"Absolutely not!"

Shen Xuan firmly refused.

He had over twenty premium Thunder Talismans and Poison Talismans each.

But these were his life-saving protective measures.

He absolutely couldn't sell them lightly.

He couldn't leave the impression on the Gu Patriarch that this matter was negotiable.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to deal with them in the future.

"I have a portion of Golden Claw Divine Eagle Essence Blood. Is Gu Daoist interested?"

"Golden Claw Divine Eagle Essence Blood?"

The Gu Patriarch pondered.

The Golden Claw Divine Eagle was a metallic demon bird, strong in power, and its essence blood was more precious than ordinary water-attributed demon beast essence blood.

The clansman beside him was glowing with excitement.

"Patriarch..."

The Gu Patriarch raised his hand to stop the clansman's words.

"I have a portion of Red-Striped Carp Essence Blood, is Master Shen Talisman willing to trade?"

Red-Striped Carp?

"Okay!"

It seemed slightly at a loss.

But being able to trade for useful water-attributed demon beast essence blood, Shen Xuan was quite pleased.

After all, the Golden Claw Divine Eagle Essence Blood was useless to him.

After the trade.

Both felt a sense of mutual admiration.

"Master Shen Talisman, if the Gu Family obtains more water-attributed demon beast essence blood in the future, can we trade for premium Thunder Talismans and Poison Talismans?"

Shen Xuan pondered and said, "It depends on the quality of the essence blood. If it's like the Shadow Octopus water-attributed demon beast essence blood, yes!"

He didn't close off the discussion.

Over time, his stock of premium Thunder Talismans and Poison Talismans would gradually accumulate.

Trading a portion for high-quality water-attributed demon beast essence blood was possible.

The premise was that the essence blood had to be high-grade, capable of effectively enhancing his combat power.

As for Spirit Root talent, it was not so urgent at the moment.

To a certain extent, a few points' difference didn't significantly impact cultivation.

"Then that's good. I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate again next time."

The Gu Patriarch said with a smile.

"By the way, Gu Daoist, would it be convenient to disclose the location where the Shadow Octopus frequents?"

"Sure! There's no inconvenience in that!"

The Gu Patriarch took out an East Sea Geography Jade Scroll, marked a location on a sea area, and handed it to Shen Xuan.

"Thank you, Gu Daoist."

The atmosphere between them became rather amicable.

"If given the chance, Master Shen Talisman is welcome to board our Gu Family's warship for a trip to the East Sea."

"There might be a chance."

To the Gu Patriarch's invitation, Shen Xuan was noncommittal.

He was a True Master disciple of Cyan Cloud Sect.

The Gu Family dared not scheme against him.

If he truly ended up in the East Sea.

Even if the Gu Family patriarch made a move, Shen Xuan would not be afraid.

After chatting for a while.

The Gu Patriarch left satisfied with his clansman.

Once they were out of Dragon Gate Market.

"Shen Xuan is a person of unfathomable strength and should not be easily offended."

The Gu Patriarch finally put on a stern face and warned his clansman beside him.

"The matters between Lei Yaoyang and him, we should not get involved!"

...

After sending off the two cultivators from the Gu Family, Lv Zhengying closed the private room door and activated the access control.

"Senior Brother Shen, how was it?"

"It was fine."

Shen Xuan drank the Spirit Tea on the table, reviewing in his mind the Gu Patriarch's words and expressions.

"One thing is certain, the Gu Family has secretly investigated both you and me."

"It should be aimed at me."

Quickly, Shen Xuan sorted out his thoughts.

The Gu Family indeed needed premium Thunder Talismans and Poison Talismans and was willing to trade.

Prior to this, they likely didn't have evidence to verify Shen Xuan's level of Talisman Art.

Until Shen Xuan took out premium Thunder Talismans and Poison Talismans.

The expression of the Gu Patriarch clearly changed.

He became especially cautious.

Following which, he continually expressed goodwill.

"I have always been cautious, without enemies. The Gu Family is entangled with various sects, so they are likely..."

Shen Xuan sighed lightly.

"I hope I'm wrong."

"Only Lei Yaoyang from Celestial Thunder Peak remains concerned about me!"

"Ah!"

Lv Zhengying was dumbfounded.

After thinking it over, he found Shen Xuan's words quite reasonable.

"How could Lei Yaoyang be like this!"

He said indignantly, "We have always respected him, and we haven't provoked him, so there's no need for this!"

"A commoner is innocent, but harboring a treasure is his crime! You and I are both friends with Junior Sister Qin, and Lei Yaoyang has always been scheming against Junior Sister Qin!"

Shen Xuan also found it quite unbelievable.

He had already hidden in Cyan Yang Prefecture.

Yet Lei Yaoyang was still causing trouble behind his back.

Fortunately, he could indeed produce premium Thunder Talismans and Poison Talismans.

Only then did the Gu Family change their attitude.

Only strength can make the other party yield.

"Senior Brother Shen, what should we do?"

"Lei Yaoyang doesn't dare act recklessly. Be careful, and don't go out alone!"

The crime of killing a sect member, Lei Yaoyang cannot bear it.

Shen Xuan estimated this time was merely a test.

"Should we report this to the Law Enforcement Hall?"

"No need. Without evidence, just be more careful."

Shen Xuan shook his head and said, "That Gu Patriarch is a wise man and won't be manipulated."

Without sufficient benefits, participating in the conflicts of sect disciples is a wisdom wise men will avoid.

Shen Xuan instructed Lv Zhengying to watch out for Lei Yaoyang, feigning ignorance, and act cautiously.

As long as Qin Yuehan breaks through to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, Lei Yaoyang will then focus his attention on Qin Yuehan.

...

After returning to the Rain Listening Pavilion.

Shen Xuan immersed himself in cultivation.

Soon, Lv Zhengying sent a message, informing that Lei Yaoyang was about to break through to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, and was purchasing various thunder-attributed spiritual objects.

Qin Yuehan had remained in seclusion, likely preparing for the breakthrough.

After Qin Yuehan condensed the Cyan Wood Spirit Body, Shen Xuan used the Insight Technique, Illusion-Breaking Spirit Eye Technique, and Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil Technique to examine her.

Her Dao Foundation was solid, and her Spiritual Power was pure.

A breakthrough to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment should not be a problem.

Indeed.

A few days later, Lv Zhengying sent another message, Qin Yuehan successfully advanced to the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment and held a small celebration at Xiao Gu Peak.

However, Qin Yuehan only invited several senior and junior sisters from Xiao Gu Peak.

Master Gu Feng, on the other hand, spread the news of Qin Yuehan's breakthrough to the middle stage among the high-ranking members of Cyan Cloud Sect.

He praised Qin Yuehan for her unwavering Dao Heart, limitless potential, and bright future, suggesting she might eventually form her Inner Core.

It seemed those words were meant for the Sect Leader and Celestial Thunder True Master among others.

...

Shen Xuan was wealthy, with 130,000 Spirit Stones remaining.

From trading with the Gu Family, he obtained Silver Hook Sea Serpent Essence Blood and Red-Striped Carp Essence Blood.

Shen Xuan absorbed the Red-Striped Carp Essence Blood.

"Talent: Overturning Rivers and Seas at Great Success (36/1600)"

"Dao Rhyme: 4218"

Looking at the Mysterious Jade Talisman.

"Water Control, Self-Healing, Concealing Breath, Invisibility at Perfection."

"Water Repellent, Critical Strike, Iron Bone, Longevity, Insight, Immune to Poison, Silver Hook Poison, Overturning Rivers and Seas, Infinite Strength at Great Success."

"Water Escape, Sea-Covering Thunder, Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil, Wealth Attraction, Deep Sea Stealth were only at Minor Success but still improving."

The dispensable "Soaring Clouds and Mist and Soaring Glide were merely at Skillful."

Shen Xuan contemplated for a moment.

And invested the accumulated Dao Rhyme Points into Water Escape Technique.

"Talent: Water Escape Great Success (128/1600)"

Ensuring safety is paramount at any time.

Being able to run fast is undoubtedly important.

Sea-Covering Thunder, Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil, Wealth Attraction, Deep Sea Stealth were all auxiliary functions that could be gradually improved; there was no urgency to consume precious Dao Rhyme Points.

With a complete portion of Silver Hook Sea Serpent Essence Blood, Shen Xuan produced nearly two hundred Silver Hook Snake Poison Talismans.

Among them, over forty were premium quality.

"Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman: Minor Success (288/800)"

Relatively speaking, the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman was somewhat easier than the Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talisman, with a higher talisman success rate.

Fortunately, the skill of Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talisman was also improving and was not far from Minor Success.

"Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talisman: Mastery (368/400)"

These two talisman skills could be improved using Dao Rhyme Points.

However, the further it progressed, the less effective it became.

Better to practice diligently.

"It's about time to return to Yunyuan Immortal City!"

It's been five years since leaving Yunyuan Immortal City.

The death of Daoist Qing Yuan seemed to go unnoticed.

He might as well visit, meet old friends, and purchase some high-tier water-attributed demon beast essence blood.

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