Chapter 520

As he stepped into the Treasure Pavilion, Lu Qing felt a faint trace of formation energy subtly sweep across his body.

If not for his acute spiritual perception, he might not have even noticed it.

Nevertheless, his expression remained calm. He knew this was merely the Treasure Pavilion’s defensive measure, meant to guard against those with malicious intent.

He had full confidence in his transformation techniques—so much so that even a Nascent Soul cultivator would have difficulty seeing through his true form.

The formation within the Treasure Pavilion was no exception.

Indeed, after brushing over his body, the thread of formation energy vanished, causing no further disturbance.

A beautiful woman emerged, clad in a short purple robe, her features carrying a faint seductive allure.

“Honored Golden Core cultivator, welcome to the Treasure Pavilion. This junior is the greeter here—may I assist you with anything?”

“As expected of one of the top forces in Canglan City.”

Lu Qing sensed that this alluring woman possessed a formidable aura—she had reached Peak Foundation Establishment.

He couldn't help but marvel at the strength of the Treasure Pavilion. Even a mere receptionist in a branch store had such a cultivation base.

“I’ve heard your Pavilion not only sells rare treasures, but also purchases them from other cultivators. Is that true?”

Though he felt admiration, Lu Qing showed none of it on his face as he asked calmly.

“Indeed. Our Pavilion also acquires all kinds of rare items. Does the honored one wish to sell a treasure?”

The woman showed no surprise at his inquiry.

Many cultivators often came to sell off their treasures after a successful harvest, though few items were actually worthy of the Pavilion’s interest.

Lu Qing retrieved the [Thunderclap Talisman] he had just inscribed and refined.

“I have a talisman here. Please appraise it and see if it meets your Pavilion’s standards.”

“A talisman?”

The alluring woman took the jade talisman from Lu Qing and immediately grew serious.

Though unremarkable in appearance, the talisman emitted a faint aura that made her heart tremble.

“At the very least, this is a Golden Core-level talisman!”

She made her judgment at once.

For it to unnerve even her, there was no way it was merely Foundation Establishment level.

She quickly said, “Please wait a moment, honored one. We need to conduct an appraisal of this talisman.”

“No problem. Take your time.”

Given the reputation and depth of the Treasure Pavilion, Lu Qing wasn’t at all concerned they would covet a mere Golden Core-level talisman.

The woman returned to the counter and took out an artifact, placing the [Thunderclap Talisman] atop it.

Moments later, a faint golden light radiated from the artifact.

“It really is a Golden Core-level talisman—and a rare lightning-type one at that!”

She looked at the readings on the artifact with delight.

She then brought the talisman back to Lu Qing.

“Thank you for waiting, honored one. This talisman is of exceptionally high quality. While it only possesses early-stage Golden Core power, it is of the rare lightning attribute and quite valuable.” ᚱαꞐÖ𐌱ĚŠ

“So, if your Pavilion wishes to purchase it, what price are you offering?” Lu Qing asked directly.

“Is the honored one certain about selling this talisman directly to our Pavilion?

We do offer consignment services. If you choose to place it for consignment and wait for a fated buyer, you may fetch a higher price.

However, if you sell it directly to us, the price will naturally be lower.”

She gave her explanation.

Lu Qing nodded inwardly.

It seemed Zhang Feng had been right about the Treasure Pavilion’s business practices. Their honesty was genuinely reassuring.

Still, he gave it some thought and said, “No need. If possible, I’d prefer to sell it to your Pavilion directly.”

Indeed, consigning it might yield more profit, but it also meant waiting.

Lu Qing was currently penniless and in urgent need of spirit stones.

Waiting wasn’t a luxury he could afford.

So, selling it outright was the most efficient option.

The woman nodded. “Understood. As per our protocols, a direct sale comes with a lower price. I hope the honored one understands.”

Lu Qing smiled. “I trust the integrity of your Pavilion.”

“In that case, our Treasure Pavilion is willing to offer one hundred and twenty low-grade spirit stones for this talisman. How does that sound?”

Perhaps fearing Lu Qing might misunderstand, the woman added, “Ordinarily, Golden Core early-stage talismans are purchased at one hundred low-grade spirit stones.

However, your talisman is of the rare lightning type, so I’ve taken the liberty of adding twenty more spirit stones to the offer.

Is this acceptable to you?”

“That’ll do.” Lu Qing nodded.

In truth, this price had already exceeded his expectations.

After all, the [Thunderclap Talisman] hadn’t been all that difficult to make.

And just like that, he had earned one hundred and twenty low-grade spirit stones.

That more than made up the cost of their rent.

At this rate, he might soon be able to gather enough spirit stones to enter the Tianyuan Great World.

What followed was simple.

Lu Qing sold the [Thunderclap Talisman] to the Treasure Pavilion and received one hundred and twenty low-grade spirit stones.

At his request, one hundred of those were exchanged for a single mid-grade spirit stone.

The difference in spiritual richness between spirit stones of varying grades was massive—in both quality and quantity.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a qualitative leap.

Thus, the conversion rate was steep—one mid-grade spirit stone for every hundred low-grade ones.

With the spirit stones in hand, Lu Qing departed contentedly.

Meanwhile, the alluring woman carried the [Thunderclap Talisman] toward the Pavilion’s treasury.

According to the Pavilion’s rules, all acquired treasures had to be catalogued in the treasury first.

Only after reappraisal by internal appraisers would they be made available for sale.

“Ziyuan, did you receive something good? You look rather pleased.”

Just as the woman was walking with the [Thunderclap Talisman] in hand, a teasing voice rang out.

She turned and quickly bowed. “Master Wang.”

An elderly man approached from the side. “No need for formalities. I saw your smile—did you receive a new treasure?”

“A talisman just came in. It’s Golden Core-level and lightning-type—a rare find,” she replied.

“Oh? A lightning-type talisman?” Master Wang raised his brows.

Ziyuan’s heart stirred.

Not only was Master Wang the Pavilion’s chief appraiser, he was also highly skilled in the Talisman Art.

Many of the Pavilion’s low- and mid-grade talismans were crafted by him.

No wonder he reacted that way.

With that in mind, she presented the [Thunderclap Talisman] respectfully.

“This talisman is called the [Thunderclap Talisman]. Since Master Wang is here, I ask for your appraisal to see whether I judged it correctly.”

Master Wang was already interested in the talisman.

Smiling, he said, “Very well. I happen to be free. Let me take a look.”

He took the [Thunderclap Talisman] in hand.

The moment he did, he let out a surprised sound.

He could immediately tell that the jade used wasn’t of particularly high grade.

But wasn’t this supposed to be a Golden Core-level talisman?

With curiosity flashing in his eyes, Master Wang’s pupils glowed faintly with green light—his secret appraisal method activated.

And slowly, his eyes began to widen...