Chapter 986: Rich Second Generation Ye Mo

The female cultivator, oblivious to Ye Mo's expression, mused, "They say the Yang Hai Merchant Association's manager petitioned city management to reclaim the land. However, the responsible party, Manager Wang, was reportedly in solitary cultivation, attempting a Nascent Soul breakthrough. Since the Yang Hai association has always been overbearing and city management took no action, they sent two Nascent Soul cultivators themselves."

Two Nascent Soul cultivators and Li Yuqian wouldn't stand a chance. Ye Mo resolved to concoct Nascent Soul stage pills upon his return, enabling Li Yuqian's earlier advancement to Hollow Spirit. Still, he wasn't overly concerned; his formation rendered two Nascent Soul cultivators insignificant.

Unexpectedly, a Disaster Transformation stage master was visiting Mo Yue. Upon learning of the impending trouble, this respected senior obliterated the intruders' nascent souls and expelled them.

Ye Mo breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't understand the connection between the Disaster Transformation stage senior and Mo Yue, but suspected it involved his formation.

A young man present shook his head, adding, "Once those individuals realized Mo Yue had the backing of a Disaster Transformation stage senior, the Yang Hai Merchant Association's owner offered profuse apologies instead of retaliating."

A cultivator in black clothing cautioned, "Don't underestimate them; even the Ao Cheng Merchant Association pales in comparison. However, this Disaster Transformation stage senior hails from South Peace State and won't remain in Pei Hai City indefinitely. Once he departs, Mo Yue will remain vulnerable. Even without overt attacks, subtle machinations can still be employed."

Ye Mo readily agreed; relying on a temporary protector from South Peace State was unsustainable.

The youth then inquired, echoing Ye Mo's curiosity, "Sister Tian, how is this Disaster Transformation stage cultivator connected to Mo Yue?"

The female cultivator replied, shaking her head, "I don't know, but I suspect Manager Wang does, hence his convenient excuse to avoid the Yang Hai Merchant Association. I heard that whenever the Disaster Transformation stage senior visits Mo Yue, he inspects the grounds."

Ye Mo realized the senior admired his formations and sought collaboration, but his prolonged absence at sea prevented this.

He was grateful for the protection, yet surprised Mo Yue had already incurred the wrath of the Yang Hai Merchant Association. Their business acumen seemed sharp, yet their understanding of the world was naive. This wasn't Ning Hai; in Pei Hai, a more discreet approach was preferable.

Mo Yue could be developed beautifully, but not at the expense of antagonizing other businesses, especially not currently.

Undeterred, Ye Mo resolved to eliminate the threat, retreat if necessary. His purpose served, he rose and bowed, "Thank you for the Pei Hai City update."

Before he finished, the female cultivator warned, "Little brother, given your pre-Golden Core status, avoid disparaging the Ao Cheng Merchant Association. Doing so could prove fatal."

Ye Mo smiled, replying, "Understood, thank you, big sister."

She kindly added, "There's a large auction tonight on the island. If you've acquired anything valuable, selling it there will fetch a good price."

Ye Mo had little desire to attend. His gains were significant, but Pei Qi Island wasn't ideal for selling them; premature exposure of the spirit beast ring would be disastrous.

Leaving the bar, he again subtly displayed his fifth-level Golden Core power, preventing further complications.

Auction promoters circulated, shouting, "Pei Qi Island's annual auction is tonight! Precious items galore…" and "Only two low-grade spirit stones reveal our inventory's secrets…"

A Golden Core cultivator seized a booklet, tossing over two spirit stones, "Is everything in this booklet actually at the auction?"

The cultivator replied respectfully, "Senior, over 80% is listed. However, some late-auction treasures remain undisclosed…"

The Golden Core cultivator muttered, "I understand," and departed.

Ye Mo similarly acquired a booklet, impressed by the catalog, which included level six spirit herbs and top-grade spirit artifacts.

"Level seven Dihua beast core?" Ye Mo exclaimed. Such cores were exceptionally rare and practically unobtainable.

Dihua beasts were elusive and swift; capturing one was beyond the capabilities of most cultivators, even Hollow Spirit stage ones.

Another Golden Core cultivator overheard, requesting a booklet and repeating in astonishment, "A level seven Dihua beast core…"

Ye Mo mused that despite the Dihua beast's rarity, it was merely a level seven spirit beast. While curious, he knew direct inquiry would be premature.

Initially uninterested, the level seven core changed his mind. He retreated to a secluded spot and utilized the Nine Transformations technique.

He transformed into a pale-faced, impeccably dressed, arrogant young man, carrying a spirit artifact fan. Arriving hours before the auction's commencement, he sought immediate entry.

A Foundation Establishment level nine cultivator guarded the entrance. Impressed by Ye Mo's ostentatious demeanor, he treated him with respect.

"Senior, the auction's still hours away; do you wish to enter now?" he inquired cautiously.

Ye Mo glared, "What, I can't?"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator trembled, internalizing the unpleasant encounter. What pampered young master is this? he wondered.

"Of course, Senior… of course," he stammered, avoiding eye contact, acutely aware of the consequences of offending such an individual.

"The most expensive room," Ye Mo demanded.

He anticipated a Golden Core-level reception.

"The most expensive room costs 100,000 top-grade spirit stones; a less expensive option…"

Ye Mo waved his hand dismissively, "No need. I'll take the 100,000 one."

He tossed a bag containing the sum, instructing, "No delays; show me to my room."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator stared, momentarily stunned, before recovering, "Yes, yes, Senior, please follow me."