“Yes, it’s him,” Li Mu confirmed the other party’s identity, which made him waver in his previous speculation.
This person seemed to be called Daoist Wan Ling. Was he secretly peeking at himself because they knew each other?
If that were truly the case, then there would be no danger.
Just as Li Mu was frowning in thought, Daoist Ling stood up and came over with a smile, “Fellow Daoist, do you remember me?”
Li Mu put down his teacup, smiled faintly, and cupped his hands in return: “Fellow Daoist Wan Ling, I didn’t expect to meet you here after our farewell in Bihai City.”
“Haha, what a coincidence, I also never expected to meet Fellow Daoist here.”
As Daoist Wan Ling spoke, he took out a pot of spirit wine from his storage Magic Treasure. He unscrewed the bottle, and the fragrance of the wine filled the air. He poured a cup for Li Mu and sat down in front of him.
Seeing Daoist Wan Ling so enthusiastic, Li Mu felt uncertain in his heart. However, he still drank a cup with the other party, and the spirit wine was mellow and fragrant upon entering his mouth.
Li Mu lowered his head and glanced at the spirit wine, casually praising, “Good wine!”
“If Fellow Daoist likes it, then let’s have a few more drinks. This Auction won’t start so quickly for a while, and many powerhouses haven’t arrived yet!” Daoist Wan Ling introduced himself familiarly, clearly having attended Wanbao Pavilion’s Auctions more than once, and being very familiar with the process.
People entered one after another. Seeing Daoist Wan Ling, they all came over familiarly. Three men and two women formed a group, making it quite lively.
Four Peak Nascent Soul and one Middle Stage Nascent Soul, all seemingly quite strong. It seemed this Daoist Wan Ling had a wide circle of friends!
As a ‘Couch Cultivator’ and ‘Homebody Cultivator,’ Li Mu admired people who were so well-connected and good at socializing.
“Wan Ling, who is this Fellow Daoist?”
A man dressed in a black cloak with a bamboo flute at his waist looked at Li Mu and asked curiously.
The others were also curious, glancing at Li Mu a few times. Seeing that the other party was only Early Stage Nascent Soul, they didn’t pay much attention.
Daoist Wan Ling’s expression was slightly awkward. He had forgotten to ask this Fellow Daoist’s surname and couldn’t answer for a moment.
Li Mu stood up slightly, cupped his hands, and introduced himself: “My surname is Zhang!”
Upon learning Li Mu’s surname, the few people merely smiled politely and did not engage in much conversation.
Although Li Mu was a Nascent Soul True Lord, he was only Early Stage Nascent Soul, and his appearance was already that of an old man in his seventies, seemingly on the verge of death. Clearly, his Heavenly Talent was only this much. Let alone hoping to step into Soul Transformation, it was probably difficult even to reach Middle Stage Nascent Soul. Moreover, he was taciturn and not good at conversation. They would not deliberately befriend such a person.
Li Mu was not given much importance, and the few people also took their seats, chatting and laughing with Daoist Wan Ling, completely ignoring him.
On the contrary, Daoist Wan Ling occasionally chatted with Li Mu for a few sentences, appearing amiable.
Li Mu responded casually with a faint reaction, becoming wary of Daoist Wan Ling’s deliberate closeness, so he did not actively respond.
Unbeknownst to them, the topic of their casual conversation gradually shifted, and they began discussing the ancient Cultivator ruins that had appeared in Wangxing Sea.
“Water Mansion Ruins?” Li Mu slightly raised his eyes, asking curiously.
Listening to their conversation, Li Mu gradually became intrigued. According to Daoist Wan Ling’s account, it was highly likely to be the ancient mansion of a Cultivator above the Body Integration Stage.
However, he had been solely focused on finding the Twin-Horned Azure Moon Flood Dragon and had no interest in these ancient Cultivator mansions. But now, a hint of interest gradually arose.
Seeing Li Mu listening attentively, Daoist Wan Ling, who was sitting beside him, smiled and filled his cup again, then explained in detail: “The ancient Cultivator ruins were forcibly breached by Soul Transformation and Void Refining Realm powerhouses sent by various forces who had learned the news a while ago. The Treasure Trove inside has long been plundered, but this ancient Cultivator mansion belonged to a Body Integration Stage existence, and it contained many treasures.”
“It’s just a pity that our strength is weak, so we can only pick up some scraps later. However, these scraps are also treasures to us, so it’s not a wasted trip.” Daoist Wan Ling’s words also revealed his joy.
The few people at the same table were also teammates who had entered the ancient Cultivator ruins with Daoist Wan Ling to explore, and their expressions upon hearing this varied.
It seemed some had gained much and were very satisfied, while others had gained little and were not satisfied.
But all of this was none of Li Mu’s business.
Just as the few people chatted for a moment, at the cloud ladder, there were dozens of comings and goings, and many powerhouses arrived one after another.
At this moment, a cloud ladder ascended, and Lin Baoqing, still with his amiable smile, stepped out of the cloud ladder, escorted by four Middle Stage and Late Stage Soul Transformation powerhouses.
These four Soul Transformation powerhouses looked around vigilantly, their Divine Sense covering the entire floor, indicating that they were guarding the important treasures carried by Lin Baoqing.
Li Mu’s seat allowed him to observe the cloud ladder’s ascent and descent. The moment Lin Baoqing appeared, he knew the Auction was not far from starting.
But just then, as Li Mu lowered his head to drink, he inadvertently noticed that the string of Buddhist beads in Daoist Wan Ling’s hand, at this moment, had golden light emerging from the Buddhist scriptures on them, and the beads swayed, pointing in Lin Baoqing’s direction.
The next second, it was pressed down by Daoist Wan Ling’s raised hand, and a surge of spiritual power flowed in, causing the Buddhist light to disappear.
The entire process took less than a breath, as if Daoist Wan Ling was deliberately concealing something.
“Wan Ling, why don’t you put away your Magic Treasure and refine it again? It’s jumping around, drawing attention.” Another Fellow Daoist, whom Li Mu had learned was True Lord Qing He during their previous conversation, kindly reminded him.
The others also chimed in, some even with a hint of teasing.
Daoist Wan Ling merely laughed heartily and did not answer, nor did he put the Buddhist beads in his hand into his storage Magic Treasure.
From its appearance, this string of Buddhist beads looked no different from ordinary Buddhist beads, except that its aura was strong, clearly indicating it was a Magical Artifact of good quality.
But what was strange was that the Magical Artifact’s aura was sometimes high and sometimes low, making it difficult to ascertain its rank, as if it had an unstable spirituality.
Outsiders couldn’t see through it, but this small problem was naturally not an issue for Li Mu. With his Divine Ability Identifying Myriad Spirits, he directly scanned this string of Buddhist beads. He always felt there was something peculiar about these Buddhist beads.
Especially Daoist Wan Ling’s attitude towards him, which also made him feel strange, but he couldn’t pinpoint why at the moment.
But upon seeing this string of Buddhist beads and obtaining its information through the Heavenly Talent Divine Ability - Identifying Myriad Spirits, Li Mu suddenly realized.
“Treasure Seeking Spirit Bead”
“Rank: six-tier spirit treasure”
“Characteristics: Seeks important treasures, full of spirituality, confusing aura.”
“Status: Spirituality damaged, intermittent loss of control.”
“The Treasure Seeking Spirit Bead is a treasure-seeking Spiritual Artifact refined using the bones of a precious six-tier Devouring Beast, as well as seven-tier Purple Meteorite Crystal, and Spirit Seeking Stone, with the essence of the Devouring Beast incorporated into the artifact. It can survey any Spirit Treasure within a thousand-zhang radius, whether it is in a storage Magic Treasure or carried on one’s person. The Spirit Bead can detect it and will guide the direction, informing the wielder who has the important treasure. Normally, the Spirit Treasure can be carried outside to conceal its own Spirit Treasure aura. However, this Spiritual Artifact has experienced a long period of Years, its spirituality has been damaged, and its control is not ideal. It needs to find seven-tier Purple Meteorite Crystal and Spirit Seeking Stone to be refined again to restore normalcy.”
No wonder, I was wondering why this Daoist Wan Ling was so enthusiastic towards me.
He found that I possessed a heavy treasure through this six-tier spirit treasure, and was deliberately approaching me with other intentions?
Hmph!
If not for my Heavenly Talent Divine Ability Identifying Myriad Spirits, I might have truly fallen into his trap.
However, this Treasure Seeking Spirit Bead is truly a good treasure. Such a treasure falling into this person’s hands is simply a waste.
Since the other party harbored ill intentions, Li Mu didn’t mind playing a game of ‘dog eat dog.’
Li Mu looked at Daoist Wan Ling, his mind turning, his expression calm, as if nothing had happened.
“Alchemist Jiang, what an honor, haha, please come inside and take a seat later.”
“Patriarch Hong, you’ve come too. Please wait a moment, the reception will arrange your seats very soon, my apologies.”
Lin Baoqing passed through the reception area, and many Cultivators in the reception area stood up and greeted him warmly.
However, he did not stop, exchanging a few words with others, and continued towards the Auction hall. But just then, he happened to encounter Li Mu, who was sitting in his seat, drinking by himself and not paying attention. He immediately stopped abruptly.
“Dao You Zhang, haha, what an honor to have you here.”
Lin Baoqing stopped only once, enthusiastically stepping forward, entering the reception area, and arriving in front of Li Mu.
This move couldn’t help but surprise everyone around him.
“Hmm, Manager Lin, you go about your business!”
Li Mu remained seated, continuing to savor his wine, still maintaining that aloof demeanor.
Lin Baoqing showed no awkwardness, nodding his head.
“Dao You Zhang, then I won’t disturb you. I will immediately have someone arrange your seat.” Lin Baoqing maintained his amiable smile, turned around, and nodded with a smile to the stunned people around him, then set off again towards the Auction hall.
The people around were, however, astonished, their gazes converging on Li Mu.
“Wan Ling, who is this person? Why is Manager Lin so attentive to him?” True Lord Qing He, who had a better relationship, quietly communicated with Daoist Wan Ling through a secret message.
Daoist Wan Ling was also filled with confusion. Manager Lin Baoqing of Wanbao Pavilion’s attitude towards Li Mu was just like his attitude towards those Soul Transformation Realm powerhouses; he couldn’t have been more respectful.
“I am not familiar with Dao You Zhang, and I don’t know his identity,” Daoist Wan Ling whispered, truthfully responding.
The few people at the same table exchanged secret messages, but none could guess Li Mu’s identity.
At first, Immortal Lord Biyun, who had not paid attention to Li Mu and even kept her distance, took the initiative to speak, looking at Li Mu and asking, “Dao You Zhang, your relationship with Manager Lin seems quite good?”
Knowing that the other party was trying to extract information, how could Li Mu simply reveal it? He casually fabricated an identity, saying, “I am an Alchemist. Previously, Manager Lin happened to need my Alchemy supply, and we formed a small friendship.”
“So that’s it, Dao You Zhang, you are an Alchemy Great Master!” True Lord Qing He nodded knowingly.
Upon learning Li Mu’s identity, the attitudes of the several Nascent Soul True Lords at the table suddenly changed, and warm smiles appeared on their faces.
After all, Alchemists, Artifact Refiners, and Talisman Masters are respected existences in the Cultivation world, no matter where they go.
After all, whether it’s Alchemy or Artifact Refining, both are extremely profound and difficult to understand. If one doesn’t have Heavenly Talent, even if one forces oneself to study them, one may not achieve great success, and may instead waste one’s Cultivation, leading to lifelong regret.
It is precisely because of this that Alchemists are respected wherever they go, whether within a Sect or outside, and everyone wants to form good connections with them.
Daoist Wan Ling frowned, looking at Li Mu and tentatively asked, “Dao You Zhang, what tier Alchemist are you?”
Li Mu glanced at Daoist Wan Ling calmly, and without batting an eye, stated directly: “A fourth-tier Alchemist.”
“A fourth-tier Alchemy Great Master?”
At this, not only was Daoist Wan Ling surprised, but all those quietly eavesdropping were also shocked.
Even a third-tier Alchemy Great Master is respected wherever they go, with many forces trying to curry favor. A fourth-tier Alchemist is even more so; within a Sect, they are Elder-level existences.
Therefore, the few people at the same table with True Lord Qing He changed their demeanor and began to chat and laugh with Li Mu, trying to build connections.
Daoist Wan Ling, despite his shock, did not lose his composure like the others and quickly calmed down. Although a fourth-tier Alchemist held an extraordinary status, in the talent-rich Central Continent, they were not that dazzling. There were quite a few fourth-tier Alchemists in the Central Continent.
It was only in other Spirit Domains that a fourth-tier Alchemy Great Master would appear so exceptionally noble.
A fourth-tier Alchemy Great Master possessing a heavy treasure should also have a large amount of fourth-tier Medicinal Pills, a large amount of Spiritual Plants and Spirit Medicine, and Spirit Stones. If he were killed, I would make a huge profit this time.
The wealth of a fourth-tier Alchemy Great Master is enough to match the wealth of dozens of Nascent Soul True Lords, or even Venerable Deity Transformation.
A trace of greed flashed in Daoist Wan Ling’s eyes, and the fire of avarice burned in his heart. He had made up his mind: this person must be killed!
Li Mu glanced at Daoist Wan Ling, a silent warning rising in his heart, but his expression remained self-composed.
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Who will have the last laugh is yet unknown.
With the arrival of Lin Baoqing, the manager of Wanbao Pavilion, it also signaled that the VIPs had almost all arrived, and the Auction was about to begin.
Wan’er also rushed over in a flurry, returning the token to Li Mu, her small face flushed, and respectfully said: “Senior, Wan’er will lead you to your seat.”
“Hmm!” Li Mu nodded slightly, cupped his hands in farewell to the people at the table, and under Wan’er’s guidance, was the first to enter the Auction hall.
Passing through the splendid golden corridor, they stepped into the grand hall, with seating for hundreds of people, luxuriously decorated, also predominantly gold, even the seats were exquisitely carved fourth-tier rattan cloud chairs.
However, the audience seats were currently empty. Just as Li Mu was wondering, Wan’er led him up another flight of stairs, ascending to the VIP section.
The VIP section consisted of private rooms, also exquisitely and luxuriously decorated, and equipped with a Formation that blocked others’ Divine Sense from prying.
The interior was filled with spirit wine, spirit fruits, and various pastries, with attentive and incredibly thoughtful service.
“This!”
Li Mu’s eyebrows slightly raised. With his Early Stage Nascent Soul identity, it was absolutely impossible for him to be in such a high-status VIP seat.
“Senior, Room Seven was arranged by Manager Lin. It’s your Auction room. For each bid, you only need to enter the desired amount on the token,” Wan’er responded playfully.
Upon hearing this, Li Mu knew that Lin Baoqing had probably already figured out his background.
That six-tier Soul Devouring Spear, being the Nine Nether Demon Lord’s life-bound Magic Treasure, appearing on him, it would be strange if his identity wasn’t exposed.
The war between Yu Ling Sect and Nine Demon Sect had long been widely publicized. Corpse Yin Demon Lord and Nine Nether Demon Lord had successively disappeared mysteriously. In this great battle, ‘Li Jianxian’ had shone brightly, gaining immense fame that had spread almost throughout the Southern Spirit Domain.
Lin Baoqing not exposing his identity and making all arrangements subtly clearly indicated his intention to befriend him.
Li Mu readily accepted this stroke of good fortune. Bidding in such a private room could avoid many unnecessary troubles.
“Please thank Manager Lin for me.”
“Okay, Senior. If you have any needs, you can also send a message to me through the token. I’ll be waiting at the door.”
Wan’er smiled sweetly, closed the door as she left, not forgetting to pull it shut.