Chapter 239

Chapter 239: Taming the Silkworm King

The Head of the Zhou Family grew furious upon hearing Fang Lie’s words. "Don’t want to trade? Then why summon me?"

"I do want to trade, but your price is unreasonable," Fang Lie replied calmly. "You’re demanding too much!"

"A Gu King that can challenge Wind Tribulation Immortals and is nearing advancement—is my price truly excessive?" the Zhou Family Head protested. "What offer would you consider fair?"

"A single fifth-rank treasure. This one." Fang Lie waved his hand to display the black armor he’d seized.

This armor had become useless to Fang Lie—like tasteless chicken ribs. He’d tried selling it before, but no buyers could afford it. Even after being stolen by the Four Seas Alliance, they’d eventually returned it.

The Zhou Family Head glared at the armor before exploding, "Island Lord Fang, are you mocking me?"

"Dead serious," Fang Lie stated flatly. "This is my final offer. Accept it or leave."

"You…you…" The family head sputtered in rage.

Fang Lie smiled faintly. "Its power is undeniable. But sustaining it requires blood essence—enough to hinder cultivation and shorten lifespans. Your family leaders all died young because of this, didn’t they? This flaw alone slashes its value. Few would want such a burden, correct?"

The Zhou Family Head paled, lips quivering. He remained silent, knowing Fang Lie had uncovered the truth.

Fang Lie pressed on, "Moreover, while its advancement boosts combat power, it gains ability to rebel against its master. You’re selling despite the shame because you fear this, yes?"

"You…know everything." The family head forced a bitter smile. "Then why proceed?"

"I need its strength. The drawbacks?" Fang Lie shrugged. "I’ll manage them."

"Ah!" The man’s eyes brightened. "Then raise your offer! A mere low-grade fifth-rank treasure insults us!"

"This creature brings you nothing but trouble. My offer’s generous." Fang Lie eyed him coldly. "Less scrupulous buyers might offer Fourth-tier Magical Items."

The family head hesitated before pleading, "You’re a wealthy Great Pill Master! We’re just smallfolk. Solve those flaws and you profit hugely! Add something more—just a little—and we’ll deal!"

"Fine." Fang Lie softened slightly at the desperate tone. "One extra spirit pill bottle. Take it or leave."

He produced another pill bottle, placing it beside the armor.

The Zhou Family Head snatched it, sniffed the contents, and brightened. "Quality pills! But…perhaps one more bottle? Just one?"

Fang Lie stared incredulously. A clan leader haggling like a street vendor—how undignified!

Yet he recognized the desperation of someone protecting their family. It reminded him of his own past—begging and bargaining to feed younger siblings. The memory softened his resolve.

Without comment, Fang Lie produced another pill bottle.

The Zhou Family Head sighed deeply, pocketed the bottles, and cast final longing look at the Amethyst Silkworm King. "Done. Here’s its spirit soul fragment. Refine it to claim ownership."

A white wisp emerged from his forehead. Fang Lie swiftly absorbed it into his consciousness sea, then teleported it to the Nirvana True Seed within the Cycle of Fire.

As the True Seed began purification, the Zhou Family Head—though drained and sweating—stood straighter, burden lifted.

He simply clasped hands. "Transaction complete. I depart."

"Safe journey." Fang Lie returned the gesture.

The family head left. Moments later, Li Li reappeared before Fang Lie.

"Manor Lord, did it succeed?" Li Li asked with visible excitement.

"Indeed, it did!" Fang Lie replied, tossing a bottle of spirit pills. "A token of gratitude."

Li Li had tirelessly worked for this task under the Four Seas Alliance’s orders. Though obligated, Fang Lie acknowledged his efforts with this gesture.

"My thanks, Manor Lord!" Li Li eagerly accepted, knowing the pills’ value. He mused, ‘Young as he is, Fang Lie handles affairs adeptly. My efforts weren’t in vain. Greater rewards await if I serve him well!’

Quickly, Li Li added, "The Four Seas Alliance’s triennial auction occurs in two months. Rumor speaks of sixth-rank magical items and priceless treasures in the finale. You shouldn’t miss it!"

Initially uninterested after obtaining abundant spiritual energy from heaven and earth, Fang Lie now saw potential gains. Refining energy could wait, but rare treasures demanded urgency. "Inform your alliance leaders I’ll attend," he declared.

"They’ll be delighted!" Li Li bowed and withdrew.

Alone, Fang Lie entered his secret room to tame the Amethyst Silkworm King.

The creature’s spirit soul had merged with his true seed, forging a bond. Fang Lie sensed its fury and starvation.

Knowledge of Gu-raising told him starved poison Gu insects fought fiercest. Previous masters barely sustained the Silkworm King with minimal blood essence, halving their lifespans.

But Fang Lie feared no backlash. Blood essence meant little to him. He’d try an unconventional approach – kindness.

Most poison Gu insects acted on base instinct, but this king differed. As a millennia-old sixth-transformation monarch, its Wisdom rivaled a human child’s. Though scarred by abuse, Fang Lie believed compassion could reshape it.

Failure mattered little, but success promised a loyal Gu King.

Pressing his chest, Fang Lie used Magic to extract heart blood into glistening beads. One drop landed on the Silkworm King, instantly absorbed.

No gratitude came – only relentless hunger. Unfazed, Fang Lie continued feeding it Original Essence Blood.

Hours passed. The creature’s fury barely waned. Days later, its demands lessened though hunger remained. Fang Lie persisted.

After three days’ relentless feeding, the Silkworm King finally satiated. Resentment faded, replaced by nascent gratitude.

Fang Lie smiled. Seeds of trust were sown. With time, even at ninth transformation, this king would never betray him.