Record of a Demon's Cultivation

Chapter 402: Myriad Treasures Pavilion



Translator: Cinder Translations

"The soul bottle is less than four miles away. It's clearly within my spiritual perception range, yet I can't sense the person's presence. Why is that?" the leader asked with a hint of

confusion.

"They must have cultivated some advanced aura-concealing technique, just like us," the female cultivator replied nonchalantly.

Hearing this, the leader hesitated no longer.

"Move!"

As soon as the command was given, he darted toward the direction of the spiritual imprint.

The other two followed closely behind.

When the three reached the location of the soul bottle, they were dumbfounded.

There was no trace of a cultivator, only a Gu insect holding the soul bottle in its mouth, lazily floating ahead.

"We've been tricked! Retreat!"

The leader shouted, activating his movement technique to escape.

However, there was no way out for them now.

From seemingly nowhere, five more Gu insects appeared, surrounding the three entirely.

Under the assault of six Sacred Gu, the trio was quickly defeated.

When Song Wen arrived, only the "leader" was still breathing; the other two were already dead.

"Don't kill me! I'm a member of the Xing family!"

Seeing Song Wen approach, the leader cried out desperately.

His plea was answered with a cold blade piercing through him.

After killing the "leader," Song Wen performed a secret corpse-refining technique, sealing the trio's souls within their respective bodies. He then collected their corpses and disappeared into the dense forest.

Traveling several dozen miles away, Song Wen stopped at the base of a secluded mountain and began searching their souls.

From the leader's memories, Song Wen uncovered some useful information:

First:

The "leader" was not actually a member of the Xing family, as he had claimed.

At best, he was an enforcer hired by the family. At worst, he was just a slightly more privileged lackey.

Second:

On the first and fifteenth of each month, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion in the Black Market hosts an exchange gathering for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

During these gatherings, cultivators can trade what they have for what they need-be it spiritual herbs, pills, secret techniques, or even cultivation insights.

Third:

The Xing family seemed to be planning something significant recently, attracting disciples and members from other factions to Fang City.

After consuming the blood essence and souls of the three, Song Wen stored their bodies in his spatial ring, intending to refine them into sacrificial puppets later.

He then examined the contents of their storage rings.

"Penniless fools!"

This was Song Wen's evaluation of the trio.

The combined loot amounted to 50,000 spirit stones, most of which came from the leader's storage ring.

Additionally, there were various miscellaneous spiritual materials worth another 20,000 to 30,000 spirit stones.

In truth, the three were not entirely destitute.

Of the group, only the leader held a minor position within the Xing family, while the other two were rogue cultivators.

Most rogue cultivators earn barely enough spirit stones to sustain their daily cultivation. This financial pressure often drives them to take risks, such as robbing others.

Ten days later, at midnight—

It was the first day of the new month.

Song Wen arrived at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion in the Black Market.

The Myriad Treasures Pavilion specialized in selling magical tools and spiritual artifacts.

Most of its inventory came from questionable sources, which made its prices relatively affordable.

"Senior, may I ask what you are looking to purchase?" a late-stage Qi Refinement maid inquired politely.

"I have some spiritual items I wish to sell. Does your esteemed store accept them?" Song Wen asked.

The maid replied, "Of course, we accept items. May I ask what senior wishes to sell? Could I have a look?"

With a flick of his hand, Song Wen produced a mid-grade spiritual iron flying sword in his

hand.

The maid took just one glance and immediately realized that, with her Qi Refinement

cultivation, she couldn't accurately assess its value.

Raising her hand, she gestured toward the backyard.

"Forgive this junior's limited knowledge; I cannot determine the sword's value. Senior,

please follow me. I'll take you to see the steward."

Under her guidance, the two arrived in front of a wooden building in the backyard.

After inviting Song Wen to sit in the main hall, the maid went upstairs.

A short while later, a white-haired elder descended the stairs with the maid.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the maid excused herself, leaving Song Wen with the

elder.

The white-haired elder asked, "Esteemed guest, may I examine the flying sword?"

Instead of handing over the sword, Song Wen revealed his true purpose.

"I've heard that your shop hosts a Foundation Establishment cultivators' exchange gathering.

May I have the honor of attending?"

The elder smiled faintly.

"So, fellow Daoist has come with an ulterior motive. However, everyone who participates in our store's exchange gatherings is a distinguished guest of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. It is our duty to protect their safety, so not just anyone can join." Understanding the implication, Song Wen inquired, "How can one become a distinguished guest of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion?"

The elder extended his hand, spreading out his fingers.

"It's simple: spend 50,000 spirit stones at our shop or sell us treasures worth 50,000 spirit

stones."

Song Wen raised an eyebrow.

Fifty thousand spirit stones!

It was no small amount, and it only granted the qualification to attend the gathering-a gathering for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

If he didn't find what he was looking for at the gathering, it would be a considerable loss.

Song Wen retrieved the mid-grade flying sword he had shown earlier, handing it to the elder.

"How much will your shop offer for this sword?" he asked.

The elder inspected the sword for a moment before replying, "2,000 spirit stones. Does this

satisfy you?"

Song Wen frowned slightly.

A mid-grade flying sword typically sold for around 10,000 spirit stones, yet the Myriad Treasures Pavilion was only offering 20% of its value.

Perhaps noticing Song Wen's dissatisfaction, the elder added, "Esteemed guest, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion never inquires about the origins of items we purchase, nor do we disclose any information about the sellers. Selling to us ensures absolute peace of mind."

Song Wen didn't respond immediately, instead falling into contemplation. The only items he had that could be considered illicit were the spiritual materials obtained

from the three rogue cultivators, valued at roughly 20,000 to 30,000 spirit stones. Selling these materials to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion would fetch around 5,000 spirit

stones.

That was still far short of the 50,000 spirit stone requirement.

The rest of his materials had been brought from the Tianyuan Continent. There was no need@@novelbin@@

to sell those on the black market; legitimate stores in Fang City would pay at least double the

price. Selling his prized materials to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion at a low price was out of the question, but he still wanted to attend the gathering.

His only option was to spend 50,000 spirit stones at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Furrowing his brow, Song Wen asked, "May I ask if your shop offers more treasures beyond what's on display outside?"

The elder smiled and replied, "Ah, it seems our esteemed guest finds the displayed items lacking. That's simple. Our shop also provides customization services. You can specify your requirements or provide materials, and we will craft spiritual treasures tailored to your

needs."

"Your shop employs artifact refiners?" Song Wen asked with interest.

"May I inquire about their grade?"

(End of the Chapter)

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