Chapter 1866: Golden Flame Marquis

“This senior’s dwelling place seems rather unique!” Han Li gazed at the golden, shimmering island with a hint of astonishment.

“Heh, it’s just one of his eccentric preferences. When you meet him in person, Young Friend Han, you’ll naturally understand the reason.” Qing Yuanzi’s lips twitched slightly as he replied with a faint, enigmatic smile.

“I see. Now I’m even more curious!” Han Li mused, his expression thoughtful upon hearing this.

Without another word, Qing Yuanzi flicked his sleeve toward the white barrier ahead.

A surge of golden light instantly condensed before him, forming a massive golden sword over thirty meters long. Without hesitation, he swung it toward the barrier.

**Boom!**

The white barrier rippled violently, its surface flickering with light as if on the verge of collapse.

Almost simultaneously, several furious roars erupted from the island.

“Who dares attack our Golden Flame Island?”

“Do you not know this is Lord Golden Flame’s residence?”

In an instant, figures flashed within the barrier, and several streaks of light shot out. After a few flickers, four golden-armored guards abruptly appeared before Qing Yuanzi and Han Li, glaring at them with rage.

“Ah! It’s Lord Qing!”

Upon recognizing Qing Yuanzi, the four guards immediately bowed in respect, their earlier anger vanishing.

Han Li swept his gaze over them, sensing their Void Refinement-level cultivation. However, their auras carried a fierce, almost bestial quality, marking them as anything but ordinary.

Ignoring the guards, Qing Yuanzi raised his voice toward the golden palace.

“Golden Flame Marquis, Jiang has come to visit. Won’t you greet me?”

Though his voice wasn’t loud, it reverberated across the island, echoing through every corner of the palace.

After a pause, a calm male voice responded from within:

“Qing Yuanzi, since you’re here, just come in. Must I personally welcome you?”

The voice was distant yet crystal-clear to Han Li and the others.

“Heh, in that case, I won’t stand on ceremony. Lead the way,” Qing Yuanzi said with a faint smile, gesturing to the guards.

“Yes, Senior! Please follow us!”

One of the guards hastily complied, and soon, Han Li and Qing Yuanzi passed through the parted barrier, descending toward the palace.

Shortly after, Qing Yuanzi sat casually in an expansive hall, while Han Li took a seat beside him.

At the head of the hall sat a middle-aged man in a golden robe and dragon crown—his expression serene.

“Fellow Daoist Jiang, this companion of yours has mid-stage Body Integration cultivation. Did you take him as a personal disciple, knowing your time is near? At such a young age, he’s certainly capable of inheriting your legacy. Though last I heard from that old eccentric Yan, you’d taken a female disciple.”

The golden-crowned man spoke abruptly. His face was pale as jade, adorned with a half-foot-long black beard, exuding an air of scholarly elegance.

This was the master of the island—Golden Flame Marquis, a Great Ascension cultivator like Qing Yuanzi.

Han Li observed the man, noting the countless golden ornaments adorning his body. He couldn’t help but silently acknowledge Qing Yuanzi’s earlier remark.

“You’re mistaken, Fellow Daoist Jin. Young Friend Han is not my disciple but an old acquaintance. You may recall, centuries ago, a group of juniors trespassed here, drawing the pursuit of the Ephemera Clan. That’s when I met him. As for my disciple, I’ve since adopted her as my foster daughter. Though her aptitude is exceptional, she’s still only at the Void Refinement stage.”

Qing Yuanzi chuckled, offering a straightforward explanation.

“Centuries ago? Ah, those outsiders who lured away the Nether Lightning Beast to steal the Netherworld River’s Milk! If I recall, their leaders were all captured by the Ephemera Clan. How did Young Friend Han escape unscathed? Did you intervene?”

Golden Flame Marquis’s expression flickered with surprise.

“Not entirely, but close. I did arrange for his safe departure from the Netherworld River. But don’t misunderstand—I acted partly because he shares my lineage, and partly because I needed him to handle matters in the outside world.”

Qing Yuanzi’s tone was indifferent.

“I see. But you haven’t visited in over a millennium. Bringing this clansman along now suggests more than a casual visit.”

Golden Flame Marquis narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Han Li before his expression hardened.

“You guessed right. I’ve come to discuss a matter with you.”

Qing Yuanzi admitted frankly.

“Hmph, I knew it. Though we’re closer than the others, you wouldn’t rush here right after seclusion just to chat. Speak your piece.”

Golden Flame Marquis remained impassive.

“You’re mistaken again. I’m not here to ask for a favor but to propose a mutually beneficial trade. If you find it unsatisfactory, I won’t insist.”

Qing Yuanzi’s expression darkened slightly.

“Haha, I was only jesting. Given our long-standing friendship, unless it’s too unreasonable, how could I refuse?”

Golden Flame Marquis laughed, his demeanor easing.

“Then I’ll be direct. Last time, you expressed great interest in my ‘Nine-Pupil Pearl’ and offered treasures in exchange. At the time, I needed it for refining, so I declined. Now, I’ve brought it to trade for certain items. What do you think?”

With a flick of his sleeve, Qing Yuanzi produced a jade box, its emerald-green hue radiant.

**”Nine-Pupil Pearl!”**

Golden Flame Marquis’s pupils contracted sharply. His gaze locked onto the box, as if struggling to tear it away.

“You’ve brought this treasure out. Very well. What do you want in exchange? Unless it’s something I absolutely cannot part with, name your price.”

His tone betrayed eagerness.

Han Li, observing this, felt a surge of hope. Obtaining the Netherworld River’s Milk seemed increasingly plausible.

“Three vials of Netherworld River’s Milk and a piece of Xiran Soil.”

Qing Yuanzi smiled.

“Impossible! The Nine-Pupil Pearl is invaluable for refining, but that’s far from enough. The Xiran Soil is a supreme earth-attribute material, unparalleled in the world. The bit I have is reserved for crafting a treasure to survive my next tribulation. I can’t trade it!”

Golden Flame Marquis shook his head vehemently.

“I anticipated your refusal. But what if I add these three items?”

Qing Yuanzi remained composed. With another flick of his sleeve, three peculiar golden objects appeared on the table—each resembling a spearhead, fist-sized and covered in intricate crimson runes.

Golden Flame Marquis frowned, examining one closely.

“Could this be… the legendary **Vajra Demon-Slaying Divine Thunder**?”

His voice held disbelief.

“Sharp eyes. I refined these using Golden Lightning Bamboo leaves and other thunder-attribute materials, harnessing heavenly lightning over centuries. I’m offering half my stock—proof of my sincerity. Your next Great Heavenly Tribulation isn’t far off. These thunders are unparalleled against Outer Realm Demons, which are nearly impossible to guard against during tribulations. With these, they’re far more effective than any mind-protecting treasure. I wouldn’t part with them if I hadn’t crafted enough spares.”

Qing Yuanzi’s smile was knowing.