"So, why don’t you just tell me how many Inquiry Stones you want?"

Han Yu spoke with a bitter smile. The goal of the other party was as straightforward as could be. What would he, a small native of the Central Continent in the eyes of the Celestial Dao Sect, have that anyone would fancy?

Aside from revealing the location of the Glazed Bottle, the most valuable thing he had was the two hundred and fifty Inquiry Stones he’d talked about.

But this really stumped Mu Zili. The thought of someone over two thousand years old bickering with a young boy made him look a bit embarrassed.

But if he didn’t haggle, his profligate master had given away too much — so much that he couldn’t cover it.

So, he glanced at the old Daoist, seeking some advice.

In the next moment, a wisp of spiritual power subtly floated towards the old Daoist.

"How much should we charge?"

The old Daoist turned his head as if looking elsewhere, pretending to be distracted, but he also sent a wisp of spiritual power back.

"Don’t take it all, I need to save some face."

He said it as if he hadn’t said anything at all, and Mu Zili’s face darkened. It seemed he had no shame.

This price was indeed difficult to set. If set too high, both he and the old Daoist would be disgraced.

But if it was too low, they’d really have to give something in return.

Mu Zili was at a loss for words and considered consulting further, but when he sent another wisp of spiritual power, a gold edge flashed briefly around the old Daoist.

Before the wisp even reached the old Daoist’s side, it was completely blocked by an invisible barrier and dissipated.

Great, the old fox had turned on anti-harassment mode.

Mu Zili’s chest heaved with frustration and he finally had to make a decision on his own.

"Technically speaking, you’re an outsider and have nothing to do with my sect. I shouldn’t let you use the Celestial River. But I might make an exception if you pay the price."

Mu Zili said in earnest, leaving no room for criticism.

He continued, "Seeing as you’re from beyond, your small world’s equivalent items are unavailable. Based on the Inquiry Stones you have, you’ll need to give me three hundred."

What? Three hundred!

Han Yu was instantly floored, staring at Mu Zili in shock.

So I actually owe you guys fifty Inquiry Stones?

He felt like the sky was about to fall.

The old Daoist was just as astonished, thinking no wonder his second disciple had made a name for himself — he was ruthless!

Fortunately, Mu Zili wasn’t finished; otherwise, Han Yu was ready to give up entirely.

He even considered saying he might as well stay as an illegal resident and not leave.

Since he couldn’t afford it anyway, he’d be struck by lightning outside.

"However, since we are fated, I’ll secretly give you a discount of one hundred Inquiry Stones. Just don’t spread it around; this is a one-time thing for you."

Han Yu did some quick math, so in the end, he’d only have to give fifty Inquiry Stones, right?

He could bear it; even the smallest gain was still gain.

He could handle it, but the Artifact Spirit couldn’t. In the Sea of Consciousness, it was raging.

Why should they take away two hundred like that?

It’s simply shameless. What on earth could be worth such a steep price to use?

"Calm down! These two can squash you like a bug with just a flick of their fingers."

Han Yu consoled helplessly, at least they were still willing to give fifty Inquiry Stones. If you push your luck, they’d take everything.

Say what you will, these two were actually quite courteous. They could have just taken everything by force, yet they kindly offered a pretext so you wouldn’t feel too bad.

They’re actually quite nice!

"Undercharged."

A wisp of spiritual power secretly reached Mu Zili, and the old Daoist smirked.

Even though they took two hundred, fifty Inquiry Stones were still not a small amount.

Mu Zili shot his master a glance, and turned his head away immediately, thinking, when I wanted to consult you, you had anti-harassment mode on.

Now you complain it’s too low, where were you earlier?

He realized the old Daoist wanted more but couldn’t lose face.

Seen but not replied!

Mu Zili still cared about his reputation and found it hard to change his stance once he had spoken.

If it weren’t for the old Daoist’s reckless spending, he wouldn’t have to lose face like this.

...

This place kept shocking Han Yu incessantly.

After leaving the mansion, with Mu Zili leading the way, Han Yu was involuntarily carried upward, breaking through the clouds.

Suddenly, a rapid flow of water, trickling and streaming, caught Han Yu off guard.

A river hung above the nine heavens, flowing incessantly.

Its width spanned a thousand zhang, its momentum vast, stretching endlessly beyond the horizon.

Milky Way?

Han Yu inexplicably felt that it bore a striking resemblance to the river scene displayed by Celestial Dao sect members.

Or rather, their starscape was quite similar to this river.

The only difference might be that it lacked the vividness and grandeur of what lay before him.

But how could a river flow in the sky?

"Looks false yet true, both real and unreal."

The Artifact Spirit suddenly spoke gravely; with its perception, the Celestial River in front seemed both illusory yet genuinely real.

"Either it’s a supreme treasure beyond understanding, or..."

Or what?

Han Yu urged it continuously, why did this stupid spirit choose now to stall?

The Artifact Spirit frowned, seemingly searching for the right analogy.

"Or perhaps the rules came to life!"

What does it mean for rules to come to life?

The Artifact Spirit struggled to explain, "It’s like how Su Xiaoxiao’s starscape came to life, evolving into the current Celestial River."