I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Chapter 349 Crimson Sky Flowing Gold Sand! Searching for the Crow Phoenix, the Last Material!

"You must be the renowned Fellow Daoist Zhou Yuan of the Great Jin Dynasty recently, right?"

Yi Xitian suddenly closed his folding fan, smiled slightly at Zhou Yuan, and said with a confident tone.

Although he had stayed in his cave with his Daoist partner for the past two years and had not ventured out into the outside world, he had still heard about some of the major events that had occurred in the cultivation world of the Great Jin Dynasty.

In particular, the legendary "overseas rogue cultivator Zhou Yuan," who appeared out of nowhere, had already spread throughout the Great Jin Dynasty through various channels with his feat of single-handedly destroying the Yinluo Sect with his sword.

Moreover, he happened to be one of the mysterious organizers of that underground trade fair in Beijing, though he never showed up in person.

Through some inside information, he had already guessed that the mysterious cultivator who had made a bold move at the auction and bought up many rare materials was most likely Zhou Yuan in front of him.

"That's right, it's Zhou."

Seeing that the other party had guessed his identity, Zhou Yuan readily nodded in acknowledgment.

Now, with his strength and confidence, he no longer needs to hide his identity as he did when he first arrived in the Great Jin Dynasty.

When Yi Xitian saw Zhou Yuan admit it, his smile widened even more.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Yuan and the silent puppet god behind him, as if he were considering something.

Based on Zhou Yuan's frequent purchases of various rare refining materials at auctions, he deduced that Zhou Yuan was collecting materials in preparation for refining some extremely powerful treasure—perhaps a top-tier puppet, or perhaps some kind of fire-attribute treasure.

Thinking of this, he flipped his hand and took out a gourd that was about a foot tall, completely red, as if it were carved from some kind of red jade, with a faint shimmering light on its surface.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, I happen to have something that might interest you."

Yi Xitian, holding the crimson gourd, said, "This is Crimson Sky Flowing Gold Sand!"

"This is a treasure I collected from the earth's core volcanic veins during my travels to an ancient volcanic site many years ago. If this item is mixed into a fire-attribute magical artifact, it can greatly enhance the artifact's power!"

"Imagine your fire-attribute magic weapon unleashing an attack, infused with this golden-fire attribute divine sand; the combined heat and sharpness of that power would be enough to catch your opponent completely off guard!"

"Crimson Sky Flowing Gold Sand?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's heart skipped a beat!

He had seen records of this item in some ancient books. It was an extremely rare fire-attribute treasure in the world, and it had an immediate effect on enhancing the power of fire-attribute magic weapons!

The Three Flames Fan he is preparing to refine is a fire-attribute imitation spiritual treasure!

If the Crimson Cloud Gold Sand could be added, the power of the Three Flames Fan could probably be increased by half a percent out of thin air!

It reaches 35% of the power of a true Heavenly Treasure!

This is already an extremely terrifying increase!

"Alright! This deal is done!"

Zhou Yuan nodded in agreement almost without hesitation.

Exchanging an eighth-level demon core for a treasure like the Crimson Sky Flowing Gold Sand is an unexpected delight!

To him, the value of this Crimson Cloud Gold Sand was far greater than that of an eighth-level demon core.

As for Yi Xitian, he was eager to save his Daoist partner. In a short time, he couldn't find a second eighth-level dragon's inner core on the vast ocean. Using the Crimson Cloud Flowing Gold Sand to exchange for a life-saving item was a very worthwhile deal.

Both parties got what they wanted and were very satisfied with the transaction.

Zhou Yuan carefully put away the crimson gourd containing the Crimson Cloud Flowing Gold Sand, while Yi Xitian also carefully put away the level eight dragon demon core.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two bowed to each other in farewell, each transforming into streaks of light and disappearing into the distant horizon.

After parting ways with Yi Xitian, Zhou Yuan determined his direction and found himself at sea.

He suddenly remembered that there seemed to be an island in the sea called "Bitter Bamboo Island", where a rather famous rogue cultivator lived in seclusion.

Bitter Bamboo Old Man.

This person's cultivation level is at the mid-Nascent Soul stage. Although his realm is not top-tier, he keeps an ancient spirit bird called "Black Phoenix"!

The final key material for crafting the Three Flames Fan is a few tail feathers from fire-attribute spirit birds!

That black phoenix happens to be an ancient, exotic bird with the fire attribute!

If we can pluck the three tail feathers of the black phoenix, then all the materials for crafting the Three Flames Fan will be truly gathered!

"The tail feather of the black phoenix — I hope that old man from the bitter bamboo will be more agreeable."

Zhou Yuan thought to himself.

He had actually considered that the level 10 demon beast, the Azure Feathered Roc, that he had killed back then was a wind-attribute bird. Although its feathers were top-grade refining materials, they did not match the attributes of the Three Flames Fan.

In crafting weapons and alchemy, the key is to match the attributes. Forcing the use of materials with incompatible attributes will only lead to less efficient results and may even cause the crafting to fail.

He shook his head, stopped thinking about it, and after figuring out the approximate location of Bitter Bamboo Island, he took the Puppet God and transformed into two streaks of light, continuing to fly towards the southern sea.

A month later.

A beautiful island, shrouded in spiritual energy and covering hundreds of miles, appeared in Zhou Yuan's field of vision.

The island is covered with lush trees, exotic flowers and rare herbs, and several sacred peaks rise abruptly from the ground, shrouded in mist, with the faint cries of cranes and other mythical birds emanating from them.

This island is Bitter Bamboo Island.

The island lord of Bitter Bamboo Island, Elder Bitter Bamboo, although only a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, is quite influential in the Great Jin Dynasty's rogue cultivator world.

A powerful figure comparable to the "Three Immortals of the Overseas Regions".

Not only is his cultivation superb, but he also possesses a sword formation composed of 365 "Cold Bamboo Flying Swords," which is extremely powerful.

In addition, there is a "Heavenly Mulberry Divine Tree" on the island that has survived for tens of thousands of years. The Bitter Bamboo Elder used it as the core to set up a very powerful "Ten Thousand Trees Formation".

With its advantageous location and sword formation, even a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator might not fare well if they rashly ventured onto this island.

At this moment, Zhou Yuan and the Puppet God appeared in the sky a dozen miles outside of Bitter Bamboo Island.

He looked down from his vantage point at the vibrant island in front of him.

With his current powerful divine sense, comparable to that of a Nascent Soul cultivator, he can effortlessly cover the entire island.

In his perception, there was an aura of a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator on the island, which should be the Bitter Bamboo Elder himself.

In addition, there were the auras of several Core Formation stage cultivators and dozens of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators scattered throughout the area; they were likely disciples of the Bitter Bamboo Sect.

Without further hesitation, Zhou Yuan did not conceal his aura. He directly took the Puppet God and transformed into two streaks of light, flying over the central area of ​​the island and hovering there.

Zhou Yuan's undisguised actions immediately alarmed the cultivators on the island.

Several streaks of light rose from the buildings on the island, but they all stopped after sensing the immense pressure emanating from Zhou Yuan, a cultivator at the late Nascent Soul stage. They dared not approach and could only watch from afar, their faces filled with shock and unease.

A moment later, a figure flew up from the highest spiritual peak in the center of the island and landed not far in front of Zhou Yuan.

He was a handsome young man who looked only seventeen or eighteen years old, with rosy lips, white teeth, and a striking appearance.

But Zhou Yuan knew that this was just a trick to preserve youth; the person in front of him was actually an old monster who had lived for hundreds of years, none other than the Bitter Bamboo Elder.

The old man with bitter bamboo glanced at Zhou Yuan and the silent puppet god, a solemn expression appearing on his face.

He did not know Zhou Yuan, nor had he heard of the earth-shattering events Zhou Yuan had caused in the Great Jin Dynasty in the past two years.

Therefore, he regarded Zhou Yuan as an ordinary late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Although he was wary, he did not appear too flustered.

"May I ask what brings you two fellow Daoists to my Bitter Bamboo Island?"

The old man with the bitter bamboo cupped his hands in greeting to Zhou Yuan and asked in a humble yet assertive manner.

Zhou Yuan returned the greeting with a cupped hand and got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Kuzhu, I have come here for a transaction. I have heard that you keep an ancient spirit bird, the Black Phoenix, on your island, and I would like to request three of its tail feathers as materials for crafting a treasure. I hope you will be willing to part with them. As for the price, we can discuss it."

"A black phoenix tail feather?"

Upon hearing this, the old man from the Bitter Bamboo clan's face immediately darkened, and he shook his head without hesitation, refusing, "No! Absolutely not! That Black Phoenix is ​​an ancient and exotic bird that I have painstakingly cultivated to this day, and its tail feathers are the essence of its entire being! If three tail feathers are plucked, it will take at least several decades to recover its vitality! There is absolutely no room for negotiation on this matter!"

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan remained calm and continued, "Fellow Daoist Ku Zhu, I know this item is precious. In exchange, I'm willing to offer a bottle of miraculous elixir that helps demonic beasts heal and accelerates their recovery. I guarantee that Wu Feng will recover in the shortest possible time without harming its core."

However, the old man with bitter bamboo remained unmoved, shaking his head resolutely and saying, "Fellow Daoist, there's no need for further words! Let alone one bottle of pills, even ten or a hundred bottles, I absolutely will not agree! Wu Feng is my precious darling; how can I allow it to be harmed for some external thing?"

"Fellow Daoist, please return!"

Seeing the other party's stubbornness, Zhou Yuan's smile gradually faded: "Since that's the case—then I, Zhou, will have no choice but to proceed with the transaction by force!"

As he finished speaking, a cold, almost tangible pressure emanated from him!

Upon seeing this, the old man with bitter bamboo changed his expression drastically! He knew that today's matter could not be resolved peacefully, so he stopped talking and suddenly made a hand seal!

"Buzz—!!!"

As a clear and melodious sword cry rang out, countless pale blue flying swords suddenly appeared around the old man of the Bitter Bamboo!

Each of these flying swords is only about three feet long, with a slender blade, as if it were made from some kind of special cold bamboo. The whole body is filled with a faint cold light. These are the three hundred and sixty-five cold bamboo flying swords that made him famous!

Three hundred and sixty-five flying swords, like nimble blue fish, spun rapidly around the old man with bitter bamboo, forming an impenetrable sword curtain that exuded an astonishing chill and sharpness!

However, when Zhou Yuan saw this imposing sword formation, a disdainful smile appeared on his face.

Although there are many of these Cold Bamboo Flying Swords, in terms of material and quality, they are worlds apart from his seventy-two Green Bamboo Bee Cloud Swords, which are infused with Geng essence!

His Great Geng Sword Formation is a headache even for Nascent Soul cultivators, let alone this mere Cold Bamboo Flying Sword Formation.

He didn't even use the Great Geng Sword Formation; with just a thought, the Void Heaven Cauldron above his head flew out and grew larger in the wind!

"Buzz—!"

The Void Cauldron emitted a deep hum, and a large patch of hazy blue light spewed out from its mouth!

The rosy light seemed to have a life of its own, intertwining in the air and transforming into countless fine cyan light threads that swept towards the old man of the Bitter Bamboo's group of flying swords!

Old Man Kuzhu felt a flash of blue light before his eyes, and an irresistible suction force came! He was horrified to find that seven of his three hundred and sixty-five Frost Bamboo Flying Swords were entangled by the blue light threads and forcibly sucked into the small cauldron like mud oxen entering the sea!

What terrified him even more was that once the seven flying swords entered the cauldron, they completely lost their mental connection with him!

No matter how he activated the secret technique, he could no longer sense the existence of those seven flying swords!

"What...what kind of treasure is this?!"

The old man from the Bitter Bamboo family turned deathly pale, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back!

His sword formation, which he was famous for, was so vulnerable in front of his opponent!

Before the other party had even made a real move, they had already taken away his seven natal flying swords!

How can we fight this war?!

He had no doubt that if the other party wanted, they could take all 365 of his flying swords!

At that time, he, the old man of the Bitter Bamboo, will become a toothless tiger, at the mercy of others!

"Fellow Daoist, wait! Fellow Daoist, wait! I admit defeat! I admit defeat!"

The old man with the bitter bamboo hurriedly shouted, his face no longer showing the stubbornness and toughness he had shown before, only full of shock and submission, "As long as you return my few natal flying swords, I am willing to offer up the Black Phoenix Tail Feather with both hands! I will not utter a single complaint!"

Seeing that the other party had finally given in, Zhou Yuan had no intention of going too far.

He reached out and gently tapped the mouth of the Void Heaven Cauldron. A flash of azure light appeared, and the seven Cold Bamboo Flying Swords flew out of the cauldron and returned intact to the Bitter Bamboo Elder's side.

The old man with the bitter bamboo quickly stored the seven flying swords into his body. Sensing that the connection between the swords had been restored, he breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling that his back was soaked with sweat. His eyes were filled with awe and lingering fear as he looked at Zhou Yuan.

He dared not delay any longer and quickly summoned a Core Formation stage disciple to take his token and head to the forbidden area behind the mountain.

Before long, the disciple returned to the mountaintop respectfully, carrying a long, rectangular box carved from crimson fire jade.

The old man with bitter bamboo took the jade box and opened it himself. Inside, he saw three sticks, each about a foot long and fiery red, lying quietly.

The feathers seemed to have flames flowing within them, radiating a scorching heat.

It was the tail feather of a black phoenix!

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, this is the Black Phoenix Tail Feather you requested. Please keep it safe."

The old man from the Bitter Bamboo respectfully handed the jade box to Zhou Yuan, his tone carrying a hint of flattery.

Zhou Yuan took the jade box, scanned it with his divine sense, confirmed it was correct, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

He put the jade box into his storage bracelet, then cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Elder Kuzhu: "Thank you for your generosity, Fellow Daoist Kuzhu. I'll take my leave!"

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer. He took the puppet god and turned into two streaks of light, leaving Bitter Bamboo Island.

Only after Zhou Yuan's figure completely disappeared into the horizon did Old Man Kuzhu finally breathe a sigh of relief.

He immediately ordered his disciples, "Quickly! Go to the interior of the Great Jin Dynasty and find out exactly who this Fellow Daoist Zhou Yuan is!"

"Why have I never heard of such a powerful late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in the Great Jin Dynasty?!"

A month later, the disciple who had been sent to gather information returned to Bitter Bamboo Island and reported all the information he had gathered about Zhou Yuan to the Bitter Bamboo Elder.

When the old man from the Bitter Bamboo heard the astonishing story of "single-handedly destroying the Yin Luo Sect and killing six Nascent Soul cultivators, including Old Demon Qian," he was completely stunned, and cold sweat poured down his back again, soaking his robes.

"My God—this guy is such a wicked devil!"

The old man with bitter bamboo wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his heart filled with lingering fear and relief. "Fortunately, I reacted quickly that day and backed down in time! I didn't actually activate the Myriad Wood Formation to fight him to the death! Otherwise—"

"With the ability to break through the Yinluo Sect's protective formation single-handedly, my Ten Thousand Wood Formation on Bitter Bamboo Island is probably no different from paper! At that time, not only will Wu Feng be unable to protect himself, but I will also lose my old life!"

The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. He immediately gave the order that, from this day forward, his disciples would be forbidden from going out.

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