37- Element Qi Stones?

After leaving the Ledal Alchemist Association, Xu Fang took a different path instead of heading back to the castle. Strolling through a narrow street, he looked around cautiously before summoning a simple black cloak and a mask-like item, a basic Tier 1 piece he got from the Treasury, into his hands.

Putting on the disguise to keep his identity hidden, he made his way toward the Ledal Crafts Center with a specific goal in mind: finding an artifact that could conceal Long Xiu's cultivation. Upon reaching the entrance, he nullified his cultivation seal and entered.

The Crafts Center unfolded before him, with numerous stalls showcasing a variety of artifacts. Each item had a unique appearance and function, creating a lively market within the establishment. Around Xu Fang were fellow patrons, all searching for their treasures in this hub of craftsmanship.

Approaching a specific stall, he carefully examined the artifacts on display, looking for one that would suit his needs. After a thorough inspection, he adjusted his voice and asked the stall owner.

"Excuse me, sir. Do you have an artifact that can hide one's original cultivation?"

"I'm afraid not, sir. No such artifact is in my collection," the stall owner replied.

"Could you please guide me to where I can find such an artifact?" Xu Fang inquired, seeking further assistance in obtaining the elusive item he was after.

Considering Xu Fang's request, the stall owner replied, "What you're looking for is quite rare. Not many craftsmen can make it, but there's a shop just a few steps away. Head over there, and you might find what you need."

Thanking the stall owner, Xu Fang proceeded towards the indicated shop.

Entering the artifact shop, he was met with an array of higher-tier artifacts neatly arranged on tables. A man in his late twenties, with black hair and eyes, standing at a height of around 174cm, wore simple black and yellow craftsman robes. On the right side of his chest, a Craftsman badge with four red stars caught Xu Fang's attention.

"Hello, sir. How can I help you?" The shop owner asked respectfully.

Noting the craftsmanship badge, Xu Fang concluded, 'He's a Tier 4 higher-level craftsman.'

"Sir, do you have an artifact that helps to hide original cultivation?" Xu Fang repeated his inquiry with the altered voice he had used earlier.

"Yes, sir. I have just the things you need. Please follow me," the shop owner responded with a friendly smile, leading Xu Fang toward the last table in the shop.

As they moved, Xu Fang subtly activated his treasure's feature, using its capabilities to gather more information about the shop owner and his wares.

[

Name: Lin Bo

Age: 36 Years old

Gender: Male

Species: Human

Cultivation: Qi Harmonization Realm (Stage-Peak)

Elements: Wind, Fire

Profession: Craftsman (Tier 4 Peak)

Title: Poor Talent of the Lin Family

]

'The Lin family's poor talent? A Tier 4 Peak craftsman, and they call it poor talent?' Xu Fang mused, surprised by the disparity between reputation and reality.

"This is the 'Might Seal Bracelet' artifact you inquired about," the shop owner declared, reaching into the wooden box to present the item on the table.

As the contents were revealed, Xu Fang found a pendant resembling a man. He asked the shop owner to showcase another option for women. With a genial smile, the shop owner took the second box from Xu Fang and revealed its contents.

This time, a beautifully crafted bracelet-type artifact greeted Xu Fang's eyes. Satisfied, he nodded and inquired about the details and uses of the shop owner.

"Sir, all you need to do is infuse your Qi into it, making you its owner. You can then control it with your mind to either conceal or lower your cultivation level beneath your actual prowess. However, it can only help you conceal your cultivation from realms two tiers higher than your original level," explained the shop owner, highlighting a key feature of the artifact.

"Are there only two realms? Aren't there any higher-tier artifacts?" Xu Fang inquired, knowing that two realms held significant value.

"It's a Tier 4 artifact, sir. If you desire something more advanced, you'll need to seek out craftsmen of higher skill, which isn't an easy task," the shop owner explained, wearing a smile while maintaining a serious demeanor.

"Alright, then, what's the asking price?" Xu Fang inquired about the cost of the artifact.

"Three Tier 4 pills or 150 Manifest Coins for the exchange," the shop owner stated the price.

"Three Tier 4 pills or 150 Manifest Coins? That seems steep. Can we negotiate the price?" Xu Fang suggested, attempting to lower the cost.

"Two Tier 4 pills or 100 Manifest Coins. That's my final offer if you wish to purchase it," the shop owner proposed, indicating a willingness to compromise.

"What if I pay with Elemental Qi Stones?" Xu Fang inquired, exploring an alternative form of payment.

"Elemental Qi Stones? Which type?" The shop owner's eyes lit up at the mention of Xu Fang's proposal.

Xu Fang's lips curled into a grin as he possessed prior knowledge about the barter system and the significance of Elemental Qi Stones in this region.

Finding Elemental Qi Stones proved challenging due to the high demand among individuals seeking assistance in their cultivation journeys.

In ancient times, these stones were abundant and commonly used as a medium of exchange.

However, in recent times, people have turned to Elemental Qi Stones as a shortcut for cultivation, neglecting traditional methods. By the time they recognized their error, it was already too late.

The scarcity of Elemental Qi Stones has become apparent as those stuck in the peak stages of their cultivation realms rely heavily on these stones to facilitate breakthroughs to the next level. Consequently, items such as silver coins, gold coins, manifest coins, pills, pill recipes, and techniques have taken precedence in the barter system.

"Any type you want," Xu Fang replied.

"Do you happen to possess Wind and Fire Elemental Qi Stones?" The shop owner, being a wind and fire element holder, expressed his specific need for those Elemental Qi Stones.

"I do have both, and you're well aware of the value these Elemental Qi Stones hold. Please, let's stick to the agreed-upon price for the artifact, and I will help you earn enough Elemental Qi Stones." Xu Fang cautioned him, adopting a serious tone.

"Respected Sir, I require six Elemental Qi Stones for my breakthrough to the next realm. I acknowledge that this artifact doesn't equate to a single Elemental Qi Stone's value. However, if there's anything else you need, I can arrange it for you."

'Oh, it's more valuable than I thought. A Tier 4 artifact not equal to a single Elemental Qi Stone?' Xu Fang pondered.

'It appears I'm quite wealthy, and that's not even accounting for the fact that I'm the emperor's only son. Hahaha,' Xu Fang added to his thoughts.

"How many artifacts of the same type do you have in your shop?" Xu Fang inquired with a serious demeanor.

"Sir, I have three more for ladies, apart from the one in your hand," the shop owner responded, presenting three additional wooden boxes on the table.

He began opening each of the wooden boxes one by one. All contained exquisite 'Might Seal Bracelet' artifacts, each distinguished by its unique design. After inspecting them, he carefully placed them back in the wooden box, closed the lids, and gestured with a wave of his hand. Two Elemental Qi Stones emerged, one of the Wind type and the other of the Fire type. He then turned to the shop owner and inquired.

"How much for all four artifacts? Don't worry; if we do business, I assure you a fair return on your investment." Xu Fang requested the price for the set of four artifacts.

"Respected Sir, if I calculate the price based on the exchange rate for both my artifacts and your Elemental Qi Stones, then five identical artifacts would be equivalent to three Elemental Qi Stones," the shop owner explained, using an exchange rate to determine the price.

"Alright, can you show me the finest artifacts available in your shop?" Xu Fang asked, expressing his interest in seeing the best items the shop had to offer.

"Yes, sir. Please wait a moment," the shop owner replied, nodding his head. He then excused himself to fetch the most exceptional artifacts from his collection.

"Sir, these are the finest artifacts in my collection. First, we have the 'Jade Body Armor,' a peak tier 4 artifact suitable for both males and females, molded to fit the wearer's body shape. In terms of defense, it reduces damage for the user by 40% from attackers who are two realms above the cultivator.

Next, we have the 'Burning Fire Blade' Sword, another peak-tier 4 artifact. While it's particularly suitable for fire-type elemental holders, I also have the same quality available for holders of other elements.

Lastly, we have the 'Silver Dragon's Ark,' also a peak-tier 4 artifact. It's specially crafted for long journeys, boasting a speed equivalent to someone at the Transcendent Mastery Realm. This ark comprises more than twenty rooms, and its defense easily withstands attacks from individuals at the Transcendent Mastery Realm," the shop owner elaborated, presenting the three premier artifacts in his inventory.

"Excellent! I'll take two Jade Body Armors, one Wind-type Sword, and one Silver Dragon's Ark," Xu Fang requested, indicating his preference for the artifacts he desired.

"Sir, here are the artifacts you've chosen." The shop owner presented the eight items that Xu Fang had decided to purchase.

"Now, please inform me of the total price for four tier-4 and four peak tier-4 artifacts." Xu Fang inquired, eager to settle the transaction.

"Sir, if you choose one more peak tier 4 artifact, the total exchange would be seven Elemental Qi Stones," the shop owner informed him of the final price.

Xu Fang nodded, waved his hand, and conjured five more Elemental Qi Stones, three of fire-type and two of wind-type. He handed a total of seven Elemental Qi Stones to the shop owner, who received them happily.

"Thank you, respected sir. May I inquire which additional artifact you've selected to complete the payment?" The shop owner asked, wearing a smile and expressing respect.

"No need for that. You conduct your business with honesty and respect. Consider it a reward from me. If I require anything in the future, I'll be sure to visit you," Xu Fang declared with a serious tone, waving his hand to store all the acquired artifacts.

"Thank you, sir. If there's anything you desire, feel free to ask. I'm more than happy to assist you," the shop owner expressed, letting Xu Fang know that he was at his service for any future needs.

"What's your name?" Xu Fang inquired, even though he was already aware of the shop owner's name.

"Sir, I'm Lin Bo," the shop owner revealed.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lin Bo. My name is Dai Tao." Xu Fang shared his former name from his past life.

"Sir, you can call me Lin Bo," Lin Bo suggested, preferring a more casual address.

"Lin Bo, then you can call me Dai Tao. From now on, if you continue conducting business honestly, we can be good friends in the future," Xu Fang proposed a friendly relationship.

"From now on, I'll call you brother Dai," Lin Bo agreed with a smile.