Chapter 747

Chapter 747: Merit Lotus

Hearing An Daoren’s words, Fang Lie’s eyes lit up with excitement. He’d originally intended to fish for information about local treasures from the man, yet before he could even ask, the opportunity had fallen into his lap. Naturally, Fang Lie wouldn’t let such a chance slip.

He smiled faintly and said, "The Deputy City Lord’s proposal sounds promising. I’m interested, but as a newcomer unfamiliar with this place, how would I know what treasures are produced here?"

"Simple!" An Daoren chuckled, producing a Jade Slip. "This record details every spiritual item ever found in Star Loss City—common ones, rare historical finds, everything."

The Jade Slip contained records of all treasures discovered over the years. While not confidential—the city actively promoted such information to attract buyers—it proved invaluable to Fang Lie. Each entry included detailed descriptions and images, allowing him to identify targets for his Heavenly Dao Turtle.

Yet the Heavenly Dao Turtle’s power over causality came with strict limits: three uses per year. Exceeding this would invite karmic backlash, crippling his Fate. The fool from Abbot Mountain had learned this the hard way, overusing the ability until backlash nearly killed him. Though saved by his sect’s accumulated fortune, he’d suffered heavy injuries, lost all wealth, and faced centuries of confinement.

Mindful of this lesson, Fang Lie restrained himself. With ten years planned in Star Loss City and recent attention making stone-gambling unwise, three annual uses would suffice.

Scanning the Jade Slip, Fang Lie found over a hundred thousand entries. Beyond common Immortal Crystals and weapon fragments, he noted numerous immortal plant seeds—especially lotus seeds and hard-shelled varieties that survived Heavenly Tribulations. Mortal Cultivators planted over half successfully, using the rest for alchemy or refining.

The most famed example was Xuan Sect’s immortal gourd seed. Planted millennia ago, the head-sized gourd remained unripe but radiated potent aura, its skin shimmering with Immortal Rune shadows and spiritual essence. Xuan Sect experts speculated it might be a legendary spiritual root capable of growing eighth-rank or even Ninth-Rank Treasures.

"Is Xuan Sect’s gourd truly that remarkable?" Fang Lie asked, feigning casual interest.

"Without doubt," An Daoren replied. "Three thousand years ago, my master—the City Lord—saw it himself. Back then, it rivaled an eighth-rank middle-grade treasure! With further growth, it’ll likely reach Ninth-Rank." He sighed. "While we mortals struggle for millennia to obtain such treasures, True Cultivators grow them like vegetables."

"Do you have similar seeds?" Fang Lie pressed.

"Common ones, yes. But that gourd seed?" An Daoren shook his head. "It glowed with Immortal Energy and five-colored runes even as a seed. The Xuan Sect Elder traded an eighth-rank top-grade treasure for it. In Star Loss City’s entire history, we’ve only seen a handful of such items."

Fang Lie frowned. "I’ve no interest in mediocre seeds."

"Then examine this." An Daoren produced a golden lotus seed the size of a longan. Its surface rippled with Immortal Runes, emanating lotus fragrance and immense power.

"What is it?"

"Uncertain, but definitely an immortal root." An Daoren grimaced. "It consumes a small Immortal Crystal yearly to survive. As Deputy City Lord, I barely afford its upkeep."

Fang Lie raised an eyebrow. "Your position seems lucrative."

"We harvest Star Loss Abyss’ surface treasures—whole Immortal Crystals, those embedded in Stone Orbs." An Daoren shrugged. "But costs are staggering: maintaining the Protective Array, replacing lost searchers… If you can consistently produce ninth-rank spirit pills, my brothers would pay handsomely."

"Ninth-Rank Enlightenment Pills?" Fang Lie smirked. "Months suffice where others take years."

An Daoren gaped. "Months? But—"

"Talent varies." Fang Lie tossed the seed back. "Keep this. I’ll accept it as payment when I summon you."

Overjoyed, An Daoren bowed. "Your servant obeys!"

After dismissing the man, Fang Lie contacted Old Bird through their mental link. "This seed needs annual Immortal Crystals and has unknown origins. Why bother?"

"It’s an impure Buddhist Merit Lotus," Old Bird retorted. "Useless for planting without merit treasures. But recall the Void Buddha Kingdom."

Fang Lie stiffened. "The Heaven-Defying Treasure even Semi-Immortals fear? But I can’t activate it!"

"This lotus shares its origin with the Void Buddha Kingdom. My plan might let you control both."

"When?" Fang Lie demanded.

"After you reach Golden Pool realm. At your current level?" Old Bird snorted. "You’d die trying."

"But the upkeep—"

"Bankrupt yourself if needed!" Old Bird interrupted. "Want to reach the Earth Immortal Realm? This is your key to survival there."

Fang Lie’s jaw tightened. "I’ll tame it. Whatever it takes."