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar, although damaged, remains a top-tier storage treasure from back then. The items I left for you are inside. Moreover, I have also left you a formula for alchemy to aid you in your future endeavors. For now, I must take my leave; come visit me at Kunlun after some time!"
Fang Lin Kong waved goodbye, and in an instant, Dan Xiazi's sword light had already vanished into the horizon with astonishing speed, a sight Fang Lin Kong had never witnessed before. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "Dan Xiazi truly deserves to be called a successful cultivator; even Kyo Kusanagi on Earth would only be left in awe!"
Green Brow did not follow Fang Lin Kong and the others as they departed. Not only was she one of the six elders of Zao Ge Sect, but she was also one of the three leaders of Yinshan Sect. The struggles among these sects were tumultuous and brutal behind the scenes. She was worried about being targeted by the other two leaders vying for control over Zao Ge Sect or Yinshan Group.
However, Green Brow practiced the Taiyin Scripture, which was considered one of the best cultivation methods of the age. Her training was arduous, and she had never relaxed her progress. At her current stage, her advancement had slowed significantly; to rapidly increase her power, she would need external assistance. Although Zao Ge Sect and Yinshan Sect differed in their hierarchical structures—one being a traditional sect with master-disciple inheritance and the other a coalition of practitioners—their cultivation methods were quite similar, focusing on harnessing both yin souls and yang spirits.
In modern society, practitioners had long been prohibited from harming ordinary lives; thus, the ancient method of mass slaughter to gather yin souls and yang spirits was no longer viable. They could only collect the souls of those who died naturally. While some still dared to take risks by killing innocents, they were often more restrained.
If Zao Ge Sect required countless yin souls and yang spirits for its practices, such large-scale activities could not remain hidden. If discovered, it could lead to the eradication of the entire sect.
Generally speaking, seasoned practitioners like Green Brow could monitor one or several cities at once; all deceased souls would be immediately captured by formations she set up. In truth, unless one practiced particularly cruel and sinister spells that involved heinous acts, the number of yin souls and yang spirits would suffice.
Having found no way forward on her current path of cultivation, Green Brow turned her attention to Western Magic. This was why she became interested in necromancy. Cultivation is a process that cannot tolerate interference; she did not dare return to Central Plains for seclusion and thus requested Flora Dam to lend her a secluded chamber.
Flora Dam generously agreed to Green Brow's request and even helped prepare some necessary items for her.
Fang Lin Kong had no interest in necromancy; he left Green Brow alone with Flora Dam while he departed with Dan Xiazi.
Lin Yu observed the man flying beside Fang Lin Kong on his sword and was secretly astonished by his remarkable abilities. When Fang Lin Kong boarded the Hovercar, she asked who that man was.
Fang Lin Kong was reluctant to elaborate and vaguely replied, "I met him at this Antique Shop; I'm not very familiar with him."
Fearing that Lin Yu would continue to pry into Dan Xiazi's background, he quickly changed the subject: "I sold that Frodham's Horn here; by the way, the boss of this shop is also named Flora Dam! I also bought these things—Lin Yu, take a look!"
Fang Lin Kong pulled out his Pocket Grimoire, instantly drawing waves of surprise from Lin Yu, causing her to forget about questioning Dan Xiazi further.
Lin Yu was much more lively and active than an ordinary girl; thus, her interest in Mechanical Demon Soldiers was quite pronounced. Flipping to the back pages and spotting a card for a luxurious restaurant, she insisted on trying it out. Unable to refuse her enthusiasm, Fang Lin Kong agreed to take her out for a meal when they found an appropriate place.
During the exam period, they lived in the wilderness, surviving on little more than some compressed biscuits and barbecued game. They hadn't eaten anything good, and the local saying from the Northern Song period came to mind: "It makes one’s mouth water!" After Lin Yu mentioned it, Fang Lin Kong felt a bit of saliva pooling in his mouth.
Feio and Diao Li watched Fang Lin Kong's hovercar from afar, their faces showing faint smiles.
Feio was the first to speak. "Diao Li! This kid is quite interesting. He managed to survive in that old antique shop at Flora Dam and come out unscathed. You know, even I’m a bit afraid of that old monster."
Feio looked as he always did, wearing hiking shoes, baggy white canvas pants, a thick light blue floral jacket, sunglasses on his face, and a cigarette dangling from his lips, exuding an air of relaxation.
In contrast, Diao Li had completely changed her appearance. The mature aura she once had was replaced by an icy coldness. Her facial features might have only shifted slightly, but she looked much more beautiful now, her expression completely devoid of emotion. She seemed younger too, her age shifting from her thirties to around twenty-seven or twenty-eight. The only thing that remained unchanged was her impressive figure, standing over 170 centimeters tall and still curvaceous.
The combination of the ice-cold beauty and the rogue was always a jarring sight.
Diao Li spoke for the first time, her voice carrying a faint yet indifferent detachment towards the world.
"Our Boss in the Western Sea values the next generation of successors highly; they are certainly not ordinary."
Feio let out an incredulous cry, staring at Diao Li in disbelief. "The Boss of the Western Sea is one of Kyo Kusanagi; he could probably live for thousands more years without issue. Why would he need to find a successor? Besides, our American Exorcist Guild is full of talent; why look for such a small fry to lead? Where did you get this information? How come I didn’t know about it?"
Diao Li maintained her cold demeanor, her gaze seeming somewhat distant. After a moment of silence, she replied, "Do you remember that mysterious visitor before the Boss of the Western Sea left for China?"
Feio's expression darkened as he replied angrily, "How could I forget that bastard who dared to step on my face? I’ll make him pay."
Recalling this painful memory made Feio's lazy rogue demeanor vanish entirely, replaced by a fierce killing intent. Even the birds flying overhead were intimidated by his aura and dared not cross this sky, screeching as they fled in all directions.
A hint of a smile finally appeared on Diao Li's cold face as she said lightly, "I think you won’t have much chance anymore! Your strength is too far behind theirs."
Feio shot Diao Li a murderous glare, but she met it with unwavering clarity in her eyes.
"Last time, I suspected that mysterious guy was one of Kyo Kusanagi. But even using all my authority, I couldn’t find any information about him in our organization’s database. Do you know what that means?"
Feio looked at Diao Li with a shocked expression and after a moment said, "Are you saying that person is not a being from Earth?"
Diao Li shook his head and replied, "I suspect that there are already Ascended beings who have left Earth, or perhaps cultivators who have ascended to the divine realm, returning to Earth once again!"
Feio's heart trembled even more as he slowly spoke in a peculiar tone, "If Diao Li's speculation is true, then this world is about to change. It has been nearly a thousand years since such astonishing news has surfaced. Since the last time..."
Diao Li immediately interrupted Feio, saying, "These matters should be left to our Boss of the Western Sea and that Old Monkey Yuan Qian Kun to worry about. We are not qualified to intervene in such affairs, so let's not dwell on it."
Feio coldly replied, "If the situation is truly this dire, how could we not be affected? The last time the Divine Demons returned, the damage to the cultivators was immense! I believe many have experienced it firsthand. I do not wish to live under some twisted creature like a dog in humiliation."
Diao Li's cold demeanor softened slightly as he gently took Feio's hands and placed them on his chest. Instantly, it stirred something within Feio, breaking the tense atmosphere.
Seeing Feio's awkward expression, Diao Li playfully said, "There's no need to dwell on the past! You know how much we've developed our strength over the years. It's not so easy to be controlled by those who return. Besides, our Boss of the Western Sea and several others like Kyo Kusanagi are all qualified to leave the mortal realm but have chosen not to. Compared to those returning Divine Demons, we are certainly not inferior. And no matter what happens, I will always be by your side!"
Feeling moved, Feio squeezed Diao Li's hands, a warm sensation filling him that almost brought him to tears.
"Diao Li!"
"What is it?"
"Shall we find a hotel room together?"
"Sure! But before that, you can go die!"
(To be continued)
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