Following the warehouse ledger, Li Mu selected a large amount of Materials, then returned the ledger to Lin Baoqing, changing the subject and looking at Lin Baoqing, he asked, “Manager Lin, I plan to leave the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain for Central State. I wonder if I could take your pavilion’s merchant ship with me?”
If Li Mu were to go to Central State, the Xuantian Sword Sect, Taiyi Sect, and Kun Family, if they knew, would certainly let him take their ships.
However, cooperating with these forces meant he would lose some freedom and might even become someone else’s pawn. This was not what Li Mu wanted.
Upon arriving in the Central State Spirit Domain, Li Mu still hoped to find a secluded spiritual land, quietly Cultivate spiritual plants, and improve his cultivation, rather than participating in a major force and becoming a tool for others to use.
Joining a certain force, who knows, one day he might be caught in a sudden battle and not even know how he fell.
In contrast, Li Mu preferred to cooperate with commercial organizations like Wanbao Pavilion. Both parties were bound by mutual interest. Wanbao Pavilion could provide him with a large number of channels and various conveniences without interfering too much in his personal affairs.
After so many years of cooperation, no unpleasant incidents had ever occurred, which Li Mu was particularly satisfied with.
Hearing that Li Mu was leaving the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, Lin Baoqing’s expression immediately changed slightly, and he asked somewhat anxiously, “Great Master Li, are you preparing to leave the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain?”
“Yes! Given the current situation, it’s not wise to continue staying in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain!” Li Mu smiled and nodded. He could understand Lin Baoqing’s feelings; losing him, a Grandmaster Refiner, would certainly cause a large drop in the profits of Wanbao Pavilion in Barren Ancient City.
Upon hearing this, Lin Baoqing looked lost, nodded, and confirmed with emotion, “Indeed!”
Currently, the Nine Demon Sect has risen powerfully, destroying many Sects in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, causing panic throughout the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain. The Xuantian Sword Sect and Taiyi Sect are at war with the Nine Demon Sect, with continuous battles. At this time, leaving the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain for Central State is indeed a clear choice.
“Great Master Li, when do you plan to leave? I can make arrangements for you,” Lin Baoqing asked, looking at Li Mu with concern.
Li Mu frowned in thought and replied, “I’ll stay for a while longer! About three or four months?”
After releasing the Contract Seal on the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon, it was currently recovering from the Divine Soul damage caused by the seal in the Painting World Treasure Mansion. The day of Undergoing Tribulation was close at hand. Li Mu planned to prepare Magic Treasures for the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon’s Undergoing Tribulation during this time, so he would leave the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain only after it had passed the True Dragon Lightning Tribulation.
Three or four months was ample time.
“Understood! Recently, there have been many more voyages to Central State, averaging one every six months. The next merchant ship departs around the end of September, which is still four and a half months away. Great Master Li, would that time work?” Lin Baoqing nodded and asked Li Mu.
“Alright! You can also prepare a quiet small courtyard for me; I’ll stay there for a while,” Li Mu nodded with pleasure and agreed.
“No problem!” Lin Baoqing happily agreed, then, thinking of something, he asked with concern, “I wonder, Great Master Li, do you still have time for Artifact Refining during this period?”
Li Mu was about to leave the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, and the remaining four-plus months seemed exceptionally precious. Lin Baoqing looked at Li Mu pitifully, hoping to entrust him with refining a few more six-tier spirit treasures within these few months.
Li Mu frowned. He had obtained a large amount of high-grade Materials from the spoils of war this time, and he was planning to use this time to refine another bottle of Spirit Treasure to enhance his strength, as well as prepare for the Double-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon’s Undergoing Tribulation. He really didn't have the energy to accept any more Artifact Refining commissions.
However, Manager Lin had always been responsive to his requests and attentive in his care, so he couldn't completely refuse him at this time.
“Five slots, then! No more!” Li Mu looked at Lin Baoqing and replied, “I have other things to do during this time!”
“Thank you, Great Master Li, thank you! Thank you! I’ll go prepare right away!”
Lin Baoqing was overjoyed and thanked him profusely.
Soon, under Lin Baoqing’s meticulous arrangements, Li Mu moved into a luxurious manor located in the core area of Barren Ancient City. This manor not only had an excellent geographical location, being in the heart of Barren Ancient City, quiet amidst the bustle,
A large Gathering Spirit Formation enveloped the entire manor, and various rare flowers and exotic plants were planted in the garden, where Spiritual Qi was abundant. Under the nourishment of the Spiritual Qi, various fresh flowers bloomed all year round, competing in beauty.
“It’s so beautiful, I love this garden!”
Entering the garden, Xue’er ran over, picked a fresh flower, smelled it delightfully, and laughed happily.
After a while, Xue’er ran to the swing, swaying back and forth, with her melodious laughter occasionally echoing.
“Play for a while, then you should go Cultivate. Don’t be too playful!” Li Mu said to Xue’er, annoyed, reminding her.
“I know! I’ll go in a bit,” Xue’er responded helplessly.
Li Mu ignored her, inspected the solemn manor, set up a few Magic Formations just in case, then plunged into the Artifact Refining Room, summoned the Extreme Yang Heavenly Fire, and began Artifact Refining.
...
Just as Li Mu was fully immersed in Artifact Refining, Lin Baoqing quickly took action, leveraging all his connections to attract a large number of high-level Cultivators, preparing to capitalize on Li Mu’s last five Artifact Refining slots.
Once Li Mu left the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, it would be extremely difficult to find another Grandmaster Refiner capable of refining six-tier spirit treasures in the entire Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain.
In less than five days, over twenty Venerable Deity Transformation gathered in the main hall of Wanbao Pavilion. They came from different Sects and forces; some were Elders of the Ancient Moon Sect, others were well-known Loose Cultivators. Each of them was dignified and imposing, with an extraordinary Aura. They sat scattered, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air.
“Manager Lin, what is the meaning of this? The previous Artifact Refining commissions don’t count anymore?” The Elder of the Ancient Moon Sect frowned, looking at Lin Baoqing, and was the first to speak. His voice echoed in the hall, making the surrounding air seem to solidify.
“That’s right! Didn’t we all agree that once I gathered the Materials, I could ask for your help in refining? Why the sudden change now?!” The silver-haired old man also couldn’t help but shout, his Face full of dissatisfaction and anger.
“Manager Lin, what you’re doing is very disingenuous. If you don’t give me a satisfactory answer,” a Venerable Deity Transformation stood up, his gaze like a knife, looking at Lin Baoqing, and solemnly warned, “I won’t let this matter rest!”
...
All the Venerable Deity Transformation glared at Lin Baoqing, their Faces full of displeasure. Their identities and statuses were extraordinary; normally, they were treated as honored guests. Today, Lin Baoqing had put them in such an awkward position.
“Seniors, please calm your anger! Please listen to my explanation!” Lin Baoqing said with an apologetic smile, “Everyone knows the current situation in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain. The war is becoming increasingly tense, and Great Master Li, who refines artifacts for you all, will be leaving the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain in a while. Therefore, this change has occurred. The promise to help everyone refine treasures before, I’m afraid it will be difficult to continue!”
Lin Baoqing’s voice echoed in the hall, causing everyone to fall silent. Every word he spoke conveyed his helplessness and apology.
The reality was indeed so!
If it weren't for their large family businesses, reluctance to leave their homeland, or other restrictive factors, they too would have considered leaving the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain, leaving this spiritual domain where a major war was highly likely to erupt.
All the Venerable Deity Transformation fell silent, exchanging glances, seemingly deep in thought.
“Since that’s the case, we can understand.” A green-robed Venerable Deity Transformation spoke, “However, since we’ve come all this way, we can’t return empty-handed. Manager Lin, you invited us here; it can’t just be to tell us this! Speak! What other changes are there to the Artifact Refining commission?”
“Senior Liu, your insight is sharp.” Lin Baoqing praised the questioning Venerable Deity Transformation, then introduced, “Great Master Li will be leaving in a while. During this time, he can refine five Spirit Treasures for everyone. Beyond that, he will be unable to help!”
As soon as Lin Baoqing finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly grew tense. The twenty-three Transformation God cultivators looked at each other with eyes full of competition. They all knew that this opportunity was rare, and once missed, there would be no next time.
“Five slots, Manager Lin, how do you plan to allocate them? We are all waiting for Artifact Refining!” One of the female Transformation God cultivators couldn’t help but press Lin Baoqing.
“Manager Lin, do you mean these five slots will be open for us to bid against each other?” A black-robed Transformation God old man asked unhappily, “This was never discussed before.”
“That’s right! Manager Lin, doing this will make things very difficult for us!” Another Sword Cultivator Venerable Deity Transformation took over, staring at Lin Baoqing, saying with deep meaning.
“Senior Chen, you misunderstand. I, Lin, would never dare to have such a thought.” Lin Baoqing quickly waved his hand, looking at the Transformation God cultivators and arranging, “I propose that whoever gathers the Artifact Refining Materials first gets priority in refining, until the five Artifact Refining slots are filled. What do you all think?”
“No! The Materials this Venerable needs have already been gathered, only one item is still on its way…” A middle-aged Transformation God with a gloomy expression flatly refused.
“I don’t agree either. My fire gourd still needs some time to mature. After waiting so long, I will not give up this Artifact Refining slot no matter what!” a white-haired old man said in a deep voice, looking at the Cultivators with vigor and authority.
...
Lin Baoqing’s words immediately sparked strong opposition from the crowd. Although a few expressed agreement, the number of those who disagreed far outnumbered them.
“Seniors, Great Master Li will not be staying in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain for too long. This Artifact Refining session will end in three months. If you cannot gather the Artifact Refining Materials, having a slot will be useless!” Lin Baoqing had already anticipated this scene and said with a bitter smile.
Upon hearing this, all the Transformation God cultivators were stunned. They had originally thought that Great Master Li would stay in the Southern Wilderness Spirit Domain for a while, as this Artifact Refining was no small matter and required thorough preparation. But they hadn’t expected the time to be so tight, only three months. This put a bit of pressure on everyone; they needed to gather the Artifact Refining Materials as quickly as possible within these three months, otherwise, even having a slot would be useless.
“Why such a rush? Can we meet Great Master Li?” A Transformation God cultivator asked. He was wearing a yellow robe, his Face was haggard, but his eyes were unusually bright.
“That’s right! We need to consult Great Master Li properly!” Another Transformation God cultivator echoed.
...
All the Transformation God cultivators, one after another, pleaded to see Li Mu.
“This… Great Master Li is currently in Artifact Refining, I’m afraid he doesn’t have time to meet with all of you Seniors!” Lin Baoqing frowned and refused. He didn’t want to disturb Li Mu for such a matter.
“Seniors, Great Master Li’s departure date is set. No matter how much you try to persuade him, you won’t change his mind. It’s better to think about how to gather the Materials as quickly as possible and seize the Artifact Refining opportunity! If any of you need any Materials, our Wanbao Pavilion will do its best to collect them for you,” Lin Baoqing added solemnly, looking at the Transformation God cultivators.
Upon hearing Lin Baoqing’s words, the Transformation God cultivators also calmed down, their Faces showing signs of contemplation. They all frowned, considering how to gather the Materials and compete for the Artifact Refining slots. They knew that no matter how much they pleaded, they couldn’t change Great Master Li’s decision. The most important thing now was to gather the Artifact Refining Materials as quickly as possible.
“Seniors, if some Materials truly cannot be gathered in a short time, I suggest giving up on Artifact Refining. Coincidentally, this time, our Wanbao Pavilion has just received a batch of Spirit Treasures,…” Seeing that all the Transformation God cultivators were caught in a dilemma, Lin Baoqing seized the opportunity to promote the sale of Spirit Treasures.
The batch of Spirit Treasures provided by Li Mu were mostly ‘named and renowned,’ and if handled properly, they would sell very quickly, perhaps even at a high price.
“Oh! What Spirit Treasures? Bring them out for us to see!”
“There are even Spirit Treasures for sale? Manager Lin, you truly are skilled in the Dao of business!”
...
Hearing Lin Baoqing’s words, the Cultivators immediately became interested. They had already been very eager for Great Master Li’s Artifact Refining slots, but due to the tight schedule, some Materials were difficult to gather quickly.
Now, hearing Lin Baoqing say that there were Spirit Treasures for sale, they couldn’t help but feel a hint of surprise and all gathered closer.
Lin Baoqing smiled slightly and took out a stack of picture albums from his Pregnant. They meticulously recorded the Spirit Treasures that Li Mu had entrusted for sale, compiled into an exquisite set of albums, detailing the performance of the Spirit Treasures and their origins.
The Transformation God cultivators took the albums and flipped through them, their gazes quickly becoming dull.
They immediately saw the origins of the Spirit Treasures depicted in the albums. Some of these Spirit Treasures were inherited treasures of certain Sects, representing the Sect’s glory and faith, while others were the Lifebound Treasures of renowned Transformation God cultivators, concerning their lives and deaths. In total, there were over twenty such items, almost all of which had a significant background, yet they were now appearing in Wanbao Pavilion.
“Manager Lin, you’re not joking, is this not the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda of the Myriad Buddhas Sect? And this, is it not the qingyun sword of the Green Cloud Sect?” The Ancient Moon Sect Elder held the album, glaring at Lin Baoqing as he asked.
“And Old Ghost Duan’s Dragon Tooth Blade, Daoist Wu’s Treasure Transformation Spirit Plate… Manager Lin, you’re not playing a trick on us, are you?!” The Transformation God cultivator, Pang Mingdao, looked up and asked Lin Baoqing with a meaningful gaze.
Upon hearing this, all the Transformation God cultivators looked at Lin Baoqing, their expressions solemn, and their gazes complex as they awaited his reply.
“Seniors, the Myriad Buddhas Sect and Green Cloud Sect have already been destroyed by the Nine Demon Sect. These Spirit Treasures and inherited treasures in the album are all spoils of war from eradicating demons. Their origins are perfectly legitimate,” Lin Baoqing said with a smile, as if he had expected this, introducing them.
Upon hearing Lin Baoqing’s explanation, the Cultivators couldn’t help but feel an indescribable emotion. Although the origins of these Spirit Treasures were legitimate, the fact that these Sects and well-known Cultivators of the same cultivation level had all been annihilated inevitably made them feel somewhat emotional and heavy-hearted. (End of Chapter)
