Immortality and Cultivation: Starting with Harvesting the Talents of Demonic Beasts

Chapter 313 [Hidden Life] Miraculous Effects, Extravagant Gains
"I don't know how far away the intake is."

Lin Changheng thought to himself, "Let's continue trying."

He stepped back, creating some distance between himself and the teacup.

One foot!
"Shh!"

"Shh!"

The fact that the teacup was taken in and taken out indicates that a distance of one foot is within the range of the [Hidden Life Method].

"In that case..."

Lin Changheng shifted his feet slightly, retreating two feet, and once again used his magic to entwine and establish a connection, attempting to absorb it.

It turned out that it didn't work.

The teacup remained completely still.

"Could it be that the effects of [Hidden Life Method - Path of Exploration] are limited to this?"

The distance continued to shrink, and the attempts never stopped. Finally, it was confirmed that one foot was the limit.

But... Lin Changheng didn't dwell on it.

With a flick of his sleeve, he channeled his magical power, pulling a mirror stand three zhang away directly close to him, creating a sharp, piercing sound as it broke through the air.

Just as it was about to hit Lin Changheng, it vanished into thin air the moment it got within a foot of him.

It was as if it had been swallowed by the void.

Only a strong wind remained, blowing against his face and ruffling his robes.

"In other words, the distance can be artificially shortened before intake."

This approach eliminates most of the drawbacks of the one-foot restriction, which can be considered a "roundabout way to save the country".

"Furthermore, as the soul-stealing progresses, the distance of absorption may change, and the size of this hiding space should also expand further..."

This is Lin Changheng's experience and summary of using the [Yuan Ding] over the past ninety years. It is not random speculation, but a targeted approach.

This is a very likely scenario.

Soon, Lin Changheng discovered that in order to put items into the [Hidden Life Space], he had to use his magic to wrap them and "pull" them.

In other words, it is a kind of "control".

The discovery of this fact temporarily made Lin Changheng abandon his plan to use the [Hidden Space] as a shield, or more accurately, to collect enemy attack weapons.

Because the enemy's magical artifacts and magical treasures cannot be controlled instantly.

Therefore, it cannot be stored in the [Hidden Life Space].

Otherwise, if one were to use it in battle and their reliance on the enemy were to suddenly disappear into thin air, severing the connection and blocking the communication, it would truly startle people and shake their resolve.

In a fierce, life-or-death battle, even the slightest deviation can determine victory or defeat!
Furthermore, Lin Changheng is extremely worried that if an uncontrollable enemy artifact is stored in the [Hidden Space], the artifact might use its inertia to release its power recklessly within the space. If it were to crack or shatter his space, wouldn't that be extremely unlucky?

The fragmentation of space is not an exaggeration. Many ancient secret realms disappeared in the river of time, mostly because they shattered and were lost without a trace.

If such a huge, stable space is like this, how much more so a newly formed, extremely small space? We must be very careful!
Lin Changheng has never twice possessed the spirit of the same species.

This is also the fundamental reason why Lin Changheng gave up the idea.

……

After experimenting with different distances and methods of intake, Lin Changheng did not stop and began further exploration.

The most important thing is the income from live animals, spiritual plants, and rare insects, and what kind of effects it brings.

Lin Changheng went out again, and returned to his cave in less than half an hour.

Two identical, top-grade first-tier spiritual plants were lined up in front of them, each planted in a spiritual plant pot.

Several spirit stones were placed in the spirit soil at the bottom of one of the pots.

Enveloped in magical power, with a thought, the two spiritual plants were instantly absorbed into the [Hidden Life Space].

Then, a second-grade high-quality spiritual plant was also added to the collection.

Through internal vision, he could clearly "see" that after entering that earthen-yellow space, they did not show any signs of weakness and remained as normal as they were in the outside world.

Five days later.

Lin Changheng looked at it again.

They discovered that the leaves of the three spiritual plants remained lush and green, and all three plants had grown. Among them, the first-grade high-quality spiritual plant with spirit stones at the bottom was growing faster and more noticeably.

Second-tier high-grade spiritual plants grow the slowest because the higher the grade, the more demanding the growth requirements.

"As expected, it can accommodate living plants and support the growth of spiritual plants! This means that there is also a faint spiritual energy in this [Hidden Life Space], which can nourish the spiritual plants. It seems to be the transformation of the magic power in my body. Fortunately, the loss is not great."

"Moreover, spirit stones and spiritual energy from outside can also be absorbed by spirit plants."

"This indirectly shows that this [hidden living space] has development value."

At that time, it seems not impossible to lay spiritual soil, cultivate spiritual fields, and plant spiritual plants in the space.

Lin Changheng's mind, which he had cultivated in his previous life, was extremely sharp, logical, and adept at drawing inferences from one instance to another. He quickly came up with different ways to use this talent.

Her eyes also lit up.

……

Next, he took out a low-level flying insect, the "Sniffing Ant," which was sealed in a jade box.

The moment the seal was broken, the Spirit-Smelling Ants flapped their wings as if to fly away, but were forcibly absorbed into Lin Changheng's body space in the next moment.

This time, he perceived things more clearly.

After entering the space, the spirit-smelling ant initially seemed somewhat agitated, flying around erratically. However, it quickly seemed to adapt to the peaceful atmosphere within the space, slowly landing beside the three spiritual plants. Its antennae swayed slightly, appearing quite serene, and showing no signs of life fading away.

“Live insects can also be accommodated, and the atmosphere of the space seems to have a calming effect on them.”

Lin Changheng nodded slightly.

Then they saw that the insect was actually lying on the second-tier spiritual plant, gnawing on the leaves and stems, and eating.

It is no different from being in the outside world.

This is significant because it means he can carry and allow to survive and grow some spiritual plant seeds, dormant spiritual insect eggs, small spiritual beasts, and strange insects that require special preservation environments into them.

The potential of this [Hidden Life] talent is far greater than he had anticipated! It is not only a super storage space, but also a small, growing prototype of a "grotto-heaven"!
Although the space is still small and the effect is weak at present, as his innate magical abilities continue to seize spiritual energy and generate new life, and as resources are invested, this internal space may truly grow into a real portable "treasure land"!
Suddenly, Lin Changheng took out a thousand low-grade spirit stones from his storage bag, put them into his [Hidden Life Space], and smashed them directly, causing the spiritual energy contained within to disperse.

Half an hour later, Lin Changheng probed his senses again and found that the spiritual energy was dissipating in the space, and the concentration of spiritual energy in the air was even higher. It did not overflow into the "possible outside world" and remained within it.

This further confirms the previous conjecture.

"Ultimately, it all comes down to the law of conservation of energy!"

"But we can't just keep piling up spirit stones. Otherwise, even if I throw all the 200,000 spirit stones I have on me, and all the money I've made from selling the captured spirit artifacts, into it, the effect probably won't be significant. It's not a long-term solution. We need to find another way..."

Suppressing his excitement and deep thoughts, Lin Changheng took out the test subjects one by one. Through this exploration, he had already developed a basic plan for the application of the [Hidden Life Method].

At this moment, he also realized something: the various "qi" obtained by the [Medicine Spirit Toad] after [Gathering Spirit] could not be absorbed, so where did they all go?

There's even a talent synergy!

Unfortunately, even though the [Yuan Ding] possesses immense power and can strip away talents, Lin Changheng can only obtain one of them.

Otherwise, with dual talents, absorbing the "spiritual energy of heaven and earth" and the "essence of plants and trees" could truly allow this [Hidden Life Space] to develop rapidly.

……

Time flies by like a fleeting moment.

Lin Changheng's life became increasingly fulfilling as he practiced techniques such as "Observing Qi" and "Distinguishing Spirits by Hearing Wind," delved into various arts such as "Alchemy" and "Array Techniques," explored the "Hidden Life" method, and worked in conjunction with other demonic arts. He was completely unaware of the passage of time.

One can't help but sigh, "Time flies like an arrow, never ceasing day or night, it's all too fast!"

But he still had to leave the pass because a small auction was just around the corner.

Participation is required.

……

The auction in [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] is quite different from the auction in [Floating Life Immortal City].

After being led inside and seated by a maid, Lin Changheng had a direct feeling about the place.

The auction house's dome was even designed with an array to simulate a starry sky, with twinkling stars, creating a dreamlike and illusory scene.

The hall's chairs were all made of warm jade, exuding a faint spiritual aura. The attendants who came and went all had an extraordinary temperament, with the lowest cultivation level being late-stage Qi Refining. They were well-mannered and well-trained.

These are all superficial; the main differences lie in three points.

Firstly, when attending the previous auction, Foundation Establishment cultivators could go up to the second floor and have private rooms. Although they were small, their privacy was guaranteed.

However, at the auction in the [Extreme Mountain Immortal City], Foundation Establishment cultivators in the early and middle stages could only sit in the main hall, just like the Qi Refining cultivators, except that their seats were more spacious and comfortable. Moreover, even if they had spirit stones to buy high-level seats, they were not allowed to go upstairs.

The strict hierarchy of cultivation levels is evident.

……

Secondly, after taking a seat, there was a light green bronze mirror on the armrest of the seat.

According to the waitress, as long as you input your magic power into this bronze mirror, you can make a silent bid, which will be directly sent to the large screen displaying the magical artifacts on the auction stage in front.

Unable to be identified by other cultivators, they can freely compete for them without worrying about angering higher-level cultivators and causing trouble.

Safer!
When Lin Changheng held the mirror, he felt its warmth and smoothness, not its coldness. With a slight activation, he could easily inscribe information on a jade slip.

It really feels quite amazing!

Using this offer is also a good thing for him, because his [Smell and Detect Spirit] has detected more than ten [False Core Auras] appearing, and even a [Core Formation Aura] that flashed by very faintly, sweeping across the entire area.

He noticed everything.

Lin Changheng has now mastered the "Secret Technique of Identifying Spirits by Hearing Winds," reaching the "Proficiency Level," which is quite remarkable.

Last time, at Elder Kong's third-tier alchemy celebration, Lin Changheng used this technique at the [Proficient Level] to sense the gaze of a Core Formation cultivator.

"Cultivation may be slow, but its power is immense!"

This is Lin Changheng's final evaluation.

At the same time, he became even more curious about the true strength and identity of the old Taoist Wu.

……

Thirdly, it was the auctioneer who went on stage just as the auction was about to begin.

The auctioneer was neither a Foundation Establishment cultivator nor an experienced old man with a smile, but a beautiful female cultivator dressed in palace attire.

Her figure was graceful, and her cultivation level was clearly at the Pseudo-Core stage!
Lin Changheng, who had been somewhat relaxed and half-lying on the soft chair, immediately straightened up, adopting a more formal posture.

"A pseudo-Core Formation cultivator is actually hosting this auction?"

The next reaction was, "As expected of the [Southern Palace], it's a gathering place for geniuses and talents. There are so many pseudo-core cultivators here?"

This is an unimaginable scene under the rule of the Purple Extreme Sect.

"Welcome to this mini-auction. I will be the auctioneer, and I hope everyone will find what they're looking for and leave with a full bag!"

The female cultivator who had achieved the rank of Core Formation was respectfully addressed as "Master Zhenren." Her voice was melodious and possessed an alluring quality that could easily stir the emotions of the cultivators present, yet she also carried an undeniable air of authority.

As soon as these words were spoken, a chorus of echoes, cheers, and flattery erupted in the room, instantly enlivening the auction hall.

"Indeed, they have the means."

But Lin Changheng's eyes were deep and unmoved.

The five-fold [Purifying the Mind] effect obtained from the original treasure seed shielded the seemingly unintentional effects created by the fake core female cultivator, as well as the surge of enthusiasm brought about by the boiling scene. She remained calm and composed, without getting carried away.

……

The first item on display was a set of top-grade first-tier mother-and-child magic swords, consisting of one large and nine small ones. Their radiant light attracted the attention of late-stage Qi Refining cultivators in the hall, who immediately began bidding against each other.

Even cultivators in the early stages of Foundation Establishment joined the bidding.

Seeing this scene, Lin Changheng knew that he had come to the right place for the auction in the [Extreme Mountain Immortal City].

In the past, the "one large and four small" first-grade mid-level magic weapon [Flying Locust Mother and Child Stone] and the "one large and five small" first-grade high-quality [Mysterious Cha Mother and Child Blade] were extremely rare. But here, the one large and nine small high-quality mother and child magic swords are just appetizers.

It should be featured first!

This naturally sparked a bidding war, and the final auction price of the magical artifact was not as high as expected.

"Because of higher productivity?"

Lin Changheng murmured to himself.

The first-tier pills that appeared next had names that Lin Changheng had never seen before!

However, the main functions are all focused on the word "breakthrough".

This piqued Lin Changheng's interest, and he wanted to bid on one.

"Could this be a newly developed breakthrough pill?"

Under the rule of the Purple Extreme Sect and the Floating Life Immortal City, breakthrough pills are not uncommon, but their drawbacks are obvious. Taking them will affect one's subsequent cultivation path and may even prematurely deplete one's potential.

Xu Fugui took the [Pulse-Breaking Pill], which helped him break through the bottleneck of the mid-stage Qi Refining realm. Although he entered the late stage of Qi Refining, he had no hope of establishing his foundation.

They were firmly blocked outside the Foundation Establishment stage, their path cut off!
However, as the central hub of the Song Dynasty, [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] is a place where resources and talents converge, so it is not impossible for it to develop new breakthrough pills.

Even a slight reduction in side effects would be of immeasurable importance to the overall improvement of human cultivators' strength. Of course, this is from a "big picture" perspective. Cultivators are usually self-interested, and the spirit stones they earn from refining such pills are certainly not few, enough to support their personal cultivation path and help their families rise to prominence.

This is the core driving force behind the continuous progress and innovation of alchemy techniques in this world.

After some deliberation, Lin Changheng decided to give up. Spending two hundred low-grade spirit stones just to watch the excitement and gain some insight wouldn't be of much use to him.

If it were a new "Breakthrough Pill" of the second tier or higher, he would bid for it without hesitation.

However, developing such elixirs is much more difficult, and the probability of success is probably not very high.

Ultimately, they were acquired through a highly competitive and rapid bidding process.

……

After the auction of one Foundation Establishment Spiritual Item and two genuine Foundation Establishment Pills concluded, the lively bidding frenzy subsided, and the auction officially entered its second phase.

The auction will primarily feature second-tier lots.

There are more and more high-quality second-tier pills that can improve one's cultivation level, and second-tier [talisman plates] are also starting to be auctioned off one after another.

Various second-tier natural treasures, cultivation techniques, and spells appeared one after another, many of which even Lin Changheng had only heard of but never seen in person.

The bidding was fierce, with most of the cultivators in the hall becoming spectators. The real competition took place in the private rooms on the second floor and above, with bids often reaching tens of thousands of low-grade spirit stones, making people's hearts pound.

"This is the true grandeur of a great immortal city," Lin Changheng thought with delight.

With spirit stones in his bag, he naturally felt calm, which also showed that there were many good items at this auction!
He began to concentrate, waiting for what he needed to appear.

About an hour later.

Lin Changheng stopped for the time being, feeling satisfied.

He won the bid for two items.

One is a second-tier, high-grade [Array Dao Inheritance].

This lineage is quite unique. It does not originate from a particular sect or family, but rather from a reclusive master cultivator who made significant achievements in array formations hundreds of years ago.

It is renowned and highly respected.

Legend has it that in his later years, in search of a breakthrough, he ventured alone into an ancient ruin and was never heard from again.

This inheritance is a copy of his early travel notes, which was compiled by his disciples. It not only records a variety of ingenious methods for setting up and breaking second-order formations, but also contains many unconventional and imaginative ideas and insights on formations from Xuanxin Sanren. For formation masters, its inspirational value even exceeds that of some complete but rather rigid orthodox inheritances.

I just don't know how it got out.

After repeated authentication by a master of array formations invited at the auction, it was confirmed to be genuine.

What Lin Changheng values ​​is the "spirituality" and "adaptability" inherent in this tradition.

Therefore, the price is not low.

There are also many competitors.

Lin Changheng eventually acquired the item for 15,000 low-grade spirit stones.

The combination of the reputation of Xuanxin Sanren, the premium at the auction, and the rarity of a second-tier high-grade array technique led Lin Changheng to pay a premium of approximately five thousand spirit stones.

But he still felt it was worth it.

The path of array formation requires both innate talent and a master's guidance; otherwise, progress is difficult.

An excellent [Array Dao Inheritance] is indispensable for his advancement in the second-tier array Dao field, serving as a guide and mentor.

……

The other item is a spiritual object that can help one break through the Foundation Establishment stage.

It is named "Earthfire Red Lotus" because of its lotus seeds.

This thing grows deep within the earth's magma, sprouting in one year, blooming in ten years, and only producing a handful of lotus seeds after a hundred years. Each lotus seed contains extremely pure and abundant fire-attribute spiritual power, enough to greatly increase the chances of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator with both fire and earth elements breaking through their bottleneck.

However, as Master Shi Zhenren, who presided over the auction, said, this item has an unavoidable drawback.

Because it grows year-round in the extreme fiery region, accompanied day and night by raging volcanic magma, the lotus seeds, while condensing essence, inevitably absorb the "fire poison" within them. If consumed directly, while a surge of spiritual power enters the body, the insidious fire poison will also invade the meridians and dantian. At best, it will damage cultivation and shake the foundation; at worst, it will ignite the heart fire, burning the body to death!

Unless a second-tier high-grade pharmacist is found to process this substance, neutralizing or removing the fire poison to reduce it to a harmless or acceptable level, it can not be consumed.

This is another considerable additional expense.

This is why, although the lotus seeds of the Earth Fire Red Lotus have tempting effects, the bidding was far less intense than for other treasures, and Lin Changheng ultimately won them over at a relatively "affordable" price.

Others viewed this fire poison as a monstrous flood, but Lin Changheng had his own plans.

He possesses the [Poison-Transforming Demonic Technique], which allows him to attempt to eradicate fire poison; he also has the [Dark Radiance Profound Flame], which is remarkably effective at burning and refining exotic energies; coupled with the powerful physique cultivated from the [Evergreen Wood Body] and the repeatedly strengthened [Fire Resistance Demonic Talent], he has the confidence to attempt to refine, force out, and even...

Make use of this fiery poison!

After all, he also possesses the [Fire Poison Demonic Art]!
While risks certainly exist, Lin Changheng can easily handle and absorb them without the need for a pharmacist's intervention!
Furthermore, it will break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment!
The starting price for this item was originally 25,000 low-grade spirit stones, with each bid increment no less than 500.

As a result, Lin Changheng won the bid for 34,000 spirit stones.

This is quite a bargain.

Lin Changheng was satisfied.

If it were the [Condensed Essence Jade Marrow] that he currently possessed, auctioned on stage with no restrictions on its use, and amidst fierce competition, he could be considered quite lucky to acquire it for an additional five thousand spirit stones.

Some people might even get carried away and quote prices exceeding 40,000 spirit stones.

……

Lin Changheng did not rush to leave as he had before, because he was quoting prices through the bronze mirror ritual implements, so there was no risk of losing money.

Anran waited patiently for the final auction items to be presented.

As a result, this wait made Lin Changheng's eyes light up.

A copy of the "Third-Order Low-Grade Alchemy Inheritance" was placed on a tray and brought to the stage by a maid.

Lin Changheng was so excited that he almost stood up.

His alchemy practice is now progressing steadily, and the only guidance he can draw upon is the teachings of Master Kong and the insights he gained from their previous discussion on alchemy.

This was not enough for Lin Changheng to complete the basic construction of the three-stage alchemy theory, accumulate knowledge smoothly, and achieve advancement.

This can naturally serve as nourishment for his skill advancement.

He is thirsty for knowledge.

There are quite a few other monks who share similar thoughts.

Especially in the VIP boxes on the upper floors, someone exclaimed with delight, "Master Shi, is this truly a complete inheritance of third-order alchemy techniques?"

The aura emanating from him was clearly that of a fake elixir!
"Haha, Fairy Master, Old Monster Wen has been searching everywhere for this kind of alchemy technique in an attempt to break through to the third level of alchemy, and now he has finally found it."

Another pseudo-core cultivator spoke slowly, revealing the speaker's identity and seemingly hinting at something.

"Hmph! You old scoundrel, what business is it of yours to interfere in my affairs?"

Old Man Wen immediately snorted, clearly displeased that this person had revealed his secrets.

Lin Changheng, listening below, frowned immediately. According to these two, this fake alchemy cultivator called "Old Monster Wen" seemed determined to obtain the [Third-Order Low-Grade Alchemy Inheritance].

If they want to compete for it, they will inevitably have to engage in a bidding war.

He unconsciously tightened his grip on the bronze mirror in his hand, and the warm, smooth feeling made him feel even more at ease.

"The [Third-Order Low-Grade Pill Dao Inheritance] in my hand is naturally complete. If there are any incomplete parts, they will be noted. I will not deceive you in the slightest. I believe everyone here is well aware of this."

Master Shi smiled confidently and said something that made everyone in the hall nod in agreement. The auction in Jishan Immortal City had always been highly regarded and could not be faked in the slightest.

The two fake pills who had spoken earlier fell silent, clearly agreeing with this statement.

Then Master Shi continued, "I must say that Fellow Daoist Wen is quite lucky. A fellow Daoist happened to encounter some difficulties and put this inheritance up for auction. Otherwise, finding a third-tier inheritance would be extremely difficult."

"It is only occasionally seen at large and medium-sized auctions in this immortal city."

These words immediately highlighted the scarcity of the [Third-Order Low-Grade Pill Dao Inheritance]. Whether it was someone who truly wanted to compete with Old Monster Wen, or a cultivator who had a grudge against Old Monster Wen, most of them would fight for it and would not sit idly by and watch the other party obtain it easily.

The price for this inheritance will naturally increase significantly.

Lin Changheng thought to himself, these fake pills... are indeed all troublesome.

At this moment, another voice came from another corner of the upper floor, old yet still vigorous: "Hehe, since Fellow Daoist Wen wants this, then I, Jia, will naturally have to 'help out'. Fairy Master, please state your bottom price."

"You, surnamed Jia! You just wait!"

Wen Laoguai immediately shouted, his words filled with anger and threat. Just by listening to his voice, one could imagine the other party's furious appearance.

"I haven't left. I'm just sitting here waiting. What, does Fellow Daoist Wen want to thank me in person?"

Master Jia spoke in a calm and even voice, but his words were full of sarcasm and barbs.

Ignoring the other party's angry "Fine, fine, fine...", Master Jia continued, "If any fellow Daoist is interested in this inheritance, feel free to make an offer. Consider it my bid. If Fellow Daoist Wen wants to express his gratitude in person, he can only do so through me. It has nothing to do with you."

Upon hearing this, all the cultivators present exchanged bewildered glances.

Only one thought crossed his mind: This Master Jia... is too ruthless!
Without spending a single spirit stone, he could thoroughly annoy Old Monster Wen, and the other party was truly helpless and had no way to deal with him.

Lin Changheng's heart stirred. These two fake Core Formation cultivators were probably mortal enemies, their hatred was out in the open, and they were not afraid of retaliation and wanted to undermine each other.

At the same time, his divine sense quietly spread out, eavesdropping on the words of the Qi Refining cultivators who were transmitting their voices at the scene.

Soon, they learned the identities of the two people.

This old monster, whose real name is Wen Zhong, is the leader of a medium-sized business association in the Immortal City—the Thousand Spirits Business Association.

It's on the same level as the [Liushi Chamber of Commerce], but its main business is focused on the upstream and downstream chains of alchemy.

He possessed remarkable alchemy skills and had intricate connections with various factions. While he appeared shrewd, he was actually not broad-minded.

His alchemy skills had initially advanced rapidly to the second-tier upper grade, but he was stuck for decades, unable to break through to the third grade. To this end, he collected various third-tier lower grade alchemy inheritances from all over the place, attempting to verify them with each other in order to break through the barrier.

……

But Master Jia was different. He was eccentric and aloof, and vindictive. He was a rogue cultivator, all alone, and no one dared to mess with him.

The two had a long-standing feud, which reportedly stemmed from fifty years ago when they fought over a rare "innate magical treasure embryo" in a secret realm. At that time, Old Man Wen was more skilled and won the treasure, while Master Jia held a grudge after his defeat.

Although they all later broke through to the False Core stage, they could not get rid of this old matter, nor could they let it go.

Their confrontation at this auction is merely another manifestation of their long-standing grudges.

As for that "Old Thief Qiu," he is the head of another large-to-medium-sized chamber of commerce, and there is some cross-competition between him and the [Thousand Spirits Chamber of Commerce].

Therefore, his words were not very clear in their inclination; they could be considered as helping or disrupting things.

"I see."

Lin Changheng understood. He naturally wouldn't get involved in this kind of local power struggle and would just watch from the sidelines. But since someone had stepped forward to take the brunt of the hatred, he naturally wouldn't let this opportunity pass.

……

After that, Old Man Wen didn't say anything.

But if someone could see into the private room, they would see that his face, which was still considered middle-aged, was now so gloomy it could drip water.

The veins on the back of his hands, which were resting on his knees, were bulging, and his knuckles were white from clenching his fists. He was clearly trying his best to suppress his raging anger.

He wasn't backing down; he just knew that arguing was pointless. But that didn't diminish the cold glint in his eyes, clearly indicating that he had once again made a grudge and was plotting to make that Jia fellow pay back with interest in the future.

The atmosphere inside the private room was tense, and the high-ranking members of the chamber of commerce standing to the side didn't dare to breathe loudly.

"Nameless [Third-Order Low-Grade Alchemy Inheritance], starting price 30,000 low-grade spirit stones, each bid must be at least 1,000. Please submit your bids now."

The smile on Master Shi's pretty face remained sincere and bright. Deep down, she knew she had essentially achieved her goal of stirring things up; all that remained was to see how the bidding went.

In the end, Lin Changheng forcibly purchased this [Third-Order Low-Grade Alchemy Inheritance].

The price has exceeded 50,000 low-grade spirit stones.

There was a clear premium involved, but Lin Changheng had no other choice.

You can only bite the bullet.

As Master Shi brought down his hammer, a faint, triumphant hum seemed to come from the direction of Master Jia's private room, further amplifying the provocative tone.

He clearly sensed that something was off about the atmosphere in Wen Laoguai's private room; he had probably lost the competition.

Old Man Wen made no comment, as if he hadn't heard anything, and for a moment, the entire auction hall fell into an eerie silence.

After that, no more desirable items appeared, so Lin Changheng did not make another move.

However, in doing so, Lin Changheng spent a full 100,000 low-grade spirit stones.

Nearly half of the spirit stones in the originally bulging storage bag were gone.

Fortunately, he still has six high-grade spiritual artifacts and nine mid-to-low-grade spiritual artifacts in hand, and the spirit stones that can be converted into cash are also quite considerable.

This could support him to make another generous purchase at a mid-sized auction two years later.

……

Needless to say, the subsequent controversy over fake pills was not uncommon, and similar sabotage and instigation were not uncommon.

It's much more intense than the battle for Foundation Establishment!
After the auction ended, Lin Changheng, who had returned home with a full load of goods, safely went back to his cave.

After re-examining the two inheritances and one spiritual object he had acquired, Lin Changheng decided to go into seclusion for six months.

The first priority is to eliminate the fire poison of the [Earth Fire Red Lotus Seed]!

(End of this chapter)