Chapter 240: Bidding
Chapter 240: Bidding
Several days later, inside the Ice Snow Palace.
A gathering of Core Formation Cultivators was underway.
Fang Xing sat casually in the main seat, accompanied by the Meng Jia sisters, looking like a winner in life with their delicate and fragrant beauty by his side.
He turned to the other dozen or so Core Formation Cultivators and said with a broad smile, "Thank you all, fellow cultivators, for gracing me with your presence. I've organized this gathering because I have two spots in the Lustrous Blessing Land, and I invite you all to bid for them. The highest bidder will win."
Fang Xing, knowing Wind Ascendant's personality, had invited a group of his friends and associates to hold a Core Formation gathering and auction off two spots.
His gaze shifted, scanning the group, and he focused on two female Core Formation Cultivators among Wind Ascendant's friends.
One of them, dressed as a Taoist nun, had a frosty expression, and it was none other than Song Ningjing, the Autumn Water Sword!
The other, rumored to be a close friend of the Meng Jia sisters, was Butterfly Buds Lady, a Core Formation Cultivator in the early stage. She had a small, round face that looked very youthful, but her figure was quite voluptuous. Her colorful dress accentuated her curves, and her chest seemed almost ready to burst.
When she met Fang Xing's gaze, she smiled shyly, showing a hint of embarrassment.
'Gap moe... I like it...'
Fang Xing's heart stirred as he watched the Core Formation Cultivators deep in thought, eventually writing down their prices and placing them on the trays.
Meng Xinyu gracefully stood up and brought the tray to Fang Xing.
He scanned the first jade slip and saw the number '300,000 low-grade spirit stones,' and he couldn't help but smirk, thinking, 'I'm always fair. Don't think that because I have a connection with Wind Ascendant, I'll give you special treatment...'
He then looked at the second jade slip, which offered 'Three Dark Sky Pills,' a pill from Prajna Gate that was quite beneficial for mid-stage Core Formation Cultivators to enhance their cultivation.
This was interesting, but Fang Xing remained calm and turned to the next hidden bid, which was a low-grade Mystic Artifact, the 'Jade Dragon Banner.'
...
'Hmm?'
Suddenly, he looked at Song Ningjing's bid, and his expression became peculiar. 'A detailed map of the Lustrous Blessing Land, including several resource points explored by predecessors... and the location of a Thousand-Year Milkstone Grotto. This grotto produces Ten Thousand-Year Milkstone, but it's surrounded by countless Crystal Essence Divine Light Restrictions, making it difficult to enter within a short time. One would need to rely on a few secret techniques or lost Mystic Artifacts...'
'Ten Thousand-Year Milkstone' was an advanced version of 'Thousand-Year Milkstone,' and a single drop could restore half of a Nascent Soul True Monarch's cultivation.
Not to mention, if applied to a Core Formation Cultivator, it would undoubtedly enhance their cultivation, just like during the Foundation Establishment stage. However, it was an extravagant luxury.
It had to be said that Fang Xing was tempted.
'But... my dear, you've mistaken your man.'
He smiled slightly in his heart.
The Crystal Essence Divine Light Restriction was well-known in the cultivation world, and it was indeed challenging for those below the Nascent Soul stage to break through.
Unless one cultivated specific secret techniques or possessed specialized Mystic Artifacts, it was nearly impossible.
Almost no Core Formation Cultivators met these conditions.
Therefore, Song Ningjing, who possessed a secret technique, could ensure she wouldn't be left behind.
Alas...
'I'm a Nascent Soul True Monarch. A few casual strikes from me, and that Crystal Essence Divine Light Restriction will shatter...'
'Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. If a Ten Thousand Dharmas Primordial Spirit can't enter, that's when it gets embarrassing...'
'However, this map of the blessed land is quite valuable.'
The Lustrous Blessing Land was the first instance, no, the first opportunity in Great Peace.
Countless forces had explored it over the years.
Some had even discovered unique regenerative resource points and set up their restrictions outside the existing ones for easy harvesting in the future.
Other forces kept exploring the land, creating more detailed maps.
These were all signs of deep heritage! And Fang Xing indeed lacked this.
He nodded, picking up the last pink jade slip from Butterfly Buds Lady.
"Hmm? It has detailed maps of several major herb gardens... These herb gardens are heavily restricted, and it's easy to get lost if you're not careful... The Northern Domain Herb Garden's map is the most detailed."
Aside from that, there was a pile of spirit stones and heavenly treasures, which, while impressive, didn't hold much appeal for Fang Xing.
But the last line was intriguing.
'I am willing to assist you, fellow cultivator, with my Yin essence...'
Fang Xing caressed the smooth surface of the pink jade slip, his lips moving as he haggled with the other Core Formation Cultivators and confirmed the final bids.
Finally, he turned to Butterfly Buds Lady, smiled slightly, and transmitted his thoughts, 'If you have no objections, I can offer you a spot, but... a deposit is required.'
Butterfly Buds Lady's cheeks flushed, and she nodded lightly, saying, "Yes!"
'Sigh... I've sacrificed too much for the herb garden's location...'
Fang Xing sighed and said, "I have already chosen the two candidates for this opportunity. They are Song Ningjing, Fellow Daoist Song, and Madam Butterfly Buds!"
Upon hearing this, most of the cultivators present had peculiar expressions.
Some of them even let out a few cold laughs, "As expected, it's still you... Wind Ascendant!"
Several Core Formation Cultivators who had previously interacted with Wind Ascendant and were hoping for a chance were secretly cursing him in their hearts, 'Selecting four female cultivators, he's practically disregarding his own kind. He'll surely die at the hands of a woman sooner or later...'
"Wait!"
Just then, a youthful voice rang out.
Outside the Ice Palace, a large hole had been torn in the ice crystal restriction, allowing a small figure to enter.
He had two braids that stood upright, and his face was filled with a mischievous smile. "Fellow Daoist Wind, I haven't even made my offer yet."
"It's actually Heartless Child!"
The Meng Jia sisters, who had just stood up, sat back down, "No wonder he could easily break through the Ice Palace's restriction..."
This person was a high-level expert at the Late Core Formation stage, known for his unpredictable temper. The Meng family couldn't afford to offend him.
"Fellow Daoist Heartless?"
Fang Xing was a bit surprised, "Aren't you with the Loose Cultivators Alliance?"
Hearing this, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Heartless Child's face. He waved his small hand casually, "That Heavenly Dust Elder is jealous of talented individuals and doesn't want me to be the alliance leader. I'm not interested in hanging around with them anyway..."
Upon hearing this, the Core Formation Cultivators present suddenly realized the truth.
This 'Heartless Child' was probably tricked by that 'Heavenly Dust Master'!
First, he was lured by the promise of the Loose Cultivators Alliance, and just when they were about to enter the Lustrous Blessing Land, he was kicked out.
Now, it would be difficult to find an available spot in a short time.
Even if he tried to take one by force, the five cultivators who had already secured spots would form a small group, and some had powerful backgrounds. It wouldn't be easy for Heartless Child to take them on.
'It seems this kid doesn't have good relationships, or perhaps he's suspected of having a questionable background and is being ostracized.'
'Moreover, if I were one of those ordinary Core Formation Cultivators, I wouldn't want to team up with Heartless Child either. When it comes to good things, who can compete with him? Unless he goes to join the Righteous or Evil paths... If he teams up with the Ten Sons of Righteousness and Evil, he'll definitely be well-behaved.'
"Fellow Daoist Heartless, I've already promised the spots, and they are now filled."
Fang Xing sighed, "I always keep my word."
With these words, he had effectively rejected the offer.
Even Meng Xinyu couldn't help but glance at Fang Xing.
'I didn't expect this old man to be so principled.'
'No, he's probably afraid that Heartless Child will join us and affect our leadership.'
Heartless Child's expression immediately turned gloomy, "Fellow Daoist, won't you at least hear my offer first?"
In his small hand, a semi-transparent jade bottle appeared, containing a pill as red as blood.
On the pill, there seemed to be a face contorting and struggling...
Just seeing this blood-red pill, many Core Formation Cultivators felt as if they were witnessing a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.
"Is... this the Life-Stealing Barrier-Piercing Pill?"
A Core Formation Cultivator licked his lips, suddenly feeling parched, "According to rumors, this pill can assist Core Formation Cultivators in breaking through bottlenecks. If a cultivator at the peak of the early Core Formation stage consumes it, there's a fifty percent chance of breaking through to the middle Core Formation stage. For those at the peak of the middle Core Formation stage, there's a twenty percent chance of advancing to the late Core Formation stage!"
"However, this is a Demon Dao pill. If the breakthrough fails, the backlash will cause severe damage to one's cultivation..."
Despite this, the cultivators present were filled with eagerness.
For cultivators, realm advancement was everything! Everything else was just external objects that could be discarded!
Seeing this, Meng Xingtong and Meng Xinyu exchanged a bitter smile, knowing that if they were in Wind Ascendant's position, they would never refuse such an offer.
Madam Butterfly Buds glanced at Song Ningjing, whose face was as cold as frost, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
She probably knew that her conditions were barely enough, and if there was a change in the candidate, she would definitely be the first to be considered!
"I'm sorry, I always keep my word."
Fang Xing smiled slightly and directly rejected the offer.
Even if Heartless Child offered a map of a secret realm, he might consider it.
How dare he bring out this Life-Stealing Barrier-Piercing Pill with its potential backlash.
Could it be that he's cursing himself to encounter a bottleneck at the Core Formation stage?
"Hmm?"
Heartless Child's expression darkened, "You're quite stubborn, Wind Ascendant... I've heard you're slippery, but it seems your backbone is quite strong."
"Fellow Daoist Heartless, this is a family and sect alliance, and there are several Late Core Formation stage cultivators present."
Meng Xingtong took a deep breath and stood beside Fang Xing.
Seeing this, Meng Xinyu quickly pulled Madam Butterfly Buds along.
Song Ningjing held the Autumn Water Sword, also expressing her agreement.
Although they were all First Stage Core Formation Cultivators, Song Ningjing was a Sword Cultivator with astonishing killing power, comparable to an ordinary Mid-Stage Core Formation Cultivator.
With the addition of the Mid-Stage Core Formation Cultivator, Feng Shangren, even if Wu Xin Tongzi was a powerful Late-Stage Core Formation Cultivator, it would still be absolutely difficult to defeat them in a short time.
Once the battle fluctuations spread, the nearby Core Formation Cultivators in the palace would surely come to investigate the disturbance.
"Good, good..."
Wu Xin Tongzi let out a cold laugh, "Forget it... This Life-Stealing Barrier-Breaking Pill seems to have no fate with you... I'll go find another owner for it."
He turned and left, but his words lingered in the Ice Snow Palace, "The Lustrous Blessed Land is filled with dangers. Feng Daoyou, you must be careful and not fall within. If you were to perish, the cultivation world would lose a lot of its fun, haha..."
...
After Wu Xin Tongzi's interruption, only Die Rui Furen and Song Ningjing, who were directly involved, remained; the other Core Formation Cultivators had all fled.
This perfectly demonstrated the cold-hearted nature of cultivators.
"Sigh... Now that we've offended Wu Xin Tongzi, we must be extremely cautious in the Lustrous Blessed Land. This person uses the Life-Stealing Barrier-Breaking Pill as bait and will surely get what he desires in the end... It's better if we act together. I have a 'Five Wheel Formation' diagram. Although it's best for Cultivators with the Five Elements to form the formation, even five Core Formation Cultivators can manage it. At least, they can hold their ground against a Late-Stage Core Formation Cultivator for quite some time..."
Meng Xingtong gritted her teeth and revealed the Meng family's secret.
This was one of the Meng family's heirloom treasures.
"A battle formation technique?"
Fang Xing nodded, "We'll talk about this later. I'll take the deposit first."
"Deposit?"
Song Ningjing was puzzled.
"It's none of your business..."
Fang Xing wasn't interested in this ordinary-looking cultivator. He left with Die Rui Furen, leaving behind three female cultivators at the First Stage Core Formation. They looked at each other in the palace.
"This person is like a lustful ghost!"
Meng Xinyu spoke with a heavy tone.
Even Song Ningjing began to question whether it was appropriate for her to collaborate with Feng Shangren to obtain the Ten Thousand Year Milkstone.
...
Lan Xing.
Fang Xing, in his true form, was playing with a Spirit Orb.
This orb was one of the two that Feng Shangren had, and since his cultivation clone didn't need both, he naturally sent one to Fang Xing.
"When the time comes, if I can't directly teleport to my cultivation clone in the Lustrous Blessed Land, I'll need this..."
For safety, Fang Xing didn't want to make things too complicated.
He only planned to place the Ten Thousand Dharmas Primordial Spirit in Lan Xing before teleporting to the Blessed Land.
This way, the cultivation clone would be a pure Golden Core quality First Stage Core Formation Cultivator, surely meeting the requirements of the Blessed Land.
Then, Fang Xing would teleport there himself, reuniting with the clone and instantly restoring his Primordial Spirit's combat power. He wondered if this would be considered exploiting a loophole.
"If this doesn't work, I might have to take action myself."
"Even if the Golden Finger can't teleport me inside the Blessed Land, I can still enter with the Spirit Orb..."
Fang Xing's true form looked solemn.
The Lustrous Blessed Land was a great opportunity to plunder, especially the Herb Gardens, which were the key to the rapid advancement of his cultivation clone!
Unfortunately, other cultivators lacked the ability to create clones, so he could only prioritize a few items.
But he had the ability to create clones, so he would definitely manage both.
"In the Lustrous Blessed Land, the first-tier combat team is undoubtedly the Five Sons of the Righteous Path, plus the Five Heroes of the Dark Path... the ten peak Late-Stage Core Formation Cultivators."
"Yes, the Dark Path should thank me. Five Sons and Five Heroes are just right. If they insisted on having six heroes, one of them suffered backlash and died..."
"My cultivation clone is only at the First Stage Core Formation. Even if it comprehends Sword Intent and is of Golden Core quality, it can at most fight against Late-Stage Core Formation Cultivators like Wu Xin Tongzi. Against Half-Gold Core Cultivators or even the Five Sons of the Righteous Path, it would be a challenge. How can it compete for the Divine Infancy Fruit?"
The Incarnation Condensation Opportunity in the Lustrous Blessed Land would be fiercely competitive, especially for the Divine Infancy Fruit, which was the most desirable. Those who would make a move would at least be Late-Stage Core Formation Cultivators!
The cultivation clone wouldn't be enough without the Ten Thousand Dharmas Primordial Spirit.
"For the final insurance, I must take action myself!"
"Alright, from the last battle with Huo Mo Qing, I know I'm just a little short... I'll just level up first."
In the underground cultivation room, Fang Xing's body, which had been sitting in a meditative position, suddenly stood up, and streams of qi and blood rose like a soaring dragon.
The temperature in the room kept rising, like a giant furnace.
Twelve Celestial Meridians connected to seventy-two Malevolent Acupoints appeared on his body, covering his entire body.
"Seventy-two Malevolent Acupoints and twelve Celestial Meridians, all perfectly cultivated..."
"It's time... to break through the Vajra Realm!"
(End of Chapter)
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