Early in the morning, the moment Han met Bai Ruoyue, she shot him a knowing glance.

  "You've been inside for quite a while!"

  Han was confused. What was this about?

  That same morning, people from the Wanxing Merchant Guild arrived with three invitations, inviting Han and his companions to attend the Wanxing Trade Fair.

  Han remembered Yuan Fang mentioning this event before, though he hadn’t been able to attend the last one.

  This had also been something Lu Qingmo had spoken enthusiastically about before arriving at the county.

  The Wanxing Trade Fair was an occasional grand event hosted by the Wanxing Merchant Guild. Every item displayed at the fair was of extremely high value.

  Items from the Bone Refining Realm, and even from the Bone Cleansing Realm, could appear.

  Not only did the Wanxing Merchant Guild present numerous treasures, but attendees could also trade items among themselves.

  Yuan Fang had mentioned that the last Wanxing Trade Fair was held over a year ago.

  Such events were so prestigious that people from other counties would arrive in advance.

  Similarly, if the Wanxing Merchant Guild held a trade fair in another county, people from Tianyue County would rush to attend.

  "Are you interested?" Lu Qingmo asked Han and Bai Ruoyue.

  Along with the invitations came a list of items that would be presented by the Wanxing Merchant Guild.

  Bai Ruoyue glanced at the list and exclaimed with excitement.

  "Huh, there's even a Divine Heart Fruit!"

  "This is one of the best items to strengthen the heart, very rare. I’ve only heard my father mention it."

  "Master Sister, do you need it?"

  "Yes." Bai Ruoyue nodded. "I’ve already refined my six viscera and am currently working on my five organs. A Divine Heart Fruit would save me a lot of time in refining my heart."

  The Visceral Realm involves refining one's internal organs. Reaching a small success requires perfecting the six viscera, and achieving a great success requires perfecting the five organs, step by step, organ by organ.

  At the age of 18, Bai Ruoyue was already near the completion of the Visceral Realm and had the strength to spar with those in the Bone Refining Realm.

  Of course, someone like Gao Dingtian, at his age, still remained in the Bone Refining Realm. His talent was undoubtedly not high, and with his deteriorating vitality, his strength couldn’t compare to that of ordinary Bone Refining warriors.

  As with all martial artists and cultivators, when they reach old age without special opportunities, the decline of their physical body’s vitality is an inevitable challenge.

  Even cultivators, when their bodies age, find it hard to endure their own powerful souls.

  "The Divine Heart Fruit is indeed rare." Lu Qingmo nodded. "Although it only works for the Visceral Realm, it's incredibly hard to find. Its birth conditions are extremely stringent. Even in Yujing, it would be fought over."

  This type of item belongs to the spiritual plants category, but it is much rarer than most, with a lucky chance needed to acquire it.

  Most spiritual plants are those that enhance vital energy or strengthen the body.

  After martial artists refine them, they need to spend some time converting the plant's benefits to various parts of their bodies.

  Vital energy and physical strength are the foundation of martial arts, and enhancing them is beneficial, but it isn’t as targeted as specific enhancements.

  A Divine Heart Fruit, on the other hand, is a spiritual plant that specifically targets the heart.

  The plants Han received from the Immortal Tree were more focused on enhancing the overall physical foundation, with some enhancing particular body parts, providing balanced development.

  "Junior Brother, this Dragon Vein Grass is an excellent spiritual plant for refining tendons. Legend has it that if you consume a large quantity of it, your tendons can be transformed into dragon tendons and dragon veins."

  "The Dragon Vein Grass is indeed a good match for you." Lu Qingmo affirmed.

  "How much is 'a large quantity'?"

  "I don’t know, but it’s probably a few hundred plants."

  "…"

  Although Han didn’t lack a single Dragon Vein Grass, if he had the chance to buy some, he might as well take it.

  After all, it was the Heavenly Mother Sect’s money.

  "There's also this Bone Shock Pill. It can shake the bones, expel impurities, and help in bone refinement, making the process more effective."

  "You shouldn’t take these kinds of pills," Lu Qingmo interjected. "The Bone Shock Pill is too aggressive. Although it can aid bone refining, it can also cause harm to the bones, making them weaker than those of others at the same level."

  "Really? So, these pills can be sold?" Han was surprised.

  "For those with insufficient talent, if it helps them progress, then it’s acceptable, even if their bones become weaker compared to others of the same level."

  "Well, then let’s attend," Han said, looking at the list. Since Master Sister wanted it, he was happy to accommodate her.

  "But can we afford anything at this trade fair?"

  "Don’t worry," Lu Qingmo reassured Han.

  "While the exchange is mostly item-based, the Wanxing Merchant Guild also accepts transactions in gold and silver at any time."

  The trade fair would be held in the morning, but not at the Wanxing Merchant Guild. It was to be hosted at a different location, a part of the Guild's holdings, called Yibao Pavilion.

  Once they entered the Yibao Pavilion, someone asked Han and his companions if they needed to conceal their identities. After receiving a negative response, they were led to their designated area.

  Han observed the surroundings and noticed that some people had come in openly, while others were concealing their identities.

  To his surprise, all the rooms were private suites. He had expected a grand hall.

  In the center, there was a round platform, where Supervisor Lin was already standing, smiling at everyone.

  It felt a bit like an auction, but why wasn't there a fiery-hot beauty hosting?

  The first item for trade was the Bone Shock Pill that Bai Ruoyue had mentioned.

  In Tianyue County, Bone Refining-level treasures were already considered highly valuable.

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  "Why is no one bidding?" Han wondered aloud.

  There were service staff in the suites, but Lu Qingmo had asked them to leave.

  "You don’t need to shout. Just write your bid on the jade plaque," Bai Ruoyue pointed to the jade plaque hanging on the wall of the suite.

  "Your bid will be displayed above Supervisor Lin’s head, and it will be ranked. The highest bid wins."

  "If your initial bid gets outbid, but you’re unwilling to let go, you can bid again."

  "Master Sister, you know so much about this?"

  "Heh," Bai Ruoyue said proudly, "I’ve attended trade fairs with my father before."

  Lu Qingmo remained unfazed.

  Oh, I see. I’m the only one here from the countryside.

  Han fiddled with the jade plaque, amazed. By simply writing his bid on it, the information was automatically relayed to the central jade platform.

  This method was reminiscent of the technological advancements from his past life.

  The Taoist arts were truly wondrous—there was nothing that couldn't be achieved, even surpassing the technology of his previous life.

  After all, his previous life was rooted in a world of technology, not a sci-fi world.

  The lower-class beings in this world lived in poverty, with a single drought capable of displacing an entire county and causing devastation.

  But those with status were so comfortable, enjoying the conveniences of Taoist arts.

  "Also, Junior Brother, the sound inside our suites cannot be heard outside. The only way to show our presence is through the bid plaques." Bai Ruoyue continued.

  "Only Supervisor Lin’s voice can reach all the suites. Before the trade fair ends, you’re allowed to leave quietly, but you cannot show yourself publicly."

  "Huh?" Han was taken aback.

  This Wanxing Trade Fair was different from any auction he had imagined.

  In Han’s understanding of an auction:

  Common people sit in the hall, while the nobles sit in the suites.

  During bidding, voices clash, and people argue fiercely, sometimes even throwing deadly glares.

  At its peak, some even declare their identity, "My father is so-and-so," or "I’m the Saint Son of a certain sect, please show some respect."

  Not respecting?

  “After school, you better not run away!”

  But at the Wanxing Merchant Guild’s event, there were no bids shouted, and the rooms were soundproof. How was he supposed to pressure others with his influence?

  Han silently declared that this Wanxing Trade Fair was a diluted version.

  "Bid plaques, soundproof rooms… Wanxing Merchant Guild is just adding unnecessary costs for themselves."

  Lu Qingmo spoke, "It wasn’t always like this."

  "Many years ago, the Wanxing Trade Fair was an open shouting affair, and people could reveal themselves freely during the transactions. It only changed later."

  "Why the change?"

  "Because something happened. A young man once participated in the Wanxing Trade Fair and was bullied by a disciple of a large sect. The humiliation led to a series of grievances."

  "In the end, the young man grew stronger, made it onto the List of Heroes, and wiped out that sect."

  "…"

  Such a classic story.

  But it feels like this is something I, as a transmigrator, should be doing.

  "Although the young man didn’t seek revenge, after that incident, the Wanxing Merchant Guild changed the format of the trade fair."

  "When we entered, they asked if we needed to hide our identities, which is part of the change."

  "When we leave, we’ll exit through different channels to ensure that no one is oppressed at the fair."

  Han was speechless. The Wanxing Merchant Guild had such an unconventional approach.

  "However, things change, and the Wanxing Merchant Guild’s approach has only earned them more trust, making their business more prosperous."

  As Han and his companions conversed, one item after another was traded.

  There were magical weapons and martial soldiers, various spiritual plants, vision diagrams, and martial arts techniques.

  There was even the opportunity to trade for a slot to commission a martial soldier from Master Yuan.

  When the Dragon Vein Grass appeared, more bids were made, and the central jade platform flickered with activity.

  Han placed a bid, but it was quickly outbid by others.

  "The spiritual plants are rare, but those that specialize in enhancing a particular part of the body are even rarer," Lu Qingmo said.

  "But don't worry," he reassured. "I'll take care of it."

  Han shook his head. "I have some savings here; it should be enough."

  The Tianmu Sect's base had been developing for ten years. While they might not have many cultivation treasures, yellow and white items were plentiful.

  The ability of this cult to amass wealth was terrifying, and Han hadn’t emptied their base, but he certainly took the most valuable items. All of it was tainted, needing to be handled by the Lu Du Guan!

  Lu Du Guan had taken care of that for him.

  Bai Ruoyue watched Han calmly filling in the prices and couldn't help but feel envious. It was so carefree.

  The value of the Divine Heart Fruit was far greater than the Dragon Pulse Herb. She certainly couldn’t afford it, so she would have to rely on Lu Qingmo to buy it for her.

  But no doubt, Bai Ruoyue also wanted to experience the feeling of throwing money around without hesitation.

  As Lu Qingmo said, the Dragon Pulse Herb wasn’t lost—it was safely in Han’s hands.

  Tch, he wasn’t the type to make Aunt Mo pay for things.

  Soft meals? No thanks—I have a good digestive system, so I’ll pass.

  "There's even a beast egg for sale."

  "In the world, there is the art of taming beasts, so naturally, there are beast eggs and young beasts being traded."

  When the Divine Heart Fruit was being traded, Lu Qingmo took the jade token and filled in his bid.

  Then, the auction ended, and the Divine Heart Fruit was directly awarded to Lu Qingmo.

  The Wansheng Trading Association had direct rights to choose. If they were satisfied with a bid, they could finalize the deal immediately.

  Han glanced at Lu Qingmo’s bid—it was a form of Daoist technique.

  "A Daoist technique I obtained by chance—worth some value."

  "Using Daoist techniques for trade, you only need to provide a copy, as long as the Wansheng Trading Association doesn’t already have it."

  Han secretly complained. If they only needed a copy, wasn’t that like getting the Divine Heart Fruit for free?

  "This Daoist technique is worth more than enough for a Divine Heart Fruit. Your Dragon Pulse Herb can be included in the deal as well. You won’t need to pay for it later."

  "..."

  Han suddenly felt that his stomach was indeed having some issues. Looks like he’d only be able to eat soft food today.

  Aunt Mo, this smells amazing.

  After making their purchases, the rest of the time was spent as spectators.

  Lu Qingmo, of course, didn’t need anything; he had only brought the two of them to see.

  While there were plenty of useful spiritual plants at this trading event, the majority of them were geared toward common people.

  There was no shortage of such spiritual plants in the Black Mountain; they had already brought some back earlier and didn’t need to spend a fortune here.

  Bai Ruoyue, however, made another purchase—several healing pills.

  The last item in the auction was a martial arts manual at the Washing Marrow level.

  The dominant force in Tianyue County was at the Washing Marrow realm, so martial arts at this level were highly valued by any faction in the county.

  The competition for this manual was fierce, and the bidders were all the powerful leaders of Tianyue County. Han and the others were just spectators.

  Once the Wansheng Trading Association's auction was over, the event moved into free trading.

  Much like the previous format, participants handed over items they wanted to sell to the Wansheng Trading Association for display.

  "The items prepared by the Wansheng Trading Association are guaranteed to be of good quality and have been authenticated," Lu Qingmo said. "But with the free trading, we can’t guarantee the quality of the items."

  At Lu Qingmo’s suggestion, various items were displayed on the stage, a wide variety—anything you could think of.

  "What are those?"

  Han’s attention was drawn to a pile of stones in the corner. Compared to the other treasures, they looked quite ordinary.

  Then, Han’s body trembled slightly, drawing a curious look from Bai Ruoyue.

  "Little junior, why are you shaking?"

  "I’m not shaking—it’s the thing on me that’s shaking."

  "Aunt Mo, I’ve got it!" Han said with excitement. "That feeling is back!"

  "It’s back?" Lu Qingmo realized what Han meant and responded, "That's great!"

  "Which one?" he asked.

  "That pile of stones—the third one from the left, the bowl-shaped one."

  "Your intuition... Ah, are you saying that stone is a treasure?" Bai Ruoyue said, getting excited too.

  "Those are treasure stones," Lu Qingmo explained.

  "These stones only form in mysterious, ancient places. As I mentioned before, the Jiuyang Ruins or places within Yujing specialize in treasure stones."

  "But these stones are very strange. They can block soul searches and the detection of various artifacts, making them almost impossible to detect with normal Daoist techniques or martial arts. Only those who specialize in studying treasure stones can deduce what’s inside based on subtle clues."

  "Are you saying these experts are called Master Yuan?" Han asked.

  "Then, Aunt Mo, can experts on the List of Mountains and Rivers also not detect them?" Bai Ruoyue asked curiously.

  Immediately, the two looked at her with strange expressions.

  "Are you sure your intuition reacted to that stone?" Lu Qingmo asked.

  "I’m sure!"

  The buzzing sound from the treasure stone continued, vibrating so much that it was making Han feel dizzy.

  "What about the other stones?"

  "Nothing feels off about them."

  "Then let’s buy it," Lu Qingmo immediately placed a bid.

  It wasn’t just Han and his group interested in the treasure stone. Others also started bidding.

  This was a gamble, hoping for a stroke of luck—every bidder thought, "This time, the fortune is mine!"

  In the end, the stone was purchased by Han and his companions. They waited until the trading event ended, took their items, and left through the channel arranged by the Wansheng Trading Association.

  Interestingly, as they walked a bit further, they encountered two people, who were obviously communicating through sound transmission.

  "Qingquan, you’re right. There’s definitely something inside that treasure stone we bought."

  "That stone has sharp lines, a balanced color, and sharp edges—it must be a Stone King!"

  "That one next to it, the bowl-shaped one, looks so ordinary. If I brought it home, I’d be too ashamed to use it for eating. I don’t know what the person who bought it was thinking."

  "Good insight, Kaishen!"

  As Han passed by, he overheard this conversation.

  He paused for a moment, glanced around, and realized that the two hadn’t spoken aloud but had used sound transmission, yet he had still heard them.

  It must be the Ears of Wonder, a mystical item that allowed the user to overhear others’ sound transmissions.

  Reflecting on their conversation, Han’s expression turned strange. It seemed these two were also participants in the trading event.

  Their analysis was sharp, and they even mentioned the Stone King... how come Han hadn’t heard of it before?

  Well, he wished them good luck.