Immortality begins with equipping a worn-out talisman pen.

A few days later, the auction organized by the Bai family was held as scheduled.

Early in the morning, Li Mufeng and Liu Yan'er rushed to Jubaoge together, preparing to go to the auction with the core members of the Liu family.

Today, Jubao Pavilion is unusually closed for a day, clearly to support the Bai family's auction.

In a similar fashion, many shops in the market also closed their doors to customers.

The number of cultivators on the street did not decrease; on the contrary, it was even more lively than usual, with almost everyone talking about who would get the Foundation Establishment Pill.

The two entered the Treasure Pavilion through a side door.

As soon as he stepped into the inner hall, Li Mufeng's gaze fell on the middle-aged cultivator in the center.

The man was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe. He was tall with a square face and an air of authority that suggested he had long held a high position. His temples were streaked with gray, but this did not diminish his bearing; instead, it added to his composure and gravitas.

It was Liu Chengshan, the head of the Liu family.

At this moment, when Liu Chengshan saw Liu Yan'er and Li Mufeng coming side by side, his expression visibly stiffened, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and his face darkened.

Beside Liu Chengshan stood a middle-aged cultivator wearing a light blue robe with cloud patterns.

This person was tall and slender, with a refined and scholarly appearance. A gentle smile always played at the corners of his mouth, and his aura was as deep and restrained as a bottomless abyss. If one did not perceive it carefully, he would be almost indistinguishable from an ordinary cultivator.

Li Mufeng's gaze sharpened slightly, and he instantly recognized the other party.

It was none other than Liu Chengyun, the Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Liu family who had appeared in Black Stone Market that day and fought a great battle against the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Xuan Yin Sect.

Liu Chengyun was also sizing up Li Mufeng, his gaze gentle and undisguised in his appreciation.

Before Li Mufeng could step forward to pay his respects, he spoke first with a smile:

"I've heard Yan'er mention it before, saying that a talisman master with remarkable talent has come to our Liu family."

He looked Li Mufeng up and down and nodded slightly.

"Now that I see him, he is indeed a man of great talent and extraordinary bearing."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chengshan swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He glanced at Liu Chengyun, who was all smiles, and then at Li Mufeng standing next to Liu Yan'er. In the end, he could only let out a soft snort, put his hands behind his back, and utter two words with a stern face.

"Let's go."

......

To prepare for this grand event, the Bai Family Auction House spent a fortune to invite a spirit architect from the Qingxuan Sect to redesign the venue. They also used several precious spiritual materials and employed the Sumeru Space-Containing Technique to expand the entire auction house.

From the outside, the auction house already appears magnificent and imposing.

Only when you actually step inside do you realize what it means to find a hidden paradise.

The pavilions and towers were arranged in a staggered manner, with a dome hanging high and spiritual lamps like stars. The entire venue was several times larger than it appeared from the outside, enough to accommodate tens of thousands of cultivators at the same time.

As soon as the Liu family arrived, a Bai family steward, dressed in brocade robes and with impeccable manners, quickly came to greet them.

"Patriarch Liu, please."

His attitude was extremely respectful, which clearly indicated that the Bai family had given him instructions beforehand.

Firstly, the Liu family caravan suffered the most severe losses during the last attack on Blackstone City, and the Bai family has been trying to take this opportunity to repair relations between the two sides.

Secondly, Liu Chengyun's sudden foundation-building made the Liu family the fourth largest foundation-building family in the market, after the Bai, Chen, and Wang families.

Upon entering the VIP area, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in a white brocade robe was already waiting at the entrance.

It was Bai Chongde, the head of the Bai family.

Upon seeing Liu Chengshan arrive, he personally came out to greet him with a warm smile on his face.

"Brother Liu has finally arrived. Please take a seat."

He and Liu Chengshan were cultivators of the same generation and had some private friendship, so they spoke quite intimately.

Then, Bai Chengyue turned his gaze to Liu Chengyun, who was standing next to Liu Chengshan, and bowed slightly.

"This must be Senior Liu."

"I have heard of your name since my early years, and it is truly an honor for Black Stone City to witness your success in establishing your foundation."

Upon hearing this, a hint of a smile flashed in Liu Chengyun's eyes.

In his youth, he was merely an illegitimate son of the Liu family, unknown and without any reputation.

However, since Bai Chengyue had given him face, he naturally wouldn't expose him.

He immediately waved his hand.

"Patriarch Bai, you are too kind. I only broke through by chance. Compared to the Foundation Establishment seniors of your family, this meager achievement is really nothing."

Although he said that, Liu Chengyun couldn't hide the smile in his eyes.

Although Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining Perfection are only one level apart, they are ultimately completely different worlds.

From the moment he took that step, the Liu family's status was completely different.

What was once just a newly established Foundation Establishment family with some foundation in the market has now truly risen to the top ranks of Blackstone Market.

The Bai family also specially arranged for the Liu family to be in one of the most central locations in the VIP area, giving them ample courtesy.

Li Mufeng was even more familiar with the person who was responsible for guiding them.

She wore a light yellow dress, her eyebrows and eyes were exquisite, and a faint smile always lingered at the corners of her mouth.

She is none other than Bai Lingxi, the most dazzling prodigy of the Bai family in this generation.

Since joining the Qingxuan Sect, this woman's cultivation has progressed by leaps and bounds. In just two short years, she has already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

Within the Qingxuan Sect, she is already a popular candidate for the next generation of personal disciples.

Even in terms of fame, she is in no way inferior to Fairy Xiyao of Lingyun Peak.

Both were proficient in the art of talismans and possessed extraordinary talent, which is why they were often compared by disciples of the sect.

Over time, even the outer disciples gradually split into two factions.

One faction revered Fairy Xiyao, believing her talent in talismanic arts to be unparalleled in the world.

The other faction firmly supports Bai Lingxi, believing that she has exceptional comprehension and unlimited potential for future achievements.

Logically speaking, given Bai Lingxi's current status and position, she should already be the most valued person after the Bai family's pseudo-core ancestor.

She doesn't need to personally greet guests.

But this young lady, who was usually quirky and mischievous, insisted on taking on this task herself.

This scene immediately drew the attention of countless cultivators around them.

"Hiss... Is that the eldest daughter of the Bai family?"

"She truly lives up to her reputation. Her poise and figure are even more beautiful than the rumors suggest."

"Which family has such great influence that Fairy Lingxi would personally come to greet them?"

The group of independent cultivators discussed amongst themselves, their voices filled with envy.

Some people couldn't help but sigh.

"If I could receive such treatment someday, it would be worth dying on the spot."

Someone nearby immediately sneered.

"You? Maybe in your next life."

"Don't even mention having Fairy Lingxi personally greet you; if you can even enter the VIP area, I'll call you 'senior'."

Everyone burst into laughter.

While everyone was discussing it.

Bai Lingxi greeted them with a smile.

From a distance, she called out crisply:

"Master Li—!"

His voice was clear and melodious, yet he made no attempt to conceal it.

The huge VIP area fell silent for a moment as all eyes turned to look at them.

Everyone originally thought that the person who could be personally greeted by the eldest daughter of the Bai family must be the head of the Liu family or that newly promoted Foundation Establishment senior.

Unexpectedly, she bypassed Liu Chengshan and Liu Chengyun and greeted a talisman master in a blue robe standing at the back of the crowd.

For a moment, countless people were stunned.

"Master Li? Who is that person? He looks like just a late-stage Qi Refining talisman master. For Fairy Lingxi to call him Master, could he be some hidden talisman master?"

"Could it be some old monster from the Foundation Establishment stage? I've heard that some high-level Foundation Establishment cultivators like to transform into young faces to frolic in the mortal world."