Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 898 The Wealth of the Immortal Realm, Spiritual Flower in Hand!
Zhou Xun then put away the magic array and went to the courtyard.

"I've met the young master!"

At this moment, Sun Yuanxuan had also emerged from seclusion. Upon seeing Zhou Xun's figure, her face lit up with joy, and she quickly bowed.

"Not bad!"

After several days of arduous training, the magical power within her body became much more solid.

"It's all thanks to the elixirs bestowed upon us by the young master!"

On the day she broke through, Zhou Xun bestowed upon her some Qi Condensation Pills.

Sun Yuanxuan's eyes were full of gratitude as she spoke respectfully.

Zhou Xun nodded slightly, and after a quick glance at her, he could tell that her cultivation had stabilized and even improved.

He nodded in satisfaction and said, "You will come with me to the Wanzhenlou auction today, so you can see for yourself."

Upon hearing this, Sun Yuanxuan's face lit up with delight: "Thank you, young master!"

After a brief preparation, the two left the cave and headed towards Wanzhen Tower in the center of Beishan City. Along the way, Sun Yuanxuan couldn't hide her excitement and whispered, "..."
"Young master, I've heard that there are many rare items at this auction. Do you have any in mind?"

"Of course we have them. If you have something you like, you can get one!"

Then Zhou Xun led Sun Yuanxuan out of the cave.

By this time, the city of Beishan was already brightly lit. The streets were bustling with people, and many cultivators were hurrying towards the west of the city, clearly heading towards the Wanzhenlou auction.

He walked with the crowd and saw a magnificent building complex rising from the ground in the distance.

The central main building is a hundred feet tall, made entirely of white jade, with upturned eaves like a phoenix spreading its wings. Each glazed tile is engraved with intricate runes, emitting a faint spiritual light in the night.

Above the main entrance of the building, the three gilded characters "Wanzhenlou" are written in a vigorous and flowing style, with the strokes seemingly imbued with the energy of swords, clearly the work of a master.

Two bronze unicorns, each over ten feet tall, stand lifelike in front of the gate. Their eyes are inlaid with fist-sized luminous pearls, illuminating the surrounding area for dozens of feet as bright as day.

Judging from Zhou Xun's pupil technique, there seemed to be a restrictive spiritual light inside the bronze Qilin.
"It seems these are still two puppets. I wonder if they are related to the ones on the city wall!"

After showing his invitation, Zhou Xun was led into the main building by a maid dressed in a moon-white dress.

Upon entering, the scene before him moved him slightly.

The interior space is several times larger than the exterior, which is obviously due to the application of spatial principles.

The dome is so high that its top is invisible, with countless star-like pearls floating above it, forming a vast star map. The ground is paved with solid pieces of azure jade, and with each step, ripples of spiritual light spread out.

At the very center was a huge circular auction stage, surrounded by nine tiers of tiered seating, each tier containing hundreds of individual cubicles separated by semi-transparent barriers.

The top floor contains thirty-six luxurious private rooms, all made of amethyst. The interior is not visible from the outside, but from the inside, one can have an unobstructed view of the entire venue.

Zhou Xun was led by a maid to one of the amethyst private rooms. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt a surge of spiritual energy that was several times stronger than that outside.

The private room was elegantly furnished, with a rosewood table in the center adorned with cloud patterns. Fragrant tea wafted from the table, and several translucent red fruits were displayed, clearly precious items.

"Senior, this is the list of participants for this auction. Please feel free to call me if you need anything." The maid respectfully handed over a jade slip and then quietly withdrew.

Zhou Xun scanned the jade slip with his divine sense, taking in information on hundreds of auction items. When he saw a particular item, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

"Young master, have you discovered something?" Sun Yuanxuan keenly noticed his change.

Zhou Xun smiled slightly and handed the jade slip to Sun Yuanxuan: "What do you think of this 'Water Source Pearl'?"

Sun Yuanxuan took the jade slip and probed it with her divine sense. She saw an image of a bright blue pearl appear before her eyes. Inside the pearl, there seemed to be flowing waves, and it exuded a rich water-attribute spiritual energy.

"This bead can accelerate the cultivation of water-attribute techniques. While it may not be of great use to you, young master, it is a rare treasure for Yuan Xuan." A hint of longing flashed in her eyes, but she hesitated, adding, "However, the price will probably be quite high."

"It's alright," Zhou Xun said calmly. "It's just a top-grade third-tier spiritual item; it won't be that expensive!"

Just then, a clear chime rang out from outside the private room, signaling the official start of the auction.

A middle-aged man in a purple and gold robe stepped out from the auction stage. He had a refined appearance, yet exuded an air of authority.

"Welcome, fellow Daoists, to the Wanzhenlou Auction. I am Zhao Wuyai, the Master of Wanzhenlou." The man cupped his hands and surveyed the room; his voice, though not loud, clearly reached everyone's ears.

"This auction features a total of 1,368 rare items,"

"As for the rules, they are very simple: the highest bidder wins. No one may interfere with the auction process based on their status; otherwise, they will bear the consequences!"

As soon as the words were spoken, a figure appeared, exuding an extremely powerful aura.
"Blood Spear Heavenly Lord!"

Everyone in the room shuddered. This auction actually had a Nascent Soul cultivator as a backer. It seemed that few people would dare to break the rules!
Seeing the crowd's solemn demeanor, Zhao Wuyai was extremely satisfied.
"Now we'll begin with the first item—"

With a flick of his sleeve, a bright red fruit floated up, radiating a scorching heat.

"The fourth-grade low-level spirit fruit, 'Crimson Flame Vermilion Fruit,' has a starting price of 500,000 spirit stones, with each bid increment no less than 50,000!"

"Five hundred and fifty thousand!"

"Six hundred thousand!"

Bidding was fierce, and finally a gray-robed monk won the bid!
Zhou Xun simply watched quietly. These auction items were good, but none of them were what he needed.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye, and one-fifth of the auction was already over.
"Next is the 309th item—" Zhao Wuyai took out a deep blue pearl, which was the Water Source Pearl.

"This pearl was mined from the deepest part of the sea and contains pure water elemental power. Wearing it will make your cultivation twice as effective!"

"Starting price: 800,000 spirit stones. Each bid must be at least 50,000 spirit stones higher!"

Zhou Xun answered without hesitation: "One million six hundred thousand!"

The moment the price was announced, the room quieted down a bit. Many cultivators turned to look at the amethyst box, but were unable to see it due to the barrier.

The price was doubled immediately, aiming to create a strong initial impact.
However, he still underestimated the extent of the wealth of the immortal cultivators.

“One million eight hundred thousand!” a hoarse voice came from the opposite compartment.

"Two million!" Zhou Xun's tone was calm, yet it exuded an air of unwavering determination.

"Two million three hundred thousand!"

The other party refused to back down and immediately raised the price by 300,000 spirit stones.

Seeing this, Sun Yuanxuan hurriedly grabbed Zhou Xun's sleeve: "Young master, this price is too high, how about..."

Zhou Xun gently patted the back of her hand, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes: "It's alright." Then he said loudly:

"three million!"

The price caused an uproar. After a moment of silence in the opposite box, a cold snort rang out: "Three million one hundred thousand!"

“Three million two hundred thousand.” Zhou Xun followed without hesitation, his voice still calm and composed.

Previously, he had obtained a large sum of spirit stones from the storage bags of the five elders of the Sun family, exceeding his previous accumulation.

Sun Yuanxuan's eyes reddened with anxiety: "Young Master, this is too extravagant."

Zhou Xun turned to look at her and said gently, "Since you serve me, what do mere spirit stones matter?"

The opposing side finally gave up, and Zhao Wuyai made the final decision: "Congratulations to this fellow Daoist for winning the Water Source Pearl with 3.2 million spirit stones!"

Shuiyuanzhu was quickly brought into the private room by a maid.

Sun Yuanxuan accepted the pearl with both hands. Inside the pearl, water rippled and the sound of tides could be faintly heard.

She placed the pearl close to her brow, and instantly a cool sensation flowed through her entire body, increasing the speed of her internal magical power circulation by 30%!
"Thank you, young master!" Her eyes were filled with joy as she gracefully bowed. Zhou Xun waved his hand: "Just focus on your cultivation."

Another half hour passed, and the auction finally moved on to the high-value items.
"The 563rd item—" Zhao Wuyai's voice suddenly rose, "A fourth-grade superior spiritual medicine, 'Iron Wire Yuanzhi'!"

Zhao Wuyai held a jade box in his hand, inside which lay a black lingzhi mushroom with silver patterns on its surface.

The lingzhi mushroom was only the size of a palm, yet it emitted astonishing spiritual energy fluctuations, with each silver vein seemingly flowing slowly.

"This fungus grows deep within the earth's veins, requiring a thousand years to fully form," Zhao Wuyai declared loudly.
"Taking it can cleanse the marrow and strengthen the foundation of magical power; it also has remarkable effects on Nascent Soul stage cultivators!"

Zhou Xun's eyes flashed with a sharp light; this was precisely his most important objective for this trip!
"Starting price: five million spirit stones. Each bid must be at least one hundred thousand spirit stones!"

The words had barely left his mouth when the bidding began in rapid succession:
"Five and a half million!"

"Six million!"

"Six million three hundred thousand!"

The price soared rapidly, quickly surpassing the seven million mark. Zhou Xun, however, remained calm and composed, waiting until the bidding subsided before suddenly speaking: "Eight million!"

A murmur rippled through the room. This price exceeded the market value of the Iron Wire Yuanzhi tea, but soon, a chilling voice came from the top-floor VIP box:
"Eight and a half million!"

Zhou Xun frowned slightly; the voice belonged to the person who had just been fighting with him for the Water Source Pearl.

"Nine million." Zhou Xun raised the price without hesitation.

The other party refused to budge an inch on the offer of "9.5 million".

Sun Yuanxuan nervously gripped her sleeves: "Young master, what about the price?"

"Don't worry!" Zhou Xun smiled slightly, then said loudly:

"Since you are so fond of this treasure, then I will gladly accept it!"

He originally intended to use this spiritual herb to enhance his spiritual roots, and he didn't have any requirements regarding its type.

As soon as Zhou Xun finished speaking, the entire room erupted in an uproar. The box opposite him was clearly not expected to stop so suddenly, and for a moment they fell silent.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Wuyai immediately shouted, "Nine and a half million spirit stones, deal!"

Ultimately, the elixir was won by the person on the other side!
Just then, the door of the private room suddenly opened, revealing a middle-aged cultivator dressed in black robes with a sinister face. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently in the direction Zhou Xun was.

"How dare you mock me!"

Zhou Xun smiled calmly: "Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. Auctions are based on the principle of the highest bidder winning. Since you are so persistent, I will naturally help you achieve your goal."

"you!"

The black-robed cultivator trembled with rage, yet he was unable to refute it. He had acted impulsively just now, and only now, having calmed down, did he realize that he had paid far more than the market price for this spiritual herb.

Just then, the figure of Blood Spear Heavenly Monarch suddenly appeared above the auction stage, his Nascent Soul stage aura enveloping the entire venue:
"Private fights are strictly prohibited inside Wanzhen Tower!"

The black-robed cultivator's expression changed, and he had no choice but to sit back down dejectedly.

Sun Yuanxuan breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Young Master, you have excellent skills."

Zhou Xun smiled slightly and continued to pay attention to the auction. He knew that the black-robed cultivator would not let the matter rest, but with his current strength, he was not afraid of the revenge of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

On the contrary, he was happy that the other party was causing trouble, which added a bit of fun to his boring cultivation life.

The auction continued, and soon several more top-grade fourth-tier spiritual herbs were added.
Zhou Xun spent 7.6 million and 8.3 million spirit stones respectively to bid.

For the rest of the time, Zhou Xun did not make a move.

Until one of his goals this time,

"The Hundred Illusions Mystic Flower!"

The flower's petals are crystal clear, as transparent as glass, and its stamens shimmer with iridescent light, making it dazzling and mesmerizing.

"Fourth-Tier Supreme-Grade Spirit Herb - Hundred Illusion Mystic Spirit Flower"

"This flower can help break through the limits of eye techniques. The starting price is ten million spirit stones, and each bid must be at least five hundred thousand more!"

Zhou Xun's gaze sharpened: "Fifteen million!"

"Seventeen million!" A chilling voice came from the right-hand box.

"Twenty million!" Zhou Xun said without hesitation; he was determined to get this item.

A murmur rippled through the room; the price far exceeded the value of the medicinal herb itself. The cold voice snorted and dropped the bid.

Finally, the Hundred Illusions Mystic Flower was delivered to the private room. After Zhou Xun checked it and found nothing wrong, he put it into his storage bag.

The auction became increasingly heated, even surprising Zhou Xun.

I can't help but marvel at the vastness and abundance of the immortal realm!

The final five lots were brought out one after another, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

"The fifth treasure from the bottom," Zhao Wuyai surveyed the entire room, taking out an ancient jade slip.

"The incomplete scroll of the Taixu Danjing contains three fifth-order elixir formulas and twelve fourth-order elixir formulas!"

"The starting price is five spirit crystals, and each subsequent bid must be at least fifty top-grade spirit stones!"

As agreed with Su Yuanqing, Zhou Xun began the bidding: "Five spirit crystals!"

"Six!" an aged voice came from the top-floor VIP box.

"Six spirit crystals and fifty top-grade spirit stones!" Another bidder offered.

"Seven spirit crystals!" A melodious female voice rang out, clearly indicating that this treasure had many suitors!

After a moment's thought, Zhou Xun immediately offered: "Ten spirit crystals!"

The price caused an uproar in the room.
This is a wealth that most cultivators in this field could never attain in their entire lives!
This price also deterred several other competitors!
Zhao Wuyai made the final decision: "Congratulations to the fellow Daoist in Box 7, Room A!"

When the maid brought the jade slip, Zhou Xun scanned it with his divine sense and confirmed that it was indeed the "Tai Xu Dan Jing" (Scripture of the Great Void Elixir), then put it into his sleeve.

After the auction ended, Zhou Xun left Wanzhenlou with Sun Yuanxuan. As soon as they stepped out of the gate, they sensed several divine senses secretly spying on them.

"Young Master, someone is following us," Sun Yuanxuan said nervously.

Zhou Xun sneered and released his Nascent Soul power slightly, causing those divine senses to retract as if electrocuted.

"Let's go." He calmly led Sun Yuanxuan away.

Back in his cave, Zhou Xun took out the Hundred Illusions Mystic Spirit Flower, and saw that the petals shimmered with a mesmerizing light under the moonlight.

"I will begin my seclusion tomorrow to refine this flower," he said to Sun Yuanxuan.
"You should also cultivate diligently, lest you waste the Water Source Pearl."

Sun Yuanxuan nodded emphatically: "Young master, rest assured, Yuanxuan will definitely study diligently without ceasing!"

Just then, a sound transmission talisman flew in and stopped above the barrier.

With a flick of the finger, a melodious sound rang out.

"Junior Su Yuanqing greets Senior Zhou!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun smiled slightly. It seemed that the woman had sensed his aura being revealed earlier.

(End of this chapter)