Immortal Martial Saint, something's wrong with my entry.

As a cultivator, Li Youan can now recover his energy through meditation without sleeping.

But after days of constant mental tension in the Forest of Ten Thousand Demons, and the exhaustion that had accumulated in his heart, Li Youan decided to get a good night's sleep.

The next day, Li Youan got up early to meditate and adjust his state, and found that his internal energy was slowly increasing.

Walking along the streets of the commercial district, the shops on both sides sold various monster materials, as well as pills and magic weapons, which perfectly matched Li Youan's stereotype of war fortresses.

Through his predecessor's memories, Li Youan knew that the cultivation technique was extremely precious, and now, looking at the shops on both sides of the street, he felt that even more strongly.

Of all these shops, not one sells martial arts techniques.

"Brother Qiang, aren't there any shops around here that sell martial arts techniques?"

But Li Youan still held onto a sliver of hope.

Qiang Ge stopped joking around with Bai Ze and answered very seriously.

"All martial arts techniques have a lineage, and you can learn them at the academy."

"Of course, if someone wants to take you as their apprentice and teach you, that's fine too."

"Otherwise, it will be very difficult to obtain the cultivation technique."

"Of course, I've heard that some geniuses can also create their own cultivation techniques."

"But that can only be achieved if you have the ability and vision."

In Li Youan's blind spot, Qiang Ge touched his side and gasped.

Seeing that Li Youan stopped asking questions, Qiang Ge didn't continue on the topic, but instead occasionally introduced the shops on both sides of the street.

After walking for about 10 minutes, Brother Qiang led Li Youan to a building.

This is a rare standalone building in the commercial area, with a simple and rustic design.

With a white jade base and redwood support, the eaves resemble a giant bird spreading its wings, and the glazed tiles look like golden waves under the sunlight.

The bracket sets are layered and imposing, with a gilded plaque inscribed with the four characters "Dongfang Baoge" hanging at the top center.

"This is the place I told you about, where the prices are fair and reasonable, and where you can find all sorts of magical treasures: 'Eastern Treasure Pavilion'."

Qiang Ge stood in front of the Oriental Treasure Pavilion, waving his hands as he introduced it to Li Youan.

"Huh? Me?"

"Brother Qiang, are you sure I can afford all of this?"

Li Youan looked completely bewildered, pointing at herself with her finger.

Li Youan was very puzzled, feeling that his wallet was far from enough to cover this.

No, I don't have any money right now!

I felt even sadder.

"No problem, I've already taken care of your materials from yesterday."

"You'll get the money by noon at the latest. If you want to buy something, it shouldn't be a big problem."

After carefully considering his words, Qiang explained to Li Youan.

"So that's what you did this morning, Qiang-ge."

Li Youan stepped out of her room in the morning and saw Brother Qiang returning from outside.

Stepping through the gilded gate, Li Youan felt as if he had entered another world.

In the center of the hall stands a gilded dragon, holding a precious mirror in its mouth, looking down at everyone who enters.

Beneath the coiled dragon is a lotus flower in full bloom.

Dozens of golden pillars stand tall within, each requiring several people to encircle it.

As you get closer, you'll see that it's engraved with all sorts of birds and beasts.

The hall was divided into several areas, displaying various magical artifacts.

Looking at the sheer number of magical treasures, Li Youan's eyes widened. How many spirit stones would that cost?!

There are several sales associates in each area, but these sales associates will not actively approach you to make sales pitches.

Instead, they wait for the guest to approach before politely inquiring, which is very proper.

Li Youan took a quick look around and found that this entire floor was filled with Yellow-rank magic treasures.

The largest quantities are of Yellow-rank elementary and intermediate grades, with a small number of advanced grades and a very small number of Yellow-rank top-grade items.

"Brother Qiang, are all these Yellow-Rank magic treasures?"

Li Youan returned to his original position, where Brother Qiang was fiddling with the terminal while waiting for him.

"Yes, the first floor is all Yellow Rank, while the Profound Rank or higher are upstairs."

"But that's not a place we can go, and I haven't been there in a long time."

"Only guests who have reached a certain level of strength and are permitted by the Dongfang family are allowed to go up."

Upon hearing Li Youan's question, Qiang Ge didn't look up but continued fiddling with the terminal while explaining.

As the terminal beeped, Qiang Ge looked up at Li Youan.

"Should I transfer the money directly to you, or do you have a specific account?"

"The money has arrived, a total of five hundred and twenty-one spirit stones."

Li Youan's eyes lit up; he finally had money.

"Just transfer it to me directly."

Li Youan looked at the spirit stones in his account with some confusion.

I checked the price on the terminal yesterday, and it was much higher than the price I found on my own.

"Brother Qiang, is that your share? Didn't you take it?"

Brother Qiang shook his head.

"Since you asked me to take it, of course I will. What I'm transferring to you is what's left after I've taken it."

Li Youan nodded, without asking how much handling fee Qiang Ge had received.

Because this was something I had promised beforehand, it was perfectly reasonable.

Moreover, after getting to know Brother Qiang, I'm prepared to maintain a long-term relationship with him.

After all, he currently has no way to process monster materials. Even if he did, Li Youan wouldn't want to waste his time on it.

The time saved from processing materials and negotiating prices can be used for cultivation.

With spirit stones in hand, Li Youan approached with peace of mind, carefully examining the magical artifacts on the display stand.

Previously, Li Youan had no money and was simply admiring the product without paying attention to the price.

"hiss!"

After contributing to global warming efforts, Li Youan clicked his tongue and sighed at the price.

These 500 spirit stones wouldn't even make a ripple in this shop.

You can buy a normal mid-level Yellow Rank magic weapon, but if the quality is slightly better, it's beyond your reach.

"Hmm. Brother Qiang, do you sell any secondhand magical artifacts?"

Li Youan wisely decided not to spend any money here and turned to ask Qiang Ge, who was following him.

Qiang Ge understood why Li Youan would ask such a question; this was also the difficulty of being a lone traveler.

Lone hunters lack a stable source of spirit stones, and even the most powerful cannot guarantee that they will not encounter unexpected events when hunting monsters.

But after spending this short time together, Brother Qiang really liked Li Youan's personality and offered some advice.

"Unless you are 100% certain, don't buy secondhand magic weapons."

"You can find them or obtain them through various means, but don't buy them."

"Because you don't know what problems this magical artifact has. These problems could cost you your life in battle."

"Of course, if you become a treasure refiner in the future, then disregard what I said and remember to give me a hand."

Li Youan ignored Qiang Ge's final teasing and nodded thoughtfully.

"Your bone whip is actually quite good. What you lack now is a defensive magic weapon to save your life in critical moments."

This was also Li Youan's previous idea, but after seeing the price, the idea faded.

Forget it, let's see if there's anything we can manage to get through the arena match.

Li Youan didn't spend much more time on this round than before.

What I want, I can't afford; what I can afford, I don't need.

"What, don't you have what you're looking for?"

A somewhat familiar voice sounded from behind.

Li Youan turned around and there indeed was that stunningly beautiful face.

However, at this moment, Dongfang Jinghong was not dressed in purple, but in an elegant yellow dress.

Although admiring the beauty, Li Youan did not forget to greet him. "Dongfang, we meet again, what a coincidence."

Dongfang Jinghong looked at Li Youan in front of her with curiosity in her eyes.

From the time they first met until now, Li Youan has not changed at all.

There was not a trace of lewdness in his eyes; pure curiosity and admiration could not be faked.

For a beautiful woman, especially one like Dongfang Jinghong who comes from a noble family, this pure gaze is the most attractive.

-----------------

At this moment, Pavilion Master Zhou was standing on the second-floor railing, looking down at Li Youan.

Although I had seen photos of Li Youan before, this was the first time I had seen her in person.

As expected, Li Youan was just as "clean" as Dongfang Jinghong had described.

Pavilion Master Zhou felt exactly the same way about Li Youan and Dongfang Jinghong.

Having run the Oriental Treasure Pavilion and seen all sorts of people, he was even more able to see that Li Youan was not pretending.

No wonder it aroused Dongfang Jinghong's curiosity.

Indeed, they were quite different from the frenzied bees and butterflies that Dongfang Jinghong had seen before.

Of course, what caused a slight tremor in Pavilion Master Zhou's mind was that Li Youan was very similar to the figure in Pavilion Master Zhou's heart.

It's not that they look alike, but rather that they share a similar temperament.

Looking down at Li Youan, Pavilion Master Zhou was filled with helplessness, sighs, and emotions.

"Do we, people from prominent families who have witnessed sordidness, always end up making the same choices without prior agreement?!"

Originally, Dongfang Jinghong only intended to express her gratitude in some other way, but she couldn't help but come out when she saw Li Youan.

"Alas, this is a more difficult path than the one I took before, young master."

From the first moment he saw Li Youan, Pavilion Master Zhou was absolutely certain.

This is someone I would never marry into, because he looks too much like him.

-----------------

"What? It's been a few days, and you're still so polite. No need for that, you're my savior."

"Is there anything you like?"

Dongfang Jinghong naturally changed the subject.

From the moment Li Youan entered, Dongfang Jinghong observed him from the side.

In addition to the information he had previously gathered, Dongfang Jinghong was very clear that Li Youan did not have the financial resources to purchase magical artifacts.

"Haha, I've got a lot on my mind, but I can't buy them all."

Li Youan made a joke.

"And Dongfang, you don't need to keep calling me 'my savior,' just call me Li Youan."

Li Youan did not want to take advantage of the favor, so he quickly moved on from the topic.

"Miss Dongfang will definitely participate in the competition, right?"

With a smile on his face, Dongfang Jinghong teased Bai Ze, who immediately jumped into Dongfang Jinghong's arms.

"You using the 'also' here, do you mean you're also participating in the arena?"

"Of course, I have reasons why I have to participate."

Li Youan's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

"Since you're going to participate in the tournament, this thank-you gift I'm giving you is even more appropriate."

"Xiao Lan, bring the things here."

She watched as a maid carrying a tray walked out from the side behind Dongfang Jinghong.

Li Youan's eyes narrowed as he stared intently at the magical artifact on the plate.

"This is……"

"Yes, it's that chest protector you've been looking at."

"This is part of my thank-you gift."

Dongfang Jinghong looked at Li Youan, teasing Bai Ze while explaining in a relaxed manner.

Looking at the breast protector placed on the red velvet cloth.

"This is part of the thank-you gift."

Li Youan understood each word and phrase, but they felt somewhat unfamiliar when put together.

Is this the power of the family's scions?

So, is the family behind Pingyu, whom I offended before, stronger or weaker than Dongfang Jinghong in front of me?

But no matter what, they are all family members, and they are definitely much stronger than me.

If you're all alone, you've been given a second chance at life.

At worst, we can run away and come back for revenge later.

Since he had his own entry, Li Youan was certain that he would be able to kill Pingyu sooner or later.

But Li Youan knew that he was not a reckless loner.

Behind him was the entire Jiangbei Welfare Home.

Whether it's out of gratitude for one's past life or for one's own reputation.

Li Youan cannot simply run away without any scruples.

Moreover, one's thoughts are not clear because one drags others down.

Even if Li Youan cultivates to become the strongest in the future, he will not feel happy.

The pressure came suddenly.

Watching Li Youan stare at the breast mirror, his facial expressions rapidly shifted.

Dongfang Jinghong assumed that Li Youan wanted more, and her goodwill towards him inevitably decreased.

But he continued speaking without changing his expression.

"Yes, that's only part of it. You also gained the friendship of the Dongfang family."

Put aside the oppressive feeling brought by Pingyu for the time being.

Li Youan did not show much surprise upon hearing Dongfang Jinghong's words.

At this moment, Qiang Ge, who was standing to the side, was completely stunned.

So that's why I was stopped by one of the four managers of the Oriental Treasure Pavilion when I went to get the wine yesterday.

"It seems this young man is not only exceptionally skilled, but also incredibly lucky."

Qiang thought to himself.

"They can get in touch with the Dongfang family, but the young man doesn't seem very happy."

After getting to know Li Youan, Qiang Ge didn't think Li Youan was a greedy person.

Thinking that Li Youan was blinded by the wealth before him, Brother Qiang couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Before the two could think too much, Li Youan bowed again.

"It's not that I think Miss Dongfang's gift is too little; on the contrary, it's too much."

"I once read a sentence in a book that goes, 'Great kindness is like great enmity.'"

"I am not someone who seeks to repay kindness. This breastplate is already very good. I don't think my actions deserve more."

"In that situation, any normal person would have offered a helping hand."

"At that time, Dongfang had already sent out a distress signal. If it had been a few minutes later, Feng would have arrived."

"And the reason you were able to wake up so quickly is largely due to the pill that Senior Feng fed you."

"In that case, I am unworthy of this breastplate."

Seeing that Dongfang Jinghong's expression remained unchanged and he was still listening quietly, Li Youan continued.

"However, since Dongfang's family is so wealthy and powerful, I will accept it."

"Consider it clearing out your inventory. Judging by how high it's listed, there probably aren't many people buying it."

Li Youan understood that if he refused any longer, he would appear very hypocritical and have ulterior motives, so he made a joke and accepted the heart-protecting mirror.

The friendships of a large family are not so easy to obtain. My small favors are not worth that much, so it's best to be cautious.

Qiang Ge watched as Li Youan acquired a top-grade Yellow-rank defensive magic weapon.

I felt a deep sense of envy, but not jealousy.

Because this is what Li Youan deserves, and he also greatly admires Li Youan's actions.

After all, this was a gesture of goodwill from the Oriental Treasure Pavilion.

Li Youan took the breast protector from the tray and examined it.

Since Li Youan had already seen the price of the heart protection mirror, he did not ask the sales assistant about its functions and usage.

"Thank you, thank you for your help!"

While playing with the tray, Li Youan didn't forget to thank Xiao Lan, who had been holding it the whole time.

How much malice could someone who thanks a maid have?

This is what those around who heard the whisper thought.

Xiao Lan's hands, hidden under the red cloth beneath the tray, were trembling slightly.

But having been by Dongfang Jinghong's side for so long, he had met many important figures and quickly regained his composure.

Xiao Lan bowed slightly and stepped back behind Dongfang Jinghong.

Meanwhile, Master Zhou, who was standing by the railing on the second floor, saw Li Youan's actions and his eyes gleamed.

It wasn't because of Li Youan, but because of that familiar "him" in my memory.

"Hey, pretty little puppy, want to come home with me today?"

Li Youan was studying the breast protector in his hand.

But out of the corner of his eye, he still noticed Bai Ze, who was enjoying himself in Dongfang Jinghong's arms.

He mentally complained about this unserious mythical beast.

"This breast protector..."