15: information

The fourth foundation establishment pill was obtained by a female Qi Refining Stage Cultivator, selling for one thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

All four foundation establishment pills sold for over nine hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones, which deterred many Qi Refining Stage Cultivators, leaving them to reluctantly accept their mediocre fate.

Perhaps, in the end, a large number of Cultivators would still try to reach Foundation Establishment without a foundation establishment pill before the age of sixty.

After sixty, a Cultivator's body begins to age, and their blood Qi starts to degenerate. The later they attempt Foundation Establishment, the lower their success rate will be.

However, unless one possesses extraordinary talent, such an attempt would be a near-certain death.

The higher one's talent, the greater the chance of successful Foundation Establishment even without a foundation establishment pill. Yet, those with high talent often don't lack foundation establishment pills, while those who desperately need them might never obtain one in their entire lives.

By now, most of the Cultivators who came for this purpose began to gradually leave.

"The next item is the grand finale of this auction, the yang polarity rebirth pill. Its effect can extend the Lifespan of a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator by thirty years, making it exceptionally precious."

"This auction will have no reserve price."

"Alright, without further ado, let the bidding begin now."

Finally, the main event of this auction commenced. The moment the yang polarity rebirth pill was brought out, powerful Auras erupted from various locations on the second floor, clashing intensely.

The faces of the Qi Refining Stage Cultivators turned grim. The mere clash of Auras between the Foundation Establishment Stage Great Cultivators was already almost unbearable for them. Zhou Kaiding was no exception, his expression subtly changing.

"Hmph!"

Just as everyone was feeling uncomfortable, a cold snort echoed, scattering the fiercely contending Auras into disarray.

The Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators on the second floor shifted their expressions and restrained themselves.

"I bid two hundred Medium Grade Spirit Stones. I must have this item."

An aged voice emerged, revealing a determined will to obtain it, subtly implying a threat.

One Medium Grade Spirit Stone can be exchanged for a hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones, and they are extremely rare in the market.

"What a joke, Old Ghost Mo of the Xuanjin Sect, why hide your face? Do you think you can take this item with a mere two hundred Medium Grade Spirit Stones? If your Ancestral Master were still alive, I might fear you a little, but now..."

The voice carried disdain, exposing the person's identity with a single remark.

The Xuanjin Sect was once a powerful Sect on par with Longevity Valley. However, ever since the Golden Core Old Ancestor of the Xuanjin Sect perished, no more Golden Core True Persons have emerged. They could only barely defend their Sect with a Great Formation, and their influence had long since diminished.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators' eyes flickered, each with their own calculations in mind.

Old Ghost Mo secretly seethed with hatred, wishing he could devour this person alive, but he was helpless and could only watch the price climb.

Several people stood behind Old Ghost Mo, all showing indignation, which then turned into expressions of sorrow.

Among them, a young man in brocade robes was handsome and dignified, with an extraordinary appearance.

The young man in brocade robes flushed, opened his mouth, and was about to say something when he was glared at by a gentle woman beside him.

Old Ghost Mo's expression changed, and he ultimately gave up.

The fierce confrontation between the Foundation Establishment Stage Great Cultivators was an eye-opener for the Qi Refining Stage Cultivators who had not yet left, making their trip worthwhile.

Ultimately, the item was acquired by a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator for one thousand Medium Grade Spirit Stones.

This person didn't even wait for the auction to end, directly flying out. His magical power enveloped a Storage Pouch, which flew onto the auction platform.

The auctioneer took it, glanced at it, and looked towards the Lord of Qianye City. Seeing the Lord of Qianye City nod, he then handed the jade bottle containing the yang polarity rebirth pill to the person.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, this person merely glanced at it before consuming the Medicinal Pill. He then looked at the second floor and turned to leave.

Zhou Kaiding witnessed all this and couldn't help but marvel at the clever tactic. Consuming it on the spot effectively dispelled the covetous thoughts of certain individuals.

Otherwise, keeping it would surely invite disaster.

Human power has its limits; even Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators cannot do as they please.

The auction ended, and Zhou Kaiding left with the crowd. This time, he gained much, having seen many treasures and precious Spirit Medicine, understanding their uses and effects, so that he wouldn't be completely clueless if he encountered them again in the future.

Zhou Kaiding returned to the inn, not planning to leave immediately, as Mo Xuan had not yet awakened, which made him feel uneasy. So, he decided to wait a little longer there.

Several days later.

Zhou Kaiding awoke from his cultivation, left the inn, and came to a teahouse. He ordered a pot of Spirit Tea, preparing to rest a little, balancing work and leisure.

Cultivators, before reaching Foundation Establishment and forming a world within their bodies, cannot sustain themselves without food. They often need to consume Spirit Rice and Spirit Grains to meet their bodily needs, while Spirit Tea and such satisfy their cravings.

At this time, there were already quite a few Cultivators in the teahouse, presumably like Zhou Kaiding.

He ordered a pot of Yuchun Longjing and listened to the conversations of the surrounding Cultivators, feeling quite content.

"Speaking of which, that Fellow Daoist was truly pitiful. He spent his entire fortune to bid on a foundation establishment pill, with Foundation Establishment seemingly within reach, expecting to enjoy over two hundred years of Lifespan, but the result... alas..."

Zhou Kaiding was startled, unexpectedly hearing someone discussing that auction. He then concentrated on listening.

The person discussing it had no intention of concealing it, as if it were no secret, though their voice was slightly low.

"Who says it isn't? I wonder who made the move. How audacious to dare kill and seize treasures in Qianye City."

The conversation stopped there, merely a sigh of lament.

Zhou Kaiding was listening intently when the conversation suddenly ceased, making him feel a little frustrated. After some hesitation, he ordered another pot of Spirit Tea and moved towards the people who were talking.

After a long while, Zhou Kaiding thanked them and left, returning to the inn with a complex expression.

It turned out that after the auction ended that day, of the two Qi Refining Stage Cultivators who bought foundation establishment pills, the burly man with the beard was found dead in an alley the next day, with only a piece of clothing covering him.

Zhou Kaiding had a deep impression of that burly guest; he had a powerful Aura and profound cultivation. From his actions, he seemed to be a very confident person, yet he was unexpectedly harmed.

It was said that he died silently. By the time his body was discovered, several hours had passed, which was enough time for the killer to escape.

The Lord of Qianye City was enraged and dispatched several Foundation Establishment Stage retainers to investigate the matter, but there had been no news so far.

As for the female Cultivator, she was unharmed.

That female Cultivator was known as Fairy Bailing, possessing both beauty and talent, so her reputation was quite widespread.

She had befriended some fellow Cultivators, and this time, with several Cultivators guarding her, she was safe and sound.

However, news also spread yesterday that her Foundation Establishment attempt had failed. Although the foundation establishment pill saved her life, she would not be able to attempt Foundation Establishment again for several years.

Furthermore, it was uncertain if she would have the means to obtain another foundation establishment pill next time.

One Qi Refining Stage Cultivator dead and another injured, it was quite lamentable.

There is no absolutely safe place in the world; one must be even more careful in the future, Zhou Kaiding sighed with emotion.

As for the other two Foundation Establishment Cultivators who acquired foundation establishment pills, they had secretly left the city on the same day. Presumably, these were prepared for their Family's descendants.

However, conflicts between families are equally fierce and cruel.

Who knows what trials and tribulations await them on their journey.