Chapter Index

    As Lu Changsheng’s thoughts wandered, the auction officially began.

    “The first item in this auction is the ‘Breaking Stage Pill’.”

    “This pill helps to break through the mid-stage Qi Refining bottleneck, suitable for various cultivators. Today, ten pills are up for auction, each starting at one hundred low-Tier Spirit Stones.”

    A graceful maid walked up with a tray. Yu Ningjun picked up a porcelain bottle and began to introduce it.

    Most people present knew the effects of the Breaking Stage Pill.

    Yet, he introduced it in great detail.

    He explained the ingredients, effects, and even which alchemist made it.

    His explanation was neither awkward nor stiff, but humorous and interesting.

    “Breaking Stage Pill!”

    “I didn’t expect the first auction item to be the Breaking Stage Pill.”

    “I wonder if there will be higher-Tier Breaking Stage Pills later.”

    Many cultivators in the hall were excited, surprised by the quality of the first item.

    The Breaking Stage Pill is a versatile pill.

    Almost every cultivator and family force can use it for their younger generation.

    “One hundred ten Spirit Stones!”

    “One hundred twenty!”

    “One hundred fifty!”

    People kept bidding.

    But they knew it wouldn’t exceed the Market price.

    Soon, all ten Breaking Stage Pills were sold.

    “First-Tier top-quality defensive talisman—Golden Light Amulet! It can withstand a full-strength attack from a peak Qi Refining cultivator.”

    “First-Tier Longevity Pill, which can extend life by five to ten years. However, only the first pill of this grade is effective.”

    “White Spirit Emerald Bird, a low-Tier top-quality spirit bird. It can travel three thousand miles a day and navigate automatically, making it convenient for sending messages.”

    “Golden Mantis Blade, a top-quality set of magical weapons. One mother blade and eight child blades. When holding the mother blade, you can control the eight child blades to attack the enemy, making defense difficult and extremely sharp.”

    The auction proceeded in an orderly manner.

    As it was the first auction in Hongye Valley Marketplace.

    The items could be considered small treasures.

    However, Lu Changsheng did not participate in the bidding.

    One reason was that he didn’t value these items.

    Another reason was to avoid revealing too much wealth.

    Usually, his spending in the Lu Family was typical of someone living paycheck to paycheck.

    He brought his wife here to enjoy the event and gain some knowledge.

    “Second-Tier low-quality talisman—Thunder Fire Talisman. Comparable to an attack from a great Foundation Establishment cultivator. Our Yu Family appraisers guarantee these talismans are top quality, with power about ten to twenty percent higher. Starting bid is three hundred Spirit Stones, and there are ten talismans.”

    At this time, a maid brought another auction item on stage. Yu Ningjun introduced it.

    “Second-Tier talisman, and a top-quality one?”

    “It seems the Yu, Lu, Bai, and Zheng families invested heavily in this auction.”

    “These top-quality talismans not only have better power but are also suitable for Talisman Masters to copy. It might be worth bidding for one.”

    Many people in the hall discussed and were tempted by the talisman.

    It’s difficult for ordinary cultivators to buy High-Tier talismans.

    They have to go to large Markets to buy them.

    But often, they need to make an appointment and wait.

    Especially for High-Tier talismans.

    Now, ten Second-Tier talismans are up for auction, all of them top quality, naturally attracting interest.

    “It seems this talisman could fetch a good price.”

    Lu Changsheng saw the enthusiastic atmosphere and smiled.

    He knew the twenty talismans he had Xiao Xiyue auction would bring a considerable profit.

    “Four hundred Spirit Stones!”

    Immediately, a Qi Refining cultivator bid, raising the price by one hundred Spirit Stones.

    The starting price at auctions is usually below Market price, allowing room for bidding.

    This cultivator clearly wanted to raise the price significantly to discourage competition.

    But the other cultivators were not foolish.

    They knew the normal price for Second-Tier low-quality talismans, so the price for these top-quality talismans would be higher.

    “Four hundred ten.”

    “Four hundred twenty!”

    “Four hundred fifty!”

    In a moment, the price for this talisman soared to half above the starting bid.

    “Four hundred seventy!”

    “Five hundred!”

    Lu Changsheng watched the rising price and felt very pleased.

    He didn’t expect his Second-Tier talismans to be so popular.

    Once all twenty talismans were sold, he would earn ten thousand Spirit Stones.

    Sometimes, making money is that simple.

    “Five hundred fifty!”

    At this moment, Lu Yuanshan Ding calmly bid, quoting a price.

    “Father-in-law?”

    “Dad?”

    Lu Changsheng and others looked at Lu Yuanshan Ding in surprise.

    They didn’t know why he suddenly bid.

    Other people in the hall saw Lu Yuanshan Ding’s bid and didn’t continue.

    One reason was that five hundred fifty Spirit Stones was already a high price.

    Another was out of respect for the Lu Family, they didn’t compete, knowing there were still nine talismans left.

    “Hehe, I heard from the Fourth Elder that top-quality talismans are great for Talisman Masters to copy.”

    “Changsheng, Miaoge, you are now First-Tier Talisman Masters. You can use this talisman for copying. It might help you advance to Second-Tier Talisman Masters.”

    Lu Yuanshan Ding smiled and explained to Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge..

    Usually, the four main families wouldn’t compete with others at this auction.

    But for his daughter and son-in-law, he made an exception.

    His final bid wasn’t meant to pressure others.

    “Thank you, father-in-law, for your generosity.”

    Lu Changsheng felt a bit amused but also touched.

    “Hehe, no need for such formality among family.”

    Lu Yuanshan Ding waved his hand.

    After the first Thunder Fire Talisman was auctioned, the remaining nine were sold.

    Each was sold for over five hundred Spirit Stones.

    The last two even fetched nearly six hundred Spirit Stones each.

    These buyers likely had the same thought as Lu Yuanshan Ding.

    They wanted the talisman for copying, not for self-defense.

    If it were for self-defense, the price wouldn’t be worth it.

    After the ten Thunder Fire Talismans were sold, Lu Changsheng’s other ten Second-Tier Vajra Talismans were not immediately auctioned.

    The auction items varied in quality to keep the atmosphere lively.

    “Senior, here are the Second-Tier Thunder Fire Talismans you bid for.”

    Soon, a law enforcement cultivator escorted a maid who delivered the talisman box to the VIP booth.

    Lu Yuanshan Ding had Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge check the talisman..Confirming it was fine, he paid five hundred fifty Spirit Stones.

    Then he handed the talisman to Lu Changsheng.

    He advised them to study the talisman lines and Qi flow.

    They could also consult the Fourth Elder.

    “Honored guests, next is a batch of High-Tier spirit birds raised by the Bai Family of Hundred Bird Lake.”

    Yu Ningjun took out several spirit birds from a Spirit Pet Bag and began to introduce them.

    Seeing this, Lu Changsheng, who had been sitting leisurely, showed some interest.

    He had long wanted a flying mount to replace his Iron Feather Eagle.

    But he hadn’t had the chance.

    The flying mounts available in the Market were similar to the Iron Feather Eagle.

    Not much improvement.

    Although he had obtained a ‘Green Jade Luan Bird’ egg.

    It was stolen property.

    It would take a long time to hatch and raise it as a mount.

    “Purple Scaled Eagle, Mid-Tier middle-quality bloodline, with the strength of a mid-stage First-Tier cultivator. It’s a good choice for both fighting and flying. Starting bid is three hundred Spirit Stones.”

    “Golden Crowned Crane, Mid-Tier top-quality bloodline, with the strength of a mid-stage First-Tier cultivator. Starting bid is five hundred Spirit Stones.”

    “Black Winged Hawk, High-Tier low-quality bloodline, with the strength of a peak-stage First-Tier cultivator. Starting bid is one thousand Spirit Stones.”

    Yu Ningjun introduced three types of birds.

    “Father-in-law, are there any other flying spirit birds later?”

    Lu Changsheng looked at the Golden Crowned Crane and Black Winged Hawk on stage and asked Lu Yuanshan Ding.

    He remembered the partial list of auction items announced earlier.

    But he hadn’t looked closely.

    If there were no better spirit birds, he thought the Black Winged Hawk was acceptable.

    “I think there’s a Late-Stage First-Tier Black Winged Hawk later.”

    Lu Yuanshan Ding said after thinking.

    Then he asked Lu Changsheng, “Why, do you want to buy a spirit bird?”

    “I often travel back and forth, so a good flying mount would be convenient.”

    Lu Changsheng nodded honestly.

    “Changsheng, there’s no need to waste money on this.”

    “The Iron Feather Eagle is already a good flying mount.”

    “Although the Golden Crowned Crane and Black Winged Hawk are faster, the difference isn’t significant.”

    “Not only does it waste Spirit Stones, the cost of feeding it is much higher than the Iron Feather Hawk.”

    “For mere travel, there’s no need to waste this money.”

    Lu Yuanshan Ding spoke up, advising Lu Changsheng not to waste money.

    The Iron Feather Hawk was a cooperative flying mount developed by the Lu Family and the Bai Family.

    Not only was it affordable, but its flying speed and daily expenses were also excellent, making it the best cost-effective choice.

    “Alright.”

    Hearing this, Lu Changsheng thought for a moment and gave up the idea of changing the flying mount.

    He didn’t dislike the Iron Feather Hawk’s speed.

    But every time they encountered an enemy, it would tremble with fear.

    Given the current situation, even the Black Winged Hawk would tremble in the face of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

    If he encountered a low-level Qi Refining cultivator, he could kill them with one hand, so there was no need to worry about the mount.

    “It feels like I should go for the best in one step, otherwise a Late-Stage first-level Black Winged Hawk is meaningless to me.”

    “Besides, spending a thousand Spirit Stones on a flying mount would make me look extravagant.”

    Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

    After watching the auction for so long, he realized that his usual spending seemed a bit high.

    Or rather, he earned Spirit Stones too easily, so he got used to spending lavishly.

    In this auction, items valued at over a thousand Spirit Stones were considered very expensive.

    Many people only had a few hundred Spirit Stones on them.

    The auction continued in an orderly fashion.

    Talismans, pills, magic tools, spirit beasts, Secret Techniques, and various other cultivation arts appeared.

    The remaining ten second-level talismans Lu Changsheng had consigned through Xiao Xiyue were also taken out for auction.

    But seeing Lu Yuanshan Ding preparing to bid again, Lu Changsheng took the initiative to bid.

    After all, as a Talisman Master, it made sense for him to bid on a talisman in this situation.

    He didn’t want Lu Yuanshan Ding to spend money on him again.

    Over five hundred Spirit Stones was a significant expense for Lu Yuanshan Ding.

    As time passed, the auction finally reached its climax.

    “Next is the grand finale of this auction.”

    “I believe all the guests have been eagerly waiting for this.”

    Yu Ningjun said solemnly, making everyone in the hall perk up.

    Many people were here specifically for these final auction items.

    Soon, several maids carrying trays covered with red cloth appeared on stage.

    “The first item is the Foundation Establishment spiritual liquid—Earth Fire Spiritual Liquid.”

    “It helps with the three stages of Foundation Establishment, especially beneficial for those cultivating fire attribute techniques. Starting price is 1,500 Spirit Stones.”

    Yu Ningjun lifted the red cloth from the first tray, revealing a crystal-clear glass bottle on a jade tray.

    Through the glass bottle, one could see the fiery red liquid inside.

    “Foundation Establishment spiritual liquid!”

    “Earth Fire Spiritual Liquid!”

    Countless people in the hall looked at this Foundation Establishment spiritual liquid with burning eyes.

    Even Qi Refining cultivators who couldn’t afford it looked at it with longing.

    After all, it was a spiritual liquid related to Foundation Establishment.

    “I wonder what price this Foundation Establishment spiritual liquid will fetch.”

    Lu Changsheng’s expression was calm, thinking to himself.

    The Market price for Foundation Establishment spiritual liquids was around 2,000 to 3,000 Spirit Stones.

    But if you really wanted to buy it, the final price would usually be higher.

    After all, Foundation Establishment spiritual liquids were universally useful treasures.

    Both Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators, whether rogue cultivators or family forces, needed them.

    But he wasn’t interested.

    He already had four Foundation Establishment spiritual liquids.

    “2,000 Spirit Stones!”

    The bidders weren’t foolish, knowing that adding just a hundred or two hundred Spirit Stones wouldn’t mean much. They directly bid 2,000, showing their determination.

    “2,100!”

    “2,500!”

    “2,800!”

    Soon, this Foundation Establishment spiritual liquid was auctioned off for 3,900 Spirit Stones.

    Although the price was inflated.

    Foundation Establishment spiritual liquids were rare and valuable.

    Especially for cultivators of fire attribute techniques, spending more Spirit Stones was worth it.

    “Second-level spiritual pill—Three Yang Pill!”

    “This pill needs no introduction. Named after the phrase ‘Three Yang brings prosperity,’ it can eliminate all hidden injuries when consumed. It also has some miraculous effects for Qi Refining cultivators advancing to Foundation Establishment.”

    Yu Ningjun lifted another red cloth, holding up a glass jade bottle as he introduced it.

    “Three Yang Pill.”

    Lu Changsheng noticed his wife, Lu Miaoge, looking at him witt tender eyes.

    He smiled lightly, not saying anything.

    Ultimately, this Three Yang Pill was auctioned off for 3,800 Spirit Stones.

    The same price Lu Changsheng had paid at the ‘Pill Cauldron Pavilion.’

    But that was normal.

    Pills bought at the ‘Pill Cauldron Pavilion’ were generally more expensive.

    Unless there was competition, auction prices usually didn’t exceed Market prices by much.

    One grand finale item after another appeared.

    These items were mostly bid on by Foundation Establishment family forces or advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators.

    Ordinary rogue cultivators in the Qi Refining stage couldn’t afford to participate.

    “Mid-Tier spiritual tool—True Yang Five Elements Sword.”

    “Crafted meticulously by Master Ou Zhi, using True Yang Wutong and Five Elements Gold as materials. With the help of three advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators, it took seven days and nights to forge, combining the powers of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. Starting price is 3,000 Spirit Stones!”

    At this moment, Yu Ningjun lifted the red cloth, revealing a three-foot-long spirit sword with a golden glow, and introduced it.

    “True Yang Five Elements Sword!? Combining the powers of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth?”

    Lu Changsheng, who had been relaxed, looked sharply at the introduction.

    Although he had refined the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp as his natal spiritual tool, he still lacked a suitable spirit sword.

    But crafting a suitable spirit sword that combined yin, yang, and the five elements wasn’t easy.

    He could only find a second-level refining master to forge it.

    But he didn’t know any such refining masters at the moment, so he had to put it aside.

    “This True Yang Five Elements Sword, although not perfectly combining yin, yang, and the five elements, is still very suitable for me.”

    Lu Changsheng thought to himself, preparing to bid on this spirit sword.

    Although Mid-Tier spiritual tools were generally used by mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

    With the Xuanyuan Pearl, he was not weaker than a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

    In fact, his Qi was even more abundant than that of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

    However, in this setting, he couldn’t bid himself, so he had to trouble Xiao Xiyue.

    Because his Divine Sense was his weakness, and he could be detected, Lu Changsheng didn’t use Divine Sense to communicate with Xiao Xiyue.

    Instead, he discreetly took out Xiao Xiyue’s Communication Talisman.

    “Hmm?”

    Not far away, Xiao Xiyue saw the communication from Lu Changsheng and was puzzled.

    But seeing Lu Changsheng’s gaze towards the auction stage, she immediately understood.

    “5,000 Spirit Stones!”

    Xiao Xiyue immediately bid.

    Before, she was worried about not having enough Spirit Stones.

    But after auctioning the twenty second-level talismans, she had no concerns about Spirit Stones.

    “5,500!”

    “5,800!”

    “6,000!”

    “6,500!”

    “7,000!”

    At 7,000 Spirit Stones, Xiao Xiyue glanced at Lu Changsheng.

    The price of Mid-Tier spiritual tools was generally between 5,000 and 6,000 Spirit Stones.

    This True Yang Five Elements Sword was a high-quality spirit sword, so it was more expensive, but 7,000 Spirit Stones was about right.

    “Continue.”

    Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, signaling Xiao Xiyue to continue bidding.

    This spirit sword was just right for him, and he wouldn’t save on Spirit Stones.

    Initially, a few Foundation Establishment cultivators were bidding, but after the price exceeded 7,000 Spirit Stones, only a stern-faced middle-aged man and Xiao Xiyue were left bidding.

    But when Xiao Xiyue bid 7,900 Spirit Stones, the Foundation Establishment cultivator had to give up with a cold snort.

    He even glanced at Xiao Xiyue while snorting.

    As if wanting to see who didn’t give him face.

    Seeing this, Lu Changsheng memorized the Foundation Establishment cultivator’s appearance.

    He didn’t mind resolving the grudge with him after leaving the Market with Xiao Xiyue.

    After the Mid-Tier spirit sword, a spiritual armor and a rare spiritual pill were auctioned, marking the end of the auction.

    After the auction ended, the Yu Family Patriarch and Lu Yuanzhong went on stage, announcing that the venue could now be used for free trading.

    They even offered private rooms or secret chambers for trading services.

    Lu Changsheng wasn’t interested in this and found it inconvenient to participate.

    Besides, the auction lasted almost a day, and his four wives were a bit tired from watching.

    He said a word to Lu Yuanshan Ding and left with his four wives.

    “Junyun, thank you for your hard work at this auction.”

    In a private room, the Yu Family Patriarch, Yu Yuanshan, looked at his grandson, Yu Ningjun, and said with satisfaction.

    He was very satisfied with his grandson’s performance at the auction.

    “Grandfather, this is what I should do.”

    Yu Ningjun respectfully said to the old ancestor.

    “Jun’er, I know the old ancestor gave the Foundation Establishment Pill to Ninghu and auctioned off the ‘Earth Fire Spiritual Liquid’ meant for you. You must be upset.”

    “But don’t worry. In ten years, if you perform well in the Market, I will definitely get you the next Foundation Establishment Pill.”

    “At that time, I will also secure a suitable Foundation Establishment spiritual item for you.”

    Yu Yuanshan said with a determined tone, looking at his grandson.

    “My elder brother took the Foundation Establishment Pill and succeeded. How could I not be upset?”

    “As for the ‘Earth Fire Spiritual Liquid,’ it was not suitable for me anyway. Even with it, my chances of Foundation Establishment were slim. It was better to auction it for the family’s benefit.”

    “This is also my voluntary decision.”

    Yu Ningjun said calmly.

    Currently, the Yu Family only had two Foundation Establishment cultivators on the surface.

    But last year, Old Ancestor Yu Jinyang bought a Foundation Establishment Pill at Nine Heavens Immortal City.

    He let his great-grandson Yu Ninghu successfully establish his foundation in Nine Heavens Immortal City.

    Only the core members of the Yu Family knew this news.

    “Good, it’s reassuring that you think this way.”

    “Now, with the Hongye Valley Marketplace, as long as we manage it well and develop steadily, we can even take over the Zheng, Lu, and Bai families. Our Yu Family can advance further.”

    Yu Yuanshan was very pleased with his grandson’s understanding, and his eyes showed a look of longing.

    Yu Ningjun’s eyes also showed a longing look when he heard this.

    Meanwhile, several miles away from Hongye Valley Marketplace.

    “Puff! Puff! Puff!”

    Two tribulation cultivators killed a pair of cultivators who had just left the Hongye Valley Marketplace.

    They were skilled and efficient.

    After handling the bodies, they immediately activated the formation tool to hide their presence.

    Whenever a lone Qi Refining rogue cultivator appeared, they would kill them swiftly and repeat the process.

    “Hmm? Someone is attempting Foundation Establishment at Hongye Valley Marketplace soon?”

    One of them, a burly tribulation cultivator in a gray robe and wearing a bamboo hat, took out a Communication Talisman to check.

    “Hongye Valley Marketplace is just a middle-Tier spiritual vein. They dare let someone attempt Foundation Establishment here? Aren’t they afraid of affecting the formation?”

    Said the young tribulation cultivator beside him, also in a gray robe and wearing a bamboo hat.

    “The Market probably wants to win this person over.”

    “And attract rogue cultivators to come to the Market for Foundation Establishment.”

    “After all, this Market doesn’t have a strong backing. It’s just established by four Foundation Establishment families.”

    “The strongest is the Yu Family, and their old ancestor Yu Jinyang is only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.”

    “Usually, the Market is guarded by only one early Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

    The burly man said disdainfully.

    Then he looked at the young tribulation cultivator and said, “Your mother sent me a message. She probably wants to make a big move.”

    “We’re already wanted by the Heavenly Sword Sect. We might as well take this opportunity at Hongye Valley Marketplace to loot and then escape the Jiang Kingdom to the Yue Kingdom.”

    “That way, you’ll have the resources for Foundation Establishment.”

    The burly man said.

    “Father, isn’t this too risky?”

    The young tribulation cultivator said worriedly.

    “What’s risky about it? I’ve come this far from a nobody with no background. I’ve seen all kinds of storms.”

    “Hongye Valley Marketplace has no big backing. This auction isn’t just attracting us to rob. Many people are coming to fish in troubled waters and take advantage.”

    “Moreover, once the Market is in chaos, everyone is a tribulation cultivator.”

    The burly man said confidently, obviously very familiar with such matters.

    Chapter Summary

    The chapter describes an auction where various valuable items, including pills, talismans, and spirit birds, are sold. Lu Changsheng and his family attend, with his father-in-law bidding on a talisman for him. Lu Changsheng considers buying a new flying mount. The auction showcases the high-quality items and the strategic bidding among cultivators. Lu Changsheng attends an auction where various valuable items, including the True Yang Five Elements Sword, are up for bid. He restrains his spending, realizing he has been too lavish, and strategically bids on crucial items with the help of Xiao Xiyue. The auction concludes with free trading opportunities, but Lu Changsheng, feeling it inconvenient, leaves with his wives. Yu Ningjun's grandfather is satisfied with his performance at the auction. Despite some setbacks, Ningjun is determined to contribute to the family. Meanwhile, tribulation cultivators plan to disrupt the Hongye Valley Marketplace, taking advantage of its weak defenses.

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