Chapter 1342: Corpse Bone True Bamboo

However, everyone quickly realized that there was no deathly aura as imagined, nor was there any killing intent from Yu Yanluo. The light emanating from her eyes was merely focused on the unpolished stone in front of her.

“This is…” Everyone understood then; it wasn’t the fabled Eyes of Death, but rather her observing and selecting the rough stone.

“I never expected the Medusa’s Eyes to have such an effect,” exclaimed Chilong, surprised. Even as a member of the Sea Tribe, he had long heard of the Medusa’s Eyes’ reputation.

The Little Golden Peng King nodded subtly, “So that’s it. The Medusa bloodline is naturally attuned to earth elements, and the Medusa’s Eyes are a forbidden earth-attribute technique. Rough stones are also enveloped by earth elements.”

Princess Solun was somewhat surprised and delighted, “Doesn’t that mean she can see what’s hidden inside the rough stone?”

Due to her previous experience at the Marquis Sui’s tomb, she instinctively felt closer to Yu Yanluo. She had initially thought Yu Yanluo was doomed to lose, seeing how formidable Shi Min was, but then things took an unexpected turn.

Shang Liuyu shook her head slightly. “The Medusa’s Eyes can indeed be more attuned to rough stones, perhaps revealing signs that ordinary people cannot see. However, it’s absolutely impossible to see through to the exact contents within the rough stone; this is determined by the laws of heaven and earth. Similarly, the Qiu family’s ‘Flickering Finger’ technique is merely the accumulated experience of stone gambling passed down over centuries. Those techniques have some validity, but they are not infallible; otherwise, the Qiu family would have long become the most prominent family in the world.”

The Second Prince praised, “Princess, you truly possess profound insight; it’s admirable.”

The Little Golden Peng King also admired, “Does the Princess also understand stone gambling? Would you like to try your hand?”

Shang Liuyu smiled faintly, “I don’t understand this art; I merely heard an elder discuss it previously.”

“The Princess is too modest,” the Second Prince and the Little Golden Peng King chuckled in unison.

Chilong's expression was peculiar. These two guys were constantly fawning over his aunt; clearly, they had ulterior motives.

Want to be my aunt’s husband? Go eat dirt.

At this moment, Shi Min also composed himself. After all, he was no ordinary person and quickly cleared his mind of distractions.

He also paused at a long, slender rough stone. This stone was nestled within a bamboo grove, its surface a greenish hue. Circular, bamboo-joint-like protrusions adorned the stone, making it resemble an actual bamboo stalk. Standing in the bamboo grove, it appeared completely natural.

“What’s the price of this stone?” he asked in a deep voice. He was concerned that if something unusual happened later, the seller might raise the price unreasonably.

“This stone is called the ‘Bamboo Gentleman,’ and it’s priced at 2,000 Sky-grade Origin Stones,” replied the Green Garden steward.

Shi Min nodded and rapidly tapped the stone with his fingers, leaving trails of afterimages.

A rustling sound emanated from the stone, like a gentle breeze sweeping through a bamboo forest, yet there was no wind at all in the courtyard.

Immediately after, a chorus of ghostly wails erupted, transforming the originally spirit-filled garden into what felt like the underworld.

“This is…” Everyone present was startled. What a powerful surge of sinister energy!

Shi Min’s expression also changed, but he still stated, “I’ll choose this rough stone.”

With that, he took out the Sky-grade Origin Stones he had prepared.

“Very well,” the steward said, handing the Origin Stones to a subordinate nearby. “Shall we cut it now?”

“Wait a moment!” Shi Min looked towards Yu Yanluo and the others. “Have you made your selections yet?”

Yu Yanluo did not respond. Instead, a faint golden light from her eyes shone upon the rough stone in front of her. Gradually, the stone began to glow with golden light, and soon many people saw a strange phenomenon appear on its surface.

They saw yellow sand filling the sky, an endless desert, and a solitary dead, withered piece of wood stuck in the sand. As the wind blew, the wood gradually became submerged.

Yu Yanluo’s gaze returned to normal. “I’ve also made my choice. This one it is.”

She had previously inquired about the prices. This particular rough stone, due to its ordinary appearance and lack of obvious abnormalities, was among the cheaper ones in the ‘Immortal’ chamber, costing only 500 Sky-grade Origin Stones.

Everyone marveled, clicking their tongues in wonder. This ability was truly astonishing. Could it be that the Medusa Queen could actually see what was inside the rough stone?

Shi Min’s expression also changed drastically. The strange phenomenon just now proved that this rough stone was definitely extraordinary. It seemed he had indeed underestimated her; this woman truly possessed some skill.

However, with the arrow on the string, it had to be shot. He was quite confident in his own judgment.

The rough stone he chose would definitely win.

Shi Min snorted coldly, “Begin.”

The Green Garden steward nodded and began with Shi Min’s stone.

The various princes and princesses gathered around.

The Green Garden steward worked meticulously, not cleaving boldly as he had in the ‘Yellow’ chamber. Instead, he gently abraded the outer layer, each stroke shaving off a wafer-thin piece of stone skin, as if fearing that cutting too deeply would damage the treasure within.

The others naturally understood this and did not urge him on, all holding their breath and watching intently.

Fortunately, the Green Garden steward was experienced. Although each cut was thin, he worked swiftly and precisely, and gradually, the rough stone began to reveal its true form.

As another cut was made, an inky black light spread out.

Immediately afterward, everyone present seemed to hear the wails of countless tormented souls, and gusts of sinister wind blew, causing even the highly cultivated individuals in the audience to involuntarily shiver.

It was the same strange phenomenon they had just perceived, but its power was incomparably greater.

The steward himself trembled, but his hand remained steady. After a few more cuts, the true form of the object inside was fully revealed.

It was a bone, an inky black bone, twisted and contorted, with disgusting nodules that divided the entire bone into several sections, making it eerily resemble a bamboo stalk.

Although this object was ugly and repulsive, a potent aura of primal energy permeated its surroundings—an aura exclusive to Sky-grade items.

“This is the Corpse Bone True Bamboo!” the Second Prince exclaimed, clearly having recognized its origin.

Those nearby quickly asked him what the Corpse Bone True Bamboo was. He explained, “This item typically grows in places of extreme Yin and malevolence. Sometimes, it can also be found in battlefield ruins, as those locations accumulate too many vengeful souls and corpses of fallen soldiers. However, its growth conditions are extremely harsh, making it very difficult for people to find even one, even when specifically searching.”

“This item is a great tonic for cultivators practicing necromancy techniques or dark, chilling energies. Keeping it nearby can double one’s cultivation speed.”

“Furthermore, this item can be used to craft the legendary Immortal-grade weapon, the Soul-Summoning Banner. When activated, the Soul-Summoning Banner can capture souls, turning cultivators into walking corpses.”

“Immortal-grade weapon?” The expressions on everyone’s faces varied. The value of such an item would be immeasurable!

At this point, the Little Golden Peng King also spoke, “I’ve also heard of this item. However, it seems no one has ever successfully crafted it into an Immortal-grade weapon in the past, though some have managed to create Sky-grade Soul-Summoning Banners.”

The Second Prince nodded, “Indeed, Immortal-grade weapons are difficult to find.”

Despite this, Shi Min was quite satisfied. He smiled, looking at Yu Yanluo, “May I ask what the Queen has chosen?”

He looked as if he was certain of victory.