Chapter 37: Preparing Funds? I'm Selling Wood!

Qian Duoduo’s efficiency was extremely high; in less than half a day, news came that the Ninth Elder agreed to meet immediately.

Stepping once again into that courtyard filled with spiritual energy and towering ancient trees, Lin Xuan’s state of mind was completely different from his first visit. There was less cautious probing and more composure and confidence.

The Ninth Elder was still sitting at the stone table sipping tea, his gray robes simple, his aura restrained like an abyss. He lifted his eyes to look at Lin Xuan, his gaze calm and waveless, yet it seemed capable of seeing through the human heart.

"Sit." He gestured toward the stone stool opposite him.

Lin Xuan sat down as instructed, neither humble nor pushy.

"I heard you did quite well in the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range." The Ninth Elder set down his teacup, his voice peaceful. "You did not fail the firm's expectations."

"This junior was lucky, and it was also thanks to the firm's support," Lin Xuan said modestly.

The Ninth Elder was noncommittal and went straight to the point: "Duoduo said you have remains of a Phoenix Wood and wish to sell a portion?"

"Exactly." Lin Xuan did not beat around the bush; with a thought, he took the half-section of charred wooden stick from his Dust Ring. The moment the wooden stick appeared, the spiritual energy in the courtyard seemed to stir slightly, and a faint yet incomparably pure aura of life permeated the air, forming a sharp contrast with the dead, withered surroundings.

A trace of imperceptible fluctuation finally flashed through the Ninth Elder’s calm, ancient-well eyes. He did not reach out to take it, but his gaze, like the most precise measuring tool, scanned every inch of the wooden stick.

After a moment, he nodded slowly: "It is indeed Phoenix Wood, caused by a failed nirvana; what a pity... but this sliver of undying vitality is worth a fortune."

He looked at Lin Xuan: "How do you intend to dispose of it?"

Lin Xuan had already thought it through: "This junior intends to cut off about one-tenth of it and entrust your firm to auction it on my behalf at this Tianbao Pavilion auction. Or, if your firm is interested, you may also purchase it directly at a set price."

The Ninth Elder pondered for a moment and said: "Such a divine object, if placed in an auction, would certainly fetch a sky-high price, but it would also make you a target for everyone. Even if my Four Seas Firm steps in, we can only provide minimal cover; those with ulterior motives could still trace it back to you as the source."

Lin Xuan frowned; this was indeed a problem.

"How about this." The Ninth Elder proposed a plan: "Our Four Seas Firm will purchase this item directly for the price of 1.5 million high-grade spirit stones. You can choose to take all the spirit stones, or convert one million of them directly into bidding credit for this auction, with the firm operating on your behalf to help you secure the Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation at all costs. The remaining 500,000 will be paid to you in spirit stones."

1.5 million high-grade spirit stones! A direct purchase!

Even though Lin Xuan had been mentally prepared, he was still shaken by this figure. This was 300,000 higher than his estimated upper limit for the auction! Moreover, a direct purchase by the firm saved the trouble and risks of an auction and allowed him to use the firm's power to bid; it was undoubtedly the safest and most advantageous choice at present!

The Four Seas Firm was indeed wealthy and powerful!

"This junior chooses the second option." Lin Xuan barely hesitated. One million in credit was more than enough to bid for the Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation, and he would still have 500,000 spirit stones left to keep on hand—perfect!

"Good." The Ninth Elder nodded, not surprised by this result. He took out a purple-gold jade slip and a storage ring, pushing them toward Lin Xuan.

"The jade slip is the purchase contract, bound by a Heavenly Dao oath; we shall each keep a copy. The ring contains 500,000 high-grade spirit stones; you may count them. Additionally, you are now a core guest elder of my Four Seas Firm; keep this token well. It has higher permissions, allowing you to mobilize Grade B resources and access more confidential information."

Lin Xuan took the jade slip, and with a sweep of his spiritual sense, the contract terms were clear and fair, with no traps. He then counted the spirit stones in the ring; the mountain of high-grade spirit stones emitted a heart-palpitating fluctuation of spiritual power, confirming it was correct.

He solemnly left his soul imprint on the contract jade slip and returned one copy to the Ninth Elder. At the same time, he took the upgraded guest elder token; it felt warm to the touch, with faint dragon patterns flowing across it, making it even more extraordinary than the previous one.

"The transaction is complete." The Ninth Elder put away the jade slip. "As for the auction, the firm will assist you with all our might. As for the attention it may bring..." He paused, looking at Lin Xuan with a profound gaze. "It is both a crisis and an opportunity. How you handle it depends on you."

"This junior understands, thank you, Ninth Elder!" Lin Xuan stood up and bowed solemnly. This transaction gave him the substantial capital to compete for the Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation in an instant and bound him even deeper to the Four Seas Firm.

Leaving the Ninth Elder’s courtyard, Lin Xuan felt his back straighten quite a bit. 1.5 million high-grade spirit stones! This was something he wouldn't have dared to imagine before! As expected, "scavenging" was the fastest way to make money!

Over the next few days, Lin Xuan completely entered a state of "pay-to-win preparation."

He first used the Four Seas Firm’s channels to exchange the 3,000 contribution points rewarded by the Imperial Dynasty for various life-saving and cultivation-assisting resources—several third-grade top-tier "Diamond Talismans," a bottle of "Origin-Returning Immortal Brew" that could instantly restore most of his Golden Core spiritual power, and some rare medicinal herbs for tempering the physical body.

Next, he began to frantically use his Slacking Points to go on a shopping spree in the system store.

[Ding! Consumed [X] Slacking Points to upgrade the proficiency of "Shrinking Ground to an Inch" to "Minor Accomplishment"!]

[Ding! Consumed [X] Slacking Points to exchange for the second stage of the "Nine Turns Thunder Body" technique!]

[Ding! Consumed [X] Slacking Points to exchange for the divine ability "Eye of Truth-Breaking" (Beginner)—can slightly see through illusions, disguises, and weaknesses in formations!]

After a series of upgrades, his combat capability and life-saving means were enhanced in all aspects. "Shrinking Ground to an Inch" at Minor Accomplishment made short-distance movement faster and more elusive; "Nine Turns Thunder Body" entering the second stage raised his physical strength and power to another level; and the "Eye of Truth-Breaking" compensated for his slight deficiencies in insight.

He kept the remaining Slacking Points for a rainy day.

At the same time, more and more news about the Tianbao Pavilion auction began to spread.

This auction could be called the largest in recent years. In addition to the well-known "Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation," the finale treasures included several other eye-catching rarities; it was said there was even a damaged ancient magic treasure!

The atmosphere in the Imperial Capital grew increasingly tense. Major inns were packed to capacity, and cultivators from all over the Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty and even other regions poured in, among whom were many powerful Golden Core cultivators, and one could even occasionally feel the obscure spiritual sense of Nascent Soul old monsters sweeping by.

The Ye family mansion where Ye Chen stayed was bustling with visitors, an endless stream of guests.

The Piao Xue Palace residence was also heavily guarded.

The four great protector families and the ten great sects had all sent representatives.

Even the Imperial family had news that Imperial Princes and Princesses would be attending.

The battle for the Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation was destined to be a fierce struggle.

On this day, Lin Xuan was familiarizing himself with the newly exchanged "Eye of Truth-Breaking" when Qian Duoduo visited again, his face filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Elder Mu, the auction officially begins at noon tomorrow! This is the final list of auction items!" He handed a jade slip to Lin Xuan. "Additionally, we have received confirmed news that the Ye family has prepared over 800,000 high-grade spirit stones in funding for Ye Chen! The Third Imperial Prince is also showing great interest in the Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation! There are also elders from several hidden sects with considerable wealth!"

Lin Xuan took the jade slip and sank his spiritual sense into it.

The treasures on the list were dazzling, ranging from technique manuals to divine weapons, from elixirs to rare natural treasures—everything one could wish for. His gaze locked directly onto the final few finale items.

[Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation], starting bid: 300,000 high-grade spirit stones.

[Ancient Magic Treasure (Damaged) · Mountain-Suppressing Seal], starting bid: 500,000 high-grade spirit stones.

[Ten-Thousand-Year Blood Ginseng], starting bid: 200,000 high-grade spirit stones.

Seeing the starting bid for the Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation, Lin Xuan felt assured. With his 1 million in credit, he had plenty of confidence.

"Tomorrow, the truth will be revealed." Lin Xuan put away the jade slip, his eyes sharp.

He had prepared for so long, expending countless efforts and resources; he was determined to obtain this Jade Liquid of Nascent Formation!

Regardless of whether his opponent was Ye Chen, an Imperial Prince, or a hidden sect!

"Young Master Qian, I will be relying on your firm tomorrow."

"Rest assured, Elder Mu! The firm will definitely support you with all our might! Your private room is 'Heavenly Number Three,' absolutely safe and private!"

Night fell, and the Imperial Capital was lit up, yet it was noisier than usual. Countless gazes, whether open or hidden, were cast toward that building in the center of the city, like a crouching giant beast—the Tianbao Pavilion.

Tomorrow, that place would become a battlefield without gunpowder.

And Lin Xuan had already made all the preparations to enter the fray.

(Chapter 37 End)