Chapter 1019: Trial Tablet Number One

Hearing Ye Mo wanted to view the spirit treasures, the several Golden Core cultivators on the third floor shook their heads, some with contemptuous expressions. A mere ninth-level Golden Core cultivator daring to browse spirit treasures? Clearly, they thought he was showing off.

The women accompanying the Golden Core cultivators looked pityingly at the girl beside Ye Mo, clearly sympathizing with her for attending to such a pretender. These types were rare, but not unheard of.

However, in the South Peace State, the customer was king. Despite knowing Ye Mo was likely only pretending to be wealthy, the staff had to maintain a professional demeanor.

The girl maintained a polite smile, concealing her disappointment.

The fourth level held significantly fewer items than the third, less than one percent, with an even sparser selection of face masks. Ye Mo found himself alone on this floor.

He immediately approached an almost ethereal mask. It emitted no spiritual energy waves, yet Ye Mo sensed its extraordinary nature. With spirit treasures, the weaker the spiritual energy waves, the higher the grade.

The girl, noticing Ye Mo's interest, quickly explained, "This mask is called 'Hidden Sand.' Wearing it is like being concealed within desert sands; even Cauldron Filling cultivators might not see through it. The price is 3.35 million top-grade spirit stones; a 60,000 spirit stone discount is available."

3.35 million – considerably expensive. He'd heard Fu Rong and the others discuss top-grade spirit artifacts costing 200,000 spirit stones, leading him to believe the prices here were reasonable. He now understood the true cost of high-level items.

Despite the expense, this item was crucial. Ye Mo decided to buy it.

The girl, sensing his hesitation, offered, "The mask beside it is only 520,000 spirit stones…"

Ye Mo cut her off, "No need. I'll take the Hidden Sand. Take me to the fifth floor; I'll pay later."

"Huh…" The girl was momentarily stunned. Did he truly possess such wealth? Three million spirit stones were nearly enough for a low-grade Dao artifact.

Quickly recovering, she replied, "Yes, Qian Bei."

With newfound excitement, she led Ye Mo to the fifth floor. She felt like she was dreaming. As a newcomer, she usually assisted only Golden Core cultivators. Nascent Soul cultivators and above were handled by more senior staff.

Golden Core cultivators typically purchased items under one million spirit stones; rarely exceeding that amount. Her commission was therefore usually small. This encounter with a high-spending customer thrilled her. The commission alone – 0.1% for a Foundation Establishment cultivator – was a substantial 3,000 top-grade spirit stones.

The fifth floor also held limited stock; Ye Mo counted no more than one hundred Dao artifacts, a significant quantity for the shop nonetheless. Most were low-grade, with a few mid-grade artifacts.

Ye Mo showed no interest in the attack Dao artifacts; he was content with Zi Xu. Moreover, several Nascent Soul cultivators were examining the artifacts. Even if he had the funds, Ye Mo wouldn't dare to make a purchase.

The Nascent Soul cultivators merely glanced at him upon his arrival.

Ye Mo turned to leave, but then noticed an armor near the door. The girl, recalling his earlier purchase, said, "Qian Bei, this is a half-Dao artifact armor. Newly forged, it costs 1.65 million; no discounts are offered…"

A half-Dao artifact for 1.65 million.

"Qian Bei?" she inquired, seeing his lack of immediate response.

Ye Mo nodded. "Very well, I'll take it. Here are the spirit stones; the extra is your tip…"

The girl accepted the storage bag and verified its contents – five million spirit stones. Her hands trembled with excitement. She’d not only completed a five-million-spirit-stone transaction but also received the largest tip of her career – 50,000 spirit stones. It seemed she could now focus solely on cultivation.

…

Ye Mo's first actions were to find a secluded location to spiritually infuse the armor and then don the Hidden Sand mask.

"Three million spirit stones well spent," he declared happily.

Hidden Sand concealed his features, altering his appearance and aura completely.

It was time for the trial tablet square. Ye Mo immediately set off.

…

Ye Mo arrived at the square, intending to test his luck during a less crowded time. Once his name appeared, he would find a secluded location to reach the Nascent Soul state before returning to secretly await Luo Ying.

Unexpectedly, the square was teeming with people.

He considered asking for clarification, but overheard nearby conversations. "I wonder if Young Master Xiao can defeat Fang Zhongshi this time?"

"It'll be difficult. Fang Zhongshi is the Lightning Cloud Sect's prodigy, on par with Young Master Yuan."

"Not necessarily. Half a year ago, when Young Master Fang registered, Young Master Xiao was present but didn't attempt it. His presence now suggests confidence in victory…"

Unfamiliar with either individual, Ye Mo remained silent. A curious question would instantly place him in the spotlight.

Eventually, he learned that Young Master Xiao was Xiao Fei of the Golden Sword Sect, the South Peace State's second-ranked Golden Core cultivator. Fang Zhongshi, ranked eleventh on the trial tablet, held the top spot. Xiao Fei's sister, Xiao Shiyun, was one of the South Peace State's ten beauties.

Ye Mo observed the cultivator before the Golden Core trial tablet. Clad in golden robes, he exuded an aura of calm stillness, almost as if he were invisible.

Ye Mo nodded; this individual was clearly stronger than Tian Aofeng.

Suddenly, a potent aura erupted from Xiao Fei. The conversations ceased; everyone knew he was about to register his name.

A golden figure ascended, resembling a soaring golden eagle. At approximately thirty-five meters, he paused and swiftly inscribed the name 'Xiao Fei.'

The golden light seeped into the tablet and vanished. The figure descended, and the square fell silent, awaiting the name's appearance.

The instant he landed, 'Xiao Fei' appeared on the tablet, replacing Fang Zhongshi's name.

After a brief silence, the square erupted in applause.

"Young Master Xiao surpasses Golden Core Hall of Fame's number one, Fang Zhongshi! He's the new number one!"

"He arrived with confidence and surpassed Fang Zhongshi in just half a year – amazing!"