Eternal Tale

Chapter 359: Resources

Mo Fuyang’s gaze seemed drawn to Chen Xun’s hand, captivated by the strange force emanating from the faint glow.

The blackened object crumbled entirely under the glow, dissolving into pure five-elemental energy that merged seamlessly into the surrounding environment.

Chen Xun squinted, rubbing his fingers thoughtfully. The object was clearly an ancient remnant, completely devoid of any remaining spiritual value.

“S-Senior,” Mo Fuyang stammered, his expression filled with shock as though witnessing the impossible. “With your level of power, why would you even come to a place like this garbage dump?”

“This has little to do with power. You’ve simply seen too few techniques,” Chen Xun replied coolly.

“Y-Yes, Senior. You’re absolutely right!” Mo Fuyang nodded fervently.

“Hmm? What’s this?” Chen Xun’s gaze locked onto a piece of tarnished metal buried in the pile. With a casual wave of his hand, the refuse shifted, revealing a palm-sized fragment.

“Senior, your eye is exceptional! This is a fragment of a Great Desolate Crow God Crystal!” Mo Fuyang exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with recognition. “A fragment this size, if I used my Nascent Soul Fire to refine it, could yield a fingernail-sized piece in three months.”

Mo Fuyang’s voice brimmed with admiration as he explained. For Nascent Soul “treasure hunters” like him, refining materials others discarded was a means to transform time and effort into survival.

“What are its uses? What’s its value?” Chen Xun asked.

“Senior, the Crow God Crystal is highly compatible with spiritual energy and extraordinarily durable. It’s an ideal base for most magical tools or foundational structures.

“Its broad utility makes it extremely sought-after. The fragments are smelted into pure material and used to craft countless items.

“One pound is worth… quite a bit, and it’s always in high demand by immortal sects and pavilions,” Mo Fuyang said, speaking faster as he grew excited. “Despite its widespread applications, the extensive time and energy required to refine fragments make it perfect for people like us.”

Chen Xun ran his fingers along the uneven surface of the metal, then glanced at Brother Ox. “Brother Ox.”

“Moo?”

“Examine this material. It’s said to be excellent for embedding formations within magical tools.”

“Moo,” Brother Ox snorted affirmatively, his cloven hooves morphing into hands as he carefully picked up the crystal fragment. Tiny bursts of energy flowed through his touch as he analyzed the material.

“Little friend,” Chen Xun continued, his attention shifting back to Mo Fuyang, “how do you typically sell such items? This island seems quite isolated.”

Mo Fuyang hesitated before pulling out a rectangular box from his robes. “Senior, this compass links to my Nascent Soul and guides me to ‘Lichen Island.’”

“Lichen Island?”

“Yes, Senior. It’s a neutral territory. No single faction controls it, but it’s protected by all. It’s a hub for safe trade,” Mo Fuyang explained, carefully tucking the compass back into his robe. The device was his lifeline, ensuring safe navigation through treacherous waters.

Chen Xun nodded, his expression contemplative. “I see. Since the Nine Heavens Celestial Sound Formation Disk exists, surely there must also be tools for easier trade?”

“Senior, such tools likely exist, but they are far beyond my means.” Mo Fuyang’s tone grew wistful. “I’ve only ever heard of them, but their cost must be astronomical.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chen Xun’s mind began to form a plan. This vast cultivation world was filled with untapped potential, but it demanded a methodical approach. Starting with these neglected garbage dumps seemed a reasonable foundation.

Brother Ox’s scrutiny of the crystal fragment intensified. His hand emitted a glow that dissolved the impurities, leaving behind a glossy, obsidian-black shard slightly larger than a fingernail.

Mo Fuyang’s jaw dropped. “Senior… that refinement… that… took seconds?!”

Brother Ox examined the pristine shard closely, nodding in satisfaction.

“Little friend, where is the Crow God Crystal typically sourced?” Chen Xun asked.

“The Great Desolation. Its crystal mines are auctioned to great fanfare across Xuanwei Heavens. The surrounding beast clans fiercely protect properly acquired mines.”

Chen Xun jotted down ‘Great Desolation’ in his notebook before shifting topics. “And what is this Mengmu Wood I’ve heard about?”

Mo Fuyang eagerly explained. “Senior, Mengmu—officially named the ‘Mengxu Biba Tree’—is a treasure of this sea domain. Certain islands nurture these trees due to the unique environmental conditions here.

“It takes a thousand years for a Mengxu Biba Tree to mature into usable wood, and five thousand years for it to reach its prime.

“This wood has unparalleled properties: it is impervious to fire and water and resistant to most magical forces. It’s indispensable for crafting magical tools, foundational structures, celestial warships, and even the cores of certain caves and blessed lands.”

Chen Xun listened intently, the corner of his mouth curling into a subtle smile. The world of Taiyi was proving to be a boundless treasure trove—if navigated with the right plans and partners.