Inside the cave mansion.

The furnishings inside were extremely simple, mostly stone chairs and tables, and on the entire Ao-Bie Island, it was just the father and son duo.

Black Rock Demon Saint presented Qin Ming with some special products of the Sea Race, like Spirit Fish and spirit shrimp.

Afterward, he also took out a set of exquisite glazed jade cup, poured spirit wine into it, and handed it to Qin Ming.

"This is a specialty of the East Sea Dragon Palace—Fubo Spirit Wine, Fellow Daoist Long, please have a taste."

"Fellow Daoist Long has traveled a long distance, I wonder what you might need?"

Qin Ming took the spirit wine and drank it all, instantly feeling it had a unique taste.

He directly got to the point and said, "I heard that this place has Extraterrestrial Exotic Gold fall, I’ve come specifically to seek some."

"Oh? I thought it was something else, turns out it’s Extraterrestrial Meteorite Iron!" Black Rock Demon Saint chuckled freely, then flipped his hand to reveal a fist-sized dark golden Spiritual Ore.

"This Extraterrestrial Exotic Gold indeed fell nearby this island’s sea region thirty years ago by accident, obtained by me."

"After some verification by me, this item should be the legendary Tier Four Middle-Grade Spiritual Ore Dark Demon Gold Essence, since Fellow Daoist Long needs it, I’ll give it to you as a token of my appreciation."

Qin Ming’s face showed a slight joy, he hadn’t expected to obtain it so smoothly.

He released his Divine Thought, inspected the Dark Demon Gold Essence for a long time, and found its malleability and toughness were both remarkably strong.

"The previous matter was just a casual act, the value of this Extraterrestrial Exotic Gold is quite significant."

"Moreover, I have other items to exchange with Fellow Daoist Black Rock."

"Near Fellow Daoist Black Rock’s cave mansion, that Spirit Plant, and that piece of Spirit Turtle Shell the Green Lizard King wants to acquire, I wonder if you are willing to sell or exchange them?"

Black Rock Demon Saint was taken aback upon hearing this, he immediately said:

"What Spirit Plant? Could Fellow Daoist Long be referring to that two-foot tall little tea tree? I haven’t paid much attention to it."

"As for this Profound Spirit Armor, it is cultivated, nurtured, and refined by our Ao-Bie Race over a millennium, an invaluable Supreme Treasure for defense. Its defensive ability, I believe Fellow Daoist Long has seen firsthand."

"This armor is only shed after our race completes the Transformation Celestial Tribulation, and the Green Lizard Demon Saint is also after this item."

With that explanation from the other party, Qin Ming understood.

Thus he asked, "These two items, I wonder if the two Fellow Daoists are interested in exchanging? I do have some items here, I believe they will not disappoint you."

At this moment.

Ao Tian beside him, smiled calmly and said, "My life was saved by Fellow Daoist Long, although this Profound Spirit Armor is extremely precious, it is not useful to us, it will most likely be traded or sold elsewhere, how about giving it to the Daoist as well."

"However, I am somewhat curious, with Fellow Daoist Long’s strong physical body, even surpassing my father, is it perhaps for other purposes?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming thought these two Demon Saints were quite generous, and he did not hide.

"Indeed, my coming here is to search for some items for my Spirit Pet to pass the Transformation Celestial Tribulation."

While speaking, he summoned the Heaven-Devouring Rat.

Once Heaven-Devouring Rat appeared, it hurriedly cupped its hands toward the two Demon Saints in front of it and said, "Greetings, Senior Demon Saints, heh heh heh!"

Black Rock Demon Saint and his son exchanged glances and believed Qin Ming’s words.

"Only, my son and I are speaking openly, is the Daoist showing his true face now?"

Qin Ming responded, and with nothing to hide, revealed his true body.

"Qin Ming of the Southern Wilderness Cultivation Realm."

"Oh! So it’s Fellow Daoist Qin, then just take it as you please."

"I did not expect Fellow Daoist Qin to be so devoted to his Spirit Pet Demon Beast, it’s truly the Mouse King’s fortune."

Saying this, he handed the piece of black turtle shell to the Heaven-Devouring Rat.

Heaven-Devouring Rat joyfully accepted the turtle shell, ecstatic!

"Heh heh! How... how could I accept this?"

It spoke modestly, but its body was very honest.

Qin Ming couldn’t just take the other party’s three treasures without reciprocating, especially since the Spirit Tea Tree he was interested in was likely the most valuable.

Thus he took out a jar of spirit wine and two Tier Four Nurturing Fruits, placing them on the stone table, and said:

"I don’t like taking advantage of others."

"This wine is called ’Spirit Rhinoceros Jade Liquid’, it can enhance the cultivation of Nascent Soul Stage or Tier Four Demon Cultivators, and can be consumed up to Tier Four Mid-Stage."

"And these two Tier Four Low-Grade Nurturing Fruits are rare items for your Transformed Demon Cultivators, whether for Alchemy or direct consumption, their effect is substantial."

As soon as he said this, the two old turtles were stunned.

"Spirit wine that can enhance Tier Four cultivation! And Nurturing Fruit, Fellow Daoist Long... this... this is too precious, we are truly undeserving!"

Black Rock Demon Saint said this, but his gaze couldn’t move away from the jar of wine and the jade box on the stone table.

He had been stuck at Early-stage Tier Four for over two thousand years, maybe with this wine, it could help him advance further in his cultivation. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

This truly filled Black Rock Demon Saint with surprise and excitement.

"If Fellow Daoist Black Rock agrees, then let’s exchange, don’t refuse." Qin Ming said calmly.

Black Rock Demon Saint then nodded and agreed: "Then in that case, I shall accept with gratitude."

He waved his hand forward, collecting the spirit wine and jade box before him.

Afterward.

Black Rock Demon Saint led Qin Ming to outside the cave mansion, to the Spirit Tea Tree.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, if you fancy this tree, take it away."

"Just allow me to ask, Fellow Daoist Qin, do you know what kind of Spirit Tea Tree this is?"

Qin Ming also shook his head, "I’m not quite sure either, I just found it interesting to see this Spirit Tree able to survive under the Tribulation Thunder."

"I see." Black Rock Demon Saint also nodded, not giving it much thought.

Immediately after.

Qin Ming then waved his hand, his fingers gripping the air, and transplanted the entire Spirit Tea Tree, along with the rocky soil, into the Little Spirit Realm.

Having done all this, he felt a bit of excitement inside.

In Qin Ming’s view, among the three pieces of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures obtained today, this miraculous Spirit Tea Tree probably holds the most value.

After the transaction was completed.

The offspring of the Black Rock Demon Saint had just broken through to Tier Four Transformation Great Demon, likely with many matters to deal with.

Qin Ming then took his leave.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, if ever you need assistance from Ao-Bie Island, feel free to come to me."

"Haha! Then I won’t be polite, as there are other matters at hand, I won’t linger any longer."

"However, two years from now, when the Immortal Mansion Grand Assembly opens, we might have another opportunity to meet."

"That would be best, I shall definitely have a good gathering with you then, Fellow Daoist Qin. Our Ao-Bie Island falls under the command of the Third Prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace, and the millennial Immortal Mansion Grand Assembly is held right on the Third Prince’s Dragon Abyss Island."

Hearing this, Qin Ming was quite surprised and said, "Oh? How coincidental."

...

A few days later.

Qin Ming left Ao-Bie Island and returned to Black Abyss Island.

Originally, he was just collecting items to resist the Celestial Tribulation for the Heaven-Devouring Rat, not expecting an additional gain.

This Spirit Tea Tree, standing two feet high, turned out to be the most valuable among the three treasures.

Inside the tower built of black stones.

When Black Profound Ascendant saw Qin Ming reappear unscathed in front of him, he couldn’t help but marvel secretly.

"Fellow Daoist Black Profound, have you obtained the items I requested?" Qin Ming asked coldly.

Black Profound Ascendant gathered himself, "Oh! Haha! Fellow Daoist Long is indeed powerful; I didn’t expect you to return from Ao-Bie Island so quickly."

"Rest assured, I, who reside on Black Abyss Island, certainly have some credibility. Naturally, I have gathered the items you wanted."

"Please take a look, Fellow Daoist Long."

He said, placing a wooden box in front of Qin Ming.

"Inside are two pieces of Tier Four Middle-Grade Extraterrestrial Exotic Gold, more than sufficient for crafting your Artifact."

With a thought, Qin Ming opened the wooden box, revealing two fist-sized pieces of Dark Patterned Exotic Gold, emitting a Void Attribute, suitable for integrating into any attribute of Artifact to enhance its power.

He nodded in satisfaction and immediately put away the wooden box.

The two pieces of Extraterrestrial Exotic Gold, combined with the Dark Demon Gold Essence from Ao-Bie Island, were enough to upgrade the Black Steel Fork to a higher level.

Transaction completed.

Qin Ming prepared to leave, but Black Profound Ascendant called him back, "Hehe! Fellow Daoist Long, don’t be in such a hurry to leave. If you have anything to dispose of, feel free to sell it on Black Abyss Island; I only take a ten percent commission."

Black Profound Ascendant could tell that ’Long Daoist’ had extraordinary cultivation strength, managing to leave Ao-Bie Island unscathed, and couldn’t help but respect him.

Even at the early-stage Nascent Soul, he was probably an outstanding presence; in the hands of such an Evil Star, there must be many good items.

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming halted his steps.

Then he disposed of all the unwanted Artifacts and pills from the storage pouches of the three Nascent Soul Old Monsters.

He gained over eight thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones and exchanged them for some High-Tier Spiritual Materials.

...

Three days later.

Qin Ming reverted to his original appearance and drove the Lingxiao Imperial Carriage, speeding all the way, eventually landing on a deserted island. This bald and lifeless place certainly wouldn’t attract any people.

He planned to take this time to thoroughly enhance the Black Steel Fork for the Heaven-Devouring Rat.

After landing on the island, Qin Ming directly entered the Little Spirit Realm.

When he found the Heaven-Devouring Rat, it was still clutching the Spirit Turtle Shell fondly, endlessly refining and studying it.

"Master, this is truly a great treasure! Hehe!"

"Of course, it is a Supreme Treasure formed by the Ao-Bie Race through their full Bloodline Power, even coveted by the Green Lizard King, now freely handed to you." Qin Ming said casually.

"Moreover, this is just the original item. In the future, if you put effort into refining and nurturing it, its power and grade will surely elevate further."

"With such a defensive Supreme Treasure, if you still can’t get past the Celestial Tribulation, it would be unreasonable."

Hearing this, the Heaven-Devouring Rat chuckled and patted its chest, saying: "Rest assured, Master, if I can’t overcome this hurdle even with the Profound Spirit Armor, I might as well smash myself to death."

Then.

Qin Ming took the Black Steel Fork from the Heaven-Devouring Rat, preparing to incorporate the Extraterrestrial Exotic Gold for re-forging.

On his way to the diminutive Spirit Tea Tree, he closely observed it and found the black boulders it grew on were quite extraordinary.

The lush Spirit Tea Tree, with sparse branches, faintly shimmered with Thunder Power flickering across its surface.

Qin Ming contemplated briefly, thinking: "This Spirit Tea is born from the Transformation Celestial Tribulation, surely an extraordinary Spirit Plant."

"Let’s try ripening it to a thousand years first."

...