Tai Sui—this was a variant among the Tai Sui species.
Already rare in itself, a variant Tai Sui was even more precious, extraordinarily rare and almost impossible to find in the world. Such a Tai Sui often possessed inconceivable power, capable of triggering miraculous transformations in those who consumed it.
The one before their eyes was exactly such a specimen.
"Fellow Daoist, do you know of Yinghuo?"Zhao Li asked again.
"Of course. Yinghuo guarding the heart—Yinghuo represents calamity. It's said that Yinghuo is a fragment from the Yinghuo Star."Upon hearing that, Yi Tianxing was shaken. He looked at the Tai Sui in front of him and said solemnly, "Could it be that this Tai Sui was born from a fragment of a Yinghuo meteorite?"
If that were true, then its origins were nothing short of earth-shattering. There would be no way to downplay its significance.
"You are indeed insightful, Fellow Daoist. I can't confirm with absolute certainty whether it truly came from Yinghuo, but there's a very high possibility. This Tai Sui was something I stumbled upon back when Yinghuo fell to earth. Whether it really originated from there, though, I can't say with confidence."
Zhao Li smiled faintly.
This person is not easily fooled. But even if there's only a ten percent chance of the Tai Sui being from Yinghuo, its value skyrockets instantly.
The fall of Yinghuo was considered a harbinger of disaster, and Tai Sui itself was viewed by many as an ominous object. Together, these elements created a uniquely dangerous and mysterious artifact.
Even the Serpent Queen's gaze toward the Tai Sui changed.
The Tai Sui was alive. Cut off a piece of it, and as long as it's given time and nutrients, it would regenerate. As long as it wasn't entirely consumed, it could provide a continuous supply of flesh. This made it a priceless treasure.
"Why not use such a treasure for yourself, Fellow Daoist? Why are you offering it for trade instead?"Yi Tianxing asked, meaningfully.
A treasure like this was typically kept secret, not paraded about. If it were him, he'd never bring it out in public—this would be squandering a supreme treasure.
"While Tai Sui is great, it's not that useful for me. Using it would be a waste. Instead, I'd rather trade it for resources or rare artifacts—a much better utilization, if you ask me."
Zhao Li smiled again, though his real reason was fear. Something bred from Yinghuo might invite calamity. Trading it away for something useful was the smarter option. He'd be rid of a potential curse and gain resources in return. Why not?
"Oh? So you intend to trade it for something more suitable to your needs?"
Yi Tianxing looked up at Zhao Li again, confirming.
He was very interested in the Tai Sui. As long as the price was reasonable, acquiring it wouldn't be a problem.
"Yes. I'd like to exchange it for a defensive artifact, something that can preserve my life in critical moments."
Zhao Li spoke after a brief pause.
After all, survival is the foundation of everything. Without life, everything else is meaningless. A life-saving treasure would serve him better than a mysterious meat blob.
"I happen to have a few treasures on me. Pick one. If you're satisfied, we'll trade. If not, we'll simply part as friends."
Yi Tianxing nodded, and with a thought, three beams of light appeared on the table.
There lay a tower, a furnace, and a battle armor.
Each emanated the aura of a heavenly treasure.
"Heavenly treasures... Could you tell me more about them?"Zhao Li asked, clearly impressed.
"These are their details," Yi Tianxing said calmly.
Hell Suppression Pagoda (地狱浮屠塔): Both offensive and defensive. It can manifest a Hell Realm to protect its owner or suppress powerful enemies. It can also refine evil spirits and demons.
Ghost Refining Furnace (炼鬼炉): Specializes in subduing ghosts, refining them into Limitless Ghost Pills. These can be consumed to enhance one's cultivation and soul power—especially valuable for ghost-type beings.
Asura Battle Garb (修罗战衣): Offers strong defense and also boosts combat strength by more than 30%. Though these are at the lowest grade of heavenly treasures, each has the potential to evolve into innate treasures.
"Excellent items indeed,"Zhao Li couldn't help but praise as he examined them one by one, clearly liking each.
Yi Tianxing didn't stop him, watching quietly.
"Can I take two of them? With the value of the Tai Sui, I believe that would be fair."
Zhao Li asked boldly. Clearly, he wanted all three, but would settle for two.
"No."Yi Tianxing shook his head.
"Tai Sui is rare, but heavenly treasures are just as rare. Even if they can be found, finding one that suits you perfectly is another matter entirely. One for one. If needed, I can supplement the difference with Eternal Coins."
His tone was firm.
These artifacts were not disposable. Each could grow alongside the user, eventually evolving into Innate or Supreme Treasures. They didn't require refining or bonding rituals—they would resonate naturally. That made them even more valuable.
"…"
Zhao Li fell silent. Then he said, "I happen to have another artifact that I obtained by chance. I wonder if you'd be interested."
As he spoke, he pulled out a dark golden cube.
It resembled a magic cube, with ancient runes and symbols crossing its surface, glowing with a mysterious light.
"What is this?"Yi Tianxing asked.
"I'm not entirely sure. But this magic cube can combine materials. Two copper ores can become fine copper. Two of the same pill can produce a higher-grade version."
Zhao Li said calmly, though Yi Tianxing caught a flicker of dread in his eyes—quick and subtle, but unmistakable.
"Combining… Is this like a Horadric Cube?"Yi Tianxing murmured.
Immediately, he used the Wordless Heavenly Tome to probe the object. Sure enough, the cube's powers resembled the Horadric Cube from a pre-cataclysm game—a legendary artifact capable of fusing items, weapons, materials, gems, runes, and more.
An item with the potential to synthesize everything. Its potential was heaven-defying.
Yi Tianxing instantly realized something else:
"I already have the Universal Printer, which can mass-produce standard-quality weapons and talismans. But those are basic. Now, with this cube, I can refine them into higher-grade items."
The Universal Printer had been instrumental in the rise of the Great Yi Dynasty. Without it, they wouldn't have achieved such rapid development.
Now, its only weakness might be solvable.
Even Yi Tianxing's heart thudded wildly. He couldn't help but feel a powerful sense of greedy desire.
This cube was a game-changer.
Meanwhile, Zhao Li was internally cursing.
"Damn this thing. I'm so broke now, and it's all this cube's fault. If it weren't for this money-sucking contraption, I wouldn't even consider trading away the Tai Sui…"
But he said nothing of the sort out loud.
Trading this accursed thing for a usable treasure? A dream deal.
"Very well. One for one. I'll supplement the rest with Eternal Coins."
Yi Tianxing nodded.
He didn't need ghost-type treasures anyway. Better to trade for something useful and maximize the value.
"Then I'll take the Hell Suppression Pagoda and the Asura Battle Garb,"Zhao Li said decisively.
Those two were more versatile and useful for survival and battle. The Ghost Refining Furnace just didn't fit him as well.