I Have a Compass for Opportunity

Fan Xinxiao did not inquire about where Liou Yuan obtained these two fragments, accepting them with caution.

They comprise a broken sword and a black jade bracelet.

These were taken off an ancient cultivator who held the ship contract by Liou Yuan.

Fan Xinxiao picked up the broken sword first, not minding the rust spots, carefully rubbing the surface with his palm, his eyes filled with regret.

"It’s a pity about this Foundation Establishment Spiritual Sword, even though it’s broken, the chill still seeps through. In its prime, it must have been a mid-grade or higher Foundation Establishment Magical Artifact."

"Now, most of its spirituality is lost and can only be returned to the furnace to recover some Foundation Establishment materials. Such a shame."

As an Artifact Refiner, Fan Xinxiao’s regret was genuine, without any pretentiousness.

He didn’t comment on the value of the fragments, but then looked at the black jade bracelet, his expression relaxing a bit, saying, "Although this bracelet is broken, the material itself is undamaged. If a sect’s Foundation Establishment Artifact Refiner repairs it, it can still be used."

"Of course, its power will definitely be reduced—probably retaining only seventy to eighty percent of its original potency."

Today, Liou Yuan intended to offload these two Foundation Establishment fragments. He’s not concerned whether they can still be used and asked about their value once Fan Xinxiao finished appraising them.

"This broken sword can only be refined for Foundation Establishment materials, valued as such," Fan Xinxiao explained to Liou Yuan, holding the broken sword: "Half of the blade is missing, and considering the fire loss, there won’t be much Foundation Establishment material extracted from it. A hundred merit points should find a willing buyer."

As he spoke, Fan Xinxiao picked up the black jade bracelet for evaluation, "This Magical Artifact, once repaired, can still be used. Even though some of its power is lost, as a Foundation Establishment Magical Artifact, it’s an excellent substitute for those who can’t afford a personal artifact—two hundred merit points to part with it."

"That’s three hundred altogether," Liou Yuan calculated inwardly; the two fragments together amounted to three hundred merit points, exactly as he had hoped.

Liou Yuan trusted Fan Xinxiao, knowing he would not scam him, thus he asked with a cheerful smile, "Mr. Fan, are you taking these two fragments?"

"I will!" Fan Xinxiao was waiting for Liou Yuan to say this.

Even as fragments, Foundation Establishment Magical Artifacts have research value for him, as a Qi Cultivation Realm Artifact Refiner at the peak.

Just as Liou Yuan would stop to study an unfamiliar array, Fan Xinxiao shared this interest.

Moreover, these two artifacts were crafted using techniques unfamiliar in the current Cultivation Realm; their weathered appearance suggests they’re thousands of years old.

Fan Xinxiao had long coveted them for research.

After receiving the affirmation, Fan Xinxiao directly took out his waist token and swiped it against Liou Yuan’s token, the merit points transferred.

"Haha, Mr. Fan’s promptness," Liou Yuan happily stowed away his waist token, bowing toward Fan Xinxiao.

The latter had obtained the items he desired, feeling pleased, replying, "In the future, if Mr. Liou comes across such ancient items, feel free to bring them over—I’ll take them all."

"To be honest, there are many lost techniques from our predecessors that provide immense benefits when studied, even superficially."

Fan Xinxiao did not hide his genuine motives for acquiring the fragments.

Of course, during this process, Fan Xinxiao refrained from asking Liou Yuan where exactly he obtained these fragments.

Outer Sect disciples each have their fortune, and some questions shouldn’t be asked, regardless of closeness.

Fan Xinxiao understood this well, which is why Liou Yuan trusted him.

Business settled, Liou Yuan’s current merit points totaled nine hundred and twenty, ample to purchase the Geng Metal Spiritual Qi and Wood Spiritual Qi.

In good spirits, he stayed with Fan Xinxiao for two more tea servings and continued chatting, mostly about the recent demon cultivator chaos in Jiuli State and the Jin Dynasty.

"Our Sect Leader has been detached from worldly matters for fifty years, no longer having figures capable of deterring the wicked. Over in Linlang Domain, emerging talents have been rising continuously—this past sixty years, five individuals have advanced to Golden Core, known as the Five Masters, with growing influence and possibly covetous ambitions."

"Since Mr. Liou plans to quell the demon chaos in Jiuli State, caution is advised in all aspects."

"Your strength at the Qi Cultivation Realm has few opponents, but encountering Foundation Establishment Demon Cultivators is a concern."

"When in action, stay close to our Sect’s Foundation Establishment members."

Liou Yuan wore two waist tokens, one as an Outer Sect disciple, the other from the Disciplinary Hall, which Fan Xinxiao had long noticed.

Also aware of Liou Yuan’s joining the Disciplinary Hall, thus gave this sincere advice.

"Haha, of course caution is important, there’s nothing more crucial than one’s life," Liou Yuan replied with a smile.

As dusk approached, Liou Yuan didn’t linger, bidding farewell to Fan Xinxiao and returned to his dwelling.

Just waiting to seek out Fang Yu in two days and purchase the Geng Metal Spiritual Qi.

"The sect’s upper ranks must be aware that I practice the Geng Metal Refining Form Skill, purchasing the Geng Metal Spiritual Qi is easy, but what rationale will justify acquiring the Wood Spiritual Qi?"

"After all, these Foundation Establishment spiritual qis are reserved by the Sect for disciples establishing their foundation. Whether they’d sell it to me remains uncertain."

"Now that I’ve got the money, finding a justification turns out to be difficult."

On the bluestone bed, Liou Yuan began complaining aloud.

Fortunately, he had a good elder brother, Liou Zhen, whose growing reputation at Five Extremes Mountain would make it easier if he intervened.