Soon, the main hall, originally used for discussing Artifact Refining quotas, had transformed into a lively trading convention.
The Soul Transformation Cultivators spoke one after another, scrambling to purchase the Spirit Treasures they desired.
"Manager Lin, I am determined to get that qingyun sword. To obtain it, I can give up my Artifact Refining quota!" a burly Cultivator shouted.
"Ha! Fellow Daoist Pang, I'm sorry, but I've also set my eyes on that qingyun sword!" another Cultivator called out, unwilling to be outdone.
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need for an argument. The qingyun sword is the Green Cloud Sect's Legacy treasure. More than just the two of you want this Spirit Sword!" The Ancient Moon Sect Elder smiled, trying to mediate, clearly also coveting the qingyun sword.
"Manager Lin, I'm different from them. That Golden Halberd matches my attributes. I want it!" a Cultivator with a clear complexion said.
"Heh, then let's compare financial strength! Manager Lin, you set the trading rules!" another Soul Transformation Cultivator looked at Lin Baoqing, signaling him.
Lin Baoqing smiled slightly. He knew this was an inevitable outcome. He cleared his throat, just about to speak.
Just then, a handsome Soul Transformation Cultivator in a white robe suddenly interjected, "Manager Lin, may I presumptuously ask, the origin of these Spirit Treasures is probably problematic! As far as I know, the spoils of war obtained by the Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect after annihilating the Nine Demon Sect have all been returned to the treasury for merit exchange, so they definitely wouldn't be circulating."
The white-robed Cultivator paused, scanned the Cultivators present, and continued, "And this batch of Spirit Treasures, whether in quality or quantity, if you say they were obtained as spoils of war, it's really a bit unbelievable!"
Upon hearing this, all the Soul Transformation Cultivators were stunned, revealing thoughtful expressions, and couldn't help but wonder, where exactly did this batch of Spirit Treasures from Wanbao Pavilion come from?
"Moreover, this batch of Spirit Treasures, both in quality and quantity, far exceeds what the Xuantian Sword Sect and other Sects obtained after the war. Manager Lin, your esteemed pavilion's claim of 'spoils of war' is probably hard to convince people, isn't it?"
"Could it be that your esteemed pavilion has some cooperation with the Nine Demon Sect?"
The white-robed Cultivator looked at Lin Baoqing, throwing out a series of questions.
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall immediately fell silent.
The Cultivators looked at each other, and a sense of doubt arose in their hearts. They began to suspect whether the origin of this batch of Spirit Treasures was legitimate, and also whether Lin Baoqing and Wanbao Pavilion were colluding with the Nine Demon Sect.
The emergence of this doubt instantly made the atmosphere in the originally lively hall a bit subtle.
Lin Baoqing, who had originally been all smiles, instantly turned unnatural when faced with the questioning gazes of the Soul Transformation Cultivators, knowing that if he couldn't give a reasonable explanation at this moment, Wanbao Pavilion would face a huge crisis of trust.
Lin Baoqing pondered for a moment, then solemnly retorted, "Senior Zhuang, your speculation is too absurd. This batch of Spirit Treasures is indeed spoils of war, obtained from killing a highly cultivated Demon Cultivator. This Senior also entrusted our pavilion to sell a massive amount of auxiliary cultivation items from Demon Cultivators, which are also spoils of war. However, selling Demon Cultivator items at this time is indeed inappropriate, so I refused."
Lin Baoqing paused, then continued, "As for the origin of these Spirit Items and the identity of this Senior, due to some secrets involved, I cannot disclose more. But I can guarantee that these Spirit Treasures are all spoils of war, absolutely not from the Nine Demon Sect. Our pavilion would never dare to defy the world by cooperating with the Nine Demon Sect. Please rest assured, all Seniors."
Upon hearing Lin Baoqing's explanation, the Soul Transformation Cultivators were not entirely convinced.
Someone asked doubtfully, "Manager Lin, these are all just speculations. Without evidence, it's really hard to believe. We are more concerned about the origin of this batch of Spirit Items. If you say they are spoils of war, then may I ask, which Demon Cultivator did he defeat, or which Demon Sect did he conquer, to obtain so many spoils of war?"
"Indeed, the Green Cloud Sect's qingyun sword, the Myriad Buddhas Sect's Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda... A Demon Cultivator who can obtain such Spirit Treasures must have an extraordinary identity!" another Cultivator chimed in.
Upon hearing this, Lin Baoqing looked troubled, knowing clearly that if he couldn't provide conclusive evidence, Wanbao Pavilion's reputation would be severely damaged. However, he couldn't easily reveal that this batch of Spirit Treasures came from Master Li.
Lin Baoqing pondered for a moment, then solemnly swore, "All Seniors, the reason I cannot disclose more about the origin of this batch of Spirit Treasures is indeed due to some special reasons. But what I can guarantee is that these Spirit Treasures are the spoils of war obtained by a Senior. He would never cooperate with the Nine Demon Sect. I dare to use the honor of Wanbao Pavilion as a guarantee that the source of this batch of Spirit Treasures is clean."
The Soul Transformation Cultivators frowned upon hearing this, clearly not entirely satisfied with Lin Baoqing's answer. They still had great doubts about the origin of this batch of Spirit Treasures, but they couldn't find conclusive evidence to confirm their suspicions.
The white-robed Soul Transformation Cultivator was relentless, asking faintly, "Manager Lin, your guarantee with the honor of Wanbao Pavilion is indeed valuable. However, can we know the name of this Senior? He's not an unknown Senior, is he?"
"That's right! This Senior isn't someone who can't be seen, is he!"
"Manager Lin, can you enlighten us!"
...
The eyes of the Soul Transformation Cultivators all lit up, and they looked at Lin Baoqing, pressing him with questions.
"This...!"
Lin Baogui glared angrily at the white-robed Cultivator. He had ruined a perfectly good transaction, but he dared not easily get angry, as he couldn't afford to offend these Soul Transformation Cultivators.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Baoqing said helplessly, "All Seniors, this person originally did not wish to reveal his identity, but now it seems it is unavoidable. I ask all Seniors to give me some time; I need to personally go and ask for his opinion."
"Oh! This Senior is actually in your esteemed pavilion!"
"For such a matter, we naturally have the patience to wait. Manager Lin, please go ahead."
"Indeed, it's better to clear up this misunderstanding, otherwise it might affect the reputation of Wanbao Pavilion!"
The Soul Transformation Cultivators looked at Lin Baoqing and spoke one after another.
Firstly, they wanted to satisfy their curiosity; secondly, they also felt that if this matter escalated, it would indeed affect the reputation of Wanbao Pavilion, so it was better to clear up the misunderstanding.
Lin Baoqing cupped his hands and said, "Then I will go and ask for the Senior's opinion first. Please wait here for a moment, all Seniors."
With that, Lin Baoqing turned and left, walking quickly towards the back hall. This matter was no small feat and had to be handled carefully. At the same time, he also felt a little anxious, wondering how Master Li would react.
After Lin Baoqing left, the Soul Transformation Cultivators began to whisper among themselves.
Their hearts were filled with curiosity and doubt, and their gazes occasionally drifted towards the back hall.
...
Barren Ancient City, Ten Thousand Flowers Manor.
Lin Baoqing drove the flying carriage, and soon, he entered the Manor.
"Manager Lin, Lord Li is currently refining artifacts in the Artifact Refining Room! I've already notified him. Please wait a moment, he'll be out soon!" Miss Xue Er offered a cup of Spirit Tea to the hurried distinguished guest, signaling him to wait a moment.
"Thank you, Miss Xue Er, for the trouble!" Lin Baoqing took the Spirit Tea, took a small sip, and thanked her gratefully.
Inside the Artifact Refining Room, a chaotic and violent Thunder Swamp had formed, with massive, surging blue thunder light, like an ocean of lightning, constantly spewing out from the Skyfire Refining Furnace.
Below the Skyfire Refining Furnace, a figure stood quietly in this Thunder Swamp, facing the violent blue thunder light, as if he had become a mountain. No matter how strong the wind, rain, or thunder, it could not shake him in the slightest.
Li Mu reached out, and the Skyfire Refining Furnace dissipated. A blue thunder shadow shot out, instantly falling into his hand.
Then, a large amount of spiritual power was injected, and the frenzied thunder snakes and lightning bolts consequently converged, revealing a pair of mini blue Thunder Wings.
【Unnamed】
【Grade: Sixth Grade High Grade Spirit Treasure】
【Characteristics: Void Realm Shuttle, Thunder Light Stealth, Thunderclap Flap, Thunder Feather Body Protection, Swift Thunder Trace, Myriad Thunder Feathers.】
【Status: Artifact Spirit newly born, Thunder Element abundant】
【This Spirit Treasure is a Sixth Grade High Grade Spirit Treasure refined with Seventh Grade Purple Mother Thunderwood, Sixth Grade Purple Cloud Thunder Crystal, Sixth Grade Thunder Dragon Scales, Sixth Grade Illusion Thunder Silk, Sixth Grade Ruyi Crystal Core, and other High Grade spiritual materials. It possesses the ability of Void Realm Shuttle, allowing it to temporarily evade the pursuit of High Grade Cultivators. Its Thunder Light Stealth characteristic allows the wielder to disappear from the enemy's perception for a short time during combat. Thunder Feather Body Protection is the core characteristic of this Spirit Treasure, allowing it to unfurl a pair of huge Thunder Wings to resist most attacks, ...】
Under the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, Li Mu obtained all the attributes of the new Spirit Treasure, and a joyful smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
The Fifth Grade eagle thunder wings had suffered some damage in the last battle and were also a bit unable to keep up with Li Mu's pace. This time, among the large amount of spoils of war he had obtained, there happened to be quite a few Sixth and Seventh Grade thunder-attribute spiritual materials.
Li Mu immediately re-refined the eagle thunder wings, obtaining a Sixth Grade thunder-attribute defensive Spirit Treasure, still continuing its name as "eagle thunder wings."
In a few breaths, Li Mu refined the eagle thunder wings, watching with delight as it transformed into a bolt of thunder light and flew into his body. Behind him, a pair of illusory Thunder Wings stretched out.
With a "puff", Li Mu's figure transformed into a bolt of thunder light, disappearing from the Artifact Refining Room and appearing in front of the reception hall of the Manor.
Lin Baoqing, who was sipping Spirit Tea and waiting for Li Mu, immediately stood up upon hearing the commotion.
"Master Li, I apologize for disturbing you so presumptuously!" Lin Baoqing said with a bitter smile on his face, apologizing to Li Mu.
"Hm? Is there a problem? Could it be that something went wrong with the merchant ship arrangements?" Li Mu's brow furrowed slightly, and he looked at Lin Baoqing in confusion, asking puzzledly.
"No, no! There's no problem with the merchant ship arrangements. The problem is with selling that batch of Spirit Treasures..." Lin Baoqing explained somewhat nervously, recounting the change of events that occurred when inviting the Soul Transformation Cultivators, discussing the Artifact Refining quotas, and selling the Spirit Treasures. His gaze fell on Li Mu's face, cautiously observing his reaction.
"Oh! They're questioning the origin of that batch of Spirit Treasures? So, you've come this time to ask me to step forward and confirm it for them?" Li Mu's expression darkened, and he looked at Lin Baoqing coldly, a hint of displeasure in his tone.
"Master Li, I wouldn't dare to be so bold; it's just that I'm a bit helpless." Lin Baoqing quickly lowered his head, suggesting with a troubled expression, "I wonder if Master Li could just provide some evidence, without having to appear in person!"
Li Mu pondered for a moment, a trace of displeasure flashing in his eyes. However, the origin of this batch of Spirit Treasures was indeed a bit difficult to explain, and he also didn't want to step forward to answer the questions of those Soul Transformation Cultivators.
Li Mu pondered for a moment, his mind racing. He immediately took out a soul gathering bottle from the nine storage spiritual pearl, looked at Lin Baoqing, and said with a serious expression, "Manager Lin, take a look at this soul gathering bottle."
Lin Baoqing cautiously took the soul gathering bottle, feeling a chill in his hand, and his heart couldn't help but tremble slightly. Although he didn't know the specific use of the soul gathering bottle, bringing out this item at such a moment must have his intention.
"Sealed within this soul gathering bottle is the Yin Soul of a Refining Void Demon Ancestor from the Nine Demon Sect." Li Mu slowly began, his voice revealing a chilling intent, "And another Demon Ancestor has already fallen. This batch of Spirit Treasures are precisely the spoils of war obtained from these two Demon Ancestors. These two Refining Void Demon Ancestors should be the Nine Demon Sect's Blood Nether Demon Ancestor and Old Ancestor Yin Jiong."
"Blood Nether Demon Ancestor! Old Ancestor Yin Jiong!"
"My heavens!"
Lin Baoqing listened, dumbfounded and utterly shocked. He had never imagined that the origin of this batch of Spirit Treasures would be so astonishing, nor had he expected that Li Mu could actually control the Yin Soul of a Refining Void Demon Ancestor from the Nine Demon Sect. Such methods and strength truly exceeded his imagination.
"The Yin Soul in the soul gathering bottle is that of Blood Nether Demon Ancestor. Take this item and explain it to them. You must not reveal any information about me." Li Mu looked at Lin Baoqing, indicating seriously.
Upon hearing this, Lin Baoqing suddenly realized, awakening from his extreme shock.
The two Refining Void Demon Ancestors of the Nine Demon Sect had truly perished!
Listening to Master Li's tone, it was as if two Qi Refining Demon Cultivators had died. Could it be that the deaths of the two Demon Ancestors were related to him?
Lin Baoqing immediately realized the seriousness of the matter, and looking at Li Mu, he solemnly swore and guaranteed, "Master Li, please rest assured, I will absolutely keep this secret. I swear by the might of the Heavenly Dao."
"Manager Lin, you exaggerate!" Li Mu smiled contentedly, not forgetting to remind him, "I still have use for this item. Remember to return it after you're done."
The Yin Soul of Old Ancestor Xue Ming, whether for obtaining intelligence or as food for noob, held immense value. However, Li Mu was currently busy with Artifact Refining to enhance his strength and had no time to deal with this matter.
"Okay, okay! Thank you, Master Li!" Lin Baoqing nodded repeatedly in understanding, full of gratitude, his reverence and appreciation for Li Mu growing even stronger in his heart.
Lin Baoqing really hadn't expected that Master Li could produce such 'crucial evidence,' which not only proved his innocence but also provided a reasonable explanation for the origin of this batch of Spirit Treasures.
"Master Li, I won't disturb you anymore! I will do my utmost to help you acquire the spiritual items and spiritual seeds you need." Lin Baoqing looked at Li Mu, bidding him a solemn farewell, his eyes filled with reverence and gratitude.
"Alright, thank you, Manager Lin!" Li Mu smiled and nodded, watching Lin Baoqing depart.
Lin Baoqing tightly clutched the soul gathering bottle and flew directly out of the Ten Thousand Flowers Manor. At this moment, he was incredibly excited. With such 'crucial evidence' as the Yin Soul of a Void Refining Old Ancestor, those Soul Transformation Cultivators would surely have nothing to say. (End of Chapter)
