316: Chapter 310 Take the spirit stones and get lost!

Inside the auction house hall, the crowd was buzzing.

Bright lights focused on the high platform in the center, illuminating the flushed face of the host, Lin Jin, vividly.

He held a gray cloth bag that looked completely unremarkable in his hands.

Yet, in his eyes, there flickered a light of passion sufficient to ignite the entire venue.

"Fellow Daoists! Please look at this treasure!"

Lin Jin's voice, amplified by the Formation, boomed in the ears of every Cultivator like rolling spring thunder.

"This item is called the 'Water-Fire Bag'!"

"Do not be deceived by its plain appearance; it actually contains a hidden universe and is an extremely rare, special type of Magic Treasure!"

As he spoke, he channeled a wisp of Qi into the bag.

Suddenly, the originally shriveled opening of the bag erupted with two streams of red and blue light.

Vaguely, there seemed to be a rumbling sound of water and fire merging.

"Although this treasure has not reached the fourth rank, it is top-tier among third-rank peak-grade Magic Treasures!"

"Its greatest function is the ability to absorb all Magic Treasures below the peak-grade Spiritual Artifact level!"

"Imagine, when you are in a life-or-death struggle with an enemy and they unleash a sky full of Magic Treasures to kill you."

"You only need to unleash this Water-Fire Bag, and with one opening of the bag, you can forcibly capture the opponent's Lifebound Spiritual Artifact!"

"How majestic is this? And what a life-saving divine skill this is!"

As soon as Lin Jin finished speaking, the crowd below instantly exploded.

Countless greedy eyes stared fixedly at that bag.

For most Cultivators at the Golden Core Stage or even the Foundation Establishment Stage, a method that could collect others' Magic Treasures was simply akin to cheating.

"The starting price is five thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones!"

"Each bid increase must be no less than five hundred!"

"Let the bidding begin!"

As Lin Jin's wooden mallet fell heavily, the bidding erupted like a tsunami.

"Five thousand five hundred!"

"Six thousand!"

"This old man bids six thousand five hundred! Who dares to compete with me!"

"Hmph, seven thousand! I am determined to have this Water-Fire Bag!"

...

Inside private room no. 3.

The atmosphere here was completely different from the clamor outside, permeated with a languid and amorous afterglow.

Chen Zhiwen sat upright in a large purple sandalwood grand armchair.

He closed his eyes slightly, his expression comfortable.

Behind him, Xu Shanshan had changed into a loose, moon-white long dress.

The tight palace attire had been removed; although this outfit did not show off her figure, it added a touch of gentle, domestic femininity.

Her soft, boneless hands were pressing and kneading Chen Zhiwen's broad shoulders with appropriate strength.

Faint Qi flowed from her fingertips, and every press landed precisely on his Acupoints.

That numbing, bone-deep sensation allowed Chen Zhiwen's constantly tense nerves to relax for a rare moment.

"This woman's skills are quite good." Chen Zhiwen evaluated inwardly.

It was not just because of her superb massage technique, but because of the obedience of the woman behind him.

Since the passion had just subsided, Xu Shanshan had shown no affectation, nor had she cried or made a scene.

She was like a tamed kitten, quietly serving him, her eyes even holding a hint of cautious flattery.

This personality of knowing when to advance or retreat, and understanding boundaries, caused a slight ripple in Chen Zhiwen's heart.

"That Lin Jin outside is also a talent."

Chen Zhiwen listened to the crazily rising prices outside, a faint smile curling on his lips.

That "Water-Fire Bag" was exactly one he had picked out from that pile of "ill-gotten goods" earlier.

The original owner was an unknown evil Cultivator who had died under his sword some years ago.

According to Chen Zhiwen's estimation, although this thing was rare, its material was limited after all, and it was worth at most eight thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Unexpectedly, under Lin Jin's glib-tongued incitement, the price had soared all the way up.

"Nine thousand!"

"Nine thousand five hundred!"

"Ten thousand!"

Finally, with the sound of the gavel, this Water-Fire Bag was auctioned off by a black-robed old man sitting in the corner for the high price of ten thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

"Ten thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones..." Chen Zhiwen tapped the armrest lightly.

"These extra two thousand are all thanks to that glib tongue of Lin Jin."

"It seems that the Artifact Refining Alliance can grow so large, it truly does not rely solely on their Artifact Refining methods."

Standing behind him, Xu Shanshan's movements paused when she heard the transaction price.

Her beautiful eyes were filled with incredible shock.

Ten thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones!

Added to the previous few Magic Treasures that also sold for high prices, in this short while, the master before her had likely made over seventy thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones!

Seventy thousand! What kind of concept was this?

For a Cultivator at the late Foundation Establishment Stage like her, this was not just an astronomical figure, but a shortcut to the Golden Core Dao.

If one had these Spirit Stones, buying Medicinal Pills to assist in Core Formation, setting up a Spirit Gathering Formation, or even hiring a high-level Cultivator as a Protector...

It could be said that these seventy thousand Spirit Stones represented at least one chance to break through to the Golden Core Stage!

Perhaps even an opportunity to change her destiny!

Xu Shanshan secretly raised her head, looking infatuatedly at Chen Zhiwen's profile.

Those sharp, well-defined contours, that casually emitted aura of a powerhouse, and that indifference to squandering money.

All of this was like a deadly flame, deeply attracting her, a moth struggling in the darkness.

If... If she could keep following him... Her heart was in chaos.

Just then, "Knock, knock, knock." The door to the private room was gently knocked.

The rhythm was respectful and humble; clearly, it was only one person.

"Come in." Chen Zhiwen did not look back, only giving a faint command.

Xu Shanshan hurriedly restrained her thoughts, stepped back half a pace, and stood with her head bowed, returning to the appearance of an obedient maid.

The door pushed open. Huang Yu walked in, bowing his body.

His face was full of smiles, and the wrinkles on that old face were smiling like a flower.

In his hands, he held an exquisite brocade Storage Pouch, as if holding a world-renowned treasure.

"Congratulations, Senior! Congratulations, Senior!"

As soon as Huang Yu entered, he unleashed a series of flattery.

"These auction items just now all sold extremely well!"

"Especially that Water-Fire Bag, as well as the previous Yin and Yang Slip and the Heaven-Moon Stele; they all caused a sensation!"

As he spoke, he offered the Storage Pouch with both hands, placing it on the coffee table beside Chen Zhiwen.

"Senior, this is the proceeds after deducting the auction house's ten percent service fee."

"It is a total of three thousand five hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones."

In the Cultivation world, one Mid-Grade Spirit Stone exchanges for one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Three thousand five hundred Mid-Grade meant thirty-five thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Of course, this was not just those few items from just now, but also included a large batch of miscellaneous Magic Treasures that Chen Zhiwen had taken out.

Huang Yu looked at that Storage Pouch, a trace of envy flashing in his eyes, but more of it was awe.

"Tsk tsk tsk..." He couldn't help but exclaim.

"The treasures Senior brought out are all exquisite."

"Especially that Heaven-Moon Stele, combining offense and defense, with infinite miraculous uses."

"In this Junior's opinion, these top-tier Spiritual Artifacts are more than enough to be used as Lifebound Treasures even for those half-step Nascent Soul Cultivators!"

"Senior's wealth is so abundant that it has truly opened this Junior's eyes, truly opened my eyes!"

Chen Zhiwen's Divine Sense swept over the Storage Pouch, confirming the number was correct, and he casually tucked it into his robes.

This amount of Spirit Stones, for him now, although not a small sum, could not be called particularly exciting.

It was merely cashing out the spoils of war from killing and looting in the past.

He turned his head and glanced at Xu Shanshan standing behind him.

At this moment, Xu Shanshan was looking down, not knowing what she was thinking, with an abnormal flush on her face.

Chen Zhiwen's heart stirred.

He casually took out ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones from the Storage Pouch he had just put away.

The crystal-clear Spirit Stones shone with an alluring luster under the light.

"Take it." Chen Zhiwen tossed them casually.

The ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones traced an arc and landed steadily in Xu Shanshan's hands.

"This is a reward for you."

Ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones were equivalent to one thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

For a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, this was also a considerable windfall.

Enough to buy a decent Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact, or a bottle of Medicinal Pills to improve cultivation.

Xu Shanshan held the Spirit Stones, stunned.

She hadn't expected that besides physical pleasure, she could actually receive such a generous reward.

"Besides..." Chen Zhiwen turned to look at Huang Yu, his tone becoming indifferent.

"Alliance Head Huang."

Huang Yu hurriedly stepped forward, bowing to listen to orders.

"This Junior is here."

"This woman has served quite diligently." Chen Zhiwen pointed at Xu Shanshan.

"This seat previously promised her to give her freedom."

"You go back and give instructions to the people below."

"Put this account on this seat's tab."

"From now on, do not force her to entertain guests again, nor allow her to drift in the world of prostitution."

"If this seat finds out that you are acting in defiance while pretending to comply..."

Chen Zhiwen did not finish, only giving Huang Yu a faint glance.

The warning contained in that glance made Huang Yu tremble all over.

"I dare not! Absolutely dare not!" Huang Yu shook his head like a rattle.

"Since Senior has spoken, it is her good fortune."

"This Junior will go handle it right away, destroy her slave contract immediately, and return her freedom!"

"From now on, whether she goes or stays is entirely up to her; the Artifact Refining Alliance will never stop her!"

For Huang Yu, this was just a small matter of a single sentence.

A Foundation Establishment female Cultivator, in front of a behemoth like the Artifact Refining Alliance, didn't even count as a number.

Using such an insignificant bargaining chip to gain the favor of a Nascent Soul powerhouse was simply too cost-effective.

Xu Shanshan heard this, and her whole body felt as if struck by lightning.

Free?

That slave contract that had pressed down on her for years, making her unable to breathe, making her live in fear day and night, was just like that... gone?

Just because of this man's one sentence?

Two lines of hot tears instantly gushed out of her eyes.

"Thump." She went weak at the knees and knelt heavily on the ground.

This time, it was not because of fear, but because of excitement and gratitude.

"Many thanks for Senior's great kindness! Many thanks for Senior's great kindness!"

She kept kowtowing to Chen Zhiwen, her forehead thumping against the floor.

"Senior's kindness of rebirth, Shanshan will never forget!"

Chen Zhiwen waved his hand, his expression cold.

"That's enough, get up."

"Since you are free, then take the Spirit Stones and leave."

"Find a place to Cultivate well, and do not go astray again."

This was originally a transaction that ended well.

Each took what they needed, owing nothing to each other.

However, Xu Shanshan did not stand up.

She knelt on the ground, her body trembling violently.

She raised her head, her tear-stained face filled with a kind of desperate determination.

"Senior..." Her voice trembled, with a crying tone.

"Shanshan... Shanshan does not want to leave."

"Shanshan has long been without family in this world; now, although I have obtained freedom, I am like rootless duckweed."

"I beg Senior to take me in!"

She crawled forward two steps, wanting to grab Chen Zhiwen's hem.

"Shanshan is willing to be a slave or a maid, serving by Senior's side for the rest of my life!"

"Even if it is pouring tea and water, even if it is making the bed, Shanshan is willing!"

"I only beg Senior not to drive me away!"

Beside them, Huang Yu saw this scene, his brows knitting imperceptibly.

He secretly grumbled inwardly: "This woman is truly ungrateful."

"What kind of status does this Nascent Soul Senior have? Being willing to redeem you is already a great favor."

"You actually want to cling to him?"

"Do you really think that sleeping with him once means you can fly onto a branch and become a Phoenix?"

"Don't bother to pee and look at yourself; a Foundation Establishment cultivation furnace being taken into the room by a Nascent Soul Cultivator for a night of romance is already your ancestors smoking from the grave, and you dare to push your luck!"

In his view, Xu Shanshan was a classic case of human greed being insatiable.

Chen Zhiwen looked at the woman kneeling at his feet.

His originally calm eyes instantly turned cold.

That coldness was no longer the indifference from before, but carried a kind of mockery that saw through everything.

"Take you in?" Chen Zhiwen curled his lips into a mocking arc.

"You want to be my concubine?"

Xu Shanshan bit her lip and nodded forcefully, the desire in her eyes undisguised.

"You have too many thoughts." Chen Zhiwen spat out a sentence coldly.

Like a basin of ice water, it poured over Xu Shanshan's burning heart.

"Just now, what you were thinking in your heart was probably not just gratitude, right?"

"You were thinking that by following me, a Nascent Soul Cultivator, you would possess endless Cultivation resources."

"You were thinking that with me as your backing, you could change from a weak woman bullied by others into a high-and-mighty noble lady."

"You were thinking that as long as you hold onto this thigh tightly, your Dao would be promising."

For every sentence Chen Zhiwen said, Xu Shanshan's face turned paler by a fraction.

Because these were indeed all things she had thought about.

Faced with that huge temptation, her ambition grew wildly like weeds.

"This seat does not like women who are too smart, and likes even less women who write their schemes on their faces."

Chen Zhiwen stood up, looking down at her from a high position.

That gaze was as if looking at a toy that was no longer needed.

"This night was a transaction between you and me."

"Now that the money and goods are exchanged, we owe each other nothing."

"Follow me? You are not worthy."

"Furthermore..." Chen Zhiwen's voice paused, a hint of imperceptible killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"Following by my side is not necessarily a good destination."

"The path I walk is a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood; your little body cannot withstand it."

After speaking, he waved his large sleeve, turned around, and did not look at her again.

"Step down."

"Take the Spirit Stones and scram; do not force me to take back the freedom I just gave you."