Chapter 199: Molting Material
Dan Qiao Realm Martial Artists have a lifespan of five hundred years. Even if their cultivation is limited and they cannot reach the Dan Qiao Fourth Realm All Stars Heaven, it’s still a slight discount.
But this age of two hundred years is truly not considered too old among Dan Qiao Realm cultivators.
The Liu Family Old Ancestor being so young means there is certainly a possibility of further advancement, which is also why the Liu Family is so arrogant.
Thus, one month passed.
Inside Nangong Pill Workshop, Su Yan’s eyes flashed with a sharp glint, and the aura on his body suddenly changed, becoming a few points stronger.
【Third-order Insect Master 1912/10000】
【Trait: Insect Bone Armor Body, Insect Consciousness Seed】
【Insect Realm: 1000 cubic meters】
【True Intent Realm Condensing Momentum Stage: 97/100（Beginner）】
【Star Constellation Profound Beast Skill: 198/200（Minor Accomplishment）】
【Five Poisons Body Forging Scripture: 1/200（Minor Accomplishment）】
【Heavenly Python Dharma Body: 199/200（Minor Accomplishment】
【Hundred Poisons Gu Seal: 1/200（Minor Accomplishment）】
【Five Insects Heart Casting Gu: 14/200）Minor Accomplishment】
……
【Six-Winged Blood Centipede 179/200）Growth Stage】
【Flame Armored Scorpion 175/200）Growth Stage】
【Heavenly Fiend Mother Locust 19/100（Nascent Stage】
【Shadow Horn Spider 123/200（Growth Stage）】
【Gold-Eating Demon Insect: 0/4）Metamorphosis Stage】
“After reaching third-order, the Insect Master’s improvement speed has gradually slowed down. The required experience is indeed too high, and acquiring the same 1 point of experience is far more difficult than in first-order.”
Su Yan’s face showed contemplation. The so-called experience, he knew, was actually the degree of progress.
The higher the strength, the more precious each point of improvement becomes. This applies the same to his martial skills, cultivation manuals, and fierce insects.
He had personally experienced the benefits after his Insect Master Level increased.
At second-order, the Insect Bone Armor Body talent alone had almost placed him at the top among same-rank hardening martial artists.
Continuously strengthening his foundation and bone structure, tempering a physical body far superior to ordinary martial artists, and with insect armor enhancement, his power could surge dramatically—it was evident how powerful this talent was.
Su Yan did not know how many stunning innate martial bodies existed in this Archaic Martial Realm, but Insect Bone Armor Body could certainly claim a spot.
The second Insect Consciousness Seed brought him incomparably powerful spiritual power, along with the ability to control fierce insects as if summoning avatars.
One internal and one external, elevating his combat power by more than one level.
This was the foundation for standing firm.
“Fourth-order Insect Master will only be stronger, and it can control even more powerful fierce insects.”
Su Yan’s eyes flickered slightly as he planned to advance his Insect Master Level.
To advance, there was no other way than to improve the strength of the several fierce insects in his possession—this was what he had been doing all along.
The other point was to refine more exotic insects and feral beasts.
【Gold-Eating Demon Insect: 0/4）Metamorphosis Stage】
【Molting Material: Purple Crystal Sand, Amber Crystal, Third-order Spirit Artifact, Black Steel Ore Vein】
Su Yan looked at the molting materials and slightly frowned. Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal were both third-order materials, mostly used in spirit tool refining. These were all treasures.
However, Southern Sky City was after all a prefectural city. With Su Yan’s current financial resources, acquiring these two items would be somewhat troublesome but not impossible.
For the third-order spirit artifact, he had a ready one in hand—the Black Crystal Saber, Yang Lechuan’s relic, which could now be put to use.
But the Black Steel Ore Vein alone was a first-order metal mine vein. The black steel mined from it was one of the materials for forging first and second-order sharp weapons.
It could be said that ten Fine Iron Ore veins could not compare to one Black Steel Ore Vein.
As long as the reserves were substantial, it could support a faction’s century-long foundation without issue.
For Su Yan to obtain a Black Steel Ore Vein was not an easy task.
He took out the Black Crystal Saber and placed it directly in front of the Gold-Eating Demon Insect.
Having received his permission, the Gold-Eating Demon Insect immediately opened its bloody maw, crunching loudly.
The origin power contained within the spirit tool was swallowed clean in one bite, leaving not a trace.
The indestructibly tough blade, under its restraint, was devoured bite by bite into its belly.
In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the spirit tool worth at least tens of thousands of origin stones was completely devoured.
“Hiss”
The Gold-Eating Demon Insect emitted a joyful sound. The Geng Metal Power within its body became even stronger, and its origin more concentrated.
Devouring each molting material would solidify their foundation and accumulate sufficient metamorphosis power.
Su Yan gently stroked the Gold-Eating Demon Insect’s body, feeling a warm smoothness with a hint of coolness.
His spiritual power stirred slightly, and Nangong Hong Yue, who was meditating and cultivating in the adjacent room, immediately heard his call and abruptly stood up, coming to him.
“Master”
Nangong Hong Yue’s pupils contracted slightly. She saw the Gold-Eating Demon Insect and instinctively sensed it had grown stronger again.
“How much money is left in the accounts?”
“One hundred thousand first-order origin stones”
One hundred thousand first-order origin stones—a quantity that some True Intent Realm Martial Artists might never accumulate in a lifetime.
Su Yan frowned slightly. Though this amount was considerable, it was still a significant gap compared to the resources he needed.
“We just took over Da Chuan Pill Workshop’s forces, and many areas need consolidation. Procuring medicinal herbs also requires silver, especially the beast farms, which consume at least five hundred origin stones in feed daily.”
Five hundred origin stones would convert to six or seven thousand taels of gold.
It could only be said that the needs of feral beasts were far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.
“Help me find two materials: Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal.”
Nangong Hong Yue’s brows moved slightly. She thought for a moment and said, “Hundred Treasures Pavilion has an auction that might have some third-order materials, but not necessarily these two. Third-order materials are already refining materials needed by True Intent Fourth Realm and Dan Qiao Realm Martial Artists. They are not easily available on the market.”
Third-order items were consciously controlled by each family.
These things, whether for artifact refining, pill refining, formation keystones, or spirit sealing talismans, were all extremely powerful.
Third-order resources, if used properly, could undoubtedly increase the number of Dan Qiao Martial Artists.
This was not good news for some, so they subconsciously controlled them for their own people.
Su Yan frowned: “Any methods?”
Nangong Hong Yue said, “Barter. The Ye Family specializes in artifact refining; they control nearly seventy percent of Southern Sky City’s high-rank refining materials. They likely have them.”
For third-order items, at least third-order goods would be exchanged.
Su Yan nodded: “Sound them out.”
Nangong Hong Yue agreed. Su Yan thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, “You came from the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. Have you heard of any insect beast swarms that produce valuable body materials?”
Nangong Hong Yue showed a surprised expression, then reacted and immediately asked, “Master wants to raise insects?”
She knew Su Yan’s insect control methods were astonishing. Even she, with her witchcraft background, could not simultaneously control five such powerful, mysteriously bloodlined fierce insects.
Since Su Yan could do it, his inquiry about traces of such exotic insects clearly indicated consideration in that direction.
“Mm.”
Su Yan did not deny it.
Since he wanted to raise his Insect Master Level, he needed more fierce insects. If they could also be converted into resources, it would be even more worthwhile.
“Rock Steel Ant”
Nangong Hong Yue said, “I know of a nest of Rock Steel Ants in the Yanwu Mountain Range of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains that surely meets your requirements.”
“Tell me more?”
“Rock Steel Ants feed on rock soil and metal, transforming it. Their bodies are like calves, comparable to Vajra. Though only first-order in strength, same-rank martial artists avoid provoking them. They are hard to damage, numerous, and when swarming with second-order soldier ants in the colony, even a Half-step Dan Qiao could be in danger if trapped.”
A Half-step Dan Qiao was ultimately still a True Intent Realm Martial Artist and could not fly.
Facing the endless Rock Steel Ants, they could only be piled to death.
The nest in the Yanwu Mountain Range, after ten years, likely had over ten thousand worker ants—not easy to deal with.
“How far is the Yanwu Mountain Range from your Hundred Caves Witch Sect?”
“At least eight hundred li.”
Nangong Hong Yue said, “The Yanwu Mountain Range is rugged with many spiritual veins, but abundant spiritual eyes breed feral beasts and dangers, making it unsuitable for stationing. It’s mostly explored by rogue cultivators and martial artists from various sects.”
With many rogue cultivators, chaos was likely, but compared to the Hundred Caves Witch Sect’s territory, this distance was already quite safe.
‘If seeking a Black Steel Ore Vein, perhaps head to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains as well.’
Su Yan had an idea in mind, then said, “First, help me inquire about Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal.”
——
With Su Yan’s needs, Nangong Hong Yue immediately spread the news.
Third-order materials were scarce on the market. Though she left information at Hundred Treasures Pavilion, unfortunately, they had not collected Purple Crystal Sand or Amber Crystal during this period.
Nangong Hong Yue went to the Ye Family.
As Pill Workshop Master and a Half-step Dan Qiao Martial Artist, her status demanded respect even from the Ye Family, which had Dan Qiao Martial Artists.
“Nangong Workshop Master, the Ye Family does indeed have some Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal. Uncle Ye Liufeng is preparing to forge a third-order spirit artifact, so they cannot be lightly touched.”
In the living room, Nangong Hong Yue sat before a middle-aged man in a dark robe.
Ye Qin knew Nangong Hong Yue’s purpose and politely refused.
The Ye Family was an artifact refining clan. While trading raw materials at a suitable price could earn money,
doing so long-term would turn the Ye Family into mere material collectors, wasting their ancestral craft.
Thus, Ye Qin would not easily agree.
Nangong Hong Yue’s fine brows furrowed slightly. She said, “Ye Family Head, I know artifact refining is paramount for the Ye Family, but these materials are crucial for me as well. Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal market at around twenty thousand origin stones each. I am willing to pay a fifty percent premium—thirty thousand origin stones to purchase them.”
Ye Qin’s eyes flickered, but he did not agree.
The premium was indeed high, but not enough to force a sale, unless…
His eyes narrowed slightly, then he said, “It’s not a price issue, but these materials are tied to a spirit artifact.”
Nangong Hong Yue’s gaze sharpened: “Truly impossible?”
Ye Qin showed a troubled expression: “Unless there’s a material substitute… Nangong Workshop Master is Half-step Dan Qiao?”
His sudden question put Nangong Hong Yue on alert.
“Yes.”
Ye Qin said, “Actually, the main material for this spirit artifact is best as Rhinoceros Tiger.”
“Rhinoceros Tiger?”
Nangong Hong Yue’s expression was subtle. She said coolly, “Rhinoceros Tiger has strong bloodline. Its rhinoceros horn armor is impervious to blades and spears; same-rank martial artists may not suppress it.”
“Correct.” Ye Qin said, “Precisely so. The Rhinoceros Tiger’s horn, tiger bone, and tiger hide are the core materials for forging this spirit artifact. With a Rhinoceros Tiger, the Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal would naturally not be needed.”
“You want me to give you a Rhinoceros Tiger?”
Nangong Hong Yue sneered. A Rhinoceros Tiger was a third-order calamity beast. Even as Half-step Dan Qiao with exquisite methods, she could not cross tiers to kill one.
Moreover, materials from one third-order calamity beast were far more precious than these two third-order materials.
Ye Qin hurriedly said, “No, no, this old man does not mean that. Rather, I wish to invite Nangong Workshop Master to join hands against a nest of Rhinoceros Tigers.”
At these words, Nangong Hong Yue’s sneer deepened. Ye Qin explained, “My clan received news of a Rhinoceros Tiger nest discovered in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains—seven in total. The leader is a third-order early stage calamity beast, but the rest are merely second-order late-stage, second-order perfected females and offspring. Our family Old Ancestor will personally handle the third-order Rhinoceros Tiger; the rest require assistance.”
Second-order late-stage and second-order perfected were roughly equivalent to True Intent Realm Fourth Realm and Half-step Dan Qiao martial artists.
Combat power varied by feral beast talent and bloodline; undoubtedly, Rhinoceros Tiger was among the hardest to deal with.
“The Ye Family has no shortage of Spirit Merging Stage Martial Artists, right?”
Ye Qin clearly aimed to wipe out the entire nest for more than just one spirit artifact.
Ye Qin said, “We do have some Spirit Merging Stage Martial Artists, but not enough to spare.”
This was indeed true. The Old Ancestor was Dan Qiao Realm, he as Family Head and three clan elders were Half-step Dan Qiao and Spirit Merging Stage.
Beyond that, second and third branches were Spirit Merging Stage.
One Dan Qiao Martial Artist, two Half-step Dan Qiao, four Spirit Merging Stage in the family—strength already quite formidable.
If hiding some strength in secret, taking the Rhinoceros Tigers was not impossible.
Yet Ye Qin explained, “The matter is significant; we cannot all mobilize. If Nangong Workshop Master assists, the two third-order materials will be offered with both hands, plus a pseudo third-order spirit artifact.”
Nangong Hong Yue showed surprise. A pseudo third-order spirit artifact was top-tier among second-order sharp weapons, containing a trace of spirit artifact origin and charm. With long-term nurturing, good luck could metamorphose it into a spirit artifact in under a decade.
The three items together were worth at least seventy to eighty thousand origin stones.
The Ye Family truly lived up to being an artifact refining clan—rich and powerful.
However, Nangong Hong Yue fell into contemplation.
“Reject him.”
Suddenly, Su Yan’s voice rang in her mind, causing Nangong Hong Yue’s pupils to contract slightly.
Her face unchanged, she shook her head and declined politely: “This humble woman is unskilled in combat and fears dragging you down. Purple Crystal Sand and Amber Crystal are not fated for me; I have disturbed Ye Family Head.”
Ye Qin’s gaze darkened slightly. He shook his head: “What a pity. I hope Nangong Workshop Master keeps the Rhinoceros Tiger matter confidential for now.”
“Naturally.”
Negotiation failed; Nangong Hong Yue did not linger and departed.
Ye Qin’s face was grim as he muttered, “Unwilling to act, eh? This woman is cautious. But then, finding helpers will be difficult.”
In Southern Sky City, most Half-step Dan Qiao Martial Artists were tied to families; rogue cultivators were fewer.
Nangong Hong Yue, having defeated Yang Lechuan and Dongfang Mu, surely had means and no ties to the eight great families, minimizing leak risks.
“That Rhinoceros Tiger is already injured; we must act quickly, or once healed, it won’t be so easy.”
