Chapter 293: Exchanging Gold Crystal for Fire Spirit Liquid
After Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Liu Ruyu, and Lu Yushu arrived, Lin Changan—riding an Azure-Horned Ox—also walked out from his Cave Abode.
Behind him followed the Sword Attendant.
The group soon headed toward the Five Dragon Island Marketplace.
“Greetings, True Person Lin!”
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
Lin Changan, riding a Third-rank mount, was quite eye-catching. After all, most Core Formation Cultivators rarely possessed Third-rank Spirit Pets.
It was not that they could not afford them, but that ordinary cultivators barely had enough cultivation resources for themselves. How could they possibly divert resources to raise a spirit pet?
After arriving at the marketplace auction, Lin Changan encountered many familiar faces and greeted them with smiles and polite cupped-fist gestures.
Once he landed, the Azure-Horned Ox gave a low moo before Lin Changan stored it into a Spirit Beast Pouch.
Upon entering the auction venue, things were different from before. This time the auction was hosted by Bihai Palace.
The privileges that once existed were gone. Even Core Formation Cultivators merely received private rooms due to their cultivation level—they still had to participate in bidding like everyone else.
This made Lin Changan secretly reflect that it was no wonder many cultivators would rather remain Drifting Cultivators or even become Robber Cultivators rather than join large factions.
The stronger the faction, the greater the restrictions placed upon its members—unless one’s cultivation reached a sufficiently high realm.
For example, someone like True Lord Lu, a Nascent Soul Cultivator, naturally received completely different treatment.
Unfortunately, to Bihai Palace, their group of Core Formation Cultivators was merely a bit stronger than Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
However, the feeling of looking down upon lower-rank cultivators from above was still different.
“Everyone, the auction will now begin.”
The auction hosted by Bihai Palace did not waste time with elaborate ceremonies—it began swiftly and directly.
After all, their auction already possessed enough treasures to attract people; such superficial tactics were unnecessary.
Once the auction began, the Core Formation Cultivators showed little interest. The lively atmosphere below seemed unrelated to those seated above.
“Bihai Palace truly has great confidence.”
Inside the private room, Lu Yushu sighed with emotion. He had lived in Sea Abyss City for decades and naturally knew how powerful Bihai Palace was, so he did not feel too shocked.
But for someone like Lin Changan, who had long cultivated overseas, the situation felt somewhat uncomfortable.
It was like how they themselves had once stood high above others in the outer sea—but once Bihai Palace arrived, it was as though an emperor now stood above them.
Inside the private room sat the three from Xuanyin Pavilion along with Lu Yushu, making four people quietly watching the auction below.
Core Formation Cultivators had their own private rooms, and there were also large shared rooms for factions like theirs.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this Secret Realm Turmoil is spreading widely. I fear the coming decades will not see peace. Now that True Lord Lu has joined Bihai Palace, he has reportedly remained in seclusion for years cultivating a certain divine ability.
As for the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, it is now in a precarious situation amidst this turmoil…”
Inside the room, while everyone sipped Spirit Tea and watched the lively auction below, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s voice slowly sounded in Lin Changan’s ear.
Lin Changan, who was lightly sipping his tea, calmly glanced at her without revealing emotion, yet he immediately understood something.
In recent years the Four Seas Merchant Guild had grown rapidly. With the current Secret Realm Turmoil and their vast and intricate network of connections, they would likely grow even stronger.
But the resources of Five Dragon Island were limited. If the Four Seas Merchant Guild continued to expand, they would inevitably seize cultivation resources from others.
“So Fellow Daoist Fairy of Rainbow Skirt means… the Seven Kingdoms Alliance should unite?”
Lin Changan asked suspiciously.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt replied softly,
“The Seven Kingdoms Alliance is too widely scattered right now, so direct cooperation is unrealistic. But if we seize this opportunity and unite through commerce—like the Four Seas Merchant Guild…”
Hearing this, Lin Changan suddenly understood her plan.
Besides turmoil, the Secret Realm also brought enormous profit. Xuanyin Pavilion alone did not have such power, but if the Seven Kingdoms Alliance seized this opportunity to jointly operate merchant ships…
They might not be much weaker than the Four Seas Merchant Guild.
After all, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance shared the bond of being from the same homeland in this foreign Sea Abyss region—something the Four Seas Merchant Guild lacked.
“I see.”
Lin Changan understood that Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was informing him so that he, as a Guest Elder, would not feel neglected.
While they were talking, the Sword Attendant stood respectfully behind Lin Changan in the private room.
Although all four present were Core Formation Cultivators, the chairs of Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Liu Ruyu, and Lin Changan were aligned in one row.
Meanwhile, Lu Yushu’s chair had unknowingly shifted slightly behind theirs.
This displayed the respect that a False Core Cultivator gave to True Core Cultivators.
In the cultivation world, survival of the fittest applied everywhere.
However, Lu Yushu’s behavior surprised Lin Changan somewhat—but upon reflection it made sense.
Although Lu Yushu had advanced to the False Core Realm, within the fierce rivalry between the three major factions of Five Dragon Island, that level of cultivation was far from sufficient.
Moreover, he was now the head of a family. After years of tempering, the pride he once possessed had long faded.
…
“Next up is a fragment of a Third-rank Spirit Wood.”
As the fragment appeared, it unexpectedly attracted the attention of many Core Formation Cultivators, each staring at it seriously.
The Foundation Establishment Cultivator hosting the auction for Bihai Palace introduced it with a smile:
“Everyone must have noticed the unusual nature of this spirit wood. That’s right! It was obtained inside the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect by a Qi Refinement junior.
Furthermore, this piece is a fragment from a puppet—pure extreme Yin spirit wood. The starting price is…”
As the starting price was announced, the entire venue erupted.
Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators below began breathing heavily, their eyes turning red.
It was not that the item itself was extraordinarily precious.
Rather, its origin had ignited everyone’s greed.
A Qi Refinement Cultivator had obtained it from the Secret Realm—such a great opportunity!
Inside the private room, Lin Changan frowned as he watched the greedy expressions of the cultivators below.
“Bihai Palace seems to be deliberately provoking the greed of low-rank cultivators.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also frowned. After hesitating briefly, she replied in a solemn voice:
“This is a common method used by major factions. They use low-rank cultivators to test things and gather more intelligence, paving the way for future exploration of the Secret Realm.
Of course, since Bihai Palace is acting so openly, there may be deeper intentions—but those are not things we can know.”
Lin Changan inwardly shivered.
The schemes of major factions were darker than one another. If ordinary low-rank cultivators fell into this trap, they might not even know how they died.
Fortunately, he was now a Core Formation Cultivator and somewhat stronger.
More importantly, he did not care about the Secret Realm.
All he wanted now was to cultivate with full concentration.
Even if the Secret Realm contained opportunities for reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, he would not take the bait right now.
However, Bihai Palace truly deserved its reputation as the number one faction of the Beast Sea Abyss.
Xuanyin Pavilion had not even gathered much information yet, while Bihai Palace had already obtained part of the spoils from within the Secret Realm.
“Brother Lin, do you think we should organize some people to explore the Secret Realm?”
While Lin Changan and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt remained calm, Lu Yushu beside them seemed tempted.
After all, he did not possess the immense foundation of Xuanyin Pavilion nor Lin Changan’s Third-rank skills.
He was merely an ordinary Core Formation Cultivator.
In recent years he had only managed to earn some Spirit Stones thanks to his master’s connections.
When he saw Lin Changan casually earn tens of thousands of Mid-grade Spirit Stones for a single formation, the gap became painfully clear.
Managing the Lu Clan for thirty hard years had only allowed him to accumulate twenty thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones.
After accounting for family expenses, he had only managed to bring ten thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones this time.
In other words, if he wanted to purchase even the most basic Low-grade Third-rank Magical Artifact, he would need to save for more than a hundred years.
The disparity between cultivators of the same realm was immense.
At this moment, that gap between him and Lin Changan appeared especially obvious.
“Fellow Daoist Lu, think carefully. How many people does the Lu Clan currently have? Can your clan afford such losses?”
Seeing Lu Yushu tempted, Lin Changan shook his head and spoke calmly.
Hearing this, Lu Yushu felt a chill in his heart and quickly regained his composure.
The Lu Clan had once already suffered a catastrophe. It had only rebuilt itself over the past few decades.
Should he now send the younger generation into the Secret Realm to face near-certain death?
Exploring a Secret Realm at the Qi Refinement Realm was almost always a nine-in-ten chance of death.
“Thank you, Brother Lin.”
After realizing this, Lu Yushu looked gratefully at Lin Changan.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt silently shook her head.
Not only the Lu Clan—even Xuanyin Pavilion had not considered such actions.
The situation was chaotic right now. Obtaining treasures might not necessarily be a good thing.
Thus she restrained her disciples and chose to wait for the right moment.
…
“It’s here!”
While everyone had different thoughts, the Fire Spirit Liquid Lin Changan had long been waiting for finally appeared.
As Lin Changan spoke, the treasure was brought out.
Inside a transparent jade bottle, one could clearly see fiery red spirit liquid burning within.
“Everyone, this is a Third-rank High-grade Fire Spirit Liquid. As you all know, it is extremely useful for cultivating fire-attribute divine abilities, nurturing fire-attribute spirit plants, artifact refinement, and formation work.
This spirit liquid is extremely rare and has been consigned by a senior Core Formation Cultivator. Although the starting price is high, if anyone possesses a Third-rank Metal-attribute spirit item, it can be exchanged or used to offset part of the Spirit Stone cost…”
When the auctioneer announced the starting price of two hundred thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones, many Core Formation Cultivators looked at each other in shock.
The price was simply too high.
“Fellow Daoist, I have a piece of meteorite iron here. Would you be interested…”
Despite the high price, several Core Formation Cultivators still began bidding.
The timing of this item’s appearance was perfect.
Within the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect, forging a fire-attribute magical artifact could greatly increase the chances of survival.
Many cultivators held the mindset of hearing the Dao in the morning and dying in the evening without regret.
Recently, due to the Secret Realm, materials capable of suppressing Sinister Spirits had soared in price.
Naturally, the Fire Spirit Liquid was extremely popular.
Inside the private room, Lu Yushu’s expression turned serious when he realized the seller clearly wanted Metal-attribute materials.
“Brother Lin, this transaction may not go smoothly.”
Even Fairy of Rainbow Skirt frowned.
Such high-grade materials were rarely stored even within sects.
Xuanyin Pavilion was merely an ordinary Core Formation sect. Their magical artifacts mostly came from past elders and sect masters—they would not waste resources accumulating rare materials.
Unless it was something like Core Formation breakthrough materials, sects would not deliberately stockpile such items.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, the sect once had a Third-rank Metal-attribute spirit item, but it has already been traded away.”
Hearing their concern, Lin Changan revealed a surprised expression.
Metal-attribute spirit item?
He actually had one.
“Fellow Daoist, I have a piece of Gold Crystal.”
Lin Changan smiled as he revealed the treasure he possessed.
He had obtained this Gold Crystal when he returned to Yue Country after forming his core and explored the Yunwu Mountain Range.
It came from the nest of the Crimson Flame Bees.
After refining it, it was only about the size of a fist.
“Gold Crystal!”
Many cultivators gasped in surprise.
Not only was this material rare, but the Beast Sea Abyss did not even produce such a resource.
It was a precious material used in forging magical artifacts.
Seeing the surprise of Fairy of Rainbow Skirt and Lu Yushu, Lin Changan did not explain, and they did not ask.
After all, everyone present was a Core Formation Cultivator—it was normal to possess a few fortuitous opportunities.
Moreover, Lin Changan was also a Third-rank Formation Master. Many cultivators who commissioned formations from him liked to pay with materials.
“Thanks to a fellow Daoist who commissioned a Third-rank formation from me, he used this item as part of the payment.”
Lin Changan spoke casually, indirectly advertising his formation services.
“Fellow Daoist, how much Gold Crystal do you have?”
At this moment, a hoarse voice transmitted a message directly to him. Lin Changan knew this must be the person selling the Fire Spirit Liquid.
Of course, it might also be a cultivator of Bihai Palace collecting materials through the auction.
Soon the two began communicating through voice transmission.
The other party clearly wanted his Gold Crystal.
“All of your Gold Crystal, plus one hundred and fifty thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones.”
Hearing the hoarse voice’s offer, Lin Changan nodded secretly.
The price was fairly reasonable.
“Agreed.”
Afterward, Lin Changan, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, and Lu Yushu pooled their Spirit Stones and successfully obtained the bottle of Fire Spirit Liquid.
Lu Yushu contributed ten thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt contributed eighty thousand.
Lin Changan contributed sixty thousand.
With the treasure finally in hand, Lin Changan was delighted.
With this item, he could remove the Demonic Energy within one of his Life-bound Magical Artifacts sooner.
Once purified, one of the Sun-Piercing Divine Swords would be fully activated, greatly increasing his strength.
“Many thanks, Fellow Daoists.”
After obtaining the treasure, Lin Changan expressed his gratitude.
Lu Yushu smiled and returned the greeting.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt held her tea cup and nodded lightly while teasing,
“Fellow Daoist Lin, don’t forget our agreement.”
“Rest assured.”
Lin Changan smiled and cupped his fists.
Their relationship was built upon mutual benefit—but friendship without shared benefit could never last long.
The auction continued to heat up afterward.
Low-rank cultivators could only stare in shock, watching with envy as the False Core and Core Formation Cultivators purchased treasures.
Third-rank spirit items appeared frequently.
Even magical artifacts appeared—nine in total.
Among them, four were fire-attribute magical artifacts.
The competition was intense.
“It seems Bihai Palace truly came prepared this time. Otherwise, how could there be so many treasures capable of suppressing Sinister Spirits?”
Lin Changan’s eyes flickered.
For the power struggles of major factions like Bihai Palace, he intended to stay far away.
The Secret Realm of a Nascent Soul sect might indeed contain opportunities for forming the Nascent Soul.
But he had only just entered the Core Formation Realm.
It was not something he could touch.
If he were at the peak or late Core Formation stage, he might risk exploring it for a Nascent Soul opportunity.
But right now, he did not even consider it.
After the auction ended, he planned to return to his Cave Abode to cultivate, refine his Life-bound Magical Artifacts, and craft formations.