A vengeful spirit clung to the cinnabar stone.
Even though this era was a time of declining spiritual energy.
Such a treasure, considered a top-tier gem, would still possess a spiritual essence.
And according to Chen Tai's estimation, this essence would last for about one to two years.
Anyone who possessed and treasured this stone for a long period of time would face misfortune.
After all, a vengeful spirit seeking retribution doesn't operate like in movies, targeting only the original victim.
In reality, vengeful spirits lack reason and harm whoever they encounter.
Even if it's just making you have nightmares, experience mental confusion, it could still cause you to lose your life at a crucial moment.
And if things go wrong, the victim could be further absorbed by the stone, increasing its demonic nature.
In fact, many legendary “cursed” jewels, paintings, and even "haunted houses" largely operate on this principle.
To resolve it, a true master would need to chant scriptures to liberate the spirit.
Note, it requires someone who has truly attained mastery in their cultivation.
At least at the late stage of the Fetal Breath realm.
Unfortunately, true moral individuals are still far too few, while charlatans and deceivers abound.
Speaking of which, is this mere vengeful spirit really that strong?
To Chen Tai, a practitioner of demonic cultivation.
It’s nothing.
He even took care of a female ghost king.
Honestly, that experience was on par with a snake demon.
Ahem, let's cut to the chase.
Chen Tai looked at this top-tier cinnabar stone, deep in thought.
"I really like this stone, so I won't refuse it."
He pondered for a moment, after all, it's only fair to reciprocate.
So, he reached out and took a wooden statue from the display cabinet behind him, handing it to Guess.
It was a sandalwood carving of a Buddha, with an unusual appearance.
Ahem, it was Chen Tai's former Buddhist avatar during his time in the Xianmo world.
Chen Tai noticed a dark cloud above Guess' head, tinged with red and a hint of blood, concluding that he might face fire-related disasters in the future.
Thus, he remarked, "This Buddha statue was personally consecrated by me. It can protect your residence from harm."
"Residence safe." Guess repeated this phrase three times.
He was a clever man.
Clever people think a lot.
Coupled with his own experiences, his mind naturally wandered.
Therefore, with a joyous expression, he accepted the statue with both hands.
He even subconsciously ignored the question of which Buddha the carving depicted.
Seeing that he had accepted the statue, Chen Tai turned to another matter.
"Forgive my boldness, I am truly fond of this stone. Would Guess be willing to enlighten me about its origins?"
This cinnabar stone was indeed top-tier.
But it was only enough for Chen Tai to craft one magic artifact.
Moreover, it was bound by a vengeful spirit, enhancing its value, though it also prevented it from being used to make a righteous artifact.
Unless Chen Tai personally liberated the spirit.
How could he bear to do that?
Therefore, the origin of the gem was crucial.
Guess's face froze upon hearing this question.
But he quickly recovered.
Without hesitation, he provided the answer.
"The gem originates from the Grinding Mountain, the mine owner is Wu Hai Shan."
"He's also a friend of mine."
"Master, would you like to meet him? I can host a gathering and invite him over."
Guess readily revealed this information.
As for what might happen after inviting Wu Hai Shan over?
It's none of his business.
Seeing Guess's compliance, Chen Tai was quite satisfied.
With a flick of his wrist, the brocade box containing the gem landed in his hand.
He then continued, "Guess, your trip here is likely not just to deliver a gift. We are all citizens of Longguo, so feel free to speak your mind."
Guess's eyes flickered, but he no longer hesitated.
"Master possesses a miraculous elixir. I, though not worthy, would also like to seek your grace. May I have this honor?"
"Moreover..." Guess lowered his head, picked up his teacup, now refilled, and drank it in one gulp. "Whatever Four Ye can offer, I'm willing to double it."
"Heh."
Chen Tai chuckled.
"There's no need for that. Four Ye wouldn't be able to fulfill my needs anyway. I'm also worried about not having enough space." He said.
"If Guess could help me secure a few mountain ranges, and a stable supply chain, I welcome any cooperation."
Chen Tai looked at him with a hint of amusement, "Even if you hadn't brought a gift, Guess, we could still work together."
"Heh," Guess let out a dry laugh, not feeling awkward at all.
He sensed that Chen Tai wasn't being malicious, just teasing him a bit.
Furthermore, after this playful exchange, the atmosphere between them became even more amicable.
Chen Tai directly took out two pills.
"Here, take a look at the samples."
The elixirs placed before Guess were of different sizes.
"This larger one is called the Great Restoration Pill. After consuming it, it... strengthens the body, eliminates all ailments. However, it's difficult to create, and I only have a few on hand."
"This smaller one is called the Lesser Restoration Pill. It has similar effects, but slightly weaker. As long as I have the raw materials, I can continuously supply them."
The Great Restoration Pill and the Lesser Restoration Pill were actually both Five Poison Divine Pills.
However, the original Great Pill was indeed quite precious, or perhaps its effects were too potent for ordinary people.
Four Ye had only taken two, yet he appeared 20 years younger.
He then traded two more from Chen Tai, using the name 'Divine Truth' acquired from Longguo, to present them to the powerful general of Chan Guo, in exchange for the position of head of the Ma Jie Merchant Guild.
He then further increased surveillance around Chen Tai.
This prompted Chen Tai to retaliate, seizing those under his control.
However, they were still unaware of the situation regarding the small mill, as the Damizi brother hadn't openly rebelled.
Meanwhile, Chen Tai shifted his persona from the leader of the Yeming Saint Sect in the Xianmo world.
The Great Pill was too potent, its appeal to mortals was too strong, leading to the risk of reckless behavior.
From now on, it would mainly be used to cultivate Dao soldiers.
He specially adjusted the formula, increasing the flour content (regular flour).
He created the smaller pills for sale.
These smaller pills still had remarkable effects, but compared to existing medicines in this world, they were much more normal.
They could be used for detoxification, temporary aphrodisiac effects, wound healing, and many other uses, making them truly versatile.
Both the larger and smaller pills were vacuum-sealed.
Their shape and color were rather ordinary, a dull black.
Those behind Guess, his trusted aides, all looked disbelieving.
"Rip."
Chen Tai gently tore open the packaging of the Great Pill.
Immediately, an intensely alluring fragrance filled the entire room.
"Eat it!"
"Eat it!"
Everyone in the room, except Chen Tai, fixed their gazes on the small pill.
Even Wumeng was no exception.
After all, Chen Tai forbade her from eating it, claiming it was no better than soybean milk.
Guess barely suppressed the desire welling up within him.
He looked up at Chen Tai.
He squeezed out a few words from between his teeth.
"What's the price?"
Chen Tai waved his hand casually.
"I don't care about the selling price. But if you're buying from me."
He held up a finger.
"I don't sell the Great Pill, only trade it. The price is one set of ten thousand each of spiders, poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and toads, all of good quality."
"I can give you one first."
"The Lesser Pill, one ten thousand Longguo currency per pill."
"Or five each of good quality spiders, poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and toads."
"After all, my people need to eat too."
PS: New author, new book, please follow, please leave data, please leave flowers, please comment, I need everything.