“Exchange items? I wonder what you’d like to exchange. I happen to have some things on hand that could be used for trade.” Han Li stroked his chin and said.
“The materials and elixirs this Venerable wishes to exchange are all listed here. Although they may not be as rare as the ones you just collected, they are still extremely hard to find in the world. Otherwise, this Thunder Spirit Crystal would have been traded long ago—it’s an exceptional material for crafting lightning-attribute treasures.” The middle-aged cultivator was not surprised by Han Li’s words. After a brief reminder, he handed over a prepared jade slip.
Han Li took the jade slip and silently scanned it with his spiritual sense.
The white-robed middle-aged man carefully observed Han Li’s expression, hoping to glean something, but unfortunately, Han Li’s face remained unreadable, showing no trace of emotion. This left the middle-aged man somewhat disappointed and muttering to himself.
“Who exactly is this Venerable Han, a Nascent Soul cultivator? Not only does he look so young, but the materials he seeks are all incredibly rare. Logically, there are many cultivators who maintain their youth after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, but most are female. Even among male cultivators who preserve their appearance, none are as striking in appearance and attire as this old monster! Could he really be a newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator?”
Although the white-robed man sensed Han Li’s Nascent Soul-level cultivation, trying to discern his exact stage was like peering through fog. He could only tell that Han Li seemed stronger than the few early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators he had met before.
This was the main reason he was so attentive to Han Li. Otherwise, given the backing of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, he wouldn’t need to fawn over ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.
“I can indeed provide one or two of the items you need, but the specifics of the exchange will depend on the quality of that Thunder Spirit Crystal. If the crystal is of poor quality, it would be useless to me.” After a short while, Han Li finished reviewing the jade slip and casually tossed it back to the middle-aged man, speaking calmly.
“Naturally. In that case, Venerable, this transaction is of great importance. Venerable Fu resides near the market. I’ll send a message talisman to arrange a meeting between the two of you to negotiate the trade. How does that sound?” The middle-aged man pondered briefly before replying with a smile.
“Venerable Fu? Very well, I’d like to meet this Fellow Daoist Fu. The more Thunder Spirit Crystals I can obtain, the better. Let’s see if he has any extra.” Han Li thought for a moment before agreeing.
In his mind, if the other party could acquire such rare materials, they might have others as well. Meeting in person to inquire wouldn’t hurt.
“In that case, please wait a moment, Venerable. I’ll send the message immediately. Venerable Fu should arrive shortly.” The middle-aged man clasped his hands without hesitation and left the third-floor hall.
Han Li leisurely picked up the spiritual tea on the table and took a sip, finding it rich and sweet—truly extraordinary.
A short while later, the middle-aged man returned, having already sent the message talisman.
After sampling the tea, Han Li glanced at the man and suddenly asked, “Does your Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion specialize in Heavenly Mechanism Houses? I’ve heard that your high-grade Heavenly Mechanism Houses can shrink an entire cave abode to the size of a palm, even embedding powerful restrictions on them. Is this true?”
“Haha, Heavenly Mechanism Houses are indeed our pavilion’s specialty artifacts. However, the type you mentioned is our highest-grade variant, known as a Heavenly Mechanism Mansion. The materials required are exceedingly rare, so few were ever crafted. Apart from a handful of non-tradeable pieces, the rest have long been sold out.” The middle-aged man was momentarily taken aback but quickly explained with a smile.
“Non-tradeable? Why? Didn’t your pavilion craft them for sale?” Han Li was somewhat surprised.
“To be honest, the remaining pieces are all masterworks among Heavenly Mechanism Mansions, far surpassing the previously sold ones in size and embedded restrictions. These were deliberately reserved by our superiors and can only be exchanged for equally rare items.” The man replied somewhat awkwardly.
“Another barter system! That’s quite interesting. But it’s no issue. If these Heavenly Mechanism Mansions are truly as miraculous as claimed, I’d like to acquire one. Could you bring out a few for me to inspect?” Han Li’s lips curled with keen interest.
“A few? Venerable, you jest. Even our main branch in the capital only has one in stock—a treasure of our pavilion. The others are kept in other branches. However, ours was personally crafted by the grandmaster artificer ‘Hua Yunzi’ and is among the finest in function, with restrictions rivaling those of a high-grade ancient treasure. But as a mere steward, I lack the authority to handle it. This treasure is under the care of Elder Wang. If you’re truly interested, I can summon him from the secret chamber to discuss the matter. Only he knows what’s required for the exchange.” The middle-aged man perked up, speaking eagerly.
Han Li’s bold tone suggested a major transaction, and successfully closing such a deal would surely elevate his status in the pavilion.
“In that case, let’s wait—” Han Li smiled faintly, about to say more when his expression suddenly shifted, and he fell silent.
The middle-aged man was puzzled, but just then, an elderly voice boomed from downstairs: “Young Zhao, is there really someone who can offer what I seek? I was in the midst of critical cultivation and had to interrupt it to come here.”
The voice, though aged, was vigorous and resonant. Heavy footsteps followed, as if the newcomer carried significant weight.
“Since I’ve invited you, Venerable, it must be genuine. How would I dare deceive you?” The white-robed man quickly rose and replied respectfully, realizing his guest had arrived.
A tall figure appeared at the hall’s entrance.
Han Li narrowed his eyes, studying the newcomer—a towering elderly man in black robes, his face ruddy and his aura formidable, clearly a peak mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Han Li’s brow furrowed slightly in surprise.
The red-faced elder, upon hearing the steward’s words, also scrutinized Han Li. Noting his youthful appearance and mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, he showed a flicker of astonishment before striding forward with a hearty laugh. “You must be Fellow Daoist Han, as mentioned by Steward Zhao. To possess the materials I need, you’re clearly no ordinary mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.”
“Not at all. It’s Fellow Daoist Fu’s cultivation that impresses me,” Han Li replied with a smile, rising to clasp his hands.
“At my age, reaching this level is nothing to admire. I’ll be blunt—what exactly can you offer for the Thunder Spirit Crystal? Could you give me a preview?” The red-faced elder wasted no time, his eagerness evident.
“I happen to have a fire-attribute Crimson Ganoderma, over a thousand years mature,” Han Li said calmly.
This wasn’t the three-thousand-year specimen he’d acquired at the Southern Sky trading event but a younger one he’d cultivated from its seeds.
“Crimson Ganoderma? A millennium-old specimen would indeed suffice. Could you show it to me?” The elder’s eyes lit up.
“Of course. I carry it with me. But may I see your crystal as well?” Han Li replied evenly.
“Ah, how forgetful of me. Steward Zhao, fetch the crystal I entrusted to you for Fellow Daoist Han’s inspection.” The elder turned to the middle-aged man.
“At once, Venerable.” The steward hurried out.
“Your face is unfamiliar, yet you’ve reached mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivation. Where have you been cultivating, Fellow Daoist Han? You must be a recluse, seldom mingling with others. Otherwise, with your strength, I’d surely have heard of you.” The elder studied Han Li curiously.
Recognizing the probing intent, Han Li chuckled. “It’s no surprise you haven’t heard of me. I’ve been cultivating on a remote island overseas, rarely venturing into the Great Jin’s heartland.”
“An overseas cultivator! My apologies. I’ve long heard of the extraordinary techniques of overseas practitioners, distinct from our inland methods. I’d love to exchange insights sometime. But for you to travel so far to the capital, you must be here for the auction.” The elder nodded, convinced.
Only an obscure Nascent Soul cultivator from the boundless seas could remain unknown in the Great Jin, he reasoned.
After a few more exchanges, footsteps echoed outside, followed by a clear, amused voice: “Brother Fu, visiting our Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion without notifying me? And Fellow Daoist Han is a distinguished guest—I should have greeted you personally.”
A silver-robed cultivator with a pale complexion entered the hall.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage