Wan Renlang carefully picked up the Returning Void Pill bottle, gently twisted it open, and felt a clear and profound Spiritual Qi rush out, invigorating his spirit. Then, he examined the Thousand Longevity Pill and Myriad Spirit Pill one by one, impressed by their powerful medicinal properties, which were exactly as Li Mu had described.
As for the seven Rank 7 Purple Cloud Heavenly Lightning Talismans, they flickered with lightning, and the Dao of Thunder condensed within them. Even through the jade box, one could feel the destructive power they contained.
Li Mu smiled slightly, then began to introduce the four Dao Artifacts.
“Chief Manager Wan, this is the first Dao Artifact — the ‘Mystic Frost Heart Guard Mirror’, a top-tier defensive Magic Treasure.”
As Li Mu’s words fell, the spirit mirror seemed to sense something, its surface rippling with layers of mystic frost-like patterns, exuding a biting cold yet also a gentle warmth. Wan Renlang examined it closely, seeing that the mirror body was crystal clear, as if refined from ten-thousand-year-old cold ice. The runes carved on it flowed ceaselessly, emitting a faint blue light, clearly containing extremely exquisite protective power.
“This mirror can not only resist various Spell attacks, but also release a Mystic Frost Shield at a critical moment to protect the heart meridian. For Cultivators who Cultivate Fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques or face Fire-element enemies, it has an unexpectedly restraining effect,” Li Mu explained.
Next, Li Mu pointed to the second Dao Artifact, a seemingly ordinary but actually profound brush — the “Spirit Thought Dream Painting Brush.” Threads of Spiritual Qi entwined around the brush handle, and the brush tip subtly glowed, as if it could sketch the most exquisite patterns in the world at any moment.
“This brush is called the ‘Spirit Thought Dream Painting Brush’, and it is a supreme treasure for assisting Cultivation. Using it can not only greatly increase the success rate of drawing Talismans, but also stimulate a Cultivator’s inspiration and creativity. For professions like Talisman Masters and Formation Masters, it’s like adding wings to a tiger,” Li Mu said with a hint of admiration.
Subsequently, Li Mu pointed to the third Dao Artifact, a small and exquisite jade gourd — the “Five Elements Spirit Gathering Gourd.” The gourd’s surface was carved with Five Elements runes, and the power of the Five Elements subtly flowed within, emitting a faint luster, as if it could communicate with heaven and earth to gather the essence of the Five Elements.
“This gourd is named the ‘Five Elements Spirit Gathering Gourd’, and it is an auxiliary Magic Treasure that can actively absorb the surrounding Five Elements Spiritual Qi. Whether for Cultivating, Alchemy, or setting up Formations, simply placing it nearby can greatly accelerate the speed of Spiritual Qi absorption, having an inestimable effect on improving Cultivation efficiency,” Li Mu explained.
Finally, Li Mu’s hand rested on the fourth Dao Artifact, a seemingly unremarkable jade pendant — the “Calm Mind Concentrating Spirit Pendant.” The jade pendant’s surface was smooth as a mirror, emitting a faint, warm luster, as if it could soothe the restlessness and distracting thoughts in one’s heart.
“Chief Manager Wan, don’t underestimate this jade pendant. It is called the ‘Calm Mind Concentrating Spirit Pendant.’ Although its appearance is simple, it contains the powerful effects of calming the mind, concentrating the spirit, and shielding against external interference. Whether Cultivating Mind-Cultivation Techniques, comprehending Laws, or performing precise Alchemy or Artifact Refining, wearing this pendant can greatly enhance focus and success rate,” Li Mu said with a smile.
These Dao Artifacts were ones Li Mu had used before and was preparing to replace, as they were not refined with the Divine Mark technique, and he already had replacements.
“Well, Chief Manager Wan, do you have any questions?” Li Mu asked with a smile, seeing Wan Renlang’s eyes shining and his face full of pleasant surprise.
“Great Master Li, every single one of your treasures is priceless,” Wan Renlang looked up at Li Mu and praised sincerely, “These three bottles of Dao Pills—Returning Void Pill, Thousand Longevity Pill, and Myriad Spirit Pill—would cause a sensation even if placed at an Auction, especially this Myriad Spirit Dao Pill, which can greatly improve Aptitude, making it a treasure countless Cultivators dream of. And the Rank 7 Purple Cloud Heavenly Lightning Talismans are existences that even Body Integration Stage experts would fear. The four Dao Artifacts are also extraordinary.”
At this point, after pondering for a moment, Wan Renlang seemed to be quickly calculating the value of these treasures in his mind.
“Based on my estimation, these three bottles of Dao Pills are valued as follows: Myriad Spirit Pill at 800,000 High-Grade Spirit Stones, Returning Void Pill at 1.5 million High-Grade Spirit Stones, and Thousand Longevity Pill at 3 million High-Grade Spirit Stones. As for the Rank 7 Purple Cloud Heavenly Lightning Talismans, each is worth at least 1 million High-Grade Spirit Stones, making the seven worth 7 million. Adding the four Dao Artifacts you’ve presented, although each has its unique features, they are all defensive Dao Artifacts and only Medium Grade, significantly inferior to the Dragon Tooth Dao Weapon. Considering everything, I estimate each at 2.5 million High-Grade Spirit Stones, totaling 10 million.” Wan Renlang looked at Li Mu, while writing down his valuation in a ledger.
“All items combined are worth approximately 23 million High-Grade Spirit Stones, leaving a difference from 40 million High-Grade Spirit Stones!” Wan Renlang calculated the total in front of Li Mu and sighed softly, seemingly expressing a hint of apology for not being able to fully meet his needs. At the same time, he looked at Li Mu with anticipation, as if waiting for him to produce something even better.
“Great Master Li, as you know, besides direct transactions, our Wanbao Pavilion also accepts bartering and provides Auction services. If you are willing, I can submit these treasures to the next large-scale Auction. With the Auction’s popularity and influence, they might fetch a higher price, especially the Rank 7 Purple Cloud Heavenly Lightning Talismans and the Myriad Spirit Pill. The demand for improving Aptitude is timeless in the cultivation world, and their prices often exceed expectations,” Wan Renlang quickly added, seeing a change in Li Mu’s expression.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu nodded slightly, a hint of consideration flashing in his eyes. “An Auction is indeed a good option, but regarding the timing…”
“You can rest assured about the timing. I will arrange for them to be part of the nearest large-scale Auction, which will be held in about a month. During this time, you can continue to browse other items in Wanbao Pavilion. If you are in urgent need, you can certainly advance the high-grade spiritual materials for your use. I only hope, Great Master Li, that you can agree to my next request.” Wan Renlang said this with a hint of confidence and thoughtfulness in his tone, clearly having considered everything thoroughly for Li Mu.
“Oh? Chief Manager Wan, you are too kind. If it is within my capabilities, I will certainly do my best to help,” Li Mu chuckled, asking curiously.
A hint of joy flashed in Wan Renlang’s eyes, and he quickly said, “Great Master Li, these Dao Pills and Dao Talismans in your possession, both in quality and medicinal properties, are truly exceptional, clearly from the hands of a Great Master. I dare to ask if you could introduce me to the two Great Masters who refined these Dao Pills and drew the Rank 7 Purple Cloud Heavenly Lightning Talismans? I, Wan, would be immensely grateful and would offer generous rewards.”
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was slightly taken aback and fell silent.
It wouldn’t be good to tell Wan Renlang that these Dao Pills and Dao Talismans were all personally refined by him!
This problem is indeed a bit troublesome!
“What? Great Master Li, is there a problem?” Wan Renlang asked nervously, seeing the unusual expression on Li Mu’s face.
“Uh! There is indeed a bit of a problem. The Alchemy Great Master is Qingyang Zi. If there’s an opportunity, I can introduce him to you. As for the Great Master who drew these Rank 7 Dao Talismans, I am powerless,” Li Mu pushed Qingyang Zi forward and then made up an excuse to explain.
“I see. However, being able to meet this Alchemy Great Master, Qingyang Zi, is already a great fortune. Great Master Li, please rest assured, our Wanbao Pavilion will treat Great Master Qingyang Zi with the utmost sincerity and will never be presumptuous,” Wan Renlang said. Although he was a bit regretful that he couldn't meet both esteemed individuals, getting a lead on an Alchemy Great Master was an unexpected pleasant surprise.
“Chief Manager Wan, rest assured, I will do my best to facilitate this. As for the reward, there’s no need to mention it again!” Li Mu smiled and politely declined.
After a pause, Li Mu pondered for a moment, then asked, “Chief Manager Wan, the price of this Thousand Longevity Dao Pill is quite suitable. I still have a few more, as well as many Longevity Pills that increase Lifespan by seven or eight hundred years, all refined by Great Master Qingyang Zi. Let’s use them to offset the remaining debt!”
As his voice fell, Li Mu’s Divine Thought moved, and he pulled out seven pill bottles from his tianxuan ring.
“What!”
“Are these all Thousand Longevity Pills?”
Wan Renlang’s gaze instantly fixated on the newly appeared pill bottles, his voice trembling slightly with shock. He incredulously took the pill bottles Li Mu handed him, opening them one by one. Each bottle emitted a rich aura of life, the unique mysterious power of the Thousand Longevity Pill that could extend Lifespan. What shocked him even more was that Li Mu also mentioned Medicinal Pills that could increase Lifespan by seven or eight hundred years. These were simply rare treasures in the cultivation world, enough to drive any powerful Cultivator nearing the end of their Lifespan into a frenzy.
“Great Master Li, you… are you sure these were all refined by Great Master Qingyang Zi?” Wan Renlang’s voice held a hint of uncertainty, as if he feared this was a dream and everything would disappear upon waking.
Li Mu smiled and nodded, his smile containing a deeper, meaningful implication.
Wan Renlang took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He began to carefully estimate the value of these Medicinal Pills; each Thousand Longevity Pill was priceless, and those that could increase Lifespan by seven or eight hundred years were no less valuable.
Spirit Pills of this Rank are suitable for Refining Void cultivators whose Lifespan is nearing its end. They would often spare no expense, even willing to lose everything, to obtain such a Medicinal Pill. After all, in the cultivation world, Lifespan is everything; without Lifespan, even the highest cultivation would be but a fleeting illusion, merely superficial.
Lifespan is a problem that every Cultivator cannot ignore, especially for those who have already entered the high Rank but have not yet been able to glimpse the next Realm. Every opportunity to increase Lifespan appears particularly precious.
The value of a Thousand Longevity Pill has far exceeded the imagination of ordinary Cultivators. It can not only extend a Cultivator’s Lifespan, but also, to a certain extent, determine the fate of a Family. Only those truly powerful high-Rank Cultivators with profound backgrounds are qualified to possess it.
Wan Renlang suppressed his excitement, took a deep breath, and quoted his valuation to Li Mu: “Great Master Li, the Thousand Longevity Pill is valued at 3 million High-Grade Spirit Stones. There are three here. The remaining four are slightly inferior in quality, valued at 2.3 million High-Grade Spirit Stones. How about that?”
At this point, Wan Renlang paused, fearing Li Mu’s dissatisfaction, and quickly added, “Great Master Li, there will be an Auction next month. If you are not satisfied with the valuation of these spiritual items, you can wait and see. If they are put up for Auction, these Medicinal Pills will definitely fetch a higher price.”
After speaking, Wan Renlang looked at Li Mu with nervous eyes, waiting for his decision.
This batch of Dao Pills, Dao Talismans, and several Dao Artifacts were all exquisite and highly valuable. Spiritual items like the Thousand Longevity Pill were even harder to come by in a thousand years, a hard currency. If they were put up for Auction, they would definitely sell for a good price, and Wanbao Pavilion would then earn a considerable commission.
However, this was far less than the profit from directly purchasing them now and then reselling them at an Auction. It was just that, by collecting the Auction commission, Wanbao Pavilion wouldn’t have to bear the associated risks!
Wan Renlang hoped even more that Li Mu would choose the first option, directly trading this batch of items with Wanbao Pavilion.
Li Mu smiled faintly, his profound gaze falling on Wan Renlang’s face, as if he had already seen through his thoughts.
“Chief Manager Wan, your proposal is very tempting, but I prefer to trade directly with you,” Li Mu said with a slight smile, slowly. “While these Medicinal Pills and Dao Artifacts are indeed precious, I prefer to exchange them for the resources I urgently need. Wanbao Pavilion happens to be able to provide these high-grade spiritual materials and is a trustworthy partner, so there’s no need to wait for the Auction.”
Upon hearing this, Wan Renlang was overjoyed and laughed heartily, “Haha, Great Master Li is indeed a straightforward person! It is an honor for our Wanbao Pavilion to cooperate with an expert like you!”
Wan Renlang secretly rejoiced in his heart; Li Mu’s choice undoubtedly brought a huge profit to Wanbao Pavilion, and at the same time, he genuinely admired Li Mu’s courage.
However, what Wan Renlang didn’t know was that Li Mu still had dozens, nearly a hundred, of these Rank 7 Longevity Pills in his tianxuan ring. They were refined using special techniques after harvesting a large quantity of Rank 6 Spiritual Plant - Yan Yuan Spirit Grass, refining hundreds to thousands of them.
Li Mu was worried about not finding a suitable channel to convert these excess Longevity Pills into the rare spiritual materials he needed. The direct transaction with Wanbao Pavilion undoubtedly solved this problem for him, it was just that it wasn’t good to take out too many at once.
“Chief Manager Wan, you are too kind. We help each other mutually. In fact, if Wanbao Pavilion can find a way to gather more high-grade spiritual materials for me, I will immediately contact Qingyang Zi when I return and have him provide more Dao Pills. At the same time, I will also do my best to refine another batch of Dao Artifacts!” Li Mu smiled slightly, suggesting to Wan Renlang.
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Wan Renlang’s eyes. He hadn’t expected Li Mu to have such a grand plan and willingness, not only to continue providing Dao Pills but also to personally refine more Dao Artifacts. For Wanbao Pavilion, this was undoubtedly a huge business opportunity.
“Great Master Li, you’ve spoken right to my heart. Our Wanbao Pavilion has always been diligently collecting high-grade spiritual materials, and whatever you need, we will go all out to acquire. As for Great Master Qingyang Zi’s Dao Pills and the Dao Artifacts personally refined by you, our Wanbao Pavilion is willing to acquire them under the most favorable terms,” Wan Renlang said with a firm tone, full of sincerity.
Li Mu nodded, satisfied with Wan Renlang’s response. Next, the two discussed the transaction details.
Subsequently, Wan Renlang took out another batch of High-Grade Spirit Stones and handed them over to Li Mu. (End of Chapter)