Demonic Spirit Pill

"Senior Brother, not to criticize you, but it's a bit too much to want to exchange this Demonic Spirit Pill for Stone Essence Powder. The Stone Essence Powder is essential for refining the Grade-Breaking Pill, tightly controlled by the Dao Sect. To obtain it, you either need to spend a fortune buying it or receive a Dao Sect decree to perform a significant task to earn it. Trying to exchange it in the Ghost Market might not be easy..."

"Hehe, I came to the Ghost Market hoping to try my luck. If I can exchange it, great. If not, no big deal. I can always use my connections to get into the Inner Disciples' Ghost Market and try my luck there. Besides, this Demonic Spirit Pill is a good cultivation item, much more effective than Spirit Stones. Even if I keep it, I won't be at a loss!"

Hou Qing's tone was firm, indicating he wouldn't exchange for anything other than Stone Essence.

"Even if you get the Stone Essence, so what? Its only use is for refining Grade-Breaking Pills, but you need over a dozen other spirit medicines besides Stone Essence. Furthermore, even if you get all the herbs, without an alchemist's help, you won't succeed..." The disciple who wanted to exchange for the Demonic Spirit Pill still hesitated, trying to persuade Hou Qing.

"You don't need to worry about it, Senior Brother. Besides Stone Essence, the other spirit medicines are relatively easy to acquire!"

Hou Qing smiled faintly, "As for the alchemist, I have someone in mind, so don't worry, Senior Brother!"

"Alright, it's up to you then!"

The man sighed, seeing that Hou Qing was adamant about only exchanging for Stone Essence.

"It's said among the Outer Sect that this Hou surname's cultivation has reached the peak of the Third Spirit Awakening. It seems true. Stone Essence is essential for refining Grade-Breaking Pills, tightly controlled by the Dao Sect. He wants to break through, he'll have to pay a high price or contribute significantly to the Dao Sect. It seems he wants to refine it himself..."

Fang Xing overheard their conversation and understood Hou Qing's intentions.

Stone Essence is a special substance extracted from Spirit Stones by the Dao Sect, crucial for alchemy, especially for Grade-Breaking Pills, which are vital for advancing in cultivation.

The early stages of a cultivator's practice, breaking through the Third Spirit Awakening, Fourth Spirit Awakening, and beyond, are extremely challenging. Only by consuming Grade-Breaking Pills can they progress. However, these resources are strictly controlled by the Dao Sect and major clans, not easily obtained by ordinary people. Obtaining them often requires a large sum of money or completing tasks for the Dao Sect.

This method is a means by which the Dao Sect and major families control the fate of cultivators.

While the Dao Sect turns a blind eye to the Ghost Market, they wouldn't tolerate the circulation of Stone Essence, which significantly impacts a cultivator's progress.

If Stone Essence appeared in the Ghost Market, it would signal the market's closure.

Hou Qing seemed persistent, even bringing out a Demonic Spirit Pill to exchange in the Ghost Market.

However, it was almost certain he would return empty-handed. Stone Essence was a rare commodity, difficult for ordinary people to obtain.

Fang Xing observed for half an hour as four or five people came, all interested in the Demonic Spirit Pill, offering various items for exchange. Some of these items were tempting to Fang Xing, but Hou Qing insisted on only exchanging for Stone Essence. In the end, he left disappointed, seemingly giving up hope. As he prepared to leave, Fang Xing stood up.

"Let me inspect the Demonic Spirit Pill first!"

Approaching, Fang Xing deliberately lowered his voice and said, "Stone Essence from Senior Brother?"

Hou Qing's eyes lit up, looking at Fang Xing. "You have Stone Essence?"

Fang Xing pretended to be annoyed, muttering, "What a foolish move. Even in the Ghost Market, who dares openly display Stone Essence? If the Dao Sect finds out, they'll investigate everyone here. I might not only suffer, but even my father..."

Hou Qing was surprised, his eyes showing hope. "Senior Brother, do you have it?"

"Heh, Stone Essence is precious. How could I have it!"

Fang Xing felt amused, intentionally sneering, "Are you trying to provoke me?"

"I've been listening for quite a while. Even if I wanted to provoke you, I wouldn't waste time with you!"

Fang Xing acted aloof.

Hou Qing noticed Fang Xing had been listening for a long time and began to feel hopeful. "So what do you mean?"

Fang Xing sighed, "I can get Stone Essence, but the risk is too high! Once any suspicion arises, you'll pay a painful price... at least, you won't stay in Qingyun Sect anymore!"

Fang Xing threatened even before discussing the price, but it made Hou Qing slightly relieved.

He couldn't help but think, "He mentioned his father when talking about potential leaks. It seems his father is also a cultivator in Qingyun Sect, perhaps even in a high position. From his threatening tone, this person might be from a powerful background, which explains how he could obtain Stone Essence. These people have incredible means to get such rare items..."

"Hehe, Senior Brother, rest assured. I'm very discreet, and my family has some influence. If anyone asks about my breakthrough, I'll say my family helped me. It won't affect you..."

Hou Qing hastily reassured Fang Xing.

Fang Xing nodded, "As long as you understand. Also, the price must be raised!"

After some thought, Hou Qing proposed, "Besides the Demonic Spirit Pill, add thirty Spirit Stones. How about that?"

Fang Xing was delighted internally but pretended to hesitate, "Add forty more!"

"Thirty-two Spirit Stones?"

"Thirty-eight Spirit Stones?"

"Thirty-five Spirit Stones?"

"Deal!"

Fang Xing clenched his fist, sealing the deal.

Hou Qing also sighed with relief, asking, "When can Senior Brother give it to me?"

Fang Xing, maintaining a serious demeanor, replied, "Nine days from now, at midnight, wait for me on the hill outside the Spirit Transformation Valley. If I'm not there, don't show yourself. Clap three times as a signal and bring everything I asked for..."

"Thank you, Senior Brother..."

Hou Qing thanked Fang Xing sincerely.

Fang Xing nodded, then suddenly said, "Why are you still here?"

Hou Qing was puzzled, "Why are you scolding me, Senior Brother?"

Fang Xing harshly replied, "I want to smack some sense into you. Leave now. Do you want to stay and ask more people? Do you want everyone to know you need Stone Essence? Since I've agreed, keep this Stone Essence matter to yourself. If I hear even a hint of trouble, the deal's off!"

Hou Qing realized his mistake and quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead, whispering, "I've learned my lesson. I'll leave now!"

Although he didn't buy anything in the end, Fang Xing felt joyful, imagining Hou Qing's nervousness at his bluff.

Humming a tune, Fang Xing left the Ghost Market, already planning his next move.

Learning about Hou Qing's need for Stone Essence gave Fang Xing a clear direction for his plan to meet Hua Qianzhi.

As for real Stone Essence, how could he obtain it?

But a fake one? He knew just the expert for that!

That night, he changed into his old Daoist disciple clothes and put on a scary mask, altering his appearance to that of a shy-looking young Daoist boy. Instead of appearing as an adult, he chose to look like a twelve or thirteen-year-old, making faces in front of a mirror until he found a suitable expression, looking like a shy girl.

The next morning, Fang Xing hummed a tune and left his wooden house. After a few steps, he realized he didn't need to act shy as a young Daoist boy. Adjusting his behavior, he walked normally.