Chapter 471: Chapter 259: Trade Fair; Withered Wood (Part 4)

But his determination remained firm, and he ultimately shook his head, speaking in a calm yet resolute tone:

"I sincerely apologize, but I am wholeheartedly focused on exchanging for a Third-rank Longevity item this time, and will not consider other items for the time being."

"Fellow Daoist..."

Upon hearing this, Yang Lang frowned deeply, ready to say a few more words.

At that moment, a cultivator hiding his face with a menacing ghost mask suddenly interrupted Yang Lang:

"I happen to have a Nine-leaf Dragon Saliva Mushroom, although I’m not interested in a Demon Core. What I want is a Third-rank Lower Grade Puppet. How about we strike a three-way deal?"

This unexpected proposal drew everyone’s attention towards the mysterious masked cultivator.

"I’m fine with it."

Yang Lang was overjoyed upon hearing the proposal and responded without hesitation.

"Nine-leaf Dragon Saliva Mushroom?"

Xu Ping pondered for a moment, then agreed.

Although he had used a Nine-leaf Dragon Saliva Mushroom before, and eating it again would not have as noticeable an effect as the first time, having it was certainly better than not having it.

Moreover, the proficiency in his current Longevity Skill was just twenty points shy of reaching the Minor Achievement level.

This Nine-leaf Dragon Saliva Mushroom was likely sufficient to help him break through.

Thus, after a brief and swift negotiation, the three parties confirmed the trade details and proceeded with the exchange of items.

The entire process went smoothly, and the three-way transaction was completed in the blink of an eye.

Yang Lang obtained the Third-rank Mid-grade Demon Core he had been yearning for, looking completely satisfied.

The masked cultivator also acquired the Third-rank Lower Grade Puppet he desired and contentedly sat back down.

Xu Ping carefully placed the Nine-leaf Dragon Saliva Mushroom into his Storage Ring, feeling a slight relief in his heart.

....

Afterward, the trading continued to proceed in an orderly manner.

Xu Ping did not continue to make any moves, merely watching quietly.

Finally, it was the turn of the middle-aged cultivator who previously presented a seemingly ordinary withered tree.

He slowly stood up and calmly spoke: "Earlier, I already introduced it, so there isn’t much to say."

"Now, I don’t have a specific item I wish to trade for, I only hope my fellow Daoists will offer me a price based on your judgment."

"If there’s something I’m interested in, I will make the trade."

On hearing this, the trading hall fell into silence.

Everyone looked at each other, but no one proposed a price.

After all, the withered tree in front of them appeared too ordinary and common.

Although it was planted in the precious Five Elements Soil, no one could confirm what purpose it truly served, nor estimate its actual value.

They feared the opposite side would use that small amount of Five Elements Soil to deceive them.

After a while, a few people tried making offers, but they were all rejected without hesitation.

Thus, the trading hall fell into silence once again.

Xu Ping saw that the timing was right and tentatively spoke a few words:

"Fellow Daoist, don’t keep speaking in such vague terms. Why not be honest? What kind of price will persuade you to part with this item?"

The middle-aged cultivator glanced indifferently at Xu Ping, sizing him up and down, with a slight hint of a smile, he slowly said:

"I won’t hide it from you, if you want this withered tree, you’ll need a Third-rank Mid-grade Demon Core."

"Are you joking, Fellow Daoist?"

"Are you joking, Fellow Daoist?" Xu Ping’s face instantly darkened, full of displeasure.

"A piece of unknown origin, unknown utility withered tree, and a little Five Elements Soil for a Third-rank Mid-grade Demon Core?"

He furrowed his brows, stared at the middle-aged cultivator, and sharply said, "There’s no such easy thing in the world."

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