I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

I'm currently reading Chapter 250 of the novel, "Reunion with Marquis Nanlong! The Heavenly Capital Trade Fair! Geng Jing!", and I'm completely engrossed in it.

A few days later, an inconspicuous blue streak of light streaked across the sky and landed outside the magnificent city gate of the First City of Heaven.

This city truly lives up to its name as "Heavenly Capital," covering an extremely vast area, estimated to be no less than a hundred miles in circumference.

The city wall is dozens of feet high and is made entirely of a kind of huge stone with a black metallic luster. Its surface is covered with traces of erosion over time and mottled runes, making it look ancient and heavy.

The city gate towers stand tall, and banners flutter in the wind.

However, this scene was nothing out of the ordinary in Zhou Yuan's eyes.

After all, he had spent a hundred years in the Chaotic Star Sea and had seen the Heavenly Star City, a colossal sea city stretching for thousands of miles, a marvel of nature.

In comparison, although Tiandu First City is already a top-tier city in Tiannan, it is still quite small in scale.

Zhou Yuan flew directly into the city.

The city streets are wide, bustling with traffic, lined with shops, and teeming with people.

Besides a large number of ordinary people dressed in various styles, there were also quite a few low-level cultivators in the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages mixed in with the city, and even some Core Formation cultivators could be seen.

They seemed to coexist peacefully with mortals. Mortals, though showing reverence for cultivators, did not flee in fear, and cultivators showed little arrogance towards mortals; there was even a sense of harmony between them.

"That's interesting. It seems that the Tai Zhen Sect manages the boundary between the mortal world and the cultivation world relatively loosely."

Zhou Yuan thought to himself.

However, this was not unusual for him.

The many islands in the Chaotic Star Sea are inhabited by both mortals and cultivators, the only difference being the proportion and status of the inhabitants.

He didn't linger in the outer city. Instead, he swayed slightly, becoming a blurry afterimage, and in a few leaps, he crossed numerous buildings and arrived at the more clearly defined inner city area.

The buildings in the inner city were taller and more exquisite, and the concentration of spiritual energy was significantly higher than that in the outer city. The streets were almost entirely filled with cultivators, with very few mortals.

As Zhou Yuangang appeared at a relatively secluded street corner, a beam of white light flew from a tower not far away and landed in front of him, transforming into a middle-aged cultivator wearing a moon-white Taoist robe, with a refined face and three long strands of beard.

This person's cultivation had reached the mid-stage of Core Formation, and his aura was deep and serene, clearly indicating that his foundation was not weak.

"Greetings, senior. I am Zhao Yuan, a disciple of the Tai Zhen Sect. Are you here to attend the 'Heavenly Capital Trade Fair' hosted by our sect?"

The middle-aged cultivator bowed respectfully to Zhou Yuan, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, but his eyes revealed a hint of awe for the Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Exactly." Zhou Yuan nodded slightly, not concealing his Nascent Soul stage spiritual pressure.

"Senior, please follow me. Seniors at the Nascent Soul stage can temporarily reside in the 'Qingxin Garden' in the inner city during the trade fair. It is quiet there, close to the trade fair venue, and convenient for you to communicate with other fellow cultivators." Deacon Zhao Yuan's attitude became even more respectful as he stepped aside to lead the way.

Led by Deacon Zhao Yuan, Zhou Yuan passed through several more heavily guarded streets and arrived at an area within the inner city that was enclosed by high walls and shrouded in a soft white light.

At the entrance of the light barrier, several Foundation Establishment cultivators with considerable auras stood guard. Upon seeing Deacon Zhao Yuan and Zhou Yuan, they quickly bowed and opened a portal within the light barrier's restriction.

Upon entering the light barrier, a breathtaking view unfolded before them. Inside lay a sprawling garden, dotted with bridges, streams, pavilions, and towers, its spiritual energy even more concentrated than outside.

Deep within the garden, hundreds of exquisite pavilions, each with its own unique style and ancient charm, are scattered according to the terrain.

Each pavilion was enveloped in a faint halo of light, an independent protective barrier.

"Senior, this is Qingxin Garden, a temporary residence prepared specifically for Nascent Soul seniors who have come to participate in the trade fair. Senior may choose any pavilion that has not yet activated its restriction aura to stay in. This is a temporary token to activate the restriction on the corresponding pavilion; please keep it safe."

Deacon Zhao Yuan respectfully handed Zhou Yuan a palm-sized, warm and white jade tablet with faintly flowing runes on it.

"The auction will officially begin tomorrow morning in the main hall of the 'Treasure Pavilion' in the center of the inner city. This is your invitation. When you arrive, please present this invitation and someone will guide you to your seat."

He then handed over a gold-embossed invitation.

"Thank you for your trouble." Zhou Yuan accepted the jade pendant and invitation.

"You're too kind, senior. This is my duty. If you have no further instructions, I will take my leave." Steward Zhao Yuan bowed again and then left Qingxin Garden.

Zhou Yuan held the jade token in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the pavilions, intending to find an uninhabited place nearby to go in.

Just then, the protective halo on the surface of an elegant three-story bamboo building not far away suddenly rippled like water, then dissipated, revealing the true appearance of the bamboo building.

The bamboo house doors opened, and two figures walked out one after the other.

Zhou Yuan looked up and was taken aback.

The two people who came out were none other than Marquis Nanlong and Lu Weiying, whom they had met once before the New Year!

Lu Weiying also saw Zhou Yuan. She was taken aback at first, then a hearty smile appeared on her face, and she greeted him with a cupped hand from afar.

A hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the Marquis of Nanlong, and he nodded to Zhou Yuan.

"Fellow Daoist Nanlong, Fellow Daoist Lu, what a coincidence!" Zhou Yuan smiled and returned the greeting. He hadn't expected the two to live nearby.

"What a coincidence! It seems Fellow Daoist Zhou also came for this trade fair."

Lu Weiying smiled and walked over with Marquis Nanlong. "Which pavilion did Fellow Daoist Zhou choose? If it's convenient, why not choose the one next door? That way, we can look after each other and discuss Daoist principles and enjoy tea in our leisure time."

Zhou Yuan didn't like getting too close to people, but considering that these two were well-informed people in Tiannan and didn't seem to have any ill intentions towards him, he nodded: "Alright, then I'll trouble you two fellow Daoists."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you're too kind. There's no way you're bothering me," Lu Weiying said with a smile.

Zhou Yuan walked to the wooden pavilion, waved the jade token in his hand at the door, and a beam of white light shot out from the jade token and disappeared into the door.

The attic surface lit up instantly, and the door opened silently. He stepped inside; the furnishings were simple yet elegant, complete with everything he needed, and the spiritual energy was quite abundant.

Lu Weiying and Nanlonghou followed them in, and the three of them took their seats in the guest room on the first floor of the pavilion, with the host and guests in turn.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, have you come to Tiandu this time because you are determined to obtain something at this trade fair?" Lu Weiying asked casually as he poured Zhou Yuan a cup of spiritual tea.

"It's not that I'm determined to win; I've just been traveling around and heard about this grand event, so I came to see it for myself. If I come across any useful materials, I'll naturally make a move."

Zhou Yuan took a sip of tea and said calmly.

"Oh? I wonder which type of material you're most interested in? Brother Nanlong and I have been staying here for several days and have heard some rumors about this trade fair. Perhaps we can provide some information," Lu Weiying said enthusiastically. Making friends with a returnee from overseas whose strength is unfathomable could be of no harm to them.

Zhou Yuan's heart stirred.

The materials that the Great Evolution Divine Lord needed were indeed like finding a needle in a haystack for him to find on his own. If he could get some clues from these two people, even if it was just to narrow down the scope, it would be good.

As for whether it will reveal our intentions... as long as we don't disclose the specific purpose, it's not a big problem.

"Since you two fellow Daoists have asked, I, Zhou, will speak frankly."

Zhou Yuan put down his teacup.

State the types of materials you need, such as Five Elements Jade and Iridescent Crystal.

"Have you two heard whether there's any possibility of this happening at this trade fair?"

With each piece of information he presented, Lu Weiying and the Marquis of Nanlong's expressions grew more serious.

In the end, the two looked at each other in astonishment.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou..."

Lu Weiying shook his head with a wry smile, "Forgive my bluntness, but all the materials you have listed are top-grade refining materials that are rare in the human realm."

"Many of these things, as far as I know, have long been extinct in the southern region and only exist in ancient records."

"Geng essence does appear from time to time, but ordinary people don't usually sell it!"

Marquis Nanlong chimed in, "Indeed. Fellow Daoist Zhou, any one of these materials you require would be sufficient as a core ingredient for crafting a top-tier magic weapon. To find them all at the trade fair in one go... I'm afraid the chances are slim."

Although both were curious about Zhou Yuan's purpose in using these rare materials, they tactfully refrained from asking further questions.

At their level, who doesn't have some secrets and trump cards?

It is taboo to inquire rashly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan didn't show much disappointment, as this was within his expectations. "I see. Thank you both for informing me. In that case, let it be."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Lu Weiying and the Marquis of Nanlong tactfully took their leave and returned to their bamboo houses.

……

The next morning, in the center of the inner city of Tiandu First City, in front of the magnificent building called "Jubao Pavilion", people were already thronging and spiritual light was flashing.

This pavilion occupies a vast area and has seven stories. It is constructed entirely of a white jade-like material, which shines brightly in the morning light and exudes an extraordinary aura.

Zhou Yuan arrived together with Lu Weiying and Nanlonghou. After showing their invitations, a beautiful and well-mannered Foundation Establishment female cultivator immediately stepped forward and respectfully led them into the pavilion, directly up to the third floor.

The third floor is an extremely spacious hall, decorated in a magnificent manner, yet exuding an ethereal charm.

In the center is a high platform, surrounded by hundreds of exquisite jade seats arranged in a stepped pattern, most of which are already occupied.

Zhou Yuan and his two companions were led to a front row area with an excellent view and seated down.

The seats here are noticeably larger and more comfortable, and are spaced far apart, with subtle barriers separating them, clearly indicating that this is an exclusive area prepared for Nascent Soul cultivators.

Zhou Yuan's gaze swept across the hall, a slight surprise in his heart.

There were more than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators present!

Nearly half of them were early-stage cultivators, and six or seven were mid-stage cultivators.

As for Core Formation cultivators, there were hundreds of them, filling the back and middle rows to capacity.

The Righteous Alliance's appeal is evident.

As a clear bell rang, a female cultivator dressed in purple palace attire, with stunning beauty, an elegant demeanor, and a cultivation level that was clearly at the late stage of Core Formation, gracefully walked onto the central platform and announced the start of the trade fair in a clear and melodious voice.

The first item up for auction was a powerful antique.

This sparked a fierce battle.

The following items were a dazzling array: pills, talismans, cultivation techniques, materials, magical artifacts, ancient treasures... the lowest grade of which were items coveted by Core Formation stage cultivators, frequently eliciting gasps of surprise and fierce bidding.

The atmosphere in the hall quickly reached a climax.

Zhou Yuan sat motionless, glancing at most of the items briefly before paying no further attention.

With his current vision and wealth, ordinary treasures are no longer worthy of his attention.

He was mainly waiting for materials that might appear that he needed or that the Great Evolution God Lord had mentioned.

Lu Weiying and Nanlonghou occasionally made their moves, each bidding for one or two items they liked.

The trade fair lasted for nearly two hours, with all sorts of rare and precious items appearing one after another, but Zhou Yuan still didn't find anything he particularly wanted.

Just when he thought this trip might just be a chance to see things for himself, the purple-clad female cultivator on the high platform presented a palm-sized jade plate, covered with a piece of red brocade.

"The next item," the purple-clad female cultivator's voice trembled with excitement, "is one of the most precious refining materials in this auction!"

She gently lifted the brocade.

Inside the jade plate was a small, deep piece of metal, no bigger than a longan.