Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 417 The Auction Begins, Lover?

For this White Wall City auction, the sect was led by True Monarch Ice Butterfly, accompanied by Lin Chang'an and Teng Changfeng.

Of course, there was also a merchant ship, fully loaded with goods, heading towards White Wall City.

Consistent with the previous approach, the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect and the Great Qian Dynasty have now formed an alliance due to external pressure.

After all, Corpse Valley and the Sima clan are allied. For a Nascent Soul cultivator to go out so openly and with such an obvious target, it would be risky to be attacked if he were to act alone.

Especially the Sima family, whose reputation had long been utterly ruined.

The actions of the Great Qian Dynasty and the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect are undoubtedly a blatant slap in the face to the Sima clan.

On the spirit ship, Ice Butterfly True Monarch, dressed in a crimson palace robe with a shawl, gazed calmly ahead. Beneath this powerful aura, only a hint of sickly beauty appeared between her brows.

"Junior Brother Xiao, are you prepared this time? If we miss this opportunity, we may have to wait another twenty or thirty years for the next one."

Although the auction in White Wall City is held every five years, this kind of special auction that can attract Nascent Soul cultivators is usually held once every twenty-five years.

Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, a Nascent Soul cultivator might urgently need a certain treasure, or discover a treasure they want to trade.

In this situation, once the news spreads in White Wall City, it will attract a large number of Nascent Soul cultivators.

The rules were set by Nascent Soul cultivators, but since Nascent Soul cultivators are the ones setting the rules, what can you expect?

Therefore, no one would mind; on the contrary, they would be happy if this happened more often, and Bai Bicheng was naturally pleased with this.

The room was filled with joy, and it did not harm anyone's interests.

Ice Butterfly True Monarch spoke softly, and this gentle voice echoed in Lin Chang'an's ears. He naturally understood what was going on.

If he misses this opportunity, he'll have to wait another twenty-five years.

Nascent Soul cultivators might not care, but for cultivators preparing to form their Nascent Soul, how many more twenty-five-year periods can they wait?
“Senior Sister Bingdie, I’ve accumulated some spirit stones over the years and sold some of my family’s possessions, but I’m afraid it’s still not enough to trade for Nascent Soul spirit items…”

Lin Chang'an was both excited and a little embarrassed.

Upon seeing this scene, Ice Butterfly True Lord nodded and smiled slightly.

"Junior brother, don't worry. Since your senior sister promised to lend you some spirit stones temporarily, she will not go back on her word."

Upon hearing about their previous agreement, Lin Chang'an showed gratitude, though there was an element of acting involved, and he even knew that the other party was trying to win him over.

But this help was real, so Lin Chang'an's gratitude was genuine.

This kind of help is absolutely considered a great favor in the cultivation world; it can be described as an immense kindness.

"Sister, don't worry."

In the end, Lin Chang'an didn't say much nonsense, but simply nodded firmly, indicating that he would remember this favor.

Upon seeing this scene, Ice Butterfly True Monarch's brows relaxed, and a smile appeared on his face.

I hope she didn't misjudge him.

Although Grand Elder Cheng was always cautious whenever he mentioned trying to win over Lin Chang'an, it was precisely because of her cautious reminders that the Grand Elder received some positive feedback.

Elder Cheng was well aware of this. Every time his junior disciple cautiously reminded him, it was practically a way of saying that this Master Xiao had good talent and was worth winning over.

On the spirit ship, Teng Changfeng, who had witnessed the whole thing, was burning with jealousy, yet his face remained expressionless.

"Senior sister, this time our master..."

Now, Teng Changfeng's biggest concern is his own injuries. Although he desperately wants to extract the soul and refine the spirit of this Xiao fellow, nothing else matters compared to his own condition.

Ice Butterfly True Monarch glanced at Teng Changfeng beside him, and nodded calmly, saying:
"Don't worry, Senior Uncle Cheng explained everything before we came. The sect will spare no effort to acquire any medicinal herbs that are useful for treating your injuries."

As for Senior Uncle Cheng, he's getting old now, and he also needs to prepare spiritual medicine for you within the sect, since you've already delayed for too long."

The Ice Butterfly True Lord's tone was tinged with indifference, leaving Teng Changfeng with mixed feelings.

Before his golden core was defiled, you senior sisters weren't like this.

However, after hearing about everything his master had done for him, Teng Changfeng felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

He also understood that he could only rely on this master now, and once this master passed away, he would have no hope left.

"Just you wait! Once I reach Nascent Soul stage, I'll make you all regret everything you've done today, especially you, Xiao! You're nothing but an outsider, despicable and shameless, yet I trusted you so much!"

When Teng Changfeng lowered his head, his heart was filled with resentment towards Lin Chang'an.

After all, in his opinion, it was this guy surnamed Xiao who was just putting on an act from the beginning, and he was actually happy that the other party could help his senior sister heal her injuries.

As it turned out, this guy surnamed Xiao actually stole my house in the dark, and now my senior sister's attitude towards me is completely different from before.

All of this was caused by this man surnamed Xiao.

If Lin Chang'an knew what Teng Changfeng was really thinking, he would definitely feel that he was truly wronged.

Well, perhaps it's not entirely unjust. Although the other party's guess was wrong, it seems that Teng Changfeng's current predicament is indeed due to his secret actions.

Therefore, it is true that Teng Changfeng hates him the most, but the focus of his hatred is wrong.

Ice Butterfly True Monarch had no time to worry about Teng Changfeng. At this moment, she was quietly pondering her plan, hoping it would go perfectly.

The three people each had their own thoughts.

The giant ship sailed through the sea of ​​clouds, rapidly heading towards White Wall City.

……

Twenty-five years later, when Lin Chang'an returned to Baibi City, he found it even more bustling than before.

"Is it because the demonic path is stirring up trouble, and the righteous path is also secretly plotting?"

Looking at the bustling White Wall City, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but recall the turmoil within the Protectorate Alliance during this period.

Although it was caused by his disguise as a Buddhist Nascent Soul cultivator, many other things happened afterward.

None of these were his doing.

It's possible that the forces behind all this are being manipulated by the White Wall City faction.

Of course, there was also the reason that various forces tacitly approved of it, after all, it was an indisputable fact that the demonic path was restless.

"When there is external pressure, there is less internal conflict."

It is precisely for these reasons that this immortal city, established by the alliance, has become increasingly bustling.

Upon entering the White Wall Immortal City, True Monarch Ice Butterfly seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and then spoke:

"There are still two weeks until the auction. Before then, you can act on your own. Although try not to cause trouble, we are not afraid of trouble."

When he said this, Ice Butterfly True Monarch also revealed a faint confidence.

Although the sect is weak, it depends on who they are compared to. Ordinary Nascent Soul forces would not dare to provoke them.

No one wants to offend Elder Cheng, a fourth-level alchemist.

Even though she was injured, the combat power she displayed was among the top tier in the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm.

"Yes, Supreme Elder."

Upon hearing this, the group of disciples following behind also bowed in greeting.

Many disciples happily went to explore the White Wall Immortal City on their own, as it was a rare opportunity to come out and purchase their own cultivation supplies.

However, Ice Butterfly True Monarch glanced back at the two behind him, only to find that Lin Chang'an and Teng Changfeng showed no interest whatsoever.

Facing the gaze of Ice Butterfly True Monarch, Lin Chang'an sighed helplessly and said:

"Senior Sister Bingdie, I have limited spirit stones. I'd better wait for the auction."

His words were perfectly reasonable. After all, his purpose in coming here was to auction off Nascent Soul artifacts, and he still needed to borrow them from Ice Butterfly. Where would he find extra spirit stones to purchase other supplies?

Otherwise, if you really think someone paid for it, wouldn't you be treating them like a sucker?

Lin Chang'an's behavior made Bingdie smile. Most cultivators are selfish and self-serving. Knowing gratitude, being grateful, and repaying kindness are three kinds of behavior.

Knowing the kindness received, we feel grateful and believe that we should repay the favor.

Of the three types mentioned above, some extremely vicious individuals, or those with no ties in the cultivation world, who act recklessly and have twisted minds, cannot even achieve the first type.

However, in the cultivation world, most people can only do the first two things: they know you have done them a favor and they are grateful, but if you want them to sacrifice their own interests to repay the favor, then they can only apologize.

Looking at Lin Chang'an's pretentious act, Teng Changfeng sneered inwardly.

"Senior sister, we should be more cautious in our actions."

He was also afraid. Last time, he had caused trouble before he reached the Nascent Soul stage, which resulted in his current predicament.

Now make him understand that the most important thing right now is to heal his Golden Elixir.

Ice Butterfly True Monarch merely nodded indifferently at him, a stark contrast to her smirking attitude when facing Lin Chang'an, which filled Teng Changfeng with humiliation.

At the same time, he transformed his submission into fighting spirit, treating it all as a process of tempering his will.

He vowed that once he recovered from his injuries and became a Nascent Soul cultivator, he would make those who looked down on him regret it for the rest of their lives.

"Alright, in that case, let's return to our base and wait for the auction to begin."

Ice Butterfly True Lord has no time to observe Teng Changfeng right now; this auction is of utmost importance.

The three then returned to the sect's residence there.

As the headquarters of the Protectorate Alliance, Baibi City is home to various Nascent Soul cultivators who have their own businesses and residences.

This is a unique territory belonging to various powerful forces, rich in spiritual energy, where cultivation will not be hindered.

The Core Formation factions are slightly inferior. Although they can also apply for a base, they need to pay a fee every year.

White Wall City was the central area of ​​the Protectorate Alliance. In the past, the forces here fought each other, making many transactions inconvenient.

The emergence of White Wall City can be seen as a synthesis of resources from various places under the jurisdiction of the Protectorate Alliance, achieving mutual exchange of resources.

……

Upon entering the room, Lin Chang'an let out a long sigh, somewhat helpless.

Others might envy him for being able to have a Nascent Soul True Monarch advance funds to buy Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects for him, but only he knows that he doesn't really need such things now.

"If it were any other Nascent Soul Formation item, it would be fine, but it just so happens to be a Nascent Soul Condensation Pill."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an looked at the other Nascent Soul Pill in the storage bag and was speechless.

Well, he's currently preparing to form his Nascent Soul, so he'd rather avoid trouble than cause any. Therefore, he really has no intention of going out.

I was just waiting for the auction to start, and after the transaction was over, I would hurry back.

This time, he decided to go into seclusion and cultivate after returning home, so as not to be involved in other matters.

"However, this fellow Daoist Ming has become quite famous in recent years."

Although he no longer goes out for walks, it doesn't mean he knows nothing.

Furthermore, this is White Wall City, the central hub of the Guardian Alliance, making intelligence exchanges even clearer.

As an elder of the sect in the late stage of Core Formation, it was easy for him to obtain information from the sect cultivators stationed here.

At this moment, Lin Chang'an looked at the jade slip, which contained information from recent years, especially about a mysterious female cultivator, and he was filled with envy.

"This is what a Nascent Soul cultivator is like. They no longer need to hide their true selves like before, especially since they are independent cultivators without any entanglements, they can act without any scruples."

Even when facing a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, if they can't win, they still have the ability to escape.

On the jade slip, this mysterious Nascent Soul female cultivator resembled a young woman of sixteen or eighteen, but her style of doing things was exceptionally ruthless, decisive, and extremely domineering.

Rumor has it that this person boldly attempted to form a Nascent Soul in a Nascent Soul sect, resulting in the injury of the sect's leader. Furthermore, she threatened to slaughter the entire sect if the other party hadn't interfered with her Nascent Soul formation.

He then clashed with two veteran Nascent Soul cultivators and held his own.

He has offended many people over the years, and his domineering and unscrupulous style makes people know that he is a rogue cultivator, so naturally no one dares to provoke him.

"With the appearance of a young girl of sixteen or seventeen, a strange temper, domineering behavior, and mysterious and unpredictable methods, it is probably only this Fellow Daoist Mingyue who can match her."

Especially after seeing the portrait, Lin Chang'an became even more certain that if someone were to impersonate this woman, given her personality, she would probably have already caused a huge uproar.

"The jade slip states that she may have accidentally eaten a strange fruit, which caused her to remain in the form of a young girl, or it may have been due to the cultivation of some kind of mysterious technique."

Looking at the intelligence analysis, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but laugh and cry.

As expected, every Nascent Soul cultivator attracted a lot of attention, and everyone wanted to dig up all sorts of information about them.

After all, every Nascent Soul cultivator is a legend, especially since this legend is about rogue cultivators, which naturally makes them the targets of countless rogue cultivators.

...Just as Lin Chang'an was reviewing recent intelligence reports from various regions, Teng Changfeng, inside the room, looked at the illusory image conjured by the jade in his hand and couldn't help but reveal a look of resentment.

"Damn it, you bunch of demonic scoundrels have ruined me! Not only were the promised Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects stolen, but you even stole the Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects that my master in the sect prepared for me."

"You even defiled my golden core! Is this how you cooperate?!"

Teng Changfeng's venomous curses seemed to be an outpouring of all the pent-up frustrations he had accumulated over the years.

However, the person in the phantom was no less aggrieved than him, and his face was also full of resentment.

"Fool, we've all been tricked. My physical body has been destroyed. If I really wanted to trick you, would I go to such lengths?"

His physical body was destroyed, leaving only his nascent soul to escape. Moreover, he was severely injured. Even if he could be reborn by seizing another body, he would have to pay a huge price to restore his cultivation.

Moreover, due to the machinations of the Protectorate Alliance, his cultivation level could only recover to the early Nascent Soul stage at most, which was still at the bottom.

If we're talking about losses, he's the one who suffered the biggest loss.

"Being schemed against? You, one of the six great sects of the demonic path, are being schemed against like this? Whose fault is it? But don't drag me into this!"

Teng Changfeng's face was full of resentment, while the illusory figure sighed helplessly.

"The karmic calculations here are too deep. I have discovered that there is not only the Protectorate Alliance, but also that group of righteous people."

His initial plight was due to the Protectorate Alliance, but later the righteous path secretly plotted against him, instigating a conflict between the demonic path and the Protectorate Alliance.

So the Dao Protectorate got anxious and started protecting him again. It can be said that his escape from the Nascent Soul stage was truly full of twists and turns.

"As for your Golden Core being defiled and your Nascent Soul spiritual object being stolen, that must be the dirty business within your Guardian Alliance."

The phantom figure seemed somewhat aggrieved when the blame was brought up.

His goal was to incite internal strife within the Guardian Alliance and to reclaim the treasures that the Spirit Control lineage had originally possessed.

As a result, he ended up taking the blame for something he didn't do.

From beginning to end, neither of them ever doubted the two Nascent Soul True Monarchs of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

After all, what Nascent Soul cultivator would want to harm their own Nascent Soul seed for no reason?

They even defiled the Golden Elixir Society; this was clearly the work of an enemy.

Teng Changfeng's face turned ashen upon hearing this, and he could only accept the reality.

"Corpse Valley, the Sima clan!"

During that turmoil, all sorts of traitors within the sect emerged, trying to take advantage of the chaos and cause heavy losses to the Teng family.

Only these two forces have this motive.

Therefore, Teng Changfeng also came to hate these two major forces, as well as the people of the demonic path.

If it weren't for the other person, he wouldn't have gotten into trouble.

"Young friend Teng, given the current situation, we should look to the future..."

Listening to the other party's seductive words, Teng Changfeng sneered inwardly.

Before, he was so indifferent, but now that he knows his master is going to treat his Golden Core and he has another chance to form a Nascent Soul, he's started calling him "little friend" so affectionately again.

Now he has seen through the true colors of these evil scoundrels.

“Senior is a Nascent Soul cultivator, while I am merely a Core Formation junior. I am unworthy of such high regard from you.”

Teng Changfeng also had a sarcastic and strange look, which left the other party feeling helpless.

However, anyone would feel uncomfortable in these situations.

"Don't worry, young friend Teng. After learning about your ordeal, the sect has already made all the necessary arrangements. In a few days, go to the restaurant. The sect will send you a Nascent Soul Spiritual Item."

"Next time we meet, I might have to address you as Fellow Daoist Teng."

Upon hearing that the other party was going to offer a Nascent Soul Spiritual Item, Teng Changfeng had just shown a slight smile, but when he heard that it was just some ordinary Nascent Soul Spiritual Items, his expression immediately stiffened.

Damn it, even those scoundrels from the Demonic Path think he's not very valuable anymore.

The other side sneered inwardly. This kind of traitor needs to be kept in check now, because he will still be useful when they invade in the future.

Of course, this is on the premise that the other party can successfully form a Nascent Soul. If they perish while forming a Nascent Soul, then naturally they will lose everything.

Having experienced what happened before, Teng Changfeng has seen things clearly and is therefore unusually calm.

Forget everything else, let's get the benefits first.

Without forming an infant, everything is just a reflection in a mirror, and everything is false.

Only strength matters.

Both sides knew that the other was using them.

……

The White Wall Immortal City is bustling with activity as its grand auction, held once every twenty-five years, approaches.

Countless cultivators poured in, including some from other places.

The various factions within the Guardian Alliance also seized this opportunity and made a fortune, with smiles on their faces.

During this time, Lin Chang'an sat quietly in the room, seemingly unwilling to give up any opportunity to cultivate.

Although Teng Changfeng didn't want to go out, fearing trouble, he was still tempted by the allure of the Nascent Soul Spirit.

Given his current situation, and considering that his sect and his master have already stated that there aren't many resources left to prepare more Nascent Soul spiritual items for him.

He was naturally anxious, and now that he had another Nascent Soul artifact, he had a better chance of success.

Therefore, under the pretext of going out to purchase materials, he secretly went to the trading location and traded for an ordinary Nascent Soul Spirit Item.

However, Teng Changfeng was unaware that all of this was being observed by the Ice Butterfly True Monarch in the shadows.

Especially after seeing Teng Changfeng recklessly contacting members of the demonic path and trading a Nascent Soul artifact, she revealed a mocking sneer.

"Let's consider this as making up for some of the losses in training the sect has suffered over the years."

As the auction drew near, rumors about the Nascent Soul artifacts spread like wildfire, attracting many independent cultivators from other places who came specifically for this purpose.

"I heard that even the Nascent Soul Pill will be auctioned this time."

"I'm not even thinking about the Nascent Soul Pill. I'd be happy if I could get an ordinary Nascent Soul spiritual item at auction."

"Unfortunately, to auction such resources, one must swear an oath against inner demons and join the Guardian Alliance."

"That's good enough. It's already a great thing that this kind of resource is open to us independent cultivators. Go and take a look at the six demonic sects or the five righteous sects."

Don't even think about getting these resources; they're all for internal use. There's no way they'd give us independent cultivators a chance.

This is one of the biggest reasons for the prosperity of Baibi City.

There are countless independent cultivators in the world, and spiritual objects like those that have reached the Nascent Soul or Core Formation stage naturally attract countless cultivators.

The main peak of Baibi City.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Jin. In recent years, White Wall City has become increasingly powerful, especially with the influx of Core Formation cultivators, which are in no way inferior to any other force."

The Demon Flame Old Monster laughed heartily. Now that his clan had joined White Wall City, he was naturally happier the stronger White Wall City became.

Jin Jianchuan, who has been gaining popularity in recent years, naturally nodded in satisfaction.

Besides being a trading hub for the Dao Protection Alliance, White Wall City is also a rare sacred place for cultivation, attracting many Core Formation cultivators to join.

It can be said that Baibi City has now begun to develop its foundation.

"Don't worry, after this auction, it will be revealed that Fellow Daoist Yan Jin also has three Nascent Soul spiritual items. At that time, cultivators who want to cultivate to the Nascent Soul stage will naturally not let this opportunity pass."

And nobody's a fool; everyone knows what the consequences are.

Since we cannot win over Nascent Soul cultivators, we will rely on spiritual objects to win over these Nascent Soul seeds.

As long as the other party is willing to pay the price to join the Guardian Alliance, they can obtain this Nascent Soul spiritual object.

However, what is obtained at an auction and what is traded privately with Jin Jianchuan are two different things.

The first option is to join the Guardian Alliance, where there are usually no restrictions.

The second option is equivalent to joining the White Wall City faction.

His master was naturally aware of his actions, but said nothing.

After all, the countless cultivators in the cultivation world each have their own strengths and their own paths to follow.

……

The trade fair will begin in two weeks.

Lin Chang'an followed Ice Butterfly True Monarch into the auction venue, along with other major forces.

At first, the treasures failed to capture their attention, but as the auction progressed, various forces began to participate.

"What is being presented now is a water-attribute Nascent Soul Spirit Object, which is beneficial for cultivators who practice water-attribute techniques or possess a water-attribute spiritual body."

Its effects are in no way inferior to the Nascent Soul Pill, and may even surpass it. It is a rare and highly sought-after spiritual item. The bidding will now begin!

As the Nascent Soul Spiritual Object appeared, countless people gasped for breath. These were all Core Formation cultivators, and they could only watch helplessly as the Nascent Soul Spiritual Object appeared before their eyes.

"I'll offer 30,000 high-grade spirit stones, plus some resources."

“I will offer 35,000 high-grade spirit stones, plus a piece of copper essence.”

The scene suddenly became intense, and Lin Chang'an watched with a sense of regret.

Unfortunately, it is a water-attribute Nascent Soul artifact. Its effects also apply to other cultivators, but they can only be considered ordinary.

However, there are countless treasures in the cultivation world, and some Nascent Soul spiritual objects only have the effect of forming a Nascent Soul within a specific period of time. Once this period has passed, they will lose their effect.

It cannot be kept for a long time; that is, it must be used soon after it is obtained.

For example, this water-attribute spiritual object will lose its Nascent Soul condensation effect after another thirty years, but it is still an excellent material for refining Nascent Soul water-attribute magic weapons.

Some Nascent Soul artifacts can be preserved for a long time, and these are generally the most sought-after by major powers.

Even if you don't need it now, you can use it in the future.

"Tsk tsk, it's the Ice Butterfly Fairy again. It seems that old man Cheng is really no good. I wonder if you would be willing to pass on a message to old ghost Cheng?"

"If he is willing to return his body intact to me after his death, my Corpse Valley wouldn't mind offering a high-grade Nascent Soul spiritual item as a trade to Fellow Daoist Ice Butterfly's lover."

These words immediately changed Ice Butterfly True Monarch's expression, and Lin Chang'an was caught in the crossfire.

Needless to say, he was aware of the rumors circulating over the years.

At the auction, the Blood Corpse Ancestor, who was in the Corpse Valley's private room, looked at the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect with a greedy and sinister smile, eyeing the Nascent Soul cultivator.

This scene caused many cultivators to change their expressions drastically. Those who were also Nascent Soul cultivators naturally did not give them a good look, either snorting coldly or having ugly expressions.

After all, no one wants their body to be targeted when they are about to pass away.

Meanwhile, some smaller factions lowered their heads, their faces showing fear and anger.

This is why Corpse Valley has such a terrible reputation within the Protectorate Alliance.

There's no other reason than that no one could like a sect that constantly watches over their body.

As for the Ice Butterfly Fairy, it's just a rumor about a Nascent Soul cultivator. No one is foolish enough to mention it to his face; they just gossip about it behind his back.

It was only in recent years that the Sima clan suddenly appeared, which made Corpse Valley sigh, "Indeed, there is always someone better, and I never thought there would be someone even more despicable than them."

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist's Blood Corpse's Corpse Core is also quite good, it is a top-grade material. I wonder if you would be willing to trade with me after you pass away?"

However, the Ice Butterfly True Monarch inside the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect's private room showed no respect whatsoever, sneering mockingly.

Lin Chang'an, who witnessed all of this, sighed inwardly, hoping that he would not cause any trouble this time. He just wanted to return to his sect safely.

"Fairy Ice Butterfly is joking. I am sincere. If there is anything to discuss, my sect's Corpse King Fungus can also be effective for your injuries."

Beneath the Blood Corpse Ancestor's hoarse smile, he was truly sincere about the deal.

However, upon hearing this, Ice Butterfly True Monarch simply snorted coldly.

Seeing this, Lin Chang'an muttered to himself, "These Nascent Soul stage monsters are indeed digging pits all the time."

What appears to be a transaction is actually a scheme to sow discord and divide the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

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(End of this chapter)