When Han Li entered the pavilion, Mu Peiling was meditating in the hall on the first floor. Upon seeing Han Li enter, her bright eyes flickered as she gracefully rose to greet him, her curtsy accentuating her slender and elegant figure.
Han Li waved his hand, signaling her to rise, and said, “In the future, there’s no need to wait for me here when I’m not around. During the trade fair, it’s inconvenient for us to be seen together, so you may act as you please. Here is a pair of Spirit Heart Pendants—wear one of them. If you encounter any urgent or dangerous situation, simply channel your spiritual power into it. Not only will it generate a protective barrier, but I will also sense it within a thousand miles.”
With that, Han Li retrieved a pair of azure-blue jade pendants from his person and handed one to her.
“Thank you for your generosity, Young Master!” Mu Peiling was momentarily stunned before a faint blush appeared on her jade-like face as she softly accepted the pendant and fastened it to her waist sash.
After instructing Mu Peiling to return to her room and rest, Han Li proceeded to the second floor of the pavilion.
The woman watched Han Li’s retreating figure, lowering her head slightly to fiddle with the pendant at her waist, her delicate face revealing a complex expression.
On the second floor, Han Li casually selected a bedroom and sat cross-legged on the bed to meditate. After resting for over an hour, he opened his eyes again, glanced at the night outside the window, and murmured to himself.
“It’s about time. I should go visit that person now.” With these words, he rose from the bed and left the room.
Silently exiting the pavilion, he headed straight for a familiar location in Dantian City. Before long, Han Li stood before the same building he had visited earlier that day.
Gazing at the golden plaque above the door that read “Crystal Dragon Pavilion,” he stroked his chin, peered into the pitch-black interior, and stepped inside without hesitation.
“Welcome back, Fellow Daoist! I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Han to be so punctual—you’ve arrived precisely at the agreed time.” As soon as Han Li entered, the entire room suddenly brightened, revealing Tianjing Zhenren seated behind a long table, smiling at him just as he had during the day.
“Since I was the one who proposed this meeting, how could I be late? However, judging by your demeanor, it seems you’ve been waiting for some time. I truly feel a bit embarrassed!” Han Li replied impassively, then flicked his hand behind him, sending an invisible force to gently push the pavilion’s door shut.
Tianjing Zhenren chuckled lightly and said, “When you left earlier, Fellow Daoist, you suddenly transmitted a message saying you had more Spirit Stones. Was that true?” As he asked this, the old Daoist narrowed his eyes slightly, as if skeptical.
Without responding immediately, Han Li patted his storage pouch and flipped his hand, revealing a crystal stone identical in size to the one from earlier, glowing emerald-green and exuding an astonishing aura of yin energy. He fixed his gaze on the old Daoist, remaining silent.
“Your words were indeed true. How many more Spirit Stones of this quality do you possess, Fellow Daoist Han? I’m willing to exchange for all of them. Whether it’s spirit stones or materials, name your price!” Tianjing Zhenren’s face flushed with excitement as he spoke eagerly.
“There’s no need to rush, Fellow Daoist Tianjing. Since I’ve brought out this Spirit Stone, I naturally intend to trade with you. However, before that, I must ask you two questions. If your answers satisfy me, I’ll gift you this Spirit Stone.” Han Li replied calmly, casually tossing the stone to the old Daoist without batting an eye.
Tianjing Zhenren caught the stone in surprise, examined it briefly, and his expression turned doubtful. After a long silence, he sighed deeply. “Fellow Daoist is truly generous! The questions you have must be quite significant. But as long as they’re within my knowledge, I’ll ensure you’re satisfied.” With that, he carefully stored the Spirit Stone and regained his composure.
“Since you’ve said so, I won’t hold back. Do you know anything about the whereabouts of Essence Gold? During the exchange meeting, when I mentioned seeking information on Essence Gold, your expression seemed unusual. You must know something.” Han Li cut straight to the point.
“Indeed, I do have some information about Essence Gold, but it’s unverified, which is why I didn’t mention it at the meeting. If you truly wish to know, I can share it.” Tianjing Zhenren replied slowly, showing no surprise.
“Even if the information is uncertain, I’d still like to hear it. Please proceed.” Though Han Li had anticipated this, a faint smile appeared on his face.
“Even if I didn’t tell you, you’d likely find out in a few days. According to an old friend of mine who oversees the auction house, a piece of Essence Gold may be auctioned during the trade fair. However, the owner seems inclined to exchange it for other items instead, so it hasn’t been confirmed for the auction yet. If it does go up for bidding, the sword cultivation sects will likely spare no expense to acquire it. Your chances, Fellow Daoist, would be slim.” Tianjing Zhenren explained.
“A three-thousand-year-old Crimson Ganoderma already sells for a hundred thousand spirit stones. Something as rare as Essence Gold, unseen for centuries, would naturally command an astronomical price. If it’s auctioned, the price could easily double.” Han Li’s smile faded as he spoke wryly.
He was self-aware. Though his personal wealth was considerable, it paled in comparison to the resources of an entire sect.
After a moment of bitter reflection, Han Li steadied himself and said coolly, “Regardless, thank you for the advance notice. At least this gives me time to gather more spirit stones. By the way, do you know the identity of the Essence Gold’s owner? I’d like to pay them a visit beforehand.”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve heard it’s a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Nine Nations Alliance, currently residing in a small mountain west of the city gates. You should be able to find them without much difficulty.” The old Daoist stroked his beard and smiled.
“Thank you for the guidance. That settles the matter of Essence Gold. Now, my next question relates to the Spirit Stones. I hope Fellow Daoist Tianjing can enlighten me.” Han Li nodded, then adopted a mysterious tone.
“What do you mean? I don’t understand!” The old Daoist’s benevolent expression darkened, his eyes flashing sharply as he demanded in a low voice.
“To be frank, I’m also versed in the art of puppet refinement. In ancient cultivators’ ruins, I’ve discovered remnants of ancient puppet beasts, some of which contained these Spirit Stones. If I’m not mistaken, Spirit Stones are crucial to the ancient art of puppet-making. Since you’re collecting them, it seems you’ve obtained an ancient puppet refinement technique and intend to craft a formidable ancient puppet. Am I correct? If so, could you share some details?” Han Li stared unblinkingly at the old Daoist.
As he spoke, he heightened his vigilance. Though unlikely, he had to guard against the possibility of the old Daoist lashing out in anger.
Tianjing Zhenren’s face turned expressionless, his gaze icy as he stared at Han Li in silence.
Han Li grew even more cautious but maintained his composure. He reached into his storage pouch again and produced a palm-sized jade box. Opening it, he placed it on the table before the old Daoist, revealing two Spirit Stones even larger than the previous one.
Tianjing Zhenren’s frosty demeanor finally cracked, his eyes widening in shock. “Stones of this size—how did you obtain them? Do you have more?” he asked solemnly in a low voice.
Han Li smiled but remained silent.
“Very well. I’ll answer your question, but in exchange, you must tell me how you acquired these Spirit Stones.” The old Daoist tapped the table twice with a finger, his voice cold.
“Agreed.” Han Li replied without hesitation, as if he’d already anticipated this.
“As you guessed, I and a few friends discovered ancient puppet refinement techniques in the ruins of an ancient cultivator. According to the records, these puppet beasts are incredibly powerful, but the materials required are exceedingly rare, and Spirit Stones are essential for their creation. However, Spirit Stones are nearly impossible to find. I’ve only managed to gather a few, which is why I acted so rashly at the exchange meeting. Now, it’s your turn—how did you come by so many?” Tianjing Zhenren spoke coolly.
“My source is simple. I didn’t know these were called Spirit Stones by ancient cultivators—only that they’re produced within a type of demon beast called Nethershadow Beasts. It took tremendous effort to obtain them.” Han Li replied calmly.
“Nethershadow Beasts? I’ve never heard of them. Where can they be found?” The old Daoist’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he asked eagerly.
“Before that, may I ask what kind of ancient puppet you’re refining? Could you share the refinement technique you obtained?” Han Li remained composed, his tone steady.
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