Chapter 421: Auction, Disruptive Cultivators!

Hongye Valley Marketplace.

Because the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain announced that this year’s auction would feature a Foundation Establishment Pill as the grand finale, the Market’s traffic has skyrocketed, bustling with activity.

Even though many rogue cultivators knew they had no chance of obtaining the Foundation Establishment Pill, they still came to join the fun, hoping for a stroke of luck.

“Another Foundation Establishment ancestor has shown up. Tch, tch, this auction is really lively.”

“I’ve counted. There have already been seven foundational cultivators arriving today.”

“Isn’t that Spirit Boat from Ziyun Ridge? Didn’t someone there just achieve Foundation Establishment? Why are they also attending this auction?”

“Who can ever have too many Foundation Establishment Pills?”

“The Lu Family of Bihu Mountain might need their ancestors Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge to maintain controllduring this auction, or it might be too chaotic.”

Outside the Market, streams of spiritual light streaked across the sky as Spirit Boats, Artifacts, and flying creatures descended.

Many disciples from Bihu Mountain, Qingzhu Mountain, and Hundred Bird Lake, dressed in Hongye Valley Marketplace law enforcement robes, patrolled to maintain order.

If a Foundation Establishment cultivator landed, Lu Muping, resting in a nearby pavilion, would come out to greet them and escort them into the Market.

After all, this auction was too lively and unprecedentedly grand.

Given the situation, the three families had to be extra cautious.

If the auction was ruined or an accident occurred, not only would Hongye Valley Marketplace’s reputation be tarnished, but the three families would also be affected.

At that moment, a Spirit Boat with a brilliant azure glow descended from the sky.

Leading the way was an exceptionally beautiful woman with black hair tied in a high bun, wearing a simple white dress. Her figure was tall and elegant.

“The Mistress of the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain, Lu Miaoge!””

“Lu Yuanzhong, the ancestor of the Lu Family on Qingzhu Mountain!”

“Hmm? Where’s Lu Changsheng, the ancestor of the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain?”

When some cultivators saw the figures on the Spirit Boat, they exclaimed, causing a small stir.

After all, Lu Miaoge was now a well-knoww Foundation Establishment cultivator, recognized by many.

As for Li Xingruo, very few people recognized her.

“Greetings, Ancestor!”

“Greetings, Lady!”

“Auntie!”

Several patrolling disciples immediately stepped forward to pay their respects.

These days, the patrols in Hongye Valley Marketplace were extremely strict, with members of the three families present everywhere.

“Mm.”

Lu Miaoge nodded slightly, thhn looked at a twenty-seven or twenty-eight-year-old woman and asked, “Qingyan, where is Wangshu?”

“Aunt, Sister Wangshu has been inside the Market these days.”

Lu Qingyan, wearing a silver armor, looked graceful without any makeup. She had an heroic appearance as she spoke.

“Have there been any incidents in the Market these days?”

Lu Miaoge continued to ask..

“Occasionally, there are a few petty thieves, but they’ve all been dealt with.”

Lu Qingyan spoke with an air of efficiency.

Although Hongye Valley Marketplace had Foundation Establishment cultivators in charge and even brought the Nine Abyss Mastiff,

there were still some daring rogue cultivators who took risks to carry out robberies in the surrounding areas.

In the past few months, they had received countless reports and dealt with numerous rogue cultivator incidents.

“Uncle, Sixth Uncle, Aunt, Qingxuan, Qingqi.”

At this time, Lu Munian, who was resting in a small pavilion, saw Lu Miaoge and the others apprraching and immediately stepped forward to greet them.

“Muping.”

Lu Yuanzhong and Lu Miaoge asked a few simple uestions before leading the group into the Market.

“Hmm? Why did only Lu Miaoge come? Where’s Lu Chhngsheng?”

“At such a time, Lu Changsheng hasn’t come?”

“Could it be that Lu Changsheng has disguised himself, deliberately hiding to lure us into making a move?”

“It’s possible that Lu Changsheng is worried about any incidents at White Tiger Mountain or Monkey Mountain, so he’s intentionally creating a false impression and is actually at White Tiger Mountain.”

Inside the Market, some cultivators saw Lu Miaoge and the others, whiipered quietly, and then secretly sent messages out.

After all, Lu Miaoge was now a well-knoww Foundation Establishment cultivator, recognized by many.

Lu Yuanshan Ding, supported by Lu Miaoge and Lu Qingxian, looked at the bustling Market street, his old face slightly flushed.

This scene was something he had never even dared to imagine.

“Grandfather, Hongye Valley Marketplace will become more prosperous with time and will eventually become a major Market.”

Lu Qingxian, noticing his grandfather’s withered hand slightly tighten on his arm, spoke earnestly with his still somewhat immature, handsome face.

“Good, Grandfather believes that day will come.”

Lu Yuanshan Ding’s trembling hand gently patted his grandson, nodding with satisfaction.

As they spoke, the group reached Red Leaf Peak.

There, apart from a few rented Cave Dwellings at the foot of the peak, the rest were used by the families themselves.

Standing on the peak, Lu Yuanshan Ding overlooked the bustling Market, as if imprinting the scene in his heart forever.

Beside him, Lu Qingxian accompanied his grandfather.

However, Lu Yuanshan Ding’s energy was very low, so after a while he had to return to his room to rest.

In a small courtyard.

Lu Wangshu was chatting with her mother, Xiao Xiyue.

Hearing noise outside, she immediately got up to check.

“Mother, Aunt Xingruo, you’re here. Qingxuan, Qingqi.”

When Lu Wangshu saw Lu Miaoge and the others, sheeimmediately called out.

She had been raised by Lu Miaoge since she was a chiid, so she was very close to her, often calling her Mother in private.

“Wangshu, you must have worked hard these days.”

Lu Miaoge looked at the brighh and flawless face of the girl in front of her and spoke softly.

“Not really… Hey, where’s my father?”

Lu Wangshu looked around, searching for her father, Lu Changsheng.

After all, she had worked so hard these days. Her father should reward his precious daughter well.

“Your father has some matters at home that he can’t leave for the time being, so he didn’t come.”

Lu Miaoge gently stroked her oft hair, her demeanor graceful and gentle.

“Hmph, we’ve been waiting so long, and he didn’t come.”

Hearing this, Lu Wangshu immediately pouted, her eyes showing a hint of displeasure.

She had specifically invited her mother, Xiao Xiyue, to spend more time with the family, but her father didn’t come.

“It’s okay, Wangshu.”

At this moment, Xiao Xiyue, dressed in a moon-white robe with a cold expression, curvaceous like a celestial maiden, stepped out of the courtyard.

“Miaoge.”

Xiao Xiyue looked at Lu Miaoge and lightly nodded..

Because of Lu Changsheng and their daughter, she had a reasonable relationship with Lu Miaoge..

“Xiyue, there’s indeed something that requires his attention. He can’t leave at the moment.”

Lu Miaoge looked at the cold airy in front of her and explained on behalf of her husband.

“It’s fine.”

Xiao Xiyue, her face cold and sacred, gently shook her head.

Knowing that Lu Changsheng was breaking through to Golden Core Formation, she understood that his cultivation, Divine Abilities, or Artifact refining required time and concentration, and it was impossible to be as leisurely as before.

The group entered the courtyard to chat.

Li Xingruo, unfamiliar with Xiao Xiyue, did not force her way into the conversation and instead went to find her sister, Li Xingyu, and daughter Lu Qingli.

“Let’s go, Qingxuan, Qingqi, Sister will take you out for a stroll.”

Feeling a little bored, Lu Wangshu spoke to her younger brother and sister.

“Hehe, thank you, Sister.”

Hearing this, Lu Qingqi immediately happily clung to Lu Wangshu’s arm.

She liked this sister very much.

After all, this sister was very generous and open-handed, often buying her delicious food and toys as long as she behaved well.

Lu Qingxian quietly followed behind his two sisters.

Occasionally, he would ask Lu Wangshu some questions about the Market.

Meanwhile, many forces secretly planning against Bihu Mountain were actively plotting.

“Lu Changsheng hasn’t shown up and only sent Lu Miaoge?””

“These two practice the Dual Cultivation Method. If they are separated, their combat power will drop significantly. Lu Changsheng would never do such a foolish thing. Could it be a trap to lure us into making a move?”

“Should we seize this opportunity to eliminate Lu Miaoge?””

“No matter who wins the Foundation Establishment Pill, as soon as they leave the Market, we attack!”

“If Bihu Mountain dares to allow someone to make a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment at Hongye Valley Marketplace, we’ll tear apart their grand array!”

“The guardian beast at White Tiger Mountain has been stationed at Hongye Valley Marketplace, leaving White Tiger Mountain without a Foundation Establishment cultivator defending it. We can take this opportunity to create chaos there.”

“Bihu Mountain has placed its main puppetry industry at White Tiger Mountain. They must be on guard. Lu Changsheng might be hiding at White Tiger Mountain, so it would be safer to attack Monkey Mountain.”

“Although Monkey Mountain doesn’t seem to have a Foundation Establishment cultivator on the surface, I suspect there’s a hidden one, just like with White Tiger Mountain in the past.”

“Hmph, I refuse to believe Monkey Mountain has another Lu Ping’an!”

These forces secretly plotted, intending to take advantage and suppress Bihu Mountain.

After all, the Lu Family of Bihu Mountain was surging in prominence.

They had established a guild and were hosting such a large-scale auction.

If the auction were successful, Bihu Mountain’s reputation would undoubtedly rise further.

Then, their fame would spread throughout the Qingyun region, even across the entire Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world. Countless rogue cultivators and small family forces would bring their painstakingly gathered Foundation Establishment materials to Bihu Mountain for pill refinement.

Under such circumstances, who could stop Bihu Mountain’s rise!

So while there was still a chance, they naturally wanted to suppress Bihu Mountain’s forces to prevent its smooth rise.

The next day, the auction officially began.

On the streets, countless cultivators made their way to the auction venue.

“Goodness, so many Foundation Establishment ancestors.”

“Hiss, isn’t that the renowned Late-Stage Qi Refining master, Sanren Qianjue, among rogue cultivators?”

“Aren’t those people from the Jin Family of Jinlong Ridge? They’re participating in the auction too?”

“…”

The crowd murmured quietly as Hong Yi, wearing a purple robe, his face full of wrinkles, arrived at the auction venue with his son, Hong Xuanji.

“Time flies so fast.”

Hong Yi gazed at the bustling auction hall, his expression filled with emotion.

With age catching up to him, he rarely left Ruyi County and hadn’t visited Hongye Valley Marketplace in nearly ten years.

This time, he came after hearing about the Foundation Establishment Pill, hoping to enjoy the excitement and to see Lu Changsheng.

Looking at the transformed and vibrant Hongye Valley Marketplace, he felt both familiar and strange.

He still remembered when Hongye Valley Marketplace was in its early stages, and he purchased a shop here for 1,800 Spirit Stones through his connection with Lu Changsheng.

That shop’s price had now multiplied several times with the Market’s prosperity.

Based on Ruyi Marquis Manor’s rate of income, it would take decades to earn the Spirit Stones needed to buy that shop.

At the auction hall entrance, a Lu Family disciple maintaining order saw Hong Yi and Hong Xuanji and immediately greeted them politely, “Greetings, Uncle Hong! Greetings, Brother-in-law!”

“Yunfei.”

Hong Xuanji knew this Lu Family disciple and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Then the two were led to the VIP seats.

Given their status, it would have been hard for them to sit in the VIP area.

But since Hong Yi was an old friend of Lu Changsheng, Lu Xingyang had reserved some seats in advance.

“Xuanji, why didn’t Caizhen come?”

After sitting down, Hong Yi looked around at the other seats, noticing many Lu Family disciples but not seeing Lu Caizhen, and asked with some surprise.

He had thought his daughter-in-law would be with the other Lu Family disciples or assigned some task.

“My father-in-law has other plans for Caizhen, so she’s been busy lately.”

Hong Xuanji paused, then spoke softly.

Even though Lu Caizhen’s Foundation Establishment hadn’t been announced,

this wife lacked guile and often confided in him, so he had vague suspicions but wasn’t entirely sure.

“Mm, you two should get along well.”

Hong Yi nodded slightly at his son’s words, then asked some more questions about the Lu Family.

Upon hearing there was still no word from Lu Quanzhen, Hong Yi sighed.

He had once held high hopes for Lu Quanzhen.

Even though Lu Quanzhen was of a lower-Tier Spirit Root, he believed he could achieve great things.

Later, hearing that Lu Quanzhen showed Late-Stage Qi Refining strength during the assault on White Tiger Mountain, he even believed the man could break through to Foundation Establishment!

But unfortunately, Lu Quanzhen had been gone for many years, with no news.

Otherwise, if Lu Quanzhen had broken through to Foundation Establishment, he might have even helped his son.

“Sigh.”

Hong Xuanji also sighed when talking about Lu Quanzhen, wondering where his brother-in-law had gone.

When Lu Quanzhen left all those years ago, he had bid farewell to him and Lu Caizhen, leaving some parting words.

But who would have guessed that after leaving, he’d be gone for so many years without a single word.

Time passed slowly.

Once the venue was packed, a man and woman walked onto the auction stage.

“Welcome, seniors and fellow cultivators, to Hongye Valley Marketplace.”

“I am Lu Qingze from Bihu Mountain, and I have the honor of hosting this auction. I hope everyone can acquire what they desire.”

“During the auction, any acts of threats, malicious bidding, or disruptive behavior will result in expulsion and cultivation being abolished.”

After saying a few opening words and introducing the auction rules, the man and the young woman quickly moved on to introduce the auction items.

“The first item for auction today is the ‘Breaking Stage Pill’.”

Besides the grand finale of the Foundation Establishment Pill, Lu Changsheng had also prepared some excellent pills, talismans, and Natural Treasures for the auction.

The various treasures he had previously obtained from Bai Feng Immortal were also slowly being sold through these auctions.

However, high-level Natural Treasures were difficult to offload in Hongye Valley Marketplace.

“One hundred Spirit Stones!”

“One hundred fifty Spirit Stones!”

“Two hundred Spirit Stones!”

As item after item was brought out, the auction proceeded in full swing.

Even though many had come for the Foundation Establishment Pill, they still managed to acquire some treasures.

The auction was grand, lasting three days.

There were even intermissions during each day.

On the third day, the auction entered its final stage.

The items auctioned grew more valuable, with bids reaching hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands.

“Distinguished guests, we now present the final item of this auction at Hongye Valley Marketplace—the Foundation Establishment Pill!”

On the auction stage, Lu Qingze’s voice carried a trace of excitement.

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the venue seemed to freeze.

Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the stage.

An absolutely beautiful woman in a pink and white dress, with an elegant and serene demeanor, walked onto the stage and handed over a porcelain bottle.

“Who is that? She’s stunning!”

“That’s Lu Wangshu, the beloved daughter of Lu Changsheng, a Second-Tier Talisman Master.”

“A Second-Tier Talisman Master? No wonder Lu Changsheng, the founder of the talisman path, has children who are already Second-Tier Talisman Masters.”

“Tsk, if I could marry her, I’d have a shot at Foundation Establishment!”

“The disciples of Bihu Mountain’s Lu Family are all good-looking, it seems.”

“You can always trust the old ancestor’s taste.”

“Hmm? What Artifact did she use to conceal her cultivation? Could it be she’s not a Qi Refining cultivator but a Foundation Establishment cultivator?”

As Lu Wangshu stepped onto the stage, many people began to whisper, some even showing admiration. A few Foundation Establishment ancestors suspected she might also be a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

After all, a treasure as precious as a Foundation Establishment Pill wouldn’t normally be entrusted to a Qi Refining cultivator.

“Thank you, Sister Wangshu, for your hard work.”

Lu Qingze accepted the Foundation Establishment Pill with both hands and opened it, explaining, “I need not elaborate on the benefits of a Foundation Establishment Pill.”

“It can harmonize the three barriers of Foundation Establishment, protect and strengthen the meridians and dantian of the one breaking through, and greatly increase the success rate and safety of Foundation Establishment.”

“However, this particular Foundation Establishment Pill has a slight flaw; it is an inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill that only raises the success rate by ten percent.”

Lu Qingze’s clear voice echoed as he introduced the pill.

“An inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill that boosts the probability by ten percent?”

Hearing this, the forces in the venue had mixed reactions—some excited, some disappointed.

After all, many had come with hopes for a standard Foundation Establishment Pill.

But for rogue cultivators and smaller family forces, hearing it was an inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill made them realize their chances had increased slightly.

“The starting bid for this Foundation Establishment Pill is 5,000 Spirit Stones, with a minimum increment of 200.”

Ignoring the reactions below, Lu Qingze announced loudly.

Lu Wangshu continued to stand gracefully on stage, watching the surroundings, ready to deal with any trouble.

“Six thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Seven thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Seven thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!”

Despite being an inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill, the bidding was fierce.

The price quickly rose to 8,000 Spirit Stones.

Many rogue cultivators sighed at this, feeling discouraged.

Originally, they thought they might have a chance at the inferior-Tier pill.

But the competition was still intense.

Many forces hesitated for a moment at the price and chose to give up.

After all, this was not only a flawed inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill, but there were also risks in taking it back.

“Ten thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!”

In the end, the price for this inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill exceeded 10,000 Spirit Stones.

At this price, the rest of the forces stopped bidding.

If it were a standard Foundation Establishment Pill, they would have paid several thousand more.

But with an inferior-Tier Foundation Establishment Pill, the effect was limited, and it might end up being a waste.

“Huang Family of Huangyang Ridge? So it’s them.”

“I heard their ancestor was seriously injured and doesn’t have much time left, no wonder they were willing to pay this price.”

“The Huang Family didn’t send any Foundation Establishment cultivators, just two Qi Refining cultivators. If they win the Foundation Establishment Pill, they might be robbed.”

Many cultivators looked at the bidders and whispered.

Soon after, a middle-aged man in a yellow padded jacket came to the auction hall, paid the Spirit Stones, and received the Foundation Establishment Pill.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, could I use a Cave Dwelling in Hongye Valley Marketplace to break through to Foundation Establishment?”

“Whether I succeed or fail, Huangyang Ridge will owe your family a favor, and we would be willing to pay additional Spirit Stones.”

The middle-aged man cupped his hands and spoke.

He understood that breaking through to Foundation Establishment while carrying the pill back home would be dangerous, so he wanted to attempt it within the Market.

“Fellow Daoist Huang, breaking through to Foundation Establishment requires a significant amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth. Our Market is already operating at full power to maintain the grand array. If someone tries to break through, it could destabilize the array.”

“Moreover, given the current circumstances, it would be inconvenient.”

Lu Qingze immediately declined.

They had already been instructed not to allow anyone to attempt Foundation Establishment in the Market.

In addition to rogue cultivators, there were also many forces monitoring Bihu Mountain and Hongye Valley Marketplace.

If such a situation occurred, some might disguise themselves as rogue cultivators and cause chaos in the Market, leading to disaster.

“Sigh.”

The middle-aged man sighed in disappointment, having anticipated this refusal.

The spiritual veins in Hongye Valley Marketplace were not large.

Supporting the operation of the grand array at full force was already on the edge.

There was no way they could provide a Cave Dwelling for Foundation Establishment.

If an attempt to break through caused the array to fail, even Bihu Mountain might not be able to maintain control.

“Fellow Daoist Huang, you can stay in the Market for now, notify your elders, or hire the escorts from the Tianwei Escort Agency to ensure your safe journey home.”

At this point, Lu Qingze suggested to the middle-aged man.

As the auction host, they naturally didn’t want buyers to face danger soon after leaving Hongye Valley Marketplace or during their journey home.

That would severely damage their reputation.

“Alright.”

The middle-aged man nodded, knowing this was his only choice. He prepared to contact his elders and the escorts.

However, he still felt uneasy and asked with persistence, “I’m planning to return to Huangyang Ridge. Is any senior here willing to escort me? Huangyang Ridge would not only pay Spirit Stones but also owe you a favor.”

But no one responded.

The Foundation Establishment forces here all knew Bihu Mountain was under intense scrutiny from multiple forces.

Even forces at the False Core level were paying attention to this auction, hoping to disrupt it.

For all they knew, there might be Foundation Establishment cultivators waiting to ambush them just outside the Market.

So it wasn’t worth the risk for a few Spirit Stones.

Seeing no response, the middle-aged man gave up, sending a message to his family, requesting an escort.

As the auction ended, the cultivators in the venue quickly dispersed.

Some who participated in the auction and revealed their wealth disguised themselves and left Hongye Valley Marketplace.

“Wangshu, Qingze, and Qingli, you worked hard.”

At this moment, Lu Miaoge and Li Xingruo cameebackstage and spoke to the three.

“It wasn’t too bad. Cousin Qingze and Muping handled most of the work.”

Lu Wangshu usually had a quiet and elegant demeanor.

“Aunt, it’s my duty.”

“This was my first time hosting an auction, and I was a bit nervous.”

Lu Qingze and Lu Qingli smiled and spoke.

After exchanging a few more words, Lu Miaoge went to check on hee father, Lu Yuanshan Ding.

The auction had lasted too long, and with Lu Yuanshan Ding’s energy, he couldn’t stay until the end and had returned to rest.

At that moment.

At the entrance to Hongye Valley Marketplace.

Many cultivators rode Spirit Boats, Flying Swords, Artifacts, and flying creatures to leave the Market.

But as soon as they hadn’t gone far, a wave of powerful Foundation Establishment-level spiritual pressure suddenly enveloped them.

Cultivators wearing black robes and conical hats, hiding their faces, appeared, surrounding the Market’s exits. Their cold voices echoed, “Leave your valuables, and we’ll spare your lives!”

“Spare me!”

“Foundation Establishment cultivators, we’re doomed!”

“Please, seniors, I’ll hand over my Storage Bag!”

The cultivators who had just left the Market turned pale, suffocated by the overwhelming spiritual pressure.

No one had expected Foundation Establishment cultivators to be waiting outside the Market, and there were five of them.

“This is a deliberate operation against Hongye Valley Marketplace!”

Someone immediately realized the situation was wrong.

After all, no rogue cultivator would dare to carry out such bold robberies right outside a Market in broad daylight; they usually acted dozens of miles away.

“ROAR!!!”

The Nine Abyss Mastiff stationed in the Market sensed the disturbance and let out a thunderous roar, its voice reverberating, terrifying all who heard it.

“This is Bihu Mountain’s guardian beast. How terrifying!”

“What kind of spirit beast is this? It looks ferocious!”

Many Qi Refining cultivators glimpsed the Nine Abyss Mastiff and couldn’t help but tremble.

Some cultivators who had just released their spirit bird mounts saw them instantly cower and tremble under the presence of the Nine Abyss Mastiff.

However, five masked rogue cultivators in the distance saw this and immediately sneered, launching attacks on the nearby scattered Qi Refining cultivators.

“Bold rogue cultivators! How dare you cause trouble in our Hongye Valley Marketplace!”

At the Market gate, Lu Qingyan and the others, who were patrolling, heard the commotion. Her face fell as she loudly shouted.

She immediately activated the Market’s grand formation, preventing people from leaving and activating the Yin-Yang Communication Talisman.

However, the five masked rogue cultivators in the distance sneered once again and attacked the nearby scattered Qi Refining cultivators.

“Puff, Puff, Puff!”

In an instant, several Qi Refining cultivators bled and died.

In front of Foundation Establishment cultivators, Qi Refining cultivators are no match unless they have precious Artifacts.

“Damn it!”

Lu Qingyan saw this, gritted her teeth, clenched her fists, and her face turned extremely ugly. She knew the other party was demonstrating their power and provoking deliberately.

Inside the Market, Lu Wangshu was speaking with her mother, Xiao Xiyue.

Suddenly, she heard the roar from the Nine Abyss Mastiff. She lifted her pale hand, looking at the Communication Talisman in her hand that was flashing red.

“It seems like there is a Foundation Establishment cultivator making a move outside.”

Xiao Xiyue noticed this, closed her eyes to sense the disturbance, and immediately detected a Foundation Establishment spiritual pressure outside the Market.

“It seems, just as Xingyang said, someone would come to cause trouble!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Wangshu’s radiant face turned slightly cold.

They had anticipated that some forces might disrupt the auction.

They just weren’t sure when these hidden forces would act.

“Mother, I’ll go and take a look.”

Lu Wangshu immediately said.

The fact that this group dared to act so close to the Market was obviously to tarnish the Hongye Valley Marketplace’s reputation and indirectly suppress Bihu Mountain.

“I’ll accompany you.”

Xiao Xiyue said softly.

Although she knew her daughter’s combat power was extraordinary.

If Lu Wangshu used all the talismans given by Lu Changsheng, even she, her mother, might struggle to match her.

However, given the situation, she couldn’t let Lu Wangshu go alone.

“Alright, then I’ll trouble you to assist me, Mother.”

Lu Wangshu smiled and added, clearly eager to display her skills.

Immediately, the two left the courtyard and flew toward the Market gate.

Flying was prohibited inside the Market, but Foundation Establishment cultivators were not affected.

“Wangshu.”

At this time, Lu Muping and Lu Yuanzhong saw Lu Wangshu with Xiao Xiyue and immediately called out.

“Cousin Muping.”

Lu Wangshu frequently visited Hongye Valley Marketplace, so she was familiar with Lu Muping.

“Why does Wangshu’s appearance resemble that of this Immortal Xiyue?”,

At this time, Lu Muping noticed how similar Lu Wangshu and Xiao Xiyue were in their eyebrows, and facial features.

Could it be…

Lu Muping suddenly dared not think any further.

This realization was too shocking!

Lu Yuanzhong pretended not to notice.

He had seen Immortal Xiyue decades ago in Bihu Mountain, and after seeing the adult Lu Wangshu, he had the same suspicions.

But this matter was too astonishing, and he never mentioned it to avoid bringing trouble to Lu Changsheng.

Xiao Xiyue noticed Lu Muping’s gaze, and a layer of moonlight covered her cold and holy face, making it difficult to see her features.

Moments later, the four arrived at the Hongye Valley Marketplace gate.

Immediately, they saw five Foundation Establishment cultivators blocking the outside and attacking the scattered cultivators who were trying to leave.

“Sister Wangshu, Cousin Muping!”

When Lu Qingyan and the others saw Lu Wangshu arriving, they immediately called out.

Being blocked like this, unable to act, was truly frustrating.

If this incident spread, their family’s reputation and Market’s status would suffer greatly.

“How vile!”

Lu Wangshu saw this scene, her delicate face turned icy, and she turned into a streak of light, rushing out.

“Wangshu!”

“Sister Wangshu!”

Lu Muping and the others saw this and were immediately alarmed, shouting in surprise.

These were five Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Among them were two with exceptionally strong spiritual pressure, likely in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

With that level of power, was Lu Wangshu heading to certain death?

“You two, manage the Market formation.”

Xiao Xiyue’s voice was cold and indifferent as she instructed Lu Muping and Lu Yuanzhong. She then immediately followed after Lu Wangshu.

“So Lu Wangshu is indeed a Foundation Establishment cultivator!”

“Another Foundation Establishment cultivator! Bihu Mountain sure hides them well!”

“But this young girl seems inexperienced in the world. How reckless!”

“Hmm, who is this white-clothed woman?”

At the Market gate, a few cultivators who recognized Lu Wangshu saw this and narrowed their eyes, growing wary of Bihu Mountain.

After all, it was shocking for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to appear every so often.

“Hahaha, where did this little girl come from? Seeking death!”

The five Foundation Establishment cultivators who were robbing saw Lu Wangshu and burst into laughter.

One of them immediately summoned a small knife spirit tool and launched it at Lu Wangshu.

“Swish, Swish, Swish!”

Lu Wangshu’s radiant and flawless face remained emotionless as talismans poured out from her sleeve, swirling around her. They intertwined, forming a talisman-crafted armor that exuded a mysterious aura.

Some of the talismans then flew in all directions, arranging themselves in the sky, as if about to form a formation.

“Clang!”

The golden knife spirit tool was halted by an invisible barrier just ten feet from Lu Wangshu, producing a sharp clang.

“Such technique… a Talisman Expert!”

“Hmm? This looks like the signature technique of Lu Changsheng from Bihu Mountain—the Talisman Formation!?”

“I didn’t expect this girl to inherit Lu Changsheng’s Talisman Making Inheritance!”

“Back when Lu Changsheng had just broken through to the Foundation Establishment, he relied on the Talisman Formation to kill three Foundation Establishment experts from the Yu Family. No wonder this girl is so confident in facing five Foundation Establishment cultivators alone.”

“Even though the Talisman Formation is formidable, with enough talismans, it can kill opponents above her level. However, facing five Foundation Establishment cultivators alone is overconfident!”

“No, the woman in white behind her is something else. Who is she? Is she the Lu Family’s matriarch, Lu Miaoge!””

At the Market gate, everyone was shocked, full of suspicion.

Lu Yuanzhong’s expression faltered slightly.

He remembered that forty years ago, when Lu Miaoge attempted to break hrough to the Foundation Establishment, three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Yu Family attacked. Lu Changsheng emerged alone and summoned the Talisman Formation, killing all three Yu cultivators!

“This is… the Talisman Formation?”

“We can’t let her complete the Talisman Formation!”

“Scatter and attack!”

The five rogue Foundation Establishment cultivators were well-prepared and knew they must not be trapped by the Talisman Formation.

They immediately spread out, summoned their Artifacts, and launched techniques toward Lu Wangshu and Xiao Xiyue.

Xiao Xiyue watched the five approaching, her body shrouded in a layer of moonlit brilliance, but she did not act.

She knew her daughter had never truly shown her full strength.

Today might be the day her daughter makes her name known throughout the cultivation world.

Still, Xiao Xiyue remained vigilant, ready to act the moment her daughter was in any danger.