Book 2: Chapter 79: Phantom Grass
Vol 2 Ch 79: Phantom Grass
"Apologies for the delay, Senior..."
While Ouyang Hai observed Zhang Xuan, Zhang Xuan also scrutinized this sudden visitor.
Judging by appearances, this must be the expert from the headquarters that Yue Longxiao mentioned. Though the individual’s cultivation level wasn’t outwardly displayed, the oppressive aura they exuded was unmistakable. It was clear without any confrontation that even a hundred Zhang Xuans together couldn’t pose a threat.
“You’re too kind…”
Seeing Zhang Xuan’s courteous demeanor, Ouyang Hai was taken aback and quickly stood up, tension radiating from him.
“This…”
Yue Longxiao blinked in confusion at Ouyang Elder's reaction, struggling to make sense of the situation. Did I see that right? Why does it seem like Elder Ouyang is somewhat afraid of him?
Zhang Xuan was equally puzzled. So this is what someone from the Wanchang Sect headquarters is like—surprisingly polite!
"Master Yue explained to me in detail about taking these three geniuses for better cultivation. We also discussed obtaining certain benefits in exchange. May I ask what Senior thinks about this arrangement?" Zhang Xuan asked directly, wasting no time.Hearing this, Ouyang Hai's eyes reddened with excitement. “Of course! Whatever you want, Vice Hall Master Ling, the Wanchang Sect will fulfill it without hesitation!”
“That’s great!”
Zhang Xuan pondered briefly before responding, “I’d like… a sufficient number of Destiny Disks.”
“That’s easy enough, but... I left in a rush and didn’t bring many with me. Would it be acceptable to make up for it with other items?” Ouyang Hai asked cautiously.
Destiny Disks were plentiful at the headquarters, so he never thought to carry them. It was baffling that this supposed expert would ask for something so seemingly mundane—like trading the imperial jade seal for two bags of rice.
“That works, but the items must be valuable. Don’t try to deceive me with something trivial,” Zhang Xuan said firmly.
“Of course…” Ouyang Hai nodded fervently. With a flip of his wrist, a jade bottle appeared. “These are two Life-Grasping Divine Pills. They can significantly enhance the success rate when a Destiny Master grasps their fate.”
“L-Life-Grasping Pills?” Yue Longxiao stammered, swallowing hard.
These pills were immensely precious, effective even for Seven-Star Destiny Masters attempting to grasp fate. To give them away freely demonstrated Ouyang Hai’s incredible generosity, a hallmark of someone from the headquarters.
But Zhang Xuan frowned slightly. “Just this?”
The two pills, while rare, were practically useless to him. His cultivation level was far from the requirement, and even if it weren’t, pills didn’t offer him much benefit compared to other resources. I’d rather have more Heaven’s Fate Energy! Ȑ
"Of course not..." Ouyang Hai waved his hands hastily, embarrassed by the failed attempt to impress. After a brief hesitation, he clenched his teeth and produced another jade bottle. “This is a Fifth-Grade Fate, part of the Momentum branch. I obtained it during a fortuitous encounter but haven’t used it because it doesn’t align with my cultivation. I now offer it to you.”
“A Fifth-Grade Fate?” Zhang Xuan was stunned and accepted the bottle. He peeked inside, where a stream-like Fate swirled, exuding immense power and pressure.
So it’s true—Fates can be extracted and gifted. Even top experts can remove them intact from their own bodies.
This revelation wasn’t something the Destiny Hall in Hanyuan City had recorded; clearly, its level wasn’t high enough. Furthermore, as he suspected, Fates were categorized by grades.
Although unsure how this Fifth-Grade Fate compared to his Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate, the fact that Ouyang Hai offered it reluctantly proved its immense value.
“Yes! While not the highest grade, it’s incredibly rare. There’s only one in existence currently, and I was fortunate to obtain it,” Ouyang Hai explained, face flushed. “I know it might not help you much, but it’s the best I have.”
Despite its worth, the Fate couldn’t be used if it didn’t align with the cultivator’s path. For Ouyang Hai, it had been a prized possession for decades with no practical use. Seeing Zhang Xuan’s capabilities, he had no choice but to offer it up.
“Alright.” Zhang Xuan wasn’t thrilled but decided to accept it. Seems like this Wanchang Sect elder is skilled but not exactly wealthy...
As soon as he focused on the Fate, the Library of Heaven’s Path trembled.
Whoosh!
The Fifth-Grade Fate vanished, merging with Zhang Xuan’s Thousand Threads Fate.
Inside the library, the Fate now appeared massive compared to its thumb-sized form in the bottle. Even the Level Two Mo Dao Heaven’s Fate seemed toy-like in comparison.
"So, a Fifth-Grade Fate is this powerful... What about Fourth-Grade? Or even Third-Grade?" Zhang Xuan murmured, overwhelmed by its enormity. No wonder Ouyang Hai was so reluctant.
Unaware of Zhang Xuan’s thoughts, Ouyang Hai’s jaw dropped in disbelief. The fact that Zhang Xuan absorbed the Fate so effortlessly indicated that his cultivated Fate was far superior.
This could only mean one thing: Zhang Xuan’s Fate had to be at least Third-Grade. Third-Grade Fates were among the rarest, with only 99 existing in the Source World.
Could he be one of those 99 legendary powerhouses? Ouyang Hai thought. But he couldn’t recall a “Ling Buyang” among the greats. He must be using an alias!
“Do you have anything else?” Zhang Xuan asked indifferently.
Ouyang Hai hesitated before producing another item. “This is a stalk of Illusion Grass. I planned to use it for my breakthrough, but I’d rather give it to you.”
Zhang Xuan accepted the gift. Upon examining it, the library consumed 50,000 Heaven’s Fate Energy points just to generate its analysis.
“Illusion Grass, an Eight-Star herb, can be refined into Illusion Pills that assist Destiny Masters in comprehending ten new Paths of Fate…”
Stunned, Zhang Xuan stored it in his New World. This is incredibly valuable—definitely worth saving, even if just to sell later.
Relieved by Zhang Xuan’s satisfaction, Ouyang Hai retrieved a pile of Destiny Disks. “I only brought around 2,000. Apologies for the limited quantity…”
“Two thousand?!”
Zhang Xuan nearly fainted from joy. He’d expected at most a hundred, given Ouyang Hai’s earlier words. This was an overwhelming windfall.
“That will do.” He collected the Disks, finally satisfied. As expected of the Wanchang Sect—a true treasure trove!
“I have one more question, though. If you can address it, I’ll release the three geniuses to you immediately.”
Before Zhang Xuan could elaborate, a loud voice interrupted from outside the courtyard.
“Ling Buyang, get out here now!”
Everyone turned to see Min Jiangtao perched on a flying Source Beast, staring coldly into the room. Ouyang Hai’s eyes narrowed at the blatant disrespect.
Author's Note