My Simulated Road to Immortality - Chapter 37
Chapter 37: Chapter 37: A Strange Creature Emerges from the Vast Ocean
Translator: 549690339
Li Fan was casually examining the object in his hand.
At a glance, it does seem like an ordinary blue liuli sphere. However, upon closer examination, one could discern the radiance circulating in the sphere. It seemed as though a vast ocean is gestating within.
“Natural Treasure: Ocean Pearl (initial stage).”
“Where there is the passing of an ocean, a new ocean would be born.” Li Fan was taken aback— he’d never expected to encounter a Natural Treasure here!
A Natural Treasure in its growth stage, no less, still yet to reach maturity.
Li Fan suppressed his intense emotions and replaced the Ocean Pearl at its original spot.
He pretended to not care and started to explore the other items around. Up until when Wu Xingzou declared the end of the time allowed, he hadn’t look back at the Ocean Pearl again.
Yin Yuzhen walked out with a few items, looking both regretful and excited.
“Aren’t you going to pick a few items? This is a rare opportunity given by Wu Xingzou. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Yin Yuzhen noticed that Li Fan’s hands were empty, and couldn’t help but comment.
Wu Xingzou also said, “Manager Yin is right. It doesn’t make sense to not take anything valuable when you’re on a treasure mountain, isn’t that underestimating me, Wu Xingzou?”
Li Fan thought to himself that it’s a good thing they mentioned it, or else he would have had to.
“Then, I’d be remiss not to.” He walked towards the location of the Ocean Pearl, picked a jade statue and casually took the Ocean Pearl with it as well.
“I’ll take these two.” Li Fan said nonchalantly.
The statue was a carved figure of an ancient tree. Wu Xingzou glanced at it and commented, “You have good taste, the ancient tree jade carving was found on a remote island in the most northern part of Misthaven Ocean.”
“The villagers worshiped this jade statue for thousands of years, it is quite magical. Ordinary folks keep it at home for calming the mind and invigorating the body.” Wu Xingzou praised the jade carving, but stopped at a glance at the Ocean Pearl.
“Thank you for your generosity,” Li Fan replied politely, feeling quite pleased.
“And what about this one?” Li Fan toyed with the Ocean Pearl and asked.
“Oh, this one… I got it from a fisherman on Liuyun Island,” Wu Xingzou recalled while thinking, “There is nothing special about this, but I took it simply because it looked unique.”
“Liuyun island…” Li Fan made a mental note of that name. Then hurriedly changed the subject: “Manager Yin, what did you choose?” Wu Xingzou’s attention immediately shifted to Yin Yuzhen.
Seeing the painting, jade bracelets, and gemstone Yin Yuzhen had chosen, he excitingly started introducing the story behind those items to the other two.
Li Fan listened half-heartedly; all his attention was on the natural artifact, the Ocean Pearl.
While still dazed by the natural treasure, the parties completed the exchange.
Tianhua Commerce Guild acquired a large number of treasured items, and Yin Yuzhen gained a significant amount of gold and silver.
“Manager Yin, until we meet again,” Wu Xingzou expressed his sentiment and drove the Wanhua Flying Ship out of their sight.
On the way back, despite Yin Yuzhen’s great harvest, she was still worried.
“Are you concerned about the future dealings of Tianbao Building?” Li Fan asked.
“Indeed… with Wanhua Commerce Association gone, we’ve lost an important selling channel. I’m afraid that the profits of Tianbao Building will suffer a great loss,” Yin Yuzhen lamented, “We really don’t know why Wanhua Commercial Corporation suddenly decided to leave Misthaven Ocean.”
“There must be a way out. There’s no need to be too worried,” at the moment Li Fan couldn’t think of a good plan, so he tried to reassure her.
Yin Yuzhen nodded her head in acknowledgment, but it was clear that she was not convinced.
After returning to Liuli Island, Li Fan bade farewell to Yin Yuzhen and hurried back to the Listening Ghost Building.
Once he had locked the entrance door securely, Li Fan took out the Ocean Pearl, back in his room.
“The original aim of this trip was to verify whether the Star Sea Sand was made from meteoric iron. I didn’t expect to gain such a treasure— this is indeed a pleasant surprise.” Li Fan looked at the Ocean Pearl in his hand, unable to contain his joy.
“But I wonder, what’s so special about this Ocean Pearl?”
According to Li Fan’s understanding, every Natural Treasure represents a certain characteristic or law of Heaven and Earth.
The Curled Dragon Branch could significantly consume and absorb energy; Rusted Sword Daoxuan represented uncompromising will and possessed the ability to delay rusting.
The Broken Stele was inscribed with commands, directing one’s actions.
What could this small Liuli bead possibly hold? Why is it named “Ocean”? Could it really contain a whole ocean?
Li Fan held up the Ocean Pearl, completely immersed in the profound blue color, it made him dazzled and lost in reverie.
Regrettably, despite half a day of research, Li Fan still couldn’t uncover the unique aspect of the Ocean Pearl.
Perhaps only an immortal cultivator could glimpse its secret!
With a long sigh, Li Fan reluctantly stored the Ocean Pearl carefully.
Should he absorb it now?
Li Fan also hesitated for a while. However, based on the feedback from [Real], the Ocean Pearl was still in its initial stage and if he absorbs it now, it might only increase 1-2% of the charging progress.
He figured it would do better to wait and let it reach maturity before he absorbed it.
He was not worried about losing it now that it was in his possession.
After some time, Li Fan managed to calm himself down from the thrill of acquiring a Natural Treasure.
Once calm, Li Fan immersed himself back into the cultivation of “The Mysterious Yellow Heart-Purifying Mantra”.
A few days later, Li Fan was awakened by an urgent knocking on the door.
It was still dark out, who could possibly be visiting him at this time?
Cautiously, Li Fan fetched a dagger, hid it in his sleeve, and went to open the door.
“Who is it?”
“Brother Li, it’s me.”
The voice of Xiao Heng came from outside the door.
What is this kid doing, looking for me at such a time? Could it be that the residential property I promised him at Tianbao Building isn’t ready yet?
A hint of suspicion flashed across Li Fan’s mind, but he still opened the door and let Xiao Heng in.
Xiao Heng’s face carried signs of panic.
“Let’s sit down and talk.”
The pair got themselves seated indoors, then Xiao Heng burst out, “Brother Li, something bad happened! Our illegally entered status has been revealed!” “Who let the cat out of the bag?” Li Fan, surprised, asked aloud.
“We don’t know. But now everyone on the island knows we’re not native residents of the world of cultivation and that we snuck in through Tianbao Building. They say that the Immortal Teachers are furious and want to have us arrested and executed. Some of us have gotten extremely scared and fled on boats at the break of night. The rest of us don’t know what to do.”
“They all say that Brother Li, you surely have some ideas, so they told me to hurry over here to talk to you,” Xiao Heng explained hurriedly.
After hearing the story. Li Fan thought for a moment. then lightly chuckled
“No need to worry; this incident isn’t that bad.”
Xiao Heng was stunned. “Brother Li, why do you say so?”
Li Fan gave a cold laugh. “Since when do authorities give criminals prior notice before arresting them? If they really wanted to kill you, you’d be already dead. How would they let you know, then allow you to escape and strategize?
“Brother Li, are you suggesting that they deliberately leaked this news to intimidate us?” After hearing Li Fan’s words, a look of realization flashed across Xiao Heng’s face.
“But why would they do that?” He wore a confused look on his face.
“In my opinion, this incident is probably not aimed at us,” Li Fan suddenly stood up, “They’re targeting Tianbao Building..”
