Chapter 628

Chapter 628: Refining the Supreme Treasure

Fang Lie had only meant to brush off the matter, but Qing Feng took it seriously. "In that case," Qing Feng declared, "we’ll add a peak eighth-rank large treasure weapon—a ship-class treasure—as an extra. Surely that’s sufficient?"

Fang Lie fell silent.

Offering a peak eighth-rank large treasure as a free gift while paying premium value with a ninth-rank treasure… Even a wealthy major power like Xuan Sect would feel the strain. Their sincerity was undeniable.

Any ordinary person would’ve accepted immediately. Though potent, the mutated Netherworld Ghost Fire had too many restrictions for personal use. A ninth-rank treasure that automatically recognized its master was far more appealing.

With a semi-immortal-tier guardian utterly loyal to him, Fang Lie could roam freely. It would greatly aid future Secret Realm expeditions, turning dangers into opportunities and boosting his odds of securing rare treasures from Heaven and Earth by over half!

Yet after careful consideration, Fang Lie shook his head regretfully. "I recognize your sincerity. But truthfully, this treasured item that strengthens an entire sect is something Mo Sect also needs. Were I merely a scattered cultivator, I’d agree without hesitation. But as the candidate Token Lord of the Benevolence Token, I must prioritize Mo Sect’s interests. My apologies."

Qing Feng and Ming Yue sighed in unison. "We anticipated this outcome," Qing Feng admitted ruefully. "We simply clung to hope because the treasure was extraordinary."

"Since you refuse," Ming Yue said reluctantly, handing over a silver-white orb, "we return what’s yours."

Silver-white? Fang Lie blinked. The Netherworld Ghost Fire had been green when sent. Puzzled, he Inspected the orb. It radiated pure Netherworld Ghost Fire’s unmistakable aura, interspersed with faint golden threads emitting terror surpassing even semi-immortals!

Noticing his confusion, Ming Yue explained: "Ghost fire’s color reflects its grade. Original eighth-rank fire was green-purple. After absorbing over a dozen eighth-rank Netherworld treasures, it ascended to silver with golden traces. Next comes golden ghost fire—near-immortal flame beyond mortal resistance."

"Fascinating," Fang Lie grinned. Holding the fist-sized fireball, he felt only warmth despite its flickering flames. The Xuan Sect experts had integrated his Original Essence Blood during refining, forging a connection. Without this, taming the Ghost Realm Sect’s treasure—hostile to Mo Sect disciples—would’ve been impossible. Even Mo Qianxun could only suppress its spirit, not force submission.

"May I use a quiet room?" Fang Lie asked eagerly. "I must begin refining immediately!"

Qing Feng gestured nearby. "With your existing bond, it should be swift."

One day later, a weary but triumphant Fang Lie emerged. Big Brother Hei had departed, leaving Qing Feng and Ming Yue waiting.

"You refined an eighth-rank treasure in a day!" Qing Feng marveled. "Even Thunder Tribulation Immortals might not fare better. A sixty-five thousand-mile Qi Sea is monstrous!"

"Yet logically," Ming Yue frowned, "Qi Sea range shouldn’t compensate for their higher power and experience. How?"

Fang Lie smirked. "Mo Sect’s refining techniques have… certain advantages."

The pair nodded knowingly, avoiding further inquiry into sect secrets.

"Though I can’t sell the Netherworld treasure ship," Fang Lie clasped his hands, "our cooperation stands. Need it? Just give the heads-up."

Relief washed over Qing Feng and Ming Yue as their eyes brightened.

Why did they come to personally greet Fang Lie? All for this treasure. Even if they couldn’t claim it, they wanted at least borrowing rights. Though requiring sacrifice, this paled against gaining a shortcut to an Eighth-Rank Treasure.

Qing Feng and Ming Yue eagerly clasped their hands, "Many thanks, Senior Brother Fang!"

"We’re fellow cultivators—no need for formalities!" Fang Lie chuckled.

"Right, comrades!" Qing Feng grinned. "Now that business is done, let us play host!"

"Indeed!" Ming Yue added. "You can’t leave so soon! Others would mock Xuan Sect’s hospitality!"

Truthfully, Fang Lie yearned to reunite with Mao Mao. Twenty-five years apart had transformed her into a peerless beauty, and they clung to each other like glue. Why linger elsewhere?

But refusing such earnest hospitality would be rude. Though blunt, Fang Lie understood courtesy. After brief hesitation, he agreed.

Qing Feng and Ming Yue beamed, swiftly ushering him in.

For half a month, Fang Lie toured Xuan Sect as their honored guest. Guided by the pair, he explored hundreds of marvels and consumed countless Spirit Fruits.

Xuan Sect seldom hosted guests—their last visitor came a millennium prior. But when they did, no effort was spared.

Common Spirit Fruits were deemed unworthy. The "lowest" offerings exceeded a thousand years old, with some even reaching ten thousand.

Though Fang Lie’s Dao Pattern Karp-enhanced body resisted ordinary spiritual items, Xuan Sect’s fruits boosted his overall strength by over 10%.

His Qi Sea expanded nearly a thousand miles—equivalent to multiple Ninth-Rank Spirit Pills. Such was their value.

At parting, they gifted him ten Ninth-Rank Spirit Pills!

Even Thunder Tribulation Immortals rarely afforded these—pills meant for Semi-Immortals to amplify Magic.

Each pill consumed vast treasures from heaven and earth, requiring master alchemists’ century-long refinement. One pill could bankrupt a mid-sized sect!

Fang Lie, needing such pills to expand his Qi Sea further, accepted without hesitation.

In return, he gifted Xuan Sect ten thousand pounds of Spirit Liquid and forged Qing Feng and Ming Yue each a Nirvana Fire Seed. If slain, they’d revive once at full power—a potential abyss-to-victory opportunity.

To Xuan Sect, the Seeds were mere backups. Their Gate of All Mysteries already enabled flawless revival—once the world’s sole method until Fang Lie’s Seeds appeared.

Two weeks later, Fang Lie exited Xuan Sect’s protective array.

Outside, he summoned the Peak Eighth-Rank treasured item—Netherworld Ghost Fire Divine Ship!

The silver fireball exploded, becoming a ten-zhang Flying Boat shaped like Mo Sect’s third-rank treasure ship.

Fang Lie entered the control room—a yard-wide quiet room with silver-flame walls encircling the core fire cluster.

Casting secret techniques, he activated the ship. With a tremor, it streaked across the sky like silver lightning.