Chapter 335: The Function of Connate Spirit Objects

Seeing that the others were somewhat confused, Xu Chuan explained, "The Mo Family has already agreed to a reconciliation and is willing to follow the Lei Family's example, submitting to our Xu Family's deployment for ten years.

Even if the Greedy Wolf Sect and the Heavenly Azure Sect join forces, they cannot shake our Xu Family.

As for inciting other Golden Core Noble Families, they are not fools. Compared to the Heavenly Azure Sect, they would definitely be more willing to follow the orders of our Cloudstream City.

As for the major factions of Greedy Wolf Prefecture?

Having just gone through a massive war between the two prefectures, no faction would easily resort to arms without ten or twenty years of recuperation. They are not Rogue Cultivators who only need to feed themselves."

The crowd found this reasonable and nodded slightly.

However, what surprised them even more was that the Mo Family had withdrawn from the conflict so simply.

Xu Deling asked, "Grandfather, since the Ancestor of the Mo Family agreed to reconcile, he must have offered something substantial for the settlement, right?"

"Of course. How could I let him off easily? I secured a considerable amount of Spirit Grass and materials, as well as a Tier 3 high-grade spirit vein."

"Perhaps. Or maybe they gained something from this Secret Realm. After all, our Xu Family wasn't the only one to encounter a spirit vein!"

"That is true!" Ye Fan nodded. "Still, this will be enough to make the Mo Family's hearts bleed for a long time."

"If I hadn't demanded so much, he probably wouldn't have believed me so easily," Xu Chuan chuckled, then turned to Chen Changge. "Elder Chen, you should head back for today. Will you still be hosting the auction tomorrow?

If you are unwilling, I can have someone else take your place."

Chen Changge cupped his fists and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Family Head, but I can continue."

Xu Chuan nodded in acknowledgment.

Soon after, Chen Changge left the Xu Residence.

Xu Chuan then turned to Moyue, "Tonight, take a few rounds around the four major city districts and keep an eye out. See if anyone is causing trouble. If anyone dares to make a move, show no mercy—kill them immediately!"

"Got it," Moyue grinned, looking as though he was itching for people to cause trouble.

Unfortunately, no one gave him the opportunity.

"Sect Master, that Shapeshifting Transformed Flood Dragon of the Xu Family seems to be on patrol," True Lord Heavenly Wolf frowned slightly. "It doesn't seem to be just a Grand Elder of the Xu Family.

Could it be the spirit pet of some senior expert from the Xu Family?

Otherwise, considering that dragon-type Demonic Beasts are mostly violent and tyrannical, how could it be so obedient?"

Qi Tianxiong looked out the window at the massive dragon body hidden in the night sky, his eyes flashing with sharp glints. "Perhaps. For the Xu Family to rise so quickly, their predecessor might have been a powerful Nascent Soul Noble Family.

That would explain such profound heritage!

Rumor has it that they fled to Heavenly Azure Prefecture, though who knows which region of the Heavenly South they originally came from!

The Xu Family... The Xu Family..."

Although Qi Tianxiong was in the Nascent Soul Stage, he did not know exactly how many Nascent Soul powers existed in the entire Heavenly South. Furthermore, his personality was one of a local tyrant who preferred to conquer and invade others.

He was not some wild crane wandering aimlessly and living freely in the world!

The next day, during the hour of chen.

The second day of the Cloudstream Grand Assembly began.

The thousands of private VIP rooms were still fully packed, as was the main hall.

"Greetings, Daoist Friends. Today, I will continue to host the auction."

"Without further ado, let us bring out today's first auction item!"

The crowd looked at the Demonic Dao Dharma Tool on the stage, showing expressions of astonishment.

Chen Changge introduced, "This is a Demonic Dao Dharma Tool called the 'Blood Fiend Chain.' It is at the one-pattern level and possesses binding effects. Once wrapped around a target, it will disrupt the flow of Mana within their body.

The longer it binds, the stronger the effect becomes. In less than half an incense stick of time, it can completely seal the Dantian.

Furthermore, the physical body will also be gradually corroded!"

"The starting price for this item is one thousand five hundred Spirit Stones. Each subsequent bid must increase by no less than fifty Spirit Stones!"

"Let the bidding begin!"

Compared to the first day, today's auction items appeared more diverse and targeted, covering a wider variety of categories.

Although some medicinal pills that enhanced Mana reappeared, there were many new types that had not been seen the day before.

For example, the Meridian-Expanding Pill, which could widen Meridians and increase the circulation speed of Spirit Power, and the Marrow-Cleansing Pill, which could purge physical impurities and slightly improve a cultivator's innate constitution.

These physique-enhancing pills were highly attractive to families that prioritized nurturing their disciples.

"Three High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pills! They can increase the Foundation Establishment success rate of a peak Qi Refining cultivator by thirty percent! The starting price for a single pill is one thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!

We will now begin the auction for the first pill!"

"One thousand two hundred and fifty Spirit Stones!"

"One thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"

"One thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Nine high-grade Jade Marrow Pills! They can increase the chance of Foundation Establishment by twenty percent and can be taken in conjunction with Foundation Establishment Pills. The starting price is eight hundred Spirit Stones per pill!"

As soon as these pills appeared, they immediately sparked fierce bidding wars among the representatives of various Foundation Establishment Clans. Bids rang out one after another, and within just a few rounds, the prices would often soar by seventy or eighty percent.

Even some Golden Core Noble Families would occasionally jump in to pave the way for their outstanding younger generation, pushing the prices even higher.

Every Foundation Establishment Pill sold for at least two thousand five hundred Spirit Stones or more, while the Jade Marrow Pills all closed at over two thousand Spirit Stones.

Compared to Great Wei, Heavenly South had more geniuses, denser Spiritual Qi, and more abundant resources, so Foundation Establishment was not considered overly difficult.

Those who were stuck were usually Immortal Cultivators with potential below the True Spiritual Root.

Without the aid of these pills, their chances of breaking through were slim.

As for reaching such high prices, it was mainly because the quality of these pills was extremely high. If they were low-grade, fetching a little over a thousand Spirit Stones would already be considered good.

The quantity and variety of Spirit Grass and Materials were noticeably greater than yesterday, and their ages were also much older.

Aside from these, Demonic Beast Materials began to make an appearance.

"One complete Essence Soul of a late Tier 2 Wind Howl Wolf, perfectly sealed. It can be used to forge an Artifact Spirit for a wind-attribute Dharma Tool or practice related Secret Arts.

Starting price: nine hundred Spirit Stones!"

"One bottle of Essence Blood from an early Tier 3 crimson-scaled python, containing potent fire poison. It is a precious material for body tempering or refining special medicinal pills.

Starting price: one thousand two hundred Spirit Stones."

"One Demonic Core from a second-tier peak Ironclad Rhinoceros. Earth attribute, brimming with majestic demonic power, and widely applicable. Starting price: two thousand Spirit Stones!"

Many people eagerly bid for the Demonic Beast Materials, making them highly popular.

Up next were items like Cultivation Methods and Secret Arts.

"'Sharp Metal Sword Art', from the Qi Refining chapter up to the mid Foundation Establishment section. A metal-attribute Sword Art renowned for its fierce attacks. Starting price: two hundred Spirit Stones."

"A cultivation jade slip for the mid-tier water-attribute Magical Art 'Profound Ice Shield'. Starting price: three hundred Spirit Stones."

"Alchemy notes compiled by a Tier 2 high-grade Alchemist. Starting price: six hundred Spirit Stones."

"Formation notes detailing the key points for setting up three different Tier 2 low-grade Formations. Starting price: one thousand Spirit Stones."

As for Dharma Tools, today's selections leaned heavily towards a specific category.

Apart from a few conventional Dharma Tools, four or five Demonic Dao Dharma Tools appeared in quick succession!

Such as the "Defiling Yin Pierce" which could taint and corrupt other Dharma Tools, the "Blood-Devouring Blade" which absorbed Essence Blood to nourish its user, and the "Mind-Beguiling Bell" which induced powerful Illusions.

The entire day passed by rapidly in this manner.

"Everyone, next up are the three grand finale items for today!" Chen Changge announced loudly, his spirit vigorous.

Saying this, he took out a Cyan Jade Slip, its surface faintly shimmering with a flowing wind-like brilliance.

"This is the complete Inheritance Jade Slip for the wood-attribute evasion Divine Ability—the 'Yimu Green Light Evasion'!"

"As everyone knows, evasion-type Divine Abilities are far rarer than combat-oriented ones. The starting price is two thousand low-grade Spirit Stones, with each increment being no less than one hundred!"

The value of a complete evasion Divine Ability went without saying, especially for wood-attribute Cultivators or those lacking top-tier life-saving measures.

The bidding was primarily fought out between several Golden Core Stage Rogue Cultivators and certain Golden Core Noble Families that lacked any evasion Divine Ability heritage.

In the end, this item was auctioned off to a Golden Core clan for four thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!

"Please bring out the second grand finale item!" Chen Changge stated calmly.

At this moment, an attendant brought up a tray. Resting on it was a fist-sized, dark red net-like Dharma Tool. Its surface was covered in hideous, vein-like patterns, and faint traces of blood-fiend energy continuously seeped from it.

"This is a Demonic Dao Two-Pattern Magic Tool used for trapping and killing—the 'Blood Asura Canopy'!" he declared in a deep voice. "Once deployed, this canopy can instantly expand to seal and envelop an area of a thousand feet!

Inside the canopy, blood-fiend energy permeates the air, capable of eroding Mana and corrupting Dharma Tools!

It can also condense the power of the blood fiend to form blood spears for attacking, boasting a might comparable to a one-pattern offensive Dharma Tool!

Unless they have Golden Core cultivation or possess the top-tier strength of a Prodigy, anyone trapped within will find it incredibly difficult to escape!

It is best suited for Cultivators who practice blood-path or fiend-energy Cultivation Methods!

Its starting price is three thousand six hundred low-grade Spirit Stones!"

The moment this item was revealed, the temperature in the entire auction hall seemed to drop by a few degrees.

The Cultivators who had previously bid on Demonic Tools now held their breath in rapt attention.

The bidding became white-hot almost instantly!

"Three thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Four thousand Spirit Stones!"

"Four thousand three hundred Spirit Stones!"

The bidders were concentrated in over a dozen private rooms on the second and third floors. They refused to give way to one another, driving the price all the way up to five thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones.

It was eventually secured by the Sima Family for six thousand Spirit Stones, drawing sidelong glances from the entire hall.

Chen Changge paused briefly, waiting for the commotion caused by the "Blood Asura Canopy" to settle slightly before speaking in an unprecedentedly solemn tone:

"The final grand finale item today is a treasure that many Daoist Friends present absolutely cannot afford to miss, and the same goes for every Golden Core Noble Family.

By winning this, you might just soar to the heavens!

By winning this, your family's heritage could experience a massive boost!"

He signaled the attendant to present a Jade Box crafted from warm jade and covered in Restrictions.

As the lid slowly opened, a medicinal pill the size of a longan lay quietly on the soft cushion in the center of the Jade Box. It was perfectly round, possessing a deep and pure pale golden hue, while radiating a majestic yet gentle spiritual aura.

The moment the pill was revealed, a peculiar medicinal fragrance wafted through the air. Just a whiff of it instantly reinvigorated everyone's spirits, making the Mana within their bodies feel a bit more active.

Countless Perfected Foundation Establishment Cultivators stood up in an instant, sporting looks of pure disbelief!

"Is that...!"

"Am I seeing things?!"

"The Xu Family is truly generous! Are they that confident their own descendants won't need it?"

The Widespread Discussion was relentless.

Chen Changge smiled faintly. "It seems many Daoist Friends have already recognized it. That's right, it is the most famous type of aid for breaking through to the Golden Core Stage, known as the Core Formation Pill.

Moreover, the quality of this pill has reached the high grade!

It can increase the chance of Core Formation by thirty percent!

With this, I believe the vast majority of Perfected Foundation Establishment Cultivators present will have a chance to break through to the Golden Core and become high-level Cultivators!"

Chen Changge's words exploded like roaring thunder in everyone's ears!

"It's actually a high-grade pill!"

The entire auction hall completely erupted! The eyes of all peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators turned instantly bloodshot!

'I want it!'

'I really want it!'

'I want it so badly!'

The representatives of all the Foundation Establishment Clans breathed heavily, their fists tightly clenched!

The elders of all the Golden Core Noble Families had sharp gazes, determined to obtain it!

Even some Golden Core Stage Rogue Cultivators had flickering gazes, clearly wanting to secure this heaven-defying opportunity for their juniors or disciples to change their fates!

"There is no need for me to elaborate on the effects of this pill! It possesses high-grade quality, with flawlessly natural medicinal efficacy, personally crafted by True Lord Withered Glory!"

His gaze swept over the floor below, enunciating every word, "The starting price for this Core Formation Pill is one hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones! Each bid must increase by no less than five mid-grade Spirit Stones!"

"Let the bidding—begin!"

"Boom—!"

"One hundred and twenty mid-grade Spirit Stones!"

"One hundred and thirty!"

"One hundred and fifty!"

"Two hundred!"

"Two hundred and five!"

The bidding surged forth like a tsunami, with the number of participants far exceeding that of any previous auction item!

Over a hundred peak Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivators in the main hall roared out their bids recklessly, but their voices were soon drowned out by the calm, powerful calls echoing from the private rooms on the second and third floors.

The price skyrocketed at a jaw-dropping speed. In the blink of an eye, it shattered the two-hundred mid-grade Spirit Stone barrier, and it showed no signs of stopping!

"Two hundred and twenty!"

"Two hundred and fifty!"

"Two hundred and eighty!"

"Three hundred!"

The Heavenly Azure Sect, Greedy Wolf Sect, Mo Family, Lei Family, Ancient Nether City, Sima Family... Even some ordinary Golden Core Noble Families with weaker heritage joined the fray, unwilling to let go in the slightest.

Every bid increase triggered a wave of gasps!

This was no longer just a competition of wealth, but a battle for the future core strength of their respective families!

Finally, after a brutal and suffocating war of attrition.

This high-grade Core Formation Pill, capable of altering the destiny of a Cultivator or even an entire family, was painstakingly won by the Yan Family for a staggering eight hundred and eighty mid-grade Spirit Stones!

When the jade gavel struck, many peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators who failed in their bidding turned pale and slumped into their chairs.

The Ancestor of the Yan Family looked at the young man beside him, patted his shoulder, and said solemnly, "Yue'er, do not disappoint me!"

Yan Yue cupped his fists heavily. "Your grandson understands!"

The second day of the auction concluded amidst the sheer madness and endless shock triggered by this Core Formation Pill.

Many Cultivators thought the Xu Family was out of their minds to part with a high-grade Core Formation Pill.

However, who could have known that thanks to their harvest in the Connate Secret Realm, the Xu Family possessed a reserve of dozens of Core Formation Pills!

That night.

Moyue once again patrolled the high skies, coiling and circling above.

Sensing the faint dragon might radiating from the heavens, no one dared to step out of line!

Even those borderline-insane Perfected Foundation Establishment Cultivators had no desire to challenge a Shapeshifting Great Demon and throw their lives away in vain!

The third day.

It was the final day of the auction.

And also the most frenzied day.

The Xu Family brought out over a dozen Two-Pattern Magic Tools that could be considered exquisite-grade, including Demonic Dao Dharma Tools. Three or four of them were in no way inferior to the grand finale items of the previous two days.

In addition, there were also two-pattern demon spirit Dharma Tools, which were second only to Three-Pattern Magic Tools but boasted power surpassing all standard Two-Pattern Magic Tools.

Chen Changge gave a brief demonstration, causing quite a stir.

This particular demon spirit Dharma Tool was auctioned off for one hundred and eighty mid-grade Spirit Stones.

The Xu Family would never let too many Dharma Tools of this caliber slip into the hands of outsiders.

Across the various prefectures of the Northwest Region, Two-Pattern Magic Tools were not something one could see on a daily basis, let alone these two types of Dharma Tools that were worthy of being passed down for generations.

This was also meant to serve as a living signboard for future iterations of the Cloudstream Grand Assembly!

"If even special Dharma Tools like demon spirit tools and Tier 2 high-grade Protective Formation Plates don't qualify as finale items, just how precious are the grand finale items of this final day!"

"Indeed! This poor Daoist is deeply curious now. Even though I know whatever comes next has nothing to do with me, I just want to see what other priceless treasures the Xu Family can produce!"

"Today's first grand finale item—the Azure Splendor Pill!"

Chen Changge opened a palm-sized Zitan Wood Box, revealing a medicinal pill adorned with azure and white patterns resting on a soft cushion. He smiled and said, "This is one of the Life-Extending Pills. It is only effective for those below the Foundation Establishment Stage and extends one's Lifespan by thirty years!

The starting price is three thousand Spirit Stones, and each increment must be no less than one hundred Spirit Stones!"

"It's actually a Longevity Pill! In the eyes of Cultivators nearing the end of their lives, this is absolutely priceless!"

"Lifespan is priceless, but pills have a price!"

"The Xu Family's heritage is terrifyingly profound to even procure a Longevity Pill!"

A chorus of gasps and Widespread Discussion instantly erupted across the main hall.

Countless gazes turned scorching hot, especially those of Foundation Establishment Cultivators whose auras were slightly aged and clearly lacking in remaining lifespan; they trembled slightly from overwhelming excitement.

To them, an extra thirty years meant an extra glimmer of hope to break through their bottlenecks and extend their path on the Dao!

Even among the younger Cultivators, who could guarantee they wouldn't face a lifespan crisis in the future?

Securing one in advance was a perfect way of Repairing the House Before It Rains.

Bidding began almost the very second Chen Changge's voice faded!

"Three thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!"

An elderly Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator called out.

"Three thousand three hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Three thousand six hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Five thousand Spirit Stones!"

The price climbed steadily and firmly.

Not only were those nearing the end of their lives fighting for it, but several wealthy families also intended to secure it for their clan, knowing it could play a pivotal role in the future!

Thirty extra years of life represented an extra ray of hope!

The Xu Family had previously auctioned off an Azure Splendor Pill, but unfortunately, they had been a no-name clan back then, completely ignored by every Golden Core faction present.

In the past, Xu Chuan even had to act with utmost reverence when facing Feng Juechen.

Fast forward more than twenty years, and the tides of fortune had shifted completely!

The struggle lasted for quite some time, but ultimately, this precious Azure Splendor Pill was won by the Cang Family for nine thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones!

Inside a certain private room.

"That child Yunque throws himself into studying Formations, utterly Forgetting to Eat and Sleep. Half a year ago, he finally comprehended a Tier 3 low-grade Formation. To achieve such a feat at the Foundation Establishment Stage, his Array Dao talent is undoubtedly top-tier.

It's just a pity that he ultimately wasted too much time on it.

He's nearing his absolute limit yet still hasn't reached Foundation Establishment Perfection.

With this Azure Splendor Pill granting him thirty more years, coupled with our Cang Family's full support, he still holds hope of advancing to the Golden Core."

Cang Yuyang stroked his beard with a faint smile.

Cang Fengheng also smiled slightly. "With his aptitude, he will surely reach the level of a peak Tier 3 Array Master in the future. Perhaps our Cang Family won't even need to pin all our hopes on Mingxian.

He might just be the one to complete the clan's incomplete Tier 4 array!"

"The second grand finale item is also a type of Pill, but this time, it comes as a set."

Chen Changge smiled softly. By now, an attendant had already brought out the auction item. There were a total of six Porcelain Bottles divided into white and blue colors, making up three sets.

"A grand finale item sold as a combination set with multiple pieces? That truly is a rare sight!"

"Exactly! The items over the last two days were all single pieces. By normal logic, it should be a single piece; otherwise, how can it highlight its preciousness!"

Everyone in the main hall craned their necks in curiosity, but even Spiritual Sense Probing couldn't peer inside to identify the medicinal pills.

Chen Changge swept his gaze across the crowd and laughed, "Gathering both of these is no easy task, and the Xu Family paid quite a hefty price to do so.

True Lord Withered Glory wishes to express his gratitude to everyone for attending the Cloudstream Grand Assembly, so he specifically increased the amount to three sets!"

"Senior Chen, your words are just making our hearts itch. Please, let us feast our eyes on it!"

"I won't keep you in suspense any longer," Chen Changge smiled pleasantly. "The blue Porcelain Bottle contains the 'Heavenly Spirit Pill', an auxiliary pill for Core Formation that accelerates the process of Spiritual Power Crystallization.

Although it cannot directly increase the success rate of Core Formation, it is an exceedingly rare and precious pill.

As for the white Porcelain Bottle, it contains the 'Spirit-Purifying Pill', which cleanses the physical body, purifies Mana, and eliminates the hidden dangers of pill toxins accumulated from taking mid and low-grade pills year-round, restoring the body to an almost flawless state.

This pill can boost the success rate of Core Formation by ten percent!"

"More items to aid Core Formation? And two of them at that? Their combined value might even surpass a low-grade Core Formation Pill!"

"Is the Xu Family trying to hand-deliver people straight into the Golden Core Stage?!"

"This is no longer the Cloudstream Grand Assembly; it's practically the Immortal Ascension Grand Assembly!"

Stepping into the Golden Core Stage increased one's Lifespan by five hundred years. To an ordinary person, it was no different from ascending to immortality!

"Long live True Lord Withered Glory! This junior was too narrow-minded; I beg on my knees for a few more sets! Three sets are truly not enough!"

"Both the Heavenly Spirit Pill and the Spirit-Purifying Pill are high grade. They are auctioned as a set with a starting price of one hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones. Each bid must increase by no less than five mid-grade Spirit Stones.

Daoist Friends, please begin bidding on the first set!"

Blatantly increasing the Core Formation success rate by ten percent, alongside an auxiliary pill that expedited Spiritual Power Crystallization—the combination of these two made one hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones seem quite cheap.

In particular, the Spirit-Purifying Pill, capable of clearing out pill toxins and purifying Mana, was of extraordinary significance to many Cultivators who relied heavily on pills to improve their cultivation.

Not even the Heavenly Azure Sect possessed pills like the Spirit-Purifying Pill.

"One hundred and ten mid-grade Spirit Stones!"

"One hundred and twenty mid-grade Spirit Stones!"

"One hundred and thirty!"

"One hundred and fifty!"

The bidding hit a fever pitch right out of the gate!

Many factions that failed to win the Core Formation Pill yesterday now locked their sights onto the first set of pills.

The Perfected Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the main hall had bloodshot eyes, screaming out bids recklessly, but they were quickly drowned out once again by the wealthier voices emanating from the private rooms.

The Heavenly Azure Sect, Mo Family, several Golden Core Noble Families, and even numerous factions from Greedy Wolf Prefecture joined the fray.

The price skyrocketed like a rocket, swiftly breaking past one hundred and fifty mid-grade Spirit Stones, followed immediately by one hundred and sixty, then one hundred and seventy...

Ultimately, after a ferociously intense struggle, the first set containing the Spirit-Purifying Pill and Heavenly Spirit Pill was snagged by the Heavenly Azure Sect for two hundred and thirty mid-grade Spirit Stones.

The competition for the second and third sets was equally fierce.

The second set was acquired by the Greedy Wolf Sect for two hundred and fifty Spirit Stones, while the price of the final set soared to an astonishing three hundred Spirit Stones.

These prices were already excessively inflated.

However, auxiliary items for Core Formation were simply too rare. Combined with the frenzied atmosphere of an auction, the prices were pushed to such staggering heights.

For pills that increased the chance of Core Formation, every ten percent increase in probability would cause their market price to explode exponentially.

"I am deeply honored to have hosted this iteration of the Cloudstream Grand Assembly. The time for our farewells is fast approaching, so let us enter our final revelry!

Please bring out the final auction item!"

As his voice fell, a transparent jade vat covered by a red silk cloth was brought onto the stage.

Chen Changge pulled off the red silk.

Suspended within the jade vat was a fist-sized mass of a bizarre substance constantly shifting in form. At times it resembled flowing water, and at others, a deep abyss. It radiated a profound, ethereal blue light and an endless aura of water-element Dao Rhyme.

"Daoist Friends, after much deliberation, True Lord Withered Glory reluctantly parted with this as the final auction item of our gathering.

Even if we took this into the high-level trade fair afterward, it would still incite utter madness!

I believe those with a discerning eye among you have already recognized what this is!"

The corners of Chen Changge's mouth curled up as he announced loudly, "This item is a high-grade Connate Spirit Object—the 'Profound Origin Heavy Water'!"

"For many Daoist Friends present, this should be your first time laying eyes on a Connate Spirit Object. And for your first encounter to be with a high-grade Connate Spirit Object... that is truly quite the luck!"

"Everyone knows that Connate Spirit Objects are extremely precious. Allow me to explain in detail so that you all can have a more intuitive understanding.

Connate Spirit Objects all contain a Connate Origin. The more origin they contain, the higher their grade!

They have three main uses. The first is to aid in Core Formation and increase its success rate. A high-grade Connate Spirit Object can boost the chance of Core Formation by forty percent!

The second is to aid in comprehending Divine Abilities.

This is a water-attribute high-grade Connate Spirit Object. If a Golden Core Stage Cultivator acquires it and their Divine Ability aligns with this object's nature, it can vastly accelerate their comprehension, granting a significant chance to achieve Divine Ability Perfection.

What it means for a Golden Core Stage Cultivator to possess a perfectly mastered Divine Ability... I'm sure everyone here understands!

The third use: Connate Spirit Objects are naturally sentient and are exceptional materials for forging a Spirit Treasure!

Unfortunately, it's hard to say if anyone in the entire Heavenly South is capable of forging a Spirit Treasure today. But back in ancient times, ancient Cultivators would undeniably use this to refine Spirit Treasures.

And the value of a single Spirit Treasure? That is a treasure that even Great Nascent Soul Cultivators would personally descend to fight over!"

He surveyed the entire venue. The main hall was dead silent.

The intended bidders for this item were solely those massive factions!

Anyone else didn't even have the qualifications to compete!

After a brief pause, Chen Changge finally stated the price. "For this high-grade Connate Spirit Object, the starting bid is ten high-grade Spirit Stones. Each subsequent bid must increase by no less than one high-grade Spirit Stone or one hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones!

To participate in the bidding, you must possess at least ten high-grade Spirit Stones. For any remaining amount, mid-grade Spirit Stones, or Spirit Grass and spiritual materials of Tier 4 or higher can be used to offset the cost.

If bids are of equal value, the party relying on fewer mid-grade Spirit Stones will win!"

"Boom!"

The true madness officially began at this very moment!

Compared to the Connate Spirit Object before them, all previous bidding wars suddenly seemed like nothing more than mere appetizers!

However, the vast majority of Golden Core Noble Families wouldn't necessarily have even a few high-grade Spirit Stones in their collections.

They lacked even the basic qualifications to participate!

The ones truly bidding were entities at or above the level of top-tier Golden Core factions.

"Eleven high-grade Spirit Stones!" Qi Tianxiong's deep voice boomed.

"Twelve high-grade Spirit Stones!" This was Xi Daoyun's voice, hoarse and carrying the exhaustion of old age.

"Ten high-grade Spirit Stones, plus five hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones."

Mo Wentian similarly had no intention of giving up on the high-grade Connate Spirit Object.

During this recent Connate Secret Realm, the highest tier item the Mo Family had obtained was merely a mid-grade Connate Spirit Object.

"Twelve high-grade Spirit Stones, plus five hundred mid-grade Spirit Stones!" the head of the Nie Clan called out.

"Fifteen high-grade Spirit Stones, plus one thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones!" The voice of the Ancient Nether City Lord carried a tone of absolute determination to win.

His primary practice was the water-attribute Cultivation Method, the "Profound Nether Heavenly Water Scripture".

His Divine Ability was not far from perfection. If he could obtain this Connate Spirit Object, he would probably only need to consume a tenth of its Connate Dao Rhyme to achieve Divine Ability Perfection.

If he could later win a Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity at the auction, his chances of Nascent Soul Formation would be quite substantial.

Of course, the specifics depended entirely on what that Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity actually was!

The Xu Family had kept the secret exceptionally tight. Countless factions tried to pry, yet not a single sliver of information leaked out!

"Twenty high-grade Spirit Stones, plus one thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones!" After Qi Tianxiong spoke up...

The Mo Family, Nie Clan, Sima Family, and others all gave up one after another.

That equated to three hundred thousand standard Spirit Stones!

Although the intrinsic value of a Connate Spirit Object was higher, they primarily wanted it to comprehend Divine Abilities. Since this particular object didn't align with their attributes, if they only used it to help their juniors advance to the Golden Core Stage...

...the price was simply far too exorbitant!

A forty percent chance of Core Formation was worth, at most, a hundred thousand or so Spirit Stones.

Xi Daoyun thought for a moment and also stopped bidding.

In the blink of an eye, only two competitors remained.

The Ancient Nether City Lord's voice was disguised, making it impossible to identify him directly.

However, there weren't many factions with the wealth to compete at this level. These Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators were no fools; with just a bit of thought, they could easily guess his identity.

"Hiding your head and showing your tail only makes you a laughingstock! Gu Xuanyou, you think you can challenge my Greedy Wolf Sect's wealth with the meager savings of your Ancient Nether City? That is nothing but Wishful Thinking!"

Qi Tianxiong's domineering, icy voice rang out, ruthlessly exposing his identity.

Inside a certain private room.

Gu Xuanyou, the City Lord of Ancient Nether City, wore a furious expression. Beside him stood several Ancient Nether City elders who also looked grim. But facing the Greedy Wolf Sect, the pressure was immense!

A grey-haired, grey-bearded elder quietly advised, "City Lord, Qi Tianxiong is determined to win, and the Greedy Wolf Sect boasts immense financial power. On top of that, their actions are always domineering... Should we... temporarily avoid their sharp edge?"

Another person also showed a worried look. "Fifteen high-grade Spirit Stones is already nearly half of our city's entire reserve. We didn't bring any more with us this time, and we only brought two thousand-odd mid-grade Spirit Stones.

I'm afraid this is like A Cup of Water on a Burning Cart!"

Gu Xuanyou remained silent for several breaths before gritting his teeth. "That high-grade Connate Spirit Object aligns perfectly with me. It will probably be extremely difficult to encounter another one like it.

I only need a tenth of its Connate Dao Rhyme for comprehension to achieve Divine Ability Perfection.

Even if we fail to win the Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity tomorrow, this trip will still be well worth it.

With a perfected Divine Ability, I'll still have a sliver of hope to successfully form a Nascent Soul!"

"City Lord, you mean..."

"I bid fifteen high-grade Spirit Stones, plus a Tier 2 high-grade Spirit Vein!"

The moment those words fell, an uproar erupted throughout the venue!

"What?!"

"A Spirit Vein?! And a Tier 2 high-grade one at that!"

"Ancient Nether City is actually willing to part with a Spirit Vein? That is the very foundation of any faction!"

"Crazy... This is complete madness!"

A Spirit Vein was entirely different from ordinary resources; it was the foundation upon which a faction sustained its legacy!

A single Tier 2 high-grade Spirit Vein was enough to support the core cultivation area of a small Golden Core sect or a Golden Core Noble Family. Its value was practically impossible to measure in mere Spirit Stones!

Chen Changge was also visibly moved. He swiftly communicated with Xu Chuan.

A moment later, he announced loudly, "Our Xu Family permits Spirit Veins to be used in bidding! The Xu Family values a Tier 2 high-grade Spirit Vein at sixty high-grade Spirit Stones. Does anyone else wish to raise the bid?"

Everyone's gazes instantly converged on the Greedy Wolf Sect's private room.

Inside the room, Qi Tianxiong's face was utterly grim as his fingers lightly tapped the armrest of his chair.

In terms of Spirit Stones alone, the Greedy Wolf Sect hadn't brought that many on this trip.

As for Spirit Veins, the Greedy Wolf Sect had indeed prepared some, but those were meant for tomorrow's trade over the Nascent Soul Formation Opportunity!

After a long silence, Qi Tianxiong finally let out a cold snort, his voice echoing across the entire hall: "It is merely one high-grade Connate Spirit Object. I won't lower myself to squabble with you over a petty grudge.

I might as well let you have it!

I only hope your Ancient Nether City has what it takes to protect this fortune!"

The underlying threat in his words was glaringly obvious.

"Sect Master Qi need not worry about that. I know my own limits."

"Since there are no higher bids, this high-grade Connate Spirit Object, the 'Profound Origin Heavy Water', belongs to this Daoist Friend!" Chen Changge brought down the gavel, finalizing the sale.

After the transaction concluded, Chen Changge added, "The auction portion of the Cloudstream Grand Assembly has officially ended. Tomorrow, a high-level trade fair will be held in this very location.

This trade fair will require Golden Core Stage cultivation for entry. Those below the Golden Core Stage need not come."

Countless families, factions, and Rogue Cultivators walked out of the auction house doors with hearts brimming with excitement.

In this grand auction, endless treasures had flowed like water, even culminating in a high-grade Connate Spirit Object that could drive Golden Core Stage Cultivators to madness.

Even the Heavenly Azure Sect might not necessarily accumulate a single high-grade Connate Spirit Object over the course of a century or two.

Let alone put one up for auction!

Without a doubt.

The Cloudstream Grand Assembly would go down in history as a legendary gathering for both prefectures.

Even calling it the "Immortal Ascension Grand Assembly" would not be an exaggeration!