Chapter 275

Chapter 275: Asking for Directions at the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion

Li Hui felt a deep sense of resignation; no matter how much spiritual energy he obtained, it always seemed to vanish into thin air. The Mysterious Water Pearl was one thing, as it was part of his personal dwelling and consumed a vast amount. The Mysterious Pearl, being a spirit herb garden, would naturally produce yields over time, so large investments were understandable. But why did his Personal Artifact need to get involved? The investment exceeded all expectations.

To expand the whirlpools of spiritual pressure and allow the Green Emperor Yuanhong Vine to create acupoints, he had to sacrifice at least ten percent of his reserves. He also needed to cultivate six hundred thirty thousand spirit talismans, which consumed an additional half of his resources.

Li Hui intended to keep adding Wood Jiao Talismans and Green Scale Talismans! Now that he thought about it, he quickly pushed aside that thought.

Currently, each Green Emperor Yuanhong Vine had opened up fifty-four whirlpools of spiritual pressure, while the optimal state required doubling to one hundred and eight. However, simply doubling the spiritual energy needed wasn’t that easy; it might take ten times the amount, which he simply couldn’t afford.

With just a slight effort to stimulate his spiritual energy, the Green Emperor Yuanhong Vine would extend from his back and coil around his arm, making it ready to activate the talisman formation at any moment, unleashing great power.

The vine on his left was focused on defense, having already integrated three hundred thousand Green Scale Talismans into a formation. The vine on his right was centered on offense, having incorporated three hundred thirty thousand Wood Jiao Talismans, equally forming various formations, pulsating as if a myriad of Jiao dragons swirled within.

“Ah! When will I get the chance again? I can’t feel at ease until the number of Green Scale Talismans and Wood Jiao Talismans reaches a million.” Li Hui’s face bore a look of despair. If the other members of the Jade Symbol Sect found out about his concern, they would certainly beat him up; such a thought was utterly despicable!

For several days, Huo Qiniang had been swiftly trading goods.

There was no choice but to move quickly; many merchants arrived with entire ships of discarded artifacts, fearing they would miss out on this rare opportunity that came once every thousand years. An elder from the Heavenly Furnace Sect personally boarded the ships, stating they could have as many broken artifacts as they could swallow.

Seeing this situation, Li Hui didn’t hesitate. Instead, he charged ahead and informed Huo Qiniang, “Purchase! Use the various ores and local products we acquired before. I’d rather lose two or three percent of profits than miss this chance.”

With the household relying on one person for management, since the young master had given the command, there was nothing else to discuss.

Once this door opened, it became extraordinary. The port buzzed with activity for several days, even retrieving sunken scrap from the depths of the sea. It was indeed impressive!

The Wave Breaking Cone welcomed all, and the available materials gradually ran out. With both sides eagerly trading, the Thousand Islands sea merchants and refining sects were unable to offer broken artifacts any longer, switching to trading defective treasures. Li Hui had no choice but to strive for perfection in talisman-making, making profits from the price differences.

The refining sect expressed doubt, curious about why so many broken artifacts were being collected. Were they trying to research a new extraction method to turn trash into treasure? However, such methods likely belonged to core secrets of major sects. This vessel was probably just acting as a middleman. If he could develop it into a long-term financial path, it would be very satisfying.

Having been in the Thousand Islands for ten days, Huo Qiniang had an important task aside from business: finding the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion.

This sea route had reached its end; from Blue Moon Island to Aofeng Sect, then to the Grand Xuan Dynasty and onto the Thousand Islands. Generally, this path wouldn’t involve great dangers and was considered a safe zone.

Further ahead would be challenging! There were no fixed sea routes, and they had to find the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion for inquiries to navigate through dangers and have the chance to forge a way forward.

However, the disciples of the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion were elusive. Sometimes they might not show themselves for six months, making it quite difficult for Qiniang. She didn’t know how many people she had to enlist but finally acquired a lead.

“Master, I have found out that a disciple from the Heavenly Machine Pavilion appeared on Star Embroidery Island half a month ago, called Ruan Mingjun,” Qiniang reported quickly to avoid wasting time.

“Good! You all stay here; I will make a trip to Star Embroidery Island.” Li Hui nodded. His form transformed into a thin mist and vanished, causing Qiniang to feel a slight shock; she realized her master had become even more unfathomable.

Star Embroidery Island had a significant reputation among the Thousand Islands, known mainly for crafting magical garments and adornments. It also belonged to the artifact crafting sect, bustling with female cultivators and many couples strolling around.

Embroidered items, magical garments, silk ribbons, and various decorations had a deadly attraction for female cultivators. Qiniang placed several orders for custom clothes, grateful that she gained leads thanks to the female cultivator from the embroidery shop.

Ruan Mingjun often purchased embroidered items from that shop, and their relationship was friendly. They indicated that if someone was looking for her, it would be a significant matter and they could reveal her whereabouts. After all, the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion made a living by selling information and wouldn’t truly avoid the world; they ultimately had to open their doors for business.

“Wow! What a lovely little one!”

“I could raise her as a girl; I really want to pinch her little face.”

“Whose child is this? Not afraid of being kidnapped? I heard some evil sects favor young boys, and this type of child is the most popular once they grow up.”

As Li Hui walked down the street, his expression grew darker. He thought, “No wonder they say that only petty people and women are hard to raise! They’re so gossipy! Young master, this is called handsome, alright? Not pretty. I’m definitely legitimate! If a demonic cultivator dares to come, I’ll chop them into pieces and feed them to the fish!”

Upon arriving at the embroidery shop, two young boys stood on the steps. They lit up upon seeing him, cupping their fists in a childish manner and greeting, “Welcome, esteemed guest, to the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion.”

“Oh? Did you foresee my arrival? Great! Business is coming in; lead the way!”

Li Hui had previously learned that the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion only opened when there was a significant demand from a major client, banking on them to make a fortune. So, inquiries at the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion could be difficult due to high prices, causing many rich merchants to turn away in tears.

Expensive as it was, compared to his life, as long as he could afford it, he must embark on the return journey as soon as possible.

The two young boys led the way, and before long, they passed through alleys to arrive at a dilapidated pavilion with the words “Little Heavenly Machine” prominently displayed.

Li Hui looked up to examine it for a moment and noticed the sign had been added later. He couldn’t help but chuckle, finding it amusing that it seemed any place could become the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion.

Once inside, he beheld a very simple setup: a table and a lamp.

Across from the table sat a woman, graceful and poised, her demeanor calm and collected, appearing quite ordinary. However, the green lamp on the table was a magical artifact, deserving of respect.

“Please, take a seat!” The woman gestured and casually moved a wooden chair closer.

“I want to return to the White Sea. Can you give me directions?” Li Hui stated directly, his question straightforward.

“Hehe, your actual age is older than you appear, and you’re shrouded in the shadow of terror, trying every means to escape this shadow.”

Upon hearing her words, Li Hui narrowed his eyes and suddenly asked, “Are you raising the price? Or is the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion simply a spy for this terrifying shadow?”

“We would avoid the Hongmo Sect at all costs; how could we possibly be involved?” The woman stood and looked at him in shock.

She had unwittingly revealed her inner thoughts! How had this young man done that?

Li Hui secretly relaxed. With nine hundred ninety-nine Heart Talismans and an Invading Opportunist Talisman forming a talisman formation, he had prepared for this moment by accumulating talisman power through hand seals before coming here. Fortunately, the Little Heavenly Machine Pavilion had no ties to the Hongmo Sect, so he steadied his mood and said, “Before you name a price, let’s see this item!”