Crystal Nucleus of a Primary Monarch Spirit Beast

The purpose of their journey to the Candle Volcano had been fulfilled, and now it was time to head back to Bailin City.

With this in mind, Bai Zian, accompanied by Qiaogubai, made their way out of the Candle Volcano. Bai Zian had a good sense of direction, and after a short while, they successfully reached the base of the volcano.

While the people of Candlelight City were always concerned about beastmasters entering Candle Fire, those who exited the volcano didn't attract much attention. Bai Zian and Qiaogubai easily slipped away from the crowd and reached Candlelight Market.

"Now, you're officially under my wing," Bai Zian remarked. "I'll be taking you back to Bailin City. As for Mineral Rock City, what else do you need to settle before returning?"

Bai Zian knowingly questioned Qiaogubai, who replied cautiously, "I still have some debts in Mineral Rock City that I need to deal with."

"Trivial matters. The Bai family will handle it for you. What you should consider is if you want to go back and bid farewell to your family and friends," Bai Zian suggested.

"Really? My debts can be settled? That's amazing. As for the rest... never mind, I'll go to Bailin City with you," Qiaogubai said with joy.

Qiaogubai was grateful for Bai Zian's assistance. She recognized that he had done a lot for her, helping her escape the volcano, contract a new beast, and even resolve her debts. Though she sought refuge with Bai Zian, she felt she hadn't contributed much in return.

Bai Zian, however, was content with the arrangement. He knew the value of having an S-level talent like Qiaogubai by his side, and her troubles were inconsequential to him.

As they waited for the train back to Bailin City, Bai Zian took the opportunity to explore Candlelight City. Despite being disappointed by its lack of prosperity compared to Bailin City, Bai Zian continued to wander through its markets. Hoping to uncover hidden treasures with his unique talent, he initially had no success.

It was only when Bai Zian remembered Qiaogubai's special luck talent that he decided to let her take the lead. With Qiaogubai guiding them, their luck turned around, and they stumbled upon something promising.

In a black market, Bai Zian and Qiaogubai stood in front of a small stall. Bai Zian's eyes sparkled as he observed a gilt-gold diamond-shaped spar on the stall. Similar to the candle fire spider crystal nucleus, this spar had a different color, indicating it was the crystal nucleus of some spiritual beast, albeit broken.

A visible crack and a lack of energy fluctuation marked it as a discarded item. This incomplete Spirit Beast Crystal Core still had value, as it contained the imprint of the original skill of the spirit beast.

"This Crystal Nucleus of the Scarlet Flame Sparrow is a rare find. It even holds a purple skill imprint. Remarkable that such treasures exist in a small town's black market!" Bai Zian marveled, appreciating Qiaogubai's luck.

His [Eye of Apocalypse] talent provided enlightenment: "Crystal Nucleus of the Scarlet Flame Sparrow: Primary monarch spirit beast. Due to its age and damage, the source has passed away. Remaining Skill Mark: Outer Fire (Purple)."

"A purple skill imprint on the Crystal Nucleus of a king-level spirit beast! Qiaogubai's luck is truly working," Bai Zian thought, realizing the significance of having her lead the way.

While Qiaogubai's special talent had its challenges, Bai Zian saw the potential for great benefits. He considered it a testament to his belief that talents could be harnessed for immense value.

Bai Zian decided he couldn't let such a treasure slip away. Despite not having a fire-type spirit beast and the nucleus being broken, the value of this incomplete king-level spirit beast's crystal core was undeniable.

The stall owner noticed Bai Zian's interest and eagerly pitched his story. However, Bai Zian saw through the exaggeration and incorrect pricing, knowing that the boss was clueless about the true origin of the crystal nucleus.

"Boss, this crystal nucleus is broken, and it's just a decoration at most. I'll take it for 9000 Kyushu coins," Bai Zian suggested, negotiating a significantly lower price.

The stall owner, taken aback, attempted to salvage the deal by proposing a more reasonable 900,000 Kyushu coins. Bai Zian shook his head, suggesting that the crystal nucleus was not worth such a price.

After some back-and-forth, they settled at a hundred thousand Kyushu coins. Bai Zian accepted the deal, securing the Crystal Core of the Scarlet Flame Sparrow. However, just as the transaction seemed finalized, a sudden change occurred.