https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-209-Some-People-Change-Some-Cannot/12920544/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-211-Qingyuan-Miao-Dan-Detoxification-and-Beauty/12920546/
Chapter 210: Must Get It!
Chapter 210: Must Get It!
"One thousand!"
"One thousand five hundred!"
"Three thousand!"
"Five thousand five hundred!"
The second auction for the Foundation Establishment Pill started with an intense bidding war.
In the blink of an eye, the price surpassed the amount Luo Chen had paid previously.
There were three parties involved in the bidding.
A Foundation Establishment Cultivator from Xue Lian Market Town.
The Loose Cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Great Perfection stage who had previously competed with Luo Chen.
And... the Li Clan!
"Xiao Ao, although I had prepared a Foundation Establishment Pill for you eight years ago, one pill is still not enough insurance."
"With the example of Duan Family's Duan Rui, you must not take this lightly."
"Therefore, I will definitely secure this Foundation Establishment Pill for you!"
Li Yixuan said to Li Ao.
Then, she turned and offered a price of six thousand Spirit Stones.
This price was obviously the same as the one Da He Fang had offered to the Loose Cultivator.
"Six thousand one hundred!" The Foundation Establishment Cultivator from Xue Lian Market Town did not back down.
"Six thousand two hundred!" The Qi Cultivation Great Perfection Loose Cultivator's eyes were bloodshot.
Li Yixuan's expression turned cold, as she had not participated in the bidding for the Mystic Flame Sword, and the Li Clan's years of accumulated wealth were indeed substantial.
But it was just one Foundation Establishment Pill.
"Six thousand five hundred!"
"Six thousand six hundred!"
"Six thousand seven hundred!"
"Seven thousand!"
After Li Yixuan shouted this price, the Foundation Establishment Cultivator from Xue Lian Market Town hesitated for a moment before finally giving up.
The Qi Cultivation Great Perfection Loose Cultivator wanted to bid again.
However, a Spirit Sense traveled across hundreds of meters and fixed its gaze upon him.
His bloodshot eyes instantly lost their intensity.
His face turned as pale as paper.
With his mouth agape, he eventually slumped back into his chair.
His companion quickly comforted him, "Don't worry, there's still a third chance. Don't lose hope."
He managed a difficult smile but said nothing.
In the Great River Gang's private room, Min Longyu trembled as he watched the Foundation Establishment Pill being taken away.
"Bangzhu?"
Wang Haichao shook his head, "Li Yixuan didn't compete with me for the Mystic Flame Sword this time, but she's determined to get this pill. I have to give her some face."
"But..."
"Don't worry, there's still another chance."
"Is there really a chance?"
"This time, I will take the initiative and secure it!"
Min Longyu nodded repeatedly, like a drowning man grasping a lifesaver.
Yes, take the initiative!
After all, Wang Haichao was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator at the third layer, just one step away from his goal.
If he spoke first, who would dare to compete?
Must get it!
...
Seven thousand Spirit Stones for a Foundation Establishment Pill!
Huo Hu was very pleased with this price.
That's more like it!
This is in line with the market trend during times of war and scarcity, where prices soar!
The previous pill's selling price of five thousand four hundred was nothing compared to this.
He really didn't want Luo Chen to participate in any more auctions.
Every time, he controlled the prices so tightly, leaving no room for profit.
If word got out, others might think that Huo Hu was incompetent, unable to handle even an auction.
With a faint smile, Huo Hu held up the last jade bottle in his palm.
"The third Foundation Establishment Pill, following the same rules."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please!"
Before he could finish speaking, Wang Haichao's voice boomed.
"Five thousand Spirit Stones!"
Another Foundation Establishment Cultivator joined the bidding?
Loose Cultivators who were ready to make their move had faces full of tears, wanting to cry.
Just as the Qi Cultivation Great Perfection Loose Cultivator was about to speak, a crisp voice, like the sound of a phoenix, reached his ears.
"Six thousand!"
The Loose Cultivator had just straightened his body and stretched his neck.
This time, he closed his mouth and slowly curled back into his hard, cold chair.
This world was too unfriendly to Loose Cultivators!
In the Great River Gang's private room, Wang Haichao hesitated.
Min Longyu grew anxious.
"Bangzhu!"
Wang Haichao sighed, "The one who just bid is the master of Winghua Mountain Yu Family, Yu Rou!"
"Bangzhu..." Min Longyu looked at him, his tone pleading.
"Sigh, you foolish child!"
Wang Haichao let out a breath, "Fine, I'll bid once more for you. Whether it succeeds or not, it's up to fate."
"Seven thousand."
His voice drifted out, lacking the assertiveness of his previous initiative, as if he were merely making a last-ditch effort.
Over at the Yu Family.
The clan elder looked at the young lady in court attire, her expression resolute.
"Clan Leader, we cannot give up."
"Even if it's a marriage alliance, it should be on relatively equal terms."
"If we get this Foundation Establishment Pill, Chu Chu's chances of Foundation Establishment will increase by threefold. You can't just pin your hopes on Huang'er."
"If Chu Chu establishes her foundation, at the very least, she'll have some say in the Huo Family."
Yu Rou patiently listened to him and then nodded.
"You're right, I was indeed lacking in consideration before.
"Seven thousand and one!"
A crisp female voice announced.
Although it was only an additional hundred Spirit Stones, it was a firm and resolute bid, as if saying, "If you raise the price, I'll continue to follow."
Wang Haichao, upon hearing this, decisively chose to give up.
Turning back, he looked at the despairing Min Longyu and said with a heavy heart, "It's common knowledge that the Yu Family and the Huo Family are to be joined in marriage. We can't offend either family, let alone both at the same time."
"Moreover, it doesn't make sense for all three Foundation Establishment Pills to be taken by the people from Da He Fang."
"Longyu..."
Min Longyu leaned against the cold wall, his eyes vacant.
"I need some time alone."
"Yes, taking some time is good. Some things can't be forced; it's about fate. Cultivating immortality is like this. Don't be discouraged. As long as we stand firm, there's the small auction once a year and the grand auction once a decade. We have plenty of opportunities. Moreover..."
Wang Haichao rambled on.
This was a rare occasion for him to talk so much.
If it were someone like Gao Tingyuan or Li Dazhi, he wouldn't have this much patience.
But Min Longyu was different.
This person was skilled in formations and had no roots, so he had to be won over.
He asked himself if he had been unfair to Min Longyu, and indeed, he had made a bid earlier.
But there was no other way; the situation was stronger than him.
That's how it was with cultivating immortality.
...
"I'll take one, and Li Yixuan will take the other."
"Fortunately, the third Foundation Establishment Pill was taken by the Yu Family of Wing Flower Mountain, otherwise, it would have easily caused unnecessary trouble."
Luo Chen nodded.
He was very satisfied with this outcome.
He believed that the major powers of Mount Tai Market could accept it.
Perhaps the only ones who couldn't accept it were the Loose Cultivators in the late Qi Refinement Stage.
But who cares?
No one would care!
As the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion receded into the distance, the Flame Alliance entrusted the Huo Family with managing the market town, while other places like Lingyao Pavilion and Ten Thousand Treasure Tower were industries of foreign sects.
As a result, many unspoken rules were no longer recognized.
What?
Offering a Foundation Establishment Pill to give Loose Cultivators a glimmer of hope? Don't joke around; which immortal cultivation family would be willing to sell such a precious resource cheaply?
If they did sell it cheaply, Huo Hu would be the first to be scolded for squandering resources.
With different standpoints, the perspective on issues varies.
In the end, the situation settled as it is now.
His gaze fell on the lifeless Loose Cultivator in the late Qi Refinement Stage, who seemed to have lost all hope in life.
Luo Chen felt no sympathy.
"If I had chosen the path of a Loose Cultivator, I might have faced similar predicaments at every auction."
"Having plenty of Spirit Stones but unable to spend them."
"How can Qi Refinement compare to Foundation Establishment?"
After a moment of reflection, Luo Chen continued to pay attention to the ongoing auction.
Lingyao Pavilion, as expected of the Medicine King Sect's industry, offered high-quality Alchemy for auction!
Luo Chen couldn't resist and bought the Second Tier Spirit Elixir and a large quantity of premium-quality Peaceful Mind Incense.
He spent a significant amount of Spirit Stones in the process.
Each time he made a bid, he managed to grasp the price perfectly.
Once or twice was fine, but after several instances, the group of Qi Refinement Ninth Stage Cultivators from Luo Tianhui were astonished.
Coincidentally, the next segment was the auction of items provided by Loose Cultivators.
There weren't many premium resources among them, and Luo Chen didn't pay much attention.
He casually chatted with the people he had brought along.
"In the cultivation world, auctions, black markets, and Loose Cultivator markets are common trading venues."
"Each place has different trading techniques."
"Since we're here today, let me share some bidding techniques for auctions!"
"First, we need to assess our actual situation, such as..."
He explained meticulously.
The Luo Tianhui cultivators listened attentively.
Even Qu Lingjun, the child, was engrossed.
After all, Luo Chen wasn't just talking about theory.
During the previous auction, he had already demonstrated these techniques several times.
Observing opponents, making decisive bids, gradually increasing bids to exert psychological pressure, seizing the initiative with the opening bid...
As everyone listened attentively, Wang Yuan couldn't help but take a deep look at Luo Chen.
In this moment,
he seemed to see a familiar figure in Luo Chen.
...
The auction concluded with the bidding for a magical artifact named Smoke Chill Silk.
And the one who acquired this artifact was none other than Li Yixuan.
It must be said,
the four Foundation Establishment Cultivators from Da He Fang had indeed stolen the show at this auction.
Both magical artifacts were taken by Wang and Li.
And the prices were quite high.
Luo Chen wasn't idle either, frequently making bids.
The items he acquired, though not the very best, were extremely valuable.
Only Nan Gong Jin, after failing to obtain the Mystic Flame Sword from Wang Haichao, fell into silence.
The local cultivators of Mount Tai Market held benevolent intentions towards the grand gestures of the four Foundation Establishment Cultivators from Da He Fang.
It represented their genuine desire to integrate into Mount Tai Market and actively contribute to its economy.
Especially since this auction was hosted by the Huo Family of Vermillion Toad Mountain.
Wang Haichao and Li Yixuan's high bids had indeed saved face for them.
...
The end of the auction did not mean the venue would be deserted.
Looking at the bright red invitation in his hand, Luo Chen savored the moment.
He raised his head, and in the distance, Li Yixuan, who had just exited the private room, nodded at him.
It seemed they had all received invitations!
This banquet tonight would likely not be a pleasant one.
Luo Chen shook his head and put away the invitation.
"Huiwang, you and the others head back immediately."
"Pack up and ensure the Heavenly Eagle Flying Ship is ready for immediate departure."
The sound transmission entered his ears.
Sima Huiwang looked at Luo Chen in surprise, then realized what he meant.
She nodded firmly and immediately led her group away.
Wang Yuan paused, "Do you need me to accompany you?"
Luo Chen smiled faintly, "That's not necessary; it's not like we're entering a dangerous place. The Huo Family still has its reputation. You go back and manage Luo Tianhui for me!"
Wang Yuan nodded; since his friend had this confidence, he didn't need to say more.
Moreover, Luo Chen's current strength was no less than his.
There was no need for the constant protection he had provided before.
After the Luo Tianhui cultivators left, Luo Chen waved his hand and strode towards the depths of the palace.
Soon, the four Foundation Establishment Cultivators from Da He Fang gathered in tacit agreement.
Although they were in sync, the atmosphere was tense.
Luo Chen took a slight step back and smiled at the two in front of him.
"Fellow Daoist Nan Gong, you've been so quiet, and you've given me a big surprise!"
Wang Haichao's calm voice carried an endless air of ambiguity.
Nan Gong Jin forced a bitter smile, "Since you've achieved your heart's desire, why be so relentless?"
"Hmph!"
Wang Haichao coldly humphed and stared at Nan Gong Jin.
"I could have avoided such a high cost!"
Nan Gong Jin's bitter smile faded, and he said seriously, "You don't have to force yourself to stay here either. Why bother?"
Indeed.
Wang Haichao and Nan Gong Jin were different.
The latter had family responsibilities and urgently needed a place to recuperate and grow.
Mount Tai Market was undoubtedly the best choice.
Staying here would mean a familiar environment, and the local Foundation Establishment Cultivators would understand his family's nature.
This would greatly benefit the Nan Gong Clan's development.
However, Wang Haichao, being alone, insisted on staying, which was unwise.
Wang Haichao glared at him and left without further words.
Instantly, he brushed his sleeves and departed, quickly moving away from the three Foundation Establishment Cultivators who had formed an alliance.
Li Yixuan watched this scene and couldn't help but sigh.
At this moment, the nominal Da He Alliance crumbled.
She glanced at Luo Chen and noticed a playful smile on his face, as if he had anticipated this scene all along.
"Fellow Daoist Luo Chen, where should we go from here?"
Upon hearing the sound transmission, Luo Chen's expression remained unchanged, and his gaze followed Nan Gong Jin's slow steps.
He replied with four words.
"Celestial Wave City!"
Li Yixuan was startled.
She stopped in her tracks, allowing Luo Chen to pass and walk ahead.
Looking at his composed figure, Li Yixuan's heart stirred.
Celestial Wave City, one of the top ten immortal cities in the Jade Cauldron Domain, boasted a Third Rank Spirit Land.
It was extremely far from their current location.
Even with a flying magical tool, it would take at least several dozen days to get there.
Ordinary cultivators rarely ventured such long distances to unfamiliar places.
Luo Chen must have wanted to go there because he couldn't stay in Mount Tai Market...
"No, that's not right!"
Li Yixuan's heart trembled, recalling the scene in the Xiao Huan Mountain Hall.
At that time, Luo Chen had given several destinations, and the one left for last was clearly "Celestial Wave City."
In other words, he had already made up his mind.
It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision!
"That's right, he has no family burdens, and everything he does is for longevity."
"Since that's the case, how could he possibly care about a mere Mount Tai Market?"
"But with such a long distance, what kind of twists and turns will we encounter along the way... And once we get there, can Luo Tianhui truly establish itself?"
"That place is indeed a good location; if my Li Clan also goes there..."
"Fellow Daoist Li?"
A puzzled voice came from the front, interrupting Li Yixuan's thoughts.
She glanced at Luo Chen, who had turned back and was looking at her with confusion, and quickly caught up.
Why overthink it!
She was no better than Luo Chen, who had just reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, worrying about every little thing.
It's better to take things one step at a time.
(End of Chapter)
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