Chapter 594 - 476: Auction (Extra - , 2/2)
A month later, at Wey’s Treasure Talisman Shop.
Ji An hurriedly entered the shop. He had just come from the Spirit Pill Pavilion, where he exchanged his refined pills for top-grade Spirit Stones.
Wey Xianglin greeted him into the VIP room and said:
"Senior, the auction is tonight. You haven’t forgotten, have you?"
"How could I forget such an important event!"
Ji An shook his head. If he missed the chance to purchase a spot, he would have to wait another twelve years, which he couldn’t afford.
In that case, he’d have to traverse the deep mountains using the Earth Escape Technique, hoping to find a possible Spirit Realm.
Ji An had little faith in relying on sheer luck.
Moreover, the Earth Escape Technique couldn’t sustain long depths underground, and without reaching a certain depth, there’d be no chance of discovering such a Spirit Realm.
He took out the Purifying Talismans he had drawn and said seriously:
"Even if it’s just to increase the odds of acquiring one more top-grade Spirit Stone, I must convert these Talismans into cash."
"So many!"
Seeing two stacks of Purifying Talismans placed on the table, Wey Xianglin’s eyes widened.
He measured them with his hands and asked tentatively:
"There must be over two hundred and thirty Talismans here, right?"
Ji An nodded affirmatively, "There are a total of two hundred and forty, sixty of which are middle-grade Talismans. Unfortunately, I can’t create top-grade Talismans; it always feels like something’s missing."
"Tier Two High-grade Talismans are already very good," Wey Xianglin knew the reason for being unable to create top-grade Talismans.
The Clan Leader once mentioned that Purifying Talismans originated from Buddhist Cultivators in the Western Continent. Their cultivation method is entirely different from the Daoist Sect’s, and their magical power differs from that of cultivators, which is why cultivators can’t create top-grade Talismans.
A Talisman Maker who can create top-grade Talismans is among the elite.
For someone to draw Tier Two Talismans for the first time and not produce any lower-grade ones, with most being top-grade, such a talent is extremely rare.
Wey Xianglin counted the Talismans, "Senior, according to our agreed price, sixty middle-grade Talismans total fourteen thousand four hundred Spirit Stones, and one hundred eighty top-grade Talismans total fifty thousand four hundred Spirit Stones.
After deducting the thirty thousand Spirit Stone debt, we owe you thirty-four thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones."
"That’s fine, exchange it for three pieces of top-grade Spirit Stones."
"Senior, aren’t you taking more Talisman materials?"
"We’ll talk after the auction ends."
Wey Xianglin pondered:
"How about this, to support your bid for the Spirit Realm spot, let’s not deduct the Spirit Stone debt yet, and I’ll exchange five pieces of top-grade Spirit Stones for you."
"Great, thank you."
The more chips, the better. Ji An was not one to refuse.
"You are welcome, senior. We’ll also waive the exchange fee for the two hundred extra Spirit Stones, and I wish you success in obtaining the spot."
Wey Xianglin brought out five pieces of top-grade Spirit Stones. Willing to bid at the auction meant contributing indirectly to the clan.
Auction organizers prefer when everyone has needs and at least two cultivators are willing to bid.
...
As the last rays of the sun disappeared into the vast night, Red Rock Immortal City was aglow with lights.
At the end of the Cloud Tier, white jade mists rose, and on either side of the two-zhang-high crimson door stood several jade pillars as thick as barrels.
The pillars were carved with dragons and phoenixes, with gold paint outlining dragon scales and phoenix feathers, their textures vividly detailed.
Several cultivators were arrayed on both sides of the gate, and one Chao Origin Stage Cultivator stood at the forefront.
Ji An walked slowly to the gate, casting a glance at the plaque overhead with the words "Wey’s Villa" shimmering in golden light.
There was still half an hour until the auction began, and he had arrived early.
Handing over his Jade Pendant, he softly inquired:
"Friend, how many cultivators were invited to this auction?"
"Not many, with you included, only six."
"How many have arrived now?"
"Senior, you are the last to arrive."
Ji An smiled wryly. He thought he’d arrived quite early but realized he was the last one.
After verifying the Jade Pendant, the cultivator slightly bowed and said:
"Please follow me, friend."
He formed a Spell with his hands, and the door slowly opened.
"This way," he gestured, and the two of them walked side by side.
As they stepped into the courtyard, the door slowly closed behind them, while the cultivators on either side remained outside, not following along.
They walked down a wide path, spacious enough for two carriages side by side, and arrived at a grand hall, where the interior was as bright as day.
A gentle breeze stirred, causing the iron ornaments beneath the eaves to chime softly.
Ji An stepped into the hall, noticing over a dozen Luminous Beads, each the size of a chicken egg, lined up on the dome.
Several chairs were arranged in an arc, with people seated on them, facing a platform two feet high.
As he entered, everyone turned to scrutinize him.
Ji An smiled and nodded, receiving varied reactions in return.
Some offered smiling faces, others were expressionless, and a few eyed him coldly.
Ji An paid it no mind. Everyone here today was a competitor. He found an empty seat and sat down quietly to wait.
Soon after, a white-haired elderly cultivator strode into the hall with vigor, gracefully leaping onto the platform, and spoke out with a robust voice:
"I am Wey Tianhua, the sixth elder of the Wey Clan. This time, we’re auctioning a spot to enter the Nine Netherworld.
Since everyone invited has arrived, there’s no point in waiting. Let’s start the auction ahead of schedule!"
A cultivator chuckled, "Excellent, I appreciate the Wey Clan’s straightforwardness."
Ji An remained silent, conserving his words and energy, as every sentence spoken once the bidding started would equate to the flow of wealth.
Wey Tianhua continued:
"The time to enter the Nine Netherworld is three months. When the time is up, the array pattern will show a blinding red light.
You must return on time, or you’ll be trapped in this Nine Netherworld. I’ve never heard of a cultivator returning alive if they miss the return time."