Chapter 215: Gao Chang Geng – Where the Hell Did He Come From?

Chapter 215: Gao Chang Geng – Where the Hell Did He Come From?

The Spirit-Fungus Soul-Cleansing Pill was priceless, and soon a cultivator stepped forward, offering seven mutated demon cores in exchange.

However, no one expected Mo Mei True Sovereign to join the bidding, immediately raising the price to ten demon cores and securing the spirit pill.

This sudden move puzzled the Lantern-Holding True Sovereign standing nearby.

"What are you doing?" he asked mentally through spiritual sense. "If you wanted the Spirit-Fungus Soul-Cleansing Pill, why not just buy it from me directly?"

They were all fairly familiar with each other, so Lantern-Holding True Sovereign didn't hesitate to send his inquiry privately.

"Mo Mei fellow cultivator", he questioned, "don't you think you're paying too much? Seven demon cores would already be reasonable at market price."

Mo Mei True Sovereign chuckled. "If anyone else asked, I wouldn't bother explaining. But since it's you, Ti Deng fellow cultivator, I'll make an exception."

"Have you heard the current price for mutated demon cores in the Outer Sea?"

The Lantern-Holding True Sovereign frowned slightly. Though one of the few golden core cultivators remaining in the Inner Sea, he kept abreast of Outer Sea news.

"I checked with the merchant guild half a year ago. Prices had dropped slightly but still held at around twenty-seven thousand spirit stones per core in the Outer Sea."

The Inner Sea price hovered around thirty thousand spirit stones – not a significant difference.

"Ti Deng fellow cultivator, that's not quite right", Mo Mei True Sovereign shook his head. "Storm Sea prices have already fallen to twenty-six thousand spirit stones, and this is just a temporary fluctuation."

"I've heard that in the distant Mercy Sea, prices have already dropped below twenty thousand spirit stones."

"I estimate that once these cheaper demon cores arrive here next year, our prices will drop again significantly."

"Since I'm planning to take a year off after this trip, trading at twenty thousand spirit stones is perfectly acceptable."

The term "Outer Sea" was a general designation. For golden core cultivators, it was roughly divided into different sea regions. The Storm Sea, located closest to the Inner Sea, was about four times its size. Beyond that lay the Kunpeng Sea, followed by the Mercy Sea, rumored to be home to many Buddhist monks.

However, the Outer Sea was fraught with natural hazards and teeming with yao beasts. Even golden core cultivators often required more than half a year to reach the Mercy Sea.

Thus, any price changes there would take at least half a year to affect the Inner Sea.

The subsequent bidding became uneventful.

Xiao Chen had secretly hoped Ling Tianyi might present something unique, but he ended up offering ordinary Fourth Stage spirit pills like the previous bidders.

The exchange condition was surprisingly specific – Third Stage cultivation Spirit Herbs, explicitly rejecting Fourth Stage items, spiritual artifacts, or materials.

Clearly, this cultivator valued practicality.

By the time the final table arrived, no special spirit pills had appeared, leaving many disappointed. They had anticipated seeing more treasures.

However, when the last participant – a seemingly very young cultivator – stepped forward, he produced a spirit pill unlike any other, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

Though the pill was wrapped in true mana with no dan incense leaking, its surface radiated auspicious clouds of spiritual light, surrounded by seven delicate swirling patterns circling the pill body—a rare seven-pattern spirit pill!

"Greetings to all senior cultivators present", the young cultivator bowed respectfully. "Junior Ji Sheng Cun pays respects."

He straightened and continued, "Allow me to introduce this pill – the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill."

"Forged through a unique secret technique, it contains the power of creation."

"When consumed, it plants a Qian Yuan Zao Hua Seed within the cultivator's Dantian, generating Zao Hua Energy."

"This energy originates from the essence of heaven and earth, possessing infinite wondrous applications."

"It can attack, defend, heal wounds, and dispel calamities, manifesting all five elements' marvels with a single breath."

"If properly cultivated, this energy can evolve into the Five Elements Zao Hua Seed, increasing Nascent Soul Formation success rate by ten percent."

After detailing the benefits, Ji Sheng Cun stated his condition, "However, I only accept Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs in exchange for this Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill. I will not consider any other items."

Yet when he finished, an awkward silence fell.

No one made a bid.

This wasn't due to lack of Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs or disbelief in the pill's power. Rather, everyone doubted Ji Sheng Cun's claims – such extraordinary effects seemed too exaggerated to be true.

If the pill were truly that powerful, why would he part with it so easily?

Even Lord Huo in the pavilion hesitated. Though he'd heard of the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill before, this was his first encounter.

He spoke up, "Hold the transaction. Young Ji, may I examine the pill first?"

Ji Sheng Cun readily sent the pill wrapped in true mana toward him.

Lord Huo carefully inspected it, confirming it matched descriptions from an ancient text he'd once read.

Returning the pill, he advised, "The pill itself is genuine, but I suggest you elaborate on both its strengths and weaknesses to avoid misunderstandings."

"If we don't clarify its drawbacks, it might damage Hundred Grasses City's reputation later."

Ji Sheng Cun nodded respectfully. "Thank you for your guidance, True Sovereign. I admit my previous explanation was too brief."

"There are two critical points to consider during Zao Hua Energy cultivation."

"First, generating Zao Hua Energy consumes the cultivator's true mana. Insufficient true mana quality or quantity will slow its formation."

"Second, maintaining Zao Hua Energy requires consuming part of the cultivator's vital energy daily."

"Therefore, cultivating excessive Zao Hua Energy in a short time risks damaging one's cultivation foundation."

The second point was particularly crucial. For most Golden Core Zhenren, limited vital energy made sustaining substantial Zao Hua Energy difficult.

However, this issue had a solution – it simply meant higher requirements for using Zao Hua Energy.

The elite present naturally weren't concerned about their true mana quality or lacking Spirit Herbs/methods to restore vital energy.

Thus, once Lord Huo confirmed the pill's authenticity, enthusiasm reignited among the crowd.

Immediately, a cultivator offered, "I'll exchange a Golden Branch Rose Fruit plus three hundred thousand spirit stones!"

But Ji Sheng Cun quickly interjected, "Senior, please allow me to clarify."

"I only require Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs. I will not accept spirit stones, spiritual artifacts, cultivation manuals, or anything else."

He then turned to the crowd, "This senior offers a Golden Branch Rose Fruit. Does anyone have a higher bid?"

His clarification carried an unspoken meaning – if no higher bids came, he'd accept just the Golden Branch Rose Fruit. His interruption wasn't meant to target the previous offer specifically.

However, this condition left everyone momentarily stunned.

Truthfully, most cultivators present weren't short on spirit stones.

But few carried Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs on them.

Even those who possessed Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs had already allocated them for other purposes, making immediate exchange inconvenient.

However, there were always cultivators who brought more than one Spirit Herb.

A cultivator soon spoke up after a moment’s thought, “I offer one Qingwei Flowing Ink Grass.”

Though all were Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs, their values still varied. The Qingwei Flowing Ink Grass was rarer than the Golden Branch Rose Fruit.

“I bid two Five Yang White True Flowers!”
“I offer two Green Leaf Lesser Yin Ginseng!”

…

Bidding voices rose one after another. Gradually, everyone grasped the significance of the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill’s benefits, and the competition intensified.

Xiao Chen naturally didn’t want to miss this opportunity. He immediately declared, “I’m willing to offer three Scattered-Leaf Golden Light Grasses.”

This was no small offer. The Scattered-Leaf Golden Light Grass was the primary ingredient in the Golden Transformation Elixir, placing it among the pricier Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs.

Many cultivators sighed in regret. Their maximum bids still fell short of this amount. Worse, Ji Sheng Cun refused to accept spirit stones as part of the bidding.

Hou Xingyao and Lu Li Hui, seated at the same table, looked at Xiao Chen in surprise.

Lu Li Hui, in particular, felt something was off. Possessing three identical top-tier Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs wasn’t something a solitary cultivator without background influence could easily manage.

Lü Jingfu, however, had anticipated this. Seeing the scene unfold, he smiled faintly.

Some hidden sects deliberately established Spirit Medicine Gardens to cultivate specific high-grade Spirit Herbs. Without even looking, he could be certain that Xiao Chen’s Scattered-Leaf Golden Light Grasses were artificially grown in such a garden, all harvested after the same number of years.

The hall fell silent for a moment, as if no one dared to bid further. Ji Sheng Cun stood up to finalize the transaction.

“Wait a moment!”

Gao Chang Geng’s voice cut in calmly at this critical juncture. “I’ll add two Righteous Spirit Fruits and two Dan Shan Hua Spirit Flowers.”

He had remained silent earlier, unwilling to engage in a tedious bidding war. Now, seeing the highest bid nearly settled, he seized the moment to intervene.

The crowd’s gazes turned to him, filled with envy. Everyone knew Gao Chang Geng had already displayed several Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs after exiting the Baicao Forbidden Realm. Yet no one expected him to still have reserves—four Spirit Herbs in total!

The chief disciple of a major sect indeed possessed unmatched wealth.

Xiao Chen frowned slightly but then signaled, “I’ll add one Millennium Tears Spirit Flower.” He placed four Spirit Herbs on the table. “These four were all cultivated for around a thousand years, surpassing ordinary Spirit Fruits in quality.”

It was worth noting that the Righteous Spirit Fruit was a common Spirit Fruit that matured in 300 years and withered in 400. Lü Jingfu glanced at them and confirmed they shared the same age. The Scattered-Leaf Golden Light Grasses were identical, as if planted in the same month.

He now had no doubt—Xiao Chen hailed from a hidden sect.

On the left, Gao Chang Geng grew slightly displeased. He shouted directly, “I’ll add two Zhaoshen Flame Light Fruits!”

The Zhaoshen Flame Light Fruits were 800-year-old Spirit Fruits, each nearly equivalent to 1.5 Righteous Spirit Fruits.

As his words fell, the crowd’s envious gazes turned to open jealousy.

No one believed Gao Chang Geng had obtained these Spirit Herbs through his own efforts. In truth, they were rewards from the Star-Plucking Sword Pavilion’s upper echelons.

Many cultivators felt bitter, especially those like the Fengyu Workshop’s owner, who had struggled to secure an invitation to the Spirit Herb Banquet. They couldn’t help but feel envious.

If only they had such background influence! After all, comparing oneself to others was enough to drive anyone to despair.

Gao Chang Geng, however, remained indifferent. He glanced at Xiao Chen, his lips curling slightly.

The opponent didn’t even wield a noticeable spiritual artifact, appearing unremarkable. Without any major faction’s insignia, he wasn’t worth a harsh word. Not everyone deserved Gao Chang Geng’s attention—only those at Ling Tianyi’s level or above.

Xiao Chen, meanwhile, felt a bit exasperated. How had the bidding escalated like this?

Frankly, he had no desire to entangle himself further with such powerful factions. In another scenario, he might have withdrawn.

But the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill directly affected Nascent Soul Formation success rates!

One percent might seem small, but it was still significant—especially for Xiao Chen. His low-grade spirit root offered no help, only hindering him.

Throughout history, no cultivator with a low-grade spirit root had ever succeeded in Golden Core Formation without rare Spirit Herbs or Stage Breakthrough Spirit Pills. Even with such aids, success was rare—perhaps one in several millennia.

Thus, any additional advantage was absolutely worth pursuing.

He rummaged through his Storage Ring and spoke again, “I’ll add three Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruits.”

? ? ?

This time, the entire hall turned their gazes to Xiao Chen.

What in the world—?

Hou Xingyao’s eyes widened. The Purple-Gold Bodhi was a top-tier Fourth Stage Spirit Fruit. Offering three at once?

What luck! Did he stumble upon an entire Bodhi Tree?

Lu Li Hui was stunned. Wait—what exactly was Xiao Chen’s background?

He finally realized that Xiao Chen’s earlier disinterest in ordinary Spirit Pills wasn’t due to weakness, as he’d assumed. Quite the opposite—those were simply beneath his notice.

Lü Jingfu, however, had expected this. He even began wondering whether Xiao Chen’s hidden sect had cultivated one Bodhi Tree—or more?

How many Spirit Herbs did the man still have left?

If possible, could they strike a future deal involving such resources?

After all, rare resources naturally generated profit when circulated.

Even the Lantern-Holding True Sovereign, who had been watching the spectacle, grew serious. He had been collecting Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruits himself.

How had this person obtained three?

He had initially planned to propose an exchange using other Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs. But after considering the potential embarrassment, he decided against it.

Still, he gave Xiao Chen a lingering glance, resolving to inquire after the banquet whether he had any surplus Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruits.

If so, he’d be willing to pay a premium.

Gao Chang Geng, for once, furrowed his brows. Scanning his memory, he confirmed he didn’t recognize this person.

Where had this guy even come from?

The bigger issue was his own shortage of Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs.

Originally, he had enough. But earlier, Gao Chang Geng had flaunted his resources by exchanging five Fourth Stage Spirit Herbs for Nine Luminaries Mysterious Pills after exiting the Baicao Forbidden Realm, claiming they were his spoils.

Now, he had none left to spare.

Still, he couldn’t afford to lose face.

Gao Chang Geng attempted to overwhelm with wealth, “I’ll add one million spirit stones!”

Faced with the astronomical price of a million spirit stones, most cultivators would be tempted.

Unfortunately, Ji Sheng Cun showed no respect. "Apologies, Senior, but I only need the Fourth Stage spirit herb."

"You—"

Gao Chang Geng instinctively wanted to challenge him but held his tongue, knowing they were in the City Lord’s Mansion with Lord Huo present in the pavilion.

Instead, he turned sharply and let out a cold snort.

The junior sect brothers and sisters nearby quickly whispered comforting words, only fueling Gao Chang Geng’s anger further. He now harbored deep resentment toward Ji Sheng Cun for being so disrespectful.

Refusing a million spirit stones? Absolutely ungrateful.

And that Xiao Chen was equally reckless—publicly snatching his spirit pill and humiliating him. "You dare take what’s mine? Don’t fear burning your hands?"

As Gao Chang Geng seemed to back down, Ji Sheng Cun approached Xiao Chen to exchange items.

The gathered cultivators watched as he produced three deep purple and light indigo Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruits. Seeing his somewhat unfamiliar face, many began to speculate about his origins.

Who was this newcomer? Some had intentions to recruit him, planning to inquire after the banquet. Others, with broader knowledge, speculated about hidden sect lineages. Meanwhile, some couldn’t help but covet the Fourth Stage spirit herbs, estimating Xiao Chen’s strength and contemplating bandit-like schemes.

As the final transaction concluded, the Spirit Herb Banquet reached its end.

Lord Huo, as always, was decisive, announcing the banquet’s conclusion with just two sentences.

Yet before departing, he added, "Please, Golden Light Technique young friend, stay a moment. I have two small questions I’m curious about."

The cultivators who had planned to recruit or tail Xiao Chen after the banquet were immediately stunned. After the crowd dispersed, they dared not linger near the City Lord’s Mansion. Under a Golden Core True Sovereign’s watchful eye, such antics were tantamount to suicide.

"Young friend, don’t panic. I don’t bite", Lord Huo chuckled once the others left. "Come, come—step into the pavilion."

"Actually, these two questions are on behalf of Fellow Cultivator Ti Deng."

"May I ask if you have any extra Purple-Gold Bodhi?"

"If so, would you consider a transaction?"

Most cultivators would have panicked at this moment.

But Xiao Chen, with the Night’s Blade as his ace, remained calm and replied, "I won’t hide the truth from True Sovereign. I indeed have more Purple-Gold Bodhi. Earlier in the Baicao Forbidden Realm, I encountered a Purple-Gold Bodhi tree. It bore twelve fruits. Previously, I used one to exchange for a Spirit-Fungus Soul-Cleansing Pill, and just now offered three for the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill. The rest remain in my Storage Ring, unused. If True Sovereign wishes to transact, I’m willing to negotiate at market price."

Lord Huo first glanced at Lantern-Holding True Sovereign, who nodded subtly, confirming Xiao Chen’s words. Few knew Lantern-Holding True Sovereign had cultivated the Heart Lamp Technique, which illuminated illusions and discerned truth. Even in its dormant state, it could detect lies from low-tier cultivators.

Seeing the confirmation, Lord Huo relaxed. "So there are eight left. Fellow Cultivator Ti Deng, you surely won’t need them all?"

Indeed, no one would ever refuse more top-tier spirit fruits. Lord Huo merely wished to leave Xiao Chen at least one. It was akin to leaving a path when arranging the plaza earlier. Compared to other Golden Core True Sovereigns, Lord Huo’s demeanor was less domineering.

Lantern-Holding True Sovereign chuckled, "I thought that Spirit-Fungus Soul-Cleansing Pill looked familiar. Seems we’ve shared fate for years. Twenty years ago, a Purple-Gold Bodhi appeared at an auction in the Wanxian Archipelago, selling for 320,000 spirit stones. How about we transact seven fruits at that price?"

At 320,000 spirit stones per fruit, seven would total 2,240,000. Xiao Chen quickly calculated, he could not help but admit that the Yellow Spring Path had indeed left him a fortune.

Of course, if given a choice, he’d prefer not to exchange them for money directly.

With five Golden Core True Sovereigns present, it was best to avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary.

At full speed, Xiao Chen could cover roughly 3,000 li in a quarter-hour, an incredibly fast pace for a Golden Core Zhenren. However, against Golden Core True Sovereigns, this wasn’t entirely safe. One might possess a high-tier tracking technique capable of spanning thousands of li.

Thus, he promptly retrieved seven Purple-Gold Bodhi. "As True Sovereign commands."

After the transaction, Lord Huo offered a few encouraging words before waving him off.

Xiao Chen immediately turned to leave, heading straight back to his courtyard at the inn. Activating the Nine Aperture Linked Formation, he finally exhaled. "Cultivation time. I must cultivate diligently to breakthrough soon."

Until he became a Golden Core True Sovereign, he’d need to tread carefully in the Eastern Territory. Fortunately, the Spirit Herb Banquet had yielded many demon cores, which could accelerate his cultivation.

First, he tested the metal-attribute demon core. Its effect was nearly identical to the water-attribute one. The only difference was the Kui Water Energy being replaced by Xin Metal Energy. Still, it required a life-essence core to assist refinement, ultimately adding four true mana strands.

Next was the wood-attribute demon core, this time containing Yi Wood Energy. This time, it increased his true mana by five strands.

Calculating it out, it confirmed his earlier thought—using water-attribute demon cores offered the best cost-effectiveness, since they were cheaper.

For the next month, Xiao Chen didn’t leave his quarters. Each day, besides refining a demon core, he set aside other spells to focus on cultivating the Ten Thousand Phenomena Spring Return Sutra.

This dual approach proved highly effective. After exhausting all 32 demon cores, the total true mana strands within his Flawless Golden Core reached 307. By the nine-tier cultivation stage system, this equated to a Golden Core Third Stage cultivator.

Unfortunately, it still fell short of the 333-strand limit.

"Sigh, demon cores are still insufficient", Xiao Chen muttered.

Calculating further, he realized six more demon cores, combined with focused cultivation, would let him reach Golden Core Initial Stage Perfect Completion by May and attempt a breakthrough.

But the Jin Clan members hadn’t left yet, making it inconvenient to go hunting.

"Where could I find some demon cores now?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end