After several rounds of interaction and conversation, the mutual understanding between the two sides deepened significantly, and a basic foundation of trust was quietly established.
Seeing that the atmosphere had ripened, Li Rong no longer delayed. He led the five directly toward the deepest region of the Star Dou Great Forest—the Lake of Life.
As soon as they entered the surrounding area, a thunderous roar echoed through the forest, heavy with warning and hostility, clearly telling them not to take another step forward.
Golden Crocodile spoke calmly, as if stating a fact. "That should be a hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape. Spirit Hall's Douluos have encountered it before when venturing deep into the forest. Alongside it, there should also be a hundred-thousand-year Sky Azure Bull Python."
"Two hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beasts?" Dugu Bo clicked his tongue. "Since Spirit Hall knew about them, why didn't you kill them for spirit rings and spirit bones?"
Their conversation did not slow their pace in the slightest. By the time Dugu Bo finished speaking, the group had already reached the edge of the Lake of Life, standing face-to-face with the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python.
The two great Spirit Beasts had naturally overheard everything.
The Titan Giant Ape immediately flew into a rage, pounding its chest as it roared, "Damn humans—die!"
Golden Crocodile activated his spirit without changing expression. With a casual strike, he sent the Titan Giant Ape staggering backward, its massive body forced several steps away.
Amid the shock and fear flooding both Spirit Beasts' eyes, Golden Crocodile added indifferently, "At the time, there were no suitable candidates to absorb them. That's why we didn't act."
The overwhelming difference in strength was undeniable.
The Sky Azure Bull Python reacted instantly, roaring, "Er Ming, run!" As he spoke, spirit power surged as he prepared to unleash his innate divine ability—Sky Azure Annihilation Lightning—to buy time.
Golden Crocodile merely glanced at him. In the next moment, all his spirit rings lit up as his aura fully erupted.
The terrifying pressure crushed down like a mountain. Any lingering hope the Sky Azure Bull Python held vanished instantly.
"Don't get excited," Golden Crocodile said coldly. "We have no intention of killing you."
Under such absolute suppression, both the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python immediately restrained their auras. Though they still did not trust these humans and secretly gathered spirit power, prepared to fight to the death if necessary, they at least realized communication was possible.
"Humans," the Sky Azure Bull Python asked in a deep voice, "what exactly is your purpose for coming here?"
Golden Crocodile stepped aside without hesitation, giving up the central position and clearly handing control of the situation over to Li Rong.
The Sky Azure Bull Python's gaze fell on Li Rong—the only human among them whose depth he could not perceive. It was obvious who the true core of this group was.
"Don't be nervous," Li Rong said gently. "They are guards I hired. Their only task is to protect me; they won't act on their own."
Then he continued sincerely, "I am a merchant. My principle is fair trade. I heard that Spirit Beasts possess many rare materials, so I came here hoping to establish a long-term and fair trading channel."
The Sky Azure Bull Python snorted. "We Spirit Beasts have nothing worth trading."
Fair trade between Spirit Masters and Spirit Beasts? It sounded like a joke.
"Sir, there's no need to rush to conclusions," Li Rong chuckled. "Besides, my true trading partner isn't you."
He paused briefly, then said calmly, "Could you help notify Di Tian?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python's pupils contracted violently. "Humans—how do you know of that lord's existence?!"
The Titan Giant Ape roared repeatedly as well, clearly transmitting the message deeper into the Lake of Life.
"As a merchant, information naturally falls within my scope," Li Rong replied. "News of Di Tian isn't difficult to obtain. It's just that Titled Douluos never paid attention to such matters in the past."
He met the Sky Azure Bull Python's gaze steadily. "So, can you help convey the message?"
The Sky Azure Bull Python stared at him for a long moment before speaking coldly. "Human, you are courting death. Don't think that because those behind you can suppress me and Er Ming, you can face Lord Di Tian. If you truly anger him, you won't even have a chance to regret it."
"Why would I anger him?" Li Rong smiled faintly. "I'm just a merchant."
The Sky Azure Bull Python fell silent. Since he could not oppose this group anyway—and since they were clearly here for Di Tian—he said nothing more. After exchanging a glance with the Titan Giant Ape, he turned and submerged into the Lake of Life.
Ignoring the Titan Giant Ape's watchful presence, Li Rong calmly set up a long table and chairs. He invited the five to sit on the left side, leaving the opposite side empty in quiet anticipation.
Not long after, the surface of the Lake of Life churned violently.
Besides the Sky Azure Bull Python, seven humanoid figures emerged from the water. At the forefront stood a handsome, resolute middle-aged man who appeared around forty. A strand of golden hair fell beside his face, and his golden eyes shimmered faintly with a breathtaking light whenever they moved.
Di Tian.
His gaze swept across Li Rong and the others before settling on the seven empty chairs opposite the long table. After a brief pause, he led the six Fierce Beasts forward and sat down directly, without exchanging pleasantries.
"Since you claim to be here for trade," Di Tian said flatly, "what exactly do you wish to trade?"
Li Rong did not evade the question. He explained everything regarding the Sacrificial Shop in full.
A shop opened by a god? Sacrificial Dao Lord?
The Fierce Beasts behind Di Tian exchanged looks, disbelief written plainly on their faces. Several wanted to question him on the spot, but Di Tian's presence restrained them.
"This lord has some understanding of gods," Di Tian said slowly. "Why have I never heard of this so-called Sacrificial Dao Lord?"
"The Sacrificial Dao Lord comes from the boundless void beyond the God Realm," Li Rong replied. "You who only know the God Realm naturally wouldn't have heard of him."
Beyond the God Realm?
Di Tian's eyes flashed sharply. "Even the gods of the God Realm know nothing of the boundless void. Those who left to explore it never returned. Why should I believe you?"
Li Rong calmly took out four jade bottles and placed them on the table. "These are goods from the shop—elixirs refined specifically for Spirit Beasts. Their grades are fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh."
"These alone are enough proof. The God Realm cannot produce elixirs with such effects."
Di Tian scrutinized Li Rong carefully but found no trace of deceit. Only his steady gaze made Li Rong feel faint pressure.
"This fourth-grade elixir," Li Rong continued, "is called the Enlightenment Pill. It can prematurely awaken a Spirit Beast's intelligence."
The Fierce Beasts instantly stirred.
One of them—a towering, rough-looking bear—blurted out, "Impossible!"
Di Tian said nothing. He merely glanced at the bear. "Go. Bring a young Spirit Beast that has yet to awaken intelligence."
Xiong Jun clenched his teeth, clearly unwilling, but under Di Tian's gaze, he suppressed his doubts and left.
"What about the other elixirs?" Di Tian asked. "Explain them."
"If I explain everything at once," Li Rong said honestly, "there would be no suspense. A merchant needs mystery to sell goods smoothly."
"If your elixirs are all like this," Di Tian replied seriously, "then you and your shop will forever be friends of Spirit Beasts. We can purchase all of them."
Dugu Bo and the others couldn't help laughing, which immediately drew sharp glares from the Fierce Beasts.
"Let's not speak too soon," Li Rong said, stopping his companions. "You may not be able to afford them. A seventh-grade elixir isn't something just anyone can buy."
Before long, Xiong Jun returned with a Dark Golden Dreadclaw Bear cub. Its small size and clear, innocent eyes showed it had been born only recently.
"Just give it directly," Li Rong said, pouring out the elixir. "As long as its spirit and soul are intact, there are no restrictions."
Di Tian flicked the elixir into the cub's mouth without hesitation.
Moments later, everyone sensed a clear change. The cub's soul fluctuations became lively, its mental will far sharper than before.
"This cub is too young," Li Rong explained. "One Enlightenment Pill isn't enough for full awakening. But I believe the effect is already clear."
Di Tian gestured slightly.
Bi Ji stepped forward, using her innate divine ability to examine the cub thoroughly. After a long moment, she said in astonishment, "Its effect is comparable to an Immortal Herb—only slightly weaker due to immaturity."
The Ten Thousand Demon King nodded as well. "I compared its mental will before and after. This elixir shortens the awakening process by at least half. For Spirit Beasts over a thousand years old, one pill would be enough for full awakening."
Di Tian finally smiled.
"What effect does your fifth-grade elixir have?"
At this moment, Dugu Bo and the others finally understood why the Fierce Beasts' hostility had vanished.
Intelligent Spirit Beasts could actively cultivate.
If Enlightenment Pills were plentiful, the number of high-level Spirit Beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest could explode within decades.
At least ten hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beasts every century.
For that alone, Di Tian would pay any price.
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