Chapter 163: True Yang Five Elements Sword, everyone is a calamity cultivator!

Just as Lu Changsheng’s thoughts were swirling, the auction officially began.

“The first item up for auction today is the ‘Breakthrough Pill’.”

“This Breakthrough Pill is used to break through the Qi Refining Middle Stage Bottleneck. It is suitable for Cultivators of various Cultivation Techniques. Ten pills are being auctioned today, with a starting bid of one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones per pill.”

A graceful maid came up with a tray, and Yu Ningjun picked up a porcelain bottle and began to introduce it.

Most of the people present knew the effects of this Breakthrough Pill.

But he still introduced it in great detail.

He meticulously described the ingredients, effects, conditions, and even which Alchemist crafted it.

Moreover, his delivery was neither awkward nor stiff, but rather humorous and engaging.

“Breakthrough Pill!”

“I didn’t expect the first auction item to be a Breakthrough Pill.”

“I wonder if there will be Advanced Breakthrough Pills later.”

Many Cultivators in the hall looked excited, not expecting such a good item right at the start.

Pills like the Breakthrough Pill were versatile.

Basically, every Cultivator and Family power could use them for their descendants.

“One hundred ten Spirit Stones!”

“One hundred twenty!”

“One hundred fifty!”

People continuously called out bids.

However, these individuals also knew their limits and would not exceed the market price.

Before long, the ten small Breakthrough Pills were all snatched up.

“A First-Order High Grade Defensive Talisman—the Golden Light Body Protection Talisman! It can withstand a full-strength blow from a Qi Refining Perfection Cultivator.”

“First-Order Longevity Pill, which can extend life by five to ten years. However, for this type of Longevity Pill, only the first one of the same grade is effective.”

“Bai Ling Emerald Bird, a Low Grade High Grade Bloodline Spirit Beast, capable of traveling three thousand li a day and automatically finding its way back and forth, making it extremely convenient for delivering messages and letters.”

“Golden Cicada Mother-Child Blades, a High Grade set of Magical Artifacts, with one Mother Blade and eight Child Blades. By holding the Mother Blade, one can simultaneously control all eight Child Blades to attack enemies, making it impossible for opponents to defend against, and incredibly sharp.”

The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Since this was the first auction at the Hongye Valley Market.

It could be said that all these items were small exquisite pieces.

However, Lu Changsheng did not participate in the bidding throughout.

One reason was that he didn’t value these items.

The other was that he didn’t want to reveal too much financial strength.

After all, his usual income and expenses, in the eyes of the Lu Family, made him a pure spendthrift.

Bringing his wife here this time was also to enjoy the spectacle and broaden their horizons.

“A Second-Order Low Grade Talisman—the Thunder Fire Talisman, comparable to a blow from a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator. According to the appraisal of our Yu Family Appraiser, these Talismans are all High Grade Talismans, with their power approximately ten to twenty percent stronger. The starting bid is three hundred Spirit Stones, and there are ten in total.”

At this moment, a maid brought another auction item onto the stage, and Yu Ningjun began to introduce it.

“A Second-Order Talisman, and a High Grade Talisman at that?”

“It seems the Four Great Families of Yu, Lu, Bai, and Zheng have invested heavily for this auction.”

“This High Grade Talisman not only has ten to twenty percent more power, but it’s also suitable for Talisman Masters to copy. I can definitely bid for one to take back.”

Many people in the hall, hearing the introduction, looked at the Talismans on the stage and couldn’t help but discuss, their hearts stirred.

It was very difficult for ordinary Cultivators to purchase Advanced Talismans.

They could only go to large markets to seek them out.

But often, they also needed to make appointments and wait.

Even more so for Advanced Talismans.

Now, with ten Second-Order Talismans being auctioned, and all of them High Grade Talismans, it naturally stirred people’s hearts.

“It looks like this Talisman should fetch a good price.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the noticeably warmer atmosphere in the hall, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He knew that the twenty Talismans he had Xiao Xiyue auction should bring in a considerable profit.

“Four hundred Spirit Stones!”

Immediately, a Qi Refining Cultivator made a bid, directly increasing the price by one hundred Spirit Stones.

Because the starting bids at the auction were all lower than the market price, allowing for bidding room.

This Cultivator clearly intended to add a large amount at once to deter others from competing.

But the other Cultivators weren’t foolish either.

They knew that ordinary Second-Order Low Grade Talismans were at this price, and the price for such High Grade ones would naturally be several tens of percent higher.

“Four hundred ten.”

“Four hundred twenty!”

“Four hundred fifty!”

In a moment, the price of this Talisman soared by half compared to its starting bid.

“Four hundred seventy!”

“Five hundred!”

Lu Changsheng watched the price continuously rise, feeling incredibly pleased.

He hadn’t expected his Second-Order Talismans to be so popular.

Once all twenty of these Talismans were auctioned, he would directly gain ten thousand Spirit Stones.

Sometimes, making money was just that simple.

“Five hundred fifty!”

Just then, Lu Yuanding, who was beside him, spoke calmly, stating a price.

“Father-in-law?”

“Father?”

Lu Changsheng and the others all looked at Lu Yuanding with some surprise.

They didn’t know why he suddenly made a bid.

The other people in the hall, seeing Lu Yuanding’s bid, did not continue to bid.

One reason was that the price of five hundred fifty Spirit Stones was already considered high.

The other was to give Face to the Lu Family and not compete, as there were still nine more.

“Haha, I heard Fourth Elder say that High Grade Talismans are very suitable for Talisman Masters to copy.”

“Changsheng, Miaoge, you are both First-Order Top-Grade Talisman Masters now. You can take this Talisman back to copy it. Perhaps it will help you advance to Second-Order Talisman Masters.”

Lu Yuanding smiled and explained to Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge.

Logically speaking, in this auction, their Four Great Families would try not to compete with others.

But for his daughter and son-in-law, he still made a bid.

Moreover, his final bid also didn’t imply any coercion.

“Thank you, Father-in-law, for your generosity.”

Lu Changsheng felt a bit conflicted upon hearing this, but also touched.

“Haha, we are Family, no need for such formality.”

Lu Yuanding waved his hand.

After the first Thunder Fire Talisman was successfully bid on, the remaining nine Thunder Fire Talismans were successively auctioned off.

Each one fetched a price of over five hundred Spirit Stones.

The last two even sold for the high price of nearly six hundred Spirit Stones.

These people probably had the same idea as Lu Yuanding.

They intended to buy the Talismans back for copying, rather than for self-defense.

If the Talismans were for self-defense, this price would seem unworthy.

After the ten Thunder Fire Talismans were auctioned, Lu Changsheng’s other ten Second-Order Vajra Talismans were not immediately put up for auction.

The auctioned items were not necessarily better than the last; they would vary in quality to adjust the atmosphere of the venue.

“Senior, this is the Second-Order Thunder Fire Talisman you bid on.”

Before long, an enforcing Cultivator escorted a maid, who delivered the Talisman, contained in a Talisman box, to the VIP platform.

Lu Yuanding had Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge inspect the Talisman to confirm it was fine, then paid five hundred fifty Spirit Stones.

Then, he handed the Talisman to Lu Changsheng.

He told them both to ponder and study the Talisman lines and the flow of spiritual power on it in their free time.

They could also take it back and ask Fourth Elder for guidance.

“Esteemed guests, next up is a batch of Advanced Spirit Beasts raised by the Bai Family of the Hundred Birds Lake.”

At this point, Yu Ningjun took out several Spirit Beasts from a Spirit Beast bag and began to introduce them.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng, who had been sitting leisurely, also became somewhat interested.

He had long wanted to acquire a flying mount to replace his Iron Feather Eagle.

But he had never found a channel.

Most flying mounts available on the market were of a similar level to the Iron Feather Eagle.

They weren’t significantly better.

Although he had obtained an ‘Azure Jade Luan Bird’ egg.

This item was, after all, stolen goods.

It was uncertain when it would hatch and grow large enough to serve as a mount.

“Purple Scale Eagle, a Medium Grade Medium Grade Bloodline, possessing First-Order Middle Stage strength. It is excellent for both combat and as a flying mount. Starting bid is three hundred Spirit Stones.”

“Golden Crested Crane, a Medium Grade High Grade Bloodline, possessing First-Order Middle Stage strength. Starting bid is five hundred Spirit Stones.”

“Black-Winged Eagle, an Advanced Low Grade Bloodline, possessing First-Order Middle Stage Peak strength. Starting bid is one thousand Spirit Stones.”

Yu Ningjun introduced the three types of flying beasts.

“Father-in-law, are there any other flying Spirit Beasts later?”

Lu Changsheng looked at the Golden Crested Crane and Black-Winged Eagle on the stage and asked Lu Yuanding.

He remembered that the venue had previously announced some of the auction items.

However, he hadn’t looked closely.

If there were no other good Spirit Beasts later, he felt that the Black-Winged Eagle seemed decent enough to make do with.

“It seems there’s also a First-Order Late Stage Black-Winged Eagle later.”

Lu Yuanding said upon hearing this.

Then he looked at Lu Changsheng and asked, “What, do you want to buy a Spirit Beast?”

“I travel back and forth frequently, and I think having a better flying mount would be more convenient.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, stating truthfully.

“Changsheng, there’s no need to waste money on this.”

“The Iron Feather Eagle is already a decent flying mount.”

“While the Golden Crested Crane and Black-Winged Eagle are a bit faster than the Iron Feather Eagle, they aren’t significantly so.”

“Not only would it waste Spirit Stones, but the daily feeding expenses would also be much higher than for the Iron Feather Eagle.”

“Purely for travel, there’s no need to waste that money.”

Lu Yuanding spoke up, advising Lu Changsheng not to waste money.

The Iron Feather Eagle was a flying mount obtained through the cooperation between the Lu Family and the Bai Family.

It was not only affordable but also performed well in terms of flying speed and daily expenses, making it the top choice for cost-effectiveness.

“Alright.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng thought for a moment and dispelled the idea of changing his flying mount.

He disliked the Iron Feather Eagle, but not because it was slow.

Rather, every time it encountered an enemy, it would tremble with fear.

However, given his situation, if he encountered a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, the Black-Winged Eagle would also tremble just the same.

If he encountered a Qi Refining Cultivator, he could destroy them with a single hand, so there was no need to worry about the mount issue at all.

“I feel like I still need to get a one-step solution, otherwise, a First-Order Late Stage Black-Winged Eagle wouldn’t be of much significance to me either.”

“Moreover, spending thousands of Spirit Stones for just a flying mount would make me seem too extravagant.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

After watching the auction for so long, he also felt that his usual spending seemed a bit high.

Or rather, Spirit Stones came too easily to him, leading him to habitually spend lavishly.

In this auction, items worth over a thousand Spirit Stones were already considered very expensive.

Many people might only have a few hundred Spirit Stones on them.

The auction continued in an orderly fashion.

Talismans, Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Spirit Beasts, Cultivation Techniques, Immortal Cultivation crafts, Legacies, and more, all appeared.

The remaining ten Second-Order Talismans that Lu Changsheng had Xiao Xiyue consign were also put up for auction during this period.

However, seeing Lu Yuanding preparing to bid again, Lu Changsheng directly made a bid himself.

After all, as a Talisman Master, it was understandable for him to bid on a Talisman in this situation.

He also felt bad about letting Lu Yuanding spend more money for him.

Over five hundred Spirit Stones was no small expense for Lu Yuanding.

As time passed, the auction finally reached its climax.

“Next, is the final highlight of this auction.”

“I believe all esteemed guests have been looking forward to it for a long time.”

Yu Ningjun said with a solemn expression, causing everyone in the hall to perk up.

Many people came specifically for these grand finale auction items.

Soon, maidservants, each holding a tray covered with red cloth, ascended the stage.

“The first item for auction is a Foundation Establishment spiritual item—Dihuo Spirit Liquid.”

“It aids in the Dharma Power checkpoint of the three Foundation Establishment hurdles, especially for Fellow Daoists who Cultivate fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques. The starting bid is one thousand five hundred Spirit Stones.”

Yu Ningjun lifted the red silk cloth from the first tray, revealing a clear, transparent glass bottle on a white jade tray.

Through the glass bottle, a flowing, fiery red liquid could be seen inside.

“Foundation Establishment spiritual item!”

“Dihuo Spirit Liquid!”

In the venue, countless people looked at this Foundation Establishment spiritual item with burning eyes.

Even Qi Refining Cultivators who couldn’t afford it looked at this Foundation Establishment spiritual item with longing in their eyes.

After all, this was a spiritual item related to Foundation Establishment.

“A Foundation Establishment spiritual item! I wonder what price it will fetch.”

Lu Changsheng’s expression was very calm as he thought to himself.

The market price for Foundation Establishment spiritual items was between two and three thousand Spirit Stones.

But if one truly wanted to purchase it, the transaction price would generally be higher than this.

After all, Foundation Establishment spiritual items were considered universal treasures.

Whether Qi Refining Cultivators or Foundation Establishment Cultivators, Loose Cultivators or Family forces, all had a demand for them.

However, he had no interest.

He still had four Foundation Establishment spiritual items on him.

“Two thousand Spirit Stones!”

Those in the venue who could afford this Foundation Establishment spiritual item were not foolish; they knew what adding one or two hundred Spirit Stones meant, so they directly bid two thousand, also showing their determination.

“Two thousand one hundred!”

“Two thousand five hundred!”

“Two thousand eight hundred!”

Before long, this Foundation Establishment spiritual item was sold for a high price of three thousand nine hundred Spirit Stones.

Although the price was inflated.

But Foundation Establishment spiritual items were inherently rare and hard to come by.

Especially for those who Cultivated fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques, spending more Spirit Stones was irrelevant.

“Second-Order Spirit Pill—Three Yang Pill!”

“I don’t think I need to introduce this Medicinal Pill much. Its name comes from the meaning of ‘Three Yangs ushering in prosperity.’ Upon consumption, all hidden ailments and latent dangers in the body will dissipate as if bathed in sunlight. Thus, it also has a miraculous effect on the advancement from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment.”

Yu Ningjun lifted another red silk cloth, holding up a glazed jade bottle as he introduced it.

“Three Yang Pill.”

Lu Changsheng noticed his wife, Lu Miaoge, looking at him, her eyes full of tenderness.

He chuckled softly, saying nothing.

Ultimately, this Three Yang Pill was sold for a price of three thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones.

The same price as when Lu Changsheng purchased it at the Dan Ding Pavilion.

But this was also normal.

Purchasing Medicinal Pills in places like the Dan Ding Pavilion was inherently more expensive.

And at an auction, unless there was competition, the price generally wouldn’t be much higher than the market price.

One after another, the grand finale auction items appeared.

These items were mainly bid on by Foundation Establishment Family forces or Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators.

Ordinary Qi Refining Loose Cultivators simply did not have the financial means to participate.

“Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact—True Yang Five Elements Sword.”

“This is a meticulously crafted work by Great Master Ouzhi, made from True Yang Wutong wood and Five Elements elemental gold as raw materials, with the assistance of three Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators, taking seven days and seven nights to refine. It gathers the power of the Five Elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The starting bid is three thousand Spirit Stones!”

At this moment, Yu Ningjun lifted the red silk cloth, revealing a crimson-gold, three-foot Spiritual Sword with flowing spiritual light, and began to introduce it.

“True Yang Five Elements Sword!? Gathers the power of the Five Elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth?”

Lu Changsheng, who had been leisurely, narrowed his eyes upon hearing this introduction.

Although he had refined the Seven Luminaries Heart Lamp, his Natal Spiritual Artifact, he still lacked a handy Spiritual Sword.

But it was not easy to forge a handy, satisfactory Spiritual Sword that possessed both Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

He could only find a Second-Order Artifact Refining Great Master to forge it.

However, he currently didn’t know such an Artifact Refining Great Master, so he could only put it aside for now.

“Although this True Yang Five Elements Sword doesn’t encompass both Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, it’s still quite suitable for me.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself, preparing to bid for this Spiritual Sword.

Although Medium Grade Spiritual Artifacts could generally only be wielded by Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivators.

But with the xuan yuan pearl by his side, he was in no way weaker than a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator.

In fact, his Dharma power was considerably more profound than that of a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator.

However, in this kind of setting, it was inconvenient for him to bid, so he could only trouble Xiao Xiyue.

Since his Divine Sense was a weak point and might be detected, Lu Changsheng did not transmit a message to Xiao Xiyue with his Divine Sense.

Instead, he subtly took out Xiao Xiyue’s communication Talisman.

“Hmm?”

Xiao Xiyue, not far away, was a little puzzled when she saw Lu Changsheng sending her a message.

But seeing Lu Changsheng’s gaze, she looked towards the auction stage and immediately understood what he meant.

“Five thousand Spirit Stones!”

Xiao Xiyue immediately made a bid.

If it had been before, she would have worried about not having enough Spirit Stones.

But with the twenty Second-Order Talismans auctioned earlier, she had no worries about Spirit Stones whatsoever.

“Five thousand five hundred!”

“Five thousand eight hundred!”

“Six thousand!”

“Six thousand five hundred!”

“Seven thousand!”

When the bid reached seven thousand, Xiao Xiyue glanced at Lu Changsheng.

The price of a Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact was generally between five and six thousand Spirit Stones.

Although this True Yang Five Elements Sword was a high-quality Spiritual Sword and should be more expensive, seven thousand Spirit Stones was already close to its value.

“Continue.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, signaling Xiao Xiyue to bid as much as she wanted.

This Spiritual Sword was perfectly suited for him, and he wouldn’t scrimp on such a small amount of Spirit Stones.

Originally, there were still a few Foundation Establishment Cultivators bidding, but after the price exceeded seven thousand Spirit Stones, only a middle-aged man with a stern Face and Xiao Xiyue remained in contention.

However, when Xiao Xiyue’s bid reached seven thousand nine hundred Spirit Stones, this Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator could only give an unpleasant expression, snort coldly, and give up.

As he snorted, he also glanced at Xiao Xiyue.

As if he wanted to see who dared to disrespect him.

Lu Changsheng saw this scene and deeply looked at this Foundation Establishment Cultivator, committing his appearance to memory.

He didn’t mind leaving the Market with Xiao Xiyue to settle the grudge with the other party.

After this Medium Grade Spiritual Sword, a spiritual armor and a rare Spirit Pill were auctioned, and the auction concluded.

However, after the auction ended, the Yu Family Old Ancestor and Lu Yuanzhong came to the stage to announce that the venue would now be open for free trade.

They could even provide private rooms or secret chambers to offer trading services.

Lu Changsheng had no interest in this and found it inconvenient to participate.

Moreover, the auction had lasted almost a day, and his four wives were also looking a bit tired.

He said a word to Lu Yuanding and then left with his four wives.

“Jun’er, you’ve worked hard for this auction.”

In a private room at the auction, the Yu Family Old Ancestor, Yu Yuanshan, looked at his grandson, Yu Ningjun, and said with great satisfaction.

He was very pleased with his grandson’s performance throughout the auction.

“Grandpa, this is what I should do.”

Yu Ningjun looked at the Old Ancestor before him and said respectfully.

“Jun’er, I know that the Old Ancestor gave the Foundation Establishment Pill to Ninghu, and also took the ‘Dihuo Spirit Liquid’ originally meant for you to auction, making you feel unfairly treated.”

“But rest assured, if you perform well in the Market for the next ten years, Grandpa will certainly strive to get the next Foundation Establishment Pill for you.”

“At that time, Grandpa will also secure a suitable Foundation Establishment spiritual item for you.”

Yu Yuanshan looked at his grandson and said in a deep voice.

“Elder Brother consumed the Foundation Establishment Pill and successfully achieved Foundation Establishment, so how could this grandson be unfairly treated?”

“As for this ‘Dihuo Spirit Liquid,’ it was not compatible with this grandson to begin with. Even with this ‘Dihuo Spirit Liquid,’ this grandson’s probability of Foundation Establishment would be negligible. It’s better to auction it off and contribute to the Family.”

“This is also this grandson’s voluntary idea.”

Yu Ningjun said with a frank expression.

The Yu Family currently only appeared to have two Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators.

But last year, the Yu Family’s Yu Jinyang purchased a Foundation Establishment Pill at a high price in Nine Heavens Immortal City.

And his great-grandson, Yu Ninghu, successfully achieved Foundation Establishment in Nine Heavens Immortal City.

This news was only known to the core members within the Yu Family.

“Good, I’m relieved that you can think this way, Jun’er.”

“Now that we have the Hongye Valley Market, as long as this Market is managed and develops steadily, and we then absorb the Zheng, Lu, and Bai Families, our Yu Family might very well advance further.”

Yu Yuanshan was very pleased to see his grandson so sensible, and his eyes showed a look of yearning.

Yu Ningjun’s eyes also showed a look of yearning when he heard this.

Meanwhile, dozens of miles outside the Hongye Valley Market.

“Puff! Puff! Puff!”

Two robber Cultivators killed a pair of Cultivators who had just left the Hongye Valley Market.

Their methods were skillful, swift, and decisive.

After dealing with the bodies and the environment, they immediately activated a Formation Artifact to conceal their figures and auras.

As long as there was a lone Qi Refining Loose Cultivator, the two would kill them with lightning speed, repeating this behavior.

“Hmm? Someone is going to attempt a Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment at the Hongye Valley Market in a few days?”

At this moment, one of the two, a Brawny Man in a gray Dharma robe and wearing a bamboo hat, took out a communication Talisman to check it.

“This Hongye Valley Market is only a Medium Grade Spiritual Vein. How dare they let someone attempt a Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment here? Aren’t they afraid of affecting the Formation’s operation?”

A young robber Cultivator next to him, also dressed in a gray Dharma robe and wearing a bamboo hat, said upon hearing this.

“It’s likely that this Red Leaf Market wants to befriend and win over this person.”

“And use this to attract Loose Cultivators to the Market for Foundation Establishment.”

“After all, this Market doesn’t have a major backer; it was only established by four Foundation Establishment Families.”

“The most powerful Yu Family, its Old Ancestor Yu Jinyang, is only at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.”

“And the Market usually only has one Foundation Establishment Early Stage Cultivator overseeing it.”

The Brawny Man said with a hint of disdain in his tone.

After speaking, he looked at the young robber Cultivator and said, “Your mother sent me a message; she probably wants to pull off something big.”

“Now that we are wanted by the Heaven Sword Sect, why don’t we take advantage of this opportunity at the Hongye Valley Market to plunder a wave, and then directly flee Jiang Country for Yue Country.”

“That way, you’ll also have your Foundation Establishment resources.”

The Brawny Man said.

“Father, won’t this be too risky?”

The young robber Cultivator said with some worry upon hearing this.

“What’s risky about this? Your father, I, have come this far from being a small Loose Cultivator with no background. What kind of storms haven’t I seen?”

“This Hongye Valley Market has no major background. This auction, it’s not just us coming to rob; there are many others coming to fish in troubled waters, hoping to gain benefits.”

“Moreover, as long as the Market falls into chaos, everyone will be a robber Cultivator.”

The Brawny Man said, clearly very familiar with such matters.