Hearing this, the others fell silent. After all, with two female cultivators present as companions, it was hardly appropriate for them to voice agreement or disagreement.
Han Li stroked his chin, his face betraying no emotion. He had no need for a cauldron to boost his cultivation, nor would he willingly burden himself with such a liability. Though he felt a pang of pity and discomfort for these female cauldrons, he was in no position to help others when he could barely ensure his own safety. Thus, he could only feign ignorance.
Eventually, the two female cultivators on the stage, receiving no bids, were led away with evident disappointment.
Seeing this, Xu Yun chuckled lightly and explained, “Their cultivation is too shallow. Although they volunteered to serve as cauldrons, they offer little practical aid to cultivators of slightly higher realms, which is why no one bid for them. However, this isn’t an absolute rule. It wouldn’t be surprising if a Foundation Establishment fellow Daoist took a fancy to their looks and offered a high price for them.”
The brocade-robed man forced a dry laugh but did not respond. Xu Yun continued chatting and laughing as usual, seemingly unbothered.
As the auction proceeded with some rare items seldom seen in the Inner Star Seas, Han Li began to look listless, no longer wishing to waste time observing.
Just as he was thinking of an excuse to leave, Xu Yun seemed to notice Han Li’s impatience and proactively suggested, “The items in this auction aren’t particularly refined. The truly precious treasures only appear during the annual joint grand auction. Fellow Daoists should return then to witness them. For now, let me take you to explore other parts of Heishi City.”
The brocade-robed man and the others naturally had no objections. Even if there were items they fancied, their spirit stones had already been extorted during the teleportation.
With their nods of agreement, Xu Yun led them out of the auction hall. Accompanied by the mortal woman, they exited Mingzhu Xuan through another passage.
…
“That cluster of several dozen stone houses is temporary lodging for mortal men and women from outside. Mortals seeking to make a living in Heishi City must register here first for better management. However, if no one hires them within a certain period, they must leave the city immediately. The mortal woman we saw at Mingzhu Xuan came from here.”
“That similarly spacious building is the city’s largest raw materials store, ‘Cunjin Pavilion’ which specializes in selling all kinds of rare materials. Rumor has it that there isn’t a material this shop can’t procure if you can name it. Though this might be an exaggeration, its reputation is indeed immense!”
“The three adjoining stone houses next to it are…”
As Xu Yun led the group along a street, he casually provided these details with familiarity.
Hearing this, Han Li felt a stir in his heart and suddenly halted.
“Fellow Daoist Qu, what is it?” The scar-faced cultivator asked, somewhat puzzled.
The brocade-robed man and the others also looked back at Han Li with confusion.
“I have some matters to attend to alone and will part ways with you here. If fate allows, we may meet again.” Han Li raised his head to glance at the sky before speaking calmly. Though his voice was soft, it carried an undeniable finality.
Xu Yun and the brocade-robed man, surnamed Yi, were taken aback.
Naturally reluctant to let a cultivator of Han Li’s strength leave, they were about to offer words of persuasion when a cold glint flashed in Han Li’s eyes. An inexplicable chill ran down their spines, and any words of opposition died in their throats. They could only mutter agreements and watch as Han Li entered the nearby Cunjin Pavilion and disappeared from sight.
Only then did the two exchange uneasy glances, breaking out in a cold sweat. The others, however, looked at them with confusion, unaware of what had transpired.
“This person…” The brocade-robed man forced a dry laugh, as if wanting to say more.
“Since Fellow Daoist Qu is unwilling to stay with us, he must have his reasons. Let me take you to explore another street!” For some reason, Xu Yun cut him off abruptly and hurried toward another street.
Immediately, the brocade-robed man heard the scar-faced cultivator’s voice transmission: “Fellow Daoist Yi, this person is unfathomable. It’s best we avoid entanglement lest we inadvertently invite disaster. Fellow Daoist Qu’s cultivation far surpasses ours. We shouldn’t discuss him behind his back either.”
The brocade-robed man’s expression shifted several times. After a few glances at Cunjin Pavilion, he nodded slightly and followed with the others.
Meanwhile, Han Li had been guided by a delicate-looking youth into an elegant room.
Though Cunjin Pavilion appeared as a large stone building from the outside, its interior was divided into many private rooms, each staffed by specialists selling various categories of raw materials.
Without ceremony, Han Li had requested to see the manager upon entering.
While other cultivators might not have achieved this so easily, Han Li subtly released the aura of his Core Formation cultivation, prompting immediate deference. He was promptly escorted to this VIP room.
Core Formation cultivators were not to be slighted, even in Heishi City.
After a short wait, an ordinary-looking old man entered with a smile.
“You seem unfamiliar, Fellow Daoist. Is this your first time at our Cunjin Pavilion? I am Li Xun, the manager here. Pleased to meet you!” The old man clasped his hands in greeting; he, too, was an early Core Formation cultivator.
“Indeed, this is my first visit. I have some matters I’d like to consult you about, Fellow Daoist Li. I hope you don’t mind,” Han Li replied with calm composure.
“Please, speak freely. I will do my best to assist,” Manager Li responded magnanimously, agreeing without even asking for details.
His bold and straightforward demeanor left a favorable impression on Han Li. However, he lacked the ability to see through Han Li’s transformation technique and showed no reaction to Han Li’s sickly, middle-aged appearance.
Han Li smiled slightly. “I wish to purchase a spiritual medicine ingredient for pill refinement. However, I only know its ancient name and have been unable to find it. I came here hoping to try my luck.” Han Li stated his purpose directly without beating around the bush.
“Heh, that’s a trivial matter. Absolutely no problem,” Li Xun said, visibly relieved, his face breaking into a smile. He then turned and called coldly toward the door, “Someone, fetch Gu Yu!”
“Yes!” A young attendant outside responded smartly and hurried off.
“Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist. Although Gu Yu is only at Qi Refinement stage, he specializes in researching ancient pill formulas and spiritual medicines and is quite knowledgeable. I believe he won’t disappoint you,” Li Xun turned back and explained with a smile.
Just as Han Li’s face showed a hint of delight and he was about to speak, a red light shot into the room from outside. It circled once under the ceiling before accurately landing in the old man’s hand—a message talisman.
A flicker of surprise crossed Han Li’s face as the talisman burst into flames in the old man’s hand.
Manager Li stared at the flames for a moment before extinguating them with a turn of his hand. He then looked up at Han Li with an expression of newfound realization.
“My apologies for the oversight! I hadn’t realized Brother Qu only arrived in Heishi City today. I should have extended a proper welcome as your host!” The old man’s attitude instantly warmed several degrees.
In that brief moment, he had already uncovered Han Li’s general background, which surprised Han Li as well. However, he maintained a faint smile on his face, betraying none of his inner thoughts.
“You flatter me. It took considerable effort to reach Qiyuan Island, and I’d prefer not to attract too much attention,” Han Li replied lightly.
Seeing Han Li’s demeanor, the old man understood his reluctance to elaborate and tactfully changed the subject. He began sharing interesting anecdotes about Qiyuan Island, which Han Li listened to with great interest, their conversation becoming lively and engaging.
Just then, a scholarly-looking man in his thirties entered and bowed deeply to both. “Gu Yu pays his respects to both Seniors. How may I be of service?”
He had an elegant demeanor, with a long black beard and bright, piercing eyes, giving him an ethereal air.
Manager Li merely nodded and gestured for him to rise.
“This Senior Qu has some questions about ancient spiritual medicines. Answer him honestly,” the old man instructed calmly.
“As you command. This junior will do his utmost,” Gu Yu said solemnly, straightening up.
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