"Is this the one?"

As the box opened, a chilling air escaped, revealing the remnants preserved within. A faint whiff of sulfuric stench began to spread...

For a moment, the polite smile on Chen Haiqiu's face froze.

Instinctively, he tensed up.

His eyes turned sharp, as if facing a formidable enemy.

But soon, after confirming there was no harm, he relaxed again.

"Yes, this is indeed the one."

He leaned closer, scrutinizing it carefully and nodding repeatedly, though slowly a hint of doubt crept in: "But... why has the aura diminished so much?"

In the box in front of Chen Haiqiu lay a splintered arm, still emitting a pungent odor. Tiny sparks flickered at the fractured wounds.

However, the Mutated Spirit that once overflowed from it had faded considerably, barely discernible.

Becoming a mere façade.

As if only an empty shell remained.

"I have no idea."

Ji Jue shook his head, equally perplexed, with a look of genuine innocence typical of the wild: "Perhaps it evaporated because too much time has passed?"

As he spoke, he sighed regretfully: "I've already tried my best to preserve it, but unfortunately, our association lacks the technology and foundation in this area; compared to You Sui, we're still quite lacking.

Otherwise, we could have done better."

"..."

Chen Haiqiu hesitated, his expression growing more complex.

No way, buddy, do you really think I'm blind?

What's with this pure, innocent act you're putting on here?

Let's not even get into what kind of connection Ye Xian had with Jian Yuan before breaking down the door, or what you might have used when dealing with Pacquiao. But come on, during the Desert Sea Rally, you weren't even trying to keep up the act!

Who do you think worked overtime overnight to clean up afterwards in Kunwu for you, huh?!

"... Is that so?"

Chen Haiqiu wiped his sweat, barely holding it together.

"Yes, that's right, exactly so."

Ji Jue nodded firmly, without hesitation, and said solemnly: "Our association's craftsmen have always adhered to the Superior, discarding the Evil Foolish, and we are irreconcilable with You Sui. How could we possibly have any involvement with Zhi Fu?!"

Chen Haiqiu sighed, took a look at Ji Jue, and suddenly, faintly understood why Lv Yingyue valued him so much. Not to mention his abilities and talent, just the thickness of his skin and his ability to lie with a straight face were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

In this life, he would never catch up.

Fortunately, he came prepared; otherwise, who knows how embarrassing it would have gotten.

Let's just go through the motions quickly, or my blood pressure will get out of control.

"To archive the specimen, I need to take this away. However, for such an important trophy, I can't just take it for free."

As he said this, he picked up the backpack by his feet and, like performing magic, pulled out two aluminum carry-ons, placing them in front of Ji Jue.

Simple, direct, and straightforward.

He didn't even consider any haggling process where you set an exorbitant price and then negotiate it down.

This kind of expense, even if saved, would have nothing to do with him.

But giving it away, he would gain some personal credit...

Why not help someone else in the process?

"Before coming here, Guardian Lv told me you've been looking for some things outside lately. It so happens that we have some stock in the warehouse; take a look and see if it suits your needs."

"Oh, how can I accept this? Oh, oh... oh dear..."

Ji Jue, feigning embarrassment, said courteously, but his hands deftly touched the case, opening it right in front of him.

Then, he fell into silence.

Inside the box on the left, it was packed full with standard storage containers according to the association's specifications, so heavy that a grown man couldn't lift it with one hand.

It contained all the materials Ji Jue had been listing and collecting on platforms like the Desert Market, Taiyi Ring, and Tianping Commerce Association. Not just that, but to confuse and disguise the materials needed for Pan Ying and Chun Jun, Ji Jue also mixed in a large amount of obscure materials and precious materials and consumables that craftsmen commonly use.

Naturally, there was not much response, and those that were, were still stuck in negotiation stages.

After all, high-end materials have always been priced but unaffordable; before Ji Jue, countless orders had been listed for years. To make a deal, let alone getting a bargain, you'd often face exorbitant markups... and even then, it required luck.

As a result, Chen Haiqiu directly fulfilled the list and brought them all to Ji Jue's doorstep.

Even doubling them.

As for the quality, no need to mention.

Most of the materials needed for Pan Ying's tempering and Chun Jun's forging were gathered in one go, with plenty to spare. The remaining ones were already prepared in the Jijue Workshop.

He could immediately begin preparations.

The other case appeared somewhat empty, holding just one item.

A pink, fist-sized crystal resembling amber; it was a naturally formed salt crystal through aggregation and extraction within the earth's veins, highly valuable and extremely rare.

Though its uses were limited, its greatest effect was in assuring stability of spiritual essence within for a millennium when infused, allowing for lossless storage of High-level Blessings.

And now, layers of fine golden threads crisscrossed the salt crystal like a net, sealing off communication between the inner and outer. The dazzling light flowing within like stars streamed outward, illuminating Ji Jue's eyes.

It was the rarest and most difficult-to-find final crucial element within the blessing chain of Chun Jun.

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