I Was Forced to Marry a “Trash” Cultivator, But She Turned Out to Be a Reborn Empress!

Chapter 259: The Value of Spirit Crystals, Selecting Disciples

Shen Xian’s heart skipped a beat.

The Fifth-Rank Refining Inheritance? He came for that?

This item was somewhat useful to him; if used as a gift, it could even return a Sixth-Rank refining skill.

But since it could interest a Celestial Venerable, he needed to think more carefully.

After all, a Fifth-Rank refining inheritance wasn’t hard to find, but the favor of a Celestial Venerable required careful consideration.

Before Shen Xian could ponder further, Venerable Zi Yun lightly flicked his sleeve.

A jade box suddenly appeared on the low table.

The moment the lid opened, the entire bamboo hut was illuminated with dazzling, flowing light—inside were neatly arranged 500 sparkling, translucent Spirit Crystals!

“If young friend Wang is willing, consider this the price!” The Venerable’s voice remained calm, yet it made Shen Xian’s pupils contract.

Spirit Crystals!

These were cultivation resources a hundred times more precious than High-Grade Spirit Stones!

One Spirit Crystal was equivalent to 10,000 High-Grade Spirit Stones!

Shen Xian’s breathing involuntarily quickened.

500 Spirit Crystals!

Even during his family’s peak prosperity, they had never controlled such a vast fortune!

He had seen Spirit Crystals in the clan treasury before, but those were strictly managed by elders as foundational assets; he could only observe from afar.

Now, these 500 Spirit Crystals were right before his eyes, each one containing pure Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi!

With these Spirit Crystals, not only would his cultivation be worry-free, but he could also exchange them for countless rare treasures!

His fingertips trembled slightly as he forcefully suppressed the excitement in his heart.

A Celestial Venerable’s move was indeed extraordinary!

“Venerable, may I boldly ask why you’re interested in that Fifth-Rank refining inheritance?” Shen Xian regained his composure and couldn’t help but inquire.

Venerable Zi Yun didn’t hide it either, stating directly: “This item is for my grandson…”

In front of outsiders, he didn’t mind sharing his story.

After all, his experience was considered a legend in the cultivation world.

Three hundred years ago, Venerable Zi Yun’s three sons were ambushed and killed in a secret realm dispute, set up by a rival force.

At the time, already at the late Void Refinement stage, Venerable Zi Yun flew into a rage, charging alone into the enemy’s mountain gate. With his own strength, he slew three cultivators of the same rank, ultimately avenging his sons.

But that battle left him severely injured; not only did his cultivation fall to the mid Void Refinement stage, but his foundation was damaged, making him unable to have more children.

Now, this Venerable only had one remaining grandson from his youngest son—Zi Chen.

This child had been frail and sickly since childhood, yet was particularly fond of the Dao of Refining.

Venerable Zi Yun cherished this grandson dearly, afraid he might fall if held in his hands, afraid he might melt if held in his mouth, wishing he could pile all the world’s treasures before him.

Now that the other wanted this Fifth-Rank refining inheritance, he would naturally try every means to obtain it.

Plus, he also wanted to befriend Shen Xian, a refining master with boundless potential.

“So that’s how it is.” Shen Xian nodded slightly, thinking to himself: This Venerable is quite candid. It seems this transaction can not only gain Spirit Crystals but also forge a good connection.

His gaze swept over the Spirit Crystals on the low table, and he readily took out the jade slip: “Since it’s for your grandson, I should reluctantly part with this inheritance.”

After speaking, he changed his tone: “However…”

Venerable Zi Yun raised an eyebrow: “Young friend, speak freely.”

“This junior has some insights into the refining Dao. If your grandson doesn’t mind, please accept them as a token of goodwill.” Shen Xian said.

In the future, he would face a behemoth like the Ice Soul Immortal Sect; having a connection with a Void Refining Celestial Venerable would make things more convenient, so he naturally needed to maintain it well.

Anyway, these insights were what he planned to teach his four disciples; now was a good time to use them.

Venerable Zi Yun’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, clearly not expecting Shen Xian to be so generous.

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed heartily: “Good! Good! Yun’er, come out quickly and thank Master Wang!”

From behind the screen emerged a youth of about 16 or 17, his complexion slightly pale but his eyes bright and spirited.

He respectfully bowed to Shen Xian: “Thank you, Master Wang!”

Seeing this child, Shen Xian was startled.

At such a young age, he was already a Fourth-Rank Refining Master?

He couldn’t help but sigh; with a Void Refining Celestial Venerable as a grandfather, this immortal path was indeed walked more smoothly than others’.

“Then this junior will take his leave.” Shen Xian cupped his hands.

Venerable Zi Yun nodded slightly.

…

Back at the Listening Rain Pavilion, Shen Xian looked at the 500 Spirit Crystals he had just obtained, his spirits lifted.

With this, not only were the fees for the Sacred City teleportation array covered, but even the expenses to go to the Sky Dome Sacred Land were definitely sufficient!

Ye Qingxian’s figure involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

Wait!

We’ll meet again soon!

Withdrawing his thoughts, he then gathered his four disciples together.

Under Shen Xian’s guidance these past days, all four had gained something, progressing rapidly.

Especially Zhang Yu; after his last epiphany, his refining Dao had become more complete.

“Your master will soon head to the Sacred City and needs to take three people along.” Shen Xian stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze slowly sweeping over the four disciples: “The remaining one must stay in Azure Nether City to manage affairs here for me.”

Going to the Sacred City was a new beginning; Qiu Ruoli still had to focus on cultivation, and he needed someone by his side to handle miscellaneous matters.

Especially since this trip to the Sacred City wasn’t just to participate in the Hundred Arts Sect’s refining finals; he also needed to expand connections and build influence to face the behemoth that was the Ice Soul Immortal Sect.

So, he definitely had to bring a few disciples.

The reason for leaving one behind was also to facilitate future communication with Azure Nether City.

After all, whether it was the City Lord at the Deity Transformation Realm, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s master, or forces like the Heaven-Reaching Chamber of Commerce, these were all connections he couldn’t completely sever.

They might be useful later.

Hearing this, all four showed a hint of surprise.

At that moment, Ai Xiao immediately stepped forward: “This disciple is willing to stay.”

As the Eldest Brother, he clearly understood he had to take responsibility.

But Shen Xian shook his head: “You need to come with me to the Sacred City. Your refining technique has reached a bottleneck and requires higher-level guidance.”

These blunt words made Ai Xiao somewhat embarrassed.

Truth be told, among these four disciples, his refining skill as the Eldest Brother was indeed slightly inferior.

Su Mu then spoke up: “Master, let me stay. After all…”

If the Eldest Brother had to go, then as the Second Senior Sister, she should stay.

“You naturally must go.” Shen Xian interrupted her: “Your constitution is special; without your master here, it would be hard to break through!”

Su Mu’s divine soul was exceptionally powerful, stemming from her own constitution. Only Shen Xian could help her sort it out and resolve it. If she stayed alone here, there would be no chance for improvement.

Seeing this, Zhang Yu’s mind stirred, about to speak, when Tie Shan said gruffly: “Master, I’m the youngest, let me stay!”

Shen Xian quietly looked at him without speaking.

Beside him, Zhang Yu laughed: “Fourth Junior Brother, with your temper, how could you handle things if you stayed? Better obediently follow Master and learn your craft.”

After saying this, he cupped his hands toward Shen Xian: “Master, this disciple is willing to stay and guarantees to manage your influence well!”

Among the four, Zhang Yu was the most meticulous. He had already discerned Shen Xian’s thoughts, so without waiting for the other to speak, he took the initiative.

Shen Xian nodded slightly.

From the start, he had indeed intended to leave Zhang Yu behind.

Firstly, the other was bold and careful, reliable in managing influence and building connections.

Secondly, the other had already found his own refining Dao; all Shen Xian could do was fill in gaps.

Whether he followed along or not made no difference. Then, Shen Xian raised his hand. The Blood Jade Ring flashed with spiritual light, and a jade slip flew into Zhang Yu’s hand. “This contains my previously compiled insights. It will perfectly make up for the flaws in your foundation.” He had noticed the defects in Zhang Yu’s Dao of Refining earlier and had prepared this in advance. He believed that with this jade slip, as long as Zhang Yu studied it diligently, breaking through to the Fifth Rank wouldn’t be a problem! Zhang Yu took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and his face immediately lit up with joy.

“This disciple will definitely live up to your trust!”

With this, his refining Dao was finally complete!

Ai Xiao hesitated to speak: “Master, but if Third Junior Brother is alone…”

“It’s fine.” Shen Xian took out a token: “I’ve already negotiated with the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion; they will fully assist. Moreover…”

He meaningfully glanced at Zhang Yu: “Strength is the true way. If you can break through to the Fifth Rank, why worry about being alone!”

Zhang Yu understood, nodding heavily: “This disciple understands.”

Beside him, Tie Shan heavily patted Zhang Yu’s shoulder, making him stagger: “If there’s trouble, send a message! I’ll rush back immediately!”

His rough voice made the window lattice buzz.

“Coming back costs a million Spirit Stones, you know.” Su Mu crossed her arms, her red lips slightly upturned, a teasing smile in her eyes.

Tie Shan immediately flushed red, stammering: “This… this…”

“Silly big guy.” Su Mu chuckled, poking his sturdy arm: “Do you really think you’d pay alone?”

Tie Shan scratched his head, smiling honestly: “I just… just…”

“Just too sincere.” Zhang Yu smiled, continuing: “But with your kind thoughts, I, the one staying behind, feel much more at ease.”

Everyone looked at each other and smiled, lightening the atmosphere in the courtyard.

Shen Xian watched this scene, a trace of comfort flashing in his eyes—these disciples were increasingly showing camaraderie.