"Looking across the entire Starshatter Sea, there are countless shady shops that collect money and still engage in black-market dealings," Chu Xuan mused. "A store like mine, where goods are exchanged honestly and fairly, is truly rare."
He had earned the reputation of Master Liu, the Honest and Trustworthy Talismaker through his commitment to integrity. Of course, this was also closely tied to his own immense strength. After all, even Nascent Soul late-stage cultivators had fallen at his hands. Who would dare speak ill of him to his face?
...
One day, the volcanic range on Desolate Island once again rumbled with low, thunderous sounds. Occasional plumes of dark smoke, tinged with flashes of fire, shot into the sky.
Ever since the last large-scale eruption, the volcanoes had been eerily quiet, resembling wilted cucumbers in need of water. Many cultivators believed the volcanoes had exhausted their eruptions and would remain dormant for some time. As a result, they began exploring deeper into the island.
However, Chu Xuan, ever cautious, did not risk venturing further. He continued to run his small business. While delving into the heart of Desolate Island might yield more treasures, it also posed greater dangers. It was far more prudent to exchange low-cost demonic talismans for the treasures in the hands of other cultivators.
At the moment, Chu Xuan was comfortably lounging in a rattan chair inside his Studio, leisurely flipping through his demonic talisman Sutra. A few cultivators entered in small groups, selecting talismans from his store.
After spending much time studying the sutra, Chu Xuan had managed to create a variety of talismans. Not only did he craft battle-ready Soul-sealing Talismans, but he had also developed Soul-weaving Talismans, capable of turning soul energy into weapons like swords and shields. Additionally, there were Soul-repair Talismans to mend damaged souls, as well as Enhancement Talismans that amplified the power of spiritual sense techniques.
Besides his work with talismans, Chu Xuan was also skilled in alchemy, particularly in crafting healing pills, which were always in high demand. Cultivators were always keen on acquiring such life-saving items.
As the cultivators selected their talismans and pills, they exchanged stories about their recent discoveries.
"…I've heard there are a lot of ancient ruins popping up lately. Is it true? I found a broken pillar in the western part of Desolate Island yesterday. The carvings on it were quite exquisite. It could very well be the remains of an ancient sect's ruins."
"So, there's an ancient ruin underground on Desolate Island?"
"It's highly likely! My friend works for a Nascent Soul cultivator on Yellow Spring Island, and he mentioned that Yellow Spring True Master has started mobilizing most of the island's cultivators to investigate."
Chu Xuan listened intently, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He smiled gently, saying, "Young friends, could you tell me more about these ancient ruins?"
"I'll offer you a discount of 20%," he added with a warm smile.
The cultivators' faces lit up with excitement. "Master Liu, we will speak of all we know, and with the utmost sincerity!"
After a few moments, the cultivators happily left the shop, eager to share what they knew.
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Chu Xuan pondered over the information he had gathered today. It seemed exactly as he had suspected. There was indeed a great possibility that an ancient sect's ruins lay beneath Desolate Island.
Currently, the three major forces—Moon Society, Yellow Spring Island, and White Bone Island—had all mobilized. Except for the cultivators stationed at their main halls and various properties, the majority of their forces were now here. Whoever could find the entrance to the ruins first would gain the upper hand! Once that happened, the other two factions would have no choice but to make concessions in order to gain access.
It wasn't just the three major sects—scattered cultivators were also eagerly hoping to become the "chosen one," frequently banding together in groups to explore the depths of Desolate Island. Who knew? A strange rock or an ancient pillar could lead to the entrance of the ancient ruins. If someone could enter the ruins alone, they would have the chance to claim a vast fortune. It was the kind of opportunity that only came once in a lifetime!
To put it simply, it was the perfect time to rise with the tides, like a dragon soaring from the clouds.
Yet, Chu Xuan had no such thoughts. Searching for secrets meant putting oneself at risk, and it was a gamble where survival was never guaranteed.
"Still, small-scale business is more suited to me."
He smiled faintly, returning to his Demon Talisman Studio. When a gold rush happened, it wasn't just those who struck gold who became rich. Even those selling mining tools, operating inns and restaurants, could amass wealth.
...
Two months passed in the blink of an eye. The volcanic range on Desolate Island had fallen completely silent. The lava, which had once roiled brightly, emitting intense heat, now lay still and dark, as though dead. Only one of the largest volcanoes still emitted a daily stream of toxic black smoke.
Many cultivators, including the three Deity Transformation experts—Moon, White Bone, and Yellow Spring—believed that the volcanoes would not erupt again. After two major eruptions, the volcanic range had likely reached its end. It would remain silent forever.
Over the past two months, countless cultivators came and went on Desolate Island, seeking the entrance to the ancient ruins. Today, they might find a broken pillar; tomorrow, half a stone brick; the next day, a shattered stone slab with engraved patterns. But no one had found the entrance to the underground ruins.
Chu Xuan's shop also saw a steady flow of visitors. He could see their expressions evolve—from initial excitement and anticipation to the dull, numb looks of disappointment.
Clearly, many of them now believed the ancient ruins were nothing more than a fantastical tale. Perhaps the underground of Desolate Island was just a wasteland of broken bricks and shattered stones. The further they searched, the more likely they were to encounter only the same useless debris, with none of the ancient treasures they had imagined.
As time went on, Chu Xuan shifted his focus more toward cultivation, though he still kept an eye on any developments within the cave world.
That day, as Chu Xuan was going about his usual routine of observing the Cave World, he suddenly noticed that the Mirror was placed on the desk. Next to it lay a crystal stone that shimmered with seven distinct colors.
Chu Xuan swept it with his spiritual sense and immediately discovered a new method for breeding demon insects. And this method was of a Diamond-grade quality!
"Mother of Thousands Insects Breeding Method..." Chu Xuan nodded in satisfaction.
He had been closely watching the changes in Xiao Renjie lately. After Xiao Renjie, the King of Myriad Insects, obtained the recipe for the Longevity Wine, he had ordered a nationwide search for the necessary medicinal ingredients.
It didn't take long before the wine was successfully brewed. However, after drinking three bottles of the Longevity Wine, which extended his life by about thirty years, Xiao Renjie realized that the effects of the wine began to diminish significantly.
By the time he consumed the fourth bottle, the subtle feeling of extending his lifespan vanished completely. In order to further prolong his life, Xiao Renjie was forced to look for other methods.
At first, he had refused to compromise with the "Magic Mirror" and attempted to modify the recipe of the Longevity Wine by changing some of the ingredients, hoping to discover a better formula using his own methods. But he failed. His frustration, anger, and unease only grew with time. Now, he could no longer bear it and had no choice but to submit to the mirror.
Chu Xuan focused his spiritual sense, causing the words to materialize on the mirror's surface, lingering for a long time.
Meanwhile, he calmed his mind and delved deeply into studying the Mother of Thousands Insects Breeding Method. After carefully examining it, Chu Xuan was greatly delighted. This method was the perfect way to breed blood queen bees!