The threat of foundation

“Over time, it will severely damage one's Physique, requiring more expensive Medicinal Pills to temper the Physical Body and expel the Pill Toxin. Otherwise, it's easy to encounter a Cultivation Bottleneck, Heart Demon Tribulations... leading to severe consequences.”

“But how can such incredibly expensive and rare Medicinal Pills be easily obtained? Those without great Opportunities will likely never glimpse them in this life.”

“However, with Top-Grade Medicinal Pills, there's absolutely no need to worry about this point. This is also why Top-Grade Medicinal Pills are so valuable! They are completely free of Pill Toxin!”

Everyone naturally understood the truth of Xiaomeng's words.

But how incredibly expensive are Top-Grade Medicinal Pills? How could ordinary Cultivators possibly get their hands on them?

After listening to Miss Xiaomeng's words, Li Tan in the VIP room also seemed to be deep in thought: “It seems Li Yong’s earlier suggestion for me to use Spirit Stones to break through Realms also had some merit.”

“I never imagined the side effects of Pill Toxin could be so terrifying. It seems I need to be careful with Medicinal Pill usage in the future.”

....

“A First-Order Top-Grade Gathering Spirit Pill! Starting bid: ten thousand Spirit Stones!”

Xiaomeng’s voice wasn’t loud, but it caused the entire venue to erupt.

However, there were still some Cultivators who weren't interested in this. Their discussions were naturally overheard by Xiaomeng.

Perhaps worried about the auction's effectiveness for the Gathering Spirit Pill, she spoke with a charming voice: “It is said that the top Prodigies in the various Immortal Sects Cultivate daily using Top-Grade Medicinal Pills, which is why they can reach astonishing Realms at such a young age.”

“Top-Grade Medicinal Pills are rare Opportunities! Whether used to improve one's own Cultivation or bought to bestow upon juniors in the Family, they are excellent choices. Fellow Daoists, Seniors, the Opportunity is right before your eyes!”

“Fifteen thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Eighteen thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Twenty thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones!”

“Old Ghost Wang, since you’ve already bid on a First-Order Dao Artifact! Why do you still want to wade into this muddy water?”

“Don’t you understand the principle of biting off more than you can chew?”

The speaker was none other than Zhao Xin. At this moment, his brows were furrowed and his eyes fierce, giving off an initial impression of extreme ferocity!

Wang Yun, the Wang Family Elder who was bidding against him, snorted impatiently: “Old Ghost Zhao, we’re both seeking benefits for our own descendants. Why are you pretending to be confused when you clearly understand!”

He then ignored Zhao Xin’s curses and continued to bid on the Gathering Spirit Pill.

“Twenty-four thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Twenty-seven thousand Spirit Stones!”

As the two spat at each other, in a VIP room.

There was an extremely obese man, his entire body no longer resembling a human, but rather a living tumor.

“This person is none other than Toad Grandfather!”

He let out a hoarse, sharp roar, followed by cackling laughter.

“Old Ghost Zhao, Old Ghost Wang, both of you are so interested in this Qi Gathering Pill. You’re like dogs fighting over a bone!”

“Then I’ll get involved too! I can’t wait to see Zhao Xin’s exasperated expression, hehehehe....”

“Thirty thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Thirty thousand and one Spirit Stone!”

An extremely sharp, sickly voice echoed through the auction house. Just listening for a moment was enough to give one goosebumps.

Zhao Xin and Wang Yun’s expressions stiffened instantly upon hearing the voice.

“You filthy, disgusting stinking toad, why aren’t you hiding properly in your dark, damp, sticky cave? What are you doing joining in the fun here!”

“Just hearing your nauseating voice makes this old man throw up his overnight meal!”

The hot-tempered Zhao Xin was like a volcano about to erupt, his face ferocious and spitting, completely disregarding Toad Grandfather’s retaliation, as if the two had some deep-seated hatred.

Toad Grandfather remained silent, letting Zhao Xin curse freely.

Wang Yun looked at the third party who had joined, sitting calmly in his armchair with an indifferent attitude, completely appearing to be watching a good show, as if only a trivial matter had occurred.

“Thirty-six thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Thirty-six thousand and one Spirit Stone!”

Zhao Xin’s face turned ashen, and he gritted his teeth, continuing to bid.

“Thirty-seven thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Thirty-seven thousand and one Spirit Stone!”

Upon hearing Toad Grandfather’s bid again, Zhao Xin could no longer hold back.

His temper was already volatile, how could he endure Toad Grandfather’s repeated provocations?

“Stinking toad, I’ll curse your Immortal!”

“Why don’t you act like a proper human! But you insist on cultivating that nauseating evil technique? I wonder if your cerebrum and cerebellum have already atrophied....”

As the two argued fiercely, none of the people present had any intention of mediating.

How could they mediate a struggle between Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivators? If they were to incur their resentment because of this, several lives wouldn't be enough to die.

The intensity of their argument had severely affected the auction process, and Miss Xiaomeng also couldn't sit still, rushing to mediate between the two.

It took a while for the two to calm down, and only then could the auction proceed.

“Forty thousand Spirit Stones!”

“Forty-one thousand Spirit Stones!”

Li Tan’s lips curved into a smile, understanding that it was time to make his move.

“Fifty thousand Spirit Stones!”

A sudden voice spread throughout the entire auction house, a cliff-like increase in Spirit Stones!

Everyone followed the sound, looking towards the VIP room where Li Tan was, wanting to see who it was!

Pairs of eyes gathered on Li Tan, as if wanting to see through him completely.

The audience below immediately began chattering, fiercely discussing “this unexpected arrival.”

“This person is so bold! He dares to covet an item that three Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivators are eyeing.”

“I see this person with an arrogant expression and luxurious clothing. He should be a young master from some large Family, new to the world, at the prime of his youth and full of vigor, not yet understanding the depths of the Cultivation World.”

“If this young man’s background isn’t strong enough, he’s probably going to fall this time....”

Zhao Xin, Wang Yun, and Toad Grandfather were also incredibly surprised, having never expected anyone else to cut in midway.

For a moment, Zhao Xin’s gaze couldn’t help but drift towards Wang Yun and Toad Grandfather, but these two remained silent, showing no expression.

Zhao Xin’s face also darkened. How could he not know what those two old fellows were thinking? They were clearly trying to make him scout ahead.

But that was fine, he had the same intention.

“May I ask which Family this young Fellow Daoist is from? The three of us have been bidding on this item for a long time, and just as a result was about to emerge, young Fellow Daoist suddenly appeared! What is the meaning of this?”

Zhao Xin’s expression was serious, his tone carrying a hint of killing intent, hoping to warn Li Tan not to interfere with this auction.

But Li Tan didn’t humor him, meeting Zhao Xin’s gaze without flinching, then questioning: “Could it be that this auction house is monopolized by your Zhao Family? Others can only watch with their eyes and not bid?”

How could Li Tan not know Zhao Xin’s inner thoughts? He merely wanted to probe his background and see if it was strong, but it wasn't the right time yet.

Zhao Xin’s brow furrowed upon hearing this. Clearly, he hadn’t gleaned any useful information.

On the other hand, the young man before him showed no fear. For a moment, Zhao Xin felt uncertain and inadvertently glanced at Wang Yun.

The meaning was clear: he had already scouted the way, and it was Wang Yun’s turn to step up....