Chapter 699 - 91: Private Trading Gathering

A single Spirit Marrow is indeed precious, but it is not enough to make several mid-stage Core Formation True Men present give up the idea of exchanging for high-tier Spiritual Talent on the spot.

After all, even if they obtain the Spirit Marrow, they would have to sell it to a True Monarch in the Central Ten Domains. Making such a trip for one Spirit Marrow doesn’t align with their short-term goals.

However, when Li Ji’an took out three at once, the meaning changed entirely.

Yongchun Fairy immediately beamed with a smile: "Fellow Daoist Chang’an, you’ve truly given me a surprise. Three Spirit Marrows are enough to trade for high-tier Spiritual Talent. I hereby formally invite you to the gathering five days later."

"Thank you, Fairy." Li Ji’an smiled slightly.

"Fellow Daoist, make sure not to miss the small gathering." Yongchun Fairy smilingly reminded before leaving.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Ji’an gazed at Ning Sujin, who was glowing and whose temperament had greatly changed, with a smile on his face.

"Congratulations, my lady, for resolving your inner knots and purifying your heart."

"The art of melody is truly marvelous. Thank you, my husband!" Ning Sujin’s eyes relaxed with a radiant smile.

Before the melody purified her mind, she always had a concern in her heart.

It was the worry of not being able to accompany Li Ji’an forever.

There was always repressed anxiety in her heart.

That’s why, when she learned about the existence of other great Cultivation Realms and the hope of achieving the Immortal Path and eternal life, her mind was stirred.

After this purification by melody and thorough clarity over the days, her heart finally returned to its true state.

Cherishing the present, not fearing the future.

Letting the uncertainties of the future affect the companionship now, is not worth it!

Additionally, it also purified some of the obscure influences of her practicing the Soul Cultivation Method.

"With this clarity, your Core Formation stage is well assured!" Li Ji’an smiled contentedly.

Ning Sujin nodded confidently. Originally, she held an indifferent attitude towards condensing the Magic Pill, since the Primordial Spirit Lifespan already had her covered to the limit, but after knowing about the external situations, she developed a pursuit for the Core Formation stage.

Then, they set off to the back mountain of Linchun Immortal City together.

For this small gathering, Yongchun Fairy set the location at the Persimmon Forest in the back mountain, where fiery persimmons hung on branches, a gentle breeze brushed the mountain stream, Spiritual Qi was abundant, and the atmosphere was leisurely and elegant.

Li Ji’an and Ning Sujin arrived at the foot of the mountain and smoothly entered the array using the Jade Talisman gifted by Yongchun Fairy.

"Fellow Daoist Chang’an, please come in." Yongchun Fairy welcomed them immediately.

"Your lady is truly a beauty to behold!

A few days ago, someone told me that Fellow Daoist Chang’an’s wife is as beautiful as a fairy, outshining the courtesan of our Yaochi Commerce Association. I thought those words might be exaggerated, somewhat flattering,

but seeing her today, I realize that person was conservative. This fairy’s appearance and figure are exceptionally unrivaled in the world, no wonder Fellow Daoist Chang’an is so indifferent to female cultivators outside."

After greeting Li Ji’an, she once more looked carefully at Ning Sujin.

There was no disguise of appearance, no transformation of bone structure, not even a bit of makeup embellishment, just naturally radiant beauty as it is.

Moreover, although her Magical Power aura is only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, her calm temperament earned even more praise.

"Thank you for your kind words," Ning Sujin smiled gently. With more and more people having met her and Li Ji’an, she had already grown accustomed to such remarks.

"Hehe, Fairy, with your display of charm in the Immortal City, the title of the next leader of the Hundred Flowers Chart will surely belong to you." Yongchun Fairy approached Ning Sujin intimately, speaking with a face full of envy.

Ning Sujin smiled and shook her head, clearly refusing, "President, you overpraise me. My humble beauty cannot compare with the world’s absolute beauties, nor do I wish to receive any other attention, having my husband’s appreciation is enough."

"Oh?" Yongchun Fairy was slightly taken aback.

The Hundred Flowers Chart of Yaochi Commerce Association, carefully promoted for a thousand years, had become an authority. Every year, countless female cultivators went to great lengths to make the list, as being on it brought enough influence, status, Spiritual Talent, and even prospects.

At that time, even choosing a Dao companion might elevate one several levels above in cultivation.

"The love between Fairy and Fellow Daoist Chang’an is truly enviable to others."

After a few pleasantries, Yongchun Fairy led Li Ji’an and Ning Sujin to the Persimmon Forest.

Three people were already seated inside, engaging in conversations.

"Fellow Daoists, allow me to introduce you. This is Fellow Daoist Chang’an, whom I specially invited this time, and he is currently also a Tributor of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association," Yongchun Fairy introduced them to the three individuals.

Upon hearing this, all three mid-stage Core Formation True Men clasped their hands in greeting, "Fellow Daoist Chang’an, pleasure to meet you!"

"Pleasure to meet you!" Li Ji’an returned the greeting.

Subsequently, Yongchun Fairy gave a brief introduction of Li Ji’an to them.

All three True Men were Tributors from various Commerce Associations, all originating from the Ten Thousand Merchants Domain, and had been supported by their associations since childhood, having signed Spirit Contracts.

The common point is that all three are of considerable age, having been stuck at the Mid-stage Core Formation for years, most likely unable to hope for the Realm of the Ascendant.

Moreover, all three primarily focus on refining their skills.

One is an Array Master, and the other two are Pill Masters.

All hope to advance their skills further, so they wish to trade High Tier Spiritual Talent for practice.

"I wonder what skill Fellow Daoist Chang’an excels in? What kind of Spiritual Talent do you intend to trade on this occasion?" one person asked.

"Li has studied talismans intensively, but this time, it is not limited to High Tier Talisman Materials; if there are suitable High Tier Spiritual Talents available, I am interested," Li Ji’an said candidly.

"I hope that you will be satisfied with this trade."

"Haha, thanks for your kind words."

"Since Fellow Daoist Chang’an is a Tributor of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association, do you know if President Ziyuan has emerged from her gloom?" someone suddenly asked.

Immediately, the others, including Yongchun Fairy, also paid special attention to Li Ji’an.

Tong Yaoyao, as the heir of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association, was constantly in the spotlight, holding the recommendation quota from Tong Jiesheng.

Especially during the two-year vacancy of the Commerce Alliance Leader, she almost locked herself inside the Nine Tripods Commerce Association, showing no intention of vying for the alliance leader position.

Meanwhile, for two years, the Fierce Tiger Commerce Association and the Taian Commerce Association have been confronting each other, affecting various commerce associations in the alliance to some extent, causing dissatisfaction.

They have been hoping to stabilize the situation as soon as possible.

Li Ji’an remained calm: "The president is a person of sentiment and righteousness, deeply moved by the grandfather who pampered her since childhood, and indeed deeply mourned over his passing.

However, after two years, she has gradually come to terms with it.

Moreover, during these two years, the president has thoroughly understood and adopted the business experiences and insights left by her grandfather over generations, inheriting the legacy of the former alliance leader.

I had seen her in the commerce association by chance before; her state of mind not only settled but is also more mature and composed than two years ago."

As Li Ji’an finished speaking, several of them exchanged glances, their eyes shimmering with excitement.

"President Ziyuan is a person of deep affection and righteousness, and we all admire her!"

"Since President Ziyuan has put her sorrows behind her, does she have any intention of contributing to the alliance?"

...

Facing their probing questions, Li Ji’an repeatedly waved his hand: "Li is merely a tributor and does not participate in commerce association affairs. If you want to know more, it would be better to directly ask the steward of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association."

While talking, others arrived outside.

They were similar to the three True Men who arrived earlier, and they were quite familiar with each other.

Upon learning of Li Ji’an’s status as a tributor of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association, they all showed respect.

Among them, one was particularly close to Li Ji’an, showing deference.

It was the old tributor of the Si Shui Commerce Association, with whom Li Ji’an had very little interaction before condensing his Golden Core within Si Shui Commerce Association.

He was considered the pinnacle of Si Shui Commerce Association and one of President Yuxiao’s confidants.

Si Shui Commerce Association was able to return to the Ten Thousand Merchants Domain and regain Cold Smoke Immortal City primarily due to the help from the Nine Tripods Commerce Association.

Therefore, Si Shui Commerce Association has always looked up to the Nine Tripods Commerce Association.

They most hope for the Nine Tripods Commerce Association to continue being the Commerce Alliance Leader.

By noon, six of the seven invited by Yongchun Fairy had arrived, leaving only the last one.

"Fellow Daoist Yongchun, I wonder how much longer senior Wind and Thunder will take? This old man has a task to escort the younger generation of the commerce association and cannot afford much delay," the True Man from Si Shui Commerce Association asked, somewhat impatiently.

Yongchun Fairy slightly furrowed her brows, showing difficulty, and had to say with some embarrassment: "Alas, fellow Daoist, you already know Wind and Thunder Ascendant’s situation. However, I specifically messaged him last night to remind him, he might be a little late but definitely won’t miss the appointment."

Wind and Thunder Ascendant was the only Core Formation Ascendant at this small gathering and a tributor of the Five Blessings Commerce Association, a renowned Artifact Refiner.

Nonetheless, while refining a flying type Magical Treasure, he accidentally injured his Sea of Consciousness during the tempering by heavenly lightning, causing some memory issues.

"Five Blessings Commerce Association." After someone voluntarily explained Wind and Thunder Ascendant’s situation to Li Ji’an, Li Ji’an’s mind stirred.

According to Tong Yaoyao, if she wants to secure the alliance leader position, she still needs at least three votes.

The Si Shui Commerce Association, Yaochi Commerce Association, and even Cyan Luo Commerce Association are supporters of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association, so there are no significant issues with the base support.

The most urgent need is to win over a few commerce associations led by the Five Blessings Commerce Association.

As a strong presence in the alliance, the Five Blessings Commerce Association has consistently shown no interest in the alliance leader position, instead, seeking something else.

If they can be swayed to vote for the Nine Tripods Commerce Association, with it leading, Qixi Commerce Association and Golden Toad Commerce Association will also be won over.