Translator: Cinder Translations
---
"I happen to have a Soul Concealment Jade," Zhu Yin replied through the communication jade slip. "May I ask what you intend to do with it?"
"Could you part with it and sell it to me?" Song Wen asked.
"The Soul Concealment Jade is the brow bone of a third-tier Nether Fox. A third-tier Spirit Fox's skull can be refined into a defensive spiritual tool. Once the brow bone is taken, the skull is essentially useless. The value of the Soul Concealment Jade is evident," Zhu Yin responded.
Song Wen understood the underlying implication — "The Soul Concealment Jade is highly valuable, and to obtain it, I must offer an equally high price."
"I'm not sure what you desire, but as long as it's not something too rare, I will do my best to satisfy your request," Song Wen replied.
Zhu Yin responded, "This matter isn't suitable to discuss over a communication jade slip. Where are you? I'll come to you."
Song Wen glanced around, his gaze falling on a river several dozen miles below.
"The Qingxi River to the west of Shadow City."
TL/N: Shadow City was first mentioned in Chapter 464.
"Alright, I'll be there shortly," Zhu Yin replied.
Song Wen put away the communication jade slip, turned to Shan Yue, and said, "You pilot the ship and wait for me by the western shore of Wu Ji Island."
With that, Song Wen flew out of the ship, heading toward the river.
Shan Yue watched Song Wen's retreating figure for a moment before she piloted the ship toward the coast.
---
Song Wen waited above the river for a short while before Zhu Yin hurriedly arrived.
"We in the sky look way too conspicuous. Let's move down to the forest below and discuss things there," Zhu Yin suggested.
Song Wen nodded and followed Zhu Yin as they descended into the nearby forest by the riverbank.
"May I ask, Zhu Yin, under what conditions would you be willing to trade the Soul Concealment Jade?" Song Wen asked.
Zhu Yin raised her hand and formed a soundproof barrier. She didn't immediately answer Song Wen's question but instead asked, "What do you think of the upcoming trip to the Valley of Rebirth?"
Song Wen furrowed his brow, momentarily unsure of Zhu Yin's meaning.
There had previously been significant animosity between Zhu Yin and Ji Qing, with a strained relationship. However, the two had unexpectedly teamed up for this trip to the Valley of Rebirth.
There must be something in the Valley that both of them urgently needed.
Song Wen speculated that it was likely related to the Nascent Spirit Pill.
The Earth Dragon Herb was probably one of the spiritual herbs used to refine the Nascent Spirit Pill.
However, these thoughts were ones he couldn't share with Zhu Yin.
Song Wen replied with a puzzled expression, "I don't quite understand the meaning behind your words, Fellow Daoist."
Zhu Yin said, "You're not in the inner sect, so you may not know. Recently, Ji Qing and Si Xi have become quite close. They must have already planned to explore the Valley of Rebirth together."
Song Wen furrowed his brows. "Are you saying that Ji Qing and Si Xi were acting in front of us when we were in your cave? Why would they do that?"
Zhu Yin replied, "From what I gather, Ji Qing's motives for this trip aren't as simple as seeking the Earth Dragon Herb. He must have some hidden agenda."
Song Wen asked, "If what you say is true, why would they want to travel with you and me?"
Zhu Yin explained, "They invited you because of the third-tier Demon Attractant Incense. As for inviting me, it involves another transaction between Ji Qing and me. I'm afraid I cannot reveal more."
Song Wen inquired, "What does this have to do with our transaction for the Soul Concealment Jade?"
Zhu Yin answered, "Understanding Ji Qing's true motives is crucial to me. However, I am stretched thin and cannot keep an eye on both Ji Qing and Si Xi at the same time. I hope you can help monitor Si Xi while I focus on Ji Qing."
Song Wen asked, "Why monitor Si Xi?"
Zhu Yin replied, "I'm concerned that Ji Qing, in his attempt to guard against me, may not act directly himself. Instead, he might send Si Xi in his place, which is why I need you to watch Si Xi closely."
Song Wen's mind raced.
The secrets surrounding Ji Qing were likely tied to the Nascent Spirit Pill.
If that were the case, taking a bit of a risk might be worthwhile.
Though tempted, Song Wen still wore an expression of hesitation.
"Si Xi's cultivation is higher than mine. If he detects me, while I'm monitoring him, my life may be in danger," Song Wen said with a concerned expression.
Zhu Yin reassured him, "Fellow Daoist, don't worry. I will lend you a treasure that can help you hide your aura and cover your tracks. Also, you only need to monitor Si Xi. If he acts abnormally or enters a special place, just notify me quickly. There's no need for you to take action against him."
Song Wen furrowed his brow and fell silent, seemingly weighing the risks and rewards in his mind.
After some contemplation, Song Wen finally made his decision. "Alright, I agree. When will you give me the Soul Concealment Jade?"
Zhu Yin replied, "The Soul Concealment Jade is worth a fortune. For you to do what I've asked, it is not worth just one Soul Concealment Jade."
Song Wen's expression showed some displeasure. "Zhu Yin, are you trying to make a fool of me?"
Zhu Yin quickly clarified, "Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. I still need you to agree to one more condition."
Song Wen asked, "What condition?"
Zhu Yin said, "Help me refine a 'Spirit Awakening Pill'."
The Spirit Awakening Pill is a third-tier pill that helps Golden Core cultivators break through their spiritual consciousness bottleneck.
The pill has a high resistance to further doses. The first pill is very effective in breaking through the bottleneck, but the second one has much reduced effects. It's rare for anyone to successfully break through the bottleneck after taking the second pill.
Song Wen replied, "I don't have the spiritual herbs to refine the Spirit Awakening Pill, and I've never made one before."
Zhu Yin said, "I have already prepared all the necessary spiritual herbs, and there are three sets. With your pill-making skills, you should at least be able to successfully refine one Spirit Awakening Pill."
Song Wen responded, "I can agree to this condition, but I have one question. I hope you can clear it up for me."
"Please ask."
"Among the inner sect alchemists, there are many who are more skilled than me. Why did you specifically ask me to refine the pill?" Song Wen inquired.
Zhu Yin explained, "I don't want anyone else to know about this matter. If I were to ask an inner sect alchemist for help, it would be hard to keep it secret."
Song Wen nodded. "Alright! I agree. This matter will not be known by anyone else. When shall I begin refining the pills?"
Zhu Yin replied, "The sooner, the better. I hope you can refine the pill within a month."
Upon hearing this, Song Wen suddenly realized that Zhu Yin's urgency likely had something to do with the exploration of the Valley of Rebirth a year later.
And her request for secrecy was likely to guard against Ji Qing.
'Could she have also cultivated a spiritual consciousness attack technique?' Song Wen thought to himself.
"I'll do my best," Song Wen said.
Zhu Yin handed him a storage bag. "The spiritual herbs needed for the pill are all in this storage bag. I'm entrusting this matter to you."
Just as Song Wen took the bag, Zhu Yin added, "By the way, Fellow Daoist, you have the recipe for the Spirit Awakening Pill, right?"
Song Wen nodded. "I do!"
The recipe for the Spirit Awakening Pill was obtained from the alchemy notes of Shi Bo and Shi Zhong.
Both brothers had refined the pill before.
And it was thanks to their notes that Song Wen was confident he could successfully refine the Spirit Awakening Pill.
Zhu Yin smiled slightly, a meaningful expression on her face.
"It seems you are not as simple as you appear, Fellow Daoist."
The recipe for the Spirit Awakening Pill was in the hands of many major factions, but it was not available for sale in the market.
Song Wen smiled lightly, "A recipe is just a recipe. When will you give me the Soul Concealment Jade?"
Zhu Yin replied, "After the pill is successfully refined."
Song Wen said, "Then it's settled. Farewell."
With that, Song Wen soared into the air and flew towards Ji Yin Island.
Zhu Yin paused for a moment before turning and heading towards Corpse King Valley.
Song Wen flew for over a hundred miles, judging that he was now out of Zhu Yin's sight. He turned his direction and headed for the shore where Shan Yue was waiting.
After meeting with Shan Yue, Song Wen took her with him as they flew towards Ji Yin Island.
(End of the Chapter)
---
Read (RDC) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c686.
Early Access at $5.
Translated (5) Series, (2.2K+) Chapters, (2.9M+) Words.