PDLP Chapter 7 Nascent Soul Stage Auction 3
Chapter 7 Nascent Soul Stage Auction 3
After the craze for ancient treasures and elixirs subsided, the auction moved on to the "talismans and formations" segment.
The items that Qingxiao Sanren took out were all of extraordinary quality. There was a set of three "Heavenly Thunder Talismans" with power comparable to the full-force attack of a Nascent Soul cultivator; there was a set of "Five Elements Trapping Immortal Array" array plates and array flags that could trap a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn; and there were also rare talismans such as the "Illusory Sea Concealment Talisman" that could conceal one's figure and aura, and even briefly deceive the divine sense of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
These practical items, useful for survival, combat, and exploration, were also highly sought after. For cultivators traveling the world, an extra powerful talisman or a reliable array often meant a greater chance of survival and opportunity. Bidding continued unabated, and ultimately all the talismans and arrays were successfully sold, with none going unsold, demonstrating the immense popularity and financial resources gathered at this auction.
Following that were various millennia-old spiritual herbs, rare minerals, and some unique refining ingredients. These items were the favorites of alchemists and weapon refiners, and also an opportunity for many aspiring cultivators to replenish their stock and attempt to refine higher-level items. Many cultivators in the arena eagerly took action, arguing heatedly for their desired materials.
Wang Tianlong's divine sense swept over the auction items. Among them were treasures rarely seen in the outside world, such as the "Crimson Essence Fungus," "Dragon Pattern Iron," and "Void Stone," all thousands of years old. If he were still in the Nascent Soul stage, he might have bid on one or two of them to draw more complex talismans (such as trying to improve the Small Teleportation Talisman) or to repair and strengthen the Wind-Riding Boat.
But now, he has reached the peak of the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm. Although the human realm is vast and its resources are far richer than in ancient times, at his level, rare and precious natural materials that can significantly enhance his cultivation or be used to refine treasures that can substantially help him (such as higher-level life-saving talismans or heaven-reaching spiritual treasures) are extremely rare. These treasures that are precious in the eyes of Nascent Soul cultivators are of little value to him.
"It seems that the real hope still lies in the final Nascent Soul stage event," Wang Tianlong thought to himself, his expression remaining calm and unmoved by the fervor before him. The items flowing out of Kunwu Mountain, those rare treasures specifically prepared for Nascent Soul cultivators and even capable of aiding in ascension, were his ultimate goal for this trip.
As each ordinary item was successfully sold, time quietly passed, and the Nascent Soul special auction finally ushered in its most exciting finale.
The atmosphere inside the "Treasure Pavilion," after experiencing several climaxes, was not fatigued but instead became even more solemn and expectant. Everyone knew that the items that would be presented as the grand finale were all truly rare treasures, items that would even make the top sects envious.
On the auction stage, Qingxiao Sanren's smile vanished, replaced by an extremely solemn and dignified expression. He gently waved his hand, dismissing the attendants, and stepped forward himself, announcing loudly, "Fellow Daoists, please calm yourselves! What follows is the first of three highly anticipated treasures at this Nascent Soul special auction!"
He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping across the room to ensure he had everyone's attention before he said in a deep voice, "Please summon the treasure!"
As soon as the words were spoken, four guards clad in golden armor, their auras clearly reaching the late stage of Core Formation, carried together a long, crimson jade box encased in layers of restrictive runes, and walked steadily to the center of the platform. The box was only about three feet long, yet it seemed to weigh a ton, and a scorching and violent spiritual pressure emanated from it, even through the restrictions, causing many cultivators in the front row to feel their faces burning.
With an extremely solemn expression, Qingxiao Sanren personally cast several spells to break the outermost seal. The lid of the crimson jade box slid open silently, and in an instant, a dazzling flame shot into the sky, illuminating the entire auction platform in a fiery red! In the flame, a feather fan with an ancient design, carved entirely like crimson jade, and entwined with four flame patterns of different colors (red, orange, gold, and white), could be vaguely seen lying quietly in the box.
"This treasure is—" Qingxiao Sanren took a deep breath, his voice rising slightly with excitement, "a replica of the spiritual treasure, the Four Flames Fan!"
"boom!"
The audience erupted in cheers again! A replica of a spiritual treasure! This is a top-tier treasure, second only to a genuine Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure! Its power far surpasses that of ordinary ancient treasures, enough to allow Nascent Soul cultivators to challenge those of higher levels, and it can even pose a certain threat to Deity Transformation cultivators!
Wang Tianlong's previously casual gaze suddenly sharpened upon hearing the words "Four Flames Fan." He leaned forward slightly, his divine sense penetrating the glass wall to carefully "look" at the feather fan.
"The Four-Flame Fan... is it a replica of the Heavenly Treasure 'Seven-Flame Fan'?" A thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately recalled the renowned "Three-Flame Fan" of Han Laomo in the original story. Unexpectedly, he could see an even more advanced "Four-Flame Fan" in this world. This aroused his great interest, and he wanted to see just how skilled the weapon refiners in this world were at replicating it.
At this moment, Qingxiao Sanren began his detailed introduction, his voice filled with persuasive appeal: "This 'Four Flames Fan' is a replica of the ancient and renowned Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure, the 'Seven Flames Fan'! It was crafted by the chief weapon-refining master served by the Great Jin Dynasty royal family, who spent a hundred years gathering a trace of the essence of four extraordinary flames: Earth Lung Fire Essence, Celestial Meteor Flame, Solar True Fire, and Southern Bright Fire, and fusing them with various top-tier fire-attribute materials before finally succeeding in its forging! Although it is a replica, it already possesses about fifty percent of the original treasure's power!"
Fifty percent of its power! This number caused another uproar in the audience. The true power of a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure is unfathomable; even imitations with two or three tenths of its power are considered high-quality. Fifty percent of its power is absolutely the best among imitation spiritual treasures!
"This fan is unparalleled in power. When fully activated, it can burn mountains and boil seas. Ordinary late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators would find it difficult to withstand!" Qingxiao Sanren changed the subject and reminded, "However, precisely because of this, it is not recommended for those who are not at the late-stage Great Perfection of Nascent Soul and who do not possess profound magical power and strong spiritual sense to use it lightly, lest they suffer a backlash or be unable to unleash its true power."
Inside the private room, Wang Tianlong had already completed his assessment quickly. Although the ancient treasures he was currently using had been nurtured by him for many years and were quite powerful, barely reaching the threshold of imitating spiritual treasures, they were probably still inferior to the "Four Flames Fan," which was specially made and had a specific lineage and clear power, in terms of pure attack power and explosive force.
More importantly, he specializes in wind-based techniques, such as the "Wind-Riding Technique," which allows him to ride the wind and fuel the fire! If he can use pure wind spiritual power to activate this "Four Flames Fan," the combined power of wind and fire would likely be several times stronger than if he simply used fire spiritual power to activate it. It might even surpass the "50%" level that the refiner had envisioned, approaching 60% or more!
"This treasure... is quite suitable for me right now." A glint of light flashed in Wang Tianlong's eyes. He needed a powerful offensive treasure to break the stalemate or create enough chaos to escape when necessary. This "Four Flames Fan" met his needs in terms of power, attributes, and future potential (if he could find a higher-level spirit fire, he might be able to try to upgrade it).
"I'll bid on it." Wang Tianlong had already made up his mind. He adjusted his posture, his gaze fixed on the feather fan wreathed in flames, waiting for Qingxiao Sanren to announce his starting price.
After Qingxiao Sanren finished his introduction, seeing the fiery eyes below the stage, he knew the atmosphere had reached its peak. Without further delay, he announced in a clear and powerful voice: "The replica of the spirit treasure 'Four Flames Fan,' starting bid—one hundred high-grade spirit stones! Each bid must increase by at least ten high-grade spirit stones! Now, let the bidding begin!"
"One hundred and twenty yuan!" Almost as soon as the words were spoken, an old man with red hair and a red beard in the front row shouted impatiently. His voice was loud and clear, and there was a heat wave rolling around his body. He was obviously practicing a top-level fire-type technique.
"One hundred and fifty yuan!" A hoarse voice came from another private room on the second floor.
"One hundred and eighty yuan!"
"Two hundred and ten yuan!"
The price soared rapidly, like a flaming fire. The bidders were mainly of two types: first, late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators whose cultivation techniques were extremely compatible with the fire attribute, for whom the fan was a powerful asset; second, representatives of wealthy sects or families, who were purchasing valuable resources for their core disciples or key combatants.
When the price reached "two hundred and sixty high-grade spirit stones," the rate of increase slowed slightly, and each bid began to show clear signs of deliberation. This price was enough to force many Nascent Soul cultivators to spend their entire fortune, or even sell off many of their treasured possessions.
In the brief pause, a calm and clear voice quoted a price from a mid-to-high-class private room on the second floor: "Three hundred yuan."
It was Wang Tianlong. His first bid raised the price by forty high-grade spirit stones, demonstrating an undeniable decisiveness.
A brief silence fell over the room as many eyes turned to the seemingly ordinary private room. Three hundred high-grade spirit stones—this was already an extremely high threshold.
"Three hundred and twenty yuan." The hoarse voice that had previously offered two hundred and sixty yuan remained silent for a moment before speaking again, but its tone was noticeably heavier.
"Three hundred and thirty yuan." From another direction, a female cultivator's voice rang out, carrying a hint of probing.
"Three hundred and forty yuan." The red-haired old man gritted his teeth; this was the limit of what he could bear.
"Three hundred and sixty yuan!" The owner of the hoarse voice seemed to have become fierce, almost growling as he announced the price with a do-or-die attitude.
After the price was announced, the auction hall fell silent for a few breaths. Three hundred and sixty high-grade spirit stones, equivalent to three million six hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones! Even for many Nascent Soul elders of large sects, this was a huge sum of money that required careful consideration and might even require sect support. The owner of the hoarse voice breathed heavily, staring intently at the "Four Flames Fan" on the stage.
Qingxiao Sanren scanned the entire room and slowly spoke: "Three hundred and sixty high-grade spirit stones, any fellow cultivators willing to bid? Three hundred and sixty stones for the first time..."
Just then, Wang Tianlong's calm and even voice rang out again, echoing clearly in the silent hall: "Four hundred yuan."
"Whoosh—!"
This price was like a boulder thrown into the center of a lake, instantly creating huge ripples. Many cultivators couldn't help but gasp, all turning their shocked and incredulous gazes towards the private room where Wang Tianlong was.
Four hundred high-grade spirit stones! Just for a replica spirit treasure (though a top-grade one)! This price is already somewhat beyond reason. You should know that the prices of many genuine Heaven-Reaching Spirit Treasures (not the Sect-Supporting level) often fluctuate within this range in transactions among Nascent Soul cultivators. To buy a replica spirit treasure at this price, either the treasure is of extraordinary significance to the bidder, or the bidder has outrageously abundant wealth and is determined to obtain it.
Even Qingxiao Sanren on the auction stage showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by even greater joy. He loudly confirmed, "VIP number nine of the Earth rank has bid four hundred high-grade spirit stones! Four hundred! Is there any higher bid?"
Inside the private room where the bid of 360 had been placed, the atmosphere fluctuated violently, culminating in a resentful snort before falling silent. The red-haired elder slumped back into his seat, shaking his head and smiling bitterly. The other competitors had long since given up.
"Four hundred high-grade spirit stones, for the first time!"
"Four hundred high-grade spirit stones, for the second time!"
"Four hundred high-grade spirit stones, third time! Sold!"
Qingxiao Sanren slammed the gavel down, his voice filled with passion: "Congratulations to VIP number nine of the Earthly Realm for successfully bidding on the replica of the spiritual treasure 'Four Flames Fan'!"
As the gavel fell, countless complex gazes remained fixed on Wang Tianlong's private room, some filled with envy, some with curiosity, and others with deep apprehension. Someone who could so casually toss out four hundred high-grade spirit stones was no ordinary person.
Inside the private room, Wang Tianlong seemed oblivious to the gazes directed at him. He nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with the outcome.