In the dimly lit room, the air trembled slightly under a powerful force field. Though subtle, this phenomenon was quite remarkable.
The room also emanated strands of intense qi, as if a furnace were burning within, radiating sweltering heat.
Dao Ling sat cross-legged, eyes half-closed, breathing steadily. With each inhale and exhale, his chest rose and fell, and a mysterious suction emerged from his mouth and nose. Threads of air rhythmically flowed into his body, tempering his flesh.
He was guiding the heaven-earth essence to淬炼 (temper) his physique!
As time passed, the aura from Dao Ling's body grew stronger. A thrilled smile crept onto his face—the feeling of growing stronger was truly invigorating.
Five days flew by. When Dao Ling opened his eyes, he ran a hand over his hardened muscles and grinned. His body had strengthened remarkably in these few days.
"Ten days left until Star Academy's recruitment. The registration is in three days—I must secure a spot!" Dao Ling clenched his fist, murmuring, "It's time to exchange for ferocious beast blood. Cultivating step-by-step is too slow."
Instead of rushing out, he took a bath at home and changed into a clean white robe. His long hair fluttered slightly, giving him a俊秀 (handsome) appearance.
Though his father was poor, he had bought Dao Ling several fine outfits—essential to avoid looking like a slum dweller peddling found "treasures."
"Father used this to scrape pots, so it should be better than the one he picks his toes with, right?" Dao Ling rubbed his chin, eyes gleaming with expectation. He hoped it was valuable.
He guessed his father hid the ores to avoid jealousy. Though they lived humbly, their food was good, and they didn't care much about material things.
"Father should be back from the mine soon. I must ask him where these ores came from."
Clad in white, Dao Ling closed the door and touched the copper-red stone in his sleeve. He knew exactly where to go—Jubao Pavilion!
Jubao Pavilion was Qingshi City's largest store, renowned for its integrity. With branches across Qingzhou's ancient cities, it belonged to a formidable faction.
Arriving at the city center, Dao Ling eyed a luxurious building. Few dared enter due to the exorbitant prices—he had never set foot inside.
Taking a deep breath, he composed himself and walked in. Though the surroundings took his breath away, he maintained his poise.
The thousand-square-foot hall displayed shimmering treasures on the walls, with jade shelves laden with rare curios. Many people pointed and discussed, creating a lively scene.
"So many treasures—no wonder it's called Jubao Pavilion." Dao Ling's hand trembled in his sleeve. He didn't recognize any of the items, and there were so many.
Seeing the white-robed youth, a young woman approached with a smile: "Young master, what treasure are you looking for today?"
Wang Qian felt puzzled. She knew most of Qingshi City's young nobles, but this one was a stranger.
"Let's talk over there." Dao Ling glanced around and moved forward. With so many people nearby, he didn't want to draw attention before knowing the copper's value.
Wang Qian frowned. Why the secrecy? Did he have something special?
Reaching the inner area, Dao Ling took out the copper stone, eager to know its worth—and determined not to be cheated.
At the sight of the stone, Wang Qian's eyes lit up. It seemed不凡. "Are you selling ore? How much do you want for it?"
"First, give me 10,000 gold coins. Exchange the rest for ferocious beast blood—stronger than Fire Scaled Beast blood, and different types," Dao Ling blurted, nervous about whether the price was too high or low.
Wang Qian staggered and fell. *10,000 gold coins? Does he know how much that is? Fire Scaled Beast blood? That's a rare ferocious beast! He wants blood stronger than that, and various types?*
"You lunatic!" Wang Qian's face darkened. Where had this fool come from to mock her?
Dao Ling's heart sank. Had he overpriced it? He should have let her name a price first. *Is this thing worthless?*
"Guards! Throw this audacious fool out!" Wang Qian snapped coldly.
Her shout silenced the hall, followed by laughter: "Where'd this madman come from? Should I beat him to a pulp?"
"Miss Wang Qian, did this lunatic touch your behind? You're so angry." A burly man leered at Wang Qian's figure, guffawing.
The remarks enraged Wang Qian. She gritted her teeth, determined to teach this country bumpkin a lesson.
As a guard approached, Dao Ling scowled. *It's just a price mistake. Is this how they do business?*
"Boy, you have guts to cause trouble here!" A burly guard cracked his knuckles. "Know where you are? How do you want to die?"
"If you don't want the item, fine. Why throw me out?" Dao Ling said to the guard, "They say Jubao Pavilion values integrity. I'm disappointed."
Li Dahai frowned. Seeing Dao Ling's calm demeanor, he wondered why the boy wasn't afraid. He turned to Wang Qian: "What's going on?"
"Hmph, throwing you out is lenient. What does this have to do with our integrity?" Wang Qian seethed, wishing she could tear Dao Ling's mouth apart. "This bumpkin is here to cause trouble, trying to sell a worthless stone for a fortune!"
Li Dahai's expression chilled. Wang Qian, from the Wang family, often offended customers with her arrogance. Bargaining was normal in business.
"May I see the item, sir?" Li Dahai asked Dao Ling, ready to teach him a lesson if he was bluffing.
Dao Ling grew anxious. *Is this stone really trash? That would be a problem.*
"What are you waiting for? Show us your 'precious' stone," Wang Qian sneered. "You're disappointed? Let's see why."
Laughter erupted as all eyes turned to Dao Ling, eager to see his "treasure."
Clenching his fist, Dao Ling walked to Li Dahai, feeling the stone should be hidden from others.
Li Dahai found this odd but covered for him, curious about the secret item.
"Hmph, hiding a worthless stone. What a bumpkin," Wang Qian scoffed, eager to see him humiliated.
A red, drill-shaped stone appeared before Li Dahai. Though weathered, its interior shimmered with a jade-like crimson light.
Li Dahai's eyes snapped open. He stared, rubbed his eyes, and gasped—*It's Scarlet Blood Copper Crystal!*
He'd heard of this ore, hidden in terrifying ancient mines. It was极其 rare (extremely rare)!
The Wang family had a Scarlet Blood Treasure Artifact, which gained immense power from a mere trace of this crystal.
At a recent auction, a nail-sized piece had sold for 500,000 gold coins.
Dao Ling noticed Li Dahai's reaction and sighed in relief, cursing Wang Qian for her ignorance.
"See? Worthless," Wang Qian jeered. "Trying to sell trash for a fortune—delusional!"
Li Dahai's face contorted. *Heaven, strike this fool with lightning! She's turning away a treasure from an ancient mine!*
"Since it's worthless, I'll take my leave." Dao Ling pocketed the crystal and headed for the door.
"What? You can't leave!" Wang Qian shrieked, pointing at him. "Li Dahai, break his leg! Now!"
Li Dahai's excitement surged. Selling Scarlet Blood Copper Crystal would earn him huge rewards.
He couldn't let Dao Ling go. Ignoring Wang Qian's shout, he...
*Slap!* Li Dahai slapped Wang Qian across the face, roaring: "You bitch! How dare you treat a guest like this? You're courting death!"
The hall froze. All eyes fixed on Wang Qian's swollen cheek and falling teeth. Everyone was stunned.
Wang Qian stared at Li Dahai in disbelief, trembling with rage. "You bastard! How dare you hit me? You want to die!"
Li Dahai pointed at her: "I hit you to teach you respect! Guests are gods! Look at your stupidity—you're lucky I didn't kill you!"
He was livid. If a Jubao Pavilion elder learned of this, Wang Qian would be punished severely.
Anyone who could produce Scarlet Blood Copper Crystal was no ordinary person!
Dao Ling gaped, amazed by Li Dahai's boldness.