At the beginning, I cleaned the Sutra Library and completed the incomplete skills.

Chapter 215: Dragon-Binding Chain

The Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators present, upon hearing this,

Couldn't help but reveal looks of astonishment.

A Pseudo-Treasure!

That was the closest thing to a Magic Treasure, besides a Talisman Treasure.

Refining a Talisman Treasure would cause irreversible damage to a Magic Treasure.

In the Cultivation World, most were extremely self-serving individuals.

Therefore,

Aside from a few special cases like Demonic Path Cultivators,

Very few Cultivators above the Golden Core Stage would willingly undertake the thankless task of refining such an item.

Most of the time,

Talisman Treasures were even rarer than Magic Treasures.

Thus,

It was no exaggeration to say that a Pseudo-Treasure was the closest treasure to a Magic Treasure.

Such treasures, even in the hands of some powerful Golden Core Stage Cultivators who had just formed their Golden Core,

Were extremely sought-after good items.

How could any Cultivator bear to trade such a treasure of extraordinary value?

Amidst their surprise, the Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators present couldn't help but feel a question arise in their hearts.

However,

The moment they saw the treasure, they understood.

The old man flipped his hand,

And took out a black chain.

This item was about one zhang long, with links the thickness of an index finger, each tightly connected.

It presented an overall dull metallic luster, with tiny, faint electric arcs occasionally flashing across its surface.

“This item originates from Bin County. I don't need to introduce this county too much, do I?

Its abundance of various rock minerals is no secret. Not to mention in the seventy-two counties of Yu Prefecture, even looking at the entire Cultivation World,

It is a well-known treasure land.

It is said that even the Magic Treasure in the hands of the Human Emperor Hall You Prefecture Branch Master was sourced from here.

This Dragon-Binding Chain Pseudo-Treasure cannot be wielded by Cultivators without a lightning Spiritual Root. It’s useless in my hands, so I might as well exchange it for something I need.

Fellow Daoists, if you are interested, you can bring out some good Cultivation resources. As long as I find it pleasing, this complete Pseudo-Treasure will be yours.”

As soon as the old man said this,

The Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators present all lost their previous excitement,

And fell into silence.

It wasn't that the Pseudo-Treasure's appeal was small; it was simply because this mutated Spiritual Root was too rare, and those who could Cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Stage Realm were even fewer.

At least no one present possessed a lightning Spiritual Root.

If their attributes didn't match, they couldn't use the item even if they obtained it.

None of the Cultivators who could Cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Stage were fools.

Naturally, no one was willing to spend a great price to trade for something completely useless, even if it was a Pseudo-Treasure of extraordinary quality.

Although Li Lan could drive lightning-attributed Magical Artifacts without possessing a lightning Spiritual Root,

He, like most people, did not act rashly.

Simply because this scene was too familiar,

Back in Jiuhua County, the White Lotus Sect had used it on him once.

A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit.

Li Lan, encountering it again now, found it hard not to overthink.

The old man with sparse hair saw that no one was moved and subsequently lowered many conditions.

But even so,

Still, not a single Cultivator appeared to make a bid.

In the end, he could only helplessly take the Pseudo-Treasure back.

Subsequently,

The remaining Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators also displayed the items they wished to trade.

Although there was only one Realm difference from Early-stage Foundation Establishment,

The items in the hands of these Middle Stage Cultivators were indeed extraordinary,

Spells, Talismans, Magical Artifacts, etc., each item greatly broadened the horizons of all Cultivators present.

Even Li Lan was quite tempted by certain items.

However,

Upon discovering that these Cultivators were still intent on capturing him alive,

His vigilance in his heart had already heightened tenfold.

He forcibly restrained the desire in his heart,

And decided not to act easily unless absolutely necessary, to avoid drawing attention.

As time passed, dusk approached.

Almost all Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators had, more or less, traded for items they were satisfied with.

Seeing that this small gathering was nearing its end, just as it was about to conclude,

Li Lan unhurriedly stood up.

“I wonder, Fellow Daoists, do you have anything that can help with Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage?

I am willing to exchange a complete treasure for it.”

He patted his Storage Pouch and took out the Crying Stick.

Upon seeing this, the Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators present,

Immediately gasped in unison.

The gazes of most wood-attributed Cultivators instantly became fervent,

With undisguised longing in their eyes.

Although there had been two Pseudo-Treasures earlier, and their grade was one level higher than the Eagle Treasure,

Those two treasures had more or less some flaws, so they didn't attract too much attention.

However, the one Li Lan took out was different.

This item was a relatively common wood-attributed Eagle Treasure, and it was not incomplete.

Many of those participating in this small gathering were Cultivators with wood Spiritual Roots.

At this moment,

Seeing Li Lan so straightforwardly take out a treasure suitable for them, how could they not be excited?

Many Cultivators swallowed hard,

And secretly resolved in their hearts that they must obtain this treasure no matter what!

However,

Thinking about it was one thing, but actually doing it felt quite tricky.

Most of the Cultivators present were in the Early Stage Foundation Establishment Realm, and it was hard to say when they could Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

How could they possibly have what Li Lan needed?

And if they were to obtain it through improper means, the disparity in strength between them was evident. They had the intention to steal but lacked the courage.

For a time,

Most Cultivators immediately fell into hesitation again.

A moment later,

An Early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator with a handlebar mustache stood out,

And tentatively discussed, saying:

“Senior, we indeed do not have anything that can help with Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

Do you think, would it be acceptable to substitute with other Cultivation resources?

I also have some Grade Five Medium Grade Formation diagrams here. Do you think they can be exchanged for this treasure?”

As soon as he finished speaking,

He was mercilessly interrupted by other wood Spiritual Root Cultivators.

“Bah, a Grade Five Medium Grade Formation diagram dares to dream of exchanging for a complete treasure?

If you get this item, you can directly improve your strength,

But if Senior gets this Formation diagram, he still needs to find auxiliary materials for refining and arranging the Formation himself. You tell me, is this fair?

Senior, this fellow clearly wants to take advantage of you.

You should trade with me. I have a complete Grade Five High Grade defensive Formation here.

As long as this Formation is set up, even a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator can be blocked for a while.

I originally kept it for my own life protection, but now I only wish to exchange it for the treasure in Senior's hand. What do you think?”

The remaining Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, seeing this situation,

No longer held back.

They all brought out their hidden Cultivation resources.

Li Lan watched silently for a while,

And found that these Early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators had also been hiding their true abilities earlier. The treasures they brought out now were even better in quality than those used for trade by the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators just now.

The only minor flaw was that

They did not have what Li Lan needed.

Let alone finished Medicinal Pills,

Not even a single related spiritual plant appeared.

Even half a damaged Pill Formula would be fine.

Li Lan felt a slight disappointment in his heart,

And said calmly on his face:

“Sorry! I am on the verge of Breakthrough and only wish to obtain something that can increase the success rate of advancement. I have no interest in other resources for now.

If Fellow Daoists do not have this item, then I, Lin, can only wait until the next small gathering to see.”

Having said that,

He flipped his hand and put the Crying Stick Talisman Treasure back.

The Early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators present could only watch longingly.

Just as Li Lan was about to get up and leave,

A voice transmission suddenly appeared in his ear.

“Fellow Daoist, wait. I have a clue about what you need.”

Li Lan's ears twitched slightly, and he naturally glanced towards a certain spot.

This voice transmission came from a chubby middle-aged Cultivator.

“There are too many people here, so it’s inconvenient to say more. If Fellow Daoist Lin is interested, perhaps we can talk privately later.”

Li Lan's expression remained unchanged, and his lips moved slightly,

And he also sent a voice transmission mixed with spiritual power.

“If I'm not mistaken, Fellow Daoist Cultivates a water-attributed Cultivation Technique, right?

This is a wood-attributed treasure. It would be useless for you to obtain it.

Moreover, if you have such a good item for Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, why wouldn't you keep it for yourself, and instead want to trade with me, Lin?”

The chubby Cultivator was clearly somewhat surprised by Li Lan's caution.

However,

He quickly regained his composure and said with a smile:

“Fellow Daoist Lin has sharp eyes to discern the Cultivation Technique I Cultivate at a glance. You are truly impressive.

Indeed, Tan and you are both water-attributed Spiritual Roots, that is true.

To be honest,

The reason I am trading this item is for my son.

This son of mine is not promising. He does not have water among his dual-attributed Spiritual Roots, and can only Cultivate that wood-attributed Cultivation Technique.

As a father, Tan cannot offer much help in Cultivation,

Now that this opportunity is before me, I naturally have to seek a protective item for him.”

Tan Sheng's words were heartfelt and did not seem feigned.

Li Lan pondered for a moment and found no flaws in them.

“Fellow Daoist Tan is truly a good father. I, Lin, admire you.

Then, as Fellow Daoist said, let's discuss in detail privately after this small gathering concludes.”

Li Lan naturally did not easily believe the other party's words,

However, with a Magic Treasure in hand, he was not worried that Tan Sheng, who was also in the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment, would try any tricks,

So he readily agreed.

This small gathering at Red Plum Pavilion continued for some time after many Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators revealed their hidden treasures, before finally concluding in Perfection.

Most Cultivators who traded for what they needed were quite satisfied,

Only a few who failed to trade had unpleasant expressions,

Looking sinisterly at other Cultivators, not knowing what they were thinking.

Li Lan was too lazy to ponder how many incidents of murder and treasure seizure would occur after this private trade.

After leaving Red Plum Pavilion,

He did not stop, and immediately arrived at the address Tan Sheng had given him, a bustling teahouse.

Perhaps fearing Li Lan would overthink, the other party deliberately did not choose a secluded and quiet place.

But even so,

He still acted exceptionally cautiously.

First, he sent out the disguised Spirit Bean Soldier to secretly inspect inside and out,

And found nothing unusual.

Then he stroked Little Yellow's head, letting him sniff around carefully.

The sense of smell of a Yao Beast is inherently different from ordinary people, and this hound is a Yellow Mane Hound of extraordinary Bloodline.

Although it was only at the Middle Stage of Grade One strength, its talent in observing clues was still far beyond the level of a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator,

Even Li Lan himself admitted inferiority.

“As I usually teach you, sniff around and see if there’s any scent of a High Grade Formation nearby.”