Immortality begins with equipping a worn-out talisman pen.

Second-tier demonic beast: Red-bearded Tiger.

Upon hearing the name, he sat up straight and began to listen carefully to the auctioneer's explanation.

"This demon is of the second rank, low grade. It was hunted down by the Foundation Establishment elder of the Bai family in the depths of the Crimson Flame Valley during his travels in the Yue Kingdom. Its demon core is extremely well preserved, and the fire and blood energy contained within it has hardly been lost. Whether it is used to refine the second-rank pills Crimson Blood Pill and Tiger Soul Pill, or as the main ingredient for refining Foundation Establishment Pill, it is a rare and top-quality material."

These words instantly ignited the atmosphere in the room.

Li Mufeng also recalled some miscellaneous books from the Liu family that he had borrowed in his spare time when drawing talismans, including records of the Crimson Blood Pill.

This is a pill specifically designed for body-refining cultivators. After taking it, one can instantly unleash power and speed far exceeding normal levels. In a sense, it is similar to the Spirit Explosion Pill for body cultivators, only with a more domineering effect and fewer side effects.

The reason it can achieve such an effect is inextricably linked to the Red Bearded Tiger's innate divine ability, Blood Burning. After the Red Bearded Tiger comes of age, in addition to casting some fire-attribute spells, its most powerful ability is this innate divine ability. Once it is used, even cultivators in the early stages of Foundation Establishment will have to avoid its sharp edge.

If this demon core could be used to cultivate the [Mountain and River Body], perhaps a similar effect could be obtained.

Besides, even if it's not used for body tempering, the inner core of a demon beast can be used as the main ingredient for Foundation Establishment Pills.

It is precisely because of this that some well-connected cultivators have begun to quietly plan their future, intending to acquire the demon beast's inner core and then seek cooperation with familiar alchemists.

"The starting bid is 1,500 low-grade spirit stones, and each bid must be at least 50 spirit stones higher."

As soon as Bai Qinglan finished speaking, some cultivators couldn't wait any longer.

"Sixteen thousand. My uncle is a Foundation Establishment elder of Danxia Peak in the Qingxuan Sect. He has long wanted to refine a Crimson Blood Pill. I would appreciate it if you fellow Daoists would give me the honor."

In the VIP section, a young cultivator dressed in brocade robes spoke first. His name was Xu Xinglang, and he came from the Xu family, a Qi Refining family.

However, the "uncle" he mentioned was actually his second aunt's Daoist partner, and their relationship was far less intimate than he described.

Upon hearing this, Li Mufeng felt a surge of amusement. Those who could sit in the VIP section had absolutely no connections within the sect.

If it were some rare item of unknown value, people might give you some leeway. But for treasures like the inner core of a second-tier demon beast, whose price is transparent and whose uses are clear, in the end, it's still spirit stones that matter most.

While auctions may involve personal relationships and considerations, they ultimately come down to price.

as predicted.

As soon as Xu Xinglang finished speaking, a hoarse voice rang out.

"Seventeen thousand".

The bidder was a rogue cultivator dressed in black robes and wearing a mask.

Immediately afterwards, another old man spoke up with a smile:

"Eighteen hundred spirit stones. Nephew Xu, I apologize, but I happen to have a grandson at home who needs this to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill."

These words immediately drew knowing smiles from many people.

Who would give up something truly good just because someone says "give me face"?

Xu Xinglang's face flushed slightly, and he felt a surge of annoyance.

He wondered if the reputation of his Xu family was less important than that of the Liu family talisman master. But facing the old uncle who had some connection with his elders, he dared not lash out and could only bow slightly.

"If that's the case, then let's each rely on our own abilities."

"One thousand nine hundred spirit stones!"

"One thousand nine hundred and fifty."

Li Mufeng also decided to make a move. He didn't intend to wait and see with such a clearly valuable item. Instead, he decided to use psychological suppression tactics. No matter who bid, he would only bid fifty points higher, which was all about psychological pressure.

After several rounds of bidding, the price was raised to 2,900.

The market price of the inner core of a typical second-tier demon beast is around 2,800 to 3,000, depending on its quality.

At this price, fewer cultivators are willing to make a purchase. After all, unless it's a genuine necessity, there's no need to put on a heroic act. While demon beast cores can be used to refine Foundation Establishment Pills, finding an alchemist and collecting other spiritual materials requires time and connections.

If the value exceeds its original worth too much, it's better to save the spirit stones and buy Foundation Establishment Pills later.

However, it was clearly Xu Xinglang's first time appearing on such an important occasion, and seeing Li Mufeng's aggressive attitude, he was also provoked.

A mere talisman master dared to challenge the eldest son of the Xu family.

"Three thousand."

Three thousand and fifty.

Li Mufeng frowned slightly. He was always quite rational. Although the second-tier demon beast inner core would greatly enhance his current abilities, he wouldn't bid blindly.

Over the years, he has indeed earned a lot of spirit stones from Wanfuzhai through his salary and share of profits, but he will not easily use them to act impulsively. He has already silently set a price in his mind, and if it exceeds three thousand five, he will not raise the price.

"Three thousand two."

"..."

This time, Li Mufeng didn't rush to bid. Instead, he seemed to be deep in thought, as if considering whether it was worth spending so many spirit stones. Only when he saw Bai Qinglan about to bring down the hammer did he calmly raise his paddle.

"Three thousand two hundred and fifty."

Xu Xinglang's forehead was slightly sweaty, but he still blurted it out out of habit.

"Three thousand three hundred."

Li Mufeng's change of pace allowed him to catch his breath for a moment, and as his initial excitement subsided, reason gradually took over his mind.

The Xu family's purpose in coming here was actually for that Foundation Establishment Pill. They had almost exhausted the entire family's savings for it, just to take this gamble. If they succeeded, the Xu family would be a legitimate Foundation Establishment family, instead of relying on that so-called uncle.

Li Mufeng's pause this time was particularly long, so long that Xu Xinglang could clearly hear the whispers and laughter of the people around him.

"That Xu family kid got tricked by that talisman master."

"Tsk tsk tsk, still too young."

"Didn't he know there were Foundation Establishment Pills coming up?"

As the comments reached his ears, Xu Xinglang's face grew paler and paler.

He looked at his uncle beside him. The uncle's eyes did not show any blame, but the slight trembling in his eyes made him feel even more regretful.

"Any other VIPs wish to make a bid?" Bai Qinglan's voice was melodious and pleasant, but at this moment it was like a cold knife.

at last.

A calm voice rang out.

"Three thousand three hundred and fifty."

The sound was like heavenly music to Xu Xinglang's ears. He instantly felt relieved and slumped back into his chair, only belatedly realizing that his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

He turned and glanced at his uncle again. The wrinkles in his uncle's eyes completely smoothed out, and there was even a hint of approval in his gaze.

After waiting a while longer, no one else made a bid.

Bai Qinglan smiled slightly and gently lowered the small wooden hammer in her hand.

"Congratulations, Master Li, on winning the inner core of a second-tier demonic beast, the Crimson-Bearded Tiger, for 3,350 spirit stones!"

The hammer fell silent.

Li Mufeng finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Furthermore, his own savings were about to run out. Fortunately, the outcome was acceptable. Even though there was a slight premium, the significance of this second-tier demon beast inner core to him was no less than that of the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Once you master the [Mountain and River Body], your achievements in body refinement will be comparable to those of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.