When the two women and the three male cultivators closely following them entered a nearby shop, Han Li and Qu Hun emerged from behind another building.
Gazing at the shop the women had entered, Han Li wore a thoughtful expression.
After watching for a while, he led Qu Hun toward another street.
At first glance, the streets here were no different from those of mortal shops outside. Rows of similarly sized square buildings lined both sides of the street, with shop signs and banners bearing names like “Wu Family Grocery,” “Chen’s Artifact Shop,” “Five Elements Refining Workshop,” “Huo Yang Raw Materials,” and other varied titles.
Han Li did not enter any of these shops but instead walked straight toward the center of Tiandu Street.
Based on his past experience, Han Li knew that the most powerful shops would be located in the prime spots, likely beneath the “Cloud Dream Pavilion.” He also wanted to get closer to see what other marvels this floating pavilion held. With this thought, he quickened his pace slightly.
Meanwhile, cultivators bustled in and out of the various shops along the street, making Tiandu Street appear quite lively with their presence.
After walking a few hundred feet, Han Li knew he had found the right place. A small plaza spanning several acres opened up before him, its ground paved with pristine, elongated white jade tiles, exuding an air of exquisite luxury.
The center of the plaza was empty, save for the Cloud Dream Pavilion floating mid-air. From a distance, its gates appeared tightly shut, showing no intention of welcoming visitors.
Surrounding the modest plaza stood six small pavilions of varying architectural styles, spaced evenly apart and seemingly positioned in a subtle standoff. Aside from these six shops, no other stores dared to encroach upon the plaza.
Taking in the scene, Han Li studied the floating pavilion for a moment before shifting his gaze to the six ground-level shops.
“Shanhai Pavilion, Baishui Tower, Yuhuan Residence…” Han Li murmured the names of the six shops while observing the cultivators entering and exiting them, hoping to choose the one with the most traffic.
However, after a short while, he frowned and silently grumbled to himself. It turned out that the number of people entering and exiting each of the six pavilions was almost identical. Visitors would often browse all six shops before leaving, either reluctantly or with great excitement.
Frustrated, Han Li focused his attention on re-examining the six pavilions. This time, he noticed something peculiar: the banners hanging outside each shop bore uniquely meaningful symbols.
The banner of Shanhai Pavilion featured a blue mythical beast, Baishui Tower displayed a small golden sword, and Yuhuan Residence showcased a blue Ganoderma mushroom…
Seeing this, Han Li began to suspect he had misunderstood something.
To verify his suspicion, he decided to head toward the nearest shop, Baishui Tower, with Qu Hun silently following behind him.
Upon entering the main hall of Baishui Tower, he found it quite spacious, measuring about twenty to thirty feet in length and width. Rows of white jade shelves lined the walls, displaying nearly a hundred glowing artifacts of various colors. However, with a single glance, Han Li could tell that even the best among them were only high-grade artifacts, unworthy of his attention.
In front of the shelves, four or five neatly dressed green-clad attendants were assisting seven or eight cultivators in selecting and recommending artifacts.
As soon as Han Li and Qu Hun entered, a sharp-eyed attendant noticed Qu Hun’s Foundation Establishment cultivation level. Though unable to discern his exact stage, the attendant’s eyes lit up, and he hurried over.
After bowing deeply to Qu Hun, the attendant cleverly asked, “Esteemed senior, are you looking for artifacts? I assume ordinary artifacts are beneath your notice. Would you care to follow me to the side hall? Our manager can bring out some newly arrived top-grade artifacts for your perusal.”
Hearing such smooth words, Han Li smiled faintly but remained silent, while Qu Hun coldly replied, “Lead the way. We’ll take a look.”
Delighted by Qu Hun’s authoritative tone, the attendant beamed and escorted Han Li to a side hall before excusing himself to fetch the manager.
Shortly after he left, a graceful maid entered, serving two cups of fragrant tea before silently withdrawing.
Han Li unceremoniously picked up his cup and took a small sip. Soon after, a middle-aged man with an ancient, dignified appearance and a long beard entered the room.
The man initially wore a smiling expression, but upon sensing Qu Hun’s cultivation level, he started in surprise and immediately clasped his hands in salute. “I had no idea you’ve reached the False Core stage! Congratulations! I am Cao Lu, the manager here. I wish you an early success in forming your Golden Core!”
His solemn and earnest tone took Han Li aback.
But Han Li’s mind worked quickly, and he soon realized that “False Core” likely referred to Qu Hun’s peak Foundation Establishment cultivation. He directed Qu Hun to stand and respond diplomatically: “You flatter me. Achieving Golden Core formation is no easy feat. However, I have come precisely to prepare for my attempt. As I’ve only recently arrived in Tiandu Street, I’m unsure where to purchase the ‘Snow Spirit Water’ and ‘Heavenfire Liquid’ required for Core Formation. I would appreciate your guidance, Fellow Daoist Cao.” Qu Hun spoke very politely, as the dignified middle-aged man before him was also a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
“Hehe, that’s easily arranged! Our Six United Pavilions operate as one. I’ll immediately contact Fellow Daoist Ouyang from Yuhuan Residence. If they have these items, I’ll have them sent over right away.” Manager Cao agreed without hesitation, promptly taking out a transmission talisman, murmuring a few words into it, and sending it out of the room as a red beam of light.
Afterward, Manager Cao engaged Qu Hun in enthusiastic conversation, subtly probing for information about his background and sect.
However, Han Li had no intention of revealing such details to a stranger he had just met. He manipulated Qu Hun to vaguely explain that he had recently arrived at Queixing Island and, after accidentally encountering his junior nephew Han Li, decided to settle on the island for a time.
Hearing this, Manager Cao’s smile widened, and his enthusiasm grew to the point where Han Li began to feel overwhelmed.
Just as Han Li grew suspicious and wondered about the man’s intentions, a burly man with a thick beard and a light blue robe entered the side hall. His face was purplish-red, and he had an imposing, mighty stature.
“Fellow Daoist Cao, why the sudden request for Snow Spirit Water and Heavenfire Liquid? Is someone attempting Core Formation?” the man boomed with a hearty laugh as he entered. His eyes briefly swept over Han Li before settling on Qu Hun.
The man’s deliberate questioning made Han Li inwardly frown. He sensed that this person was likely not as straightforward and bold as he appeared, but rather shrewd and calculating. Han Li grew wary and decided to tread carefully.
Outwardly, however, both Han Li and Qu Hun remained calm and even wore slight smiles.
“Hehe, Fellow Daoist Ouyang, let me introduce you. This is Fellow Daoist Qu, who has recently arrived at our Queixing Island. And this is his junior nephew, Fellow Daoist Han, who has settled here. Fellow Daoist Qu has reached the False Core stage and is preparing to attempt Core Formation.” Cao Lu pointed at Qu Hun and Han Li, smiling as he spoke.
“Haha, congratulations, Fellow Daoist Qu! If you succeed in forming your Golden Core, our Scattered Star Seas will have gained another pillar of strength!” The bearded man grinned broadly, equally enthusiastic.
But then, as if remembering something, he slapped his forehead and said with an apologetic tone, “Look at my memory! I’m sure Fellow Daoist Qu is eager to know about the Snow Spirit Water and Heavenfire Liquid. But rest assured, I’ve brought both items—enough for two people attempting Core Formation!” As he spoke, the bearded man took out two jade boxes emitting a faint yellow glow and placed them on the table before Han Li.
“These boxes are carved from deep-sea polar jade with earth attributes and can be considered rare treasures in their own right. But of course, they pale in comparison to the value of the spiritual items inside!” Though his words sounded casual, Han Li detected a hint of pride in his tone.
“Thank you for your trouble,” Qu Hun replied impassively before carefully opening the two jade boxes.
One box contained a transparent, water-like liquid. As soon as the lid was opened, a wave of extreme cold and Yin energy rushed toward Qu Hun. The other box held a vivid, fiery red liquid that radiated intense heat.
After examining them closely for a long time, Qu Hun finally closed the lids with satisfaction and looked up at the bearded man calmly. “How many spirit stones would you ask for these items?”
Although not as rare as thousand-year spiritual medicines, Snow Spirit Water and Heavenfire Liquid were still incredibly hard-to-find spiritual items, essential for assisting in Core Formation and increasing the success rate. Han Li was determined to acquire them.
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