Chapter 160: Wanbao Tower

The marketplace in Yellow Maple Valley closely resembled Han Li’s hometown of Qingniu Town, consisting of just a single street. This street ran north to south, with dozens of buildings of varying sizes at its southern end. These structures, some tall, some low, some multi-storied, and some mere huts, were remarkably unevenly built.

These properties belonged to Yellow Maple Valley, though only a small portion were directly managed by Yellow Maple Valley disciples. The majority were rented out to cultivation families and rogue cultivators who conducted business there year-round. Most of these establishments were shops selling raw materials, talismans, and magical artifacts. There was also a Five Elements Bookstore specializing in elementary cultivation techniques, and two inns and restaurants providing food and lodging.

In addition to the lower-level steward disciples, a certain number of Foundation Establishment experts were permanently stationed at the marketplace to maintain order and prevent disturbances.

A large section at the northern end of the street was left entirely empty, reserved for cultivators who wished to set up temporary stalls. By paying a low-grade spirit stone to the Yellow Maple Valley disciples managing the area, outsiders could set up a stall on the open ground for an entire day without interference. During this time, they would even be protected by these disciples, safe from any enemies seeking revenge.

Thanks to these measures encouraging outside cultivators to do business here, coupled with the marketplace’s unique geographical location, Yellow Maple Valley’s marketplace prospered year after year. Rare items frequently appeared, drawing even more cultivators to seek treasures.

However, to avoid suspicion, Han Li did not enter through the most convenient south street entrance. Instead, he took a long detour and entered from the north. Before stepping onto the street, he pulled up a green cloak to cover his face, just in case someone there actually recognized him.

It was already afternoon, and the main street of the marketplace seemed sparsely populated at a glance. However, this was quite normal; after all, this marketplace was not a bustling secular market that would be crowded all day long. Those who came here were select cultivators, one in ten thousand! Having this many people was already quite good.

Realizing this, Han Li chuckled to himself and headed towards the small stalls along the street. He planned to check these stalls for anything noteworthy before visiting the larger shops.

After looking around, Han Li felt somewhat disappointed. Aside from three or four items that were勉强 usable, the other magical artifacts and talismans on these small stalls were completely useless to him; buying them would only be a waste of spirit stones. He decided not to waste any more time and turned directly towards the large shops.

"Seven Skill Pavilion""Wind Guiding Study""Heavenly Crafts Building"

This time, Han Li did not rashly enter the first shop he saw. Instead, he slowly strolled down the street, carefully noting the names and sizes of these shops. Only then did he choose the "Myriad Treasures Pavilion," a multi-storied building that looked the most impressive and frequently had other cultivators entering and exiting, and walked in.

Just by hearing the name of the shop, one could tell that the owner was very confident in their goods. Han Li also hoped there were indeed some rare treasures here, so he wouldn't leave empty-handed.

Upon entering, Han Li was slightly taken aback.

The bright, spacious hall, large enough to accommodate dozens of people without feeling crowded, featured incredibly long counters crafted from precious red paulownia wood. Seven or eight attendants in uniform green robes completed the scene, creating an absolutely grand and impressive atmosphere.

Inside the hall, two of the green-robed attendants were explaining something to several cultivators who appeared to be customers.

The counters displayed a wide variety of items, seemingly all intended for cultivators, from the lowest-grade raw materials to the most commonly used talismans and magical artifacts—everything imaginable.

Han Li smiled faintly, realizing he had indeed found the right place.

Just then, an attendant in a green robe approached him, a wide smile on his face. "What would this esteemed guest like to see? Would you like me to assist with an introduction? Our establishment's items are guaranteed to satisfy all our customers!"

"I want to see some magical artifacts and talismans, but I only want the best items. Don't bother showing me any inferior goods!" Han Li said faintly from beneath his cloak.

The green-robed attendant paused slightly at these words, but after carefully assessing Han Li's demeanor and confirming he wasn't joking, his smile became even more genuine. He knew he had encountered a major patron. He quickly ushered Han Li further inside and personally led him upstairs to the VIP room on the second floor.

The upstairs furnishings differed from the grand hall below. Not only was the area much smaller, but it was also adorned with antique-style tables, chairs, and furniture, arranged elegantly, spaciously, and comfortably. Most strikingly, in a corner of the room stood a precious censer, with a stick of incense slowly burning within, filling the room with a faint sandalwood fragrance.

A gentle and refined middle-aged man, holding an ancient book, stood in the room reading aloud. He appeared to have no cultivation at all, seeming like an ordinary person.

Han Li was somewhat surprised; this place did not resemble a business establishment in the slightest, but rather a wealthy family’s private residence.

Seeing Han Li ascend, the reading man unhurriedly closed his book. The green-robed attendant who had accompanied Han Li quickly approached him and whispered a few words in his ear.

After listening, the middle-aged man cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile:

"I am Tian Buli, the manager of Myriad Treasures Pavilion. May I ask for your name?"

"Li Feiyu," Han Li unceremoniously borrowed his friend's name.

"Ah, Brother Li, please have a seat!"

"Go, brew a pot of the finest Bi Yun tea!" The middle-aged man guided Han Li to a seat, then instructed the servant.

"Is this your first time at our establishment, Brother Li?" the middle-aged man asked politely after Han Li was comfortably seated.

"Hehe! Manager Tian, you have a keen eye indeed. This is my first time visiting your esteemed establishment," Han Li deliberately altered his voice, making it sound like a gruff man.

"Whether it's your first time or not, it doesn't matter! Your willingness to come here is a great honor to our Myriad Treasures Pavilion, and our establishment will certainly ensure your satisfaction!" Manager Tian said confidently.

"If I can find what I need in one place, I don't want to go to the trouble of visiting two more! I hope your establishment’s goods are truly exceptional," Han Li said, sounding half-skeptical.

"Haha! Please rest assured, Brother Li. Our establishment’s reputation on this street is absolutely one of the best. If even our store cannot satisfy you, then there's no need to look at any other shops!" The manager said unhurriedly, an expression of complete confidence on his face.

Just then, a maidservant carrying a teapot and several teacups came upstairs. Before she even approached the two men, a clear, elegant tea fragrance filled the room.

"This is our establishment's specially prepared fragrant tea, not easily found elsewhere. Not only does it smell incredibly fragrant, but it can also invigorate the drinker. Brother Li, please try some first." Manager Tian waited for the maid to set out the tea set and descend, then took a small, contented sip himself, a smile on his face.

Han Li looked at the fragrant tea before him, shook his head slightly, and said with a hint of impatience:

"Manager Tian, we can drink tea later. Let's get to business first!"

"I didn't expect Brother Li to be so impatient! Very well, please wait a moment. I will be right back!" Manager Tian stood up with a slight hint of regret, cupped his hands to Han Li, and then left him alone, going downstairs.

After about the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, Manager Tian reappeared before Han Li, carrying several brocade boxes of varying sizes.

"My attendant downstairs mentioned that Brother Li is looking for the best magical artifacts and talismans. So, I specifically went to the hidden chamber downstairs and brought out a few long-cherished treasures for your viewing pleasure. I hope they meet with your approval!" Manager Tian patted the brocade boxes, grinning.

Han Li's eyes lit up at this, and his curiosity about the contents of the brocade boxes surged. He wondered what rare items could be called treasures by the manager and if they would exceed his expectations.

Manager Tian had placed the brocade boxes one by one on the table and opened them for Han Li to inspect. However, Han Li noticed that as the boxes were opened, two spiritual pressures, undoubtedly stronger than his own, emerged from seemingly nowhere and locked onto his every movement.

Han Li was initially startled, but then he realized these were the security measures of Myriad Treasures Pavilion, precautions taken for these treasures, in case he suddenly attacked and made off with the items. He then relaxed, but gained a new understanding of Myriad Treasures Pavilion's strength.

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