After the time it takes to finish a meal, Han Li’s figure reappeared in front of the cave dwelling, floating lightly up the hillside. His expression remained calm and unreadable, showing no signs of anything unusual.
Elder Wang furrowed his brows for a moment before relaxing them. As soon as Han Li returned to the stone slope, he smiled and asked, “Brother Han, what do you think of this treasure? Are you satisfied?”
“The cave dwelling is not large, but it has everything—a pill chamber, beast pens, and so on—with nothing lacking. However, there is one thing I still don’t understand and would like Brother Wang to clarify.”
“As long as it concerns the Sky Mansion, feel free to ask. I will not hide anything,” Elder Wang replied readily.
“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony. I know the greatest advantage of the Sky Mansion is that it can be freely enlarged or shrunk, making it easy to carry. But I wonder if, like a storage pouch, it allows items to be placed inside or retrieved while it’s in its shrunken state. Does it also function like a spirit beast pouch, allowing the spiritual beasts in the beast pens to shrink and expand with the mansion unharmed?” Han Li stared at the silver-robed cultivator as he asked slowly.
“This treasure can transform the dwelling and its furnishings—inanimate objects refined together—but it has no effect on living creatures like spirit beasts. Even if your spirit beast possesses transformation abilities, it cannot withstand the immense spatial pressure of the Sky Mansion’s changes and would be instantly annihilated. Moreover, even if a spirit beast could endure the pressure, once the mansion is shrunk, it becomes completely sealed, unable to absorb any spiritual energy from the outside. Over time, any spirit beast inside would inevitably perish.”
Elder Wang had no intention of hiding anything and explained everything clearly, as these were facts that could be easily verified with a simple test.
“So, every time the mansion is stored away, the spiritual herbs in the garden must first be transplanted, or they too would perish,” Han Li mused before pressing further.
“Exactly as Brother Han says. These are limitations the Sky Mansion cannot overcome. However, even so, a dwelling that comes with innate restriction techniques and can be summoned at will is still incomparable to ordinary treasures,” Elder Wang said with a serious expression, though his brows furrowed slightly.
“True. That is precisely why I’m interested in the Sky Mansion. If it truly had all the functions I mentioned earlier, it would likely be beyond my means to acquire,” Han Li chuckled lightly.
“Does this mean Brother Han intends to trade for it?” Elder Wang’s eyes brightened with delight.
“I still have some rare materials I no longer need. If you could provide me with a list of acceptable trade items, I’ll see what I can offer, and then we can discuss how much is needed to exchange for this treasure,” Han Li replied casually, his demeanor relaxed.
“Of course. The materials our pavilion requires are all recorded in this jade slip. Please take a look.” The silver-robed cultivator smiled broadly and flicked his sleeve, sending a streak of white light toward Han Li.
Han Li caught it—a white jade slip—and immediately began examining it right there on the stone slope.
…
An hour later, Han Li appeared at the entrance of the Sky Machinery Pavilion, with Elder Wang seeing him off with a beaming smile. Han Li turned, cupped his hands in farewell, and then departed gracefully.
Elder Wang watched Han Li’s figure disappear into the distance before returning to the pavilion with a satisfied expression.
Meanwhile, Han Li touched the bulging storage pouch at his waist, his eyes flickering briefly before a faint smile curled his lips.
After trading a large amount of unused rare materials for the Sky Mansion, he had also sold some demon cores and spiritual herbs directly to the Sky Machinery Pavilion, earning an astonishing number of spirit stones.
Recalling Elder Wang’s stunned expression when he produced so many materials, Han Li found it amusing but also heightened his vigilance.
The saying “men die for wealth, birds perish for food” held true at all times. No matter how valuable the prize, he didn’t believe that being a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator made him untouchable.
Despite the Sky Machinery Pavilion’s reputable standing, which should ensure good faith, he had flaunted his wealth while posing as an overseas rogue cultivator. He had to remain extremely cautious in case Elder Wang harbored ill intentions. Thus, the moment he left the pavilion, he released part of his spiritual sense to scan the surroundings for any hidden observers.
After a while, confirming no one was tailing him, he slipped into a blind spot behind another building. His figure blurred as he grew slightly taller, his appearance and robes transforming amidst a flash of azure light.
When he emerged, he had taken the form of a middle-aged scholar in blue robes, with a refined face and three long strands of beard. At his current cultivation level, only late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators could see through his disguise.
Now at ease, Han Li proceeded to other merchant houses.
After visiting several more, he left disappointed, having found nothing of use.
It wasn’t that these major establishments lacked treasures—some shopkeepers had eagerly recommended ancient treasures and materials that even tempted Han Li. Unfortunately, none were what he needed for crafting puppets or the Three Flames Fan, and he already had no shortage of ordinary ancient treasures. After careful consideration, he purchased nothing.
“It seems I’ll have to wait for the auction,” Han Li mused as he stood at the end of the street, gazing at a majestic stone hall.
This grand, ancient-looking structure was the “Radiant Treasure Hall.” Unlike ordinary halls, it was divided into three towering layers, each over twenty zhang high, resembling a colossal pavilion.
Only such a massive venue, capable of accommodating thousands of cultivators, could host an auction.
Several Foundation Establishment cultivators guarded the entrance, barring entry to ordinary cultivators—a clear sign that preparations for the auction were underway.
Apart from Han Li, other cultivators also pointed and murmured about the hall, evidently aware of its upcoming role.
Han Li studied the Radiant Treasure Hall for a few more moments before turning to leave. Just then, four cultivators—two men and two women—emerged from the hall.
Han Li glanced at them indifferently, but his expression shifted abruptly. He quickly feigned calmness and turned to walk away.
“Wait, fellow Daoist, please hold.” A melodious voice called out just as he took two steps. Han Li’s heart sank, his facial muscles twitching, but he halted nonetheless.
“Do you need something?” he asked coolly as he turned around.
Six or seven zhang behind him stood a woman in white robes, her face veiled and skin as fair as snow, her beautiful eyes flickering as she studied him. Beside her stood another woman and two men, all staring at Han Li in surprise.
A sweep of his spiritual sense revealed that all of them were Nascent Soul cultivators—particularly the white-robed woman and a black-robed man in his forties standing beside her, who were mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators like himself. Han Li’s heart grew heavier.
“Nothing urgent. I noticed your formidable cultivation and wished to make your acquaintance. I hope you don’t mind?” The white-robed woman’s gaze lingered on the long, wrapped bundle on Han Li’s back before she smiled charmingly.
Though her face was obscured, her tall, alluring figure and graceful movements marked her as a peerless beauty. Yet Han Li felt no flattery—only an urge to flee. This woman was none other than the Heavenly Plains Saintess, with whom he had once battled on the grasslands.
“Make my acquaintance? You jest. With your grace and cultivation, it would be my honor. However, I have pressing matters and cannot linger.” Han Li’s tone was icy as he cupped his hands and turned to leave again.
“Fellow Daoist, there’s no need to rush. I have a few questions for you. Would you mind answering?” The woman blurred into a white streak, blocking his path with a slight frown.
“Are you interrogating me?” Han Li’s expression darkened, his voice turning sharp.
“Lady Lin, do you have some grievance with this Daoist?” The black-robed man finally spoke up. His face was shrouded in a faint black mist, a sign of profound mastery in demonic arts.
“None. Though this is our first meeting, I can’t shake the feeling that he resembles someone I’ve been searching for in the Great Jin. Brother Ge knows I’ve lingered here for years seeking this person. I merely wish to confirm whether this is a trick of my senses.” The Heavenly Plains Saintess smoothed her hair, her gaze turning cold as she studied Han Li.
“What? You mean this man possesses our sect’s Ghost Luo Banner?” The black-robed cultivator’s refined face twisted into a scowl as he glared at Han Li.
“I cannot be certain. Though his appearance differs, his aura feels similar, and he carries a bundle shaped much like a bamboo tube—just like that man.” The Saintess narrowed her eyes, her tone measured.
“A bamboo tube?” The black-robed demonic cultivator’s gaze snapped to the long bundle on Han Li’s back, which did resemble a thick tube.
When he attempted to probe it with his spiritual sense, however, another powerful consciousness rebuffed him. Startled, he withdrew his senses, his expression turning frostier.
“Fellow Daoist, I am Ge Tianhao of the Yin Luo Sect. Would you mind unwrapping that bundle so we may inspect it? If it’s not what we suspect, we’ll trouble you no further.” Ge Tianhao spoke slowly, his face guarded.
Not just him—the other man and woman, dressed similarly, exchanged glances before moving to flank Han Li, forming a threatening encirclement.
Han Li stood motionless, hands clasped behind his back, silent.
Though none of them summoned magic or treasures, an oppressive killing intent surged, the atmosphere growing tense.
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