C21 It Was Enough to Kill a Person

Ten stalks worth 10,000 Spirit Stones?

I sold over 130 to that old man—what was I thinking?

Can a single herb truly command a price of 1,000 Spirit Stones?

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you may not realize is that these herbs are extraordinary. As you know, most herbs are annuals, and even those nurtured by a spiritual spring rarely exceed a lifespan of one to two years. Now, take a look at these ten stalks of Spirit Herbs."

The host gestured, and the Spirit Herbs materialized on the display. "These aren't just one or two years old. These are thirty-year-old Spirit Herbs. Tell me, aren't they valuable?"

"They are!"

The crowd erupted in excitement.

"Exactly, they're beyond valuable. These aren't mere Spirit Herbs; they're Immortal Herbs, divine elixirs granted to us by the heavens. The auction for the thirty-year-old Purple Spirit Flowers starts at 1,000 Spirit Stones."

Damn, they're not auctioning them all at once but one by one. What price will these ten stalks of Spirit Herbs fetch in the end?

Ning Xiaofan wasn't enraged or heartbroken. To him, these Spirit Herbs were mere weeds. His garden was full of them, some even older than these, and their age was increasing by the day.

"I'll take it for 1,500!"

"1,600!"

With each bid, Ning Xiaofan felt as though he was bleeding money. Were they really that valuable?

It was too pricey. For the first time, he wished his possessions were cheaper.

"Thirty-year-old Hundred Fragrance Grass, starting at 1,000 Spirit Stones."

"1,200!"

The bleeding continued.

"Qianji Leaf..."

His heart ached.

"Dragonbone Herb..."

The bleeding wouldn't stop.

"And now, the most precious of the lot, the thirty-year-old Xiangshan Ginseng, starting at 3,000 Spirit Stones."

Drip, drip!

My God! Why are they so expensive? Please, no!

"5,000!"

Ning Xiaofan spat out blood and collapsed.

After the ten Spirit Herbs were auctioned off, he was so incensed he nearly jumped up and cursed. Damn this East Zhou Kingdom, the Divine Herb Sect, and Dan Hee—nothing but swindlers, all of them stealing my Spirit Stones.

Amidst Ning Xiaofan's reluctant gaze, the final Spirit Herb was auctioned off, totaling a sale of 22,000 Spirit Stones.

Ah!

He took a moment to compose himself. What on earth was this?

With just ten Spirit Herbs, he had managed to recoup his costs. He had invested a total of 26,000 Spirit Stones, and the frustration was burning him up.

Once the auction of the ten herbs concluded, the auctioneer announced, "These ten herbs have been provided by Dan Hee of the East Zhou Divine Herb Sect. Should you require more, please reach out to him. Rumor has it he still has a few in his possession. Those interested should seek him out directly."

Dan Hee, you scoundrel, you absolute jerk! How dare you deceive me? Just wait until I gain more power. I swear, I'll head to the East Zhou Kingdom and demand justice.

Ning Xiaofan only allowed himself to mutter these curses under his breath, knowing he was no match for the other man.

"The next lot is a Grade Three Spiritual Pill that promises to enhance strength. The seller claims it can amplify strength tenfold, though the exact details are unclear. The pill's effects must be seen firsthand, as there's no guarantee of a cure."

Before the auctioneer could finish, the crowd erupted into a frenzy.

"A Grade Three medicinal pill!"

"Wasn't there mention of a Retaining Youth Pill earlier?"

"A Grade Three spiritual pill, that's a fine item, but what's the price?"

The auctioneer, arms raised, interjected, "Please, let me finish. This pill's effects are subpar and it has limited utility."

Silence swept over the crowd. Impossible! Could a Grade Three medicinal pill really be worthless?

"This pill is indeed a top-tier Grade Three Spiritual Pill. The opening bid for the Powerful Pill is 50,000 Spirit Stones."

Ning Xiaofan couldn't help feeling like a charlatan. How did it become the Powerful Pill? Wasn't it supposed to be the Strength Pill?

Whatever it was called, it didn't matter to him. He just wanted to see if anyone would bid.

"51,000." The bid came from none other than Dan Hee.

Simultaneously, a voice from the second floor of the auction house rang out, "Dan Hee, so you've arrived."

"Hey, Yao Lao, you made it too!"

"I had to come," replied an elderly man in white as he approached from backstage.

"What brings you into the fray?"

"I've got 100,000 ready. How about you two?"

"I'm also at 100,000. What's Dan Hee's count?"

"I've got 100 fresh herb stalks. Guess how many Spirit Stones that makes?"

"Get lost!"

"Fine, I'm done competing. Yao Lao, Elder Feng, it's between you two now. I've already had a substantial haul today."

"That jerk, Dan Hee!" Ning Xiaofan glared daggers at Dan Hee from within the crowd.

"Kid, no need to get heated. That token you snagged is worth a bundle."

Ning Xiaofan was taken aback. So, they'd been watching his every move. What level of cultivation did this person have? To transmit his voice so precisely amidst the crowd and recognize him despite his changed appearance was nothing short of incredible!

"Yao Lao, let's do this—I'll place the bid, and we can research it together."

"Fine! You've got some sense."

"Sold for 100,000 Spirit Stones to Elder Feng!"

With a final gavel strike, the deal was sealed!

This is no auction; it's more like a family affair!

A casual conversation and the price was set. Ning Xiaofan was still reeling from the 100,000 Spirit Stones. Just 80,000 more and he'd break even; anything beyond that was pure profit.

"Ding! Congratulations, Master, your Charisma is on the rise..."

What's happening? Was it because of the pill sale?

"Next up is a Grade Three Longevity Pill, theoretically adding fifty years to one's life. It's a mid-tier Grade Three due to its lower quality, so let's start the bidding at 100,000 Spirit Stones."

Truly, the largest auction house on the Rosefinch Continent was a gathering of the wealthy. 100,000 Spirit Stones for a pill!

Another Grade Three pill, yet with lesser quality, still commands a high price. But then, it's all about the effects—this one promises to extend life.

Ultimately, the medicine pill was purchased for 110,000 Spirit Stones. It's hard to say whose life it might prolong, but the impact of someone living an extra year could far outweigh the value of 110,000 Spirit Stones, especially since this pill could extend life by at least twenty to thirty years.

In the grand scheme of things, life renders all else trivial. Ning Xiaofan was about to muse on this when the auctioneer's voice cut through his thoughts.

"We've reached the final pill offering, the highlight of our auction—the Grade Three Retaining Youth Pill."

A hush fell over the crowd, their breaths held in anticipation. The previously auctioned Longevity Extending Pill couldn't hold a candle to this. Strange, isn't it? Not at all. The desire for beauty is universal.

"The opening bid for the Retaining Youth Pill is just 1 Spirit Stone. Let's begin!"

I can't believe it—my own medicine pill starting at such a price! Are they trying to infuriate me to death? It's practically a giveaway!

"Wow, just one Spirit Stone? I can definitely afford that." That thought crossed many minds, but only one youth watched the proceedings in silence, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes betraying a hint of mischief.

Ning Xiaofan was well aware that the Retaining Youth Pill wouldn't sell for less than 100,000 Spirit Stones. The auction house wouldn't take a loss on such a valuable item.

"I bid 10,000 Spirit Stones!"

"Already at 10,000 Spirit Stones?"

"Whose pill is this, I wonder?"

"If I had a pill like that, I'd be set for life!"

Everyone gazed skyward, lost in their own musings.

The auction hall buzzed with chatter, yet the voice from the stage overpowered all else.

"I bid 50,000 Spirit Stones."

That voice emanated from Tianyu Pavilion.

"60,000 Spirit Stones."

"70,000 Spirit Stones."

...

"Ding! Congratulations, Master! Your Charisma has increased..."

More Charisma points? "System, what's my Charisma score now?"

"Master, your Charisma stands at 12 points."

Impressive! It seems the more people there are, the more points I get. Just like that, another 12 points.

In the end, it was Shen Yu who inquired about the Retaining Youth Pill and took it home for a total of 210,000 Spirit Stones—surpassing even what he'd spent on the magical treasure fragment.

Ning Xiaofan's eyes sparkled with excitement. He had just spent 210,000 Spirit Stones, and with the 100,000 from the Powerful Pills and his own 20,000, his total came to 330,000, minus the 180,000 he had spent. That left him with a hefty sum of 150,000 Spirit Stones.

The auction had been quite the experience. With a flicker of his token, he scanned it with his Spiritual Sense and confirmed the neat stack of 150,000 Spirit Stones inside.

150,000 Spirit Stones! I'm wealthy now!

The ability to transfer Spirit Stones remotely into the auction house was nothing short of incredible!

Such a feat, even in a technological society, would be unthinkable. Truly remarkable!

Clutching the token, Ning Xiaofan stepped out of the auction hall. With his Spirit Stone supply replenished, his primary objective now was to make a swift exit.

As he turned, his gaze caught an ancient map in the hands of the auctioneer, Feng Ling, which seemed to shimmer momentarily.

"System, appraise this!"

"Affirmative, Master. Appraisal underway! One skill point expended."

Skill points were in good shape, certainly more robust than Cultivation Points.

"Appraisal complete. Ordinary Pill Recipe with a hidden compartment containing a century-old piece of paper."

"What's on the paper?"

"It's too distant to discern."

For the system to deem it an ordinary Pill Recipe meant it was still a decent medicinal concoction.

"The bidding for the Beast Blood Pill Recipe starts at 1,500 Spirit Stones."

Without waiting for anyone else to bid, Ning Xiaofan called out an offer of 2,000 Spirit Stones. The room fell silent. Had he overpaid?

No further bids came, and with a definitive strike of the hammer, the deal was sealed.

Handing over 2,000 Spirit Stones, he secured the item, planning to examine it later.

For Ning Xiaofan, 2,000 Spirit Stones wasn't much, but for the average cultivator, it was a fortune.

With so many Spirit Stones in his storage space, he felt almost overwhelmed by his newfound wealth.

His current mission was clear: head home without making any more purchases for himself, Fanh Yichen, or Lin Bo. The main concern was his low level; acquiring too many valuable items could easily draw unwanted attention.

Ning Xiaofan made a beeline for the Transfer Stone as he exited the venue, but upon reaching the market entrance, the usual snack vendors had been replaced by throngs of furious people.

What in the world was happening?

To his surprise, the person drawing attention in the crowd was none other than Shen Yu, the young master of Tianyu Pavilion!

Why on earth was Shen Yu here?

Ning Xiaofan noticed the guards weren't just standing around; they were inspecting the storage spaces of passersby. Unless someone had an exceptionally strong cultivation and could intimidate them with a mere show of force, they were expected to open up their storage space.

Two individuals who resisted were quickly subdued by the guards' magic, and the rest fell in line.

With Tianyu Pavilion flexing its muscle, what was Ning Xiaofan to do?

Should he force his way through?

That was a no-go; his shield might hold up briefly, but with most of the guards being Foundation Establishment cultivators, he'd be walking into certain doom.

What to do?

Stall for time!

True to form, Ning Xiaofan was as quick to retreat as he was to arrive. He spun on his heel and headed back to the auction house. Weren't they holding the auction over two days?

There had to be accommodations for the night. He could worry about tomorrow later; for now, he'd take a moment to relax.

Reentering the hall, he caught the attention of a young girl with a wave.

"Sir, how may I assist you?"

"Do you have accommodations here?"

"Yes, it's a hundred Spirit Stones for one night."

"Fine, lead the way."

Whether it was a hundred, a thousand, or even ten thousand Spirit Stones, Ning Xiaofan was ready to part with them.

Better to spend a bit now than face certain death outside.

Circling the auction house, he was greeted by a series of small courtyards.

Approaching the first one, the girl said, "Sir, please come with me."

Inside, two stewards rose to greet him. "Sir, do you require a room to rest?"

"Yes, I do."

"We offer upper, middle, and lower-grade guest rooms. Which would you prefer?"

"What are the prices?"

"One thousand for Upper Grade, five hundred for Middle Grade, and one hundred for Lower Grade Spirit Stones."

"This is one thousand Spirit Stones."

With a flash of light in Ning Xiaofan's hand, one thousand Spirit Stones materialized on the table, leaving the three onlookers momentarily taken aback.

"Very well, sir. Here is your key."

"Young miss, you'll be attending to the master. Ensure that all his needs are met, whatever they may be."

The young girl's cheeks flushed with a timid "Yes."

"Please hold on for just a moment, Master."

The steward, aware of the young girl's task, gestured to Ning Xiaofan to wait briefly.

With a nod, the young girl quickly scurried off.