“Hehe, Brother Wang, it’s rare to see you make an appearance. I thought you would continue secluding yourself to cultivate the ‘Turtle Spirit Art’ and wouldn’t dare disturb your peaceful cultivation,” the elderly Fu said with familiarity, as if he had known the silver-robed cultivator for a long time.
“The Turtle Spirit Art has stalled at the seventh layer for me. I doubt I’ll ever advance to mid-Nascent Soul stage in this lifetime. However, I heard from Steward Zhao that a fellow Daoist suspected to be at mid-Nascent Soul stage has arrived at our pavilion and wishes to purchase the Sky Mechanism Mansion that has been stored here for centuries. Coupled with Brother Fu’s esteemed presence, how could I not come out to greet you?” The silver-robed cultivator, appearing to be in his fifties, glanced at Han Li and chuckled before cupping his hands in a polite salute.
Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately realized this was the Elder Wang mentioned earlier by the white-robed middle-aged man. A quick sweep with his spiritual sense confirmed the man was indeed an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, though his unusually pale complexion hinted at the peculiarities of his cultivation technique.
“Brother Wang is too kind. I, Han Li, have long heard of the renowned Sky Mechanism Pavilion and thus came to pay a visit,” Han Li replied with a faint smile, returning the salute.
“Fellow Daoist Han wishes to exchange for the Sky Mechanism Mansion? Tsk tsk, as expected of an overseas cultivator—your generosity is truly remarkable. It seems the rumors of abundant treasures overseas are not unfounded,” the elderly Fu remarked with surprise.
“While some materials overseas may be rare, they pale in comparison to the vast resources of the mainland. You two jest too much,” Han Li replied noncommittally.
Naturally, his words didn’t convince the two Nascent Soul cultivators, but they refrained from pressing further about overseas matters. Provoking suspicion from a high-ranking cultivator like Han Li would be unwise.
At this moment, the middle-aged man surnamed Zhao, who had been following the silver-robed cultivator, stepped forward and placed two jade boxes—one large, one small—on the table before Han Li before tactfully retreating. He understood that with Elder Wang present, his input was unnecessary.
“Since Fellow Daoist is interested in our Sky Mechanism Mansion, I’ve brought it along with Brother Fu’s Thunder Spirit Stone for your inspection,” Elder Wang said politely, gesturing to the larger jade box.
“Brother Wang, let’s hold off on showing the Sky Mechanism Mansion for now. Allow me and Fellow Daoist Han to complete our transaction first,” the elderly Fu interjected eagerly.
“Brother Fu, still as impatient as ever. Very well, you go first. I’m also quite curious to see what treasures Fellow Daoist Han has to offer in exchange for your Thunder Spirit Crystal,” Elder Wang chuckled.
Hearing this, Han Li smiled faintly and casually patted his storage pouch. With a flip of his hand, a palm-sized emerald wooden box appeared, sealed with two gold-and-silver talismans.
The elderly Fu’s eyes gleamed at the sight of the meticulously prepared box.
Han Li placed the box on the table and slid it silently toward the elder. The elderly Fu eagerly grasped it and, with a flick of his sleeve, sent the smaller jade box gliding smoothly to Han Li.
Pleased, Han Li picked up the jade box and opened it, revealing a radiant silver-white glow. His pupils flashed blue as he examined the fist-sized silver-white stone inside.
After a moment of scrutiny, Han Li extended a finger, its tip shimmering with spiritual light as a faint green aura flickered. With a flick of his wrist, the green light shot toward the stone.
A crack of thunder erupted upon contact, and several slender silver arcs surged from the stone, blocking the green light.
“Hmm, it is indeed a Thunder Spirit Crystal. Though the quality is somewhat average, it will suffice,” Han Li remarked, looking up at the red-faced elder solemnly.
“Top-grade Thunder Spirit Crystals are exceedingly rare. This one was painstakingly extracted from the belly of a rare lightning-attribute beast,” the elderly Fu replied, having finished appraising the Scarlet Essence Fungus in Han Li’s box. His face was alight with satisfaction.
“However, my Scarlet Essence Fungus is utterly pure, free of any impurities—a top-grade spiritual medicine,” Han Li said impassively. While he wouldn’t pass up the Thunder Spirit Crystal, he wasn’t about to accept an unfair trade.
“True. In terms of value, my Thunder Spirit Crystal is indeed slightly inferior to your top-grade Scarlet Essence Fungus. How about I add 30,000 spirit stones to compensate?” the red-faced elder proposed straightforwardly.
“No need to rush. First, take a look at this list and see if you can provide any of the other materials or know of their whereabouts. If I gain something from it, I can forgo the spirit stones,” Han Li replied calmly, setting the jade box down and tossing a jade slip containing his material requirements to the elder.
“Fellow Daoist Han needs other materials?” The elderly Fu looked surprised but accepted the slip and quickly scanned its contents.
Meanwhile, Elder Wang eyed the Scarlet Essence Fungus in the elderly Fu’s hands, his gaze flickering thoughtfully.
After a moment, the elderly Fu looked up with a peculiar expression. “I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you. These materials are far too rare—I don’t possess any. However, I might be able to direct you to a place where you could acquire them,” he said hesitantly.
“Are you referring to the grand auction in a few days?” Han Li asked with a knowing smile.
“Haha, while the grand auction does offer common materials, the chances of finding items of your required caliber are slim. Most cultivators with such treasures prefer bartering, just like us,” the red-faced elder scoffed.
“Oh? Then are you suggesting there’s another, more private exchange?” Han Li’s eyes lit up with excitement.
The elderly Fu’s lips curled into a cryptic smile. Suddenly, his voice transmitted directly into Han Li’s ears without a sound. “You’re sharp. It’s not exactly a private exchange. For years, the once-a-decade Jin Capital Auction has naturally split into two: the open one, hosted by orthodox factions, and the underground one, run by demonic and unorthodox sects. The latter deals in forbidden items, often traded through bartering. However, participation is strictly limited to trusted individuals. As an overseas rogue cultivator, you’d normally be excluded. But if you agree to our current deal, I’m willing to vouch for you. I’m certain you’ll find what you seek there.”
Han Li frowned in contemplation before asking, “Are these two auctions held simultaneously? I’d like to attend both.”
“Simple. Though they overlap, the most precious items are auctioned a day apart. You won’t miss anything of value,” the elder assured confidently.
“Then it’s settled. I’m quite interested in this underground exchange,” Han Li agreed decisively.
“Excellent! I knew you were a man of action. Meet me here at the Sky Mechanism Pavilion on the grand auction’s final day,” the elderly Fu said, delighted at saving tens of thousands of spirit stones.
This time, he spoke aloud, causing Elder Wang’s eyes to flicker with interest, though his expression remained genial.
Once Han Li and the elder had stored their respective treasures, Elder Wang smiled and said, “Congratulations to both of you. Fellow Daoist Han, would you still like to inspect our Sky Mechanism Mansion? Though I must warn you, a single Scarlet Essence Fungus won’t suffice for this treasure.”
“No matter. If it meets my expectations, I won’t hesitate to pay the price,” Han Li replied indifferently.
“With such confidence, I’ve no doubt an overseas cultivator of your stature can afford it. Come, let me show you the restored Sky Mechanism Mansion in our specially crafted pocket dimension,” Elder Wang said, his smile widening.
“A pocket dimension?” Han Li’s expression flickered with surprise.
“What, you’ve never heard of a spatial rift refined into a private space? Ah, I forgot—this technique was developed in the Great Jin only in the last millennium. As an overseas cultivator, it’s no surprise you’re unfamiliar,” Elder Wang chuckled, slapping his forehead in realization.
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