Lu Country Spoils

Li Mo and Lu Tianyou lingered at Zhang Ning's stall for a while longer.

Though the two were quite tempted by several items on his stall, they ultimately left with reluctance.

This was the plight of disciples in the Qi Refining Stage.

With too little personal wealth and limited horizons, they desired everything good they saw but couldn't afford it with Spirit Stones, leaving them with nothing but sighs.

Next, the two arrived at He Ping's stall.

Compared to the other three stalls, He Ping's stall clearly had more onlookers.

Li Mo and Lu Tianyou looked at the items displayed before He Ping; there were only four, yet each attracted everyone's attention, eliciting gasps of amazement from those present.

First was a palm-sized ruler-shaped magic artifact.

Li Mo activated his Spirit Eye to observe. The spiritual energy veins and rune artistry of this artifact were significantly denser than the low-grade artifacts he had seen before. This meant that once activated, the artifact would undergo a greater change in size or unleash more complex and powerful spells.

"A Mid-grade Magic Tool?"

Li Mo's heart grew solemn. He then looked at a jade pendant.

This jade pendant was emerald green and carved with a tree crown pattern, clearly a product of Lu Country.

Cultivators from Lu Country seemed to be divided into two extremes: one group was passionate about natural living and pursuing longevity, while the other was devoted to bloody modification and pursuing immortality.

The so-called longevity and immortality were two entirely different cultivation paths.

The reason for Lu Country's situation was related to the Supreme Grand Elder of the Changsheng Temple, Lu Country's foremost sect.

It was said that this Spirit Transmutation Late Stage ancestor, Changsheng Old Ancestor, who had lived for thousands of years, was on par with Emperor of the Qian Yuan Era of Gan State and the sect leader of Jian Yi Men in Ling Country as one of the supreme human powerhouses in the Central Plains. He had been insane for over two thousand years, sometimes lucid, sometimes delirious.

This had also caused Lu Country's cultivation paths to change, from a sole pursuit of longevity to a later shift by some sects towards the pursuit of immortality.

Therefore, some said that Lu Country actually had two parallel cultivation paths.

Some cultivators outside Lu Country often referred to this Changsheng Old Ancestor as the "Old Madman."

Putting these side matters aside for now.

Li Mo activated his Spirit Eye to peer inside and discovered a small, exquisite vortex of spiritual energy continuously circulating within the jade pendant, mirroring the Magical Power within the Dantian of a Qi Refining cultivator. He was instantly greatly surprised.

Lu Tianyou had clearly also noticed the marvelous nature of this artifact.

"This seems to be an artifact capable of storing Magical Power?"

Li Mo nodded.

"It should be so."

Next, Li Mo shifted his gaze to the third item.

It was a fragment of a bronze mirror. However, when Li Mo looked into it, he saw no reflection of himself. Instead, he saw several large rocks floating in the air, sometimes gathering together, sometimes scattering apart, with no discernible pattern, appearing incredibly profound.

Just as Li Mo was marveling at it, the bronze mirror fragment was suddenly picked up and held in someone's hand.

Li Mo frowned slightly and looked at the person.

It was Zhou Zheng, who possessed the Wind-Clearing Physique aptitude and had been taken as a registered disciple by Vice Hall Master Han of the Advanced Study Hall.

He stood beside Zhao Huaxue, seemingly intending to display his knowledge. Li Mo found this scene quite familiar; he had been fond of doing the same back in the Enlightenment Hall.

Lu Tianyou beside him rolled his eyes.

Li Mo knew that although Lu Tianyou didn't say it, he was surely thinking "Great Sage Zhou" in his heart. It was only because his temperament had changed over the past year that he no longer joked with Li Mo.

"This is likely a remnant from a shattered Natal Magic Treasure of a Duotian Sect cultivator from Lu Country. Truly miraculous."

Zhao Huaxue's expression showed surprise upon hearing this, drawn in by Zhou Zheng's words.

Even He Ping, who was selling the item, couldn't help but look at him.

Zhou Zheng revealed a hint of pride.

"In Lu Country, there's talk of one temple, two mountains, three sects, and four schools. Duotian Sect is one of these four schools. The cultivators of this sect pursue the creation of heaven and the attainment of eternal life. Through their main cultivation techniques, their disciples form a Mustard Seed Space in their Dantian during the Qi Refining Stage, which they also call 'Duotian.' They can use Duotian to solidify Yang and nourish Yuan, gather Yin and beautify the complexion, enter long slumber to extend their lifespan, and so on."

"Mustard Seed Space?"

The crowd exclaimed in unison, marveling at the wonder of Lu Country's cultivation methods.

"Upon entering the Golden Core Stage, Duotian Sect cultivators can merge their Duotian within their Dantian with their Natal Magic Treasure. This is very similar to our Tian Ding Sect in Gan State. At that point, these Natal Magic Treasures will possess incredible mystical effects such as deducing and divining, comprehending Dao patterns, and sealing powerful enemies. It's even rumored that this sect possesses a fragment of a small secret realm passed down from ancient times, containing its own universe, which can aid in enlightenment. Every year, Lu Country holds the so-called Longevity Enlightenment Conference, inviting Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators from other sects and surrounding small countries..."

Zhou Zheng explained volubly.

Although he was speaking to Zhao Huaxue, Li Mo was also listening, broadening his horizons.

The reason Zhou Zheng could know so much was clearly due to having a good Master.

After Zhou Zheng finished explaining about the Duotian Sect, Li Mo, who had initially been merely curious, suddenly froze. He thought of another possibility.

Could the Misty Dreamscape be related to the Duotian Sect?

Or was the Duotian Sect related to the Misty Dreamscape?

After all, the essence of both seemed very similar, only that the Misty Dreamscape was on a much higher level, perhaps a more advanced form of Duotian?

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that there might be some hidden connection between the two.

It was just that with his current knowledge, he couldn't see through it.

At this moment.

After Zhou Zheng finished explaining about the Duotian Sect, seeing that Zhao Huaxue seemed impressed by his knowledge, he became a little smug.

So he picked up another item to explain.

This was the fourth item that Li Mo hadn't had time to examine closely: a palm-sized Humanoid Puppet.

"Judging by the craftsmanship of this puppet, it must be a Humanoid Puppet device designed by cultivators from the Zai Zao Sect of Lu Country. This sect is a bitter enemy of our Lingmu Sect, with an irreconcilable hatred. Over thirty years ago, our sect's Supreme Ancestor Quanzhi Zhenren, who was at the Nascent Soul stage, perished in a sneak attack by the Zai Zao Sect."

Almost every disciple of the Lingmu Sect knew about this matter.

Zhou Zheng sighed.

"But I must admit, the puppet techniques of the Zai Zao Sect are quite unique among all the countries. This sect specializes in manufacturing Humanoid Puppet. Not only is their appearance lifelike, but they can also be imbued with high intelligence. Their bodily meridians are no different from those of real people. In the end, high-level cultivators of this sect would even attempt to transform themselves into puppets to achieve immortality!"

"Hiss!"

Everyone gasped in shock.

Even Li Mo couldn't help but marvel at how perverse the cultivators of the Zai Zao Sect were.

He now understood the so-called path to immortality of the cultivators in Lu Country. No wonder the once highly respected Longevity Ancestor of the Monster was later called the Madman.

Compared to the path to longevity, the path to immortality sounded even more sinister than Demon, Devil, ghosts, and Monster.

However, Zhou Zheng wasn't finished speaking.

"It is precisely because the cultivators of the Zai Zao Sect transform themselves into puppets that when our Lingmu Sect cultivators fight them, if we rely too much on our Spirit Eye to distinguish them, we will be countered. Therefore, high-level cultivators of our sect try to avoid relying on their Spirit Eye when dealing with Zai Zao Sect cultivators. Because any of their puppets could be the real body, and the person who appears to be the real body could actually be a puppet. It's truly hard to tell the real from the fake."

From Zhou Zheng's words.

It seemed that the Humanoid Puppet technique of the Zai Zao Sect perfectly countered the Spirit Eye technique of the Lingmu Sect.

The higher the level of a Lingmu Sect disciple, the more they relied on their Spirit Eye. The Spirit Eye had thus gradually become the signature Spiritual Power of Lingmu Sect disciples. To fight without activating the Spirit Eye would be like cutting off one's own arms for a Lingmu Sect disciple.

Immediately, he thought of Lü Cuicui.

The Lü Family also specialized in Puppet Technique.

However, the Puppet Technique of the Lü Family focused more on Beast-shaped Puppet and the exploitation of single performance characteristics.

Lü Cuicui's father had also died at the hands of a Zai Zao Sect cultivator over ten years ago. Therefore, she had always been curious about the Humanoid Puppet of the Zai Zao Sect and wanted to study it thoroughly. However, she had never found relevant resources and could only grope her way through descriptions in books.

Li Mo had been learning puppet mechanism techniques from Lü Cuicui for over a year.

Although he wasn't stupid, with such intermittent research and study, he had only managed to grasp basic common knowledge. He marveled at the profoundness of puppet mechanism techniques, which were far beyond what he could master in a short period. It could only be a long-term investment that he had to persist in.

Up to now.

He hadn't even fully grasped the simplest Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse, let alone Beast-shaped Puppet or Humanoid Puppet.

Seeing a ready-made Zai Zao Sect Humanoid Puppet before him made Li Mo quite tempted.

Although this puppet looked crudely made and its craftsmanship was simple, for second-year disciples of the Advanced Study Hall like Li Mo and Lü Cuicui, it still represented an unattainable level of skill. Disassembling it would undoubtedly provide great inspiration for both of them.

Most importantly.

If Li Mo bought this puppet, he would not only gain a puppet helper but also fulfill Lü Cuicui's wish, thus repaying her for her guidance over the past year.

In the future, if Lü Cuicui gained any inspiration, she would surely share it with him, achieving a win-win situation for both.

Thinking of this.

Li Mo immediately stepped forward to inquire.

"What is the strength of this Humanoid Puppet, and what are its limitations?"

Zhou Zheng, who had just put down the puppet, was surprised when Li Mo asked this question from the side.

Zhao Huaxue and Lu Tianyou also looked at Li Mo in surprise.

He Ping also looked at Li Mo after hearing this.

"I've tested it before. This Humanoid Puppet can exert about the strength of the seventh level of Qi Refining. However, its drawback is that it requires continuous replacement of Spirit Stone, which is a considerable burden. Also, the joints will often become loose and require professional puppet masters for repair, which is quite troublesome."

Li Mo knew that puppets were powered by Spirit Stone.

As for the loosening of the puppet's joints, requiring regular maintenance, this was also unavoidable. While it might be troublesome for outsiders, it was a trivial matter for Li Mo.

He hadn't learned from Lü Cuicui for over a year for nothing. At least maintaining a puppet should not be a problem.

Seeing that Li Mo seemed quite interested, He Ping actually summoned the Humanoid Puppet on the spot and demonstrated its performance and strength to everyone.

"Everyone, take a look at its speed, its flexibility, and it can even cast Light Technique..."

Li Mo stood in the crowd, nodding continuously.

The other party had indeed not exaggerated. If he were to fight this puppet alone now, his chances of winning would be less than ten percent. Even if he were to use magic tools in the future, his chances of winning would probably not exceed thirty percent.

From this, it could be seen.

This Humanoid Puppet indeed possessed the strength of the seventh level of Qi Refining. According to the positioning of the Lü Family, it was a mid-level beginner puppet. According to the positioning of the Da Gan Kingdom, it was a mid-level Qi Refining puppet.

"How much Spirit Stone are you selling this puppet for?"

"It's a fixed price, three hundred Spirit Stone. Also, the joints of this puppet have started to loosen again, and you'll have to figure out how to repair it yourself."

This was equivalent to the cost of a Mid-grade Magic Tool. The price was not high, perhaps even on the lower side.

After careful consideration, Li Mo nodded.

"Alright, could you wait a moment until the free trade begins? I'll trade once I've gathered enough Spirit Stones."

"No problem."

Seeing Li Mo's confidence in being able to produce three hundred Spirit Stones at once, Lu Tianyou, Zhao Huaxue, and Zhou Zheng all showed surprised expressions.

This was no small sum.

Did this person have a family background that could rival a wealthy merchant?

A family that could produce three thousand taels of Silver at once would be considered affluent even in a prefectural city, with family assets generally needing to be at least tens of thousands of taels of Silver.

In a county town or small town, this would be considered immense wealth and a prestigious family, with usually only a few such households in the entire town.

And if it were in a county, they would almost certainly reside in grand mansions.

After a while.

As everyone began their free trade, Li Mo took out the jade bottle containing Qi Gathering Pills and sold them at a price of thirty-two Spirit Stones per Qi Gathering Pill.

As a hard currency among Qi Refining Stage disciples, Qi Gathering Pills were quickly snapped up.

Even Zhao Huaxue, Zhou Zheng, and Yang Zhiman each bought one.

Li Mo paid a little attention to Yang Zhiman, who remained silent in the crowd. He had followed Zhao Huaxue almost the entire time, his eyes filled with a complex mix of longing, inferiority, and confidence.

"I didn't expect Senior Brother Li to be an alchemist."

Zhao Huaxue seemed to see a side of Li Mo that was unknown to her, and said with a hint of curiosity.

This made Zhou Zheng beside her a little displeased.

"So, you're quite familiar with Tao Ran?"

Li Mo first smiled back at Zhao Huaxue, then replied to Zhou Zheng: "Yes, I've exchanged ideas with him a few times at the Alchemy Hall before."

Li Mo had originally intended to use the Spirit Stones from selling Qi Gathering Pills to find Tian Fen of the Law Enforcement Hall to learn his so-called Lightning Techniques secret art, or to try and purchase another Hundred-year-old Spirit Herb in the market below the mountain as an investment, and then attempt to refine another batch of Qi Gathering Pills.

According to Li Mo's investigation, the market below the mountain would, every month or two, have a lucky herb collector who would travel thousands of miles to sell their gathered Hundred-year-old Spirit Herbs at the market. From then on, they could essentially live a life free from worry about food and clothing for the rest of their lives. This was basically the ultimate goal for all herb collectors.

The Hundred-year-old Spirit Herbs sold by these collectors were generally not very expensive, making them suitable for refining Qi Gathering Pills.

However, the Hundred-year-old Spirit Herbs sold in the pharmacies in the market were usually rare varieties, and their prices were significantly higher.

Alternatively, one could exchange for Hundred-year-old Spirit Herbs cultivated on a large scale in the public spiritual fields using sect contributions. Unfortunately, Li Mo's sect contributions had all been used for attending lectures, and his contribution points were far from sufficient for the exchange.

Over the past year.

Li Mo had received private instruction from Lü Cuicui multiple times, and their personal relationship was very good, making them good friends.

He was not a selfish person.

Although Lü Cuicui had always taught him for free, he always felt indebted to her. Now that he finally had an opportunity to repay the favor, after careful consideration, he made this decision: to first purchase this Humanoid Puppet for Lü Cuicui for her research, in order to gain related knowledge.

Lü Cuicui was a friend worth cultivating a deep relationship with, and improving her knowledge sooner rather than later could be considered a long-term investment.

"Here, here's five Spirit Stones back."

Lu Tianyou nodded with a smile and put away the Spirit Stones that Li Mo had returned to him.

Li Mo disliked seeing Lu Tianyou fall into despair or become extreme. Although the Lu Tianyou of the past was a philanderer and not well-regarded in the Enlightenment Hall, Li Mo, as his friend, could feel that he lived a free and genuine life.

But now, Li Mo didn't know how to persuade or comfort him, and could only let him sort it out himself.

Next.

Li Mo paid three hundred Spirit Stones and officially purchased the Humanoid Puppet, planning to find Lü Cuicui first thing tomorrow morning to share the good news with her, and then continue to go out on commission missions to earn Spirit Stones.

In the process.

He could also search for clues about the spirit-flavored Thunderstruck Wood while studying the various auxiliary herbs needed for Creation Pills, to ensure the subsequent refining process was foolproof.