Mortal: Starting with the Falling Cloud Sect, I proved my Dao through gacha pulls.

"I've changed this technique."

Upon hearing this voice, all the cultivators present had no further doubt. The person inside the private room must be an extraordinary figure; otherwise, they would never have acted so generously and decisively.

"How about exchanging the Divine Jade and the Replenishing Essence Pill for this cultivation technique?"

Ignoring the suspicions in everyone's hearts, the owner of the voice directly put forward the exchange conditions.

"Very well, we will do as you say, fellow Daoist!"

The person who consigned the item immediately responded with extreme excitement, clearly extremely satisfied with the terms.

At that moment, in the private room where that person was, an elderly man in a blue robe with scars on his face was pacing back and forth excitedly.

Strangely, tiny insects and ants would fly in and out of his seven orifices—eyes, nose, mouth, and ears—making him look withered and ghostly, with a sinister aura.

Since the Thousand Hearts Sect was wiped out, he has been in hiding for more than two hundred years.

If it weren't for the increasingly strong backlash from his natal spirit insect and the continuous loss of his own magical power, he wouldn't have risked coming to Tianxing City to sell this natal cultivation technique.

However, if his cultivation level does not improve further and his spiritual consciousness cannot be nurtured, he will sooner or later suffer the fate of being devoured by countless insects and having his soul scattered.

He had just heard that the Crimson Essence Pill could purify magical power and had been tempted to bid for it, but someone else had snatched it up at a higher price.

To his utter surprise, it was that person who ultimately helped him achieve his goal.

It seems he wasn't meant to die.

Seeing that both parties had reached an agreement, the auctioneer said no more and announced the transaction was complete on the spot.

Although he didn't manage to acquire the item he wanted, Su Mu wasn't too disappointed. This method of controlling beasts and controlling insects wasn't unique in the world; he could always return to Tiannan and pull off a heist at the Yuling Sect later.

On the contrary, the mysterious figure who made the series of moves only piqued his curiosity more. Judging from the voice, the person was young, though it was impossible to tell if they were male or female; they must be the young master of some sect.

He chuckled, shook his head, and turned to watch the cultivators vying for the last few items, treating it as a spectacle.

The two final items at the auction were both powerful magical artifacts, but Su Mu had not yet completed his own natal magical artifact, so he didn't pay much attention to them.

After the auction ended, Su Mu put away the three level-seven demon cores and planned to use his escape light to return to his cave.

Just then, the voice that had left a deep impression on him gently called out to him from behind.

"Senior Xiao, please wait!"

Su Mu turned around upon hearing the sound and saw a white-robed cultivator walking slowly towards him.

This person had shoulder-length black hair and wore a jade headband around his forehead. His cultivation level seemed to be only at the Pseudo-Core Realm, but his expression was calm and composed.

Her face was as smooth as jade, with dark eyebrows reaching her temples, phoenix eyes, a slender nose, and bright red lips; her appearance was absolutely stunning.

Her demeanor exudes a carefree and unrestrained air, yet a hint of allure lies hidden deep within her brows, making her androgynous and possessing a truly unique charm.

Su Mu's heart stirred slightly, and he already had some guesses. He then politely said:

"You must be the one who won the bid for the Crimson Essence Pill? What brings you here?"

"Senior Xiao, please forgive me. I am Ling Yuling, a cultivator from the Star Palace. I have long admired your alchemy skills, and I am fortunate to have met you at the auction today. I have come to pay my respects."

Ling Yuling paused after speaking, then smiled sweetly, her tone inadvertently revealing a touch of captivating charm.

"To be honest, the first Five Elements Pill that you auctioned off back then was bought by one of my elders. Since then, I have been curious about you."

"In just a few short years, Senior's alchemy skills have become so exquisite that you can even refine a elixir like the Crimson Essence Pill. I am truly in awe!"

Su Mu suddenly realized that it really was her. No wonder she was so generous; she was the strongest second-generation immortal in the Chaotic Star Sea.

He waved his hand dismissively, a gentle smile on his face, his tone very polite.

"I see. You flatter me too much. I am merely skilled in alchemy. On the contrary, you have already reached the Pseudo-Core Realm at such a young age. I imagine it won't be long before you successfully form your Core and stand on equal footing with us."

"Your Excellency's use of a seventh-grade demon core to bid for the Crimson Essence Pill has actually benefited me. I wonder if you have other requests?"

Ling Yuling shook her head slightly upon hearing this, a carefree smile appearing on her face.

"Senior, you misunderstand. I have come here simply to make your acquaintance, and have no other intentions. Moreover, I have something here that I think you will find quite interesting."

As soon as she finished speaking, she casually took out a jade slip that glowed white and gently handed it to Su Mu.

Su Mu's smile faded slightly, and he immediately became more wary. This jade slip was none other than the Beast Taming and Spirit Communication Manual from the auction.

"What brings you here, sir?"

"Senior, there's no need to worry."

Ling Yuling said softly, "At the auction earlier, I saw that you were quite interested in this technique, so I took the liberty of bidding on it. I hope you won't take offense."

"I brought it here simply to establish a good relationship with you, senior. Please rest assured, this is merely a personal gesture from me and has nothing to do with the Star Palace."

Su Mu quickly waved his hand, feigning refusal, but inwardly he was racing to think: What exactly does this woman intend to do? Is it truly her own idea, or is it secretly instructed by the Star Palace?

"I cannot accept a reward without merit; this gift is far too valuable. I, Xiao, have never made such a deal with you. You are too kind."

Ling Yuling blinked, as if she had just realized what was happening, and gave a slight bow and a smile.

"It was my rudeness. Since you are unwilling to accept it for nothing, then let us do as you said earlier: I will exchange this technique for two future pill refining sessions for you. What do you think, senior?"

"How about I refine the pills twice?"

Su Mu thought to himself, although he couldn't figure out the woman's true intentions, he was sure to make a profit by exchanging two alchemy opportunities for this cultivation technique.

Regardless of the other party's intentions, let's get the benefits first. Besides, it's just refining pills twice, which won't cause any major problems.

"This exchange is acceptable. Your actions are quite unconventional. In that case, I agree."

"Then this junior will thank you in advance, senior."

Ling Yuling smiled slightly, then reminded her, "By the way, this Beast Taming and Spirit Communication Technique requires extremely high spiritual sense. Please be more careful when you try to comprehend it in the future."

After saying that, she turned her gaze slightly, and her expression became more serious.

"With your profound alchemy skills, senior, if you ever wish to join a powerful force in the future, you should definitely consider my Star Palace. We will certainly not disappoint you."

Su Mu accepted the jade slip, politely cupped his hands in greeting, his expression unreadable.

"I have noted it down, and I will carefully consider it if I make any plans in the future."

"In that case, I will not disturb you any longer, senior. I will take my leave!"

Ling Yuling smiled and bowed gracefully, then turned and left.

Watching her departing figure, Su Mu remained somewhat unsettled. The Star Palace was a powerful force; how could it lack alchemists? Why was she making such a fuss about befriending him? Or was this woman simply a free-spirited person who enjoyed making friends?

He shook his head, stopped thinking about it, turned around and transformed into a streak of light, flying towards his cave.

It's only a two-time agreement to refine pills. If she needs anything in the future, she can help him refine them. She can't possibly ask him to refine some heaven-defying elixir.