Qi Xiu didn't immediately answer Cheng Yang but first turned to glance at Daoist Yunxiong behind him.

Feeling the inquiry in his disciple's gaze, Daoist Yunxiong, calm and composed, said,

"The Cheng Family is wealthy, well-known throughout Dianchuan.

"Xiuer, if you happen to know the whereabouts of the Magic Artifact that Young Master Cheng mentioned, it wouldn't hurt to oblige."

Qi Xiu's gaze met his master's for an instant. He instantly understood Daoist Yunxiong's meaning.

A fat sheep! Slaughter it mercilessly!

Understanding dawned, and Qi Xiu's demeanor became notably more composed. His lips curled up, revealing a slight smile.

"Seeing how earnest Young Master Cheng is, I, Qi Xiu, am also willing to make your acquaintance. Indeed, I did encounter your elder brother back then. He was being hunted by a Devil Head and was grievously wounded. Although I fearlessly repelled that Devil Head, I sadly couldn't save your brother's life. He did have a Magic Artifact on him at the time, a fan-shaped one, right?"

His eyes brightened, and Cheng Yang nodded repeatedly, "Yes, that's correct."

"After your brother passed away, I buried both his remains and that Magic Artifact."

"Where did you bury them?" Cheng Yang asked subconsciously.

"That place is very secluded, impossible for outsiders to find. However, so many years have passed; I can't quite recall at the moment." Smiling, Qi Xiu looked at Cheng Yang, subtly rubbing his fingers together as he thought,

Little friend, trying to get something for nothing?

Coming to his senses, Cheng Yang said with a smile, "I'd hate to trouble Daoist Qi, but please, state any demands you have."

Seeing Cheng Yang so cooperative, Qi Xiu was about to speak when a flash of Spiritual Light occurred to him, and he remembered something.

"Your surname is Cheng, correct?"

Not understanding why Qi Xiu suddenly asked this, Cheng Yang hesitated and then nodded, "Yes, that's right."

"May I ask, how is Cheng Junie related to you?" Qi Xiu asked, voicing a name.

"He is my fifth paternal uncle. Does Daoist Qi know my uncle?"

Cheng Yang was somewhat surprised by Qi Xiu's mention of Cheng Junie's name. This fifth uncle of his kept a very low profile, rarely showing his face even within the family.

How could this Shenxiao Sect cultivator know him?

"I've heard a few things. It's said that Senior Cheng possesses a Magic Artifact, and I would like to borrow it to admire for a while. If Young Master Cheng could agree to this, then tomorrow I could bring you the Magic Artifact that you seek."

"Magic Artifact? Which one?" Cheng Yang felt a sudden chill as he gazed at Qi Xiu's smiling face. Could he possibly be asking for...

"The Wonderful Medicine Pot!"

Hearing these three words, Cheng Yang's heart skipped a beat, and an unsightly expression involuntarily appeared on his previously smiling face.

"How does Daoist Qi know that my uncle has the Wonderful Medicine Pot?"

Cheng Yang's gaze grew serious. The Wonderful Medicine Pot was the signature Magic Artifact of the Food Demon Sect of the Ancient Demon Sect. By a fortunate opportunity, it had fallen into the hands of the Cheng Family and was given to Cheng Junie. This matter was known almost exclusively within the Cheng Family.

How could this Shenxiao Sect cultivator know of it?

"Heard through the grapevine, just through the grapevine." Qi Xiu chuckled, casually brushing it off.

In fact, he had overheard the mysterious Daoist Qingya inadvertently mention once that the Wonderful Medicine Pot was in Cheng Junie's possession. Because the Spirit Pill Pouch and Wonderful Medicine Pot were a set, he had quietly taken note when he heard about it. Never did he expect it to come in handy today.

"The Wonderful Medicine Pot is my uncle's Magic Artifact; I can't make the decision on this matter. Could Daoist Qi consider an alternative? I could prepare some Dao coins for you, or find some Thunder Dao Artifacts."

Without agreeing to Qi Xiu's terms, Cheng Yang proposed other options.

"What, does Young Master Cheng think my disciple here is so poor that he lacks even Dao coins and Magic Artifacts?"

Before Qi Xiu could refuse, Daoist Yunxiong, who was beside him, interjected.

"No, no, no, this junior definitely did not mean that."

With a Dao Expert like Daoist Yunxiong speaking up, Cheng Yang hurriedly waved his hands in explanation, so flustered that sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Princess Qingyue, could you possibly help with this..."

Seeing Qi Xiu demanding a king's ransom, Cheng Yang turned to his companion, Gao Qingyue, for assistance, hoping she could mediate.

"Don't look at me. I'm here solely representing my sister to retrieve the Five-Colored Treasure Fan. I will not meddle in any other matters. Since they have already made their demands, just comply. Why bother mediating?"

Gao Qingyue cast a casual glance at Cheng Yang, showing him no courtesy at all. Or rather, given her status, she simply didn't need to.

"This..."

Cheng Yang wore a troubled expression. Gao Qingyue was no help, and the master and disciple opposite him were clearly in cahoots.

"This matter is of great importance. I need to consult the elders of my family to make a decision. I'm afraid it will take a few days. We will come to find Daoist Qi again later."

After a brief silence, Cheng Yang could only leave with Gao Qingyue for the time being. After all, Qi Xiu had made his point clear: if they wanted Cheng Hua's Magic Artifact, fine. Exchange it for the Wonderful Medicine Pot. Their Shenxiao Sect was large and influential; they lacked nothing. This was their only request. If they could fulfill it, do so. If not, then goodbye.

Watching Cheng Yang and Gao Qingyue depart, Daoist Yunxiong stroked his beard and chuckled lightly.

"Xiuer, how did you know that Cheng Junie had the Wonderful Medicine Pot?"

"I truly heard it by chance from an expert, Master. Do you think the Cheng Family will exchange the Wonderful Medicine Pot for the item they seek?" Qi Xiu asked curiously.

"They probably will. If it were just Cheng Yang coming, there might have been room for manoeuvre. But with Gao Qingyue accompanying him, it shows that the Gao Family's stance is already very firm. If the Cheng Family doesn't want to be suppressed and sanctioned by the Gao Family, then they'll have to obediently return the Five-Colored Treasure Fan.

"However, Cheng Junie is a tough nut to crack. Born into a prominent family of techniques like the Cheng Family, he somehow learned a deadly Sword Path of Carnage despite their specialty. But this man keeps a low profile and doesn't show off. This time, since you've taken his Wonderful Medicine Pot, I'm afraid he'll bear a grudge against you."

"Let him. Unless he dares to come to the Shenxiao Sect to find me." Qi Xiu rolled up his sleeves and exchanged a smile with Daoist Yunxiong, their eyes shining with the same brilliance.

Come to the Shenxiao Sect to cause trouble? Would he dare?

「Half a month later.」

A distraught Cheng Yang and Gao Qingyue found Qi Xiu. This time, accompanying them was a wondrous gourd—round, smooth, and pitch-black, adorned with a bright red silk ribbon. Its surface faintly revealed innumerable patterns of birds, beasts, and all forms of life. This was the Wonderful Medicine Pot, the signature Magic Artifact of the Food Demon Sect, designed to be paired with the Spirit Pill Pouch.

"I've brought the Wonderful Medicine Pot. Has Daoist Qi found my brother's Magic Artifact?"

As Cheng Yang held the Wonderful Medicine Pot, his heart ached as if bleeding. This Wonderful Medicine Pot was a rare Middle Ancient Magic Artifact with infinite uses, capable of concocting "Wonderful Medicine," a scarce remedy that could heal the soul. For cultivators in the Blood-Stained Realm, it was practically an essential medicine. The Cheng Family had amassed untold wealth by trading the Wonderful Medicine concocted with this pot. And now, this Money Tree was about to be handed over to someone else. The entire Cheng Family, from top to bottom, was heartbroken.

"Of course."

Qi Xiu flipped his palm and produced the Five-Colored Treasure Fan he had previously taken from Cheng Hua and Lin Man'er.

"May I take a look at it?"

Seeing the Five-Colored Treasure Fan in Qi Xiu's hand, Cheng Yang's excitement almost made him stand up.

Heaven knows, it's because of this Magic Artifact that the Cheng Family has been extorted by Gao Qingyuan for six long years! Six years! Do you know how the Cheng Family has survived these six years? Interest compounding on interest! That Gao Qingyuan is a greedy Fierce Ghost who devours people whole, leaving no bones behind! If we can't recover the Five-Colored Treasure Fan, the entire Cheng Family will be swallowed by Gao Qingyuan and become part of the Gao Family!

Qi Xiu handed over the Five-Colored Treasure Fan, not at all worried that Cheng Yang would dare to try anything.

Where is this? The Shenxiao Sect! Dare to play tricks in front of a Dao Expert like Daoist Yunxiong? You'd leave not only the Wonderful Medicine Pot but yourself and all your belongings behind. Want to go back? Then bring something new for ransom!

"Princess Qingyue, does this look correct to you?"

Cheng Yang took the Five-Colored Treasure Fan, then turned and presented it to Gao Qingyue. Since it was a Gao Family Magic Artifact, she would naturally recognize it.

Gao Qingyue took the two Five-Colored Treasure Fans, glanced down at them, nodded, and then produced a contract scroll.

"This is the lease agreement. We're even now."

"Phew… Really… What a relief."

With the item returned to its rightful owner and the six-year debt settled, Cheng Yang's hands trembled as he received the contract.

"Ahem, Young Master Cheng, since everything is in order, the Wonderful Medicine Pot..."

Seeing Cheng Yang clutching the contract, overwrought with emotion, Qi Xiu had to give a slight cough to remind him.

"Oh, oh, my apologies. I lost my composure, I lost my composure."

Apologizing, Cheng Yang reluctantly handed the Wonderful Medicine Pot to Qi Xiu, saying, "I hope Daoist Qi will treat it well."

Qi Xiu took the Wonderful Medicine Pot from Cheng Yang's hand—whose knuckles had turned white from his tight, reluctant grip—and smiled gently, saying, "Young Master Cheng, rest assured. Such a fine item will certainly be treasured by me, Qi Xiu, and it will never fall into others' hands."

Feeling a sudden twinge in his heart, Cheng Yang hastily stood up and bid farewell to Daoist Yunxiong and Qi Xiu. Then he left with Gao Qingyue.

"You lad, you strike straight at the heart, ruthlessly enough," whispered Daoist Yunxiong, standing beside Qi Xiu.

"We're destined to be enemies anyway. Since we've already offended him, why show any mercy?"

Lifting the Wonderful Medicine Pot, Qi Xiu shook it lightly. A sound of liquid sloshing came from inside. He said, "Master, our Yunti Peak has another source of wealth."

The Wonderful Medicine Pot could produce "Wonderful Medicine" capable of healing the soul. Such an effect was somewhat useful even for Dao Body Realm experts, let alone Blood-Stained Realm cultivators for whom it was perfectly suited. Yunti Peak previously only had the Yunti Spirit Fruit as a source of income. Now with this Wonderful Medicine Pot, they could produce and sell Wonderful Medicine. Good times were clearly on the horizon.

"Trying to be clever with your master, are you? If you want my help refining this Wonderful Medicine Pot, just say so," Daoist Yunxiong said, seeing right through Qi Xiu's subtle intentions.

Although the Spirit Pill Pouch and the Wonderful Medicine Pot could produce Miraculous Elixirs and Medicines, these things didn't materialize out of thin air. Now, within the Shenxiao Sect, Qi Xiu hadn't used his Spirit Pill Pouch for a long time, so he certainly lacked the materials to activate the Wonderful Medicine Pot and produce Wonderful Medicine. Moreover, he was still in the Dao-Entering Realm, so the Wonderful Medicine was of no use to him. Rather than letting it gather dust in his possession, it was better to lend it to Daoist Yunxiong for the time being.

"Master, you truly misunderstand me. I am also a member of Yunti Peak; naturally, I consider what's best for our lineage. Your words wound my heart."

With a hint of sadness, Qi Xiu shook his head and sighed lightly, a forlorn expression on his face.

"Ohh~ if that's the case, then Master truly has misunderstood you."

Daoist Yunxiong drawled out the syllables, a grin spreading across his lips as he continued, "Since that's so, regarding the profits from selling the Wonderful Medicine, how about we split it seventy-thirty?"

"No way! At least fifty-fifty!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.