Li Mu quickly collected the remaining spiritual materials on the battlefield one by one, especially the Rank 8 Void Spirit Realm Crystal; although it had been consumed by the grand formation, a large amount of Void Spirit power still remained within it, enough to sustain the grand formation for one or two more uses.
After clearing the battlefield, Li Mu surveyed his surroundings, confirmed there were no omissions, and did not linger; his figure flashed, flying to the Black Profound Spirit Tortoise, and he concealed himself in the Painting World Treasure Mansion at its neck.
Li Mu's figure subsequently vanished, and the Black Profound Spirit Tortoise moved its sturdy limbs, quickly leaving this sea area according to its master's guidance.
Two Years passed in a flash.
In the Central Continent Spirit Domain, on the edge of a somewhat desolate giant city, a man dressed in ordinary cloth, his Face obscured by the shadow of a bamboo hat, slowly arrived; this person was none other than Li Mu.
With the Three Realms Passage open for a hundred Years, the invasion of Demon Abyss forces, and the Immortal Spirit Realm powerhouses also stirring, under this dual pressure, the once incomparably prosperous Wanbao City was now desolate, its glory gone.
The mottled marks on the city walls were imprints carved by both Years and war; along the streets, most of the once bustling shops were now closed, and the few that still managed to stay open were deserted, with few people visiting.
The original owners of Wanbao City—the Human Race Cultivators—now existed like stray dogs, living under others' roofs in this ruined giant city; their eyes had lost their former luster, replaced by confusion and fear for the future.
Conversely, Demon Abyss Cultivators swaggered through the streets and alleys like victors, their laughter carrying a hint of triumph and arrogance; this land had completely become theirs.
At the same time, figures of the Immortal Spirit Race also appeared from time to time; they either flew arrogantly through the air or walked discreetly and silently, but no matter their posture, they exuded a transcendental and indifferent aura that did not belong to this world; a subtle balance seemed to exist between them and the Demon Abyss Cultivators, jointly Dominating the fate of this ruined giant city.
Under his Divine Sense, Li Mu saw such a scene, and a mix of emotions welled up in his heart.
Li Mu sighed softly, his steps heavy as he entered Wanbao City. His original purpose for this trip was to purchase high-grade spiritual materials for setting up formations, but he had not expected that Wanbao City, once renowned for its spiritual material trade, would fall into such a state of disrepair.
Along the streets, most of the shops that were once bustling with people and brimming with spiritual materials were now tightly shut; the few that were half-open had sparse and low-quality goods, unable to meet his needs.
Li Mu moved through the narrow alleys, his brows tightly furrowed, secretly pondering: Could it be that in such a large Wanbao City, there was no place to trade high-grade spiritual materials?
Li Mu hesitated whether to leave and find another way, but ultimately, he stopped at an old-fashioned, slightly bustling tavern.
Xiao Er enthusiastically moved through the crowd, his tray steady in his hands, laden with various spiritual wines and snacks, delivering them to several tables of guests.
Seeing Li Mu enter, Xiao Er immediately put on a smiling Face and came forward to greet him: "Welcome, honored guest! Are you stopping for a meal or staying the night? Although we can't compare to the past, our spiritual wine and snacks are quite complete, guaranteed to satisfy you."
Li Mu took off his bamboo hat, revealing his dark hair and a slightly weary expression, and replied: "First, a pot of hot wine to warm myself. And prepare some small dishes for me."
"Alright! What would you like to eat, honored guest? Our signature spiritual dishes include 'Cloud Mist Spirit Chicken,' made from hundred-year-old spiritual chickens fed with Spiritual Plants unique to Cloud Mist Mountain; the meat is tender, full of Spiritual Qi, and one bite will surely invigorate you. There's also 'Jade Water Green Fish,' a rare spiritual fish caught from the Jade Water River outside the city; its meat is delicate, melts in your mouth, and is rich in water-attribute Spiritual Qi, greatly beneficial for Cultivating water-attribute Cultivation Techniques." Xiao Er rattled off the descriptions, clearly very proud of their spiritual wine and spiritual dishes.
Listening to Xiao Er's introduction, Li Mu's finger twitched slightly, and he nodded: "Then, first, a pot of your best spiritual wine, and these two signature spiritual dishes."
"Alright, honored guest, please wait a moment! Good wine and good food will be served right away!"
Xiao Er responded and turned to instruct the kitchen, but then seemed to remember something, stopping and turning back to Li Mu: "Oh, by the way, honored guest, due to the current turbulent times, spiritual materials for food are hard to come by. Would you mind paying a portion of the deposit first?"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu showed no displeasure. He nodded understandingly, took out ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Pouch, and handed them to Xiao Er, saying: "Is this deposit enough? You can keep it for now."
Xiao Er took the Spirit Stones, his Face beaming with smiles, and repeatedly thanked him: "Enough, enough! Thank you, honored guest! Please wait a moment; good wine and good food will be served to you immediately."
After speaking, Xiao Er quickly turned and walked towards the kitchen to arrange the spiritual dishes.
Li Mu picked up the teacup on the table and took a light sip, his gaze involuntarily falling on the other five tables of diners in the establishment. The light inside was slightly dim, but it perfectly illuminated the Faces of the various diners.
At a table near the entrance sat four Demonic Cultivators dressed in the distinctive black robes of the Demon Abyss forces, at the Nascent Soul cultivation level; their robes were embroidered with intricate demonic patterns, shimmering with a faint, dark glow, appearing both mysterious and imposing. The leading Soul Transformation Demonic Cultivator, with a stern Face, upturned eyes, and a sneer at the corner of his mouth, was loudly discussing their glorious achievements in a recent battle, his words filled with contempt and mockery for the Immortal Spirit Realm Cultivators, his fingers occasionally tapping the table, making a "thump, thump" sound, filled with wicked blood Qi, inspiring fear in people's hearts.
In a corner table, several Human Race Soul Transformation Cultivators sat with downcast eyes; their clothes were simple and unadorned, and their Faces carried a hint of weariness and helplessness. Their conversations were in very low voices, and occasionally they would look up at the Demonic Cultivators, a complex emotion flashing in their eyes—anger, unwillingness, but mostly compromise and helplessness towards reality.
One of them, an elderly Void Refining Cultivator sitting alone, with graying hair and an aged Face, sighed softly and murmured: "The world has changed. Our Human Race's past glory has now become dust beneath others' feet. Some Cultivators, for the sake of survival, have even gone so far as to change their Cultivation Technique to the Demonic Path, becoming running dogs for those Demon Abyss forces."
"You old geezer! What did you say?" The leading Soul Transformation Demonic Cultivator seemed to have heard the elderly Cultivator's murmur, his brow raised, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.
"Qiu, that old man was originally from the Wan family in Wanbao City; there's no need to bother with him," another Demonic Cultivator quickly advised.
However, Qiu did not seem to intend to let it go. He stood up, a chilling light flickering in his eyes, and walked step by step towards the elderly Void Refining Cultivator.
The atmosphere in the tavern instantly became tense, and the other diners all cast surprised glances; some sympathized with the Human Race Cultivator, while others watched indifferently, and even more were intimidated by the Demonic Cultivator's power, not daring to speak easily.
Seeing this, the Store Owner quickly emerged from behind the counter, approaching Qiu with a placating smile: "Oh, Senior, our humble establishment hasn't offended anyone today. Please be magnanimous and don't bother with our old customer."
The Soul Transformation Demonic Cultivator stopped, squinted at the Store Owner, and sneered: "Hmph, this old man's mouth is unclean, insulting our Demon Abyss forces. Do you think he should be taught a lesson?"
The Store Owner felt a bitter taste in his mouth upon hearing this. He knew that this Soul Transformation Demonic Cultivator had connections with the Demon Abyss forces and could not be offended, but he also couldn't just stand by and watch a fight break out in his establishment.
"Oh, Senior, you don't know, this old Senior was once infinitely glorious, but now he is lonely and his mind is a bit unclear. You see, his nonsensical words, how could they be sincere? How about this, today's food and drink are on me, as an apology to all of you sirs, how does that sound?" The Store Owner quickly advised.
The Soul Transformation Demonic Cultivator glanced at the Void Refining elder with a grim gaze, knowing he was no match if they fought, and quickly said, "Alright, since the Store Owner is giving me Face, I'll give you Face today. However, this old man better be careful in the future, otherwise, hmph!"
The Store Owner quickly nodded and bowed: "Yes, yes, I will definitely teach him a good lesson and ensure that such a thing will not happen again."
After speaking, the Store Owner turned to the Void Refining Cultivator and pleaded in a low voice: "Senior Wan, please, I beg you to control your temper! My small establishment cannot withstand this! The livelihood of my whole family..."
Upon hearing this, the Void Refining elder, Wan Renfeng, a complex expression flashed in his eyes, and he sighed helplessly.
"Forget it, today's matter was my rashness." The Void Refining elder, Wan Renfeng's voice was hoarse and low, and after speaking, he turned to leave the tavern.
Just as a storm was about to subside, Li Mu suddenly spoke, his voice calm and strong, interrupting the Void Refining elder, Wan Renfeng's steps: "Fellow Daoist Wan, could you stay? If you don't mind, why not share a drink with me?"
As soon as these words came out, not only did the Void Refining elder, Wan Renfeng's steps halt, but all the diners in the tavern also turned their heads. In an era where Demonic Cultivators ran rampant and Human Race Cultivators held a low status, Li Mu's invitation undoubtedly seemed abrupt and bold.
However, seeing that Li Mu's cultivation Qi was also at the early Void Refining stage, the other diners were no longer surprised.
Nowadays, low-level Cultivators all specialize in the Demonic Path, aligning themselves with Demon Abyss forces, or have defected to the Immortal Spirit Realm, becoming subordinates of the Immortal Spirit Race. Only some Cultivators with deeper cultivation can adhere to the bottom line of Human Race Cultivators, unwilling to collude with Demon Abyss forces, and even less willing to be subservient to the Immortal Spirit Race.
Suddenly hearing the invitation from another Cultivator, Wan Renfeng couldn't help but feel a bit curious. He turned to look at Li Mu and saw that this young Void Refining Cultivator had a calm Face, firm eyes, and exuded an extraordinary aura, without any sense of vicissitude, unlike the unique aura of those who had been tormented by difficulties.
Please... collect _6 I 9 I Book I Bar (Six \\ Nine \\ Book \\ Bar!)
Wan Renfeng felt the calm emanating from Li Mu and could perceive something unusual from the other party's aura, and he couldn't help but nod secretly.
"Thank you for the invitation, Fellow Daoist. Since you have such refined taste, it would be disrespectful for me, Wan, not to accept!" Wan Renfeng responded with a smile, walking directly to Li Mu and sitting down opposite him.
Li Mu smiled and nodded, gesturing for Xiao Er to add another set of bowls and chopsticks.
The two sat opposite each other, clinking their cups lightly, exchanging pleasantries and their 'origins.' Time seemed to stand still at this moment; the external disturbances and conflicts were isolated, leaving only the two of them in this small tavern, enjoying a rare tranquility and peace.
As they drank three rounds of wine and ate five courses of dishes, their conversation gradually deepened.
Li Mu also learned about Wan Renfeng's situation and some changes in Wanbao City from his words.
Wan Renfeng sighed softly, a hint of helplessness and sorrow flashing in his eyes, and transmitted: "Dao Friend Li, you may not know, Wanbao City was once one of the most prosperous cities in the Central Continent Spirit Domain. Human Race Cultivators traded spiritual materials here, exchanged goods, and it was incomparably prosperous. However, since the Three Realms Passage opened and Demon Abyss forces invaded, and Immortal Spirit Realm powerhouses also descended one after another, this city gradually lost its former glory."
Wan Renfeng paused, then continued to transmit to Li Mu: "Demon Abyss Cultivators are overbearing and rampant, and the Immortal Spirit Race is high and mighty. Human Race Cultivators are caught between the two, making survival increasingly difficult. Many Cultivators, for self-preservation, had no choice but to change their Cultivation Technique to the Demonic Path, or attach themselves to the Immortal Spirit Race, becoming their subordinates. Cultivators like us, who are unwilling to yield, can only cling to life in this ruined city."
Upon hearing this, Li Mu frowned slightly and transmitted: "Fellow Daoist Wan, aren't there any Human Race Cultivators standing up to resist?"
Wan Renfeng gave a bitter smile and transmitted to Li Mu: "Resist? Easier said than done! Demon Abyss Cultivators have several Ultimate Dao Demonic Gods, and their strength is formidable. The Immortal Spirit Race's several Immortal Emperors are even more unfathomable. However, our Human Race no longer has Ultimate Dao Cultivators, and can only rely on the Human Race Immortal Sects of the Immortal Spirit Realm. As for these Loose Cultivators, how can they contend against them? What's more, the Human Race Cultivators themselves are not a monolithic entity; many have long lost their fighting spirit and are content to be subordinates of the Demon Abyss or Immortal Spirit."
Li Mu was silent for a moment, a flash of understanding in his eyes, then he went straight to the main topic and transmitted: "Fellow Daoist Wan, I came to Wanbao City this time to purchase some high-grade spiritual materials, but it seems this place is no longer the Wanbao City of old. Does Fellow Daoist Wan know of any other channels where I can trade for or obtain high-grade spiritual materials?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in Wan Renfeng's eyes, then he transmitted: "Dao Friend Li, to be honest, most of the high-grade spiritual materials in Wanbao City are now controlled by Demon Abyss Cultivators and the Immortal Spirit Race. Ordinary Cultivators can hardly acquire them, let alone trade them. However, I do know of a black market open in this city, where you might be able to find the high-grade spiritual materials you need."
A hint of joy flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he quickly transmitted: "Oh? Where is this black market Fellow Daoist Wan mentioned? Could you introduce me?"
Wan Renfeng looked around, confirming that no one was paying attention, then transmitted: "Dao Friend Li, this black market is located underground in Wanbao City, and its entrance is extremely hidden; only a few people know about it. However, entering the black market requires a special token, otherwise, it's impossible to get in."
Li Mu nodded and transmitted: "Fellow Daoist Wan, how does one acquire this token?"
Wan Renfeng transmitted: "Tokens are usually issued by the black market's Manager, and only Cultivators approved by them can obtain one. However, this old man has some acquaintance with the black market's Manager, so perhaps I can introduce you."
Li Mu transmitted happily: "Then I thank Fellow Daoist Wan. When can Fellow Daoist Wan introduce me?"
Wan Renfeng smiled slightly and transmitted: "Dao Friend Li, there's no need to rush. The black market usually opens at midnight. I'll take you to meet the black market's Manager later."
Li Mu nodded and said: "Alright, then I'll trouble Fellow Daoist Wan."
The two continued to drink and chat, and time quietly passed. As night deepened, the customers in the tavern gradually dispersed, leaving only Li Mu and Wan Renfeng.
Wan Renfeng stood up and looked at Li Mu, beckoning: "Dao Friend Li, it's about time. Let's go."
Li Mu nodded, then rose and followed Wan Renfeng out of the tavern. (End of Chapter)
