Chapter 37

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, where spiritual energy swirled and ancient trees towered, Lin Xuan's inner state was vastly different from his first visit. There was less cautious probing and more composure and confidence.

The Ninth Elder was still sitting before the stone table, sipping tea. His grey robes were simple, and his aura was as restrained as an abyss. He raised his eyes to look at Lin Xuan, his gaze calm and waveless, yet it seemed capable of peering into the human heart.

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

Lin Xuan sat down as instructed, neither servile nor overbearing.

"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 Chamber of Commerce's expectations."

"This junior was merely fortunate, and it was also thanks to the Chamber's support," Lin Xuan said modestly.

The Ninth Elder was noncommittal and cut 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 black wood from his Dust Ring. The moment the wood appeared, the spiritual energy within the courtyard seemed to stir slightly, and a faint yet incomparably pure life force permeated the air, forming a stark contrast to the deathly stillness and withered surroundings.

A trace of imperceptible fluctuation finally flashed through the Ninth Elder's ancient, waveless eyes. He did not reach out to take it, but his gaze, like the most precise measuring tool, scanned every inch of the wood.

After a moment, he nodded slowly: "It is indeed Phoenix Wood, caused by a failed nirvana; what a pity... but this trace of inextinguishable 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 wishes to cut off about one-tenth of it and entrust your Chamber to auction it on my behalf at this Tianbao Pavilion auction. Or, if your Chamber 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 surely fetch a sky-high price, but it would also make you a target for everyone. Even if our Four Seas Chamber of Commerce steps in, we can only provide slight cover; those with intent, after a little investigation, would still be able to trace it back to you as the source."

Lin Xuan frowned slightly; this was indeed a problem.

"How about this." The Ninth Elder proposed a plan: "Our Four Seas Chamber of Commerce will purchase this item directly for the price of 1.5 million superior 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 Chamber operating on your behalf to help you secure the Condensing Core Jade Liquid with all our might. The remaining 500,000 will be paid to you in spirit stones."

1.5 million superior spirit stones! A direct purchase!

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

The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce was indeed wealthy and imposing!

"This junior chooses the second option." Lin Xuan barely hesitated. One million in credit was more than enough to bid for the Condensing Core Jade Liquid, and he would still have 500,000 spirit stones left to keep on his person—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, which contains the constraints of a Heavenly Dao Oath; we shall each keep a copy. The ring contains 500,000 superior spirit stones; please count them. Furthermore, you are now a core guest elder of our Four Seas Chamber of Commerce. Keep this token well; it has higher authority, allowing you to mobilize Grade B resources and access more confidential information."

Lin Xuan took the jade slip, and a sweep of his spiritual sense showed the contract terms were clear and fair, with no traps. He then counted the spirit stones in the ring; the mountain of piled-up superior 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. "Regarding the auction, the Chamber will assist you with all our might. As for the attention it may bring..." He paused, looking at Lin Xuan with deep, profound eyes. "It is both a crisis and an opportunity. How you deal with it depends on yourself."

"This junior understands, thank you, Ninth Elder!" Lin Xuan stood up and bowed solemnly. This transaction gave him the massive capital to compete for the Condensing Core Jade Liquid in an instant, and it also bound him more deeply to the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.

Leaving the Ninth Elder's courtyard, Lin Xuan felt his back straighten quite a bit. 1.5 million superior spirit stones! This was something he couldn't have imagined before! As expected, "picking up leaks" was the fastest way to make money!

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

First, through the channels of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce, he exchanged all 3,000 contribution points rewarded by the Imperial Dynasty for various resources for life-saving and auxiliary cultivation—several Third Rank Supreme "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 his physical body.

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

【Ding! Consumed 【X】 Slacking Points to upgrade proficiency in "Shrinking Ground to an Inch" to "Minor Accomplishment"! 】

【Ding! Consumed 【X】 Slacking Points to exchange for the second transformation technique of the "Nine Transformations Lei Gang Body"! 】

【Ding! Consumed 【X】 Slacking Points to exchange for the divine ability "Eye of Breaking Delusion" (Beginner)—can slightly see through illusions, disguises, and weak points in formations! 】

After a series of upgrades, his combat ability and life-saving means were enhanced in all aspects. "Shrinking Ground to an Inch" at Minor Accomplishment made short-distance movement even more swift and mysterious; the "Nine Transformations Lei Gang Body" entered the second transformation, taking his physical strength and power to another level; the "Eye of Breaking Delusion" compensated for his slight deficiencies in insight.

He kept the remaining Slacking Points for now, in case of emergency.

Meanwhile, news about the Tianbao Pavilion auction spread more and more widely.

This auction was the largest in scale in recent years. In addition to the well-known "Condensing Core Jade Liquid," the finale treasures included several other eye-catching precious items; it was said there was even a damaged ancient magic treasure!

The atmosphere in the imperial capital grew increasingly tense. Major inns were overcrowded, and cultivators from all over the Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty, and even other regions, poured in. Among them were many powerful Golden Core cultivators, and occasionally, one could even feel the obscure spiritual sense of Soul Formation old monsters sweeping past.

The Ye family mansion where Ye Chen resided was bustling with traffic, and visitors were endless.

The Floating Snow Palace's station was also heavily guarded.

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

Even the royal family had news that imperial princes and princesses would attend.

The battle for the Condensing Core Jade Liquid was destined to be a fierce struggle.

On this day, Lin Xuan was familiarizing himself with the newly exchanged "Eye of Breaking Delusion" 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. "Also, we have received confirmed news that the Ye family has prepared over 800,000 superior spirit stones in funds for Ye Chen! The Third Imperial Prince of the royal family has also shown great interest in the Condensing Core Jade Liquid! And there are several elders from hidden sects with substantial wealth!"

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

The treasures on the list were dazzling, ranging from cultivation 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.

【Condensing Core Jade Liquid】, starting price: 300,000 superior spirit stones.

【Ancient Magic Treasure (Damaged) · Mountain-Suppressing Seal】, starting price: 500,000 superior spirit stones.

【Ten Thousand Year Blood Ginseng】, starting price: 200,000 superior spirit stones.

Seeing the starting price of the Condensing Core Jade Liquid, Lin Xuan felt certain. He had a credit of one million, giving him full 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 Condensing Core Jade Liquid!

Regardless of whether the opponent was Ye Chen, an imperial prince, or a hidden sect!

"Young Master Qian, tomorrow, I will rely on your Chamber."

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

Night fell, and the imperial capital's lanterns were lit, 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 smoke.

And Lin Xuan was already fully prepared to enter the fray.

(End of Chapter 37)