Chapter 48: The Auction

In the cave dwelling's meditation room, Lin Tianming sat cross-legged on a cushion, using his spiritual sense to inspect the contents of his storage bag.

Today's stall setup was fruitful. He sold eleven bottles of Qi Refining Pills for 286 spirit stones, the pair of Heaven-shaking Hammers for 180 spirit stones, and nearly all of his low-grade spiritual herbs for 54 spirit stones. Only seven or eight common herbs remained unsold. In total, he earned 520 spirit stones from today's sales.

Counting his earnings, Lin Tianming recalled the 1,000 spirit stones given to him by Lin Shigong for crafting the Earth Shattering Sword, which he had not yet returned. With his own savings, his storage bag now held over 1,700 spirit stones, a substantial sum that made him smile with the satisfaction of a wealthy man.

While setting up his stall, Xin Qing mentioned an auction in three days, featuring many rare items. Lin Tianming, having plenty of spirit stones and sufficient pills, decided to attend and see what treasures he could find.

With three days until the auction, he decided to test the effects of his high-grade Qi Refining Pills. He took one and began cultivating.

As the pill dissolved in his mouth, he quickly activated his technique, refining the potent medicinal energy. The energy spread throughout his body, eventually settling in his dantian.

After half a year without using any pills, his cultivation had stagnated. The influx of spiritual energy felt like a refreshing rain after a long drought, invigorating Lin Tianming.

Time passed, and within half an hour, the intense pain from his cultivation technique nearly made him numb. He took a Body Tempering Pill to alleviate the pain. Moments later, the sharp pain subsided, and he felt normal again.

Without the Body Tempering Pill's assistance, the pain from his technique would be unbearable for most. The cost of the various pills required for this cultivation method was exorbitant, making it inaccessible for most cultivators. It was no wonder this technique had been lost over time.

The medicinal power of the Qi Refining Pill flowed into his dantian, rapidly absorbed by his spiritual sea. His cultivation level, stagnant for half a year, began to slowly rise. Though still some distance from reaching the eighth level of Qi Refining, he was closer than before.

With the Body Tempering Pill aiding his cultivation, Lin Tianming continued refining the potent medicinal power without fear. Over two days, he fully refined the Qi Refining Pill, surprised by its effectiveness. The pills made with the Five-Colored Eye had 20% more potency than usual, making them truly exceptional.

The Body Tempering Pill not only eased the pain but also strengthened his body, gradually increasing his physical strength. Given time, his body alone could rival the power of magical tools.

After three days of cultivation, Lin Tianming emerged from his cave, his aura steady and robust. He walked towards the most magnificent building in the eastern district of the market—the auction hall.

On the way, he saw many cultivators heading in the same direction, all aiming to participate in the auction.

In less than half an hour, Lin Tianming arrived at the grand hall, a five-story building covering thousands of square meters. This was the largest building in the market—the auction hall.

The auction hall had different floors for different levels of cultivators. The first floor was for Qi Refining stage cultivators, the second for Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, and the third for Core Formation stage cultivators' private transactions. The functions of the fourth and fifth floors were unknown.

The auction hall held several auctions each month, offering only average items. Only during the grand gatherings were all floors opened, showcasing treasures even Foundation Establishment stage cultivators coveted.

A long line of cultivators, stretching several dozen meters, awaited entry into the hall. Most were at least at the fifth level of Qi Refining, with two Foundation Establishment cultivators visibly present. Many others, in disguise, likely sought the coveted Foundation Establishment Pill.

Lin Tianming joined the line, moving forward slowly.

At the entrance, a Qi Refining stage cultivator in True Sun Sect attire collected the entry fee. Ordinary seats on the first floor cost three spirit stones each, while private rooms cost twenty spirit stones and could accommodate up to four people.

Lin Tianming decided on a private room. Though more expensive, his wealth could afford it. The privacy and protection offered by the room's restrictions were worth the cost, considering his family's sensitive matters.

When it was his turn, Lin Tianming handed over twenty spirit stones. The True Sun Sect cultivator gave him a token marked with a number, and a charming female cultivator led him to his private room.

The female cultivator, in her early twenties with a seductive appearance and figure, wore green robes. She was at the third level of Qi Refining, indicating a difficult path for female rogue cultivators without talent or backing. They often resorted to menial tasks or serving as concubines or cauldrons for stronger cultivators.

Noticing Lin Tianming's willingness to pay for a private room, the female cultivator saw an opportunity for a generous tip. She led him, swaying her hips provocatively, nearly causing a reaction from the still-virgin Lin Tianming.

He steadied his mind, following her to a room marked with the number 46. Confirming the number matched his token, he entered the room, with the female cultivator following to serve tea.

As time passed, fewer cultivators entered the hall. The main area was filled, with hundreds of seats arranged in five rows around a central platform. Above the main area, dozens of private rooms surrounded the platform, each protected by restrictive spells.

Lin Tianming sipped his tea, waiting patiently for the auction to begin.

Half an hour later, the stone doors of the first floor entrance closed, and the once noisy hall fell silent.