Proving Immortality Starting with Hextech Runes

Chapter 188 The Deal with Zhou Caisheng

"Dragon Transformation Guide..." Zhou Caisheng murmured in a low voice, his tone solemn.

"Young friend Xu... just how many secrets do you hold?"

Just then, a communication jade talisman at his waist began to vibrate rapidly.

Zhou Caisheng immediately channeled his divine sense, and a majestic voice resounded directly in his mind: "Zhou Caisheng, do you have any clues about this floating island phenomenon? Who is the alchemist? The Chamber of Commerce must find out!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Caisheng took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and immediately replied respectfully:

"Elder, the source of this strange phenomenon points to the cave of Xu Ping'an, the Foundation Establishment junior who had previously conducted several transactions with the Chamber of Commerce."

"This young man...his identity is unfathomable, and his methods are extraordinary. I will personally go and investigate immediately!"

"Xu Ping'an?" The Grand Elder's voice carried a hint of doubt, which then turned solemn.

"This person is no ordinary individual; the Dragon Transformation Technique is priceless. We must ascertain his attitude."

"If a deal can be made... spare no expense! If not... at least try to build good relations, and absolutely avoid offending anyone! Go quickly!"

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Caisheng put away the jade talisman, his face showing no more hesitation. His fat body transformed into a streak of light with extraordinary agility, rushing out of the Chamber of Commerce and heading straight for Chen Xu's floating island.

He knew that this was no longer just a matter of transactions, but also concerned the future structure of the Chamber of Commerce.

……

Floating Island Cave, Quiet Room.

Chen Xu sat cross-legged in front of the Earth Fire Spirit Vein node, his eyes fixed on the scene floating above the alchemy furnace.

The furnace lid had already been lifted, and the interior glow was now subdued.

Above the alchemy furnace, a strange droplet, about the size of an egg and shimmering with a bluish-gold luster, was spinning rapidly.

Inside the droplet, countless tiny dragon shadows and pure lotus pod phantoms seemed to be born and die, exuding a vast and boundless life force, along with a trace of ancient and noble dragon might.

This is the essence of the Dragon Transformation Elixir, and it has reached the final stage of condensing into a pill.

However, the tribulation clouds in the sky seemed to sense the impending birth of this heaven-defying spiritual object, and became extremely violent.

"BOOM!!!"

Nine terrifying bolts of lightning, each coiled in the shape of a cyan-gold dragon, tore through the thick tribulation clouds and slashed down fiercely, their target the drop of cyan-gold liquid.

A terrifying pressure descended instantly, the air in the entire quiet room seemed to freeze, and the protective array patterns on the walls flickered wildly, emitting mournful cries.

Nan Longyue, who was protecting the Dharma, turned pale. Under the overwhelming power of the heavens, her Foundation Establishment cultivation seemed so insignificant.

If it weren't for the cave array relieving the pressure and Chen Xu blocking her way, she felt she would have been crushed instantly.

"Hmph! A mere Core Formation Tribulation cultivator dares to try and stop me?!"

A cold glint flashed in Chen Xu's eyes, and he slammed his hand on the ground.

He instantly activated the power of the earth fire vein, transforming it into a roaring crimson fire dragon that soared into the sky to meet the first lightning dragon.

At the same time, his mind raced, and a massive shield made of primordial water instantly appeared above the medicinal liquid.

The crimson fire dragon and the thunder dragon collided, unleashing a deafening roar. The fire dragon shattered instantly, and the thunder dragon was weakened by nearly half. Its remaining power slammed into the Xuan Shui Giant Shield.

The Xuan Shui Giant Shield trembled violently, managing to withstand the first blow, but its body also dimmed noticeably.

Immediately following, the second and third lightning dragons struck down fiercely.

The Xuan Shui Giant Shield was instantly covered in cracks, and Chen Xu groaned as blood trickled from the corner of his lips.

"Senior!" Nan Longyue gritted her teeth and activated the dragon pattern between her eyebrows, creating a deep blue water curtain that overlapped beneath the Xuan Shui Giant Shield.

But the aftershocks of the thunder were like a giant hammer striking a drum; she felt a sweet taste in her throat and almost fell to the ground.

At this moment, outside the floating island, the tribulation clouds had transformed into nine inverted thunder vortexes.

Countless cultivators in Meteor City looked up in horror, and several hidden auras quietly approached.

The fourth lightning dragon tore through the clouds! This lightning was actually purple-gold in color, and its power increased threefold!

"It's too late..." Chen Xu's pupils suddenly contracted.

The Xuan Shui Heavy Shield will surely shatter, and the Earth Fire Spirit Vein will also be suppressed by the power of thunder.

"boom!!!"

The seventh and eighth azure-gold lightning dragons struck down almost simultaneously, carrying the will to destroy all things.

The isolation array of the entire floating island cave emitted a mournful cry as it teetered on the brink of collapse.

Just as Chen Xu was about to ask Qing Ling for help, a short, stout figure appeared at the entrance of the quiet room as if by teleportation.

"Young friend Xu, don't panic! I'm here!"

Before he finished speaking, Zhou Caisheng's short and stout body erupted with a powerful spiritual force that was completely disproportionate to his size, revealing his mid-stage Core Formation cultivation.

A look of pain flashed in his eyes, and he raised both hands, sending out dozens of golden array plates.

Instantly, layers upon layers of defensive barriers were erected above the alchemy furnace and the medicinal liquid.

hum...

The array plate shone brightly with golden light, forming dozens of enormous golden shields that looked almost tangible.

The eighth lightning dragon crashed heavily into the golden light barrier.

"BOOM!!!"

The deafening roar made the floating island tremble violently.

The golden light barrier fluctuated violently, and the outermost golden shields shattered with a crash, turning into specks of golden light and dissipating.

However, the inner shield stubbornly withstood the impact, successfully dissipating the Thunder Dragon's power.

He disregarded everything else, his fingers moving with lightning speed as he made another hand seal. The shattered golden fragments did not dissipate; instead, they quickly merged into the remaining barrier, making its light even more condensed and substantial.

At the same time, in the sky above, the ninth and most terrifying tribulation lightning bolt had already taken shape.

This thunder dragon was much larger than the previous ones, and its entire body was dark gold in color.

The dragon's head was ferocious, its body coiled with destructive purple-black lightning snakes, and it faintly roared with a trace of the laws of heaven and earth, tearing through the sky and crashing down.

Its power far exceeds the realm of Core Formation, and it has already faintly touched the realm of Nascent Soul.

Outside the floating island, all the probing divine beings who were spying on it gasped in shock.

"The Ninth Tribulation! The final tribulation that brings the dragon into the world!"

"The Meteorite Merchant Guild is indeed well-established; Zhou Caisheng's stack of gold-plated barriers is no cheap item!"

"The Dragon Transformation Technique... it's truly enviable!"

Zhou Caisheng's expression was more solemn than ever before. He let out a low roar, and his golden core spun wildly, pouring his spiritual power into the barrier without reservation.

Dozens of golden shields instantly merged into one, transforming into a giant golden wall several feet thick, blocking the ninth dark golden lightning dragon directly in front of it.

A devastating energy collision erupted, and the blinding light illuminated the area around the floating island as if it were daytime.

A violent energy shockwave swept out, and the isolation array outside the cave finally gave way, shattering completely with a bang.

"Hold on for me!" Zhou Caisheng suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood essence, the blood mist merging into the golden wall.

With the blessing of the essence blood, the golden wall's radiance surged for a moment, barely extinguishing the last trace of the thunder dragon's power.

At this moment, the golden wall shattered after completing its mission, turning into countless golden specks of light that slowly dissipated.

Zhou Caisheng was pale and weak, clearly exhausted. He staggered back several steps before regaining his balance.

Above the sky, the thick clouds of calamity quickly dissipated, revealing a clear blue sky.

The terrifying pressure and strange phenomena from before vanished without a trace, as if they had never existed.

Inside the quiet room, the azure liquid droplets suspended above the alchemy furnace absorbed the last trace of dissipated thunderous energy and emitted a soft glow.

Where the light receded, a elixir the size of a dragon's eye, shimmering with a bluish-gold luster and bearing the subtle patterns of dragon scales on its surface, floated silently.

The Dragon Transformation Elixir emitted a delightful medicinal fragrance, and the elixir was finally completed.

A glint flashed in Chen Xu's eyes, and he quickly took out a cold jade bottle.

As if drawn by a force, the Dragon Transformation Guide transformed into a stream of light and fell into the bottle with a whoosh.

The cork fell off, cutting off all traces of the odor.

The cave was in a mess, the array was broken, and the nodes of the earth fire spiritual vein were dim and lifeless.

Chen Xu looked at Zhou Caisheng, who was breathing heavily, and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for your help, Senior Zhou. I am deeply grateful."

Although his tone was calm, he remembered this favor.

Zhou Caisheng took a deep breath, and a smile quickly spread across his face, but this time the smile carried an undeniable weariness:

"Haha, young friend Xu, you're too kind! It was nothing, not worth mentioning."

"My Meteorite Merchant Guild has a responsibility to maintain stability within the city. Moreover, given that we have known each other, how can we stand idly by?"

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on the cold jade bottle in Chen Xu's hand, rubbing his hands together as he said, "Young friend, you truly possess remarkable skills! You've actually managed to refine the legendary Dragon Transformation Guide!"

"This pill is a treasure created by the heavens and earth, capable of cleansing bloodlines and stimulating the dragon's aura. It is an unparalleled treasure for demonic beasts or body cultivators who possess dragon blood."

"Its value...tsk tsk, it's probably immeasurable!"

Zhou Caisheng sensed the spying from outside. He slightly turned his body to face the outside of the cave and politely said:

"Fellow Daoists! The Dragon Transformation Guide was refined by a distinguished guest of our Meteorite Merchant Guild. Please return!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it resonated clearly in the ears of every spy.

After a brief silence, the probing divine senses outside the floating island all departed.

With the Meteorite Merchant Guild involved, other forces simply can't even dream of winning.

After seeing the outsiders off, Zhou Caisheng turned to Chen Xu and smiled:

"Young friend, you see, the trouble is over. My intervention this time has settled our friendship. However..."

He rubbed his hands together, his smile widening even more: "I wonder if young friend Xu has any plans to make a move on this Dragon Transformation Guide?"

"Our Meteorite Merchant Guild is willing to pay an astronomical price to acquire: spirit stones, magic weapons, cultivation manuals, and rare and precious materials."

"Even the position of guest elder in the Chamber of Commerce is open to your choice, young friend!"

Zhou Caisheng's terms were undeniably generous, especially the promise from the Chamber of Commerce's guest elder, which represented an extremely high status and protection in the Meteorite Sea.

He looked at Chen Xu with confidence, waiting for the other party's response.

Chen Xu remained calm, his gaze sweeping over the cold jade bottle in his hand. Without the slightest hesitation, he directly stored it in his storage ring.

He looked at Zhou Caisheng's expectant face and slowly shook his head:

"I appreciate Senior Zhou's kindness. This pill is of utmost importance to me; there are reasons why I absolutely must use it. I will neither exchange it nor sell it."

"This..." Zhou Caisheng's smile froze, and a clear look of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

He opened his mouth, wanting to plead further: "Young friend, would you consider it again? The conditions offered by the Chamber of Commerce are absolutely..."

Chen Xu raised his hand to interrupt him, his tone resolute: "If there are suitable items for trade in the future, or if the Chamber of Commerce is needed for assistance, I will certainly pay a visit. But please do not mention this pill again, senior."

Having said all that, Zhou Caisheng knew that things were beyond saving.

Although he deeply regretted the Dragon Transformation Guide, Chen Xu's attitude was extremely firm.

Moreover, the other party has enormous potential and acts in a mysterious and unpredictable manner, so it is really not advisable to antagonize them for the sake of immediate interests.

Zhou Caisheng quickly adjusted his mindset, and a smile returned to his face:

"Alas...so be it! Since young friend has made up his mind, I will say no more. It is your destiny, how could the merchant guild dare to force you?"

"I only hope that you will remember my words today. If you ever need the services of the Merchant Guild in the future, or if you have other rare treasures that you are willing to part with, please be sure to give priority to the Meteorite Merchant Guild!"

"Definitely." Chen Xu nodded slightly.

"Young friend, please calm your mind and take care of the aftermath. I must return to report, so I'll take my leave now."

"Thank you for your help, senior." Chen Xu thanked him again.

Just as Zhou Caisheng was about to leave, he suddenly thought of something and his eyes lit up.

Since the finished product of the Dragon Transformation Elixir cannot be bought, what about the formula?

If they can obtain it, the Chamber of Commerce can invite a high-level alchemist to try refining it.

Even with an extremely low success rate and scarce materials, its value and potential benefits far exceed those of a finished dragon-transforming device.

Zhou Caisheng paused, took a deep breath, and a sincere smile returned to his face:

"Young friend Xu... as for the Dragon Transformation Guide, since you do not wish to sell it, the Merchant Guild will naturally not force you. However..."

He paused, observing Chen Xu's expression:

"I wonder... if you, young friend, are interested in making a contribution regarding the formula for refining the Dragon Transformation Elixir?"

"Our Meteorite Merchant Guild is willing to spare no effort to obtain this at a price that satisfies you, young friend!!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu's gaze shifted slightly.

He paused for a moment, then said calmly, "The pill formula... can be traded."

Zhou Caisheng's eyes instantly lit up with wild joy, and he almost jumped up, rubbing his hands together: "Young friend, is what you say true?! That's wonderful! The Chamber of Commerce will certainly not let you down! May I ask what kind of business you wish to pursue..."

Chen Xu raised his hand to interrupt, saying, "Senior Zhou, I only accept barter. The value of the barter must be similar to that of the pill formula."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Caisheng breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's how it should be!"

"Young friend, why don't you come with me to the Chamber of Commerce headquarters' treasure vault to make your selection?"

Seeing Chen Xu nod slightly, Zhou Caisheng gestured for him to follow: "Young friend Xu, please come with me!"

Then, the two figures transformed into streaks of light and quickly arrived at the Meteorite Merchant Guild.

After passing through layers of strict restrictions, we finally stopped in front of a seemingly ancient bronze gate.

Zhou Caisheng, with a solemn expression, took out a token covered with star patterns and pressed it on the door.

"Buzz..."

A dull creak sounded as the massive door slid silently inward.

Behind the door lies a vast space comprised of countless suspended, transparent crystal platforms.

These platforms move slowly along some mysterious trajectory, and the items displayed on them are radiant, each one shrouded in a soft glow.

"Young friend, please!" Zhou Caisheng said with a hint of pride, but he was also constantly watching where Chen Xu's gaze was directed.

Chen Xu extended his divine sense, quickly scanning the moving platforms.

Soon, his gaze settled on two adjacent platforms.

One of the platforms is suspended by a fist-sized piece of jade, its entire body a deep blue-black color, known as the Xuan Yin Ning Po Jade.

This item is a fourth-tier treasure, containing pure and yin innate Xuan Yin Qi, which has a miraculous effect on ghost cultivators condensing their nascent souls. It is one of the core auxiliary materials needed for Qing Ling's breakthrough.

On another platform, a strange, withered branch, about the length of an arm, lay quietly, displaying a chaotic mix of gray and white colors.