I Just Want to Cultivate Quietly and Farm

Chapter 730: Chapter 391: Treasure City Windfalls (Part 1)

Led by Wang Wenbao, Li Mu arrived at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s reception hall and met the remarkable Grand Steward.

The Grand Steward of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion was a middle-aged man in a yellow brocade robe, with an average build and appearance, but his eyes were bright and gave a feeling of steadiness and peace. His appearance was ordinary without any peculiarities, yet his eyes were exceptionally spirited, as if capable of perceiving one’s mind, revealing an extraordinary demeanor that made Li Mu’s heart stir, and he silently acknowledged that this middle-aged man was no ordinary figure.

With Wang Wenbao’s introduction, Li Mu learnt that this middle-aged man was indeed the Grand Steward of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion—Wan Renlang. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect, knowing that the Grand Steward of a commercial giant like the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion in the Cultivation Realm must be a person of power and wisdom.

Li Mu scrutinized Wan Renlang closely and found his cultivation unfathomable. Vaguely, he sensed an aura from him similar to that of Sword Master Feng—a steady and restrained power, like a deeply hidden mountain. Li Mu’s heart stirred, and he surmised that the Grand Steward’s cultivation must have reached the Integration Realm.

However, surprisingly, the cultivation Wan Renlang revealed was only in the Late-Stage Divinity Transformation Realm. Li Mu felt somewhat puzzled, as the gap between Integration Realm powerhouses and Divinity Transformation Realm experts was enormous. If Wan Renlang had truly reached the Integration Realm, why would he hide his true cultivation?

Although Li Mu harbored doubts, he remained composed, understanding that the world was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with strong individuals abounding. Everyone has their own secrets and trump cards, and Wan Renlang must have his reasons and considerations for hiding his cultivation.

Seeing Li Mu, a hint of admiration flashed in Wan Renlang’s eyes. He approached with a smile, warmly and enthusiastically greeting him: "Master Li, you have been collaborating with the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion for years, your dual mastery of array and artifact is renowned. I’ve long heard of your great name, and today, I finally behold your true visage; it’s truly a fortunate occasion!"

Li Mu hurriedly returned the courtesy with a handshake and responded with a smile: "Grand Steward, you overpraise me. It’s a great honor to receive such hospitality from the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion."

After some pleasantries, Wan Renlang warmly invited Li Mu to sit down and personally poured him a cup of Spirit Tea. The tea’s fragrance was overflowing, refreshing the mind.

In the following conversation, Wan Renlang asked Li Mu in detail about his insights and experiences in artifact refining, expressing great interest in his way of arrays and artifacts. Li Mu generously shared his teachings; the more they talked, the more congenial they became, and the atmosphere grew increasingly harmonious.

Soon, their conversation naturally turned to the Secret Realm.

Wan Renlang put down the teacup he held, furrowed his brow slightly, and looked at Li Mu with a somewhat serious expression, speaking with concern: "Master Li, your decision to partake in the treasure hunt in the Extreme North Icefield’s Secret Realm caught me by surprise. I must remind you, the origins of this Secret Realm are extraordinary. It is highly likely to be the Dao site of a certain Daoist Monarch, where crises and unknown risks are unpredictable, and a slight misstep could lead you into danger."

Saying this, a complex glow flashed in Wan Renlang’s eyes as he gazed at Li Mu, his tone revealing sincerity and concern, advising: "Master Li, you are a distinguished Artifact Refining Grandmaster, your status is esteemed. This venture into the Secret Realm of the Extreme North Icefield is indeed too dangerous. Therefore, I want to persuade Master Li to abandon this action."

Wan Renlang took a deep breath and continued more earnestly: "As for the Reversing Death Spirit Grass you need, our Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion will inevitably exert all its efforts, utilizing all available resources and connections, to find a way to procure this herb for you. You truly need not risk going to the perilous Extreme North Icefield. You only need to peacefully wait in Wanbao City; I will personally oversee this matter."

Wan Renlang looked at Li Mu, his gaze sincere, full of concern for Li Mu’s safety, while also revealing the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion’s regard for Li Mu.

Li Mu, as an esteemed Artifact Refining Grandmaster, is already a huge commercial asset. Every Spirit Treasure he is entrusted to refine is enough to cause a stir, bringing enormous profits to the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Moreover, his potential is far beyond this; if he can continue to advance in the future and become the legendary Dao Artifact Divine Craftsman, it would mean he could forge Daoist Soldiers — akin to a hen laying Golden Eggs endlessly. His value is beyond estimation. To the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, establishing a long-term, stable cooperative relationship with Li Mu, concerning his personal safety, is undoubtedly a highly wise choice.

Considering these profound reasons, Wan Renlang truly didn’t wish to see Li Mu risk his life for a single Spirit Grass. Li Mu’s safety not only concerns his personal life and death, but also the future commercial interests of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, so he was so adamant in discouraging Li Mu.

Upon hearing this, Li Mu smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with determination and confidence. He extended his thanks to Wan Renlang with a handshake and said: "Steward Wan, I appreciate your kindness, but the path of cultivation itself is a journey against heaven. This Reversing Death Spirit Grass concerns a Dao heart oath that I made. Hence, I can’t help but personally seek its whereabouts. As for the dangers in the Secret Realm, I will indeed tread carefully and won’t act recklessly. I assure you I will be cautious and ensure my own safety, without letting myself easily fall into peril. Steward Wan, please rest assured."

Hearing the reasoning, Wan Renlang couldn’t help but sigh helplessly. Although still somewhat worried, he also understood Li Mu’s decision. Concerning the matter of the Dao heart oath, it is indeed difficult to dissuade him from it, so he could only quietly bless Li Mu, hoping he would successfully obtain the Reversing Death Spirit Grass and return safely.