The Demon Slayer Martial Saint Begins with Insect Refining

Chapter 385 The Grand Trade Fair
The Blood Bone Centipede King has entered the transformation period. It had already reached the fourth level of combat power, and now it has gone a step further. Its aura is powerful and domineering, and its bloodthirsty power is almost overflowing from its body, exuding a brutal aura.

Its breakthrough not only alerted Tai Lingyue, a Golden Body Realm martial artist, to its powerful aura, but also nearly alarmed Long Wu, the guardian of the Long family.

Such a ferocious beast breaking into a home is a huge deal.

Fortunately, when everyone realized that Su Yan's ferocious insects had made another breakthrough, they were all shocked and delighted, which meant that Su Yan's strength had become even greater.

Even during its transformation phase, the Blood Bone Centipede King possessed strength comparable to the seventh level of the Dharma Aspect Realm.

However, Su Yan was now facing a dilemma when confronted with the Blood Bone Centipede King.

[Transformed Relics: Golden Relic, Sacred Blood Black Lotus, Demon King's Skeleton]

"These are all fifth-tier natural treasures. The further they evolve, the more troublesome the materials required become."

Su Yan frowned slightly. Each demon king's skeleton was a core material for forging Dao weapons and a raw material for refining some special fifth-order pills.

It can be said that a single demon king's skeleton is enough to cause several Golden Body Realm warriors to fight each other, and some may even become enemies.

Obtaining something like this is naturally quite difficult.

The Sacred Blood Black Lotus is a top-grade natural treasure used to temper bloodlines. It has a small chance of granting the Sacred Blood Lotus physique, which allows for rapid regeneration of flesh and blood, and an endless flow of vital energy. Even among acquired martial bodies, it is at least a fourth-tier existence.

If you're lucky, this thing could be enough to create a family bloodline.

Most people would use it themselves if they came across it; very few would put it out for sale.

However, compared to these two things, the most difficult to obtain is actually a golden body relic.

Relics are the relics of Buddhist practitioners who, upon passing away, condense their Buddhist cultivation, techniques, and secret arts into their golden bodies and bones, eventually forming several relics.

Each relic represents one of the legacies of a Buddhist martial artist who was at least at the Golden Body Realm.

Those with the right affinity can receive the inheritance, carry on the mantle, and become Buddhist geniuses.

If one is exceptionally talented, one can even fuse all the relics together, almost becoming that person's reincarnation.

Such a treasure would certainly be taken back by the Buddhist community; there is virtually no possibility of it leaving the country.

He looked thoughtful. He might be able to get the latter two by finding a way, but he would probably have to resort to unorthodox methods to obtain the golden relic.

Thinking this, Su Yan immediately went out and headed towards the East Garden.

The sound of footsteps undoubtedly startled Tai Lingyue. He glanced at the courtyard and said directly, "No need for formalities, come in."

Su Yan went inside and saw Tai Lingyue drinking.

"Your breakthrough with the ferocious insects has alarmed most of the Dragon Palace. I really don't know how you managed to raise so many contracted beasts."

His eyes seemed to see right through Su Yan: "The Giant Spirit Insect Body, this Saint-grade bloodline, is truly terrifying."

"Many thanks to my grandmaster for protecting my path."

Su Yan smiled, and Tai Lingyue said with a smile, "You are all from our lineage, so it is only right that I come to protect you. If you do not perish, then the Beast King Sect may have a chance to re-enter the ranks of first-class sects."

A first-class sect needs to have at least four Golden Body Realm martial artists and one Martial Saint Realm martial artist.

If there were no Martial Saints, then the number of Golden Body Realm cultivators would double.

Even within the Demon Suppression Guard, there aren't necessarily that many town envoys, unless you include those dispatched to various prefectures.

Su Yan is undoubtedly a potential martial saint, and everyone recognizes him as such.

Su Yan, however, was self-aware: "The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind."

Tai Lingyue spat, "Nonsense. Martial artists need resources to break through. As long as they go out to find resources, how can they not be targeted? The only thing is that the speed at which you become stronger is faster than the speed at which you are targeted."

He paused slightly: "However, you are now caught between Grand Commandant Hong and Right Chancellor Tong Chengqi, which is somewhat dangerous."

When Su Yan saw that Tai Lingyue had brought up the matter, he followed up and asked, "Grandmaster Uncle, these two are probably both at the level of legendary Martial Saints, so why are they fighting endlessly?"

"To be passed down through generations?"

Tai Lingyue narrowed his eyes slightly: "Maybe it's all ancient history."

He turned to look at Su Yan and asked, "Do you think their conflict is a power struggle?"

Su Yan was slightly taken aback, then shook his head: "It's unlikely. The world is vast, and even if a legendary martial saint were to establish a country overseas, I'm afraid the Great Li Dynasty, the Witch Kingdom, the Buddhist Kingdom, and the Barbarian Kingdom would not pay attention to or interfere with him. Why would we needlessly offend such a powerful figure?"

Above the seventh level of Martial Saint, there are only a handful of Martial Saints in the world who can reach the Heavenly Realm, let alone Martial Saints who are passed down through generations.

"They are contending for the Way."

Tai Lingyue succinctly pointed out, "Grand Commandant Hong swept across the land, conquering the rivers and lakes on horseback, his military might extending outwards, gathering immense fortune and power within himself, hoping to leverage the dynasty's fortune to advance towards the highest realm. Right Chancellor Tong Chengqi, on the other hand, is pursuing a strategy of alliances and counterbalances, using tactics to weaken other nations and gather fortune."

"This is a struggle between the two on the path of cultivation, both needing the national fortune of the Great Li Dynasty to help themselves reach that realm. Ultimately, only one of them will succeed. Or perhaps, the one who succeeds in reaching that realm will be a sage from another country."

Su Yan frowned: "Without the help of the dynasty's fortune, it's impossible to break through?"

Snapped

Tai Lingyue raised his hand and tapped him. It was a simple tap, but Su Yan couldn't dodge it for a moment.

"I'm not a martial saint, how would I know?"

Even if Tai Lingyue was exceptionally intelligent, he was not a martial saint after all, so he naturally didn't understand the implications.

"At the trade fair, there will likely be many people from the Right Chancellor's faction trying to win you over, or even threatening you."

Tai Lingyue pointed it out, and Su Yan replied, "I had expected this."

So which side did you choose?

His eyes held a hint of curiosity, and his words clearly carried a probing tone.

"Demon Suppressing Guards"

Su Yan thought for a long time before looking up and answering.

"The price that the Right Chancellor's faction is willing to pay is probably at least a promise to become a saint, and you have the qualifications for that."

Tai Lingyue revealed a hint of mockery.

Su Yan confidently replied, "I have the aptitude for this."

"Being young is great!"

Tai Lingyue nodded and then said, "The Supreme Elder, the Sect Leader, and I share the same opinion as you."

Su Yan looked somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

Tai Lingyue explained, "Sweeping across the martial world may seem like making enemies of all sects, since sects are free and not everyone wants to be controlled by the imperial court. But in reality, it is the only way for a sect to survive longer."

Su Yan listened attentively. Tai Lingyue poured himself a glass of wine before continuing, "If a sect prospers, the number of disciples will increase generation after generation. If each generation of disciples only lives within their own sect, countless industries and resources will be needed. Behind every disciple is a family. What kind of sect do you think can afford that?"

Su Yan fell silent: "Either reduce the number of disciples in the sect, or let it snowball and become a behemoth until it is completely out of control."

"right"

Tai Lingyue nodded: "Streamlining the number of people, not to mention second-rate sects like the Beast King Sect, just consider holy lands like the Great Evolution Dao Sect and the Longevity Pavilion. With fewer people, there are more elites, but can you guarantee that every generation will have a Martial Saint or a Land Immortal?" Su Yan shook his head. In the endless years of the Desolate Martial World, how many sects have been destroyed and lost their foundations? Isn't it all because the pillars of the sects have been lost?

“If there are too few people, it is easy for the population to die out. If people are scattered everywhere without restraint, they will inevitably clash with other sects and dynasties sooner or later. At that time, there will only be two paths: life or death.”

For a sect to continue its existence, it's not as simple as just cultivating strong individuals.

No matter how strong a person is, can they still control the resources of all the martial artists below them?
Su Yan said, "Distribute the disciples throughout the Great Li Dynasty, each with their own duties. If they grow and develop, they can contribute back to the sect. Even if they don't grow and develop, the inheritance will still be integrated into the Great Li Dynasty, so it won't be completely cut off."

"Um"

Tai Lingyue nodded: "Although it sounds a bit frustrating, at least the Beast King Sect has a chance to continue existing until the Dali Dynasty completely disappears."

He changed the subject slightly and said, "No matter how good the conditions are for the Right Chancellor's lineage, with the strategy of alliances and coalitions, they will inevitably become pawns. Moreover, there are too many nobles and families, and in the end, they will still exclude the sect."

The benefits of the Right Chancellor are fleeting; switching allegiances would mean offending the Demon Suppression Guard lineage to the death.

"Thank you for teaching me, Grandmaster Uncle."

Tai Lingyue waved his hand: "You're so intelligent, you'd know even if I didn't tell you. You've come to see me, there must be something else going on, right?"

"If we're looking for a rare and precious treasure, perhaps only our grandmaster master would have some clues."

"Say"

"My Blood Bone Centipede King has managed to break through and is on the verge of transformation, requiring some materials for that transformation. Among them, there is a rare and precious material that may be the most suitable, called the Golden Body Relic."

"what?!"

Tai Lingyue's glass of wine froze at his lips. He slammed the glass down, stood up, and pointed at Su Yan.

"You really know how to ask for the moon. Where am I supposed to find a deceased Golden Body Realm bald monk for you? I'd kill them, and they'd have to kick the bucket themselves. Twenty years ago, the abbot of Wutai Temple passed away, leaving behind three golden body relics. This attracted three Golden Body Realm warriors who tried to seize them. Among the elders guarding them, four rushed out and fought with them. They were practically beating their brains off, but they still couldn't get their hands on them. Do you think I can?"

"can"

Before Su Yan could finish saying "can," Tai Lingyue glared at him and shut him up.

"The material for transformation is crucial; I have no choice but to give it a try."

"Alright, I'll try to find out for you, but these things are always kept secret, so it won't take long."

"Thank you very much, Grandmaster Uncle."

Although we don't know what Tai Lingyue did after fleeing to the Buddhist Kingdom to end up looking like a monk.

But the fact that he was able to do better and better proves that he must have his own connections in the Buddhist kingdom, so he is naturally more suitable to inquire about such information.

He temporarily entrusted the matter of the golden body relic to his grandmaster.

Su Yan ordered three refined Golden Body Pills to be delivered to the Lancang Medicine Pavilion as their reward, and also sent a message to Qu Qinglan to investigate the news of the Sacred Blood Black Lotus.

Su Yan took out five more and gave them to Long Qiujian and the others.

The Long family has four siblings, plus Long Wu.

The batch of pills from the medicine provided by the Long family yielded eight pills. If divided equally, each side would have four pills. However, given their relationship, Su Yan directly gave them to Long Qiujian according to the number of people.

After giving away eight of the twenty-three, Su Yan was left with only fifteen.

It was at this time that Tianbao Pavilion's trade fair began.

"Ayan, come with me."

On the day of the banquet, Long Qiujian, Long Qiuhu, and Long Qiushui came to find Su Yan first.

Outside the Dragon Mansion, the carriage of the Dragon Scale Horse was ready.

Led by Long Qiujian, Su Yan boarded the luxurious carriage.

The carriage was over ten feet long, and four people sitting inside felt quite spacious.

Long Qiujian said, "Tianbao Pavilion is located on Yuyang Lake. It was originally Prince Litian's lake-viewing pavilion. Later, he made a bet with Tianbao Elder and lost to him, eventually becoming Tianbao Pavilion."

"Tianbao Pavilion has been established for a thousand years, and it has branches in the Dali Dynasty and even in various countries. Although it is not named Tianbao, its business network is no less than that of Lancang Medicine Pavilion. Only martial artists above the Danqiao level can enter Tianbao Pavilion. It has all kinds of spiritual weapons, sealed spiritual weapons, and pills. It regularly holds auctions or similar trade fairs."

Su Yan pondered for a moment: "This Taoist Tianbao is quite capable, but why would he represent the Right Chancellor's lineage?"

"Tianbao Daoist received guidance from the Right Chancellor in his early years, which enabled him to break through, so he has a mentor-mentee relationship with him. Moreover, since the Martial Saint doesn't interfere in affairs, his subordinates naturally become closer to him over time."

Such methods of appeasement and the venues for such transactions were naturally ideal for the Right Chancellor's faction.

As Long Qiujian spoke, the carriage gradually approached the shore of Yuyang Lake.

Three miles from Yuyang Lake, the streets and alleys gradually disappear, the lake water ripples, reflecting the colorful lights, and the shadows of the trees also reflect a bit of brilliance.

The first floor in the center of the lake appears to be level with the water's surface. With its green tiles and flying eaves, carved dragons and painted phoenixes, it is adorned with colorful lights and is quite magnificent. Upon closer inspection, one can see that the runes are moving around, revealing it to be another treasure land protected by an array.

"Yu Lang, the head steward of Tianbao Pavilion, respectfully welcomes Senior Long."

Yu Lang came forward to greet them, and Long Qiujian and the others got off the carriage and nodded slightly.

He asked, "How many people came?"

"More than ten people, including officials from the Demon Suppression Guard, the Prefect, the Imperial Academy, and various departments of the court."

Yu Lang said, "Please enter the pavilion, esteemed gentlemen."

Long Qiujian narrowed his eyes slightly; quite a few people had come this time.

The trade fair is held regularly, but not everyone attends; only those with trading needs and sufficient capital will participate.

It's only just begun, and more than a dozen people have already arrived, which is quite unusual.

The four of them flashed and arrived at the entrance of the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

The maid led everyone upstairs to a luxurious private room.

The private room was concealed by an array. Through the window, one could see what was outside, but not the other private rooms. One could only sense that there were people in those private rooms.

As the four sat down, a voice suddenly came: "Is this the Dragon family? I wonder if Fellow Daoist Su Yan, who is known as the Insect Lord, is here?"

The sound came from the opposite private room, which was about several dozen feet away, but the sound was clearly audible.

Su Yan looked up at the other person, only to see that the other person had proactively deactivated the formation and appeared at the window, his eyes burning as he stared intently in Su Yan's direction.

Long Qiujian frowned: "Zhao Panlong from the Zhao family, what is this guy trying to do?"

Su Yan asked, "How is the Zhao family?"

"The Marquis's family, which originated from the Demon Slayer Army, is similar to ours, except that this guy has a bad reputation."

As they were talking, Zhao Panlong's voice was suddenly heard: "Fellow Daoist Su, don't you even dare to speak?"

These words immediately created a subtle atmosphere.

(End of this chapter)