Qinghe Immortal Clan.

In the cultivation world of Donghuang Kingdom, in the eastern part of Nanzhou, there is a place called "Tainanfang".

"Tainanfang" is the largest market town in the entire Southern Continent. The entire market town is built on a mid-grade fourth-level spiritual vein, and its area is at least three times larger than that of "Chiyunfang".

As the largest market town in Nanzhou, "Tainan Market" does not belong to any one sect, but is jointly controlled by the nine Nascent Soul forces in Nanzhou, with more than one Nascent Soul cultivator stationed here year-round.

Although "Tainanfang" is not as bustling as super-large markets like "Tianyufang" and "Xianyuancheng" in Donghuang Kingdom, it is still far superior to ordinary markets outside.

The shops there not only sell rare level 3 or higher spiritual items, but people have even occasionally seen level 4 or higher spiritual items.

Especially recently, due to the upcoming trade fair in the market, countless cultivators from all over the Southern Continent have flocked to it.

Even cultivators from surrounding areas like Yunzhou, Wuzhou, and Yuanzhou rushed here after hearing the news, which made the already bustling "Tainanfang" even more popular.

As the sun set in the west, a white streak of light suddenly flew in from the east of "Tainanfang" and stopped directly at the entrance of the market.

Once the flying boat beneath their feet disappeared from sight, Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi both fell from mid-air.

Seeing that the newcomers were of considerable cultivation, a Foundation Establishment cultivator guarding the entrance quickly approached them with a smile.

"This junior, Zhao Guan of the Five Thunder Sect, greets you two seniors. May I ask where you two come from?"

"We come from Yunlong Mountain. Do you recognize this?"

Upon seeing the black jade token in the white-clad woman's hand, Zhao Guan quickly recognized it as a token of the Li family cultivators from "Yunlong Mountain," and hurriedly nodded, saying:

"So it's Senior Li. I've been rude. Please come in."

As one of the three major Nascent Soul families in Nanzhou, the Li family of Yunlong Mountain is also one of the nine major shareholders of Tainanfang. When the elders of the family arrive here, there is naturally no need to verify their identities.

After Li Xuanyi revealed her identity, the two quickly entered the market together.

Looking at the bustling streets and markets, which were even more vibrant than those of Chiyun Mountain, Song Qingming, who hadn't been out for a stroll in a long time, suddenly showed a hint of satisfaction on his face.

“I remember when I first came here three hundred years ago, it wasn’t this lively. I never expected it to have changed so much. It seems we came at the right time.”

This Southern Continent Conference is only held once every thirty years; there must be quite a few good things to see, right?

"Don't worry, Junior Brother Song. The Five Thunder Sect and Jin Yue Mountain are preparing for this Southern Continent Conference. In previous years, they have brought out a lot of Core Formation spiritual items for each conference. As long as you participate in the auction, you will definitely be able to see them."

However, at auctions, there's usually a limit of one item per person for these spiritual items that aid in Core Formation.

"It doesn't matter. There are only so many of these spiritual items. As long as we have them, that's fine."

Six months ago, Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi set off from the "Floating Cloud Mountains". Originally, they planned to go to "Cloud Dragon Mountain" first.

Just as the two entered the Southern Continent, they suddenly heard that the Southern Continent Trade Fair, held once every thirty years, was about to take place in Tai Nan Fang.

With the intention of not missing out, Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi changed their route and came here first, planning to return to "Yunlong Mountain" after attending the trade conference.

The two walked and talked along the market, and soon arrived at the best restaurant in the market.

"We've traveled for so long and are a bit tired. Why don't we find a place to rest first, and then go to the market tomorrow?"

"Yes! This is a restaurant owned by the Qin family. They have some delicious specialties that I can take you to try!"

Li Xuanyi nodded slightly and then led Song Qingming inside.

Unexpectedly, the two had only just begun their studies when they bumped into an acquaintance, none other than Liu Yang, Song Qingming's fellow disciple from the "Tai Xu Sect".

However, the two had not seen each other for hundreds of years since they parted ways at Lei Yuanhai. Now that they met again, Liu Yang looked more weathered and mature than before.

"Hey! Junior Brother Liu, what brings you to Tai Nan Fang?"

"Senior Sister Li, Junior Brother Song, I thought I was seeing things, but it really is you two."

"It's a rare opportunity for Tai Nan Fang to hold a trade fair, so my senior brother asked me to come and see if there were any spiritual items the sect needed to take back. I never imagined I'd come to the right place today and run into you all."

"It's been many years since we last met. It's a rare treat to run into Senior Brother Liu here. Why don't we find a quiet place to have some tea and chat?"

"Hehe, that's exactly what I was thinking."

Faced with Song Qingming's enthusiastic invitation, Liu Yang immediately nodded in agreement, and the three of them quickly found a private room in the restaurant.

After hundreds of years, Liu Yang has now also advanced to the Nascent Soul realm. Although Song Qingming has not met him in recent years, he has long since learned of this from Li Xuanyi.

As an inner disciple of the "Tai Xu Sect," Liu Yang has spent most of his time cultivating on the island over the years and rarely leaves the sect.

He was ordered to come to the "Tainanfang" trade fair to purchase spiritual items for the sect. He will return to Yuxuan Island after the fair ends.

After the three of them sat down, looking at the handsome couple Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi before him, Liu Yang quickly raised his glass and said:

"Senior Sister Li, last time I learned from Senior Brother that you went to the Floating Cloud Mountain Range, I guessed that you and Junior Brother Song must have already achieved enlightenment."

It's a pity the journey is too long to congratulate you both in person. Today, I'll offer you my congratulations with tea instead of wine.

Liu Yang, Li Xuanyi, and Song Qingming are not much different in age. Back when they were on "Yu Xuan Island", the three of them often practiced cultivation together in the mortal world, and their relationship was closer than that of others.

Back when he accompanied his master, Daoist Lingxu, to "Red Cloud Mountain" for training, Liu Yang had already noticed some clues between the two of them.

Now that we meet again, the first thing I do is congratulate them.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Liu!" Faced with the congratulations from his fellow disciple Liu Yang, Song Qingming did not stand on ceremony and immediately raised his glass in response with a smile.

Li Xuanyi nodded gently, her face still showing a hint of shyness.

"By the way, Junior Brother Liu, why didn't Junior Sister Jin come with you? Could it be that Senior Brother was worried that you two would be reluctant to go back together?"

The junior sister Jin that Li Xuanyi mentioned was named Jin Yao. She joined the sect later than Song Qingming, and the two had met a few times when they were on Yuxuan Island.

After Jin Yao joined the sect, she often followed Liu Yang in cultivation. Their relationship progressed rapidly, and they became cultivation partners two hundred years ago. They were inseparable in the sect.

Seeing that only Liu Yang had come to "Tainanfang", Li Xuanyi had some doubts and asked him directly.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang's expression changed slightly, and he suddenly fell silent, slowly saying:

"Senior Sister Li, please don't misunderstand. Junior Sister Jin is still in seclusion within the sect healing her injuries, which is why she cannot travel with me."

"What? Junior Sister Jin is injured? Junior Brother, tell me quickly, what exactly happened?"

Upon hearing what Liu Yang said, both Li Xuanyi and Song Qingming looked somewhat puzzled.

Seeing Li Xuanyi looking at him with concern, Liu Yang sighed with a hint of helplessness and said, "My junior sister failed to form her Nascent Soul in seclusion more than ten years ago, which damaged her dantian, and she has not yet recovered."

"The reason I accepted the sect's mission to participate in the Tai Nan Conference was actually to see if I could find a healing pill along the way."

"I see. That explains why Junior Sister Jin was suddenly injured. Don't worry, Junior Brother. Every time the Tai Nan Tournament is held, there are many high-level pills available. You'll definitely get what you want."

Jin Shimei still has a relatively long lifespan. As long as she recovers from her injuries, she will definitely have another chance to form a Nascent Soul in the future.

When a cultivator fails to form their Nascent Soul, it often damages their meridians and dantian. In mild cases, it can delay their cultivation for more than ten years, and in severe cases, it can take decades to recover. It may even affect their lifespan.

Upon hearing that Jin Yao had injured his dantian because of a failed attempt to form his nascent soul, Li Xuanyi, who had already suspected something, could only offer a word of comfort.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang forced a smile and replied, "Then I thank you for your kind words, Junior Brother!"

".."

The three hadn't seen each other for many years, and in the restaurant they chatted about the days they spent together on "Jade Mystic Island," which quickly dispelled the trace of sorrow on Liu Yang's face.

A few days later, as more cultivators from outside the area flocked to "Tainanfang", the much-anticipated trade fair was held as scheduled.

Because of Li Xuanyi's special relationship as an elder of the Li family, Song Qingming and Liu Yang only needed to register their names to easily enter the "auction" venue.

Although they were already high-ranking Nascent Soul cultivators, they were used to concealing their identities in public, so the three of them hid their original cultivation levels and did not attract much attention.

After all, their main purpose for this trip was to participate in the "auction" and purchase the spiritual items they needed.

The rules of Tai Nan Fang are similar to those of the auctions Song Qingming participated in in other parts of the "Eastern Phoenix Kingdom": all cultivators compete fairly by bidding, and the highest bidder wins.

The only difference is that this auction does not accept spiritual items from outside cultivators; everything comes from the nine Nascent Soul forces of the Southern Continent.

When he went out earlier, Song Qingming carried a lot of high-level demon beast materials and spiritual items with him. He originally wanted to take this opportunity to take some out to the auction to help exchange them for some spirit stones.

This dashed his hopes, leaving him no choice but to sit quietly in the stands and admire the magical items that the auctioneer brought out one by one.

As a "Southern Continent Conference" held only once every thirty years, although it is far from being as large as the "Lei Yuanhai" Trade Conference, it is still several times larger than the Chiyun Mountain Conference.

In the lowest hall alone, there were over a thousand cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level or above who were qualified to enter the auction.

Those sitting in the private rooms on the second floor, like Song Qingming and his group, were all cultivators at the Golden Core stage or above, numbering at least two or three hundred.

Song Qingming also discovered no fewer than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators sitting on the three upper levels, after a brief probe with his divine sense.

As a cultivator dressed in the attire of the "Five Thunder Sect" stepped onto the stage, the first spiritual item of the "auction" was soon brought out—a mid-grade level three defensive magic weapon of quite good quality.

The appearance of this defensive magic item quickly caused a stir in the auction hall. Many Golden Core cultivators sitting in the private rooms on the second floor raised their paddles and bid, soon driving the price of the item up to more than 20,000 spirit stones.

However, while spiritual objects of this level are a great help to Golden Core cultivators, they have long lost their appeal to Nascent Soul cultivators like Song Qingming.

Throughout the entire "auction," although a few level-four spiritual items appeared, they weren't what Song Qingming wanted. On the first day, he and Li Xuanyi only acquired a few level-three materials that were useful to them. It wasn't until the second day of the auction, when they saw more than a dozen "Five Elements Core Formation Spiritual Items" finally appear on the stage, that Song Qingming perked up and started bidding.

Besides himself and Li Xuanyi, Song Qingming also took the initiative to ask his fellow senior brother Liu Yang for help, and together they acquired three Five Elements Spiritual Objects.

Although the spiritual resources in the "Eastern Phoenix Kingdom" are far richer than those in the cultivation world of the Floating Cloud Mountains.

However, the "Five Elements Core Formation Spiritual Object," which can assist cultivators in forming their core, is a highly sought-after item wherever it is placed. Its price is no less than that of the Floating Cloud Mountain Range, and it cost Song Qingming nearly 60,000 spirit stones in total.

Next, Song Qingming spent tens of thousands of spirit stones to acquire some level-three spirit pills that were useful for improving the cultivation of Golden Core cultivators. Soon after, the auction ended the following day.

On the third day, which was the last day of the entire "auction", the quality of the spiritual items on the auction stage finally changed significantly compared to the previous two days.

The quality of the level-three spiritual items that were taken out had improved significantly, and even level-four spiritual items, which were rare in the cultivation world, began to appear frequently.

Even the Nascent Soul cultivators upstairs, who had been relatively quiet for the past two days, started bidding continuously, instantly elevating the entire auction to a higher level.

By this point, very few of the Foundation Establishment cultivators below the auction stage were actually able to participate; those who remained were simply spectators.

Even if they couldn't participate themselves, just witnessing so many Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators vying for high-level spiritual treasures was a spectacle they couldn't easily see in their entire lives of cultivation.

"Next, the spiritual item to be auctioned is a spiritual herb, the Cold Jade Mushroom."

This medicinal herb is over two thousand years old and its quality has reached the fourth-grade low-level, yet it is a very rare high-level Yin-attribute medicinal herb.

Not only can it be used to refine high-grade elixirs, but Nascent Soul cultivators can also significantly increase their cultivation by consuming it raw. Seniors, don't miss out!

"The Cold Jade Mushroom, this seems to be the main ingredient for refining the Qi-Strengthening Pill, Senior Brother Liu!"

Before Song Qingming could even offer a reminder, Liu Yang, who was sitting next to them, saw the fourth-level spiritual herb on the stage and his face immediately lit up with excitement.

"I never expected that Han Yuzhi would actually appear. I really owe my good fortune to my senior sister this time."

"Hehe! Junior Brother Liu is really lucky. Senior Sister congratulates you in advance."

Hearing Li Xuanyi and Song Qingming's congratulations, Liu Yang did not relax. After all, he was not the only one who had his eye on the fourth-grade low-level spiritual herb on the stage.

Whether he can acquire this item depends on whether he has enough spirit stones.

"Sixty thousand spirit stones!"

"Eighty thousand spirit stones!"

".."

"120,000 spirit stones!"

"150,000 spirit stones, 160,000 spirit stones, this fellow Daoist has offered 160,000 spirit stones."

".."

"185,000 spirit stones, someone has offered 185,000 spirit stones, is there anyone offering higher?"

As the auctioneer called out bids, the price of this low-grade fourth-level spiritual herb quickly rose to 180,000 spirit stones.

Seeing that the price of this spiritual herb was starting to exceed his budget, Liu Yang's expression gradually became tense.

"190,000 spirit stones! This fellow Daoist has bid 190,000 spirit stones. Are there any other fellow Daoists who want to bid? Hurry up, this is the only item of its kind in our auction. If you miss it, you won't get another one."

Hearing the auctioneer's urging from below, Liu Yang bit his lip for a moment before raising the wooden paddle in his hand.

"195,000 spirit stones, 195,000, 200,000 spirit stones. This senior has offered 200,000 spirit stones. May I ask if anyone else would like to bid?"

Seeing that the price he had just gritted his teeth and quoted had been quickly lowered again, Liu Yang's tense expression instantly turned ugly.

The price of 200,000 spirit stones not only significantly increased the value of the item on the stage, but also instantly eroded his confidence to continue bidding.

Just as Liu Yang was silent and put down the wooden sign in his hand, a warm voice that went straight to his heart came to his ear.

"Senior Brother Liu, here is another 50,000 spirit stones. Take them first. Junior Sister Jin's injuries are serious, so you must not miss this opportunity."

"This, Junior Brother Song, how can this be?"

Faced with the 50,000 spirit stones handed over by Song Qingming, Liu Yang looked hesitant and did not accept them immediately.

Seeing this, Song Qingming could only stuff it into the other party's hand and urged, "Senior brother, you also borrowed a lot of spirit stones from me back in Lei Yuanhai. Why are you being so polite to me today?"

"These Jade Mushrooms aren't something you can come across every day. Senior Brother, you'd better make an offer quickly, or you'll regret it if you miss out."

"Yes! Junior Brother Liu is no ordinary person to us, so such politeness is a bit too formal!"
Now that Junior Brother Song and I are both Nascent Soul cultivators, you don't need to worry about these spirit stones. Just take them without hesitation.

Hearing Song Qingming and Li Xuanyi urging him, Liu Yang slowly nodded and confidently raised the wooden plaque he had just put down.

"Two hundred thousand five thousand spirit stones! This fellow Daoist has offered two hundred thousand five thousand spirit stones. Is there anyone who bids higher?"

"Two hundred and one thousand spirit stones, two hundred and one thousand five thousand spirit stones!"

".."

Just as the price of "Cold Jade Mushroom" rose to 220,000 spirit stones, a white-robed man who was originally sitting on the third floor turned ashen-faced and turned his gaze to a middle-aged man beside him.

"Have you found out who's sitting on the second floor?"

"Reporting to the Ancestor, this disciple has already sent people down to investigate. It is a Golden Core elder from the Li family of Yunlong Mountain."

"The Li family is incredibly audacious! I had already spread the word, yet they still dare to openly compete with me for the spiritual treasure!"

"Ancestor, should I go down and tell them to hand over the spiritual item later?"

Upon hearing what the middle-aged man said, the man in white immediately waved his hand at him and said:

"How can you be so muddle-headed? This is an auction. Who told you to do this? If word gets out, people will say I'm openly bullying the weak."

Now that we know they're from the Li family, there's no point in arguing here. I'll send a letter to Li Mengliang later, saying I've invited him to a banquet at Tianyuan Restaurant tonight."

“Ancestor, the Li family’s actions may be part of a conspiracy. What should we do if Li Mengliang makes an excuse and refuses to admit it?”

"Hmph! That old ghost Li Boying has exhausted his lifespan and probably won't be able to jump around for many more days. Li Xuanyi has been missing for many years and will go to Yuxuan Island sooner or later."

The Li family is now reduced to only Li Mengliang and Zhou Daoping, who are practically outsiders. Although there are many members, Yunlong Mountain has actually been in decline for some time.

Li Mengliang probably just wants to get on my good side and do me a favor. If he really dares to go against us for a single medicinal herb, he's really senile.

"Hehe, Ancestor is wise, I was overthinking it!"

The middle-aged man nodded obsequiously, then immediately turned and left the private room.

".."

The auction had just ended when Song Qingming, Li Xuanyi, and Liu Yang returned to the restaurant together.

Having successfully obtained the "Cold Jade Mushroom," Liu Yang was overjoyed. To express his gratitude to Song Qingming for lending him the spirit stones, he specially invited them to a banquet.

Just as Song Qingming and his two companions were enjoying their wine and conversation, a young man suddenly burst through the door, interrupting them.

"Greetings, Great-Aunt! Greetings, Senior Song!"

"Hey! Yuqing, how did you find your way here?"

".."

In the pavilion on the other side of "Tainanfang", Li Mengliang looked at the white-clad man with a somewhat displeased expression not far away and quickly raised his wine cup with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Jin, I have investigated this matter thoroughly. It was not my doing and it was absolutely a misunderstanding. I hope you will not take offense. I apologize to you in advance."

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, I have already located where those people live and sent people to invite them over. Whether they are from my Li family or not, I will definitely give you an explanation."

Faced with Li Mengliang's sincere apology, the man in white did not rush to pick up the wine cup on the table. Instead, he stood up and cupped his hands to another Taoist priest in a green robe not far away, saying:

"It is perfectly reasonable for the highest bidder to win the spiritual items at the Southern Continent Grand Auction. I am not necessarily looking for this spiritual herb today."

I had already given you a heads-up, so it's rather unfair of you to do this.

For many years, the six clans and three families of Nanzhou have always been of one mind and have stood together through thick and thin. If your Li family really needs this spiritual herb, just say the word, and I, Jin, will not refuse to give you face.

Fellow Daoist Zhao, isn't that right?

"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Jin is right. Since it's a misunderstanding, then you two families can just talk it out."

“Fellow Daoist Zhao is right. This matter is indeed a misunderstanding. Please wait a moment, fellow Daoists. If it was indeed done by a junior member of our Li family, I will certainly make him return the spiritual item!”

"Fellow Daoist Li, I made it clear beforehand that I was not bullying your juniors. Since you've said that, I'll just assume it's a misunderstanding."

After saying that, the man in white looked a little better and picked up the wine glass on the table.

As they were speaking, a person suddenly walked in from outside and bowed to Li Mengliang, saying:

"Ancestor, Aunt Xuanyi has arrived!" (End of Chapter)