Born with immortal seed

Chapter 170 Demon Cultivator Appears

"According to the auction catalog, there should still be one magical artifact that hasn't appeared in the second round..."

Bai Zichen was slightly anxious and flipped through the auction catalog that was lying next to him again.

This manual only provides a general description of the categories of items for each round of auction, without any specific details.

The item that just finished being auctioned was a high-grade spiritual artifact called the Purple Cloud Barrier.

The purple curtain, as smooth as ice, can conjure up illusions to dazzle the senses and disturb the mind, and can also emit a purple glow to defend against enemy attacks.

This high-grade spiritual artifact, which is both offensive and defensive, has a starting bid of seven thousand spirit stones.

Bai Zichen thought about it and felt that it was not a good match for him, so he did not make a bid.

These kinds of magical artifacts are quite popular in the cultivation world, mainly because they are good at both offense and defense, so you can buy one less magical artifact and save spirit stones.

He wielded the Yinzhu Sword and the Tianxin Sword, each sword equivalent to a top-grade spiritual weapon.

When the two swords are combined, they can unleash 20-30% of the power of a low-grade magic weapon.

Ordinary offensive magical artifacts no longer catch his eye.

"The last item in the second round of auction is the top-grade spiritual artifact, the Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl, with a starting price of 15,000 spirit stones, and comes with a secret method for refining it."

No sooner had Du Shierlang finished speaking than Bai Zichen's finger touched the water mirror, and he eagerly clicked on the item to be auctioned.

The Seven-Pearl Mysterious Pearl is as large as a basket and as black as ink.

It was discovered in the eye of a thousand-foot-deep pool and refined by a third-tier weapon refiner.

Without adding any external elements, seven restrictions were added to the pearl, making it a top-grade spiritual artifact.

It possesses only one wondrous use: the Seven Wonders of the Clouds, which makes it impervious to all evil and also has the supernatural power to ward off water, allowing one to ignore the pressure of a thousand feet of water and walk as if on flat ground.

There is another secret method for refining, which can make the Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl perfect and sublimate it into a low-grade magic weapon by refining it with seven powerful auras.

"A top-grade defensive magical artifact, with the potential to be upgraded into a magic weapon..."

Bai Zichen's eyes lit up; no wonder the starting bid was as high as 15,000 spirit stones.

"This item suits my needs perfectly. The secret method for refining it is vague, only mentioning the possibility of upgrading its grade, which can be ignored for now..."

He analyzed the Seven-Pearl Pearl repeatedly to use it as a basis for his bid.

"A type of precious pearl is naturally suited for crafting defensive treasures, as it best brings out the inherent characteristics of the spiritual material. This Xuan Pearl is itself a top-grade third-tier spiritual material, which can be used to craft magical artifacts."

"Although it's unclear why the refiner wasted such a precious material, squandering this top-grade third-tier spiritual material and only preserving the possibility of advancement... it's certain that the Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl is among the most outstanding of all top-grade spiritual artifacts."

Bai Zichen had seen the price quotes that Wanbaoge gave to its VIPs at the Thousand Treasure level. Top-quality defensive spirit artifacts usually cost between 13,000 and 18,000 spirit stones.

The Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl is of such high quality that it is worth 18,000 spirit stones.

In addition, it has the ability to avoid water and retains the possibility of being upgraded to a magic treasure. Even if it is priced at 20,000 spirit stones, it will not go unsold.

"The thrill of a blind auction is no less than that of an open auction. You can't see the other bidders bidding at all; you have to rely entirely on your mental estimation..."

Bai Zichen had already written down the price of 24,000 spirit stones, but after thinking about it, he erased it and rewrote the price as 26,000 spirit stones.

Apart from strategic resources like high-grade spirit stones, other spirit stones are only considered not wasted if they are circulated and transformed into useful resources for oneself.

He has always held this view, so he doesn't mind paying a slight premium.

Of course, going too far beyond that is unnecessary.

"Junior Brother Bai, do you have enough spirit stones on you?"

Jinlu stared blankly as his junior brother made his bid, then asked a question as if waking from a dream.

"According to the auction house rules, if you bid recklessly and win a bid but then can't come up with enough spirit stones, it will be considered disrupting the event... Not only will you have to forfeit your entire deposit, but you will also be blacklisted and banned from participating in any auction in the Immortal City for a hundred years!"

The two registered as disciples of the Qingfeng Sect, and if they break their promises and are held accountable, it will implicate the sect.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Jin. Since I've made an offer, I've definitely prepared the spirit stones."

Bai Zichen originally planned to purchase two top-grade spiritual artifacts, and even used his sect contribution to exchange for mid-grade spirit stones for this purpose.

With his current net worth, he could easily afford a single Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl.

Jin Lu gasped, sat down, and said no more.

He clicked his tongue in amazement. Could this kind of field really yield such a high profit?

He had long heard that this junior brother Bai had made a lot of spirit stones by contracting spirit fields and growing spirit rice.

But this bold move still terrified him.

Has no one ever taught this junior brother Bai that on the path of cultivation, all kinds of pills are bottomless pits of expenses, and that one should always save more spirit stones for later?

Jin Lu himself spent tens of thousands of spirit stones to break through to the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

However, at the current bottleneck of the late Foundation Establishment stage, most elixirs are no longer effective.

The Great Barrier-Breaking Pill had long since lost its effectiveness, so we switched to the more potent Heavenly Wisdom Pill, which costs six thousand spirit stones per pill.

I've taken three pills in the past few years.

Each time he took the Heavenly Cong Pill and refined it, he could feel himself taking a step forward.

However, there is still an unbreakable barrier between them and the later stages of Foundation Establishment.

Bai Zichen waited quietly, and then the image on the water mirror changed, with the Seven-Pearl Mystic Pearl suddenly lighting up.

Twenty-six thousand spirit stones, successfully bid!

"Fortunately, it seems that no one has any other idea that this bead is indispensable."

Bai Zichen smiled, knowing that once he refined the Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl, he would be able to fill another gap in his knowledge.

Before reaching the Core Formation stage, there's no need to consider other defensive treasures.

As for collecting the seven types of Qi and upgrading their ranks, that's just something to take a look at casually.

If it truly becomes a third-tier magic weapon, just like the Nine Yang Divine Fire Mirror, it will be useless to him given his cultivation level.

"Even if someone takes a liking to it, they have to be richer than Junior Brother Bai... Apart from those cultivators with powerful backgrounds, very few people would spend so many spirit stones on top-grade spiritual artifacts. Everyone would rather save up to buy a third-grade spiritual pill and try their luck at breaking through to the next realm."

Jin Lu said with a hint of envy and a sour tone.

"And the third round of auction is about to begin, and the wealthiest people are all waiting for the grand finale."

The Seven-Pearl was brought into the private room, and Bai Zichen presented the spirit stones he had prepared beforehand, holding the pearl in his palm.

Even before it has been refined, you can feel the moisture just by holding it in your hands, and hear the roar of crashing waves in your ears.

"As expected of a top-grade spiritual artifact forged from third-tier spiritual materials, and the craftsman did not destroy the original mystery of the pearl, leaving enough room for improvement... No wonder it can be sublimated again as long as the seven auras are gathered."

Jin Lu, standing to the side, clicked his tongue in amazement. With his discerning eye, he immediately recognized the difference between the Seven-Skill Mystic Pearl and other top-grade spiritual artifacts.

This was the first time Bai Zichen had ever seen a spiritual artifact that could significantly affect the senses and consciousness simply by emitting unusual phenomena, without being activated.

The jade slip beside him contained the secret method of refining, which he picked up and scanned, revealing a satisfied expression.

Even though it hasn't been formally refined yet, just based on its outward appearance and the advancement techniques recorded in the jade slip, he felt that the spirit stones he spent were worthwhile.

The third round of auctions began, marking the true climax of the auction.

"Three drops of Pure Jade Marrow, a spiritual substance for forming a elixir... I believe you all know its effects without me having to elaborate."

For the first time, Du Shierlang's expression changed as two ladies presented him with a jade tray, on which three drops of spiritual liquid flowed like pearls.

With the soundproofing array in place, Bai Zichen couldn't hear the conversations in the nearby private rooms.

But he believed that the monks in the second-floor private rooms, including the important figures on the third floor, must have already raised their guard.

"Was it auctioned by Zengguang Immortal City at the request of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect?"

Bai Zichen knew that some forces would send their treasures to the Immortal City auction in hopes of getting a good price.

However, this should not include Qingling Jade Marrow.

"That shouldn't be the case. There have been Core Formation spiritual items at auctions in the past, but none of them were Pure Spirit Jade Marrow... The Myriad Beasts Sect never resells Pure Spirit Jade Marrow. Core Formation spiritual items have no shortage of buyers, so there's no need for them to be auctioned. This would only make the auction famous, and it wouldn't benefit us at all."

Jin Lu was equally puzzled. According to his sources, he had not heard of any close relationship between Zengguang Immortal City and the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.

"This might involve high-level transactions, which are beyond our comprehension..."

Bai Zichen frowned, considering what this matter represented and whether the changes in the actions of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect would affect the Green Maple Sect.

"Three drops of Pure Spirit Jade Marrow are for sale as a package. The starting price is 60,000 spirit stones, and each bid must be at least 5,000 spirit stones higher."

Du Shierlang's voice resounded throughout the venue, and a clear chime sounded, signaling the start of the auction.

"It actually matches the publicly stated transaction price of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, which only makes things worse..."

Bai Zichen had accompanied Elder Yang to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect once, and he knew that every cultivator who could obtain the Pure Spirit Jade Marrow from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect had to pay far more than just a single high-grade spirit stone.

"Seventy thousand spirit stones!"

A voice, indistinguishable between male and female, came from the next private room, clearly being deliberately concealed.

"Eighty thousand!"

"One hundred thousand spirit stones!"

……

"Three hundred thousand spirit stones!"

One bid after another came from the private rooms on the second floor, and soon the figure reached 300,000 spirit stones.

The heated bidding atmosphere in the room paused briefly. Many Core Formation level sects could afford 300,000 spirit stones, but such a large expenditure would definitely seriously affect the normal operation of the sect.

Unless it's a do-or-die situation, it's difficult for any normal force to pay a heavy price to seek a Core Formation item that increases the probability of Core Formation by just one percent.

"Three hundred and thirty thousand spirit stones."

The first price quote finally came from a private room on the third floor; it was a hoarse, low female voice.

After a heated exchange between Core Formation cultivators, the three drops of Pure Spirit Jade Marrow were ultimately sold for a staggering 390,000 spirit stones to a young voice on the third floor.

Bai Zichen was quite excited watching it; that was the charm of open bidding.

Even an old fellow who has lived for hundreds of years is not immune to moments of competitiveness.

This price also made Bai Zichen realize just how much face Old Ancestor Yang had given to buy three drops of Pure Spirit Jade Marrow from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect with three high-grade spirit stones.

Following the Pure Spirit Jade Marrow were a mid-grade curved scimitar magic weapon, a Six Desires Rebirth Pill that could extend lifespan by sixty years, and a third-tier demon beast inner core.

Each item auctioned caused a stir in the hall.

Apart from the inner cores of third-tier demonic beasts, all the other auction items ended up in the private rooms on the third floor reserved for Core Formation cultivators.

"It's probably some powerful force facing a major crisis, desperately needing a fake Core cultivator to bolster their image, which is why they sold off their possessions to acquire this third-tier demon beast's inner core..."

Bai Zichen had at least accomplished half of his goals for this trip, and watched the final round of bidding with a relaxed attitude.

Since they were in a private room on the second floor, they were just like the others, with only Foundation Establishment cultivators present.

The intention behind spending a large sum of money to acquire the inner core of a third-tier demon beast is self-evident.

The last item in the auction was two bamboo counting rods, the images engraved on them so vividly that they stirred the mind and made one uneasy.

According to the water mirror, the bamboo counting rods are related to a secret place in the outer sea and are suspected to be the key to unlock it.

Despite its connection to a secret realm, the vague description of the bamboo counting rods garnered very little attention.

Only in the private room on the third floor were two Core Formation cultivators facing off, constantly raising the price.

In the end, he acquired the two counting rods for 230,000 spirit stones.

"Junior Brother Bai, let's rest for two days. See if there's anything else we need to buy in the city, and then we'll return to the sect."

Jin Lu chuckled and patted his belly, having spent all the spirit stones his sect had advanced on this trip to the Immortal City.

But having acquired the three thousand-year-old Golden Crown Ganoderma lucidum, and after returning home and explaining the reasons, with Gu Xisheng speaking up for him, it all seemed like a great achievement.

As for the fact that it cost tens of thousands of spirit stones more than expected, no one at the higher levels said it was due to excessive spending and waste of public funds.

Having connections at the top can be interpreted as being adaptable and willing to take on responsibilities.

"That works too. I was just looking to see if there were any high-grade storage bags for sale in the city..."

As a convergence point for various forces, Zengguang Immortal City undoubtedly possesses far more secrets than Qingfeng Sect.

However, Bai Zichen was new to the area and had no way of finding any records about spiritual entities.

Otherwise, he would still like to investigate whether the mysterious spiritual body he possesses has been explicitly recorded in the history of the cultivation world.

As the two were talking and about to walk out of the auction house, a group of cultivators walked towards them, and they had no choice but to avoid them.

The opposing team was all dressed in black robes, with a hideous skull on their chests and two points of eerie fire flickering around it.

"A disciple of the Ghost Spirit Sect!"

Bai Zichen and Jin Lu exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking. The Ghost Spirit Sect had actually come to participate in the Immortal City Auction, and they had run into each other just as they were leaving.

Among the Ghost Spirit Sect cultivators, some also saw them. One of them whispered a few words to the elderly woman at the head of the group, and the old woman's venomous eyes immediately glared at them.

"So they're just two brats from the Green Maple Sect. What a coincidence..."

The old woman sneered incessantly, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two of them, as if venomous snakes were crawling on their skin, sending chills down their spines.

"go!"

Jin Lu pulled Bai Zichen along and quickened their pace, leaving the auction house.

They deliberately sneak into crowded places and disappear in a few swaying movements.

"Grandma, should we follow them to see when those two from Qingfeng Sect leave the Immortal City, so we can track them down and ambush them?"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator, whose face was completely devoid of flesh and blood, leaving only a skin tightly clinging to his body, stepped forward and asked with a slightly ingratiating tone.

"We can scare them, but killing them is out of the question... We came here under the name of the Ghost Spirit Sect. If something happens to these two Qingfeng Sect kids, the Du family can easily trace it back to us. The cultivators who appear near the Immortal City are all lone wolves or those lawless cultivators from the outer sea. They do one job and leave. Otherwise, who would dare to mess with the Du family?"

The old woman was clearly tempted for a moment, but then quickly gave up on the idea.

"Given the rules of the Immortal City, I don't want to experience the taste of True Lord Du's Xuanming Heavy Water. If we wait until the two of them leave the Immortal City and then immediately enter the territory of the Righteous Qi Alliance, we'll run into that group of old Taoist priests, which will be just as troublesome."

"Enough, two Foundation Establishment juniors... Once Senior Brother White Bone gets in touch with True Person Blood God, let's see how long Ge Cang can remain arrogant!"

I recommend a newly released book to my friends: "Immortal Abode Beast Taming".

Fang Qingyuan, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, started a business using spirit beasts for ferrying people across the river.

While his fellow disciples were slaying demons and exploring, he was ferrying customers across the river; while his fellow disciples were exploring ruins and caves, he was ferrying customers across the river; while his fellow disciples were fighting five opponents at once, he was still ferrying customers across the river.

In response, Fang Qingyuan said, "Fighting and killing is not my style. Isn't it better to earn spirit stones peacefully?"
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(End of this chapter)