Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 485 Buying Horse Bones for a Thousand Pieces of Gold: Obtaining a Spiritual Item at a High Price
To entertain the guests, Huo Xinghuai arranged a lavish banquet at the city lord's mansion.

At the same time, there are various elegant or sensual dances and music to add to the festivities.

Multiple shifts work around the clock.

Xiao Chen was still considering whether he should condense his true essence or review his spells after the meal.

As the music and dancing continued, they decided to stay in the banquet hall and appreciate the local traditional culture.

The next morning came in the blink of an eye.

It was still 9:00 AM when everyone gathered again in the pavilion in the back garden.

"Fellow Daoists, today we will proceed with the second part—publicly soliciting purchases."

Huo Xinghuai took the lead in explaining the process to everyone: "I believe that after yesterday's exchange, many fellow Daoists have already obtained their desired spiritual items."

"But firstly, the number of spiritual objects from yesterday was ultimately limited, and secondly, having only spiritual objects is not enough to meet everyone's diverse needs."

"So today, let's communicate in a different way."

"Instead, each fellow Daoist will take turns stating their needs and the price they are willing to pay."

"Then it will be up to the other fellow Daoists to decide whether or not to accept this transaction or sale."

"Since everyone is here, there's no need to be reserved. As long as it's not something immoral or unethical, you can speak freely."

"I'll start it off."

As Huo Xinghuai spoke, he waved his hand in front of him.

Then a stream of true essence appeared, transforming directly into a shimmering list in the air.

The list was divided into two rows, with many different kinds of elixirs listed on top and their corresponding prices below.

"My Baicao City has been purchasing all kinds of spiritual herbs all year round to refine elixirs."

Huo Xinghuai continued, "The purchase prices for common fourth-tier spiritual herbs are all here. If it's a rare item, we can negotiate the price separately."

"If any of you fellow Daoists wish to sell spiritual herbs, you are welcome to come to me at any time, whether today or in the future."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen was immediately tempted.

He happened to have a lot of captured fourth-tier spiritual herbs in his storage ring, herbs that he hardly needed.

The price Huo Xinghuai offered was quite fair, so we could consider selling it directly to him.

However, Xiao Chen thought again that he still had enough spirit stones on hand for the time being.

Since that's the case, let's keep these fourth-tier spiritual herbs for a while longer.

After all, no one can predict the future. If it comes in handy someday, it will save us the trouble of buying it again.

Not only would you lose spirit stones going back and forth, but it would also be very troublesome and time-consuming to buy them back later.

Many of the other True Lords were interested and thus made some transactions.

Immediately after, True Monarch Mo Mei spoke second: "I want to customize a batch of defensive talismans that can withstand the bone-corroding yin wind."

"As some fellow Daoists may have already guessed, this batch of talismans is precisely for exploring the inner realm of the Vast Sea Secret Realm."

"Prices are negotiable. Considering the inner world is about to open, we can raise the price by 50% above the market price."

"But the quality of the talismans must be up to standard, and they must be newly drawn talismans since the Lunar New Year, not existing stock that has lost some of its spiritual power."

In theory, the effects of the same talisman are roughly the same.

However, in reality, newly made talismans can sometimes be 10% less effective than those that are about to expire.

The reason for this is that if a completed talisman is left for a long time, the spiritual energy sealed inside will gradually dissipate.

To cope with this loss, talisman makers often reserve a certain amount of redundancy when selecting materials.

With one increase and the other decrease, it's not surprising that the actual effect differs by 10%.

The reason why Mo Mei Zhenjun wanted the newly drawn talisman was actually to maximize its effect.

After he finished stating his request, Xiao Chen finally understood why today's session was a separate one.

After listening to Huo Xinghuai's introduction, he still had some questions.

If it were simply a matter of presenting the item first and then quoting a price, it would become a matter of giving a price first and then acquiring the spiritual item.

What's the difference between the so-called open bidding process and yesterday's?

In retrospect, the focus of yesterday's transaction was on the spiritual objects themselves; everyone was exchanging the items they had.

However, the focus of today's transactions is no longer limited to spiritual items, but rather on ordering specific types of talismans according to one's own needs.

This means that, in addition to talismans, there are various elixirs, magical artifacts, and other items.

Even various intelligence reports, and in short, the different needs of the True Lords present, can become part of the transaction.

"How many talismans does Fellow Daoist Momei need?"

The elder among the three white-bearded immortals, who was most skilled in making talismans, spoke up: "I started preparing wind-fixing talismans after the twelfth lunar month last year, and I have prepared more than thirty so far."

"All the spiritual objects used have been carefully selected to ensure that they are absolutely full of spiritual energy."

"If you are still worried, we can conduct a practical test later and decide after seeing the effect."

Upon hearing this, Mo Mei Zhenjun immediately nodded: "That's fine then, I'll agree on a share of five."

"Once we test it with the other fellow Daoists tonight and confirm it's correct, we'll complete the transaction on the spot."

Although the White-Bearded Three Immortals' skills are always excellent, we still have to try this kind of thing first.

Of course, to avoid meaningless losses, and also considering that the other True Lords must have the same needs.

Therefore, they often wait until all the monks who need the supplies have reserved their quotas before going together to test the test.

Firstly, having enough manpower makes testing more convenient and reliable.

With so many eyes watching, there's no room for the slightest flaw.

Secondly, centralized testing only requires one talisman, which is the most economical option for both parties.

Thirdly, talismans that have undergone rigorous testing are not only safe for users to carry, but also for sellers, effectively preventing disputes and damage to reputation afterward.

It can be said that such centralized testing is a win-win-win situation.

Sure enough, many True Lords followed suit, expressing that they also needed the Wind-Fixing Talisman.

The thirty-odd tickets prepared in advance were not enough to go around, so we made a reservation.

Moreover, not only talismans, but also elixirs that can quickly restore true energy, stimulate its circulation, and rapidly suppress injuries are in short supply for combat.

Of course, some people have special circumstances.

For example, Lord Canye's needs are different: "The Jade Leaf Merchant Guild will acquire shops in prime locations in major markets over the next few decades."

"If any fellow Daoist's disciples wish to sell their land deeds, they are welcome to consider us."

"Today, I mainly need to trouble everyone to help me spread the news."

"This favor wasn't done for nothing; it's a way for me to repay everyone's kindness. Next time, for any fellow Daoists who come to me for business, I'll give them an extra 10% discount."

Upon hearing this, everyone readily agreed with smiles.

For them, it's just a matter of a single sentence.

However, for the Jade Leaf Merchant Guild, this was an important promotional opportunity, as it boosted their reputation in the Storm Sea through the words of various True Lords.

And that’s not all.

The favor that Lord Canye gave was also quite interesting.

He only said that if anyone came to him for business next time, he would be willing to give up 10% of the profit.

It sounds like everyone is getting a good deal and making extra money for no reason.

But in Xiao Chen's ears, it was just like a promotional event for new customers.

The key point is that once this transaction occurs, the difference lies in whether you make a lot of money or a little.

It may seem like they gained a favor for nothing, but in reality, using that favor was what truly benefited the Fei Ye Merchant Guild.

Lord Canye is not afraid of everyone going; on the contrary, he is afraid that everyone will not go.

Xiao Chen realized that this person was indeed very shrewd, befitting a businessman.

Next, the variety of different demands was truly eye-opening.

Some people hope to repair the damaged magical artifacts, while others hope to replicate the old array bases.

Some people hope to gain insights into the cultivation of a certain secret technique, while others hope to have someone guide their closed-door disciple for a period of time.

Some people also hope to obtain specific types of monster materials.

Even if it's just a clue about a powerful demon appearing, he can go and catch the demon himself.

In addition, people were not only talking about recent events, but also about things several years or even decades from now.

For example, Lord Lieque stated that, based on the information he possessed...

Approximately sixteen years from now, 800,000 miles south of the Divine Sword Pavilion, a sword-crafting ruin will be opened.

I hope to find someone skilled in exploration techniques to search for treasure together.

The terms offered were also very generous: "In addition to two mid-grade fourth-tier spiritual items as the basic reward."

"For every sword-related spiritual item he brings out from the ruins, he can give other spiritual items of equal value as spoils to share with his companions."

To be honest, even Xiao Chen was tempted by these conditions.

Unfortunately, sixteen years is clearly too long.

He himself didn't know where he would be sixteen years from now, nor did he know what the situation would be like then.

Naturally, he couldn't accept such an invitation.

After a while, it was Xiao Chen's turn.

Actually, there is no set order for the exchange session; everyone is free to speak.

However, after the first round yesterday, everyone accepted that order.

The subsequent two rounds of exhibitions, including today's public tender, have all followed the same pattern.

"What I need is the same as yesterday."

Xiao Chen reiterated: "Any spiritual object that helps in comprehending the Great Dao of Wood, or that helps in cultivating spells, can be traded."

"I'm open to negotiating prices and such."

"If we're going to exchange spirit items, we'll probably have to discuss it. There are some spirit items that I might not even have. Anyway, we'll discuss it."

"If you're willing to settle in spirit stones, I can offer an extra 20% premium as compensation."

For Xiao Chen, a problem that can be solved with spirit stones is not a problem.

At least at this exchange meeting, there shouldn't be many True Monarchs who are richer than him, even if you include their sects.

The only uncertain factor is the faction to which those two mysterious True Monarchs belong.

“Fellow Daoist Xiao, I happen to have a lotus with dripping green leaves.”

Upon hearing this, True Lord Qingxiao immediately said, "When refining the lotus leaf, one can perceive the vitality of wood, purification, and other aspects."

"what do you think?"

As he spoke, he took out a special lotus flower with a vibrant green center and bright red surrounding leaves.

Generally speaking, cultivators will consider the properties of spiritual items when purchasing them. For example, even if they are all studying the Great Dao of Wood, there are different specializations such as resilience, regeneration, purification, and unique poisons.

The reason why they seem not to be so picky most of the time is actually because they really have no choice but to use spirits of the same attribute to make up the numbers.

"I'm not picky about this, I'm fine with anything."

Xiao Chen merely glanced at it before smiling: "I wonder what Fellow Daoist Qingxiao is planning to exchange for?"

It's important to understand that as long as it's a wood-attribute spiritual object, even if the direction is slightly different, the only difference is the strength of the effect.

Other cultivators might mind this more.

After all, they have limited resources, so they definitely have to be selective.

But for Xiao Chen, it doesn't matter if the effect is weak; if the quality is not good enough, he can make up for it with quantity.

Any spiritual object that can help him comprehend the Great Dao of Wood is one he needs.

If you can find it, just buy it.

"My emerald green lotus with red leaves is perfectly preserved, with roots and leaves intact, and it is also quite spiritual."

Upon hearing this, True Lord Qingxiao immediately boasted, "Especially since it contains a certain amount of purifying power."

"If it can be used in certain prescriptions, it can have a remarkable therapeutic or cleansing effect."

"If we find a suitable buyer, we could easily sell it for a million or so spirit stones."

"I won't ask for much today, just ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones, which will belong to you, fellow Daoist."

He boasted for a long time, but in the end, he only opened a million spirit stones.

Xiao Chen blinked upon hearing this, and paused slightly in surprise.

Then he realized that he might not have attended any auctions in the Storm Sea before.

It seems he hasn't done any big business dealings either.

It should be noted that Xiao Chen had already spent one million spirit stones acquiring wood-type Dao-nurturing crystals when he was in the Compassionate Sea.

Although the stones used here are of medium grade, it's normal for a medicinal herb to be a bit more expensive.

In other words, he was prepared to spend this many spirit stones, and even thought that he wouldn't mind if it were a little more expensive.

As the saying goes, "A thousand pieces of gold are spent to buy a horse's bones."

If Xiao Chen acts generously, other cultivators might be tempted.

In this way, people who originally didn't want to sell spiritual items might be tempted by the high price.

On the surface, it seems that he lost some spirit stones because he paid a high price.

In reality, money is just an external thing; the right way is to quickly acquire key spiritual items to improve one's cultivation.

Besides, most of these spirit stones were accumulated by the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect, so they don't feel bad spending them.

Therefore, after regaining his senses, Xiao Chen readily agreed: "No problem, ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones!"

He then took out the spirit stones and completed the transaction on the spot.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, I happen to have a bottle of Nourishing Heart Dew with me."

Upon seeing this, True Lord Lieque's eyes lit up, and he immediately took out a jade bottle: "This dew was obtained by chance one hundred and twenty years ago when I was searching for treasure in the secret realm."

"After further investigation, it was found that it was a special spiritual liquid made by collecting the dew of flowers in all four seasons and then refining it with fourth-order spiritual items such as the Mind-Boosting Grass and the Mind-Awakening Fruit."

"Just one drop is enough to greatly enhance one's spiritual sense over the next three hours."

"It can be used for magical combat, and it can also indirectly enhance the effect of magical cultivation."

"If taken repeatedly, it can also promote a relatively slow growth of spiritual consciousness."

After praising the effects, True Monarch Lieque rolled his eyes and then offered a price: "This bottle of Nourishing Heart Dew is yours for only eight thousand mid-grade spirit stones."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen nodded almost without hesitation: "Deal!"

As I said before, I don't mind if it's a little more expensive, as long as it works.

As he took out spirit stones to make the transaction, he glanced at the other True Lords present out of the corner of his eye.

I'm such an easy-going person who almost never haggles, aren't you tempted?

Especially for those who have wood-type enlightenment spiritual items, what are you still hesitating for?

Hurry up and take your things out.

“Fellow Daoist Xiao, I do have two wood-elemental Dao-enriching crystals here.”

Suspended Blade True Monarch tentatively asked, "I just don't know how many spirit stones you are willing to offer."

He hadn't originally planned to sell the Dao-Nourishing Crystal, since as a major sect, it was hard to guarantee that disciples with wood-elemental roots wouldn't emerge in the future.

Therefore, this kind of thing is generally not sold to the public.

But today is different. If we can exchange them for mid-grade spirit stones at a high price, this deal doesn't seem like a bad one.

Firstly, both of these are hard currencies.

Secondly, with the spirit stones, we can use them to repurchase two more wood-type Dao-infused crystals in the future.

By going back and forth, even though it might take decades or even a hundred years, it's like easily making a pure profit of spirit stones.

Considering that it generally takes a sect at least a hundred years to cultivate a celestial seedling.

That's like saying you'd be lucky to make money if you didn't.

After weighing the pros and cons, True Monarch Suspended Blade changed his mind and took out the wood-type Dao-enriching crystal he had on hand.

"I'm easy to talk to, the key is how much you want to sell it for?"

Xiao Chen countered, "I've always been a decisive person. As long as the price is reasonable, we can close the deal immediately."

These words were not only spoken to Lord Suspended Blade, but also to the other Lords.

"In that case, how about we price these two wood-elemental Dao-nurturing crystals at 18,000 mid-grade spirit stones?"

Suspended Blade True Lord weighed the options for a moment, and then offered what he considered a high price.

"no problem!"

Xiao Chen smiled and nodded: "Then let's do as you suggest, fellow Daoist."

The two paid the money and delivered the goods.

Finally, even the other True Lords were somewhat tempted.

And so transactions began one after another.

Soon after, Xiao Chen gave him 8,000 mid-grade spirit stones, 11,000 mid-grade spirit stones, 18,000 mid-grade spirit stones, and a piece of Floating Cloud Jade.

I purchased and exchanged two wood-type enlightenment spiritual items and three wood-type cultivation crystals.

This can be described as a very fruitful outcome.

With so many spiritual items, comprehending the Great Dao of Wood will surely be much smoother.

It could even be said that it is already sufficient in terms of understanding the Great Dao, or in terms of the foundation for advancement.

It is foreseeable that this aspect will at least not become a weakness when making breakthroughs.

Therefore, the next step is to focus on the path of Dharma cultivation.

Xiao Chen can now focus his attention and energy on breaking through to a higher realm, and make more preparations in advance to increase his chances of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage.

It is worth mentioning that not all cultivators participated in the public bidding process.

For example, Xiang Yiyang, as well as those two mysterious True Lords, all chose to give up.

The former mainly did not want to reveal the recent movements of the Flame-Playing Faction.

The latter simply couldn't be bothered to participate, since they had better options for alchemy, artifact crafting, and talisman arrays.

They seemed to have almost no reaction to Xiao Chen's high-priced acquisition of spiritual objects.

However, if someone observes closely, they will find that although they seem casual, they actually watched the entire transaction process carefully and took notes on all the spiritual items that Xiao Chen obtained.

To put it bluntly, they're just pretending not to care.

Similar to yesterday's exchange session, the open bidding process also consisted of three rounds.

Aside from the first round, which was mostly preparation for the Vast Ocean Secret Realm.

The demands raised in the latter two rounds also changed considerably.

Surprisingly, the greatest demand was for various Nascent Soul Pills, as well as other rare and precious materials that could help Golden Core cultivators break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Not only the Jinxia Sect needs it, but even the Zhaixing Sword Pavilion, which just had a disciple break through, the Qinghe Temple, which is preparing to enter the world, and the Qingping Sword Master, who is a rogue cultivator, are all trying to buy it at high prices.

Everyone was somewhat surprised after they realized this.

Some people are wondering if the Star-Picking Sword Pavilion has any disciples with outstanding potential.
Some people are also wondering, who is the Sword Master of Qingping, a rogue cultivator, preparing for?
In addition, Xiang Yiyang's expression was somewhat grave.

He clearly didn't want to see Qinghe Temple grow stronger, but since the other party was offering a high price, there must already be at least one exceptionally talented young immortal in the temple.

This was clearly bad news for the Nongyan Sect, which was plotting to compete with Qinghe Temple for the Wuguang Sea.

They will have to take into account the possibility that the other side could produce a new Nascent Soul in a short period of time.

Amidst everyone's various thoughts, the second segment came to a close.

Although a memorial feast and song and dance performance were prepared today as well.

However, because many True Lords went together to test the effects of the Wind-Fixing Talisman, the banquet hall became much quieter.

So I ate something symbolically, just to satisfy my craving.

Xiao Chen then arrived at the courtyard that had been specially renovated and temporarily assigned to him.

Then he began to recall the mental techniques and formulas of the "Golden Light Wind-Fixing Technique".

Today, reminded by the Wind-Fixing Talisman, he realized that he should also start preparing for the opening of the Vast Ocean Secret Realm.

Xiao Chen had already decided not to prepare anything like a spirit umbrella or a wind-fixing talisman.

Instead, he solved the problem by practicing the "Golden Light Wind-Stabilizing Technique".

It's not because he's unwilling to spend money; it's simply because with the Hextech enhancement, if he can master support spells, the effects will undoubtedly be stronger.

Anyway, this thing only requires getting to the basics, it's not too much trouble.

Now that I've remembered this matter, I'll try to get it sorted out within the next day or two.

And it was quite a coincidence, actually.

Xiao Chen had just obtained three wind-element Dao-nurturing crystals from the Yin Corpse Sect's storeroom.

With this, the most difficult hurdle—comprehension of the Great Dao—is no longer a problem.

In addition, he rummaged through his storage ring and successfully found several wind-type spiritual items among the hundreds of fourth-tier spiritual items he had accumulated.

In this way, everything can be said to be ready.

As the night passed, before 9 a.m., Xiao Chen was already able to stumble and struggle to perform the "Golden Light Wind-Fixing Technique".

I'm just one step away from fully mastering this spell.

Next, just take some time to practice a few more times and familiarize yourself with it, and you can consider it done.

(End of this chapter)