Limitless: 10 Billion Times Power
Have you ever wonder: what could be achieved with a multiplier of tens of billions? [Ding!] You obtain various currencies, and with a multiplier of ten billion, your wealth increases 10 billion-fold. [Ding! You acquire new techniques, and with a multiplier of ten billion, your technique evolves into a more powerful version.] [Ding! You collect various pets, and with a multiplier of ten billion, your pets multiply by 10 billion.] [Ding!You are attacked, but with your defense fully maxed out in your current realm, all attacks at the same level are completely ignored.] [Ding! You practice diligently, and with a ten billion-fold increase, your cultivation instantly reaches the highest level of your current realm.] ... As Li Taixing continued his journey of cultivating immortality, he realized that the multiplier of ten billion didn't just apply to objects—it applied to himself and his pets as well. Slowly, he discovered that anything could be multiplied, from as little as one time to as much as ten billion times, all under his control.
Chapter 42: Buying Ghost Mask
Li Taixing made his way to Lin Tieshan. Upon arrival, he encountered the gatekeeper disciples and explained his purpose.
"You said you're Li Taixing, the direct disciple of the Fifth Elder?" one of the disciples asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes, brother," Li Taixing confirmed.
The disciples exchanged glances. One of them asked, puzzled, "Why are you here at our division?"
"I wish to visit the Third Elder," Li Taixing replied.
"No need," the disciple said dismissively. "Our master won't see you. You'd better go back."
Considering Wang Xuanwu's reputation within the Xuantian Sect, it was likely that only Sect Leader Zhao Wentian and the Seventh Elder, Zhu Qing, could tolerate her. Most other Elders avoided her whenever possible. The same disdain extended to her disciples, which was why the gatekeepers had no desire to subject the Third Elder to any potential trouble.
"Brothers, could you make an exception?" Li Taixing asked, pulling out two bags of Spirit Stones.
He glanced around to ensure no one else was watching before approaching the two gatekeepers and handing each a bag of Spirit Stones.
Li Taixing then stepped back, bowing respectfully. "Senior brothers, I apologize for any inconvenience. If you could allow me to meet the Third Elder, I would be deeply grateful."
The weight of the Spirit Stones immediately caught their attention. The disciples stared in disbelief at the heavy bags, thinking, 'This kid must be loaded!'
"There are 100 Spirit Stones in each bag," Li Taixing continued. "If you help me meet the Third Elder, I'll give each of you another bag."
The disciples were stunned. As gatekeepers, they only earned ten Spirit Stones a month, yet here were 100 in each bag. They swallowed hard, hardly believing their luck.
"Well... why don't we give it a try? We're just delivering a message, after all," one of them suggested.
"Yes, let's give it a shot," the other agreed.
And so, the two disciples accepted Li Taixing's bribe. To avoid potential punishment, they played a quick game of chance to decide who would go to report the message. The loser begrudgingly went to deliver the news.
Seeing that they agreed, Li Taixing allowed himself a slight smile before quickly returning to a neutral expression. As one of the gatekeepers left, Li Taixing took the opportunity to approach the remaining disciple.
"Senior brother, do you know if the Third Elder has any need for these?" Li Taixing asked, showing him another bag of Spirit Stones.
The gatekeeper looked around to ensure they weren't being watched, then discreetly gestured for Li Taixing to come closer.
Seeing this, Li Taixing handed over the Spirit Stones without hesitation.
The gatekeeper smiled and said, "This is quite nice, indeed."
No further words were needed. The gatekeeper's reaction confirmed to Li Taixing that the Third Elder was also likely interested in wealth. His master's advice from the previous night, "It's amazing what money can do," echoed in his mind, affirming his approach.
After a while, the other gatekeeper returned and said, "Master will see you."
"Thank you, brother," Li Taixing said gratefully.
"No need."
Li Taixing handed each of them an additional 200 Spirit Stones, leaving the gatekeepers in high spirits.
He then proceeded to the top of Lin Tieshan, where the Third Elder, Zhao Dezhu, resided.
Zhao Dezhu was a tall, thin man with a mustache and a shrewd look. He eyed Li Taixing curiously and asked, "Li Taixing, what brings you here to see me?"
Knowing that Zhao Dezhu had a fondness for wealth, Li Taixing didn't beat around the bush. "Is this a convenient place to talk? I've brought a gift."
"What do you mean by that?" Zhao Dezhu asked, intrigued.
"Three Elders, I wish to purchase your ghost mask," Li Taixing said, presenting a bag containing 10,000 Spirit Stones.
Zhao Dezhu was taken aback by the generous offer.
"Ten thousand Spirit Stones?"
"Yes."
"You want to buy my ghost mask for 10,000 Spirit Stones?" Although the amount was significant, Zhao Dezhu wasn't ready to part with the mask so easily.
"You misunderstand, Elder. The 10,000 Spirit Stones are merely a gift. As for the mask, I'm willing to negotiate a fair price. However, please keep in mind that if the price is too high, my master may take issue, and that could cause complications," Li Taixing explained, adopting a pitiful demeanor.
Zhao Dezhu was stunned by Li Taixing's lavishness. The 10,000 Spirit Stones alone were a substantial sum, but they were just an initial gift. Nonetheless, Zhao Dezhu understood that the young man had come with a specific request.
After considering for a moment, Zhao Dezhu said, "Very well, 100,000 Spirit Stones, and the ghost mask is yours."
He was careful not to ask for too much, knowing that if Wang Xuanwu found out, there could be serious consequences.
"Deal," Li Taixing agreed without hesitation.
Zhao Dezhu was shocked. 'Did this kid really have 100,000 Spirit Stones? Even the Sect would struggle to gather such a sum, yet he agreed so easily?'
But remembering the 10,000 Spirit Stones Li Taixing had given him upfront, Zhao Dezhu had to admit that the young man's financial resources were extraordinary.
"Alright then," Zhao Dezhu said, retrieving the ghost mask and handing it to Li Taixing. "This mask is quite special. It can conceal your true face and even mask your actual Cultivation Base. I've tested it myself; unless someone has reached the Transcending Tribulation Realm, they won't be able to see through it."
"Wow, that's incredible," Li Taixing responded, genuinely impressed.
"Indeed."
"Thank you, Three Elders."
Li Taixing accepted the mask and handed over the 100,000 Spirit Stones.
Zhao Dezhu was overjoyed, though he maintained a calm exterior, not wanting to reveal his excitement.
"Alright, you may go now," Zhao Dezhu said.
"Thank you, Three Elders. I'll take my leave," Li Taixing replied, bowing.
As Li Taixing departed, Zhao Dezhu could barely contain his eagerness to count the 110,000 Spirit Stones he had just acquired.
Meanwhile, Li Taixing, now in possession of the ghost mask, left Lin Tieshan, feeling equally satisfied.
Just then, he received a voice transmission from Wang Xuanwu.
"Disciple, return to the mountain gate. Your things are ready."
Li Taixing responded via his Chifeng Order, "Understood, Master. I'll return immediately."
After scanning his surroundings to ensure no one was watching, Li Taixing teleported back to Scarlet Peak Mountain.