Chapter 963: I’ll Take It

Li Jingwen’s face was bright, but Ye Mo detected underlying apprehension in his eyes. Despite the swift exchange of herbs, a lingering worry remained; after all, he had only met Ye Mo once.

Without prompting, Ye Mo presented a jade bottle. "The pills are ready. Have a look."

Li Jingwen's hands trembled. Unable to find a level seven spirit pill master, he'd taken a gamble. He hadn't expected a bottle of Blue Wen Pills. Even at his level seven Golden Core state, excitement overwhelmed him. He carefully opened the bottle to reveal twelve special-grade Blue Wen Pills.

"This..." Li Jingwen stammered, recovering to say, "I don't need this many. You supplied the herbs; four or five would suffice." Though he suspected Ye Mo's skill, his hope had been minimal. Yet, he trusted Ye Mo more than Sun Houchang, and two pills would have been a considerable boon.

Ye Mo waved his hand. "You trusted me with your pills, and you've helped me. The Blue Wen Pills are valuable, but I don't mind." He knew Li Jingwen likely perceived his wealth, so there was no need for pretense.

Li Jingwen, after a moment's thought, accepted Ye Mo's sincerity. "In that case, I'll be taking advantage of you. Should you need my assistance in the future, consider it given."

Ye Mo's opinion of Li Jingwen improved. His deliberate actions hadn't prompted any attempt at exploitation, a stark contrast to the behavior of many cultivators who would seize an opportunity to rob a weaker, wealthier peer. Li Jingwen's calm demeanor upon learning of Ye Mo's wealth spoke volumes about his integrity.

"Wait, these are special grade..." Li Jingwen's gaze sharpened as he re-examined the pills. Shock registered on his face. "You're a pill..."

Li Jingwen's realization that Ye Mo was at least a Level One Pill King was apparent. Anticipating the revelation, Ye Mo interrupted, "Just know that, Brother Li. If you ever need help, ask."

Li Jingwen was stunned. A random encounter with a Pill King, and such a young one at that! The ability to concoct Spirit Recovery Pills indicated at least a Level Three Pill King. A Level Three Pill King, so young? The realization dawned: this wasn't Mo Ying; it was Ye Mo, the top-ranked pill concoction master.

"You're from the Pill Concoction Hall of Fame..." Li Jingwen began, but Ye Mo quickly interjected, "Yes, Brother Li. Sorry for concealing it; I had no choice."

Li Jingwen's surprise and delight were evident. Knowing a Pill King felt like a stroke of incredible luck.

As they spoke, several more Golden Core cultivators arrived. One recognized Li Jingwen and greeted him. Li Jingwen, initially planning to help Ye Mo secure the Du Lan Chun Xiao, now understood Ye Mo's wealth and knew his assistance was unnecessary.

Miao Xiang Tower, a brothel, housed experienced dual-cultivation practitioners. However, this gathering was primarily social; most cultivators didn't seek female company. Ye Mo, carrying a woman, attracted no solicitations.

"Brother Li, you're here earlier than me," Sun Houchang remarked.

Li Jingwen, having obtained his pills, would have left but for his commitment to Ye Mo, offering only a casual response.

Sun Houchang’s expression soured. He coldly observed Ye Mo, resolving to acquire whatever Ye Mo possessed, even resorting to violence if necessary. The woman Ye Mo carried, if she survived, would become a servant; otherwise, she would be killed.

The social was held in a bright hall. Forty people were already present when Ye Mo and Li Jingwen arrived. Ye Mo sat in a corner with Su Jingwen, Li Jingwen nearby, and Sun Houchang directly opposite, intent on conveying his influence.

Fifteen minutes later, fifty-three Golden Core cultivators filled the hall. Once the doors closed, Ye Mo realized he was, aside from the female attendants, the weakest present; the next weakest was a level four Golden Core. However, Ye Mo felt no apprehension. His power had significantly increased, and his mastery of the Purple Eye Soul Sever, Level One, instilled confidence in his ability to eliminate even a peak stage Golden Core cultivator.

Many were surprised to see a level two Golden Core cultivator at such a high-level gathering, but Li Jingwen's presence explained his protection.

Once all were assembled, a peak stage Golden Core cultivator announced, "This is a social for solo cultivators within our region. Our purpose is to acquire what we need most. Let's dispense with formalities; I'll begin."

He produced a palm-sized ship. "This is a top-grade flying spirit artifact. Its speed, stealth capabilities, and economical spirit stone consumption require little explanation. I'm not keen on selling it, but my cultivation has stagnated, so I seek a Cao Huan Pill or similar."

Disappointment rippled through the room. The Cao Huan Pill's rarity made such a trade unlikely.

"Dao Friend Jia, your artifact is precious, but not worth a Cao Huan Pill, especially considering its lack of defensive capabilities," a level nine Golden Core cultivator pointed out.

The peak stage cultivator, aware of the unreasonable exchange, merely hoped for luck.

"Two hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones and a low-grade flying spirit artifact," a voice offered.

The cultivator refused. "I need pills or beneficial herbs. This offer falls far short."

No further bids were made. Everyone desired the artifact, but the price was exorbitant. Ye Mo possessed a Cao Huan Pill, but revealing it would be reckless. He had other valuable assets, however.

"Any other offers?" the cultivator asked. "Otherwise, we move on."

"I'll take the flying spirit artifact," a voice declared, capturing everyone's attention.