Under Wang Wenbao's guidance, Li Mu arrived at the reception hall of Wanbao Pavilion and met the Grand Manager Wan, who possessed an extraordinary demeanor.
The Grand Manager Wan of Wanbao Pavilion was a middle-aged man dressed in a yellow brocade robe. He was of average height and appearance, but his eyes were bright and piercing, giving people a stable and peaceful feeling. His appearance was unremarkable, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, as if he could see through people's hearts, revealing an extraordinary demeanor. Li Mu's heart stirred, and he secretly thought that this middle-aged man was by no means an ordinary person.
Following Wang Wenbao's introduction, Li Mu learned that this middle-aged man was the Grand Manager Wan of Wanbao Pavilion—Wan Renlang. He couldn't help but feel a sense of respect. As a commercial giant in the Cultivation world, the Grand Manager Wan of Wanbao Pavilion must be a prominent figure with both strength and wisdom.
Li Mu carefully observed Wan Renlang and found his cultivation to be unfathomable. Vaguely, he felt an aura similar to that of Sword Master Feng emanating from him. It was a stable and restrained power, like a deep and hidden mountain. Li Mu's heart stirred, and he secretly thought that the Grand Manager Wan's cultivation should have also reached the Body Integration.
However, to his surprise, Wan Renlang only displayed a Late Stage Soul Transformation cultivation. Li Mu couldn't help but feel a bit confused. The gap between a Body Integration expert and a Soul Transformation expert was immense. If Wan Renlang had truly reached the Body Integration, why would he hide his true cultivation?
Although Li Mu was puzzled, he remained calm on the surface, knowing that this world was full of hidden Dragons and crouching Tigers, with experts as numerous as clouds. Everyone had their own secrets and trump cards. Wan Renlang's reason for hiding his cultivation must have his own intentions and considerations.
When Wan Renlang saw Li Mu, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He smiled and stepped forward, greeting him in a warm yet enthusiastic voice: "Master Li, you have cooperated with Wanbao Pavilion for many years, and your skills in both formations and artifacts are unparalleled. Renlang has long admired your great name. It is truly a fortunate event to finally meet you today!"
Li Mu quickly cupped his hands in return, smiling as he replied, "Grand Manager Wan, you flatter me. I am truly honored to receive such courteous treatment from Wanbao Pavilion."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wan Renlang enthusiastically invited Li Mu to sit down and personally poured him a cup of Spirit Tea. The tea's fragrance permeated the air, refreshing and invigorating.
In the subsequent conversation, Wan Renlang meticulously inquired about Li Mu's insights and experiences in Artifact Refining, showing great interest in his Dao of formations and artifacts. Li Mu also generously shared his knowledge, and the two conversed more and more congenially, with the atmosphere becoming increasingly harmonious.
Soon, their conversation naturally turned to the Secret Realm.
Wan Renlang put down his teacup, slightly furrowed his brows, and looked at Li Mu with a somewhat solemn expression, saying worriedly, "Master Li, your decision to participate in the Secret Realm exploration in the Extreme Northern Ice Field is somewhat beyond my expectation. I must remind you that this Secret Realm has an extraordinary origin, most likely being the Dao field of a certain Dao Monarch. The dangers and unknown risks within are unpredictable. A slight carelessness could lead to falling into peril."
At this point, a complex light flashed in Wan Renlang's eyes. He gazed at Li Mu, his tone revealing sincerity and concern, and advised, "Master Li, you are a Grandmaster Refiner, a noble identity. This Secret Realm exploration trip to the Extreme Northern Ice Field is truly too risky. Therefore, I wish to dissuade Master Li from proceeding with this action."
Wan Renlang took a deep breath and continued with an even more sincere tone, "As for the reversing death spirit grass that Master Li needs, my Wanbao Pavilion will definitely spare no effort, utilizing all available resources and connections, to find a way to obtain this Spiritual Plant for you. You actually don't need to personally venture into the perilous Extreme Northern Ice Field. You only need to wait peacefully in Wanbao City, and I will personally oversee this matter."
Wan Renlang looked at Li Mu, his gaze earnest, filled with concern for Li Mu's safety, and at the same time, revealing Wanbao Pavilion's Pay attention to of Li Mu.
Li Mu, as a Grandmaster Refiner, his existence itself represented immense commercial value. Every Spirit Treasure he was commissioned to refine was enough to cause a sensation and bring huge profits to Wanbao Pavilion. Moreover, his potential was far from limited. In the future, if Li Mu could continue to advance and become the legendary Dao Artifact God-smith, it would mean he could refine Dao Artifacts, becoming the hen that continuously lays golden eggs, and his value would be immeasurable. For Wanbao Pavilion, establishing a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with Li Mu, which concerned his personal safety, was undoubtedly an extremely wise choice.
Based on these deeper considerations, Wan Renlang truly did not want to see Li Mu risk danger for a single Spiritual Plant. Li Mu's safety not only concerned his personal life and death but also the future commercial interests of Wanbao Pavilion. Therefore, he was so resolute in dissuading Li Mu.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with determination and confidence. He cupped his hands towards Chief Manager Wan and thanked him, saying, "Chief Manager Wan, Li appreciates your kind intentions. However, the path of Cultivation is inherently Heaven-Defying, and this reversing death spirit grass is related to a Dao Heart vow of mine. Li has no choice but to go personally and seek its whereabouts. As for the dangers in the Secret Realm, Li will naturally handle them carefully and will not act rashly. Li will proceed with caution, ensuring his own safety, and will never easily put himself in danger. Chief Manager Wan, please rest assured."
After hearing Li Mu's explanation, Wan Renlang couldn't help but sigh helplessly. Although he was still somewhat worried, he also understood Li Mu's determination. It was truly difficult to dissuade him from something related to a Dao Heart vow. Therefore, he could only silently wish Li Mu well, hoping that he would successfully obtain the reversing death spirit grass and return safely.
"Master Li, since your mind is set, I will not try to dissuade you further," Wan Renlang said in a deep voice, "But please be extremely careful. I will do my utmost to prepare all the necessary manpower and resources to ensure your safe and smooth journey."
"Thank you, Chief Manager Wan," Li Mu nodded in gratitude.
Seeing this, Wan Renlang changed the subject and said with a smile, "Master Li, since you've rarely visited Wanbao City, why not stay for a few more days and let me fulfill my duties as a host? As you know, Wanbao City is a hub for rare and exotic treasures from all over the world. Countless large-scale gatherings, high-end trade fairs, and Auctions are held here every day. These events bring together treasures and rare goods from various places, and perhaps there might be Artifact Refining Materials or rare Magic Treasures that interest you. If you are interested, I can arrange for you to visit, and you might have unexpected gains."
Upon hearing this, a hint of interest flashed in Li Mu's eyes, and he nodded, saying, "Chief Manager Wan's hospitality is hard to refuse. Li will respectfully obey. These few days, I will trouble Chief Manager Wan to make arrangements. Li will be eternally grateful."
Wan Renlang was overjoyed to hear this and quickly said, "Master Li, you are too kind. It is my honor to be of service to you. I will go arrange it now and ensure that your stay in Wanbao City these few days is pleasant and fulfilling."
After speaking, Wan Renlang showed an apologetic expression and looked at Wang Wenbao, who was standing by, instructing, "Manager Wang, I am busy with affairs and cannot personally accompany Master Li. Please act as my host. Master Li is a distinguished guest of my Wanbao Pavilion. You are to properly arrange his itinerary here and make sure to meet all of Master Li's needs in Wanbao City."
"Yes!" Wang Wenbao nodded in assent.
This meeting concluded in a hurried yet pleasant atmosphere. Li Mu and Wan Renlang shook hands in farewell, with satisfied smiles on their faces. Afterward, Wang Wenbao led Li Mu away from the reception hall and towards the elegant residence that Wanbao Pavilion had meticulously prepared for him.
As Wang Wenbao led the way, he walked and meticulously introduced the scenery and unique features of Wanbao City, his words filled with respect and enthusiasm for Li Mu. He recounted the history of Wanbao City's establishment and the stories that had occurred in this treasure city, giving Li Mu a deeper understanding of this prosperous city.
"Master Li, Wanbao City has many commercial districts, which are divided by the type of spiritual objects: spiritual, treasure, plant, beast, strange, and so on. Which trading district do you plan to visit first?"
Soon, the two returned to the elegant residence and met up with Miss Xue Er.
Wang Wenbao smiled at Li Mu and asked, "Master Li, the commercial district of Wanbao City is quite vast, with a dazzling array of items. It is divided into several trading districts based on the type of spiritual objects: spiritual, treasure, plant, beast, strange, and so on. I wonder which of these trading districts you and Miss Xue Er are interested in visiting first? Of course, besides these, there is also a high-end trade fair, and an Auction currently underway."
"Xue Er, where do you plan to go?" Li Mu asked Miss Xue Er with a smile.
"Lord Li, you decide! Wherever you go, I'll go!" Miss Xue Er blinked her bright eyes and looked at Li Mu with a smile.
Li Mu nodded, looked at Wang Wenbao, and decided, "Manager Wang, we'll check out the trade fair and Auction later. I'm quite interested in Spiritual Plants and rare items. Where are these two trading districts, and what are their unique features?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration flashed in Wang Wenbao's eyes, and he explained with a smile, "Master Li indeed possesses a unique Wisdom Eye. The trading districts for Spiritual Plants and rare items are indeed very special existences in Wanbao City."
"The Spiritual Plant trading district is located in the eastern district of Wanbao City. It gathers rare Spiritual Plants and Spirit Immortal Flowers from all over the world, with a wide variety. The vast majority contain the essence of heaven and earth, and many Alchemy Spirit Medicine. There, you can not only see various rare Spiritual Plants but also exchange experiences with Spiritual Plant Masters from various places, perhaps gaining unexpected insights."
"As for the trading district for rare items, it is located in the northern district of Wanbao City. It is a gathering place for various strange treasures, Secret Treasures, Gu artifacts, shamanistic artifacts, and various ancient artifacts are all available. If Master Li is interested in these two trading districts, I will take you to explore them now."
After speaking, Wang Wenbao turned and led the way, taking Li Mu and Miss Xue Er towards the Spiritual Plant trading district.
Seeing this, Li Mu and Miss Xue Er quickly followed his steps.
Led by Wang Wenbao, the three passed through the bustling streets of Wanbao City and finally arrived at the East District—this renowned Spiritual Plant trading district. It was a vast and boundless Spiritual Plant garden, like a green ocean, full of vitality, emitting a rich Spiritual Qi and various floral fragrances, making one feel refreshed and delighted.
As soon as Li Mu stepped into the trading district, a magnificent scene unfolded before his eyes. Spiritual Plant shops were lined up in a dense, endless array, like scales on a fish. These shops were decorated in various styles, some ancient and elegant, others opulent and grand, each showcasing its unique style and characteristics.
Between the shops, various Spiritual Plants were displayed in dazzling profusion, a feast for the eyes. Some Spiritual Plants had leaves as green as jade, crystal clear, as if containing the essence of nature; some Spiritual Plants had vibrant and captivating flowers, colorful and emitting enchanting fragrances, intoxicating those who beheld them; while others contained profound spiritual power, emitting a powerful aura...
Li Mu and Miss Xue Er strolled through the Spiritual Plant trading district, their gaze often drawn to the rare Spiritual Plants inside the shops. They would occasionally stop to admire them or exchange quiet words.
"Lord Li, what kind of Spirit Fruit is this! It looks so delicious." Miss Xue Er suddenly pointed to a high-grade Spiritual Plant bearing Ice Mist Spirit Fruits in a Spiritual Plant shop and asked Li Mu curiously.
Li Mu looked in the direction Miss Xue Er was pointing and saw that in a prominent position in that Spiritual Plant shop, there was a Spiritual Plant bearing fruit. It had produced a kind of white Spirit Fruit that was brightly colored, fragrant, and looked like small lanterns, emitting an alluring luster.
"This is a Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit, a Spirit Fruit produced by a Fourth Order Spiritual Plant - the Cloud Mist Spirit Vine." Li Mu smiled slightly and explained, "The Cloud Mist Spirit Vine grows in mountains and forests with rich Spiritual Qi, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth to form. The Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit not only tastes delicious but also contains abundant water Spirit Qi. For cultivators with Water Spiritual Root and Ice Spiritual Root, it is an excellent supplementary cultivation item. This Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit is well cultivated, producing so many Spirit Fruits. Let's buy it!"
Upon hearing Li Mu's explanation, a hint of surprise flashed in Miss Xue Er's eyes. Her curiosity and anticipation for the Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit grew even stronger. Just as she was about to take out Spirit Stones from her Storage Pouch to pay, Wang Wenbao's voice suddenly rang out: "Let me do it! Miss Xue Er, please put this Spiritual Plant away!"
Wang Wenbao quickly intervened and showed his token to the shop owner. Upon seeing it, the shop owner immediately showed a respectful smile and repeatedly thanked him. As the Manager Wang of Wanbao City, his token naturally had extremely high recognition within the city.
Miss Xue Er nodded and put the Cloud Mist Spirit Vine into her Storage Pouch. She eagerly picked two Cloud Mist Spirit Fruits and gently held them in her hands; a fresh fragrance immediately wafted into her nose.
Carefully examining the Spirit Fruits, she saw that they were crystal clear, as if carved from ice and snow, emitting an alluring luster. Miss Xue Er couldn't help but take a bite, and immediately, juice overflowed, a sweet taste blossomed on her taste buds, melting in her mouth like ice and snow, bringing a refreshing coolness.
This wonderful taste invigorated Miss Xue Er. She sighed contentedly, savoring the aftertaste. Miss Xue Er looked up at Li Mu and handed him the other Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit: "Lord Li, you try it too. This Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit is too delicious!"
Li Mu smiled and took the Spirit Fruit. With a gentle bite, he immediately felt the sweet and delicious taste. He nodded in appreciation and said, "This Cloud Mist Spirit Fruit is indeed extraordinary. It not only tastes delicious but also contains abundant water Spirit Qi. It is indeed a rare treasure."
While savoring the delicious Cloud Mist Spirit Fruits, the two continued to stroll through the Spiritual Plant trading district, occasionally stopping to admire various rare Spiritual Plants and exchange experiences with the stall owners, enjoying the pleasure of this treasure hunt.
Soon, Li Mu's footsteps paused at an ancient Spiritual Plant shop. His Heavenly Talent - Identifying Myriad Spirits, finally made a high-value discovery among countless Spiritual Plants. (End of Chapter)
