These findings were within Elian's expectations. With the Xu Immortal Clan controlling a third-tier subterranean earth vein, it was common for them to produce second-tier earth-attribute celestial materials regularly. It was no surprise such resources were abundant here.
However, none of the treasures matched Elian's objective. Closing the catalog, he asked, "Does Fengyang Pavilion have any Water Essence for sale?"
Xu Mingyang's eyes flickered slightly before he replied, "I suppose Daoist is seeking Water Essence to forge the Bright Origin Phantom Sword."
"Unfortunately, there are no third-tier water veins within the three provinces under Qingyang Sect's jurisdiction. Water Essence is exceptionally rare. I don't have any in stock here."
Xu Mingyang shook his head regretfully.
"I suggest you wait for the Barter Conference to begin and see if you can find it there."
"However, this material is extremely scarce in Bianzhou, so its price will likely be high. Daoist should prepare for that."
Elian could only nod in resignation.
The Five Element Veins require at least a third-tier status to form. While Chu Kingdom is vast and abundant in fire, earth, and metal veins, water and wood veins are exceedingly rare.
Within Qingyang Sect's three provinces, not a single third-tier water vein has been discovered, making water-attribute resources particularly scarce in Chu Kingdom.
Water Crystals were even rarer. Across Chu Kingdom's nine prefectures and thirty counties, where nearly a hundred Purple Mansion cultivators resided, fewer than three specialized in water-attribute cultivation.
Theoretically, the Eastern Wilderness should not lack water veins since the water cycle was sufficient, unlike the Western Desert. Yet, despite extensive searching, Chu Kingdom cultivators had found only one third-tier water vein.
Some high-level cultivators speculated that Chu Kingdom's proximity to the Vast Swamp might cause its water energy to be drawn away, leading to a scarcity of water veins.
Others disagreed, arguing that Chu Kingdom's water vein scarcity was simply due to its relatively short period of exploration, with hidden veins yet to be uncovered. After all, the nearby Sky Python Lake contained a fourth-tier water vein, making it unlikely that the Vast Swamp would bypass it to siphon Chu Kingdom's water energy.
"Water Essence is rare, and whether I can acquire it at this conference remains uncertain. I'll just have to do my best," Elian thought.
Rising, he bid farewell to Xu Mingyang.
"If that's the case, I'll take my leave."
Despite no transaction being made, Xu Mingyang remained polite.
"I won't see you off, then."
Exiting Fengyang Pavilion, Elian encountered two familiar figures approaching.
"It's them."
Elian's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing in his gaze.
The newcomers were two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Lin family: Lin Baixi, whom Elian had previously disarmed, and Lin Moqin, a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator and a member of the Lin family's senior generation.
Lin Baixi's eyes filled with murderous intent the moment he spotted Elian, as though he wanted to attack immediately.
"Don't be rash," Lin Moqin said quickly, grabbing Lin Baixi and advising him.
"This is Fengyang Market, Xu Clan's territory. Making a move here would likely doom not just you but the entire family."
Seeing no immediate danger, Elian cast an indifferent glance at the two, then turned to bid farewell to Xu Mingyang before leaving.
Once Elian disappeared into the distance, Lin Baixi's killing intent flared again.
"He ruined my path to the Dao. This enmity is irreconcilable! If I don't avenge myself, my anger will never subside," Lin Baixi growled, his face twisted with hatred.
Lin Moqin, over 150 years old and far more composed than the younger Lin Baixi, sighed inwardly. He could see that Lin Baixi's hatred had blinded him to the disparity in their strength.
Concerned that Lin Baixi might act impulsively, Lin Moqin offered a word of caution.
"Elian's foundation is exceptionally solid. With his natal celestial sword and the Purple Radiance Mirror in hand, he is a formidable foe."
"To deal with him, you must either kill him in one strike without leaving a trace or refrain from acting altogether. If he escapes, the Chen family will have grounds to declare war on us."
"And if the other four families stand by, we may not be able to stand against the Chen family alone."
Lin Moqin's words fell on deaf ears, as Lin Baixi's eyes still burned with venomous hatred, his reaction unclear.
In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.
On the day of the Barter Conference, Elian arrived at the Xu Clan's Dingxuan Pavilion early in the morning.
Dingxuan Pavilion, owned by the Xu Clan, was the venue for the ten-yearly Barter Conference.
Upon entering, Elian noticed around fifty participants. Most were local Foundation Establishment cultivators from Bianzhou's families or independent cultivators, though a dozen or so came from Tianxu Mountain or the Qingyang provinces.
Unlike the novels Elian had read in his previous life, where participants at such conferences wore black robes and masks to hide their identities and avoid being robbed, the scene before him was entirely different.
The fifty or so participants were mingling in groups of twos and threes, engaging in casual conversation. Many were old acquaintances reuniting after years, while others exchanged hostile glares, clearly harboring grudges.
On reflection, it made sense. Bianzhou only had about a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators. Over decades or even centuries, most had crossed paths at least once.
With cultivators having far superior memories to mortals, even those who hadn't met in person would have heard of each other. Their signature artifacts and signature abilities were common knowledge, and most people could identify each other with just a glance. (Advancing in cultivation improves both the body and mind)
Strangers stood out easily. Apart from a few new faces, most people here had encountered one another before. Under such circumstances, trying to hide one's identity was more of a joke and would only expose one's insecurity.
"Nephew, over here!"
Elian heard a familiar voice calling out and looked up to see Meng Xinghe waving at him with a smile. Meng Xinghe stood with a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Since Meng Xinghe was closely related to the elder patriarch, Elian quickly made his way over and greeted him with a smile.
"Nephew greets Uncle."
"Good, good," Meng Xinghe said with a hearty laugh.
"All of Yu County says you're a prodigy with astonishing talent."
"Now that I see you in person, I can tell those words are no exaggeration. Your cultivation progress is truly astounding. You are indeed the number one of Yu County's younger generation."
The surrounding Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanged looks of interest. A mid-Foundation Establishment woman widened her eyes and asked, "Is this the one?"
Meng Xinghe nodded and pulled Elian forward, introducing him. "This is Elian from the Chen family of Qingyuan Mountain. Thanks to my cousin, Changxuan, I get to take advantage of seniority. But don't underestimate him."
...
40+ chapters ahead on patreon: patreon.com/David_Lord
I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D