Cultivation is just so scientific!

During the subsequent auction, several Fourth Grade Spiritual Objects appeared, but none were of practical use. Li Shiming was only at the Golden Core Stage, and most Fourth Grade Spirit Items were too advanced for him.

Besides, the top-grade spirit stones he possessed weren't enough to purchase Fourth Grade Spirit Items. Although Wuqing Mountain offered him credit, he wasn't accustomed to taking on debt, and wouldn't do so unless absolutely necessary.

The auction lasted a very long time, spanning three whole days. Participants were all cultivators, and even Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators could easily go three days without eating or drinking.

Actually, during the auction on the first floor, Foundation Establishment Cultivators repeatedly came and went. Few stayed on the first floor for the entire three days, typically leaving after obtaining the spiritual objects they desired, allowing other cultivators to enter.

Over those three days, Li Shiming gained much insight; the richness of Dongqi Continent's resources far exceeded his expectations.

This was an auction organized by a loose cultivator organization, only a modest annual event, yet it far surpassed the major auctions held every few years on the Beishu Continent.

On the final day of the auction, he was studying the Fourth Grade Array Flag in his hand, using his personal treasure IBMz15 to calculate how to maximize the flag's formation power.

"Master Li, Yu Songquan requests an audience!" came a voice from outside the door.

Li Shiming was quite aware of who Yu Songquan was, a Nascent Soul Ancestor of Wuqing Mountain.

Wuqing Mountain had two Nascent Soul Ancestors. Usually, only one handled affairs while the other cultivated, and they would switch roles every few decades.

Not acting arrogantly, Li Shiming approached the box door and reached out to open it.

"Greetings, Yu Ancestor!" he bowed and said respectfully.

Yu Ancestor returned the bow with a smile, noticing the lack of surprise on Li Shiming's face, signaling that Li Shiming was indeed a clever man.

The two entered the box, and Li Shiming waited for Yu Ancestor to sit before taking a seat himself.

"Master Li, I came to thank you for opening the furnace for Alchemy!" Yu Ancestor said with a smile.

"Not at all, Yu Ancestor provided compensation, and as an alchemist, I naturally had to perform Alchemy!" Li Shiming responded humbly.

Lacking a protective capability, he remained cautious in his dealings with Yu Ancestor.

It wasn't due to fear of Yu Ancestor, but he was reluctant for his days on the Dongqi Continent to be filled with hiding and dodging.

Against an Independent Cultivator Nascent Soul Ancestor like this, he still had the ability to escape using Divine Foot Skill.

"Master Li, would you be willing to join Wuqing Mountain and become a Supreme Minister of our mountain?" Yu Ancestor suddenly asked.

Li Shiming was taken aback, not expecting such a question from Yu Ancestor. He worried if an immediate refusal might evoke displeasure from Yu Ancestor.

"I merely appreciate the talented; take your time to consider, Master Li!" Yu Ancestor continued upon seeing hesitation in Li Shiming's expression.

He wanted to see whether Li Shiming might plan to join Wuqing Mountain, even if the chances were very slim, he wished to try.

With that attempt, he understood that such a talent was unlikely to easily join Wuqing Mountain; it was already a great extent to keep Li Shiming residing there.

"I will consider it!" Li Shiming relaxed internally and replied with a smile.

In the brief exchange of words, both were probing; Yu Ancestor tested Li Shiming's limits and Li Shiming responded in his manner.

"Master Li, given your Alchemy level, do you intend to publicly refine Fourth-grade Spirit Pills?" Yu Ancestor posed his most keen question.

"Certainly, but I still lack some cultivation resources, requiring the remuneration from refining Fourth-grade Spirit Pills!" Li Shiming replied candidly.

There was no need to hide; he stated his needs openly.

Yu Ancestor chuckled, realizing upon first sight of Li Shiming that Li had already reached Great Elder Level.

The cultivation resources Li Shiming mentioned were only for advancing to Nascent Soul. This copy was generated from content at MV|LEMPYR.

Knowing Li Shiming had needs made Yu Ancestor even more assured of retaining him.

"Master Li, I know many Nascent Soul Cultivators, and Wuqing Mountain holds some repute. I will vouch for you on behalf of Wuqing Mountain for taking Alchemy tasks, what are your thoughts?" Yu Ancestor cautiously inquired.

He asked with personal interest; if Li Shiming entrusted Alchemy matters to Wuqing Mountain, the mountain would gain significant goodwill.

Those would be goodwill from Nascent Soul Ancestors; regarding the compensation for Alchemy, he wouldn't dare extend his hand, which would only invite enmity from Li Shiming.

"Then I'll count on Yu Ancestor, it will ease my burdens!" Li Shiming did not reject and answered with a smile.

Though possessing the skills, he lacked acquaintance with Dongqi Continent's Nascent Soul Ancestors. Even if he wished to spread his reputation, it required cooperation with Yu Ancestor.

Might as well entrust these matters to Wuqing Mountain, for his interests wouldn't be affected but could rather foster connections with more Nascent Soul Ancestors.

"Excellent, Master Li is a esteemed guest of Wuqing Mountain; any needs you have, feel free to ask. So long as Wuqing Mountain can accomplish it, it will be fulfilled!" Yu Ancestor promised with a smile.

Though not explicitly stated, his intention was clear: Wuqing Mountain would protect Li Shiming's interests.

Yu Ancestor didn't stay long before departing, and Li Shiming had long lost interest in acquiring spiritual objects, had it not been for waiting on Yu Ancestor, he would have left earlier.

After Yu Ancestor departed, he followed out of the auction venue.

Five days later, Yu Ancestor came to visit, accompanied by another Nascent Soul Ancestor. Li Shiming received them in the hall.