Lan Xiaobu smiled, “Whether I can afford it or not, just name a price. If I can’t, I’ll leave. But what if I can?”
“One top-grade Dao vein,” the black-robed elder said calmly, lowering his eyelids as if dismissing him.
Lan Xiaobu fell silent. He did have a top-grade Dao vein, but he wouldn’t part with it. A top-grade Dao vein was a supreme treasure for any cultivator in the Great Universe.
For Lan Xiaobu, aiming for the Fifth Step of the Great Dao, this vein was indispensable—especially since it was a 20,000-zhang vein.
But that wasn’t why he hesitated. The vein came from Chong Yi, the Tingdao Ship’s lord. Lan Xiaobu didn’t know how Chong Yi acquired it, but he was certain it wasn’t Chong Yi’s own. It likely came from a passenger. If he used it, he risked exposure.
He asked calmly, “Can I substitute something else?”
The elder replied indifferently, “If you think what you offer matches a top-grade Dao vein, of course.”
His tone carried a hint of mockery, clearly doubting Lan Xiaobu could produce anything surpassing a top-grade Dao vein. In the elder’s eyes, treasures like top-tier artifacts or pills might seem more valuable to Lan Xiaobu, but to him, they were insignificant.
Lan Xiaobu produced a jade box, opened it, and said, “I’ll use this instead.”
“Heart of Heavenly Poison?” The elder shot to his feet, reaching for it.
To those who needed it, the Heart of Heavenly Poison was worth more than a top-grade Dao vein, even aiding Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Step saints.
The elder took a deep breath, aware of its value. Even if he couldn’t use it, auctioning it at Qixing Saint Dao Trade Hall could fetch unimaginable wealth—potentially ten or more top-grade Dao veins.
Unaware of its true value, Lan Xiaobu had offered it. Otherwise, no one would part with such a treasure.
Lan Xiaobu stowed the Heart away, surprised not to see killing intent in the elder’s eyes. The harmony in the Moru World’s Heavenly Court Dao City was impressive; elsewhere, he’d likely be targeted already.
The elder steadied himself, clasped his fists, and said, “I’m Li Fu, External Affairs Saint Lord of Qixing Saint Dao Trade Hall. Your Heart of Heavenly Poison is extremely valuable to us. If you’re willing to sell, name your price, and I guarantee it’ll meet your expectations.”
Lan Xiaobu looked at Li Fu calmly, not bothering to respond.
Sighing, Li Fu said, “You know teleporting to the Central World is nearly impossible—not because it can’t be done, but because slots are scarce. This time, only 101 people, mostly representing the Moru World at the Eternal Life Conference, will teleport. Others must take rift-breaking ships, which, at their fastest, reach the Central World in 300 years. I can get you a premium ticket on such a ship.”
Lan Xiaobu stood to leave. Talking with Li Fu solidified his decision to use the Seven Realms Stone. He only needed a Central World coordinate map. With the stone’s speed and enhanced acceleration barriers, he could reach the Central World in under 300 years.
“Friend, please wait,” Li Fu called, reluctant to let Lan Xiaobu go. He was certain the Heart of Heavenly Poison would be lost to their trade hall otherwise.
“We have one teleportation slot for the Central World. I’m willing to give it to you if you do us a favor,” Li Fu said, gritting his teeth.
Lan Xiaobu nodded, “As long as it doesn’t delay me too much, I’m willing. What is it?”
Li Fu said, “It won’t take much time, and we’ll ensure you a slot at the Eternal Life Conference. With your strength, entering the conference guarantees reaching the Creation Saint Realm.”
“Deal,” Lan Xiaobu agreed without hesitation.
“Good.” Li Fu sent a message, then told Lan Xiaobu, “You’ve heard the Eternal Life Conference is nearly a millennium away, right? If you believe that, you’ll never enter the venue.”
“What do you mean?” Lan Xiaobu asked, puzzled. He wasn’t focused on the conference, but Li Fu’s words surprised him. The conference’s timing should be clear to all.
Li Fu said calmly, “The Eternal Life Conference starts in 51 years. Those truly aiming for it have already left on rift-breaking ships. Our trade hall’s ship departed over 300 years ago. Teleportation happens in two years. Those saying you can take a centuries-long ship and still make the conference are lying. I’ve said the same.”
Lan Xiaobu frowned. Such blatant lies—weren’t people able to verify them?
Li Fu continued, “This conference is different. Once it begins, no one can enter or leave the venue. While it starts in 51 years, the grand blooming of heavenly Dao principles and the Eternal Life Discourse happen over 600 years later. Most attend for that, so saying the conference is 600 years away isn’t entirely wrong. The mistake is that, unlike past conferences where you could enter anytime, this time, you can’t enter after it starts.”
Lan Xiaobu sighed inwardly. Those selling tickets likely knew this but didn’t say.
At that moment, a veiled woman in green robes appeared. Li Fu stood, saying, “Dao Lord, it’s him.”
The woman nodded to Li Fu, then looked at Lan Xiaobu. “You have the Heart of Heavenly Poison?”
“Yes,” Lan Xiaobu showed the jade box again. He sensed her cultivation surpassed the Fourth Step, likely a true Fifth Step powerhouse. Yet, he felt no fear, confident he could escape if she attacked.
Perhaps a Fifth Step couldn’t kill him.
The woman’s eyes lit up at the Heart, nodding, “Indeed, it’s the Heart of Heavenly Poison, the purest from the chaotic edge. This teleportation ticket is yours.”
She handed him a golden teleportation talisman. “In one year, take this to Tianmo City’s teleportation tower to reach Anluo City in the Central World.”
Lan Xiaobu was thrilled—it went straight to Anluo City. He took the talisman and handed the Heart to the woman.
The Heart was precious, but reaching the Central World quickly was his priority. Anluo City, the Central World’s Heavenly Court Dao City, would have the fastest route to the Great Ice Pan Palace.
“Dao Lord, I’d like him to do us a favor—deliver our trade hall’s Dao talisman to our Anluo City branch. It won’t delay the conference,” Li Fu said quickly.
The woman shook her head. “No need. Since it’s a trade, it’s settled now, no extra conditions. We’ll find another way for the talisman.”
Lan Xiaobu was impressed—this woman was principled.
“Thank you, friend. Farewell,” he said, clasping his fists and leaving swiftly.
