Translator: AnubisTL
The long-awaited grand auction finally commenced within the Imperial Sky Pavilion, located in the sky market of the Ancient Imperial City.
Countless cultivators gathered here, their hearts pounding with anticipation. This auction was undoubtedly the most extravagant event the Great Wilderness Domain had witnessed in nearly a millennium!
Jointly organized by the righteous and demonic paths, the auction would feature a vast array of treasures from the legacy of the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty.
Figures streamed into the Imperial Sky Pavilion from all corners of the Imperial City, ranging from cultivators in the qi refining realm to those in the nascent soul realm.
"Hahahaha, True Lord Guangyuan! It's been far too long since we last heard from you!"
A supreme elder from the Taiyi Sect flew forward to greet a core formation realm rogue cultivator who had suddenly appeared.
The cultivator, who styled himself True Lord Guangyuan, possessed a long, white beard and an otherworldly aura, radiating the bearing of an immortal sage completely detached from worldly affairs.
"This old one has been secluded, attempting to comprehend a secret technique," Guangyuan replied. "Alas, I remain unable to grasp its essence. Upon emerging from seclusion, I heard of this grand auction and came to observe."
"I heard they'll be auctioning dragon marrow. Is this true?" Guangyuan's eyes shone with clarity as he stroked his beard.
The supreme elder of the Taiyi Sect merely smiled and murmured, "It is indeed true, Daoist Brother Guangyuan. I trust you are prepared, for many covet this dragon marrow."
Upon hearing this confirmation, True Lord Guangyuan burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahaha! Excellent!"
"This old man still has some wealth to his name!"
With that, True Lord Guangyuan strode into the imperial sky pavilion.
The term "dragon marrow" did not refer to the spinal fluid of a true dragon. The dragon marrow mentioned by the two core formation true lords earlier had a different meaning.
Beneath the Ancient Hua Imperial City lay a dragon vein, within which surged a dense concentration of imperial dragon qi. This potent energy could nourish magical artifacts, surpassing even the effects of a cultivator's own true essence!
The ancestral imperial sword had been nurtured by this imperial dragon qi within the dragon vein for countless years, gradually attaining its legendary renown.
After millennia of accumulation, the imperial dragon qi gradually fused with the surrounding abundant heaven and earth spiritual energy. As this mixture settled deep within the dragon vein, it transformed into dragon marrow!
Such dragon marrow could rightfully be considered a celestial treasure!
This spiritual object, formed from the millennia-long accumulation of imperial dragon qi and pristine heaven and earth spiritual energy, was exceedingly rare—a true millennial-grade spiritual material.
Beyond its life-prolonging properties, dragon marrow could also enhance the mana of core formation realm cultivators!
A spiritual object that could both extend lifespan and enhance cultivation?
Any spiritual object even remotely related to either of these properties would command an astronomical price!
Dragon marrow, possessing both qualities, was undoubtedly a spiritual object that would stir the hearts of core formation realm cultivators.
As figures streamed into the imperial sky pavilion, the atmosphere of this grand auction co-hosted by the righteous and demonic paths grew increasingly lively.
Li Qing and Shen Ningbing naturally wouldn't miss this grand event. Their objective was clear: to secure a portion of yin-yang spirit liquid.
Upon entering the imperial sky pavilion, they made no attempt to conceal their auras—a core formation realm True Lord and a late foundation establishment realm cultivator.
Wherever they passed, rogue cultivators showed reverence and immediately made way.
The Taiyi Sect promptly dispatched an elder to escort Li Qing and Shen Ningbing to a private chamber, ensuring they wouldn't have to mingle with the other rogue cultivators in the main hall.
"Seniors, I'll take my leave now. If you require anything, please instruct my sect's disciples!"
With these words, the Taiyi Sect elder respectfully withdrew from the chamber.
Watching him depart, Li Qing chuckled. "We're truly benefiting from your status as Senior Shen this time. If you hadn't achieved core formation, we'd probably be stuck with the others in the main hall below."
This was the truth. To the Taiyi Sect, what did it matter if a cultivator was only at the pseudo core formation stage?
Unless one achieved core formation, they simply wouldn't enter the sect's radar, let alone earn their respect.
In the grand halls below, numerous late foundation establishment and even pseudo core formation cultivators were seated.
To secure a private room like this, one needed either exceptional cultivation prowess or a distinguished background.
"Senior Brother, stop teasing me," Shen Ningbing said softly. "We should focus on how to bid for the yin-yang spirit liquid."
Her words brought a headache to Li Qing.
Now that he possessed sufficient strength, he no longer feared being targeted afterward.
But a new problem arose: what could he offer in exchange for the yin-yang spirit liquid?
Such a supreme core formation spiritual material would never be auctioned for spirit stones. It would likely be traded for other valuable items.
Besides, he had few spirit stones left, having spent most of them on Azure Jade Spirit Water and Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar.
"That's a valid concern," Li Qing mused. "We just don't know what the owner of this core formation spiritual material might want."
Though he considered himself to possess some treasures, he still lacked confidence in impressing the owner.
The Primordial Chaos Stone?
Li Qing immediately dismissed the Primordial Chaos Stone. It was too conspicuous, easily reminding people of the royal marquis's grand tomb that the Ghost Sword Sect had been ambushed for two years prior.
Moreover, the stone was massive. Li Qing doubted he could split it apart in time.
Heavenly Thunder Pearl?
That wouldn't work either! It was his life-saving trump card, and besides, such a one-use item might not impress the yin-yang spirit liquid's owner.
"Apart from these, I only have ten drops of Golden Wind Jade Dew and a small vial of millennial stalactite."
"But these probably can't match the yin-yang spirit liquid's value!"
Li Qing frowned deeply, his mind churning with anxiety.
He didn't have any crimson crystals on hand, and even ordinary second-tier ones might not be enough to sway the owner.
Third-tier crimson crystals would be a different story. Capable of accelerating the metamorphosis of third-tier demonic beasts, their value would be astronomical.
However, Li Qing lacked the means to hunt third-tier strange beasts in the World of Eternal Night, and time was running out.
"Well, I'll just have to play it by ear," Li Qing murmured, his brow furrowed. "If all else fails, I'll just have to give up this opportunity."
As Li Qing wrestled with his dilemma, the imperial sky pavilion filled with an ever-growing crowd of cultivators.
As the clamor of the crowd reached a fever pitch, a benevolent-looking old man suddenly appeared on the central, most prominent platform.
His arrival triggered a wave of gasps and exclamations throughout the arena.
"True Lord Qingwei! He's still alive!"
"Hiss! Rumor had it he passed away fifty years ago!"
"Unbelievable! How old is True Lord Qingwei? He must be nearly seven hundred years old!"
"True Lord Qingwei vanished from public view for nearly a century. It was said he had passed away within the Taiyi Sect. Who would have thought he'd reappear today!"
"This is truly terrifying!"
Normally, a core formation realm cultivator's lifespan would be around five hundred years. Those who used lifespan-extending elixirs might reach six hundred, considered a remarkable longevity.
But True Lord Qingwei had lived for nearly seven hundred years, explaining the crowd's astonishment.
His lifespan was approaching that of a nascent soul realm cultivator! How could they not be awestruck?
In his private chamber, Li Qing raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes.
Yet this soon gave way to longing. To become such a revered and respected cultivator, one who commanded respect through age and virtue, was one of his own aspirations.
A mere seven hundred years of lifespan didn't particularly impress him.
On the viewing platform, True Lord Qingwei remained composed amidst the gasps of astonishment, as if such reactions were commonplace.
"Heh heh heh, thanks to everyone's generosity, this old daoist can cling to life for a few more years."
"Ahem, it's my honor to host today's grand auction. I'm nothing special, really—just old and experienced. I personally appraised most of the items up for auction."
"I guarantee their authenticity with my reputation! After all, I wouldn't want to tarnish my legacy on my deathbed!"
"Heh heh heh, enough rambling. Old age does that to you. Please forgive my digressions!"
"Now then, let the auction officially begin!"
The stooped, benevolent-faced True Lord Qingwei waved his hand.
Immediately, Taiyi Sect disciples appeared below the platform, lining up in orderly rows.
The assembled cultivators grew visibly excited, their spirits rising.
"First item: a section of millennial spirit wood!"
"This is the perfect spiritual material for refining Wood dao artifacts, fellow daoists! Pay close attention!"
(End of the Chapter)
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