A Thousand Gold Buys Horse Bones-Spiritual Materials at a High Price

To entertain the guests, Huo Xinghuai arranged a lavish banquet at the City Lord Manor.

At the same time, there are various elegant or sensual dances and music to add to the festivities.

Multiple shifts work around the clock.

Xiao Chen was still considering whether he should Condense True Essence or review his Law Technique after the meal.

Seeing that the music and dancing continued, they decided to stay in the banquet hall and appreciate the local traditional culture.

Before they knew it, it was the next morning.

It was still past 9 AM when everyone gathered again in the Long Pavilion in the back garden.

"Fellow Daoists, today we will proceed with the second phase—public bidding."

Huo Xinghuai was the first to explain the process to everyone, "I believe that after yesterday's exchange, many fellow cultivators have already obtained their desired spiritual items."

"But firstly, the number of spiritual items yesterday was ultimately limited, and secondly, having only spiritual items is not enough to meet everyone's diverse needs."

"So today, let's communicate in a different way."

"Instead, each fellow Daoist will take turns stating their needs and the price they are willing to pay."

"Then it will be up to the other fellow Daoists to decide whether or not to accept this transaction, or rather, this sale."

"Since everyone is here, please don't be shy. As long as it's not something immoral or unethical, you can speak freely."

"I'll start it off."

Huo Xinghuai spoke, he waved his hand in front of him.

Then a stream of true essence appeared, transforming directly into a shimmering list in the air.

The list was divided into two rows, with many different kinds of spirit medicine listed on top and their corresponding prices below.

"My Hundred Herbs City purchases all kinds of spirit medicine year-round to refine elixirs."

Huo Xinghuai continued, "The purchase prices for common Fourth-Order Spirit Medicine are all listed here. For rarer items, we can negotiate the price separately."

"Fellow Daoists, if you wish to purchase spirit medicine, you are welcome to come to me at any time, whether today or in the future."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen was immediately tempted.

He happened to have a lot of captured Fourth-Order Spirit Medicine herbs in his Storage Ring, herbs that he almost never needed.

The price Huo Xinghuai offered was quite fair, so we could consider selling it to him directly.

However, Xiao Chen thought again and realized that he still had enough Spirit Stone on hand for the time being.

Since that's the case, let's keep these Fourth-Order Spirit Medicine for a while longer.

After all, no one can predict the future. If it comes in handy someday, it will save us the trouble of buying it again.

Not only would you lose Spirit Stone going back and forth, but it would also be very troublesome and time-consuming to buy them back later.

Many of the other True Lord were interested, and so some transactions were carried out.

Immediately after, Ink Plum True Monarch spoke second, "I want to commission a batch of Defensive Talisman, capable of withstanding the Bone-corroding Yin Wind."

"As some fellow cultivators may have already guessed, this batch of Talisman is precisely for exploring the Vast Sea Secret Realm Inner Realm."

"Prices are negotiable. Considering the Inner Realm is about to open, we can offer a 50% premium over the market price."

"However, the quality of the Talisman must be up to standard, and they must be newly drawn talismans since the Lunar New Year, not existing stock that has lost some of its spiritual power."

In theory, the effects of the same Talisman are roughly the same.

However, in reality, newly made talismans can sometimes be 10% less effective than those that are about to expire.

The reason for this is that if a completed Talisman is left for a long time, the spiritual energy sealed within it will gradually dissipate.

To cope with this loss, Talisman Master often reserve a certain amount of redundancy when selecting materials.

With one increase and the other decrease, it's not surprising that the actual effect differs by 10%.

The reason why Ink Plum True Monarch wanted the newly drawn Talisman was actually to maximize its effect.

After he finished stating his request, Xiao Chen finally understood why today's session was a separate one.

After listening to Huo Xinghuai's introduction, he still had some questions.

If it were simply a matter of presenting the item first and then quoting a price, it would become a matter of giving a price first and then purchasing the spiritual item.

What's the difference between this so-called open bidding process and yesterday's?

In retrospect, the focus of yesterday's transaction was on the spiritual objects themselves; everyone simply exchanged what they had.

However, the focus of today's transactions is no longer limited to spiritual items, but rather on ordering specific types of Talisman according to one's own needs.

This means that, in addition to Talisman, there are various elixirs, Spirit Artifact, and other items.

Even various intelligence reports, and in short, the different needs of the True Lord present, can become part of the transaction.

"How many Talisman does Fellow Daoist Momei need?"

The elder among the Three White-Bearded Immortals, who was most skilled in Talisman Making, spoke up, "I began preparing Wind-Fixing Talisman after the twelfth lunar month last year, and I have prepared more than thirty so far."

"All the spiritual objects used have been carefully selected to ensure that they are absolutely full of spiritual energy."

"If you are still worried, we can conduct a practical test later and decide after seeing the results."

Upon hearing this, Ink Plum True Monarch immediately nodded. "That's fine then, I'll agree on a share of five."

"Once we test it with the other fellow Daoists tonight and confirm it's working correctly, we'll complete the transaction on the spot."

Although the Three White-Bearded Immortals ' skills are always excellent, we still have to try this kind of thing first.

Of course, to avoid meaningless losses, and also considering that the other True Lord must have the same needs.

Therefore, they often wait until all the cultivators who need the resources have reserved their quotas before going together to conduct the test.

Firstly, having more manpower makes testing more convenient and reliable.

With so many eyes watching, there's no room for the slightest flaw.

Secondly, centralized testing only requires the consumption of one Talisman, which is the most economical option for both parties.

Thirdly, Talisman that have undergone rigorous testing are not only safe for users to carry, but also for sellers, effectively preventing disputes and damage to reputation afterward.

It can be said that such centralized testing is a win-win-win situation.

Sure enough, many True Lord followed suit, expressing that they also needed the Wind-Fixing Talisman.

The thirty-odd tickets prepared in advance were not enough to go around, so we made a reservation.

Moreover, it's not just Talisman; elixirs that can quickly restore true energy, stimulate its circulation, and rapidly suppress injuries, which are helpful in combat, are also in short supply.

Of course, some people have special circumstances.

For example, Withered Leaf True Monarch's needs are different. "The Jade Leaf Commerce Association will be acquiring shops in prime locations in major markets over the next few decades."

"If any fellow Daoist's disciples wish to sell their land deeds, they are welcome to consider us."

"Today, I mainly need to trouble everyone to help me spread the word."

"This favor wasn't done for nothing; it's a way for me to repay everyone's kindness. Next time, for any fellow Daoists who come to me for business, I'll give them an extra 10% discount."

Upon hearing this, everyone readily agreed with smiles.

For them, it's just a matter of a single sentence.

However, for the Jade Leaf Commerce Association, this was an important promotional opportunity, as it boosted their reputation in the Storm Sea through the words of various True Lord.

And that's not all.

The favor that Withered Leaf True Monarch gave was also quite interesting.

He only said that if anyone present came to him for business next time, he was willing to give up 10% of the profit.

It sounds like everyone is getting a good deal and making extra money for no reason.

But in Xiao Chen's ears, it sounded like a promotional event for new customers.

The key point is that once this transaction occurs, the difference lies in whether you make a lot of money or a little.

It may seem like they gained a favor for nothing, but in reality, using that favor was what truly benefited the Jade Leaf Commerce Association.

Withered Leaf True Monarch is not afraid of everyone going; on the contrary, he is afraid that everyone will not go.

Xiao Chen realized that the man was indeed very shrewd, befitting a businessman.

What followed was an eye-opening display of diverse needs.

Some hope to repair the damaged Spirit Artifact, while others hope to replicate the old Array Foundation.

Some people hope to gain insights into the cultivation of a certain Secret Method, while others hope to have someone guide their Closed-door Disciple for a period of time.

Some people also hope to obtain specific types of Demon Beast materials.

Even a clue about Great Demon is fine; he can go and catch the demon himself.

In addition, people were not only talking about recent events, but also about things several years or even decades from now.

For example, Lie Que True Monarch stated that, based on the information he possessed...

Approximately sixteen years from now, 800,000 miles south of the Soul Division Sword Pavilion, a Sword Dao Ruin will be opened.

I hope to find someone skilled in exploration techniques to go treasure hunting inside together.

The terms offered were also very generous. "In addition to two Fourth-tier Mid-grade Spiritual Material as the basic reward..."

"For every sword-related spiritual item he brings out from the ruins, he can share other spiritual items of equal value as spoils with his companions."

To be honest, even Xiao Chen was somewhat tempted by these conditions.

Unfortunately, sixteen years is clearly too long.

He himself didn't know where he would be sixteen years from now, nor did he know what the situation would be like then.

Naturally, he couldn't accept such an invitation.

After a while, it was Xiao Chen's turn.

Actually, there is no set order for the Exchange Meet; everyone is free to speak.

However, after the first round yesterday, everyone accepted that order.

The subsequent two rounds of presentations, including today's public tender, have all followed the same pattern.

"What I need is the same as yesterday."

Xiao Chen reiterated. "Any spiritual object that helps in comprehending the Great Dao of Wood, or that helps in cultivating Law Technique, can be traded."

"I'm open to negotiating the price."

"If we're going to exchange spiritual items, we'll probably have to discuss it. There are some spiritual items I might not even have. Anyway, we'll discuss it."

"If you're willing to settle in Spirit Stone, I can offer an additional 20% premium as compensation."

For Xiao Chen, a problem that can be solved with Spirit Stone is not a problem.

At least at this Exchange Meet, there shouldn't be many True Lord who are richer than him, even including their own sects.

The only uncertain factor is the faction to which those two mysterious True Lord belong.

"Daoist Xiao, I happen to have a Droplet Green Red Leaf Lotus in my hand."

Upon hearing this, Azure Firmament True Monarch immediately replied, "When refining the lotus leaf, one can perceive the Wood Vitality."

What do you think?

As he spoke, he took out a special lotus flower with a vibrant green center and bright red surrounding leaves.

Generally speaking, when monks purchase spiritual items, they also consider their inherent tendencies.

For example, even when comprehending the Great Dao of Wood, there are different directions such as resilience, regeneration, purification, and Strange Poison.

The reason why they seem not to be so picky most of the time is actually because they really have no choice but to use spirits of the same attribute to make up the numbers.

"I'm not picky about this, anything is fine with me."

Xiao Chen merely glanced at it before smiling, "I wonder what Fellow Daoist Qingxiao is planning to exchange for?"

It's important to understand that as long as the spirit object is of the Wood Attribute, even if the direction is slightly different, the only difference is the strength of the effect.

Other cultivators might mind this more.

After all, they have limited resources, so they definitely have to be selective.

But for Xiao Chen, it doesn't matter if the effect is weak; if the quality is lacking, he can make up for it with quantity.

Any spiritual object that can help him comprehend the Great Dao of Wood is one he needs.

If you can find it, just buy it.

"My ' Droplet Green Red Leaf Lotus' is perfectly preserved, with all its roots and leaves intact, and it possesses a remarkable spiritual quality."

Upon hearing this, Azure Firmament True Monarch immediately boasted, "Especially since it contains a certain amount of Purifying Power."

"If it can be used in certain specific Pill Formula, it can have a remarkable therapeutic or cleansing effect."

"If we find a suitable buyer, selling it for a million or so Spirit Stone wouldn't be a problem."

"I won't ask for much today, just ten thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, which will all belong to you, fellow Daoist."

He boasted for a long time, but in the end, he only offered one million Spirit Stone.

Xiao Chen blinked upon hearing this, and paused slightly in surprise.

Then he realized that he might not have attended any auctions in the Storm Sea area before.

It seems he hasn't done any major business dealings either.

It should be noted that Xiao Chen had already spent one million Spirit Stone acquiring Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal when he was in the Compassion Sea.

Although the Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, it's normal for spirit medicine to be a bit more expensive.

In other words, he was prepared to spend this many Spirit Stone anyway, and he even thought that he wouldn't mind if it were a little more expensive.

As the saying goes, "A Thousand Gold Buys Horse Bones."

If Xiao Chen acts generously, other cultivators might be tempted.

In this way, people who were originally reluctant to sell spiritual items might be tempted by the high price.

On the surface, it seems that he lost some Spirit Stone because he paid a high price.

In reality, money is just an external thing; the right path is to quickly acquire key spiritual items to improve one's cultivation.

Besides, most of these Spirit Stone were accumulated by the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect, so they don't feel bad spending them.

Therefore, after regaining his senses, Xiao Chen decisively agreed, "No problem, ten thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone!"

He then took out the Spirit Stone and completed the transaction on the spot.

"Daoist Xiao, I happen to have a bottle of Heart Nourishing Dew with me."

Upon seeing this, Lie Que True Monarch's eyes lit up, and he immediately took out a jade bottle. "This dew was obtained by chance one hundred and twenty years ago when I was searching for treasure in the Secret Realm."

"Further investigation revealed that it was Specially Made Spirit Liquid extracted from the Four Seasons Flower Dew, supplemented with Fourth-Order Spiritual Item such as Spirit Nourishing Grass and Spirit Awakening Fruit."

"Just one drop will greatly enhance your Divine Sense over the next three hours."

"It can be used in magical duels, and it can also indirectly enhance the effectiveness of Law Technique training."

"If taken repeatedly, it can also promote a relatively slow increase in Divine Sense."

After praising its effects, Lie Que True Monarch rolled his eyes and then offered, "This bottle of Heart Nourishing Dew is yours for only eight thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen nodded almost without hesitation. "Deal!"

As I said before, I don't mind if it's a little more expensive, as long as it works.

As he took out Spirit Stone to make the transaction, he glanced at the other True Lord present out of the corner of his eye.

I'm such an easy-going person, I almost never haggle, aren't you tempted?

Especially for those who possess Wood Element Enlightenment Spirit Item, what are you still hesitating for?

Hurry up and take your things out.

"Daoist Xiao, I happen to have two Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal here."

Xuan Ren True Monarch tentatively asked, "I just don't know how many Spirit Stone you're willing to offer."

He hadn't originally planned to sell the Dao Comprehension Crystal, since as a major sect, it was hard to guarantee that disciples with Wood Spiritual Root wouldn't emerge in the future.

Therefore, this kind of thing is generally not sold to the public.

But today is different. If we can exchange them for Mid-Grade Spirit Stone at a high price, this deal doesn't seem like a bad one.

Firstly, both of these are hard currencies.

Secondly, later on, you can use the Spirit Stone to repurchase two more Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal.

By making a few rounds of transactions, even though it might take decades or even a hundred years, it's like easily making a pure profit of Spirit Stone.

Considering that it generally takes a sect at least a hundred years to cultivate a Immortal Seedling.

That's like saying, "Why not make money if it's free?"

After weighing the pros and cons, Xuan Ren True Monarch changed his mind and took out the Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal he had on hand.

"I'm easy to talk to, the key is how much you want to sell it for?"

Xiao Chen countered, "I'm always a decisive person. As long as the price is reasonable, let's close the deal immediately."

These words were not only spoken to Xuan Ren True Monarch, but also to the other True Lord.

"In that case, how about we price these two Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal at 18,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stone?"

Xuan Ren True Monarch weighed the options for a moment, then offered what he considered a high price.

"No problem!"

Xiao Chen smiled and nodded, "Then let's do as you suggest, fellow Daoist."

The two exchanged money for goods.

Finally, even the other True Lord were somewhat tempted.

And so, transactions began one after another.

Soon after, Xiao Chen gave him 8,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, 11,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, 18,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, and a piece of Floating Cloud Treasure Jade.

I purchased and exchanged two Wood Element Enlightenment Spirit Item and three Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal.

This was quite a fruitful outcome.

With so many spiritual items, comprehending the Great Dao of Wood will surely be much smoother.

It could even be said that it is already sufficient in terms of Dao Comprehension, or in terms of the foundation for advancement.

It is foreseeable that this aspect will at least not become a weakness when making breakthroughs.

Therefore, the next step is to focus on the path of Cultivator of Magic.

Xiao Chen can now focus his attention and energy on breaking through to the Major Realm, and make more preparations in advance to increase his chances of advancing to the Spirit Transformation.

It is worth mentioning that not all cultivators participated in the public bidding process.

For example, Xiang Yiyang, as well as those two mysterious True Lord, all chose to give up.

The former mainly did not want to reveal the recent movements of the Flame Manipulation School.

The latter simply couldn't be bothered to participate, since they had better resources for alchemy, artifact crafting, talisman arrays, and more.

They seemed to have almost no reaction to Xiao Chen's high-priced acquisition of spiritual items.

However, if someone observes closely, they will find that although they seem casual, they actually watched the entire transaction process carefully and took notes on all the spiritual items that Xiao Chen obtained.

To put it bluntly, they're just pretending not to care.

Similar to yesterday's exchange session, the open bidding process also consisted of three rounds.

Aside from the first round, which was mostly preparation for the Vast Sea Secret Realm.

The demands raised in the latter two rounds also changed significantly.

Surprisingly, the greatest demand was for various Infant Transformation Pill, as well as other rare and precious materials that could help Golden Core cultivator break through to the Nascent Soul heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

Not only the Golden Haze Sect has a need, but even the Star Plucking Sword Pavilion, which just had a disciple break through, the Qinghe Temple, which is preparing to enter the world, and the Azure Pine Sword Master, who is a rogue cultivator, are all offering high prices to buy it.

Everyone was somewhat surprised after they realized this.

Some people are wondering if the Star Plucking Sword Pavilion has any disciples with outstanding potential?

Some people are also wondering, who is the Sword Azure Pine Sword Master, a rogue cultivator, preparing for?

In addition, Xiang Yiyang's expression was somewhat grave.

He clearly didn't want to see Qinghe Temple grow stronger, but since the other party was offering a high price, there was probably already at least one exceptionally talented Immortal Seedling in the temple.

This was clearly bad news for the Flame Manipulation School, which was plotting to seize the Lightless Sea from Qinghe Temple.

They will have to take into account the possibility that the other side could generate Newly Promoted Nascent Soul in a short period of time.

Amidst everyone's various thoughts, the second segment came to a close.

Although a memorial feast and song and dance performance were prepared today as well.

However, because many True Lord went in groups to test the effects of the Wind-Fixing Talisman, the banquet hall became much quieter.

So, after eating a symbolic amount of food, simply to satisfy my craving, I...

Xiao Chen then arrived at the courtyard that had been specially renovated and temporarily assigned to him as his residence.

Then he began to recall the mental Mnemonic of the <Golden Light Wind-Fixing Art>.

Today, reminded by the Wind-Fixing Talisman, he realized that he should also start preparing for the opening of the Vast Sea Secret Realm Inner Realm as soon as possible.

Xiao Chen had already decided not to prepare anything like a spirit umbrella or Wind-Fixing Talisman.

Instead, he solved the problem by practicing the Golden Light Wind-Fixing Art.

It's not because he's unwilling to spend money; it's simply because with Hextech enhancements, if he can master Auxiliary Spells, the effects will undoubtedly be stronger.

Anyway, this thing only requires getting to the basics, it's not too complicated.

Now that I've remembered this matter, I'll try to get it sorted out within the next day or two.

And it was quite a coincidence, actually.

Xiao Chen had just obtained three Wind Element Dao Comprehension Crystal from the Yin Corpse Sect Warehouse.

With this, the most difficult Dao Comprehension —is no longer a problem.

In addition, he rummaged through his Storage Ring and successfully found several wind-type spiritual items among the hundreds of Fourth-Order Spiritual Item he had accumulated.

In this way, everything can be said to be ready.

As the night passed, before 9 AM, Xiao Chen was already able to stumble and struggle through the <Golden Light Wind-Fixing Art>.

He was just one final step away from fully mastering the Law Technique.

Next, just take some time to practice a few more times and familiarize yourself with it, and you'll be considered proficient.