Chapter 139: Golden Core Contention

"Talisman Treasure ‘Heavy Profound Ruler’, excels in offense, can still be used three more times, crafted by a mid-stage Golden Core Real Person—its power goes without saying. There is no starting bid."

As the voice of the green-robed man in the center of the venue fell, wave after wave of bidding voices followed.

In just a short while, the auction price of this Talisman Treasure was pushed beyond 500 mid-grade Spirit Stones.

Once the price reached this point, fewer people continued bidding.

Ji Yuan repeatedly touched the storage pouch at his waist, clearly itching to bid.

"Damn it, you really don’t know how poor you are until you step into an auction house!"

Ji Yuan reached out and touched his storage pouch again—maybe he should sell the Talisman Treasure Thousandfold Chains, and exchange it for another offensive Talisman Treasure. But Thousandfold Chains used together with the Sky-Escape Shuttle basically guaranteed an escape.

Thousandfold Chains could trap the opponent, even if only for a moment.

That would be enough time for him to use the Sky-Escape Shuttle to flee.

By the time he reached Foundation Establishment, even facing a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, he would still have a chance to escape.

But if he switched it for another Talisman Treasure, it might not offer the same effect.

The bidding continued. Ji Yuan was burning with desire, but utterly helpless.

He could only think silently to himself that once he reached Foundation Establishment, when the Foundation Establishment Pills were no longer useful to him, he would come auction them off every year.

Then, he could use Spirit Stones to exchange for Talisman Treasures.

By then, he would be armed with a thousand Talisman Treasures.

While others used Talismans as basic attacks, he would use Talisman Treasures as his basic attacks—who could possibly stand against him?!

It’s just that the spiritual energy consumption of these Talisman Treasures was massive. It seemed he really needed to look for a cultivation technique with a higher spiritual energy reserve when switching techniques.

While Ji Yuan had only pondered briefly, the price of that Talisman Treasure had already risen beyond what he could afford.

More than 800 Spirit Stones now, with only two or three bidders remaining.

All of them Foundation Establishment cultivators on the third floor.

Moments later, the Talisman Treasure was finally auctioned off for 912 mid-grade Spirit Stones to a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Just as Ji Yuan was wondering which number his Foundation Establishment Pill would be in the sequence, he didn’t expect that the green-robed auctioneer immediately brought out his Foundation Establishment Pill.

Only this time, it was no longer in his own jade bottle, but placed at the center of a jade plate, which was covered by a transparent dome and held up by a voluptuous female cultivator who brought it on stage.

Many of the Qi Refining cultivators in the main hall stood up upon seeing the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Gasps of shock echoed.

As the Foundation Establishment Pill was placed on the platform, the green-robed man chuckled, stroking his beard. “Alright, I imagine most of you already recognize this item. I won’t say much more.”

“Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill, no starting bid.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a gentle female voice rang out from a compartment on the second floor.

“Seven hundred Spirit Stones.”

This made all the eager Qi Refining cultivators in the main hall instantly deflate. That opening bid of seven hundred was enough to kill their chance to even participate.

“What, Fellow Daoist Yu, are you still preparing a Foundation Establishment Pill for that useless husband of yours? I advise you to give it up. Even if a False Spiritual Root eats all the Foundation Establishment Pills in the world, there’s still little hope of building a foundation.”

Someone on the third floor seemed to recognize the bidder and sneered.

Ji Yuan paid no mind, silently listening to them argue, while the price steadily climbed.

It soon exceeded 800, and the anxiety in his heart finally eased.

800 was his expected price—anything beyond that was a pleasant surprise.

Half a stick of incense later, the auction of the Foundation Establishment Pill concluded.

In the end, it was won by a Foundation Establishment cultivator on the third floor for 900 Spirit Stones, much to Ji Yuan’s delight.

900 Spirit Stones, minus the 5% handling fee, left him with 855. After deducting his own auction expenditure, he still had 261 mid-grade Spirit Stones in hand.

With those Spirit Stones, he still needed to purchase a few more auxiliary ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pills.

As for the rest, Ji Yuan would just buy whatever else he found lacking at the time.

The following three items were the finale treasures, each more precious than the last.

The third-to-last item was a top-grade flying Spiritual Artifact!

It drove Foundation Establishment cultivators into a frenzy, smashing their pots and selling their irons, and hurling insults all around.

Next came a third-rank Demon Core. It attracted a group of pill refiners—who were notoriously wealthy and extravagant—so naturally, the price was sky-high.

Sky-high and iron-hard!

The final item was kept secret by the green-robed auctioneer.

Only when the crowd could no longer contain their curiosity did the auction house bring out the item, covered with a red cloth that blocked Divine Sense.

Ji Yuan was also extremely curious.

It wasn’t until the green-robed cultivator lifted the red cloth that the true face of the auction item was revealed.

“A cub of the winged Sky-Flying Tiger, a third-rank demon beast. As for its value—I don’t need to say more. Form a contract with it,

Once it matures, it will likely become a third-rank demon beast. By then—”

Before he could finish, a cold and indifferent voice rang out from a compartment on the fourth floor.

“2000 Spirit Stones.”

The moment the voice from the fourth floor sounded, the entire auction hall fell silent.

A Real Person—a Golden Core Real Person!

This auction had actually attracted Golden Core Real Persons?!

Soon, another room on the fourth floor shouted a new bid. “3000 Spirit Stones.”

Ji Yuan was dumbfounded listening to these prices. Were they really bidding in increments of a thousand Spirit Stones?!

Since when were mid-grade Spirit Stones counted by the thousands?

Once the Golden Core Real Persons started bidding, only their voices remained in the auction house.

Listening closely, Ji Yuan discovered that there were four Golden Core Real Persons participating in this auction. Of course, if any had come and simply chosen not to bid, he wouldn’t know.

After just a few rounds of bidding, the price for the winged Sky-Flying Tiger cub had already reached 7000 Spirit Stones, and the increments had finally stopped being in the thousands.

They now increased in hundreds.

This third-rank demon beast cub—how could it be so expensive? Ji Yuan couldn’t help glancing at the [Fish Pond] on his Panel.

【Spiritual Effect 2 (Rainbow Carp Transforms into Flood Dragon): Carp-type Spiritual Fish have an extremely low probability of nurturing an Ice Flood Dragon cub (third-rank demon beast).】

This was the spiritual effect of level 3 [Fish Pond].

Unfortunately, upgrading the level 3 [Fish Pond] had a hard requirement: one’s cultivation must reach early Foundation Establishment stage.

Otherwise, Ji Yuan would have definitely tried to upgrade it right now and raise a whole pond full of carp-type Spiritual Fish.

He could then see if he could produce one Ice Flood Dragon cub per day, raise one for himself, and sell the rest.

By that time—

“Jie jie jie.”

Just as Ji Yuan was fantasizing, a hoarse voice rang out from the fourth floor.

“Old Monster Meishan, you spent so many Spirit Stones to buy that Gold-Swallowing Beast—afraid you won’t even have enough Spirit Stones to feed it. Once you bring it back, it’ll just be trash.”

“That’s none of Elder Liu’s business. If you’ve got Spirit Stones, bid. If not, shut up.”

Old Monster Meishan retorted bluntly.

“Alright, alright, alright.”

The Golden Core cultivator called Elder Liu sounded quite furious. “I’ve run out of Spirit Stones!”

Ji Yuan almost laughed hearing that but dared not let a sound slip.

Once Elder Liu withdrew, only Old Monster Meishan and another Golden Core cultivator remained in contention.

Old Monster Meishan seemed determined to win the demon beast cub and bid aggressively.

When the price reached 8000 Spirit Stones, the other Golden Core cultivator also withdrew.

Just as Ji Yuan thought Old Monster Meishan would secure the Sky-Flying Tiger, another voice that hadn’t spoken before rang out from the fourth floor.

The man leisurely called out, “9000 Spirit Stones.”

The moment this price was spoken, the auction hall, which had just started buzzing again, fell silent once more.

There was actually another expert?!

“Old Miser Li, you came too?!”

Old Monster Meishan gritted his teeth upon hearing the voice.

Elder Liu, who had spoken earlier, chuckled and said, “If I knew Old Li was here, I wouldn’t have bothered coming.”

“Haha, it’s all the same, it’s all the same. I just happened to need this item.”

The man called Old Miser Li laughed. “I suppose no one wants to compete with me? If not, I’ll be taking this little tiger.”

After waiting a few breaths, no one responded.

The green-robed auctioneer then struck his gavel, confirming the ownership of the final item.

The auction was thus concluded.

Ji Yuan let out a long breath of relief.

Today’s auction was worth it!

Not only did he gain something good, but he also earned a tidy sum of Spirit Stones and broadened his horizons.

The cultivators who didn’t win anything had already departed. Since Ji Yuan had made purchases, he remained in the room to wait.

Before long, the blue-robed cultivator who had previously attended to Ji Yuan knocked and entered, smiling as he cupped his hands. “Congratulations, young friend. Congratulations indeed.”

“What’s there to congratulate?”

Though Ji Yuan was thrilled inside, he kept a composed facade and casually waved his hand.

“Alright, deduct the Spirit Stones I used from the Foundation Establishment Pill proceeds. Give me the rest.”

“Very well.”

The blue-robed cultivator was unsurprised. With a wave of his right hand, several items appeared on the table.

“Young friend’s Foundation Establishment Pill sold for 900 Spirit Stones. After deducting our auction house’s handling fee, 855 Spirit Stones remain. You spent 160 Spirit Stones on two stalks of Millennium Qinghui Grass, 49 Spirit Stones on one Scarlet Marrow Thunder Jade, and 385 Spirit Stones on a second-rank Spirit Beast Pouch. That leaves 261 Spirit Stones, all here. Please accept them.”

Ji Yuan looked at the table.

The two stalks of Millennium Qinghui Grass were still stored in jade boxes, exactly the same as the three he already owned, each emitting a faint herbal fragrance.

The Scarlet Marrow Thunder Jade was placed separately on the table. The crimson gemstone glowed faintly, occasionally sparking with electric light within—it was clearly no ordinary item.

As for the Spirit Beast Pouch, it looked no different from a regular storage pouch.

Except that its patterns were extremely intricate.

The remaining 261 mid-grade Spirit Stones were packed in a storage pouch.

Ji Yuan had just thought to praise the auction house for its generosity, but on second thought, considering they took 45 mid-grade Spirit Stones as commission, this small storage pouch barely a foot wide really wasn’t worth much.

“Thanks.”

Ji Yuan feigned indifference and casually waved his hand, collecting all the items into his own storage pouch.

“Safe travels, young friend.”

The blue-robed cultivator gave a slight bow, his manner and etiquette impeccable.

Of course, it was only because Ji Yuan had “unintentionally” revealed parts of his background earlier that he was treated this way. If he were an ordinary Qi Refining cultivator,

it would’ve been a different story.

Ji Yuan exited the auction house with a calm expression, showing no hint of difference from an ordinary cultivator.

After stepping out, he glanced around and headed down the street on the left.

Du Wanyi’s home was to the right, so walking left was a more cautious choice.

As soon as he took a step, he focused his mind behind him, worried that someone might see through his identity—900 mid-grade Spirit Stones were enough to draw a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s attention.

He wasn’t worried about the auction house.

The Qingye Auction House had a trustworthy reputation. What he feared was that the blue-robed cultivator might leak his information to other Foundation Establishment cultivators, which could cause trouble.

This was precisely why he had boasted about his status earlier.

He did it to make the man wary and hold back.

Perhaps this tactic worked, or maybe that blue-robed cultivator had a righteous character. In any case, Ji Yuan looped around multiple times and didn’t sense anyone tailing him.

He smoothly returned to Du Wanyi’s residence.

Since the auction had just ended, Du Wanyi naturally couldn’t have returned so soon. Ji Yuan took the opportunity to inspect his newly acquired gains.

Especially that second-rank Spirit Beast Pouch.

He took it out and held it in his hand.

This thing looked like a storage pouch, felt like a storage pouch—damn, could it actually be just a storage pouch?

Ji Yuan injected spiritual energy to refine it, and only then was he relieved.

It was a Spirit Beast Pouch with a ten-zhang capacity, definitely large enough to carry the Great Toad.

In case he encountered a situation that forced him to take risks, he could stash the Great Toad inside. A late second-rank demon beast could definitely serve as his trump card.

It was just a pity—the Great Toad should have been a third-rank demon beast.

Then, even when facing a Golden Core cultivator, he wouldn’t be without a fighting chance.

And if it were a fourth-rank demon beast, then even the Sect Master of the Water Dragon Sect would have to bow his head when speaking to him.

After finishing his delightful fantasy, Ji Yuan put away the Spirit Beast Pouch.

Du Wanyi still hadn’t returned, and Ji Yuan couldn’t just leave without saying a word.

So he cultivated in her courtyard until it was deep into the night.

Only then did Ji Yuan sense a familiar aura approaching. The door opened, and Du Wanyi, who had been busy for several days, finally returned.

Ji Yuan originally thought Du Wanyi would come back relaxed, so he was about to greet her with a smile. But unexpectedly, his second sister had a look of panic on her face.

“Fourth... Fourth Brother—you’re still here?”

Du Wanyi was clearly surprised to see Ji Yuan in the courtyard.

She had assumed that with Ji Yuan’s cautious nature, he would have left immediately after the auction was over.

Unexpectedly, Ji Yuan had not only stayed—

He was even waiting at her house.

“What? Should I have left?”

Ji Yuan was momentarily puzzled, but then quickly figured it out. Given their relationship, Du Wanyi would never outright ask him to leave.

Judging from her reaction, she had likely gotten herself into trouble and feared dragging him into it.

“No—not what I meant.”

Du Wanyi gently closed the door and let out a long breath, slowly calming her panic.

“It’s just... I thought you’d already left.”

Du Wanyi turned her face away as she spoke.

Looking at her expression, Ji Yuan suddenly raised his voice and said, “Run, they’ve caught up!”

“What?! How dare they—”

Du Wanyi whipped her head toward the door. The night was silent, only insect calls echoed, and moonlight shone on the stone steps, flowing like water.

She quickly realized.

Ji Yuan had tricked her—and she fell for it.

“Speak, what kind of matter could you possibly hide even from me?”

Ji Yuan returned to his seat with a calm expression.

Du Wanyi, seeing this, had no choice but to sit opposite him.

She placed both hands on the table, lips pale, brows furrowed tightly, and even her gaze appeared flustered.

“It’s... it’s not that I wanted to hide it from you. I just didn’t want you to get involved.”

Du Wanyi bit her lip as she spoke.

Ji Yuan looked at her, silent for a moment, before finally saying, “Do you remember back when we were in Yunyu Marshlands? The four of us formed a sibling bond. But then Third Brother died tragically, and now Yao Jingfeng has become like this. Only the two of us are left.”

“Which is exactly why I don’t want you caught up in this.”

Du Wanyi gave a bitter smile. “There’s no need, no need at all.”

Hearing this, Ji Yuan felt a heavy thud in his heart. Was Second Sister entangled with a Golden Core clan?

Du Wanyi remained silent. Ji Yuan, after pondering briefly, eventually opened his mouth. No matter who the enemy was, he had to know.

If anything happened to Du Wanyi—

He would at least know whom to take revenge on.

“What’s the opponent’s cultivation? A Golden Core Real Person?”

“No.”

Du Wanyi quickly denied it.

“Peak Foundation Establishment?”

“Not that either.”

“Then just tell me.”

Ji Yuan no longer wanted to guess.

Seeing Ji Yuan’s concerned expression, Du Wanyi remained silent for a while before saying, “I’ll tell you, Fourth Brother. But after you hear it, please just go back. Alright?”

“Alright.”

Ji Yuan nodded.

Only then did Du Wanyi begin to speak slowly, “This started a month ago. I was on break, wandering the city, when I found a stalk of Millennium Qinghui Grass in a shop. Naturally, I wanted to buy it.”

“But just as I was about to pay, a peak Qi Refining stage man arrived and claimed he wanted the Millennium Qinghui Grass. I refused, of course. When he started causing trouble, I revealed my identity. I thought it would scare him off, but unexpectedly, he had some backing.”

“What kind of backing?”

Ji Yuan guessed she had run into a spoiled cultivator heir, the kind that was notoriously difficult to deal with.

“His father is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and he has a second uncle who is also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. That second uncle is even an island lord within our Water Dragon Sect. Now, he’s trying to force me out of the sect and take further action. Even though I’ve been extremely careful during this auction, he’s still been able to find fault with everything I do. He must’ve started pulling strings.”

Ji Yuan recalled how Fang Jie had mentioned that Du Wanyi was brought to Qingye City because a Foundation Establishment cultivator had taken a liking to her. But given the current situation, that cultivator was no longer offering any protection.

Makes sense—her opponent came from a family with two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

But what about Du Wanyi?

Alone and from a place like Yunyu Marshlands—

“What are their exact cultivation levels—do you know?” Ji Yuan asked the key question.

“I know.”

Du Wanyi nodded. “That man’s name is Yang Yunxiang. His father is named Yang Shunan, a Foundation Establishment early-stage cultivator. His second uncle is named Yang Taian, a Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivator. He’s known as the Island Lord of Linmu Island. He’s quite a figure in our Water Dragon Sect, and many elders give him face.”

Ji Yuan: ...

One Foundation Establishment early-stage, one Foundation Establishment late-stage—was that enough to handle the Great Toad?

Ji Yuan figured that if the two of them worked together, Yang Shunan would definitely be killed by the Great Toad. Yang Taian, with more tricks up his sleeve, might have a 30 to 40 percent chance of escaping.

That’s it?

What was there to be afraid of?

Ji Yuan had been just itching for an early-stage Foundation Establishment target.

Now fate delivered one right to his doorstep.

“The Yang family—would that be the one outside Hongye City, in Qingyang Manor?”

Ji Yuan recalled the situation within the Water Dragon Sect and hazarded a guess.

After all, a family with two Foundation Establishment cultivators wasn’t common—especially one as reputable as the Yang family.

“That’s the one.”

“Alright. I’ll head back for now. Second Sister, if you’re fine, maybe you should return to the sect for a few days too. They might have more means in Qingye City, but not once you’re back in the sect.”

Ji Yuan made the suggestion.

“That was my plan too. Now that the auction is over, I’ve got five days off. I’ll return to the sect first.”

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