"Exchange items—yet I still don't know what exactly I'm supposed to exchange for. I happen to have a few things of my own," Han Li said, running a hand over his chin. "The materials and pills the senior elder wishes to exchange for are all here. While perhaps not as rare as those the elder collected earlier, they are still quite hard to find in the world. Otherwise, this piece of Lightning Spirit Crystal would have been traded away long ago. It's truly excellent for crafting lightning-based法宝." The middle-aged cultivator didn't find this surprising at all. After offering the remark, he promptly handed over a jade scroll that had been prepared in advance. Han Li took the scroll and, without expressing immediate interest, began to examine it with his spiritual awareness. The white-robed elder carefully observed Han Li's facial expressions, hoping to detect any subtle cues, but found him utterly composed—his demeanor unchanged throughout. This left the elder somewhat disappointed and quietly murmuring to himself. "After all, what is the senior elder's background—what is the origin of this Han Li, a Yuan-Stage cultivator?" Not only does he appear so youthful in appearance, but the materials he needs are also so rare. Indeed, it's true that many cultivators who have advanced to the Yuan Ying stage maintain youthful appearances, though mostly among female cultivators. While male cultivators occasionally manage to preserve their looks, this particular one—so youthful in both appearance and attire—is truly exceptional! Could it be that he has just attained the Yuan Ying stage? Although the middle-aged man in white robes sensed that Han Li was at the Yuan Ying level, his more precise assessment of his cultivation strength remained as hazy as a mist—difficult to discern clearly on Han Li himself. He only knew that Han Li seemed stronger than several Yuan Ying cultivators he had encountered before. This was the primary reason he had made such a sincere effort to welcome and host Han Li. Otherwise, a typical Yuan Ying cultivator wouldn't require special favors from him, given the backing of the Tianji Pavilion. "As for the items this guest needs, I can indeed offer one or two. However, the specific terms of exchange will need to be determined once I examine that piece of Lightning Spirit Crystal." "If the quality of the spirit crystals is too poor, then even if I have them, they'll be of no use to me," said Han Li after finally going through everything on the jade scroll and casually returning it to the middle-aged man, speaking calmly. "Of course. Then, Senior, since this transaction is of great importance, and as Senior Fu resides nearby the market district, I'll send a transmission scroll right away so that both of you can meet personally and discuss the terms of the deal. How does that sound?" The middle-aged man thought for a moment, then smiled warmly. "Senior Fu? Excellent—I'd also like to meet this Senior Fu. The more spirit crystals I need, the better, especially if he has any surplus lightning spirit crystals." Han Li, after a brief consideration, readily agreed. He believed that since the man could obtain such rare materials, he might also possess other useful resources, and it would be beneficial to meet face-to-face and inquire further. "Then, Senior, please wait a moment. I'll send the message out immediately, and Senior Fu will be here shortly." The middle-aged man bowed without hesitation and stepped out of the third-floor hall. Only then did Han Li take his time to lift the spiritual tea from the table, take a gentle sip, and found it rich, sweet, and truly exceptional. A short while later, the middle-aged man returned, having naturally sent the transmission signal. Now, after sipping two cups of the tea, Han Li glanced at the man before him and suddenly asked, "Does your Tianji Pavilion specialize in producing Tianji Houses? I've heard that your pavilion's high-tier Tianji Houses can transform an entire dwelling into a palm-sized, portable unit, and even incorporate powerful seals directly onto it—do such things truly exist?" "Ah, yes, the Tianji House is indeed our pavilion's specialty. However, the kind of Tianji House you described is actually our highest-grade variant—more accurately, it should be called a Tianji Mansion." "The materials obtained by the Tianji Pavilion are exceptionally rare, and originally only a limited number were produced. Now, aside from a few non-sale items, all the rest have already been sold out." Hearing this, the middle-aged man was momentarily surprised but quickly smiled and explained. "Non-sale items? Why? Don't the Tianji Pavilion's products usually go to market?" Han Li was somewhat taken aback. "Not to be humble, the remaining few pieces are not among the Pavilion's finest. Whether in size or in the quality of the seals attached, they fall far short of those previously sold. Therefore, these items were deliberately reserved at the Pavilion's highest level, and can only be exchanged for other rare materials as well." The man explained with a touch of embarrassment. "It's a case of barter! That's quite interesting. However, that doesn't matter at all. If the Tianji Pavilion truly possesses such wonders, I would like to acquire one. Could you please fetch a few pieces for me first, so that I may personally witness their excellence?" Han Li smiled, showing clear interest. "A few? How many?" The elder need not laugh. Although our main branch in the capital city is the leading merchant house, we possess only one such artifact—indeed, it is our treasured masterpiece, the centerpiece of the entire house. The others are stored in our other branch offices. However, this particular piece, which belongs to our master artisan, Hua Yunzi, is renowned for its efficacy and ranks among the finest in all branches of the Tianji Pavilion. The array of seals and enchantments alone are comparable to those of a high-tier ancient relic. Moreover, I myself am merely a junior manager here and have no authority to deploy this artifact. It is under the care of our Senior Master Wang. If the elder truly wishes to proceed, I will immediately summon Master Wang from the inner chamber to discuss this matter with you. As for what we might exchange, only Master Wang knows the details." The middle-aged man brightened up and spoke quickly. With such a significant transaction, if it could be successfully concluded, Han Li's standing within the Tianji Pavilion would surely rise dramatically. "Ah, so it is. Then, perhaps we should wait..." Han Li smiled slightly, about to speak when suddenly his expression changed and he stopped mid-sentence. The middle-aged man blinked, slightly puzzled. At that moment, a voice suddenly rang out from below. "Zhao, is there truly someone who can bring me what I wish to exchange for? I've just interrupted my vital cultivation session and come here immediately, precisely at this crucial moment." Though the voice was deep and somewhat weathered, it was strong, resonant, and remarkably clear. Then came a steady, heavy patter of footsteps, suggesting the visitor was quite substantial in build. "Since I've personally summoned the elder here, there must be something genuine. How could I possibly deceive the esteemed Elder Fu?" The middle-aged man in white robes now realized that the person he had invited had arrived, and promptly rose to respond with respectful courtesy. A figure suddenly appeared at the entrance, tall and imposing. Han Li narrowed his eyes, carefully observing this visitor. This was a tall elder dressed in a soaping robe, with a rosy complexion and an astonishing aura of spiritual energy—clearly a peak cultivator at the mid-stage of the Yuan Ying stage. Han Li's brow subtly furrowed, showing a slight sense of surprise. Upon hearing the middle-aged storekeeper's words, the rosy-faced elder turned his gaze toward Han Li, noticing his youthful appearance and the Yuan Ying stage cultivation level, and likewise expressed a moment of astonishment. Yet soon, a warm smile spread across his face as he stepped confidently into the hall. "Indeed, this is the friend Zhao mentioned—the one who could provide exactly what I need. Clearly, no ordinary Yuan Ying initial cultivator." The elder was not at all reserved; as soon as he approached Han Li, he burst out with a hearty laugh. "Far from it. It's your cultivation level that truly impresses me, Rich Friend," Han Li replied, standing up and bowing slightly. "As for me, at my age, achieving this level of cultivation is no small feat—what could I possibly be proud of? I'm straightforward, so I simply asked directly." Master Han wishes to exchange for Lightning Spirit Crystals. I wonder what exactly he has at hand—could he kindly tell me a bit more about it? As soon as the two of them settled back into their seats, the red-faced elder eagerly asked, clearly anxious. "Besides other items, I happen to have in my hands a specimen of Fire-type Chi-Jing Mushrooms, cultivated for over a thousand years." Master Han smiled calmly and spoke with composed ease. This Chi-Jing Mushroom, of course, is not the one he obtained at the first trading fair in Tiannan, where he traded seven-tiered immortal fleshy organs for a specimen aged three thousand years. Rather, it is a carefully nurtured one, grown from seeds borrowed from there. "Fire-type Chi-Jing Mushroom? If indeed it has reached a thousand years of fire cultivation, it should certainly be sufficient to secure my Lightning Spirit Crystals. Master, could you please present it so I may examine it?" The elder, upon hearing this, expressed great delight. "Of course, I carry the medicinal herb with me at all times. However, Master, might I also have the privilege of seeing your Lightning Spirit Crystals?" Master Han replied with quiet composure. "Ah, I Zhao, could you please retrieve the spiritual crystals I've stored and show them to my esteemed friend, Han? The elder was momentarily surprised, then immediately issued instructions to the middle-aged man standing beside him without hesitation. "Very well, elder. I'll personally go fetch them right away." The man in the white robe quickly responded and then stepped out of the hall. Han's face seemed somewhat unfamiliar, though his cultivation had already reached the mid Yuan-Ying stage. I wonder where Han has been practicing all along. You must be a dedicated cultivator, rarely interacting with other channels, wouldn't you say? Otherwise, with your level of cultivation, I should certainly have a clear memory of you. The red-faced elder, having taken a moment to observe Han carefully, expressed genuine curiosity. Upon hearing that Han was subtly implying something familiar, Han smiled. "Actually, it's not unusual for me to be somewhat out of the ordinary. I've been practicing on small overseas islands, rarely venturing into the inland regions of Dajin." With careful preparation, Han replied calmly and composedly. So, Han is indeed an overseas cultivator. I must have been quite mistaken. I have long heard that there are many accomplished disciples abroad, each with unique cultivation methods quite different from those of our inland cultivators. If I have the chance, I truly would like to exchange cultivation insights with you. Nevertheless, you have journeyed so far to come to the capital for this event—clearly, it's specifically for the auction. The red-faced elder was momentarily startled, then suddenly realized, and said so. After all, it's only among the Yuan-Ying cultivators from such vast overseas regions that one might still remain relatively unknown in the Great Jin. The elder found himself convinced by this reasoning. Following a few more exchanges between the elder and Han Li, footsteps suddenly echoed again from outside the hall, and a clear, pleasant voice spoke with a smile: "Master Fu, how come you didn't inform me of your visit to our Tianji Pavilion? After all, Master Han is also a distinguished guest, and I should have personally come out to welcome you." As the words fell, a silver-robed cultivator with a slightly pale complexion stepped into the hall.