Chapter 105: Dan Chenzi, Yin Sixiang Cauldron

It must be said that Luo Tianhong of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect is well-versed in the art of auctioning.

The first lot immediately seized the initiative, suppressing the noisy atmosphere of the venue, and used a magic treasure to capture everyone's attention.

Ordinary rogue cultivators had never seen such an occasion.

For a moment, they were all stunned.

As those bids were called out one by one, many secretly touched their own storage bags, weighing whether they would ever have the chance in this lifetime to participate in bidding at this level.

But at least the previous bids were still within a normal range.

Everyone slowly accepted this reality.

After all, those people were all wealthy Foundation Establishment cultivators, many supported by gang factions or family backgrounds.

But as a shout of "Eighty thousand" resounded through the hall, everyone's gaze fell upon Box No. 8.

It had jumped directly from fifty thousand spirit stones to eighty thousand.

Such an unreasonable bidding method undoubtedly displayed the box owner's confidence in being determined to win.

For a time, the entire hall was in an uproar.

Only those Foundation Establishment cultivators who had been participating in the bidding fell into silence.

For a magic treasure, the price naturally cannot be compared to a magic tool.

Even for a top-grade magic tool, it is rare for the price to exceed ten thousand.

But for a low-grade magic treasure, and just an offensive one at that, the price exceeding fifty thousand was a truly serious premium.

Eighty thousand is already enough to buy a decent defensive magic treasure.

For a time, no one spoke.

On the white jade platform, Luo Tianhong smiled slightly.

"Eighty thousand, going once!"

"Are there any other fellow Daoists bidding? This is a magic treasure produced in Tianfan City, the quality is absolutely guaranteed."

"No one?"

"Eighty thousand, going twice!"

In Box No. 8, after Mi Shuhua suddenly shouted the two words "eighty thousand," it fell into an unspeakable silence.

Everyone usually knew that Mi Shuhua, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, was quite wealthy.

But who would have thought that he would shout such a sky-high price on just the first lot.

Mi Junping couldn't help but think whether her father was being too anxious.

But Mi Shuhua didn't care about their thoughts at all; his usually gentle and kind eyes were now as still as a cold, deep pool, staring fixedly at Luo Tianhong on the stage.

He really wanted to hear the words "Sold."

But unfortunately, Luo Tianhong was determined to keep everyone in suspense.

"Eighty thousand spirit stones, going twice. This magic treasure has no historical baggage; after buying it, there will absolutely be no enemies coming to find trouble. I can guarantee this in the name of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect."

"Not only that, the power of this treasure is extremely grand, just right for Foundation Establishment cultivators to use."

As he said this, he injected a strand of spiritual power into it.

The flying wheel in his hand spun rapidly, and a purple-gold mysterious light flared brilliantly.

Dozens of flying wheels, almost identical to the original, flew out.

Hundreds of flying wheels gathered like a sea.

The sharp momentum, almost possessing the aura of cutting through the void, was truly dazzling and mesmerizing.

Those silent Foundation Establishment cultivators seemed to be stirred to action once again.

"I have been at Foundation Establishment for eighty years and have never had a magic treasure; this is an opportunity. But eighty thousand spirit stones..."

"I already have an offensive magic treasure; what I lack is a defensive type. Although this treasure is good, it is not what I need. Stay calm, stay calm!"

"Don't panic, although I lack a magic treasure, there are still several more magic treasures later in this auction. Let's wait and see!"

"The one in Box No. 8 should be Old Man Mi. He has the Poshan Gang collecting resources for him; his wealth far exceeds mine. I cannot compete with him for this treasure."

In the end, still no one bid.

Not even adding one more spirit stone, no one spoke up.

Luo Tianhong smiled helplessly and put away the flying wheels that had emerged.

"Eighty thousand, going three times!"

"Sold!"

"Congratulations to the fellow Daoist in Box No. 8. This low-grade magic treasure is yours from now on. I hope that on your path of cultivation, it can help you eliminate demons and uphold the Dao."

With these words spoken, the atmosphere in the venue became lively again.

And in Box No. 8, Mi Shuhua, who had been somewhat annoyed by Luo Tianhong's dragging actions, finally revealed a smile.

His old face was as radiant as a blooming chrysanthemum!

On the white jade platform, Luo Tianhong handed the Tianyue Purple-Gold Wheel to a maid and then brought out the next lot.

The second lot was not as valuable as the magic treasure.

But because of its unique function, it attracted many Qi Refining cultivators to bid competitively.

The atmosphere gradually became lively.

In the box, Mi Shuhua took the purple-gold flying wheel from the maid, his whole person appearing somewhat uncontrollably excited.

Think of him, Mi Shuhua, having struggled in Dajiangfang for nearly two hundred years, his realm having reached the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

But he had never had a handy magic treasure; he had the name of Foundation Establishment but lacked the ability of Foundation Establishment.

Wang Haichao of the Dajiang Gang was merely a latecomer, yet dared to challenge him; wasn't it just bullying him for not having a magic treasure?

Now, he was a genuine mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, possessing a magic treasure, and would not fear the late-Foundation Establishment stage!

From now on, whoever sees him will have to give him three points of respect, right?

Seeing him so excited, Mi Junping couldn't help but feel happy for her old father.

From now on, the Mi family is also a Foundation Establishment family with a magic treasure to pass down!

Sikong Shoujia, who was knowledgeable, couldn't help but ask: "Gang Leader, a general low-grade offensive magic treasure is only fifty or sixty thousand spirit stones, right? Is the premium on this item too high?"

"Premium?"

"Haha, that is because they have eyes but fail to recognize a true treasure."

Mi Shuhua laughed loudly and put the magic treasure into his storage bag first.

After returning, he would put it into his dantian and slowly nourish it with his own spiritual power and spiritual sense!

After saying that, he didn't explain too much.

Leaving Sikong Shoujia, Luo Chen, and the others full of curiosity.

Could it be that this Tianyue Purple-Gold Wheel has other wonderful uses, and is not just a simple offensive magic treasure?

But if that were the case, why wouldn't the people from the Profound Heaven Sword Sect state it clearly to sell it for a higher price?

And where did Mi Shuhua find out?

Perhaps sensing everyone's wild guesses, Mi Shuhua pondered for a long time and brought up another topic.

"Bidding at an auction also has its tricks."

"If you are short on funds, then there's nothing to say; just act according to your ability. If you can't compete, you can never compete."

"If you are wealthy, you can slowly negotiate with others inch by inch; what should be yours will still be yours."

"But if you are in the middle, you must use technique. Either seize the initiative, or arrive late and surpass. Like what I did just now, it belongs to instantly raising the price within one's own ability, showing confidence in being determined to win while also creating a fact of a premium for others."

"Perhaps there really is a premium, but what kind of occasion is this?"

"An auction!"

"Under the competition of countless people, most lots will naturally have a premium. Instead of waiting for others to raise the price step by step, it is better to do it first."

"Of course, this is aimed at resources you must buy. What if it's something optional?"

"Just like right now, the magic tool they are bidding on, how do you think one should bid?"

Under Mi Shuhua's guidance, Luo Chen and the others put themselves in the shoes of the buyer, pondering how to bid for items.

It must be said that these experiences truly gave them great inspiration.

The transaction prices of the subsequent lots were even similar to what Mi Shuhua had predicted.

One can only say, ginger is still spicier when it's old!

About half an hour later, the first round of the auction ended.

During the intermission, the white jade platform was exceptionally busy.

Cultivators from the Sword Pavilion placed many, many items on the platform like a street stall.

Looking at those items, Luo Chen and the others instantly understood.

Unsurprisingly, this is the auction stage for rogue cultivator resources!

The magic tools that Wang Yuan handed in were placed in a corner.

Soon, Luo Tianhong walked to the front of the stage.

The second round of the auction was different from the previous introductions of each lot.

Luo Tianhong mostly glossed over them, stating the grade, name, general purpose, and starting price of the lot, and that was about it.

Then it was bidding.

He didn't have any suspense-building actions; as long as the price paused slightly, he would quickly shout "Sold."

Sikong Shoujia's second-grade spirit herb was the first to be sold; the buyer was a hidden Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Wang Yuan's magic tools also sold quite well, with eight or nine out of ten being sold.

Therefore, he had a bountiful harvest, instantly earning several thousand spirit stones.

On the other hand, the items of Luo Wudi and Mi Junping had very few bidders, and many failed to sell.

Regarding this, they were also very helpless.

On such an occasion, some resources that usually looked quite good were simply not looked upon by others.

The reason Wang Yuan sold so much was also because he set the starting price relatively low.

After the second round passed, during the intermission, a group of female cultivators came to perform singing and dancing.

The cultivators of the Profound Heaven Sword Pavilion even provided many pastries to all the cultivators present.

Regarding this, Luo Chen could only sigh that there is a reason why the Profound Heaven Sword Sect can earn spirit stones.

Even if you don't buy anything, coming in to broaden your horizons is quite good.

If Luo Chen had known that the auction also required a one-spirit-stone entrance fee, he wouldn't have sighed at the conscience of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect.

"The third round of the auction, now begins."

"The first lot is various rare spirit medicines provided by fellow Daoist Mi Shuhua of the Poshan Gang."

"There are three second-grade demon cores, three pieces of Pig Iron Heart, one third-grade demon beast Silver-Maned Horse cub, which can be tamed... and ten bottles of mid-grade Jade Marrow Pills refined by Dan Chenzi, the Hall Master of the Poshan Gang's Alchemy Hall."

"Everyone, you may bid!"

The third round of the auction was for items provided by major local forces.

The Poshan Gang is the largest and oldest rogue cultivator gang in Dajiangfang, so it was naturally arranged in the first session.

Hearing those auction items, there was some commotion in the venue.

Second-grade demon cores are definitely good things, and some Foundation Establishment cultivators bought them directly.

The Pig Iron Heart was also not bad, and the box of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion shouted a high price without hesitation.

That Silver-Maned Horse cub was even more mouth-watering.

If it is truly cultivated properly, hundreds of years later, it will be a third-grade demon beast comparable to a Core Formation stage!

It must be said that Mi Shuhua, this veteran Foundation Establishment cultivator, is indeed quite wealthy.

Previously shouting a price of eighty thousand to happily obtain a magic treasure.

Now, turning around, he brought out a pile of good things, which is estimated to be able to recoup quite a bit of his capital.

Compared to others shouting bids, in Box No. 8, Luo Chen was completely dumbfounded.

"Alchemy Hall Master—Dan Chenzi?"

"When did I get such a title?"

"Why, don't you like this Daoist title?"

Daoist title!

Facing Mi Shuhua's smiling face, Luo Chen suddenly reacted.

This is not some rogue title like "Tiger Descending the Mountain" or "Heart-Devouring Tiger," but a relatively formal Daoist title.

Generally, only major sects with heritage, or powerful rogue cultivators and evil paths, would take such Daoist titles.

The last Daoist title he had heard of was Qing Yuanzi, the author of "Green Origin Alchemy Explanation."

The other party also took the Daoist title Qing Yuanzi because of his profound attainments in alchemy.

Unexpectedly, he now has a Daoist title himself.

Luo Chen couldn't help but say: "It's not that I don't like it, it's just..."

"Curious why I would give you a Daoist title, right?" Mi Shuhua seemed to know the doubts in Luo Chen's heart.

He said leisurely: "Although your existence is not a secret among some local forces in Dajiangfang. These forces mostly follow the rules. But the rogue cultivators participating in this auction always have some who don't follow the rules."

"Your name and realm, if exposed too early, will always attract some trouble."

Saying it this way, it indeed makes sense.

"Moreover, if the Jade Marrow Pills want to sell better, they also need the name of a weighty alchemist. Dan Chenzi, I feel it's quite good."

Luo Chen opened his mouth, somewhat speechless.

After all this, Mi Shuhua is playing the same trick he played himself!

Back then, he borrowed the name of Master Yunhe of the Hehuan Sect to sell Myriad Wonders Pills.

Now Mi Shuhua has fabricated an alchemy master named Dan Chenzi who sounds very high-end, but the purpose is to sell Jade Marrow Pills.

His gaze fell into the venue, and sure enough, some people were asking about the effects of the Jade Marrow Pills.

Upon learning that the mid-grade Jade Marrow Pills only had effects on early and mid-stage cultivators, many lost interest.

However, those few Foundation Establishment families were very interested.

Each took action, buying one or two bottles, preparing to take them back to test the effects.

Luo Chen realized that Mi Shuhua had been suppressing the Jade Marrow Pills he had refined earlier, not selling them, but instead putting them in the auction.

The purpose was not to sell for a high price, but to build a reputation.

"Sure enough, these Foundation Establishment cultivators are all smart people!"

He had never thought of this before.

It wasn't that he wasn't smart, but that his cultivation realm hadn't reached that point, and he couldn't come into contact with higher-level things.

Being able to put an ordinary pill like the Jade Marrow Pill into an auction.

Mi Shuhua must have secretly reached some conditions with the cultivators of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect.

Thinking about it this way, Luo Chen suddenly connected it to the previous magic treasure incident.

Mi Shuhua being able to know the extra wonderful uses of the Tianyue Purple-Gold Wheel in advance might also have been leaked by the Profound Heaven Sword cultivators.

If one thinks deeper?

"Jade Marrow Pills are hard to sell?"

"Because giants like the Spirit Medicine Pavilion and the Medicine King Sect are watching."

"Then what if the Poshan Gang borrows the name of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect?"

"Perhaps the connection isn't that deep, with only one or two Foundation Establishment Profound Heaven Sword cultivators involved, but that is already enough."

"In this way, the profits from the Jade Marrow Pills probably also have a share for some Profound Heaven Sword cultivator in the venue."

Many thoughts sprouted like bamboo shoots after rain.

Luo Chen's train of thought also became clearer and clearer.

Unknowingly, the pills he refined have already attracted the attention of many Foundation Establishment cultivators!

Thinking about it this way, he was actually a bit glad that he joined the Poshan Gang early.

At least, there is relative freedom.

While he was pondering, the third round of the auction had already ended.

The fourth round, the auction stage for sect cultivators, also gradually arrived.

This time, Wang Yuan and the others beside him also took action one after another.

Luo Chen saw with his own eyes that Wang Yuan spent two thousand spirit stones to buy a pill with a grand gesture.

According to Luo Tianhong's introduction, that pill has great benefits for body refining.

"This session is provided by the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion."

"I believe there is no need for Luo to introduce the great name of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion!"

"There are ten lots in total, two large storage bags, each ten square feet in size, starting price ten thousand spirit stones each..."

Large storage bag, ten square feet of volume!

Luo Chen's eyes couldn't help but light up.

But following the transaction price, one was only twenty thousand spirit stones, and he was puzzled.

"In the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, aren't one-square-foot storage bags all marked at ten thousand spirit stones? Why are large storage bags sold so cheaply?"

Mi Shuhua smiled slightly, "That is just the retail price, and it is aimed at rogue cultivators. For something like a storage bag, how could its true value be that high?"

"Hmm?"

"Storage bags are indeed very valuable, but that is only for ordinary low-grade rogue cultivators. In fact, for sect cultivators, storage bags are purchased in bulk, and the individual price does not exceed one thousand spirit stones."

Looking at the confused Luo Chen, Mi Shuhua explained: "If you get a second-hand storage bag and take it out to sell, no one will offer a very high price. If you put it in the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, they won't even recycle it."

Luo Chen frowned: "Then why do they still mark such a high price?"

"Marking it so high is of course to make low-grade rogue cultivators unable to afford it!"

Luo Chen understood even less; shouldn't a product be set at a relatively reasonable price?

Mi Shuhua sighed and pointed out: "Low-grade cultivators don't have much wealth, maybe just one or two magic tools, a few talismans, and these things are easy to carry. The only thing that makes people covet is the spirit stones they earn. But spirit stones have sizes; if you have more than two hundred, it's very inconvenient to carry."

"And no one will hide spirit stones at home when going out, waiting for people to come and steal them."

"Then in this situation, and unable to afford a storage bag, what will they do?"

Luo Chen hesitated for a moment and replied: "Take spirit stones to buy pills, magic tools, talismans, and other resources to enhance themselves. Or exchange them for mid-grade spirit stones that are easy to carry?"

"Let's not mention the latter, just talk about the former. Who do most rogue cultivators find to buy those things? Markets? Black markets? Or sect shops?"

Luo Chen is not a fool.

He quickly reacted, after all, Mi Shuhua had already pointed it out to this extent.

Those spirit stones that are inconvenient to carry, in order to avoid being robbed, low-grade rogue cultivators will definitely think about transforming them into their own strength.

And when buying those cultivation resources, the spirit stones return to the hands of the major sects.

Seeing Luo Chen's sudden realization, Mi Shuhua sighed: "The ten-thousand-spirit-stone price tag is actually very reasonable. Early and mid-stage cultivators can't afford it, late-stage cultivators have the ability to protect their wealth, and if they save for a bit longer, they can afford it. And for us Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators, buying this thing is not considered strenuous, and if there are internal channels, it will be even cheaper."

Damn, profiteers!

Whether it's the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion or the sect that makes storage bags, they are all proper profiteers!

Luo Chen cursed inwardly.

Then his gaze was attracted by a lot hung out by the profiteers.

"Yin Sixiang Cauldron, top-grade magic tool!"

"This cauldron has extraordinary wonderful uses; it can be used as an offensive magic tool and also possesses partial defensive power. In addition, it can also be used for alchemy!"

"This cauldron comes from the hands of Elder Huyan Zhuo, a Core Formation stage master in Tianfan City. It was originally intended to be refined into a magic treasure, but the inscribed arrays were not compatible, so the final product is top-grade."

"If there are fellow Daoists who are interested, you can participate in the bidding."

"Starting price, three thousand spirit stones!"

Following Luo Tianhong stating the origin, wonderful uses, and grade of this cauldron, some sounds arose at the scene.

But soon, it returned to silence.

This cauldron indeed has many wonderful uses, but to put it bluntly, the Yin Sixiang Cauldron is neither fish nor fowl.

It touches on everything, but nothing is outstanding.

For Qi Refining stage cultivators who pursue single-power, they don't like it.

For Foundation Establishment cultivators, only top-grade magic tools and magic treasures will make them tempted.

But in Box No. 8, Luo Chen's eyes shone brightly.

"This item should belong to me!"

After saying that, he stared longingly at Mi Shuhua.

"Gang Leader, the Alchemy Hall still has an empty alchemy room!"

"If we have this cauldron, I can refine more pills for the gang every month, earn more spirit stones, and let the brothers eat and dress warmly in the cold winter."

"Gang Leader, this cauldron is not expensive, and there are very few bidders; we cannot miss it."

"Opportunity knocks but once..."

Mi Shuhua's face twitched; this damn tone was truly too familiar!