Chapter Seven, The Sucker

I gazed at the silk manuscript, contemplated for a moment, and after memorizing it, I burned it. Having reached this stage with the Cloud Light Stone Flowing Flying Dan, I had already made some progress. According to the manuscript, the final step was to solidify the liquid in the cauldron into Cloud Stone Essence, which would signify the completion of the task. From now on, as long as I diligently cultivate, over time, I will be able to reach this stage.

A short man said in a low voice: "Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and make the trade. The items are cumbersome, and after we sell them, we need to leave quickly"

I lay on the ground for a while, but I couldn't fall asleep. After eating the jujube fruit, I felt particularly energetic. Since I had nothing to do, I practiced the technique of Yunguang Shiliu Feidan according to the silk paper.

Jiu Danmei took the opportunity to lie on the bed and winked at me: "Little wolf, do you want to sleep with me?"

With a buzzing sound, my entire body trembled violently as the cauldron expelled a mass of foreign substance, which slowly sank into my dantian. The foreign substance rampaged within me like a wild horse that had broken free, racing around for about ten circles before suddenly exploding, resembling a torrent of countless strands of mercury cascading through my entire body.

The cauldron rises and falls, stones shimmer with light, and clouds of vapor swirl.

Jiu Danmei suddenly exclaimed: "Aren't you Shi Ququ from the Demon Abyss? When did you change your name to Shi Jiulang?"

I was stunned, wow, beautiful lady, you seem to have a bit of a masochistic tendency

Ouyang Yuan's expression was somewhat unpleasant: "Young Master Lin, these are all very precious elixirs"

Gan Ning is absolutely right. The Cloud Light Stone Flowing Elixir is merely a method of alchemy for others, but for me, a natural cauldron, it is a tailor-made cultivation technique. The Dan Ding Flow probably never imagined that years later, the Cloud Light Stone Flowing Elixir would lead me to cultivate a whole new realm.

Ouyang Yuan remained calm and composed: "Rest assured, the reputation of Ruyi City over the years is not just for show." Fixing his gaze on the newcomer, he smiled warmly: "May I ask your esteemed name?"

Shi Jiulang let out a cold laugh, staring at the rosewood screen. His back heaved, and suddenly a thick stone pillar emerged, rumbling and rotating. The pillar was carved with a three-headed, six-armed monster, appearing as if it were alive, restless and eager to move.

The embroidered phoenix silk quilt is soft and fragrant. I lie on the magnificent ivory bed, feeling as if I am floating, as though I am sleeping on a cloud

The sea princess smiled radiantly at me, her beauty dazzling: "You are truly incorrigible! Jiu Danmei calls you a little lecher, and I shall call you a little scoundrel, how about that?"

I swallowed hard, feeling inexplicably drenched in a foul sweat. My body was hot, and the blood coursing through me felt like a small mouse, darting about energetically. I felt invigorated, and everything in my sight, the deep night outside the window, was as clear as daylight. I suppose it was due to having eaten the red fruit.

"Yun Guang Shi Liu Fei Dan, that is the secret path technique of the Dan Ding school from days of yore." Gan Ning Zhen Dao paused for a moment and continued, "The secret techniques of the Dan Ding school primarily focus on alchemy and are divided into nine grades. After the mysterious demise of the Dan Ding school, the secret techniques of this sect have been lost to time. Lin Fei, you yourself are a furnace; Yun Guang Shi Liu Fei Dan may be somewhat useful to you." She turned away, no longer glancing at me, as if she had fallen asleep. Lin Fei, you yourself are a furnace; Yun Guang Shi Liu Fei Dan may be somewhat useful to you." She turned away, no longer glancing at me, as if she had fallen asleep.

In this life, it seems that I have been constantly busy, tirelessly working to survive

The Sea Princess hummed, "He did not deceive you; it is merely that you are a natural cauldron, which allows you to easily refine the red fruit"

They will not want anything at all! The harsh sound, like the cracking of metal and stone, burst through the door!

Ouyang Yuandao: "Everyone must not let him slip away, otherwise the news of the three treasures will leak, and we will face endless troubles"

Strange, why is this ice mountain beauty being particularly warm-hearted towards me tonight

"Let me take a look," Gan Ning suddenly said, extending her hand. The bronze box flew up abruptly and landed in her palm. She examined it carefully for a moment, then suddenly closed her eyes. A transparent lotus flower blossomed from her forehead, its petals trembling gently, resembling a blinking eye

I laughed heartily: "Ouyang Yuan, this fraud, even said he would lie down for a whole night. I was full of energy after just a few hours."

Ouyang Yuandian nodded: "Please let them in, you stay outside. If anyone intrudes, kill without mercy."

Ouyang Yuan smiled and said, "Rest assured, the transactions I, Ouyang Yuan, am responsible for have never gone awry. They are my friends and will never disclose the details of the deal." She casually closed the door.

Thinking of the alchemical techniques of the Eight-Rank Dan Ding lineage, I cannot help but feel a sense of yearning. I wonder where they have scattered; if I could obtain them all and study them in detail, I would surely be able to escape the minor tribulations of the next ten years. Outside the window, the dawn light is brightening, and before I know it, I have been cultivating for an entire night.

Damn it, it's all just herbs and elixirs; I thought it would be gold, silver, and jewels. However, my cauldron is just right for a meal. I grabbed the herbs and stuffed them all into my mouth, swallowing them whole.

With a roar, the three-headed Shijiu Lang lunged at the screen, his six arms spinning like windmills, shattering the purple light emitted from the eight screens. Just as he was about to seize the three treasures, Jiu Danmei let out a giggle and approached, five vibrant red needles piercing from her fingertips, aiming at Shijiu Lang.

With beautiful women guarding, the sky can fall and serve as a cover. Anyway, he wants to curry favor with you all, so I will take this opportunity to gain some benefits and make him a fool for once. I hummed a little tune as I walked into the hall. After finishing breakfast, the lizard demon came in and whispered, "All the guests have arrived."

Shi Jiulang's entire body trembled, his gaze sweeping over Gan Ningzhen and Hai Ji, revealing an expression of astonishment

The sea princess let out a cold laugh, and I understood Ouyang Yuan's cunning plan. He had already received news about Shi Jiulang pursuing six guests, and thus from the very beginning, he intended to use the three beauties to shield him from disaster. These three treasures were merely bait for him to exploit the beauties. Damn it, we didn't gain much benefit from him; instead, we were used as pawns, becoming the unwitting fools.

Before long, she closed her eyes slightly, her entire body radiating a flowing golden light, as if entering a state of meditation

I let out a hum and ignored her

vixen

Shi Jiulang fixed his gaze on Jiu Danmei, his expression turning stern: "I wondered who it was, and it turns out to be the Nine-Tailed Scorpion Demon, Jiu Danmei. The current Shi Jiulang is merely a servant, and the name Shi Ququ has long been forgotten."

Shi Jiulang embraced the stone pillar, spiraling upward, as a grayish-white light emanated from the pillar. Shi Jiulang's body twisted, and he astonishingly merged into one with the three-headed, six-armed monster

I humbly say: "Just call me a lowly little demon, there is no need to be so polite"

Embracing the profound and holding onto the true, I subdued the nine cauldrons. In an instant, a phrase from the silk text flashed through my mind, and with a stroke of inspiration, I immediately focused my heart and entered into meditation. In a daze, a cauldron rose from my lower dantian, with turbid and pure qi circulating within the furnace. The pure qi seemed to transform into a stone, rapidly sinking down, while the turbid qi turned into smoke, rising gracefully.

The tall, thin man said in a trembling voice: "He has arrived, Lord Ouyang, you promised to ensure my safety"

"There is no need for formalities, as I am not accustomed to them." I smiled and leaned closer to the maid, taking a deep sniff. Although she was a vixen, she did not have the odor of a fox; she smelled quite pleasant.

I said slyly, "That depends on what benefits you can offer me."

The sea princess bit her lip: "Lin Fei."

The tall and lean man nodded slightly: "The Sea War God has a keen eye; the value of the Snow Spirit Brain does not require further elaboration from me." After saying this, he waved his hand, and the dwarf took out a second item from his pocket, placing it upright on the table. It was a piece of jade, dripping with a deep green hue, quite charming. On the jade, there were densely engraved images of a group of dancing strange creatures, each with many arms and a single leg, their dance postures peculiar.

I shouted indignantly: "What about the vixen? What about the lowly little demons? I just like them, and I look down on certain high and mighty people! Besides, I am also a lowly demon. Sea War God, walking with me truly brings disgrace to you"

I trembled all over. Could it be that the death of the Dragon Butterfly is related to this map

The tall, thin man turned pale with fear and hid behind Ouyang Yuan. Ouyang Yuan's gaze flickered, and suddenly she slipped away like a swimming fish. The tall, thin man had no time to evade and was struck dead by a punch from Shi Jiulang

Jiu Danmei exclaimed in surprise: "You have become someone else's servant? What kind of person possesses such great ability to make you willingly serve as a slave?"

Ouyang Yuan smiled slightly: "Brother Shi, in front of Miss Jiu, the Sea Warrior, and Fairy Gan, if you can seize these three items, I will truly admire you."

Three beautiful women gazed at the rosewood screen, their expressions reflecting deep contemplation. At that moment, six individuals rushed into the hall, each wearing colorful masks and frequently glancing around. Upon seeing the sea maidens, they were momentarily taken aback. The leader, a tall and slender man, took a step back and exclaimed, "Why are there outsiders here?"

"Shi Jiulang." A voice said hoarsely.

I turned my head and said, "Your fate is fortunate and noble, as you are the Valkyrie of the Sea of Meridians. But if you had been born a lowly little demon, would you still be so arrogant as you are now?"

The sea princess was momentarily stunned, and Gan Ningzhen glanced at me, her fingertips releasing a snow lotus that quickly expanded and floated gently in mid-air. Gan Ningzhen gracefully leaped onto it, lying within the snow lotus, silent and unspoken.

I smacked my lips and placed my hand on Haiji's fragrant shoulder: "Don't worry, no matter how much I eat, I won't be fatter than you. Huh? Why are you staring at me? Aren't you going to prepare breakfast?"

As the practice intensified, a sudden warmth spread across my forehead, and with a loud "boom" in my mind, the agate beads began to rotate slowly. My entire being felt ablaze, as if I were a red-hot alchemical furnace.

The dove-like Danmei, with her eyes closed on the gum, suddenly let out a soft laugh. Haiji blushed slightly, turned around, and fell silent.

The maids finished clearing the table and brought in eight large rosewood screens inlaid with marble, arranging them around the round table, closing the windows, and then retreating out.

Hmph, only you cannot see it; those maidens are all fox demons. What a disappointment, being dazed and confused by a few lowly little demons.

Shijiu Lang said expressionlessly: "Don't waste my time with nonsense, hand over what I want, or you will all die"

Ouyang Yuan smiled and said: "Why rush to leave? Today, several guests will come here to trade treasures, all of which are rare and unique. Don't you all want to take a look?"

Jiu Danmei suddenly said in a trembling voice: "Could it be the Charm Dance?"

I gladly said, "This copper box is unusual; could you help me see what secrets it holds."

The tall and slender man chuckled, saying: "The waves of smoke and mist arise, the enchanting dance is transmitted. The jade mirror of the enchanting dance, lost for thousands of years, when placed in the water's waves, reveals its authenticity."

Shi Jiulang was forced to retreat, crashing back against the stone pillar, and said in a hoarse voice: "Jiu Danmei, when did you become the lapdog of Ruyi City?"

Shi Jiulang shouted: "Jiu Danmei, do not be ungrateful; others may fear you, but I do not!"

With a thud, a fist struck out, resembling the sound of a stone drum being struck. Several masked individuals did not have time to utter a sound before they were splattered with blood, flying out in all directions, leaving only the tall, thin man, who fled in panic and hid behind Ouyang Yuan

"Little rascal." A sultry voice came from behind, and I turned my head to glare at her: "Why are you eavesdropping on my conversation with Hai Ji?"

I looked at Gan Ningzhen in astonishment as Jiu Danmei grabbed the copper box, and with a "crack," she forcefully tore it open. A piece of yellowed silk paper floated out, covered in small red handwriting.

Without an alchemical furnace, I envision my body as a cauldron. Lacking medicinal herbs, I regard the blood and energy flowing ceaselessly within me as the herbs.

Ouyang Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "I have long prepared generous gifts for all of you." With a clap of his hands, a moment later, several maidservants brought forth four colorful gift boxes, ready to present them to Haiji and the others, but I snatched them away, quickly tearing open the satin wrapping.

Another tall figure let out a sigh of relief: "So it turns out to be the renowned Fairy Gan, the Sea Warrior, and Miss Jiu Danmei. No wonder the city lord dared to take on this shipment from us. With the three of them here, we can breathe a sigh of relief."

The tall man squatted down, lifted his trousers, and gently peeled off a thin layer of skin from his calf, placing it on the table. Everyone's gaze was fixed intently on this palm-sized piece of skin.

"What are you saying?" the three beautiful women exclaimed in unison. Ouyang Yuan smiled lightly, her expression calm, clearly having known this in advance

Jiu Danmei licked her lips: "These three treasures, everyone desires them, don't they? You, with the surname Shi, are merely a stubborn rock that has gained some spirit; do you dare to compete with me?"

Jiu Danmei fiddled with it for a long time, shaking her head: "There's nothing particularly special about this item; at most, it's worth a few coins."

Moonlight spills onto the window frame, resembling a thin layer of white frost. The sea maiden bathes in the moonlight, gazing at me, her skin surpassing frost, her hair like golden threads, resplendent like an illusion. Suddenly, I feel a bit ashamed of myself and softly say: "It doesn't matter if you look down on me; I am used to it anyway"

I felt a chill all over my body; the arrival of the person was terrifying. In the briefest moment, he had killed five guests, and I barely caught a glimpse of his movements. I suddenly realized how weak I was in the North. Three beautiful women stood silently in front of me.

I have long heard that the Lotus Heart of the Sweet Immortal can penetrate gold and stone, and it truly is impressive. " Jiu Danmei chuckled softly, picked up a piece of silk paper, and whispered, "Yun Guang Stone flows like flying dan—this is the ninth item in the secret records of the Dan Ding Fang. Oh, I seem to have heard this name before.

After a long time, the lotus gently splashed open, scattering a wisp of water vapor. Gan Ning slowly opened her eyes, tossed the copper box back to me, and said softly, "There is a compartment inside, hiding a piece of silk paper."

Ouyang Yuan calmly stated: "Brother Shi has chased my guest all the way here, breached the restrictions outside my door, and killed my subordinates. Such rampant behavior is truly disrespectful to us. Although Ruyi City is small, the rules established over the years cannot be violated by anyone."

I proudly asked: "Have I become impressive?"

My body feels as if it has been split in two, with my head floating upwards and my feet sinking downwards. Haha, it's quite amusing. Next is the "Cloud and Stone Exchange of Forms," where I need to reverse the turbid and pure energies from earlier. This is very difficult to practice; I have tried for a long time and still cannot achieve it.

Jiu Danmei's beautiful eyes flashed with a fiery light as she read: "It is said that the Dance of Charm is an ancient art performed by the creature of allure; it is not only a dance technique but also conceals a lethal martial skill."

I suddenly realized: "So he likes you, no wonder he would use such rare pomegranate juice to please you"

The sea princess, with her golden light dissipating, glanced at me a few times and nodded: "You truly look radiant."

Ouyang Yuan took a deep breath: "Xuepo Brain, Meimu Yujian, the map of Zizaitian, each one more precious than the last. However, apart from Ruyi City in the mortal realm, I fear no one can take on such a large transaction, nor would they dare to. So, speak up, what do you want?"

Before my eyes, a figure appeared in the hall like a ghost, stepping forward, turning sideways, and throwing a punch

The tall, slender man cleared his throat lightly and lowered his voice: "The last item is a map leading to the realm of freedom"

One man and three women sharing a bed, I began to indulge in my fantasies. The sea princess shot me a glance and said, "A few vixens have certainly delighted you, haven't they?"

The sound of the fist is resounding, akin to the beating of a drum

Shi Jiulang snorted, his gaze fixed on the three extraordinary treasures on the table. He leaped into the air, his fingers curling like hooks. Just as he pounced in front of the table, eight purple sandalwood screens suddenly emitted a dazzling purple light, resembling a wall of light, which sent Shi Jiulang flying back. In mid-air, he twisted his body and suddenly darted towards the tall, thin man.

The sea princess's delicate body trembled: "It is the Snow Spirit's brain!"

Jiu Danmei smiled playfully, suddenly staring at me in surprise: "Ah, your complexion is different. The spirit in your eyes is vibrant; is it the effect of the red fruit?"

Ouyang Yuan appeared at the corner of the corridor, walking towards us with a beaming smile: "How did everyone sleep? With the three fairies residing here, my humble abode will surely increase in value and gain fame throughout the Northern Region."

Jiu Danmei and Gan Ningzhen have both fallen asleep, while Haiji stands motionless at the door. I sit on the ground, carefully observing the silk paper

The sea princess glared at me fiercely: "Miser, it's not that I look down on you, I just can't stand the way you are infatuated with those few vixens."

What a sycophant, I let out a cold snort. This thing called flattery only feels good when it is directed at one's own backside. When it is directed at others, it becomes mere obsequiousness.

When I heard the first "he," the door was shattered to pieces; upon hearing "men," a corpse flew in, blood streaming from its seven orifices, and it was indeed the lizard demon

Ouyang Yuan smiled faintly, yet did not take action. I suddenly realized that Ouyang Yuan was clearly using Shi Jiulang's hand to eliminate the six guests, thereby swallowing these three treasures without any effort.

I am making faces: "Isn't it all for you? With such a handsome, elegant, tall, and formidable rival like me, the chubby guy will surely back down."

Jiu Danmei returned the silk paper to me and lazily remarked, "So it was merely the alchemical heart method."

A figure approached, wearing a bamboo hat that obscured their face, revealing only a pair of eyes that glimmered with a cold light. They walked slowly towards the tall, thin man, each step heavy as if it were made of stone, "thud thud thud," like the beating of a war drum

The Sea Princess said: "Do not be deceived by Ouyang Yuan's amiable demeanor; in fact, he is quite a formidable character. You should be cautious."

The sea princess scoffed, "He merely wants to use me to connect with the support of the Maijing Sea Palace. Hehe, tomorrow, help me play a trick on him. Since he has a good relationship with the Maijing Sea Palace, it is inconvenient for me to show him a sour face."

In the room, there was only one bed. Originally, Ouyang Yuan intended to add another bed, but Jiu Danmei said it was unnecessary. Thinking of Ouyang Yuan's dazed expression, I couldn't help but laugh

At this moment, the six words "nothing is needed" had just been spoken. However, on the ground, six corpses had appeared.

The Cloud Light Stone Flowing Dan, along with the books, indeed pertains to the Dan Ding Flow's alchemical techniques, but it is merely the most basic ninth grade. According to what is written on the silk paper, it is necessary to gather all the herbs, place them in a copper furnace, and add substances such as sulfur, metals, and mica, then combine them with the techniques to refine. Damn it, this technique is useless! What I need most right now is a secret manual that can make me stronger immediately, not some nonsense elixir.

Using stone as a dam, the clouds enter and drift leisurely. The two elements contain and receive each other, transforming in a manner that possesses spirit. First, the liquid forms and then solidifies, with clouds and stones exchanging shapes. Below, there are luminous stones, and clouds steam in an instant. The two are regarded as true, with cloud light and stone flowing and flying. I silently recited the silk text and began my cultivation. Gradually, the blood energy within me was controlled, dividing into two: the turbid energy sank like stone, while the pure energy rose like clouds

A refreshing energy fills my body. I feel as if I have been reborn, light and carefree, as if I am about to ride the wind and soar. What flows within me seems no longer to be blood, but rather a series of shimmering, ethereal liquids.

I was filled with curiosity, so I boldly said: "Since the city lord is so warmly inviting, I will give you this favor. However, how will the city lord repay this kindness?"

"Hello, hello." The sea maiden was calling me in a low voice

The sea princess glanced at Gan Ningzhen and Jiu Danmei, and whispered: "In fact, it's quite interesting to spar with you. In the Northern Region, most people treat me with utmost respect, like a dull wooden board, which makes it terribly boring. Only you do not regard me highly, and I find that quite delightful."

The tall and thin man said: "Although the map is incomplete and its authenticity cannot be confirmed, this damaged map has passed through the hands of sixteen individuals, all of whom have mysteriously died one by one. Among them is the Dragon Butterfly Demon King of the Red Dust Heaven"

I praised myself a few times, then walked out of the room. Early in the morning, many maids were busy in the residence, and upon seeing us, they all bowed and greeted us.

"Lord Ouyang, it is time for us to depart," I said

Ouyang Yuan leisurely remarked, "Brother Shi, it is easy to kill, but difficult to obtain treasure"

This is an oval-shaped bead, snow-white and lustrous, resembling a grape. Upon closer inspection, the surface of the bead reveals faint red patterns, which resemble insect eggs and appear to be wriggling. Most remarkably, since it was placed on the table, the bead has been continuously rotating without pause.

I casually picked up the silk paper, ah? I can move! I jumped off the bed in an instant, raised my hands, kicked my legs, and moved with agility.

The tall and lean man pondered for a moment, then resolutely unfastened the burden from his back and placed it on the table. With a gentle shake, an object rolled out and began to spin on the table.

Jiu Danmei walked over gracefully, smiling charmingly: "What is there to argue about? Hai Ji has this temperament; she is not deliberately targeting you. Moreover, the distinctions of high and low status have existed since ancient times; that is all fate. By the way, the bronze box you were interested in during the day must have something unusual about it." She reached out and pulled the purple copper octagonal box from my embrace.

The sea princess snorted, "I never said you were lowly"

After Ouyang Yuan left, Haiji slapped my hand and scolded, "You little rascal with your clumsy hands."

A stir arose in my heart as I looked at Ouyang Yuan's squinting smile, feeling as if I had been outmaneuvered by him

Hai Ji further remarked: "Today, when you snatched the Zhu fruit, Ouyang Yuan's expression was truly amusing. This guy used to cling to me all the time, it was utterly annoying."

As I was leaving, a maid secretly pinched my bottom

I do not know how much time has passed, when I softly exclaimed: "Both believe it to be true, as clouds, light, and stones flow and fly."

"There is still a long way to go." Gan Ning truly floated down, and the snow lotus gradually shrank, drilling into her fingertips