Lu Ping wasn’t particularly interested in what resources the Liu Family needed to procure.

After briefly explaining his own need to acquire resources, he bid farewell to the two from the Liu Family and headed to Inner Star City.

As a bustling hub of commerce, the rich spiritual energy in Inner Star City was immediately apparent to Lu Ping as soon as he set foot there, marking a stark contrast to Outer Star City.

One must pass through a layer of Array Restriction when entering, known as the Celestial Profound Demon Extermination Array, which is mainly used to detect demon cultivators.

This array is only fully activated at critical moments and is powerful enough to slay Nascent Soul Stage cultivators.

Under such protection from this array, demon path giants from various regions dare not easily make a move against Celestial Star City.

At most, they can only covet and attempt some clandestine tactics out of envy.

Following the directions of the Void Celestial Extreme Saint’s avatar, Lu Ping entered a large shop.

This was a vintage and lavishly styled building, with a sign at the entrance displaying the three flamboyant characters: Taixu Pavilion.

Taixu Pavilion, a renowned commercial establishment in Inner Star City, is primarily known for selling magical artifacts.

Rare and scarce magical artifacts can be found here.

Various common high-tier spiritual artifacts are also available here.

Their main business revolves around magical artifacts, offering a diverse and impressive variety.

Of course, other items like elixirs, arrays, talismans, puppets, etc., are also available here, just not as professionally specialized as the magical artifacts.

According to Void Celestial Extreme Saint’s avatar, Taixu Pavilion will soon host a Trade Conference, attracting many high-tier cultivators.

What is known as the Trade Conference in Central Yunzhou is essentially a barter where cultivators bring out their idle treasures to exchange with others.

For example, exchanging a Tier Five Flying Sword for a bottle of Tier Five Pill or infant spirit beasts and such.

The Five Elements Immortal Essence is a Tier Five Spiritual Object, extremely rare in Central Yunzhou.

Besides aiding Nascent Soul cultivators in breaking through to the Divinity Transformation Stage, it can also be used to make the Heart of the Spirit Veins, cultivating high-tier spirit veins.

Such treasures are incredibly precious, no matter their use.

In Taixu Pavilion, Lu Ping felt the chances of someone possessing the Five Elements Immortal Essence for the trade conference were slim.

But with no other means to acquire it, he was left to try his luck here.

Lu Ping inquired with the shop clerk about the specific start date of the trade conference.

"Where did you hear that our shop would host a trade conference?"

The clerk attending to Lu Ping was a Crystallization Stage cultivator, appearing to be in his forties, with a kind demeanor; instead of answering, he questioned back.

"The news about this trade conference only circulates among Nascent Soul and Divinity Transformation Stage cultivators. Those below Nascent Soul Stage are not eligible to participate."

The Void Celestial Extreme Saint’s avatar calmly explained, and Lu Ping immediately understood.

Evidently, not everyone can attend this trade conference, only those whose cultivation meets the standards are eligible.

The Taixu Pavilion clerk responded to maintain the trade conference’s secrecy and prevent idle people from causing a disturbance or seeking favors.

Lu Ping didn’t engage further with him and directly released a portion of his cultivation aura, retaining some strength, approximating a mid-stage Nascent Soul level.

The clerk initially intended to feign ignorance of the matter.

Upon sensing the powerful aura emanating from Lu Ping, he immediately displayed surprise, saying: "So it’s a True Monarch visiting; my younger eyes were unworthy. Sir, please wait a moment."

As soon as the clerk finished speaking, he turned around to inform the shopkeeper in the back hall.

In a moment, the Taixu Pavilion shopkeeper warmly greeted Lu Ping, a woman appearing in her thirties, wearing a purple robe that accentuated her graceful figure and an aloof temperament.

Upon first glance, it was clear she was no ordinary person and destined for greatness.

"I am Lin Xianqian, the shopkeeper of Taixu Pavilion. Greetings, Senior."

"No need for formality."

Lu Ping casually assessed Lin Xianqian and noted her cultivation at the First Layer Golden Core, having recently broken through. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

A Golden Core cultivator managing a shop is quite rare in Lingxi State.

The two exchanged a few simple words and discussed the trade conference, confirming Lu Ping’s strength. Lin Xianqian handed him a purple participation token.

"This token is proof of participation in the trade conference. Our shop will hold the conference in the back hall’s elegant room three months from now. Please attend on time, so you do not miss the opportunity."

Lin Xianqian’s words and actions were notably friendly, showing respect for a strong cultivator like Lu Ping.

Seeing Lu Ping as unfamiliar, although curious about his origin, she refrained from probing further.

"Thank you."

After obtaining the participation token and exchanging a few more words, Lu Ping bid farewell.

That day, he checked into an inn within Inner Star City.

Over the next three months, Lu Ping visited all major shops in Inner Star City, exploring famous locales and inquiring about the Five Elements Immortal Essence.

This investigation drew the attention of several Nascent Soul True Monarchs in Inner Star City, though none visited him.

Recently, news spread among Nascent Soul cultivators in Celestial Star City that someone sought the Five Elements Immortal Essence.

Lu Ping’s actions were deliberate.

Instead of depending on chance at the trade conference, he opted to publicize his intention, allowing Nascent Soul True Monarchs, even Divinity Transformation Daoist Monarchs, to take notice.

If any possessed excess Five Elements Immortal Essence, they could bring it to the trade conference for exchange.

As the trade conference approached, Celestial Star City’s gathering included over ten Nascent Soul cultivators and even some Divinity Transformation Stage cultivators who came upon hearing the news.

Three months passed in the blink of an eye, and on this day, Taixu Pavilion’s appearance seemed unchanged.

The difference was that several figures had already gathered in the back hall’s elegant room, all participants of the trade conference and high-tier cultivators.

Each held a Taixu Pavilion participation token, with the lowest cultivation at the First Layer Nascent Soul.

When Lu Ping arrived, nine people were already gathered.

The arrival of this unfamiliar cultivator aroused curiosity among nearby cultivators, with some taking the initiative to converse and inquire about Lu Ping’s origin.

After all, within the ten thousand miles surrounding Celestial Star City, whether Nascent Soul or Divinity Transformation cultivators, the limited numbers meant most were familiar with one another.

Being an outsider, Lu Ping naturally attracted their attention.