On the seventh-floor pavilion, a person spoke lazily, "In that case, I’ll join in as well. I’ll add another five hundred."
The green-clothed cultivator sneered coldly, seemingly determined to acquire the mystical artifact, and said without hesitation, "I’ll add a thousand more!"
The female attendant trembled with excitement and immediately screamed, "Four thousand!"
This time, the two others did not continue to compete with her, as they both seemed to believe the price was too high. They remained silent, leaving the damaged mystical artifact to be purchased by the green-clothed cultivator for the sum of four thousand Spiritual Shells.
That amount was indeed not insignificant, but with Zhang Yan’s two prior bids having already caused much astonishment, the crowd had grown used to it, and this instance did not trigger much of a stir.
At this moment, on the pavilion where Zhang Yan was situated, Jun Ling’er gracefully received the sword ball brought in by the female attendant. Smiling softly, she walked forward and placed it gently on the table alongside the Zhi Ma Fruit.
Zhang Yan straightened his posture, reached out his hand, and lightly flicked his finger across the sword ball. A melodious, pleasing tone reverberated, prompting him to nod in approval.
The sword ball is a supremely pure and virtuous object, destined to follow only one master in its lifetime. Once even a wisp of spiritual energy enters, the Qi Mechanism will harmonize with the sword ball, becoming inseparable unless the sword is completely destroyed—making it impossible to ever be used by a second person.
This particular sword ball was evidently free of any trace of contamination, its cleanliness proving that no one had touched it since its creation. Moreover, its quality surpassed Zhang Yan’s initial expectations by several degrees, comparable even to his own Star Sword Ball.
This was unquestionably a profitable transaction; although the sword ball was marked at five thousand Spiritual Shells, Zhang Yan paid only seventeen hundred superior Shells to acquire it.
Spiritual Shells can always be replenished, but such an exceptional sword ball is exceedingly rare. After all, most Nascent Soul cultivators care primarily about their own cultivation and rarely invest over a decade—or even several decades—to forge a sword ball that cannot be used by themselves. The creation of one is an occurrence that is both fortunate and unrepeatable.
Jun Ling’er, having served many customers at this Immortal Market, was accustomed to being flirted with by those captivated by her beauty. Yet Zhang Yan, except when necessary, never initiated conversation with her. His aura carried an unapproachable sharpness that made her heart tremble every time she tried to speak. Seeing now that Zhang Yan seemed satisfied with the sword ball, she couldn’t help but curve her lips into a faint smile as she seized the opportunity to say, "Immortal Guest, please take note—the item coming up next is truly exceptional. Today, most of the people present have come for this very thing."
She paused briefly, noticing Zhang Yan showed no intention of inquiring further. Left with no choice, she continued, "Immortal Guest must have heard of this item—it is a stalk of Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass."
Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass?
Zhang Yan’s gaze flickered. Indeed, this item truly deserved the title of "treasure!"
When a cultivator reaches the Third Realm of Xuan Guang, they must seek medicine to solidify their pill. However, not everyone can succeed in this challenge. Out of a hundred cultivators, only one or two might pass it successfully. If they fail, a Small Golden Core will form within their bodies. Though this improves their strength beyond the average Xuan Guang practitioner, it also leaves them forever unable to progress further.
However, by using this "Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass" as the primary ingredient, complemented by several other spiritual medicines, one could concoct a potion known as "Xuanluo Clear Water." This water has remarkable effects—it can completely dissolve the Small Golden Core, erasing all traces and allowing the foundations to be rebuilt anew.
It must be understood that, although some cultivators fail to solidify the pill, reaching this point in cultivation is already an extraordinary feat. If given a second chance, they have a far higher likelihood of success compared to those attempting the solidification for the first time. Possessing this item is equivalent to creating half a Hua Dan cultivator.
A Hua Dan cultivator is already considered the backbone of any sect. Even among the Mingcang Sect’s third-generation top ten disciples, only Qi Yuntian has achieved Nascent Soul, and this single spirit grass can produce at least three doses of Xuanluo Clear Water, making it truly priceless.
Thus, as the maid took the item to the lotus pond for display, it immediately attracted the attention of nearly everyone present. Several gazes burned with intense zeal for the treasure.
This item, without a doubt, offers cultivators who fail to solidify their pill an additional pathway. Zhang Yan instantly resolved in his mind to acquire it, regardless of the cost—it must be his!
Yet, just as he was about to speak, a child stepped out from within a prohibition barrier on a flying boat in the western sector and declared, "My master is willing to offer one thousand Spiritual Shells for this treasure!"
As his voice fell, a tall and imposing cultivator emerged from the northern Flying Pavilion. He introduced himself, "I am Song Hong, senior disciple of Linqing Temple, and I sincerely desire this item. I offer two thousand for it!"
Linqing Temple may not be one of the Ten Great Sects of Xuanmen, but it is by no means insignificant. Compared to the Beichen Sect, Linqing Temple even holds a slight edge. With his status as its senior disciple, many present would indeed be inclined to show him favor.
With a loud "huh-la," the Jade Curtain of the western flying boat was lifted. An elderly man with deep facial lines stepped out, stroking his beard and chuckling, "Then this old man shall add another thousand. Little friend, let’s not compete further, shall we?"
Song Hong frowned, saying, "My sect truly has urgent need of this item. With all due respect, elder, pardon me for any offense—I bid another thousand Spiritual Shells."
The green-clothed cultivator smiled faintly, and after withdrawing his prohibition barrier, he casually stepped out and scanned the surroundings. His voice turned cold as he declared, "Five thousand Spiritual Shells. Deng Chang bids for this item."
Before his voice had fully dissipated, the lazy tone from the seventh-floor pavilion rang out again, "Five thousand—how impressive. I’ll bid six thousand. Deng Chang, what say you now?"
The green-clothed cultivator’s expression twisted into rage, and he snorted, preparing to bid again. But before he could speak, a calm and free voice rang out from a distant place, "I am Chou Kun, a disciple of the Shaoqing Sect. A senior from my sect requires this spirit grass to refine medicine and dissolve a Small Golden Core. I bid seven thousand Spiritual Shells for it. Does anyone object?"
...(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote with recommendation votes or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)