Core Quenching Tempering Body Milk was an exceedingly rare treasure, something that could only be encountered by chance and never sought deliberately. In terms of stabilizing one's foundation, nourishing vitality, and tempering the physical body, very few spiritual treasures could rival it. For Xiao Yan in his current state, it was extremely useful.
As an eighth-grade alchemy grandmaster, Yao Lao could clearly sense that Lin Yuan possessed exceptionally powerful soul strength and also harbored an Heavenly Flame. From this alone, he could basically conclude that Lin Yuan was an alchemist of no low rank. Thus, Yao Lao decided to conduct the transaction openly and frankly.
"I'll be direct," Yao Lao said as he looked at Lin Yuan seriously. "What must I pay to exchange for your Core Quenching Body Milk?"
"Senior is indeed straightforward. Then this junior won't stand on ceremony," Lin Yuan chuckled lightly and began to state his demands.
"Heaven-Class cultivation methods, Heaven-Class Dou Techniques, or a ninth-grade alchemist inheritance would all do," Lin Yuan said, starting with an outrageous opening bid.
"These are things even I do not possess. How can you bring yourself to ask for such terms?" Yao Lao immediately understood—this fellow was starting with an absurdly high price. Not only was he not angered, he was instead secretly pleased. Bargaining like this often revealed quite a bit of information unintentionally, and Yao Lao himself intended to probe as well, so he remained extremely patient.
"Then Heaven-Class items aside—Earth-Class High-Tier cultivation methods, Earth-Class High-Tier Dou Techniques, or an eighth-grade alchemist inheritance would also be acceptable," Lin Yuan lowered his demands.
"Heh, are you daydreaming, kid?" Yao Lao laughed. "Core Quenching Body Milk is indeed a rare treasure, but the value of any one of the things you listed far exceeds it. Exchanging it for the Heavenly Flame you possess would be about right."
There was now a hint of probing in Yao Lao's words.
"Heavenly Flame?"
Upon hearing those words, Xiao Yan instinctively looked toward Lin Yuan. This young man actually possessed a Heavenly Flame? He immediately turned his gaze toward the distant lake surface, unwilling to let Lin Yuan see the burning desire in his eyes.
He yearned for a Heavenly Flame far too much. It was a necessary element on his path to becoming strong. Without a Heavenly Flame, how could his cultivation method evolve? If the method did not evolve, then no matter how strange Flame Mantra was, it would remain nothing more than a Yellow-Class Low-tier cultivation method. A Yellow-Class Low-tier method simply could not support long-term cultivation. If that was the case, how could he continue to advance?
'So you finally steered the topic here. I knew you would probe—after all, a Heavenly Flame is far too critical to Xiao Yan's progress,' Lin Yuan thought inwardly.
However, his outward expression merely showed a slight frown.
"Senior is joking," Lin Yuan said. "I am an alchemist myself, and I naturally understand how important a Heavenly Flame is to an alchemist. There is no way I would trade it away. Heavenly Flames are exceedingly rare in this world. Although Earth-Class High-Tier cultivation methods, Earth-Class High-Tier Dou Techniques, and eighth-grade alchemist inheritances are all extremely valuable, they are things that can be reused. Compared to a single Heavenly Flame, they ultimately fall short."
Hearing this, Yao Lao knew that the Heavenly Flame on Lin Yuan's body was likely out of the question. If Lin Yuan were willing to trade a Heavenly Flame, then the Earth-Class cultivation methods, Earth-Class Dou Techniques, and alchemist inheritances in his possession could all be put on the table. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
As for forcibly seizing Lin Yuan's Heavenly Flame, Yao Lao had never considered it. In his view, for someone so young to possess such outstanding strength and alchemical skill, he must have been nurtured by an extremely powerful faction. Someone like that, traveling outside, almost certainly carried powerful safeguards left behind by elders. Moreover, the youth before him was no easy opponent in his own right—an eight-star Dou King who also cultivated high-level body-tempering techniques. He was definitely not someone to be trifled with.
"Then that is truly a pity," Yao Lao said, waving his hand. "If that is the case, forget about Earth-Class High-Tier cultivation methods, Earth-Class High-Tier Dou Techniques, and eighth-grade alchemist inheritances. Propose some reasonable terms instead—conditions that match the value of Core Quenching Tempering Body Milk."
"From Senior Yao's words, it seems you do indeed possess Earth-Class High-Tier cultivation methods, Earth-Class High-Tier Dou Techniques, and eighth-grade alchemist inheritances, and that what you truly lack is a Heavenly Flame. In that case, I think there is still room for negotiation between us," Lin Yuan said with a smile. "For example… information about a Heavenly Flame. How about that?"
"Oh?" Yao Lao's interest was piqued. "Let's hear it."
Lin Yuan straightened his posture and said solemnly, "I once accidentally obtained an item while exploring a cave dwelling—something Senior will definitely be interested in. Something related to a Heavenly Flame."
Seeing Lin Yuan speak with such gravity, Yao Lao realized this might truly be something extraordinary. His expression also turned serious as he asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"
"A fragment map of the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame."
"What?!"
In an instant, the atmosphere between the two became stifling. Xiao Yan also sensed the gravity of the situation from the tension and turned his gaze toward them.
After a long while, Yao Lao's deep voice finally sounded, heavy and restrained. "Is this true?"
"Absolutely true," Lin Yuan replied just as solemnly.
"How can you guarantee that the map is genuine?"
"There's no need for further words. Senior will know at a glance," Lin Yuan said as he took out the map. However, he did not hand it over, instead spreading it open in his own palm.
Yao Lao did not reach out to touch it either. Seeing how sincere Lin Yuan was being, he naturally maintained proper restraint. He then released his soul power and began to examine the map carefully.
More than ten minutes later, Yao Lao had already confirmed that although this remnant map was only one-quarter of the complete version, it was unquestionably authentic. The immense Soul Power contained within the map made even him feel alarmed, it was undoubtedly left behind by someone far beyond his own level. There was no possibility of it being a fake.
Yao Lao made up his mind.
This map had to be obtained.
Although the hope of collecting all the fragments was slim, this was an object related to the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame, ranked third on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. It absolutely could not be missed. This concerned the future height that Xiao Yan could reach while cultivating the Flame Mantra.
Compared to such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, things like High-tier Earth-class cultivation methods, High-tier Earth-class Dou Techniques, and an Eighth-Grade alchemist inheritance, though precious, were of little consequence to him as an Eighth-Grade peak Alchemist. Just as Lin Yuan had said, those things could be reused.
"Young friend, since you know this is a remnant map of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame, why would you choose to take it out and trade it with this old man? Do you not wish to subdue the Heavenly Flame ranked third? To an alchemist, that is an unparalleled temptation," Yao Lao asked with a hint of confusion.
"Still probing," Lin Yuan thought to himself. Understanding that Yao Lao was subtly testing his background, he replied with a mixture of truth and fabrication.
"I prefer to seize what I can firmly grasp. Moreover, I already possess a Heavenly Flame, so this map is far less attractive to me. After all, one can only possess a single Heavenly Flame at a time. I am not the venerable Yao Zun, the number-one alchemist on the continent. For me, the chances of gathering all the fragments are too slim. Without collecting them all, this map would be nothing more than a burden. I might as well exchange it for something useful at present."
"If I had not encountered Senior, I would have used my clan's connections to trade with an ancient family. However, since fate allowed me to meet a Senior capable of accepting this item, it is better to trade directly. Compared to letting it pass through several hands, this is more worthwhile. I only hope Senior will not disappoint my sincerity."
Lin Yuan's words carried deeper implications.
Yao Lao understood immediately. The young man had more than one possible trading partner. Choosing him was merely due to coincidence and a desire to avoid involving additional parties who might divide the benefits. In other words—stop probing.
With that realization, Yao Lao decided to be straightforward.
"In that case, this old man will trade with you. I will exchange one High-tier Earth-class cultivation method, one High-tier Earth-class Dou Technique, and an eighth-tier alchemist inheritance for this map."
Lin Yuan shook his head and said seriously, "We both understand the value of this transaction. Since that is the case, let us be completely candid. I have no intention of asking exorbitantly, add one more High-tier Earth-class cultivation method, and the deal is done."
Lin Yuan himself needed to switch to a higher-tier cultivation method, and Qing Lin, who had already become a Dou Practitioner, also required a high-tier method.
Yao Lao fell silent for a moment before finally nodding.
"Very well. I can add one more High-tier Earth-class cultivation method."
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