’These past few years, I’ve been living in Peacock Demon City, focusing on improving my Alchemy Skill and accumulating Energy for my panel.’
’I haven’t had any extra Demon Stones coming in. Although I had a foundation of resources from the Elephant Demon and Cheng Mengying, I’ve used most of it up.’
’Besides, I’m not far from having enough Energy to break through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment!’
’If I can just get an extra score and give it one more push, then...’
’Qing Shijiu, Qing Si...’
’A Water Buffalo Demon at the Peak of the Ninth Level of Qi Refining!’
’Judging by their numbered names, this group of Tribulation Cultivators must be quite large. There should be a Foundation Establishment Great Demon in charge.’
’There might even be more than one!’
Xu Chang’an weighed his options, considering the potential gains, losses, and risks.
’Should I take a risk, play along, and try to profit from this situation?’
’Back then, my combat power was already comparable to a weaker Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Great Demon.’
’And with the help of the Earth Dragon True Blood, my Bloodline aptitude has been elevated to Low Class. In terms of combat power, I’m probably a bit stronger than your average veteran Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Great Demon.’
’Furthermore, I also have a Talisman Treasure and...’
’a Quasi-Magical Treasure!’
After Nurturing it for several years, Xu Chang’an could now wield the Jade Ruyi.
Thanks to the perfect breakthrough from his panel, his abundant Demon Power was enough to use this Quasi-Magical Treasure four or five times.
Keep in mind, the young lioness from Lion’s Mane Cave had nearly exhausted all her Demon Power just by using the Jade Ruyi twice.
Although that was partly because she had been in a fight beforehand.
But it was still a testament to the abundance of Xu Chang’an’s Demon Power.
’As long as there are no Top-tier Great Demons, if I play my cards right, I’m sure to succeed!’
’Even if a Top-tier Great Demon is present, I have the means to escape with my life.’
’The margin for error is extremely high!’
Xu Chang’an’s mind was made up; he had made his decision.
’In that case, I’ll just wait for the right moment!’
...
Over the next few days, the Spider Spirit frequently came to chat with Xu Chang’an, talking about street gossip and miscellaneous cultivation matters.
Xu Chang’an knew exactly what she was up to but played along without showing it.
A few more days passed before the Spider Spirit approached Xu Chang’an secretively.
"Grey Rat, do you have time to come to my humble abode for a chat?"
"Fellow Daoist, what is it that requires such formality?"
Xu Chang’an understood.
’The time must be right. She’s ready to make her move.’ But on the surface, he naturally played along.
"This matter is of great importance. After you come to my humble home, Grey Rat, I will explain in detail."
The Spider Spirit’s face was alluring, making any demon who saw her want to get a little closer.
"Alright."
Xu Chang’an agreed on the spot and followed the Spider Spirit into the Cultivation Supply Shop.
The Spider Spirit’s Cultivation Supply Shop also had two floors. Without stopping on the first, she led Xu Chang’an straight to the second.
After entering a private room, the Spider Spirit very solemnly set up a Sound Insulation Array.
"Grey Rat, while I was out buying and selling resources, I came upon a Treasure Map by a stroke of luck!"
The Spider Spirit deliberately lowered her voice, leaning close to Xu Chang’an, her breath fragrant as an orchid.
"A Treasure Map!?"
Xu Chang’an looked startled.
"Yes, a Treasure Map. I followed the map’s directions and went to investigate. There is definitely a treasure inside."
As she spoke, the warm breaths from the Spider Spirit’s mouth continuously brushed against Xu Chang’an.
"To have such a find is a blessing from the heavens. Since the treasure is real, why are you telling me about it, Fellow Daoist Spider!"
Xu Chang’an’s eyes flickered as he spoke warily.
"Grey Rat, to be perfectly honest."
"The treasure is real, but most of it consists of Spiritual Herbs and Plants, preserved properly through a special method. The treasure site is very old. If the seal is broken rashly to retrieve them, I’m afraid their Spirituality will be greatly diminished, and their value will plummet."
"I am not skilled in such matters."
The Spider Spirit gave a bitter smile.
"Grey Rat, your Alchemy Skill is profound. I imagine you are extremely knowledgeable about how to preserve Spiritual Herbs and Plants. Therefore, I would like to ask for your assistance. If you can properly unseal the Spiritual Herbs and Plants and ensure their Spirituality isn’t lost, I am willing to give you ten percent of the profits as a reward!"
The Spider Spirit’s words were sincere and reasonable, her internal logic seemingly flawless and self-consistent.
Seeing that Xu Chang’an still seemed to hesitate, the Spider Spirit took out a few Magical Artifacts and Demon Talismans from her Storage Bag.
"Please take a look, Grey Rat. These items were all obtained from the treasure site."
Xu Chang’an looked over at her words. The Magical Artifacts and Demon Talismans all bore the marks of time.
It was just as the Spider Spirit claimed; they were undoubtedly from a treasure site.
"A twenty percent reward! I’m willing to help!"
Xu Chang’an’s eyes flashed as he said through gritted teeth.
The Spider Spirit’s eyes swam with a tenderness like water.
"Alright. We’ll do as you say, Grey Rat."
And so, the matter was settled.
After setting a departure time with the Spider Spirit, Xu Chang’an left.
’Ten percent or twenty percent, in the end, it’ll be whatever I say!’
’So easily lured by a little profit. How utterly foolish!’
Watching Xu Chang’an’s departing figure, the Spider Spirit sneered.
’He’s all talk and no action!’
’No wonder that Butterfly Spirit ran into the arms of the Black Sheep Spirit!’
...
’I hope tomorrow doesn’t disappoint me!’
After returning to the Elixir Shop, Xu Chang’an looked up at the sky, his face full of anticipation.
With the Energy he had currently accumulated in his panel, he was very close to breaking through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment.
If he really did encounter a few Foundation Establishment Great Demons tomorrow, the spoils should be enough for him to gather the necessary Energy and break through directly into the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment.
If so, the second phase of his plan would be halfway complete!
Moreover, if he successfully entered the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, with his combat power, he wouldn’t fear even a Top-tier Great Demon in the slightest.
Only then would he feel a greater sense of security within Peacock Demon City.
...
The next day, Xu Chang’an opened his shop for business as usual.
The Cultivation Supply Shop across the street did the same.
To ensure the matter proceeded secretly and without complications, the time the Spider Spirit had arranged with him was to leave the city to search for the treasure after nightfall.
That day, Xu Chang’an’s business was good; he made about ten sales in a row.
’Not bad. Business at the Elixir Shop is really picking up!’
Xu Chang’an was in a pleasant mood.
’It’s a good omen!’
"Grey Rat, you seem to be in a good mood!"
As night fell, the Spider Spirit came to find Xu Chang’an as promised.
"Yes, business was good today. I imagine tonight’s haul won’t disappoint me either!"
Xu Chang’an said with a wide smile.
"It certainly won’t disappoint you, Grey Rat!"
the Spider Spirit said faintly.
"Excellent. Fellow Daoist Spider, let’s get moving then."
"Alright."
Xu Chang’an followed the Spider Spirit out of Peacock Demon City, and they headed straight for the southwest.
"Fellow Daoist Spider, how far is the treasure site from the Demon City?"
"Not far, about five or six hundred li!"
"Five or six hundred li!? That’s so close!"
"What is it, Grey Rat!?"
"Nothing, I’m just getting a little impatient!"
"Yes, I’m getting a little impatient myself!"
"In that case, Fellow Daoist Spider, why don’t we speed up a bit?"
"Alright."
Two streaks of rainbow light flashed through the air, like shooting stars across the sky.
Who knew what they were about to face? Would it be eternity, or a moment of fleeting brilliance, magnificent for but an instant!