C7 Amethyst Chalcedony

The Spirit Flame Master is a coveted profession that many aspire to, yet it remains exceedingly scarce. In all of Martial Sun City, not a single Spirit Flame Master can be found. Only in the capital of the Great Yan Empire do some Spirit Flame Masters reside, leading reclusive lives. It is rare to encounter them under normal circumstances.

Zhang Tianbei furrowed his brow as he examined the formula for the Jade Spirit Pill.

Qiao Mao, perceiving Zhang Tianbei's concerns, offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about the pill refinement. I'll find someone to take care of it for you."

Although Martial Sun City lacked a Spirit Flame Master, Qiao Mao had been a Spirit Flame Great Master in his former life. He was well-versed in numerous alchemical techniques, which had been essential for his rapid cultivation progress in the past.

"Do you know a Spirit Flame Master?" Zhang Tianbei asked, his expression betraying a hint of awe. Knowing a Spirit Flame Master suggested a person of considerable standing.

"You could say that," Qiao Mao replied, his answer deliberately vague.

Zhang Tianbei was taken aback by the response. Even a Grade Nine Spirit Flame Master had access to resources far surpassing those of the entire Zhang family.

"There's something I don't understand," Zhang Tianbei inquired.

"What might that be?"

"If you're acquainted with a Spirit Flame Master, surely there's nothing beyond your reach in Martial Sun City. Why then do you seek my assistance?" Zhang Tianbei voiced his puzzlement.

Qiao Mao chuckled softly. "Because there are certain matters I must attend to personally."

"What are you implying?" Zhang Tianbei's brow creased, sensing an elusive but potent aura of malice emanating from Qiao Mao, which weighed heavily on his heart.

"Patriarch Zhang, just watch. In the coming days, Martial Sun City will witness some intriguing events," Qiao Mao declared.

"What is it that you require of me?" Zhang Tianbei queried.

"The Zhang family possesses a piece of Amethyst Chalcedony, if I'm not mistaken. Hand it over to me. As for what I might want later on, you'll come to understand in due course," Qiao Mao stated calmly.

Zhang Tianbei's expression grew stern, a touch of anger in his eyes. The Amethyst Chalcedony had been acquired at a great cost, following the loss of two Mortality Transcending Level Five Heaven Family Martial Artists just last month. It was a matter they had kept secret from all.

"How did you come to know about the Amethyst Chalcedony?" Zhang Tianbei inquired, his face etched with a dark scowl.

Qiao Mao suddenly realized that the news of the Zhang family acquiring the Amethyst Chalcedony hadn't surfaced until two months later. Yet, with his current lack of strength, securing the Amethyst Chalcedony was crucial.

"Patriarch Zhang, the source of my information is not important. What you should consider is whether you're willing to trade the Amethyst Chalcedony for your son's future prospects," Qiao Mao stated with unflappable composure.

At this moment, Qiao Mao's demeanor was the epitome of tranquility.

"I'll hand it over, but you'd better ensure my son's recovery. If you fail, I assure you, there will be consequences," Zhang Tianbei declared, his voice laden with severity, as he produced a piece of Amethyst Chalcedony the size of a thumb from his clothing.

Despite its diminutive size, the value of this Amethyst Chalcedony was immense. Such a tiny fragment could easily incite a maelstrom of violence in Martial Sun City.

The fact that Zhang Tianbei was willing to part with it to Qiao Mao spoke volumes of his profound paternal love for Zhang Yu.

Aware of this deep affection, Qiao Mao had the leverage to demand a steep price. Having secured the Amethyst Chalcedony, he promptly departed with Shuang.

As they traveled, Qiao Mao was weighed down by the gravity of the situation. Though he had struck a temporary deal with the Zhang family, the stakes were higher than ever. Should he fail to produce the Jade Spirit Pill, Zhang Tianbei would undoubtedly retaliate against the Qiao family.

In such a scenario, the Qiao family's downfall was inevitable, leaving Qiao Guang and the Qin family to reap the rewards.

"I must acquire a Spirit Flame as swiftly as possible; without it, becoming a Spirit Flame Master is out of the question," Qiao Mao whispered to himself.

In his past life, Qiao Mao had been a renowned Spirit Flame Great Master, but that was no longer his reality. To craft pills, he needed a Spirit Flame, as ordinary fire simply wouldn't suffice. The most straightforward path to becoming a Spirit Flame Master was to seek out these rare flames.

Yet, Demonic Beasts possessing Spirit Flames were exceedingly scarce. Even in his former life, Qiao Mao had encountered only a handful. Thus, at present, he was at an impasse with no means to practice his alchemy.

Qiao Mao racked his brain, trying to figure out where he might find a Spirit Flame in the vicinity. Eventually, he remembered Qin Jin.

He thought to himself, "To my knowledge, aside from myself, Qin Jin is the only one in Martial Sun City who has become a Spirit Flame Master. And he achieved that status one day later than I did."

In Qiao Mao's previous life, he was a Spirit Flame Master who had stumbled upon a Spirit Flame by chance, not in Martial Sun City. So, finding a Spirit Flame now seemed out of the question.

Back then, after Qiao Shuang's incident, Qin Jin had taken a secret trip. Rumors swirled that he had ventured to Space Shattering Mountain, and shortly thereafter, he emerged as a Spirit Flame Master.

Qin Jin's cultivation level was quite advanced, at Mortality Transcending Level Four Heaven. Moreover, like Qin Dian, he had trained in martial skills.

"I need to make a breakthrough in my cultivation within a day. If I don't, I won't stand a chance against Qin Jin, nor will I be able to secure the Spirit Flame."

Without delay, Qiao Mao took Qiao Shuang back to their home. Noticing that the Qin family hadn't come for vengeance, he breathed a sigh of relief. He then hurriedly approached Zhen Gui and said, "Mother, please pack our belongings. It's not safe to stay here. I have some matters to attend to."

"Mao, what's going on?" Zhen Gui asked, her concern evident upon seeing her son's urgency.

"I've killed Qin Dian," Qiao Mao confessed as he began packing their belongings.

Zhen Gui was taken aback. She had never imagined that Qiao Mao could have killed Qin Dian, especially in front of a crowd.

They had managed to deal with Qiao Hee's body discreetly after his death, but killing Qin Dian was bound to bring complications. Being astute, Zhen Gui quickly assisted Qiao Mao with the packing and reassured him, "Mao, don't worry. I'm here for you."

Qiao Mao was moved by her support, but knew this wasn't the time for sentimentality. Handing over the packed bags to Zhen Gui, he instructed, "Take Shuang and rendezvous with my uncle. I need to take care of some business for a few days."

"What are you planning to do?" Zhen Gui inquired, her worry palpable.

"Since the Qin family and Qiao Guang are out to get us, I'll send them a warning right now." A glint of murderous intent flashed in Qiao Mao's eyes.

Zhen Gui initially wanted to dissuade Qiao Mao, but upon seeing his resolute look, she held her tongue. Instead, she cautioned him, "Be careful. If you run into any trouble, hurry back. With your uncle and me here, no one can harm you."

"Mother, I got it," Qiao Mao replied with a slight smile. He then instructed Zhen Gui and Qiao Shuang to exit through the back door, while he himself departed from the front. He didn't spot anyone from the Qin family, so he quickly made his getaway.

No sooner had Qiao Mao and Qiao Shuang left than a throng from the Qin family descended upon the place. Finding Zhen Gui and the others absent, they set fire to Qiao Mao's home.

The incident sent shockwaves through Martial Sun City. When Zhang Tianbei got wind of it, he nearly leaped from his chair in astonishment.

"Dad, what's Qiao Mao up to? He's gone and killed Qin Dian. He's stirring up conflict between the Qiao and Qin families. There's no advantage in it for him," Zhang Yu, who was sitting next to his father, Zhang Tianbei, remarked.

Zhang Tianbei, perched on his stool, was suddenly struck by the words Qiao Mao had uttered before his departure. He murmured to himself, "Perhaps this time, Martial Sun City is really in for a major upheaval. Qiao Dou, what exactly is your son planning? He's truly beyond my comprehension."