The ancient spirit rice farmer shop was located in a not-so-conspicuous place in the spirit rice farmer trading area, as if it were a forgotten corner.
There were few customers, and a wooden signboard hung at the entrance, with the three characters “Qimu Zhai” carved on it in strong, vigorous script, exuding a sense of the passage of Years.
The interior decoration was simple and ancient, with various miniature magical arrays displaying all kinds of plants.
Some emitted a faint fragrance, others shimmered with strange light, and some were filled with the aura of Years.
The light inside the shop was soft and warm, filtering through the skylight and falling on the Spiritual Plants, covering them with a mysterious veil.
The shop exuded an ancient and tranquil atmosphere, as if isolated from the outside world's clamor.
Following Wang Wenbao, Li Mu and Xue'er strolled through the spirit rice farmer trading area, stopping and going, sometimes pausing to admire, sometimes whispering to each other.
For him, although the Spiritual Plants in these small spirit rice farmer shops were not without treasures, most of them were difficult for his Dharma Eye to appreciate.
After all, over the Years, Li Mu had seen countless Spiritual Plants and spiritual seeds, and his understanding of Spiritual Plants far surpassed ordinary people.
Just as they passed an ancient spirit rice farmer shop, Li Mu's peripheral vision inadvertently swept over the interior of the shop, and his spirit lifted.
He suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed on a charred, ugly withered tree inside the shop, a hint of joy appearing on his face.
The withered tree looked unremarkable, even ugly.
Its bark was charred black like charcoal, and its branches were twisted and deformed, as if it had endured a Lightning Tribulation.
Against the backdrop of the colorful, vibrant Spiritual Plants around it, this withered tree appeared particularly out of place and jarring.
It was such a seemingly worthless withered tree that greatly piqued Li Mu's interest, and he slowly walked towards that small shop.
Seeing this, Wang Wenbao and Xue'er followed Li Mu's footsteps and arrived at the entrance of 'Qimu Zhai'.
The shop owner was a white-haired old man, dressed in a green robe, with a kind face and eyes that revealed a deep love for Spiritual Plants.
At this moment, there were no customers in the shop, and he was meticulously pruning plants, his scissors moving through the branches and leaves of the spiritual wood beads, his gaze focused and gentle.
Noticing Li Mu and their arrival, the old man stopped his movements, turned to look at the three, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but it was immediately replaced by a gentle smile.
"Three guests, welcome! What kind of spiritual wood are you looking for? I can introduce them to you," the old man said, putting down his scissors and greeting them happily, his voice kind and amiable.
Li Mu smiled slightly, looked at the charred wood placed in the corner of the shop, and gestured: "Old man, we stumbled upon this place and were attracted by that withered wood in your shop.
May we take a closer look?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes.
He turned to look at the charred withered wood, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.
"That section of withered wood..." The old man paused, seemingly thinking about something, then nodded and said, "Since the guest is interested, please follow me."
With that, the old man stood up and led Li Mu and the other two towards the withered wood.
As they got closer, they could increasingly feel the unusualness of the withered wood.
Its thick trunk, split into two halves, was still a full zhang thick and solid in texture.
Beneath the charred surface, an indescribable power seemed to be hidden, containing powerful Yin Qi and intertwined with a large amount of violent Lightning Qi.
"Great Master Li, this must be an ancient Banyan spiritual wood, right? It seems to have been damaged by lightning," Wang Wenbao asked Li Mu tentatively.
Li Mu nodded slightly, staring at the charred ancient Banyan spiritual wood, smiling without speaking, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Under the Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, the attributes of the charred withered wood clearly appeared on the panel.
【Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood】
【Grade: Seventh-Grade Spiritual Plant】
【Characteristics: Power of Yin Gathering, Soul of Ancient Banyan, Lightning Power Entanglement, Banyan Spirit Immortality, Soul Gathering Rebirth.】
【Status: Ten Thousand Year Tree Spirit, Undergoing Tribulation failed, Banyan Spirit dormant, Spirituality not evident.】
【Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood, a Seventh-Grade Spiritual Plant, an ancient Banyan tree that has grown for hundreds of thousands of Years, having undergone five Lightning Tribulations.
Its sixth Lightning Tribulation was destroyed by the Nine Heavens Divine Lightning, causing the Banyan Spirit to fall into dormancy, awaiting its Rebirth after ten thousand Years.
This wood's exterior is charred black like charcoal, appearing withered, yet it contains vast vitality and a hidden wisp of the Ancient Banyan Soul, embodying the mystery of immortal spirituality.】
This was not an ordinary ancient Banyan spiritual wood, but an Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood that had undergone several Lightning Tribulations, containing immortality and filled with a large amount of wood elemental vitality.
Ancient Banyan spiritual wood, along with Yin Soul Wood and High-Grade Willow Wood, are hailed as the three top-grade spiritual woods for refining Puppet cores.
For all these Years, Li Mu had been troubled by not being able to find suitable Materials for refining a Sixth-Grade Puppet core.
Now, this Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood was the perfect refining material.
However, this wood is currently entangled with the power of the Nine Heavens Divine Lightning.
To utilize it and refine a Puppet core, a way must be found to eliminate this Lightning power.
Otherwise, whether for refining a Puppet core or other Spirit Treasures or Magical Artifacts, this wood cannot be utilized.
Li Mu reached out and gently touched the charred bark, then lightly drew a line on it.
"Guest, stop!" the old man quickly exclaimed, but it was already too late.
The next moment, a violent surge of Lightning power rapidly shot along his finger, instantly rushing into his body.
Fortunately, Li Mu was already on guard, only feeling an intense tingling sensation spread throughout his body, as if thousands of lightning snakes were swimming within him.
He quickly circulated his magical power to suppress this violent Lightning power.
"Such powerful Lightning power!" Li Mu exclaimed.
The violent Lightning power contained within this Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood was much stronger than he had imagined.
If it were an ordinary Soul Transformation Cultivator, they would probably not be able to withstand the invasion of this Lightning power.
Wang Wenbao and Xue'er were stunned, their mouths agape.
Although they knew that the spiritual wood Li Mu had taken a liking to must be extraordinary, they never expected the Lightning power it contained to be so terrifying.
"Lord Li, are you alright?" Xue'er asked with concern.
"I'm fine!" Li Mu shook his head slightly, indicating that he was not seriously injured.
He looked at the Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood, his eyes gleaming with excitement, pondering how to clear the Lightning power contained within this spiritual wood.
Seeing that Li Mu was fine, the old man breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said with a smile, "The guest's Cultivation is extraordinary, able to easily resist the Lightning power in this ancient Banyan wood.
This spiritual wood has been with me for hundreds of Years, and no one has ever been able to utilize it.
Today, meeting the guest, perhaps this spiritual wood will finally find its home."
Upon hearing this, Li Mu's heart stirred, and he asked, "Boss, do you plan to sell this ancient Banyan wood?"
The old man pondered for a moment and said, "This spiritual wood is quite High Grade and quite old.
It is a top-grade Material for refining High-Grade spiritual swords and spiritual staffs.
If the violent Lightning power within it can also be utilized appropriately, it would be even better.
I originally intended to keep it as a Treasure Trove for the shop, but since the guest is interested, I am willing to sell it.
However, regarding the price, I hope to receive a reasonable amount."
Li Mu nodded in understanding.
Since he had taken a liking to this spiritual wood, even if there was a suspicion of a bargain, he would not be stingy.
"Old man, just name your price.
Great Master Li will never shortchange you for something he fancies," Wang Wenbao said, taking out his shopkeeper's token and showing it to the old man.
Seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes, then he returned to calm and smiled, "Since the shopkeeper is here in person, then I am at ease.
I originally intended to sell this ancient Banyan wood for three hundred thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, but since the shopkeeper has spoken, I will give a discount.
How about two hundred and fifty thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones?"
"Yes, but may I ask a question, Boss?"
Li Mu readily nodded.
This price meant the boss was selling it as a Fifth or Sixth-Grade spiritual wood!
He had found quite a bargain.
"Oh? Please speak, honored guest?" the old man asked curiously.
Li Mu quickly said, "I hope to know the origin of this ancient Banyan wood, its growing environment, and the process of its harvesting."
"Uh..." The old man's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise upon hearing this, clearly not expecting Li Mu to be so interested in the origin of this spiritual wood.
After pondering for a moment, he said with difficulty, "I'm afraid that's not possible!
This ancient Banyan wood was acquired by my late father from a down-and-out Cultivator.
Now that my father has passed away, I know nothing about its growing environment and harvesting process.
Honored guest, as you know, the origins of such spiritual items often involve some secrets that not all sellers are willing to disclose."
Upon hearing this, Li Mu couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
He had been thinking of seeking the spiritual seed of this Immortal Ancient Banyan.
"Since the boss has difficulties, I will not press the matter," Li Mu said with a smile.
"Two thousand five hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones, I'll take this ancient Banyan wood."
With that, Li Mu took out a small pile of High-Grade Spirit Stones from his nine storage spiritual pearl and paid the bill.
After the transaction was completed, Li Mu put the Immortal Ancient Banyan Wood into his nine storage spiritual pearl and left the shop.
Wang Wenbao and Xue'er followed closely, continuing to wander around the spirit rice farmer trading area.
The three continued to stroll, Li Mu's gaze like a torch, moving through one spirit rice farmer shop after another.
He had a profound understanding of the grades and effects of Spiritual Plants, and most Spiritual Plants could not catch his Dharma Eye.
However, Wang Wenbao and Xue'er seemed to have found a Treasure Trove, excitedly choosing Spirit Medicine and Spiritual Plants suitable for their own Cultivation.
Li Mu seemed to have no gains, but he had already purchased many rare spiritual seeds for reserve use.
These spiritual seeds were all seeds of High-Grade Spiritual Plants, and once successfully planted in the future, they would greatly assist his Cultivation.
After wandering in the spirit rice farmer trading area for a long time, Wang Wenbao and Xue'er returned with full loads, and Li Mu was also very satisfied with the large number of spiritual seeds he had purchased.
Finding rare Spiritual Plants by chance was not an easy task, requiring both luck and patience, but here, being able to purchase various High-Grade Spiritual Plants and spiritual seeds in bulk already made Li Mu feel very content.
The three continued to wander around the vast spirit rice farmer trading area.
The spirit rice farmer trading area gathered many spirit rice farmers, alchemists, and spirit rice farmer vendors, and occasionally one could hear their debates, sharing unique insights into Spiritual Plants.
"Lord Li, this spirit rice farmer trading area is so big, and the things seem to be all similar.
Why don't we go to the Exotic Items Trading Area to take a look!" Xue'er said, blinking her bright, shining eyes, looking at Li Mu and pleadingly.
She was already somewhat aesthetically fatigued by the spirit rice farmer trading area and wanted to seek new excitement and surprises.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu felt a little reluctant, still wanting to purchase more spiritual seeds, however,
"Alright, then we'll go to the Exotic Items Trading Area to take a look."
Li Mu reluctantly withdrew his gaze; he still wanted to purchase more spiritual seeds, but seeing Xue'er's expectant eyes, he finally nodded.
Soon, the three changed direction, preparing to leave the spirit rice farmer trading area and head towards the Exotic Items Trading Area.
Just as the three were about to leave the spirit rice farmer trading area, Li Mu suddenly stopped again.
"What's wrong, Lord Li?" Xue'er looked at Li Mu in confusion, then followed his gaze.
She saw a spirit rice farmer shop where many people had gathered, three layers deep inside and three layers deep outside, as if there was some mysterious attraction.
Li Mu's gaze was fixed on that spirit rice farmer shop, a hint of doubt and curiosity on his face.
He could feel the unusual aura emanating from there, as if some special Spiritual Plant or Treasure Trove had attracted everyone's attention.
"What's wrong, Lord Li?" Xue'er asked curiously when she saw Li Mu stop.
Li Mu withdrew his gaze, looked at Xue'er and Wang Wenbao, and quickly gestured, "There's something good in that spirit rice farmer shop.
Let's go take a look."
With that, Li Mu led Xue'er and Wang Wenbao towards that spirit rice farmer shop.
As they got closer, the surrounding discussions gradually entered their ears.
"How lively!
What did Tianling Pavilion bring out today!"
"Tianling Pavilion brought out a seven-thousand-year-old medicine king ginseng today, attracting many spirit rice farmers and alchemists."
"That's right, if one could consume this medicine king ginseng to reverse Aptitude, Breakthrough to Nascent Soul, and advance to Soul Transformation, it would be hopeful!"
"You're underestimating the efficacy of the medicine king ginseng, that's a seven-thousand-year-old medicine!
It's probably close to transforming into human form, truly a rare sight in a thousand Years."
...
Before they even got close, various lively discussions continuously spread.
A glint flashed in Li Mu's eyes.
He was very sensitive to rare Spiritual Plants, and at this moment, he could already feel the aura emanating from that medicine king ginseng, confirming that it was a Spiritual Plant that had not yet fully gained sentience.
With Wang Wenbao's Wanbao Pavilion shopkeeper token, the three easily passed through the bustling crowd to the front of the spirit rice farmer shop.
Inside, a spiritual ginseng of extraordinary form was displayed.
It was rooted in the nine void spiritual soil, emitting a faint golden light, enveloped in a layer of spiritual mist.
Its nine leaves were dripping green, as if they had just absorbed ample nutrients from the spring rain, each ginseng leaf appearing vibrant.
Its roots, like Dragon whiskers, coiled within the nine void spiritual soil, suspended before a young man.
The spiritual ginseng emitted a rich medicinal fragrance.
This fragrance was different from the usual clear scent of spiritual plants; it carried a refreshing and peculiar medicinal aroma that invigorated one's spirit, as if all injuries and illnesses were instantly restored.
Many Soul Transformation Cultivators and Void Refining Cultivators surrounded it, some exclaiming in admiration, others discussing, their minds all focused on this medicine king ginseng.
Meanwhile, the Nascent Soul cultivators and Golden Core cultivators in the outer circle could only watch from a distance as bystanders, their hearts filled with envy and longing.
The owner of the medicine king ginseng, however, seemed in no hurry to sell it.
He smiled as he looked at the crowd, as if waiting for something.
Li Mu stood in the crowd, carefully observing the medicine king ginseng.
His Heavenly Talent — Identifying Myriad Spirits was already activated, and the attributes of this medicine king ginseng clearly appeared on his panel, clear at a glance.
After seeing the attribute information of the medicine king ginseng, Li Mu's eyes lit up slightly.
His previously indifferent thoughts immediately changed; the value of this medicine king ginseng far exceeded his imagination, and if possible, he would try his best to acquire it. (End of Chapter)
