Chapter 264: Treasure Assembly

Emerald green, vivid and bright, steaming mist glowing with colorful splendor—

The Dragon-Whisker Carp swam joyfully in a circle within the lake, parting layers upon layers of emerald waves.

And within the brocade box upon its back lay clearly visible a dark, blackish iron pellet, inscribed with dragon and phoenix seal script and cloud-patterned characters, its entire body flowing with treasure light, emitting strange sounds right into the air.

Its sound was like thunder striking stone, extremely piercing to the ears!

Chen Heng's expression shifted slightly upon seeing this; with his keen eyesight, he recognized that this iron pellet was no ordinary talismanic device, but undeniably an Immortal Dao magical treasure.

Within orthodox Immortal Dao, above talismanic devices come magical treasures.

And above magical treasures lie Daoist treasures and Immortal treasures.

The preciousness of magical treasures.

Needs no further elaboration.

In some minor sects, even Jin Dan True Persons struggle to afford such heavy treasures with their family assets, forced to make do with top-grade talismanic devices as a makeshift means of self-protection.

However, upon closer inspection.

And having received explanations from the Hong Hong Guanshi of the Cangxiao Tower.

The various cultivators learned that although this iron pellet belonged to the category of magical treasures, due to its great age, the true consciousness of the magical treasure had long since exhausted its lifespan and passed away.

Consequently, more than half of both the materials used to cast the magical treasure and its restrictive spells were damaged, rendering it barely usable.

This iron pellet was a treasure recently unearthed by the Cangxiao Tower from an ancient inherited mansion of a predecessor.

Although its price was somewhat lower than that of a normal magical treasure.

Due to its damaged state, its power was also greatly diminished.

To restore it to its former glory required not only seeking and purchasing rare materials to refine it anew within a furnace and cauldron, but also expending further effort and magic power to inscribe new restrictive spells.

Only after completing all these steps could it be sealed within a Daoist field rich in spiritual energy, allowing the magical treasure to gradually nurture its own true consciousness once again; haste would not suffice.

None of the aforementioned steps could be easily accomplished, each consuming considerable time.

Therefore, while this iron pellet bore the name of a magical treasure and was indeed a rare object.

Once the inside story was known, many within these four tower pavilions sadly extinguished their hopes...

Chen Heng had little interest in this item and lacked sufficient funds, merely watching others bid fiercely for it.

For a moment, within the jade lake.

One could see hundreds of lotus flowers competing in beauty and brilliance, their radiant light so intense that it tinted the misty mountain dampness with a shimmering rosy hue.

After the iron pellet was auctioned off.

A female attendant gracefully stepped forward, carrying another brocade box, which she placed once again upon the broad, thick back scales of the Dragon-Whisker Carp.

And this time.

It was a rare material called Geng-Jia Sprout.

For Immortal Dao cultivators, this treasure served only as a medicinal ingredient, one component among many used to refine most precious pills; though it held some value, substitutes were plentiful, so it was not considered overly precious.

But for those Divine Path cultivators.

The Geng-Jia Sprout could assist them in capturing the breath of mountains and waters, regulating earth qi to stabilize their own divine bodies, making their incense-fire thoughts even more pure!

After this treasure appeared, although far fewer people competed than in the previous round, with only thirty to fifty lotus flowers in the lake emitting radiant light.

Yet the flames rose nearly ten feet high, blazing fiercely like torches.

Extremely brilliant and dazzling, impossible to ignore...

After observing for nearly half an hour, although the Ziming Ziming Liuzhu had not yet been brought out for trade by the Cangxiao Tower.

Chen Heng had indeed seen many treasures, truly broadening his horizons.

Such as aromatic soup made from various spices and pure water, named Water of Rebirth; after bathing in this water and entering a quiet room to burn incense and sit in silence for a while, one could temporarily open one's primordial spiritual nature, sweeping away mental impurities and recalling fragmented snippets of memories from a past life.

Or like a sandalwood tray which, after being refined with true qi, would manifest a random object within it at the hour of Zi on the first day of every month.

It might be gold and silver mundane items, or spiritual pills and rare materials, or perhaps deadly demons and ghosts capable of taking lives; anything was possible.

There was also the Dayou Pill, capable of inducing dreams; after ingestion, unless disturbed by the crowing of roosters or the clash of weapons, one could sleep peacefully for a full six double-hours.

During this period, the pill-consumer could act freely within the dream, without any taboos.

With a single thought, one could be an Immortal Dynasty monarch commanding a billion armored troops and possessing the world's most beautiful women, indulging in unrestrained joy! Or one could be a Great Virtuous One of profound magic power, moving mountains and filling seas, shifting stars and chasing the moon, all with ease!

All manner of things unthinkable and impossible in the present world could be realized within the dream!

Although once the pill's nature dissipated, all such experiences were merely empty illusions, counting for nothing real.

Yet unable to resist its miraculous efficacy, there were indeed many who competed to bid for it...

And apart from these clever Immortal artifacts.

Talismanic devices, Daoist arts, Xue Xuan Gong divine abilities, and rare treasures within the universe were also not lacking.

Among these, there was even an external medicine named "Minghe Sand."

When displayed, it caused the cultivators in all four tower pavilions to hold their breath, their emotions involuntarily surging with excitement!

When condensing the Jin Dan, there are thirteen major medicinal ingredients, sought either externally or internally.

And this "Minghe Sand" was one of them, playing an extremely vital role in regulating the water and fire within the spirit, indispensable without it.

This sand was divided into upper, middle, and lower grades, varying in size, the small ones like mustard seeds, the large ones like beans.

Upper-grade Minghe Sand appeared pure white and clear, looking like water, reflecting sunlight with brilliant splendor, and displaying rosy cloud colors even when viewed at night.

Hailed as "Gathering yin to form the earth, accumulating yang to form the heavens, stealing the principles of the three powers, merging cinnabar with nature"!

Since this type of external medicine had some production in Xudu Heaven, its value, though slightly inferior to the essence of the innate Five Elements, was by no means insignificant, and ordinary people rarely had the chance to see it!

And although the "Minghe Sand" released by the Cangxiao Tower was not truly upper grade, it was middle grade, obviously requiring considerable effort to obtain.

Naturally, this stirred the hearts of the cultivators, causing them to eagerly throw their talisman money onto the jade plates one after another.

After a fierce round of bidding, that "Minghe Sand" was ultimately drawn into the lotus flower blooming most vibrantly in the lake.

At that very moment.

From the seventh floor of the eastern tower, several bursts of loud laughter rang out, utterly unrestrained and making no attempt at concealment.

"... Is it again that bunch of bastards from Rourou Prefecture?"

Upon hearing this laughter, the expressions of many cultivators in the tower shifted slightly as they recognized the identities of those few individuals.

Reflecting on it once more, it was indeed that same lotus flower which had repeatedly bloomed most brilliantly earlier, drawing in quite a few treasures.

While many cultivators marveled at the immense wealth of Rourou Prefecture, dark thoughts also faintly arose in their hearts.

If not for the extraordinary status of those few Rourou Prefecture disciples, the certain presence of guards providing secret backup, and the need to respect Rourou Prefecture's prestigious standing in the East Sea.

It was likely that the moment those few individuals just stepped out of Chen Yuquan Immortal Market.

Instances of murder and treasure seizure would have occurred instantly...

After the turmoil surrounding the "Minghe Sand" subsided, the Dragon-Whisk Carp successively presented several more treasures for display.

Since Chen Heng's pockets were not deep, although he had felt considerable interest in a few items since the treasure auction began, he had to suppress these thoughts and sit quietly in his room, saving his spirit money to compete for the Ziming Ziming Liuzhu.

It was only when another item was carried out by a female attendant with both hands, and the Dragon-Whisk Carp slowly swam a circuit around the lake.

That his expression suddenly changed, and he thought silently:

"With such a quantity... it is not merely enough for Minor Success; it should even be sufficient for reaching Medium Success!"

Resting on the back of the Dragon-Whisk Carp was clearly a box filled to the brim with exactly twenty-six Ziming Ziming Liuzhu.

As if containing green water essence and radiating like bright stars, they illuminated nearly half the lake with glittering light, truly a magnificent sight!

And after this treasure was revealed.

It was not only Chen Heng whose spirits lifted.

Many cultivators in the arena were overjoyed, rubbing their fists and palms in anticipation!

The life-extending effects of the Ziming Ziming Liuzhu need no elaboration; without long-term considerations, immediate troubles arise, and no one would ever reject having too much lifespan.

Even if one did not use them personally, giving them away to curry favor would still constitute a dignified gift, absolutely not causing any loss of face.

The sensation caused by this item was second only to that "Minghe Sand," creating quite a stir; however, before the lotuses in the lake could begin their dazzling contest, a sudden burst of loud laughter rang out, shouting:

"Soon it will be Elder Brother Chen Lü's birthday; we disciples of Rourou Prefecture want these Ziming Ziming Liuzhu specifically to present as congratulations to him."

As the words fell.

In a room on the western tower, the clouds and mist suddenly converged slowly, and the restrictive formations dispersed.

There at the railing, several black-clad youths stood together with arms draped over each other's shoulders.

The leader raised his fist to his lips, pretended to clear his throat a few times in a affected manner, then smiled slightly and spoke:

"I am Qin Tong, a disciple of Rourou Prefecture; my father is Qin Qin Jingzhi. I apologize for any offense caused and beg all fellow Daoists to be magnanimous and show mercy!"

Seeing Qin Tong behave in such a Rucizuo Sect manner, not only did the many cultivators in the tower display anger.

Even the steward of Cangxiao Tower frowned slightly, his expression turning gloomy.

However, before he could speak to stop it, Qin Tong, aware of the stakes involved, quickly added another sentence, saying:

"Of course, I know this action is improper and truly somewhat unreasonable...

I can make a vow: if all fellow Daoists do not compete with me for this item, after the treasure auction concludes, I will gift each of you one Firm Lord Bamboo; this bamboo is a specialty of our Rourou Prefecture, capable not only of being used in pill refining and planted long-term in one's cave dwelling, but also of drawing in spiritual qi from all directions, and is by no means an ordinary object!

After speaking these words, he waved his hand slightly backward.

A Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi immediately understood, untied his sleeve pouch, and poured spirit money onto the jade plate in the room as densely as falling rain.

It lasted for several breaths.

Before finally stopping slowly...

By this time, a lotus flower in the lake had already bloomed extremely luxuriantly, standing out above all others.

"I, Qin Tong, am not someone who ignores rules; this price already exceeds the market rate by more than forty percent."

Qin Tong bowed his fists to the steward of Cangxiao Tower, smiled, and his voice carried a distinct note of self-satisfaction:

"This also saves the steward some trouble, does it not?"

Upon hearing this, the steward of Cangxiao Tower did not speak, merely glancing around before saying solemnly:

"If any fellow Daoists wish to bid, feel free to proceed; the treasure auction has been held for many years, and we will absolutely not tarnish our own reputation! I believe Honored Guest Qin is not an unreasonable person, and everything can naturally be negotiated.

What happened just now was merely a joke, is that not so?"

Hearing these words, Qin Tong's face stiffened slightly.

But since the steward did not save his face, he could do nothing about it and could only turn his head aside with an expressionless face.

"Qin Qin Jingzhi is at least a notable figure within Rourou Prefecture, yet his son is so useless... even if he is just starting out, he is far too ignorant."

Seeing this, the steward of Cangxiao Tower sneered inwardly, thinking silently.

And at this moment.

Even though Cangxiao Tower had spoken up, those in the arena willing to compete with Qin Tong were very few.

Only a sparse few lotus flowers in the lake bloomed with brilliance, yet they still could not match the momentum of Qin Tong's lotus.

It was unclear whether they ultimately feared the reputation of Rourou Prefecture.

Or whether Qin Tong's bid was too high, shocking all the cultivators into realizing their wealth could not compare, thus ceasing to waste their energy...

Witnessing this scene.

Qin Tong's eyebrows raised slightly, thinking silently that his gamble had indeed paid off.

However, before he could indulge in his triumph, the water rippled gently, spreading layer upon layer of ripples, and suddenly a lotus flower in the corner burst forth with layers of rosy light, brilliantly red and eye-catching, becoming the most magnificent presence in the arena, unmatched by any other!

The steward of Cangxiao Tower felt a slight surprise in his heart.

And after his initial shock, Qin Tong felt only a surge of blood rushing upward into his brain, and he could not help but shout angrily:

"You wish to—"

"This item naturally goes to the highest bidder!"

Before the words were finished, a voice suddenly cut in coldly.

Qin Tong followed the sound to look, only to see the eastern tower pavilion where the prohibitions had also been lifted.

The clouds and mist shrouding the front slowly dispersed, revealing the figure of a tall and thin Daoist.

"I wish to obtain this treasure; what do you intend to do about it?"

Chen Heng glanced at him, saying expressionlessly.

"..."

And under that single glance, Qin Tong felt as though a sword blade brimming with cold qi was pressed against his brow; his skin ached as if splitting, and before his eyes, a ghastly light actually arose.

Startled until his very soul fled in terror, he involuntarily stumbled backward several steps, nearly crashing into several fellow disciples from Rouxuanyu, before crying out in a lost voice:

"Di Si Jing?!"

Such a terrifying aura.

Among the younger generation, he had only ever witnessed it on Shen Shen Xingcui of the Zhongyi Sword Sect!

Not long ago, Qin Tong had returned to the Eastern Sea from Xi Su Zhou accompanied by his father.

During the journey, although he had only briefly crossed paths with Shen Shen Xingcui and had not been able to talk much.

Yet that sharp, oppressive aura, along with his own old father's friendly attitude toward Shen Shen Xingcui.

Still left Qin Tong with a vivid memory...

And while Qin Tong was stunned and distracted.

The various cultivators in the arena also erupted in an uproar, their minds churning.

The fourth realm of the Sword Dao already counted as stepping into the "Art-Practice" realm, henceforth ascending to another layer of heaven and earth.

And to Xiu Cheng Ci Jing within the Purple Palace Realm meant that, provided one did not die young, profundity in Art-Practice was already an inevitability.

There was even a slight possibility that peering into that "Law-Operation" realm might not be the foolish talk of a dreamer!

Back then, Chen Ying recruited Ai Xiao Jian precisely because, although his Sword Dao talent could not compare to the disciples of the Zhongyi Sword Sect, he was nevertheless a figure who had cultivated Sword Escape, possessing extraordinary root nature...

And at this moment.

While Qin Tong was still stunned.

In a certain part of the tower pavilion, Zhang Zhang Yuxuan also rose abruptly in shock, his eyes flashing repeatedly.

"... I wonder which senior brother of the Zhongyi Sword Sect you are? Perhaps we are all acquaintances?"

After struggling for a long while.

Qin Tong helplessly bowed his body, lowering his posture to ask.

A Zi Fu Gao Gong naturally did not count as any significant figure, not worthy of too much attention.

But to cultivate Di Si Jing while still in the Purple Palace meant his background was worth careful consideration, making recklessness impossible.

"Why waste so many words? At the Treasure Assembly, matters of transaction are all that matter; discussing anything else is useless,"

Chen Heng said lightly.

His reply left no room for face-saving.

Yet Qin Tong felt a palpitation in his heart, as if a certain suspicion had grown heavier; he bowed repeatedly and voluntarily withdrew from the contention.

Among the Bapailiu Sect, apart from the Tai Fu Palace, the Zhongyi Sword Sect and the Northern Polar Garden had the fewest members and were the most protective of their own.

Unlike immortal gates such as Yu Yu Yuchen, Chiming, and the Xiantianmo Sect, these three sects established no lower academies nor separate branches.

Once one managed to enter their gates.

Everyone became an orthodox member of the sect! All could be granted the Great Method!

Often, striking the young would provoke the old.

Unless it was a clash between equals of the same realm.

Otherwise, when disciples of these two sects traveled abroad, few dared to provoke them, fearing they would invite a body full of trouble...

And under circumstances where even Qin Tong had to temporarily avoid the sharp edge, there were even fewer cultivators in the arena who dared to step forward and oppose him.

The Ziming Ziming Liuzhu naturally and logically reverted to Chen Heng's possession.

As the lotus's radiance surged, the brocade box on the back of the Dragon-Whisker Carp instantly vanished, transported onto the jade plate in the room; likewise, the spirit money originally piled on the jade plate also silently disappeared, gone to who knew where.

"After suffering for so long, I have finally awaited this object..."

Chen Heng took the brocade box in hand, sighing lightly in his heart; after glancing at the Treasure Assembly for a little longer, he quickly lost interest.

Driving the Dun Dun Jiesuo, he vanished from the room, disappearing from the spot.

(End of Chapter)