The enormous hall was clearly divided into two sections.
One half resembled an ordinary shop, with rows of stone counters displaying various materials and treasures. Behind each ten-zhang-long counter stood a beautiful young attendant. Nearby, a dozen or so men and women were selecting items, while the attendants occasionally offered explanations with smiles.
The other half of the hall was obscured by a hazy blue light barrier. At the entrance to this barrier, two expressionless attendants in green robes stood guard. Inside the barrier, faintly visible shelves held treasures that were evidently of higher value than those outside.
Han Li frowned slightly and released a portion of his suppressed spiritual pressure. Though it was only at the late-stage Void Refinement level, it was enough to make everyone in the hall sense his presence. Their gazes involuntarily turned toward him, their faces filled with awe.
At that moment, the blue light barrier rippled, and a demon woman emerged, far surpassing the attendants outside in both beauty and cultivation. She appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in luxurious robes, exuding an air of grace and nobility.
With a few light steps, she approached Han Li and bowed slightly. “Welcome, Venerable, to the Cai Xuan Pavilion. This junior is Xiao Yan, the acting manager of this establishment. How may I be of service to you?”
This woman was a high-ranking demon at the Deity Transformation stage.
“I’ve heard that your pavilion is the largest shop in Blue Waterfall City. Is that true?” Han Li asked calmly, sizing her up.
“Venerable, we dare not claim to be the largest. But in terms of the variety of goods, we are indeed second to none,” Xiao Yan replied with a charming smile.
“In that case, I must have come to the right place. I have some items I wish to purchase in bulk,” Han Li nodded.
“It is our honor to have caught your attention, Venerable. This is not the place for such discussions. Please follow me to the VIP room on the second floor,” Xiao Yan said eagerly, her heart lifting at the prospect of a major transaction.
Han Li showed no objection and followed her to the staircase.
A short while later, Han Li was seated in an exquisitely decorated room, sipping a cup of fragrant silver tea.
The robed woman stood to the side, explaining, “Venerable, this Demon Taro Tea is a specialty of Blue Waterfall Lake. It has the effect of calming the soul and nourishing the spirit. Our pavilion only receives a few dozen jin of it each year, making it extremely rare.”
“It is indeed exceptional. Though at my level of cultivation, its effects are negligible,” Han Li remarked casually after tasting the tea.
“Of course, someone of your stature would not be impressed by mere spirit tea. May I ask what items you wish to purchase in bulk? Whatever we have, I will do my best to fulfill your request,” the robed woman finally broached the main topic.
“Demonic Gold and Blood Tooth Rice!” Han Li stated bluntly.
At the first name, Xiao Yan’s expression remained unchanged, but upon hearing the second, her face paled slightly, and she fell silent for a moment.
“Is there a problem with these items?” Han Li asked pointedly, feigning ignorance.
“To be honest, Venerable, the Demonic Gold is not an issue. Though rare, we have a considerable stock in our warehouse. You may take as much as you desire. But the Blood Tooth Rice… that is more complicated,” the robed woman said with a troubled expression.
“Before coming here, I heard that Blue Waterfall City strictly controls the distribution of Blood Tooth Rice. Even those of high cultivation can only purchase a few grains per year. Given your pavilion’s influence, surely you can make an exception?” Han Li raised an eyebrow.
“It seems you are unaware of the local production of Blood Tooth Rice. If you think as you just said, you are gravely mistaken,” the robed woman replied with a bitter smile.
“I am new here and know little of such matters. Could you enlighten me?” Han Li asked calmly after a pause.
“This is no secret, so I can tell you freely. Without boasting, our Cai Xuan Pavilion can procure almost any material or treasure through our channels. But the Blood Tooth Rice, a local specialty, is strictly controlled by the City Lord’s Mansion. Each year, we can only receive a fixed quota from them. Though we are one of the city’s major shops, our stock of Blood Tooth Rice is extremely limited. Moreover, the City Lord’s Mansion requires strict records of its sale, with annual audits,” the robed woman explained truthfully.
“So there’s no room for negotiation?” Han Li frowned slightly.
“I deeply apologize, but this is beyond my authority. However, if you only need two or three extra grains, I might be able to arrange something, though I would risk reprimand. Any more than that is truly impossible,” the robed woman replied hesitantly.
“Two or three grains? If that were all I needed, I wouldn’t have come to your Cai Xuan Pavilion. Never mind. If Blood Tooth Rice is too troublesome, let’s focus on the Demonic Gold. How much do you have, and at what price?” Han Li chuckled, changing the subject.
“As for the Demonic Gold, you need not worry! We recently received a large shipment, totaling over a hundred pieces. How many do you require? If it’s a significant amount, I can lower the price,” the robed woman said, perking up.
“A hundred pieces? I’ll take them all,” Han Li said expressionlessly.
“All of them? Did I hear correctly?” The robed woman gasped.
“Do you think I’m joking?” Han Li narrowed his eyes.
“Of course not, Venerable! Please wait a moment while I have them brought for your inspection,” the robed woman said, suppressing her excitement.
“Very well. I’ll wait here,” Han Li nodded calmly.
After a meal’s time, Han Li was personally escorted out of the Cai Xuan Pavilion by the robed woman. He hailed another beast-drawn carriage and instructed the driver to take him to another major shop, then closed his eyes to rest.
Over the course of the day, Han Li visited five or six large shops, purchasing nearly all their stock of Demonic Gold. However, he made no progress with the Blood Tooth Rice, as all the shops refused to sell it in bulk.
Undeterred, Han Li stayed at an inn overnight and resumed his visits the next morning, this time targeting medium-sized shops.
For seven days, Han Li scoured Blue Waterfall City, visiting shops of all sizes and amassing a vast quantity of Demonic Gold. The cost was astronomical, but to Han Li, it was a drop in the bucket.
Despite the large haul, he found no more of the mysterious crystal pearls within the Demonic Gold, which disappointed him greatly. Nevertheless, he continued his purchases.
As for the Blood Tooth Rice, after initial rejections, Han Li stopped inquiring at smaller shops. His actions soon became known to the city’s well-informed residents, who noted the arrival of a foreign demon obsessively collecting Demonic Gold. Most paid little attention, as such occurrences were common in a bustling trade hub like Blue Waterfall City.
But to certain individuals, this news was of great interest.
On the eighth day, as Han Li stepped out of his lodgings and prepared to hail a carriage, a demon man with a mustache suddenly appeared before him, bowing obsequiously. “I heard you’re purchasing Demonic Gold in bulk, Venerable. My companions happen to have a sizable stock. Might you be interested?”
“I only deal in large quantities. If it’s just a few pieces, don’t waste my time,” Han Li replied dismissively after glancing at the man’s mere Nascent Soul cultivation.
“Rest assured, Venerable. If it were only a handful, I wouldn’t dare disturb you. The amount my companions possess will surely satisfy you,” the demon man said with a flattering smile.
“Is that so? Where are these companions? If they’re outside the city, forget it,” Han Li said, feigning cautious interest.
“They await your esteemed presence at the city’s most renowned Immortal’s Abode Restaurant,” the demon man quickly explained.
“Very well. I’ll accompany you,” Han Li said after a moment’s thought.
Delighted, the demon man hailed a prearranged carriage, and they set off down the street.
Several hours later, in a secluded hall, Han Li finally met a group of unfamiliar demon men and women.
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