Chapter 169: Negative Thunder Incantation

“A deal?” Madam White Bone was unsurprised; Chen Luo being a Foundation Establishment cultivator, falling for such a simple trap would mean his death would be deserved and unworthy of her attention.

“After all these years, you’re the first to ascend this mountain and propose a transaction.” She studied Chen Luo, noticing the malevolent aura emanating from him, indicating they shared similar paths.

“I wish to purchase Heart Origin Stones from you, a straightforward exchange beneficial to both parties.”

As he spoke, Chen Luo revealed the spoils from his encounter with the three solo cultivators near the mountain town. Among them was a bag of holding filled entirely with Malevolent Qi Pearls, which held little use for him but were perfect for negotiation.

“Heart Origin Stones? They aren’t cheap, as I also require them myself.”

“The price is negotiable!”

With Elder An’s wealth backing him, Chen Luo exuded confidence in his offer.

This statement left Madam White Bone momentarily silent, her gaze fixed on Chen Luo. The surrounding gray mist surged restlessly, seemingly debating whether to take action. After careful consideration, she reluctantly abandoned the tempting thought. A century ago, without hesitation, she would have attacked Chen Luo, aiming to claim both the man and the spirit stones! However, her power had waned since her prime, and at over four hundred years old, she was already on a downward trajectory. Engaging in combat with a fellow Foundation Establishment cultivator could inadvertently shorten her lifespan if not cautious.

Moreover, Chen Luo emanated a peculiar aura, making it difficult for her to gauge his true strength.

“After all, Madam, as you control White Bone Ridge, Heart Origin Stones will continually be produced each year. Selling one or two won’t significantly impact your overall resources.”

“However, these Heart Origin Stones are crucial for my White Bone Technique.”

“To prolong your lifespan, you must continue enhancing your power. Even White Bone Ridge isn’t entirely safe; Madam, you understand this better than I do,” Chen Luo said with utmost sincerity.

Seeing that Madam White Bone remained silent, he then retrieved from his bag of holding another gourd containing Qi Gathering Pills and a small pouch filled with high-grade spirit stones, collectively worth nearly ten thousand spirit stones.

“I’ll sell you at most five pills, but they need to be higher-tier medicinal pills.”

Madam White Bone wavered, as medicinal pills were incredibly precious among evil cultivators. No one here invested in training alchemists, so all available medicinal pills on the market came from solitary alchemists who charged exorbitantly, often leading to scarcity despite high prices.

Even achieving Foundation Establishment relied heavily on specific spirit objects, which placed them far behind the seven nations in terms of advancement.

“Thirty pills,” countered Chen Luo.

Chen Luo estimated that to have sufficient Yang Yuan Pills for his cultivation needs, he would require at least thirty.

“Thirty is too many, and your medicinal pills aren’t of high quality.”

“How about adding this? A top-tier first-rank Spirit Foundation Pill, with effects just below the Foundation Establishment Pill. Even for our current realm, it can be highly beneficial.” Chen Luo produced one of his self-developed Spirit Foundation Pills.

After selling a batch in Woodmount City, these pills had become scarce elsewhere, making them perfect for obtaining a favorable price now.

“Spirit Foundation Pill?”

Madam White Bone was not an alchemist and lacked knowledge of various medicinal pills. Upon hearing it was a top-tier first-rank pill, her interest couldn’t help but stir.

With White Bone Ridge being vast, she had amassed numerous Heart Origin Stones.

Parting with some to secure the deal seemed acceptable.

“Let me try one first.”

Following their conversation, a basic level of trust had been established between them. Madam White Bone dismissed the two Foundation Establishment white bone puppets guarding the cave entrance, her demeanor visibly improving.

“I also need to verify the authenticity of the Heart Origin Stones.”

Once agreed upon, both parties exchanged items simultaneously. Chen Luo reached out and caught the incoming Heart Origin Stone.

The fist-sized white stone felt warm upon touch, its surface remarkably soft and slightly elastic, akin to rubber. Shaped like a heart, it was no wonder why it’s called ‘Heart Origin Stone.’

‘Pill-concocting ingredient, sourced from places of evil fiends, requires human blood for irrigation and bone powder for nourishment.’

Within the external brains, the mummified brain with the broadest knowledge confirmed the stone’s authenticity. The origin of this mummified brain remained unknown; during its lifetime, it seemed proficient in various fields such as pills, artifacts, formations, and talismans.

On the other side, Madam White Bone consumed the medicinal pill without hesitation. With over four hundred years of cultivation and possessing a White Bone Body, she feared neither evil spells nor poison techniques.

To Qi Refinement cultivators, the Spirit Foundation Pill had astonishing effects, but for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, its impact was less impressive. After briefly sensing its effect, a hint of dissatisfaction appeared on Madam White Bone’s face.

“It’s barely sufficient.”

Finding second-tier spirit pills was exceedingly difficult, so obtaining some first-tier spirit pills could be considered an unexpected gain. Following their prior agreement, they exchanged items, completing the transaction.

“I also wish to inquire about a few things from you, Madame, and I’ll pay according to market prices,” Chen Luo said while producing another gourd filled with Spirit Foundation Pills.

Witnessing such extravagant display reignited the suppressed killing intent within Madam White Bone. If she slaughtered this wealthy cultivator and refined his remains into white bones, wouldn’t all his riches become hers?

“Oh right, do you want magical symbols? I have quite a few here, along with array flags and magical artifacts.” Chen Luo, seemingly oblivious to her thoughts, produced a thick stack of spirit talismans, an array flag, and Elder An’s second-rank magical seal.

The abundance of items released spiritual energy, dispersing the surrounding malevolent aura.

Madam White Bone paused momentarily before suppressing her murderous intentions once again.

“What is it you seek?”

“I’m looking for places that sell Soul Nurturing Grass and Three Flowers Insects, as well as information on third-rank spiritual veins and Core Formation cultivation techniques,” Chen Luo stated.

The first two spirit materials were essential ingredients for refining the Soul Nurturing Pill and Jade Bone Pill. The third-rank spiritual veins and Core Formation techniques were preparations for future advancement. He had ventured into the place of evil fiends specifically to find opportunities for reaching Core Formation. Master Daoist Wuwei informed him about the existence of third-rank spiritual veins here, ensuring its accuracy.

“I haven’t heard of the first two items, but regarding third-rank spiritual veins and Core Formation techniques…” A hint of mockery flashed in Madam White Bone’s eyes.

Aiming for Core Formation?

Every Foundation Establishment cultivator dreams of reaching Core Formation, but how many truly succeed? A malevolent thought arose in Madam White Bone’s mind; she eagerly anticipated witnessing Chen Luo’s expression after his futile quest.

“I can freely tell you that neither the Core Formation technique nor the third-rank spirit vein are secrets. Within this entire mountainous region, there is only one place where both can be found: Reverend Blackstone’s Blackstone City!”

Knowledge alone does not guarantee attainment. Each year, countless cultivators flocked to Blackstone City like fish crossing a river, yet none had ever been heard of succeeding despite the passing years.

“Many thanks, Madam.”

With the transaction complete, Chen Luo did not linger further. Seeing that Madam White Bone showed no intention of inviting him for a meal, he decisively turned and descended the mountain.

Madam White Bone stood atop the peak, watching Chen Luo until his figure was completely obscured by the malevolent qi. The malice in her eyes gradually faded as her body disintegrated, transforming back into a sea of white bones hidden within the gray malevolent mist.

Blackstone City was not far away.

An intercity flying boat from White Bone Ridge could take travelers directly to Blackstone City. This particular flying boat was distinctive, resembling a massive bird skeleton intricately adorned with dense formation patterns. At its core, a burning white flame seemed to serve as its power source.

After briefly examining it and realizing he couldn’t comprehend its purpose, Chen Luo decided not to waste any more time.

Half a day later.

The flying boat descended upon Blackstone City.

Built atop a towering mountain, the massive city was surrounded by sheer cliffs and precipices. Below the vast abyss, countless mythical beasts and evil entities roamed; anyone falling would surely meet their demise with no return.

Upon entering the city, Chen Luo headed directly towards the market at its center.

This marketplace far exceeded the scale of White Bone Ridge’s, bustling with activity and teeming with numerous cultivators. The variety of spirit materials left Chen Luo momentarily overwhelmed.

“Three Souls Curse Technique, fellow daoist, are you interested?” A shriveled old man caught Chen Luo’s attention, retrieving a worn ancient book from his stall and began promoting it enthusiastically.

“I sense a strong divine soul power within you, suggesting that you primarily focus on curses. This Three Souls Curse Technique originates from the ancient curse ‘Seven Nails Death Talisman.’ Once you identify the three souls of your target, one curse is enough for certain death!”

The emaciated old man, akin to a con artist, immediately inflated the value of his tattered technique, boasting about its potency.

“Seven Nails Death Talisman?”

Even Chen Luo felt intimidated by this renowned name.

This was considered the ultimate curse technique, rumored to be unstoppable even by immortals—a pinnacle aspiration for all evil cultivators specializing in curses.

“Seeing our connection, fellow daoist, I’ll offer you a friendly price today: three thousand spirit stones and it’s yours.” The old man grew more animated as Chen Luo paused.

Having operated his stall at this market for too long, most regulars recognized him, leading to a prolonged period of meager income. Today, encountering a fresh face, he saw an opportunity to make a substantial profit.

‘Elementary Curse Technique, worth learning.’

‘A beginner-level method, likely not expensive. This technique provides insight into curse spells, with foundational concepts applicable to advanced curse techniques as well.’

As Chen Luo’s gaze fell upon the tattered book in the old man’s hand, his external brain automatically provided feedback. Several minds that had studied evil magic began responding, particularly those from the three Foundation Establishment solo cultivators he killed in the mountain town. Their input was notably strong.

The brain of the old man who wielded bone-constructed limbs was exceptionally intact, offering the most accurate advice.

“Three spirit stones,” Chen Luo countered without hesitation.

Casually, Chen Luo named his price.

He did have some interest in curse techniques. Back in Guo Mountain County, he had been targeted once by such a spell from someone in a hut. Now presented with this opportunity, he aimed to gain knowledge and avoid any future pitfalls.

“Deal!” Without any hesitation, the old man swiftly handed over the technique to Chen Luo. His prompt action caught Chen Luo off guard.

I offered too much!

With a grim expression, Chen Luo retrieved three spirit stones and tossed them over.

Continuing his exploration of the market, Chen Luo’s interaction with the elderly vendor drew attention from other stall owners. Several approached him proactively. However, Chen Luo was not naive; aided by his external brains, he effortlessly discerned who among them sold genuine items and who peddled fakes.

“Senior, I possess a treasure that could greatly benefit even your current realm,” a child called out, causing Chen Luo to pause.

The boy’s voice stopped Chen Luo because he was the only one among the crowd who accurately perceived his cultivation base.

Seeing Chen Luo pause, the young boy slapped his bag of holding and retrieved a booklet, which he handed to Chen Luo.

Chen Luo took the booklet and glanced through it.

The content was straightforward, featuring only four large characters: Negative Thunder Incantation. He tried flipping further, but found that subsequent pages were sealed with golden restrictions, preventing him from viewing them.

“Not bad, I’ll take it. Name your price.”

Chen Luo closed the booklet, nodding in satisfaction.

After cultivating for so long, he finally managed to acquire a thunder technique. Although it was the Negative Thunder Incantation, it still suited him well. In the Divine Lake Immortal Sect, such an item would easily cost at least ten years’ worth of merit points to obtain.

“Five thousand spirit stones.” A hint of joy flashed across the boy’s face as he promptly quoted the price.

Without hesitation, Chen Luo tossed over the spirit stones. He then purchased a few more items from the boy, who seemed likely an evil magic cultivator. Despite appearing as a young child, his spiritual strength was formidable, reaching the Thirteenth Layer of Qi Refinement. In the seven kingdoms region, cultivators at this realm typically begin preparing for Foundation Establishment.