âUncle Youfu, we shall take our leave.â
Situ Baoqi dropped a bag of Immortal Stones and led the others out of the restaurant. His expression was not very pleasant, as the meal was rather humiliating, and they had also made enemies out of Blade Sectâs cultivators for no good reasonâall because of that arrogant fellow.
âBig Brother keeps his composure well,â
Li Xiaobai mocked, making the other partyâs face even uglier.
âSister Qinghe, has Lingbao Temple opened for business today? Brother Situ mentioned early this morning that he wanted to dispose of some sundry items on him in exchange for some Immortal Stone Resources.â
The cultivator following beside Situ Baoqi asked Shen Qinghe.
âRecently, the influx of several Great Sects into the Little Ghost Secret Realm has led to booming business and an ever-rolling source of wealth; naturally, Lingbao Temple has opened. I wonder, what do the brothers wish to trade?â
Shen Qinghe was in a good mood. She didnât care about the little schemes in everyoneâs hearts; after all, these people were all here to help them against the Blade Sectâs disciples. The stronger their abilities, the better, and as for the conflicts and grudges between the Sword Sectâs disciples, it was none of her concern.
âRecently obtained a few mediocre Magic Treasures and am looking for a place to deal with them, while also planning to purchase some ancient swords for any unexpected needs.â
Situ Baoqi suddenly laughed, looking at Li Xiaobai and said, âJunior Brother Li, you might as well join us. I hear you have a penchant for abducting cultivators to extort resources, so you must have accumulated quite a savings. Lingbao Temple has significant backing; as long as you dare to sell, they will dare to buy. It could be an opportunity to clear out your inventory.â
âSince Brother has said so, then I should take the opportunity to tidy up the junk in my possession,â
Li Xiaobai nodded, knowing the guy still harbored thoughts of messing with him. He really didnât know where his confidence came from, not even recognizing big shots like Wu Chengjueâwho the hell was he pretending to be?
Inside Lingbao Temple.
Over ten attendants were busy with displaying various divine weapons for the cultivators passing by to see; many stopped by the stalls, picking out Magic Treasures and miraculous pills to their liking.
Li Xiaobai scanned the wares and quickly lost interest. The quality of the items on these stalls was rather ordinary, far inferior to the spoils of war he had collected previously.
Amidst the crowd mingled numerous disciples wearing uniform attireâthese were cultivators from the various Great Sects, gathering here to prepare for tomorrowâs arena battle.
âThe stalls at the entrance carry only low-level goods, nothing worth seeing. The treasures we want to purchase are all inside the store, although the prices are not something an average person can afford. Junior Brother Li, with your low cultivation level, you might as well browse around the entrance stalls; who knows, you might find a bargain.â
Situ Baoqi said to Li Xiaobai with a chuckle, a trace of mockery shining in his eyes.
The prices of the goods inside Lingbao Temple can easily reach hundreds of thousands of medium, high, or even top-grade Immortal Stonesâsavings unattainable for a newcomer like you. Pretending to be more than you are will only lead to embarrassment.
âIndeed, Junior Brother Li, you surely canât afford the Magic Treasures inside. Donât act rashly,â several disciples echoed sarcastically, goading him.
âYour concern is unnecessary, Brother; I have plenty of money,â
Li Xiaobai said indifferently, striding confidently into the shop.
The shop was not very large, but it was decorated in a simple yet elegant style, oozing a deep scholarly atmosphere. The cultivators who came and went were all dressed exquisitely and full of grace and poise.
âSister Qinghe is here tooâwhat a great day!â
âSister Qinghe must also be selecting Magic Treasures in preparation for tomorrowâs arena. If you fancy anything, tell me, and Iâll buy it for you!â
Several cultivators who were picking out treasures inside the shop brightened up upon seeing the newcomers and hurried forward to greet them.
âThank you for the kind thoughts, my Brothers. Today, Iâm entrusted by the Elder to guide the Sword Sectâs disciples for trade; I wouldnât dare let you spend excessively. Just take good care of them,â Shen Qinghe said with a slight smile.
âSo it turns out to be a talented disciple of the Sword Sect, speaking of which we should thank you all for coming here today and lending a helping hand!â
âIndeed, with the assistance of such capable disciples of the Sword Sect, our chances of victory have indeed increased by a good margin!â
âI am Dan Zhong, may I know how to address each of the senior brothers?â
Upon hearing Shen Qingheâs introduction, several cultivators showed expressions of surprise and pleasure, and many disciple cultivators nearby also turned their heads in their direction.
Talented disciples of the Sword Sect were seldom seen on ordinary days, especially since the Sword Sect had been flourishing in recent years. Its sect disciples were generally more powerful than those from external sects, and having their aid in the confrontation against the Blade Sect significantly increased the chance of victory.
âMy name is Situ Baoqi. Iâm just here today to stroll around, so please be at ease, no need for excessive courtesies,â Situ Baoqi said with a light smile, feeling quite pleased inside. This was the kind of life he was accustomed to, admired wherever he went. This was how things were supposed to unfold, unlike with Li Xiaobai who seemed to be a harbinger of bad luck, attracting misfortune everywhere he went.
The several people talked amiably, leaving Li Xiaobai off to the side, ignored by everyone. It was clear to see that Situ Baoqi was regarded as the leading figure, so the others didnât pay much attention to the rest.
Li Xiaobai, however, enjoyed the leisure, following Wu Chengjue around the store, lingering in front of various counters.
Looking at the dazzling array of treasures before him, he felt an urge to start robbing the place. His gaze darted to the Ice Beauty beside him, thinking that if this sister shared the same thought, they could pull it off.
Seemingly picking up on his notion, Wu Chengjue said indifferently, âIn the Little Ghost Secret Realm, there is a Half-Saint Strong Expert in residence.â
âI was just thinking out loud, Iâm a law-abiding citizen,â Li Xiaobai said with a sheepish smile.
âBrother Situ, youâve really come at the right time. Just yesterday, Lingbao Temple received a batch of exquisite treasuresâMagic Sword Ice Essence, Amethyst Ice Core, and even the famed Icy Leech Worm, all top-notch goods. Care to take a look, Brother Situ?â
The cultivators were exceedingly enthusiastic.
âThere are such treasures too? Looks like I might broaden my horizons today.â
Situ Baoqiâs eyes lit up, and the name Magic Sword Ice Essence sounded extraordinary. It would pair perfectly with his frost-based sword technique, doubling its power!
As they reached the centrally-located counter being honored by the store, about to examine the treasures carefully, their expressions suddenly froze. Before the counter that no one had dared to approach, a woman dressed in a luxurious robeâan ice-cold beautyâwas discussing various items with the old shopkeeper, seemingly intent on making a purchase.
âWho is this Immortal intending to buy the Icy Leech Worm?â
âShe appears to be a cultivator who specializes in Frost Qi. Nevertheless, I must say, the temperament and figure of this Immortal are incomparable, such beauty is rarely seen!â
âJust now, she seemed to have arrived with Brother Situ, could she also be a disciple of the Sword Sect?â
âLetâs join in on the fun.â
The group moved in closer and overheard the conversation between Wu Chengjue and the old shopkeeper.
âThis Icy Leech is still a larva, and I intend to swallow it immediately upon purchasing, without the time to raise it. Cut down the price a bit,â Wu Chengjue said indifferently.
âMiss, please donât put this old man in a difficult position, I need to make a profit too, I canât go any lower. Surely you canât expect this old fellow to suffer a total loss,â the old shopkeeper said with a bitter look on his face.
This ice-cold beauty was actually haggling with the old shopkeeper?
Upon hearing this, Situ Baoqiâs eyes brightened, and he stepped forward quickly, saying, âSister Wu, let your brother pay for it, consider it a gift from me. Shopkeeper, how many Immortal Stones for this Icy Leech?â