Chapter 144: Old man Zhang Li's Den; Negotiating with a Master Collector. Facing the Celestial, Emperor Cloudcrest's Divine Decree.

Deep in the Spirit Beast Market, there stood a renowned store known for fair prices and top-quality products. Folks wouldn't dare show up empty-handed here; it'd be an insult to the folks running the show. Only the most skilled cultivators ventured here, and even then, only occasionally. The store's owner, Zhang Li, lounged in his chair, sipping herbal tea with the air of an elderly sage.

His apprentice, Ren Yun, swept the floor with a bamboo broomstick.

"Master Zhang, it looks like business is booming lately," Ren Yun remarked, pausing in his sweeping.

Zhang Li nodded, chuckling softly. "Indeed, with the auction coming up in a month, I'm bound to sell out."

Ren Yun chuckled along. "Glad to hear it, sir!"

Zhang Li reclined in his chair. "Me too, my boy."

Then, Yang Wei entered the store.

Zhang Li's tea nearly hit the floor as the old man hurried over to the counter, moving with slow, deliberate steps to spare his back. "Greetings, cultivator. How may I assist you today? Are you looking to buy or sell?" he asked, eyeing Yang Wei who had already approached the counter. Explore more at m,v l'e-novelhall.net

"Oh?" Yang Wei smiled. "I'm Yang Wei, Star Disciple of the Dragon Blossom Sect. I have some special goods that might interest you..."

The old man chuckled, but behind his facade, he was glaring at Yang Wei.

He's a clever one, trying to show off his status as the Star Disciple of a prestigious sect, hoping I'll buy at a favorable price for future benefits. Nice try, but I'm not falling for it!

"It's always a pleasure to deal with the Dragon Blossom Sect," he said, though the warmth in his tone didn't quite match the look in his eyes. "I know quite a few cultivators from there."

Yang Wei mirrored the chuckle. "Oh, is that so?" he replied, his own gaze sharpening as he silently returned Zhang Li's glare.

This bastard knows my game. He's basically saying he's dealt with folks from top sects before, so I shouldn't think I'm all that special...

Zhang Li nodded, maintaining his composure. "So, what do you have for me?" he inquired.

Yang Wei reached into his storage pouch and pulled out a massive sack, the largest Zhang Li had ever seen. Even Ren Yun seemed intimidated by its size. But Zhang Li remained calm; he knew that the size of the sack didn't matter – it was the contents that counted.

Yang Wei laid out some of the monster parts on a polished stone counter.

"Hmm," Zhang Li scrutinized each piece with a discerning eye.

After all, this old man was a seasoned collector of rare materials.

"These are impressive specimens," his gaze lingered on the array of claws, scales, and fangs. "But you know I'll have to buy at a lower price due to the absence of cores. It's highly sought after in the cultivation community after all."

Yang Wei rubbed his chin and nodded proudly, "Hmm, I didn't realize you weren't so educated in monster corpses. Anyone knows— cores or no cores, it doesn't affect the value much."

Zhang Li grit his teeth furiously.

This brat, still wet behind the ears, has the nerve to doubt my expertise in monster parts. It seems like the gossip about Star Disciple Yang Wei being an arrogant bastard is true after all.

"Explain."

With a confident smile, Yang Wei began his deception.

"These monsters are all in Core Formation realm and have condensed vast amounts of spiritual energy within their bodies. Their flesh, blood, and bones are infused with this energy, making them invaluable resources for cultivation. Trust me, I've tested them myself... Imagine the potency of the elixirs brewed from their flesh, it'd be excellent for body-refinement.

And their bones, when properly refined, can be crafted into exquisite talismans with unparalleled defensive properties."

"Preposterous," Mu Lingxi retorted. "I have my own!"

Mu Lin grinned smugly. "Come on, we both know you don't have a man in your life. What reason would you have to use them?"

"Such big words coming from that small mouth of yours," Mu Lingxi shot back. "It's not like you have a man in your life either..."

Mu Lin straightened up, dressing her long hair as if to show off. "Of course I have a man in my life. In fact, he's the most capable man any woman could ask for~"

Mu Lingxi gritted her teeth. "As if I would believe such nonsense," she muttered before storming off.

Mu Yuki approached Mu Lin from behind. "Wow, you really got Senior Sister angry this time."

Mu Lin rolled her eyes. "As if I care."

Mu Yuki pressed on, asking, "Sooooo, do you really have a man in your life?"

Mu Lin nodded proudly. "Of course. I may be the youngest child, but I'm quite mature in other aspects."

Mu Yuki looked at his sister with starry eyes, as if she had done something incredibly impressive. Then, he whispered a question to her, "So, have you two... done the thing?"

This instantly brought to Mu Lin's mind the memory of her and Yang Wei in bed, making her blush and glance away.

Mu Yuki then exclaimed, "Wait, you really have?!"

Mu Lin immediately pounced on him, using her hands to cover his mouth, and whispered urgently, "Shhhhhh! No one can know about this!"

...

In a small forest nestled between the Dragon's Peak Mountains Range and the Hēi Lóng Mountains, a pivotal discussion that would determine the fate of the Azure Tree unfolded.

The silent gaze of the moon watched from the skies.

Mu Zhihao, Mu Zhong, and a few Clan Elders stood facing a figure whose presence transcended mere mortality – Emperor Cloudcrest. Hovering in the skies, clad in pristine white robes, Emperor Cloudcrest regarded them with a face as gentle and innocent as a baby's.

He spoke softly.

"This is a celestial decree upon the Mu Clan. Will you honor it?"

Mu Zhong looked to his father, Mu Zhihao, and said, "Father, we can't--" but his father silenced him with a raised hand. "I know, my son," Mu Zhihao said solemnly. Not once did his eyes leave Cloudcrest. He did a small rethink and said, "There was an agreement with the Sacred-Emperor," he said, but was swiftly interrupted.

"You fool," Cloudcrest's voice was soft but menacing. "Dare you challenge the command of a divine entity? A mere 1st Path Cultivator..."

His smile was gentle, but his golden eyes glared at them all, instilling a killing intent strong enough to make them grip their chests. It felt as though the aura of an ancient beast swallowed them all up.

Finally, Emperor Cloudcrest made his declaration.

"If you do not bring me Lingxi in two months, I will pass divine judgement upon this ant-infested world..."

No one dared speak their mind at this juncture.

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vol 2 End.

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