Zhongzhou, Wanbao Pavilion.
If you asked for the most famous treasure pavilion in the world, the answer would undoubtedly be Wanbao Pavilion.
In the cultivation world, a louder name isn't always better, as rules don't always apply. An exaggerated name might not bring bustling business, but rather a flood of bloodshed.
That Wanbao Pavilion has endured under this name for a millennium speaks to its true power.
Unlike other treasure pavilions with exclusive single locations, Wanbao Pavilion pioneered the branch model. They have established branches not just in Zhongzhou, but even in the Four Great Continents that other pavilions looked down upon.
Though its branches span the realm, any Wanbao Pavilion will honor the "Treasure Ticket" without question. They verify only the ticket's authenticity, never questioning the item's origin.
In short, they recognize the ticket, not the person. An item bought in Xiniuhazhou can be returned at the Zhongzhou branch without any refusal.
While massive in scale, Wanbao Pavilion offers the most exquisite service experience.
This is exceedingly rare in the cultivation world, as larger establishments typically bully their customers.
Naturally, such service comes with a corresponding price.
A saying circulates in the cultivation world: "Wanbao Pavilion doesn't sell fakes, but will at least double your money."
Don't ask if they have it—only if you can afford the price.
All who enter are customers, but life-and-death disputes must be taken outside.
Of course, outright evil is forbidden, as Wanbao Pavilion maintains a reputation for being purely righteous.
Thanks to its stellar reputation, countless cultivators flock to it despite the exorbitant prices.
Wanbao Pavilion only serves Foundation Establishment cultivators and above, though Foundation Establishment practitioners can only purchase the lowest-grade Yellow-tier items.
Cultivation level is the pass to Wanbao Pavilion. Identity doesn't matter; only cultivation level determines which floors you may access.
After all, Wanbao Pavilion has ways to make you understand the value of your cultivation. At least one-fifth of its staff realized this value and remained.
On the third floor of the Treasure Pavilion, several Nascent Soul cultivators moved with light steps, examining the "bargains" displayed outside and the prices that made one's heart skip a beat.
On the third-floor pavilion steps, a Spirit Transformation cultivator sat with eyes closed, cultivating his spirit.
The fourth floor above housed Earth-grade items, guarded by Body Integration cultivators.
Body Integration experts were exceedingly rare, even in Zhongzhou.
"You may proceed upstairs!"
A sycophantic voice echoed through the hall.
All the cultivators on the third floor turned their gazes instinctively, even the Nascent Soul experts opened their eyes.
They saw the treasurer of Wanbao Pavilion making way with a slightly obsequious expression.
In the next moment, everyone saw the woman behind the treasurer.
She wore a simple, light-blue battle outfit with no makeup, yet her face was undeniably beautiful, though her aura was rather cold. No emotion could be seen in her eyes.
Though her cultivation realm was difficult to gauge, possessing an aura like a top-tier sect disciple, she was likely only at the Nascent Soul realm.
Why would the treasurer of Wanbao Pavilion personally greet her with such a fawning expression?
The cultivators on the third floor stared for a moment before someone recognized her.
"It's Li Yingling, the Biqing Immortal Maiden, who's been all the rage these past two years."
"I've heard of her... but isn't the Kongqing Immortal Maiden usually by her side?"
The voice was barely audible, but everyone on the third floor were Nascent Soul cultivators, so they heard it clearly.
Li Yingling paid no mind to their discussion about her. As her master said—when traveling outside, if you're not envied, you're worthless.
She just never imagined that after a short time of traveling, she had already become a legendary figure.
Her master might have profound cultivation and be incredibly sharp, but unfortunately, his skills in wandering the world were far inferior to her own.
When Li Yingling stepped onto the third floor, all discussion ceased, and no one dared to look at her.
Perhaps it was her reputation, or perhaps it was the treasurer's fierce gaze sweeping across everyone on the three floors.
Everyone knew that in Wanbao Pavilion, whether you had money or not, you would receive basic respect.
Now, the treasurer was clearly breaking the rules. When something unusual happens, there is a reason.
Many of the Nascent Soul cultivators on the third floor retracted their curiosity and lowered their heads to the items on the counter.
The treasurer withdrew his gaze and looked at the Nascent Soul cultivator at the stairwell, speaking in a gentle tone:
"This is a top-tier guest who wishes to go to the fourth floor. Please make way."
The Nascent Soul cultivator's eyes swept over Li Yingling, hesitating for a moment before shaking his head and saying:
"Treasurer, you know the rules... Don't make things difficult for me. Without sufficient cultivation, no one can ascend the tower."
The treasurer took a deep breath, about to explain when Li Yingling had already produced a token and displayed it.
The Nascent Soul cultivator's eyes scanned it and quickly recognized it; after all, the most important skill in this line of work was one's ability to recognize things.
Is this the Yuyang Daozi's token?
"Esteemed guest, even if you are a friend of Yuyang Daozi, the rules are the rules."
The Nascent Soul cultivator's tone was extremely gentle.
"You all speak the same way," Li Yingling said. In the next moment, she took out the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect token.
The Nascent Soul cultivator's eyes widened. This token had a completely different effect than a friend's token.
A friend's token only meant this person is my good friend, perhaps you could do them a favor.
The Xuanqing Heavenly Sect token meant something entirely different—this person is under the protection of Xuanqing Heavenly Sect. Disrespecting her is disrespecting us. Either you leave, or we make you.
The Nascent Soul cultivator instantly understood the value of the shopkeeper's words—esteemed guest.
Wanbao Pavilion had its rules, but for Inner Sect disciples and above from the Eighteen Great Sects, these rules did not apply.
After all, everyone was just trying to make a living. Knowing how to read people and conduct oneself was paramount.
The Nascent Soul cultivator immediately bowed, intending to step aside when another token was pressed before him.
He instinctively focused his gaze and saw a brand new—Tianyan Sect token—right before his eyes.
The Nascent Soul cultivator's mind instantly grasped why the shopkeeper had been so obsequious in escorting them upstairs.
At that moment, all his thoughts and emotions crystallized into a single clear statement:
"Esteemed guest! Please, this way!"
A single person actually possessed Yuyang Daozi's friend token, the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect token, and the Tianyan Sect token...
The Nascent Soul cultivator now understood. Whether it was reasonable or made sense was no longer his concern.
What he had to do was serve this Nascent Soul elder.
A true senior of the Nascent Soul realm would not be angered by his earlier obstruction.
With the protection of two of the Eighteen Great Sects, and being a friend of Yuyang Daozi, the Supreme Dao Sect might also offer protection out of respect for the other two sects.
One could only say that reincarnation was a peerless talent. An identity like this... could only inspire endless envy.
Li Yingling nodded lightly and headed for the fourth floor. Then, as if remembering something, she asked the shopkeeper before her:
"With so many tokens, can I get a discount?"
"A discount!" The shopkeeper quickly turned back, his tone sincere.
"I have the authority to decide. Everything you purchase will be discounted by ninety percent!"
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