liǎng qiān jīng shí ！
两千晶石！
Two thousand crystal stones!
zhè ge shù mù bào chū lái yǐ hòu ， zhòng rén miàn miàn xiāng qù ， mò rán bù yǔ ， suī rán zuò wèi níng dān qī xiū shì ， zhè ge shù mù kěn dìng rén rén dōu ná dé chū lái ， dàn yī zhāng dì jiē zhōng jí de líng fú ér yǐ ， bù lùn cóng nǎ ge fāng miàn kàn ， sì hū dōu tài guì le yī xiē 。
这个数目报出来以后，众人面面相觑，默然不语，虽然做为凝丹期修士，这个数目肯定人人都拿得出来，但一张地阶中级的灵符而已，不论从哪个方面看，似乎都太贵了一些。
After this amount was announced, everyone exchanged puzzled glances and remained silent. Although as a Core Formation Stage cultivator, everyone could certainly afford such a sum, the price of just one Intermediate Rank Earth-level Spirit Talisman seemed too steep from any angle.
méi yǒu rén yuàn yì dāng yuān dà tóu ， gèng hé kuàng jiāo yì huì cái gāng gāng kāi shǐ ， kěn dìng shì yuè dào hòu miàn ， dōng xī yuè jiā zhēn guì ， gù ér xiū shì men dōu wǔ jǐn zì jǐ de hé bāo ， bù yuàn yì qīng yì chū shǒu 。
没有人愿意当冤大头，更何况交易会才刚刚开始，肯定是越到后面，东西越加珍贵，故而修士们都捂紧自己的荷包，不愿意轻易出手。
No one wanted to be the sucker, especially since the auction had only just begun. The items would likely become more precious as time went on, so the cultivators kept their wallets tightly shut and were reluctant to part with anything easily.
shēn wèi yí dài zhǎng mén ， kū mù zhēn rén yě hěn chén dé zhù qì ， liǎn shàng bìng méi yǒu shén me shī wàng zhī sè ， shēn shǒu yī zhāo ， nà kōng kōng de mù hé jiù fēi huí dào le tā de shǒu lǐ ， zhèng yào jiāng líng fú zhuāng rù 。
身为一代掌门，枯木真人也很沉得住气，脸上并没有什么失望之色，伸手一招，那空空的木盒就飞回到了他的手里，正要将灵符装入。
As a First Generation Sect Leader, Immortal True Man Kūmù also remained calm, showing no signs of disappointment. He waved his hand, and an empty wooden box flew back into his hands. Just as he was about to place the spirit talisman inside:
“ qián bèi ， kě fǒu jiāng líng fú gěi wǎn bèi yī guān ？”
“前辈，可否将灵符给晚辈一观？”
"Senior, may I have a look at this spirit talisman?"
yī qīng lǎng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， kū mù zhēn rén tái qǐ tóu ， jiù kàn jiàn yī xiàng mào píng fán de shào nián zǒu le guò lái ， bù lǚ wěn jiàn ， rán ér xiū wèi zhǐ yǒu zhù jī chū qī ér yǐ 。
一清朗的声音传入耳朵，枯木真人抬起头，就看见一相貌平凡的少年走了过来，步履稳健，然而修为只有筑基初期而已。
A clear voice rang out. Immortal True Man Kūmù looked up and saw a plain-looking youth walking over. Although his cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment First Stage, his steps were steady.
lüè lüè yǒu xiē yà yì ， dàn hěn kuài tā jiù huī fù le zhèng cháng de biǎo qíng ， dàn rán yī xiào ， jiāng líng fú xiàng lín xuān yī pāo 。
略略有些讶异，但很快他就恢复了正常的表情，淡然一笑，将灵符像林轩一抛。
Slightly surprised but quickly regaining composure, he smiled faintly and tossed the spirit talisman to Lin Xuan.
lí shǒu yǐ hòu ， nà fú huà wèi yī lǚ lǜ guāng ， fēi rù le lín xuān de shǒu zhǎng 。
离手以后，那符化为一缕绿光，飞入了林轩的手掌。
After it left his hand, the talisman transformed into a green light that flew into Lin Xuan's palm.
wò zài shǒu lǐ ， lín xuān yòng shén shí lüè lüè yī sǎo ， cǐ wù guǒ rán yǔ rén jiē de fú dà bù xiāng tóng ， chù gǎn róu ruǎn ， xiǎn rán shì shén me dōng xī de pí máo 。
握在手里，林轩用神识略略一扫，此物果然与人阶的符大不相同，触感柔软，显然是什么东西的皮毛。
Holding it in his hand, Lin Xuan used his divine sense to scan over it. Indeed, this item was vastly different from human-level talismans; its texture was soft and clearly made of some kind of animal skin.
lín xuān bìng bù gǎn dào jīng yà ， suī rán shì dì yī cì jiē chù dì jiē de líng fú ， dàn duì yú cǐ wù ， zǎo jiù liǎo jiě pǒ duō ， dì jiē fǎ shù wēi lì qiáng dà ， yùn hán de líng lì bǐ rén jiē de yào duō dé duō ， gù ér pǔ tōng de fú zhǐ gēn běn jiù méi yǒu bàn fǎ chéng zài ， bì xū yào yòng yāo shòu de pí máo zuò wèi zhì fú de cái liào 。
林轩并不感到惊讶，虽然是第一次接触地阶的灵符，但对于此物，早就了解颇多，地阶法术威力强大，蕴含的灵力比人阶的要多得多，故而普通的符纸根本就没有办法承载，必须要用妖兽的皮毛做为制符的材料。
Lin Xuan wasn't surprised. Although he had never encountered a Earth-level spirit talisman before, he knew quite a bit about them. Earth-level spells were incredibly powerful, containing much more essence energy than human-level ones, so ordinary paper couldn't bear the weight; it required the hide of a monster to make such a talisman.
lüè yī sī liáng ， lín xuān jiù cóng yāo jiān qǔ chū yí gè chǔ wù dài dì dào kū mù zhēn rén de shǒu zhōng ：“ qián bèi ， zhè zhāng líng fú wǒ yào le 。”
略一思量，林轩就从腰间取出一个储物袋递到枯木真人的手中：“前辈，这张灵符我要了。”
After some thought, Lin Xuan took out a storage pouch from his waist and handed it to Immortal True Man Kūmù. "Senior, I'll take this spirit talisman."
“ ń 。 xiǎo yǒu shōu hǎo 。”
“嗯。小友收好。”
"Ah. Young friend, keep it well."
lín xuān chóng xīn huí dào le piān pì dì jiǎo luò 。
林轩重新回到了偏僻地角落。
Lin Xuan returned to the secluded corner.
“ gōng xǐ dà gē 。 huò dé cǐ líng fú ！” tián xiǎo jiàn jǔ shǒu dào hè 。
“恭喜大哥。获得此灵符！”田小剑举手道贺。
"Congratulations, big brother! You've obtained this spirit talisman!" Tiǎo Xiǎojian raised his hand in celebration.
“ hē hē 。 xià miàn dì dōng xī wǒ men bù yí dìng mǎi de qǐ 。 zài xià zhǐ shì bù xiǎng kōng shǒu ér guī bà le 。” lín xuān kǒu bù yìng xīn dì shuō 。 zhì yú duì fāng xiāng bù xiāng xìn dào yě méi yǒu guān xì 。 fǎn zhèng dà jiā bù guò shì xū yǔ wēi yí 。
“呵呵。下面地东西我们不一定买得起。在下只是不想空手而归罢了。”林轩口不应心地说。至于对方相不相信倒也没有关系。反正大家不过是虚与委蛇。
"Haha. The items below might not be within our means. I just didn't want to return empty-handed," Lin Xuan said with a smile that didn't quite match his words. It mattered little whether the other party believed him; they were all just going through the motions anyway.
jiāo yì huì jì xù 。
交易会继续。
The auction continued.
suī rán biǎo miàn shàng bù dòng shēng sè 。 dàn néng jiāng líng fú mài chū 。 kū mù zhēn rén yě xīn xià pǒ xǐ 。 tā qū zhǐ yī dàn 。 yòu shì yī dào bái guāng fēi shè ér chū 。 jiāng dì èr gè hé gài dǎ kāi 。 zhè cì lǐ miàn chū xiàn dì què shì yī tòu míng dì píng zi 。 lǐ miàn zhuāng zhe xiǎo bàn píng dàn lán sè dì yè tǐ ……
虽然表面上不动声色。但能将灵符卖出。枯木真人也心下颇喜。他屈指一弹。又是一道白光飞射而出。将第二个盒盖打开。这次里面出现地却是一透明地瓶子。里面装着小半瓶淡蓝色地液体……
Although he remained calm on the surface, Immortal True Man Kūmù was secretly pleased to sell the spirit talisman. He flicked his fingers again and another white light shot out, opening the second box. This time, it contained a transparent bottle with a small amount of pale blue liquid inside...
rán hòu ， kū mù zhēn rén kāi shǐ jiè shào qǐ lái 。
然后，枯木真人开始介绍起来。
Then, Immortal True Man Kūmù began his introduction.
shí jiān liú shī dé fēi kuài ， hěn kuài rì tou yǐ jīng jiē jìn le zhèng wǔ ， tiān mù pài guǒ rán bù fán ， méi yǒu wǎng fèi zhū wèi níng dān qī gāo shǒu yuǎn dào ér lái ， hòu miàn ná chū lái dì dōng xī yuè lái yuè zhēn guì ， yǒu jǐ yàng shèn zhì ràng zài zuò de xiū shì zhēng qiǎng le qǐ lái 。
时间流失得飞快，很快日头已经接近了正午，天目派果然不凡，没有枉费诸位凝丹期高手远道而来，后面拿出来地东西越来越珍贵，有几样甚至让在座的修士争抢了起来。
Time passed quickly, and soon the sun was nearing noon. The Tianmu Sect truly lived up to its reputation; not for nothing had these Core Formation Stage experts traveled far. The items became increasingly precious, with a few even causing the cultivators present to vie for them.
lín xuān lěng yǎn páng guān ， rán ér xīn zhōng què yǒu xiē jiāo jí 。
林轩冷眼旁观，然而心中却有些焦急。
Lin Xuan observed coldly but felt some anxiety. Although Immortal True Man Kūmù had also shown two rare herbs from ancient times, which were now extinct, the Universal Appearance Grass still hadn't appeared. Lin Xuan couldn't help but think of a possibility: although the pharmacy owner claimed to have this herb on Mount Tianmu, what if he wasn't going to bring it out?
suī rán zhè guò chéng zhōng ， kū mù zhēn rén yě céng ná chū liǎng zhū zhēn guì de yào cái 。 dōu shì shàng gǔ shí qī pǒ wèi yǒu míng ， ér xiàn zài yǐ jīng jué jì zhī wù ， kě wàn xiàng cǎo què yì zhí méi yǒu chū xiàn 。 lín xuān bù yóu xiǎng dào le yī zhǒng kě néng 。 nà yào diàn lǎo bǎn suī rán shuō tiān mù shān yǒu cǐ wù ， kě wàn yī zhè cì duì fāng bìng bù dǎ suàn ná chū lái 。
虽然这过程中，枯木真人也曾拿出两株珍贵的药材。都是上古时期颇为有名，而现在已经绝迹之物，可万象草却一直没有出现。林轩不由想到了一种可能。那药店老板虽然说天目山有此物，可万一这次对方并不打算拿出来。
Would he have to ask for it directly?
nán dào yào zì jǐ kāi kǒu suǒ tǎo ？
难道要自己开口索讨？
It didn't matter whether his request would be granted; such an approach might backfire.
bù shuō néng fǒu rú yuàn ， zhè me zuò fǎn ér dà yǒu kě néng nòng qiǎo chéng zhuō 。
不说能否如愿，这么做反而大有可能弄巧成拙。
Lin Xuan pondered strategies in his mind but remained outwardly indifferent. He certainly didn't want this journey, which had been so arduous, to end with just a spirit talisman.
lín xuān zài xīn zhōng kǔ sī zhe duì cè ， dāng rán ， biǎo miàn shàng yī rán shì sī háo yě bù dòng shēng sè 。
林轩在心中苦思着对策，当然，表面上依然是丝毫也不动声色。
Regarding the Earth-level spirit talisman, two thousand crystal stones were indeed expensive, but Lin Xuan had heard of its miraculous uses before. Don't underestimate the power of concealment techniques; as they say, when all else fails, flee. This spirit talisman might save my life in critical moments!
tā kě bù xī wàng cǐ xíng fèi jǐn qiān xīn wàn kǔ ， què jǐn jǐn shì huàn huí yī zhāng fú 。
他可不希望此行费尽千辛万苦，却仅仅是换回一张符。
Lin Xuan always followed the principle that prudence was best. Having more options was always useful in the cultivation world.
shuō dào nà dì jiē líng fú ， liǎng qiān jīng shí què shí guì le xiē ， bù guò lín xuān yě céng jīng tīng wén “ shùn xī qiān lǐ ” miào yòng wú qióng 。
说到那地阶灵符，两千晶石确实贵了些，不过林轩也曾经听闻“瞬息千里”妙用无穷。
However, no matter how good this talisman was, he only bought it incidentally; his real goal was the Universal Appearance Grass.
qiān wàn bú yào xiǎo kàn le dùn fǎ ， sú huà shuō 。 sān shí liù jì ， zǒu wéi shàng jì ， zhè zhāng líng fú ， guān jiàn shí kè shuō bù dìng néng gòu jiù zì jǐ yī tiáo xiǎo mìng ó ！
千万不要小看了遁法，俗话说。三十六计，走为上计，这张灵符，关键时刻说不定能够救自己一条小命哦！
As the auction neared its end, although Immortal True Man Kūmù occasionally took out a few items from his pocket, they were mostly treasures, spirit artifacts, or alchemical materials like monster bones and hides. No more spirit herbs...
lín xuān xiàng lái shì fèng xíng xiǎo xīn wú dà cuò ， duō yī xiē hòu shǒu ， zài xiū zhēn jiè ， yǒng yuǎn shì yǒu yòng de 。
林轩向来是奉行小心无大错，多一些后手，在修真界，永远是有用的。
Hope was fading as Lin Xuan's brows furrowed slightly. Just then, while exchanging items with a Core Formation Stage中期 cultivator, Immortal True Man Kūmù suddenly twitched his white eyebrows and flashed an odd expression on his face. He hastily stowed the unexchanged treasure in his pocket and said, "Pardon me, a senior has arrived; I need to greet him."
rán ér cǐ fú zài hǎo ， yě jǐn jǐn shì shùn dài mǎi xià ， zì jǐ cǐ xíng de mù biāo 。 nǎi shì wàn xiàng cǎo 。
然而此符再好，也仅仅是顺带买下，自己此行的目标。乃是万象草。
With that, he didn't wait for the other cultivators' responses and darted out of the hall as a red light.
yǎn jiàn jiāo yì huì yǐ jīng jiē jìn le wěi shēng ， suī rán kū mù zhēn rén bù shí hái cóng huái zhōng ná chū yī liǎng jiàn wù pǐn ， dàn dōu shì xiē fǎ bǎo ， líng qì ， huò zhě liàn qì cái liào ， yāo shòu gǔ gé pí máo zhī lèi de dōng xī ， zài yě méi yǒu líng cǎo ……
眼见交易会已经接近了尾声，虽然枯木真人不时还从怀中拿出一两件物品，但都是些法宝，灵器，或者炼器材料，妖兽骨骼皮毛之类的东西，再也没有灵草……
Senior?
xī wàng yuè lái yuè miǎo máng ， lín xuān dì méi tóu ， rěn bú zhù qīng qīng zhòu le qǐ lái 。 rán ér jiù zài zhè shí 。 zhèng zài yǔ yī wèi níng dān zhōng qī xiū shì jiāo huàn wù pǐn de kū mù zhēn rén ， tū rán bái méi yī tiào 。 liǎn shàng shǎn guò yī sī gǔ guài de biǎo qíng ， cōng cōng jiāng shàng wèi jiāo huàn de fǎ bǎo shōu rù huái zhōng ， bào quán dào ：“ bào qiàn ， yǒu yī wèi qián bèi lái le ， zài xià xū yào qù yíng jiē yī xià 。”
希望越来越渺茫，林轩地眉头，忍不住轻轻皱了起来。然而就在这时。正在与一位凝丹中期修士交换物品的枯木真人，突然白眉一跳。脸上闪过一丝古怪的表情，匆匆将尚未交换的法宝收入怀中，抱拳道：“抱歉，有一位前辈来了，在下需要去迎接一下。”
Hearing this word, Lin Xuan's eyes widened in shock. Immortal True Man Kūmù was a Core Formation Stage expert at full maturity; anyone he called senior must be an婴 Stage monster!
shuō wán ， yě bù děng zhòng xiū shì de huí dá ， shēn xíng yī huǎng ， huà wèi yī dào hóng guāng ， cóng dà diàn fēi shè le chū lái 。
说完，也不等众修士的回答，身形一晃，化为一道红光，从大殿飞射了出来。
The presence of such a high-level cultivator here was beyond Lin Xuan's expectations. Once one entered the Incubation Stage, they were completely different beings who didn't need to participate in auctions; their required items would naturally be provided by disciples.
qián bèi ？
前辈？
Although this news was too shocking, Lin Xuan quickly regained his composure and looked around.
tīng dào zhè ge cí ， lín xuān jīng dé mù dèng kǒu dāi ， yào zhī dào kū mù zhēn rén kě shì níng dān qī dà yuán mǎn de xiū wèi ， nà me néng bèi tā chēng wéi qián bèi zhī rén …… qǐ bù shì yuán yīng qī de lǎo guài ？
听到这个词，林轩惊得目瞪口呆，要知道枯木真人可是凝丹期大圆满的修为，那么能被他称为前辈之人……岂不是元婴期的老怪？
Field Small Sword also had a puzzled expression, clearly shaken. While he was adept at concealing his emotions, the current display seemed genuine.
jū rán yǒu zhè zhǒng jí bié de xiū shì huì lái zhè lǐ ， shí zài shì dà dà chū hū le lín xuān de yì wài ， yào zhī dào xiū shì yí dàn bù rù le yuán yīng qī ， nà kě shì wán quán bù tóng dì cún zài ， gēn běn bù xū yào cān jiā jiāo yì huì ， suǒ xū de wù pǐn ， zì yǒu mén rén dì zǐ xiào jìng 。
居然有这种级别的修士会来这里，实在是大大出乎了林轩的意外，要知道修士一旦步入了元婴期，那可是完全不同地存在，根本不需要参加交易会，所需的物品，自有门人弟子孝敬。
As for Xu Hán, he clutched his fists tightly with an excited look on his face, and his gaze toward Lin Xuan and Field Small Sword contained thick hostility, even something akin to murderous intent.
suī rán zhè ge xiāo xī tài guò zhèn hàn ， dàn yǐ lín xuān de chéng fǔ ， hái shì hěn kuài jiù huí guò le shén lái ， tái tóu sǎo shì le zhōu wéi yī yǎn 。
虽然这个消息太过震撼，但以林轩的城府，还是很快就回过了神来，抬头扫视了周围一眼。
But I have no grudge against him. Despite his cleverness, Lin Xuan couldn't figure out the reason for Xu Hán's animosity in that moment.
zhǐ jiàn tián xiǎo jiàn biǎo qíng yě yǒu xiē máng rán ， tóng shí yě shí fēn zhèn hàn ， suī rán cǐ rén shàn yú wěi zhuāng ， dàn xiàn zài liú lù chū lái dì ， yīng gāi shì zhēn shí de qíng xù 。
只见田小剑表情也有些茫然，同时也十分震撼，虽然此人善于伪装，但现在流露出来地，应该是真实的情绪。
Of course, a Foundation Establishment cultivator wasn't worth his attention; he should keep an eye on the Core Formation Stage初期 cultivator next to Xu Hán, who shared a similar appearance but harbored the same hostility toward him.
ér nà xǔ hàn ， zé shuāng shǒu wò quán ， mǎn liǎn jīng xǐ ， ér qiě wàng xiàng zì jǐ yǔ tián xiǎo jiàn de mù guāng ， gèng jiā chōng mǎn le nóng nóng de dí yì ， shèn zhì kě yǐ shuō shì shā qì 。
而那许翰，则双手握拳，满脸惊喜，而且望向自己与田小剑的目光，更加充满了浓浓的敌意，甚至可以说是杀气。
Speaking of Core Formation Stage experts, while Immortal True Man Kūmù couldn't be said to have given prior notice, his sudden departure was indeed somewhat ungraceful. However, the other Core Formation Stage experts seemed to know something and showed no signs of dissatisfaction.
kě zì jǐ míng míng yǔ tā wú yuān wú chóu ， lín xuān suī rán cōng míng ， dàn yī shí zhī jiān ， què yě mō bù zháo tóu nǎo 。
可自己明明与他无冤无仇，林轩虽然聪明，但一时之间，却也摸不着头脑。
On the contrary, they kept looking at Lin Xuan, Field Small Sword, and Xu Hán with a rather odd expression.
dāng rán ， yí gè zhù jī qī xiū shì ， lín xuān hái bù fàng zài yǎn lǐ ， dǎo shì tā páng biān nà ge ， yǔ xǔ hàn róng mào xiàng shì ， què tóng yàng duì zì jǐ mǎn hán dí yì de níng dān chū qī xiū shì ， yào zhù yì yī xiē 。
当然，一个筑基期修士，林轩还不放在眼里，倒是他旁边那个，与许翰容貌相似，却同样对自己满含敌意的凝丹初期修士，要注意一些。
Lin Xuan's eyebrows knitted as he smiled wryly; it seemed only he and Field Small Sword were completely in the dark!
shuō dào níng dān qī xiū shì ， kū mù zhēn rén bù néng shuō bù gào ér bié ， dàn zhè me mò míng qí miào de lí kāi ， yě zhe shí yǒu xiē shī lǐ ， dàn nà xiē níng dān qī gāo shǒu sì hū zhī dào yī xiē shén me ， bìng méi yǒu bù mǎn de shén sè 。
说到凝丹期修士，枯木真人不能说不告而别，但这么莫名其妙的离开，也着实有些失礼，但那些凝丹期高手似乎知道一些什么，并没有不满的神色。
Regardless of their past interactions, their current situation was similar. Suffering the same fate, Lin Xuan turned to Field Small Sword, intending to discuss something, but his expression suddenly changed dramatically as an indescribable powerful essence energy entered from outside.
Two thousand crystal stones!
After this amount was announced, everyone exchanged puzzled glances and remained silent. Although as a Core Formation Stage cultivator, everyone could certainly afford such a sum, the price of just one Intermediate Rank Earth-level Spirit Talisman seemed too steep from any angle.
No one wanted to be the sucker, especially since the auction had only just begun. The items would likely become more precious as time went on, so the cultivators kept their wallets tightly shut and were reluctant to part with anything easily.
As a First Generation Sect Leader, Immortal True Man Kūmù also remained calm, showing no signs of disappointment. He waved his hand, and an empty wooden box flew back into his hands. Just as he was about to place the spirit talisman inside:
"Senior, may I have a look at this spirit talisman?"
A clear voice rang out. Immortal True Man Kūmù looked up and saw a plain-looking youth walking over. Although his cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment First Stage, his steps were steady.
Slightly surprised but quickly regaining composure, he smiled faintly and tossed the spirit talisman to Lin Xuan.
After it left his hand, the talisman transformed into a green light that flew into Lin Xuan's palm.
Holding it in his hand, Lin Xuan used his divine sense to scan over it. Indeed, this item was vastly different from human-level talismans; its texture was soft and clearly made of some kind of animal skin.
Lin Xuan wasn't surprised. Although he had never encountered a Earth-level spirit talisman before, he knew quite a bit about them. Earth-level spells were incredibly powerful, containing much more essence energy than human-level ones, so ordinary paper couldn't bear the weight; it required the hide of a monster to make such a talisman.
After some thought, Lin Xuan took out a storage pouch from his waist and handed it to Immortal True Man Kūmù. "Senior, I'll take this spirit talisman."
"Ah. Young friend, keep it well."
Lin Xuan returned to the secluded corner.
"Congratulations, big brother! You've obtained this spirit talisman!" Tiǎo Xiǎojian raised his hand in celebration.
"Haha. The items below might not be within our means. I just didn't want to return empty-handed," Lin Xuan said with a smile that didn't quite match his words. It mattered little whether the other party believed him; they were all just going through the motions anyway.
The auction continued.
Although he remained calm on the surface, Immortal True Man Kūmù was secretly pleased to sell the spirit talisman. He flicked his fingers again and another white light shot out, opening the second box. This time, it contained a transparent bottle with a small amount of pale blue liquid inside...
Then, Immortal True Man Kūmù began his introduction.
Time passed quickly, and soon the sun was nearing noon. The Tianmu Sect truly lived up to its reputation; not for nothing had these Core Formation Stage experts traveled far. The items became increasingly precious, with a few even causing the cultivators present to vie for them.
Lin Xuan observed coldly but felt some anxiety. Although Immortal True Man Kūmù had also shown two rare herbs from ancient times, which were now extinct, the Universal Appearance Grass still hadn't appeared. Lin Xuan couldn't help but think of a possibility: although the pharmacy owner claimed to have this herb on Mount Tianmu, what if he wasn't going to bring it out?
Would he have to ask for it directly?
It didn't matter whether his request would be granted; such an approach might backfire.
Lin Xuan pondered strategies in his mind but remained outwardly indifferent. He certainly didn't want this journey, which had been so arduous, to end with just a spirit talisman.
Regarding the Earth-level spirit talisman, two thousand crystal stones were indeed expensive, but Lin Xuan had heard of its miraculous uses before. Don't underestimate the power of concealment techniques; as they say, when all else fails, flee. This spirit talisman might save my life in critical moments!
Lin Xuan always followed the principle that prudence was best. Having more options was always useful in the cultivation world.
However, no matter how good this talisman was, he only bought it incidentally; his real goal was the Universal Appearance Grass.
As the auction neared its end, although Immortal True Man Kūmù occasionally took out a few items from his pocket, they were mostly treasures, spirit artifacts, or alchemical materials like monster bones and hides. No more spirit herbs...
Hope was fading as Lin Xuan's brows furrowed slightly. Just then, while exchanging items with a Core Formation Stage中期 cultivator, Immortal True Man Kūmù suddenly twitched his white eyebrows and flashed an odd expression on his face. He hastily stowed the unexchanged treasure in his pocket and said, "Pardon me, a senior has arrived; I need to greet him."
With that, he didn't wait for the other cultivators' responses and darted out of the hall as a red light.
Senior?
Hearing this word, Lin Xuan's eyes widened in shock. Immortal True Man Kūmù was a Core Formation Stage expert at full maturity; anyone he called senior must be an婴 Stage monster!
The presence of such a high-level cultivator here was beyond Lin Xuan's expectations. Once one entered the Incubation Stage, they were completely different beings who didn't need to participate in auctions; their required items would naturally be provided by disciples.
Although this news was too shocking, Lin Xuan quickly regained his composure and looked around.
Field Small Sword also had a puzzled expression, clearly shaken. While he was adept at concealing his emotions, the current display seemed genuine.
As for Xu Hán, he clutched his fists tightly with an excited look on his face, and his gaze toward Lin Xuan and Field Small Sword contained thick hostility, even something akin to murderous intent.
But I have no grudge against him. Despite his cleverness, Lin Xuan couldn't figure out the reason for Xu Hán's animosity in that moment.
Of course, a Foundation Establishment cultivator wasn't worth his attention; he should keep an eye on the Core Formation Stage初期 cultivator next to Xu Hán, who shared a similar appearance but harbored the same hostility toward him.
Speaking of Core Formation Stage experts, while Immortal True Man Kūmù couldn't be said to have given prior notice, his sudden departure was indeed somewhat ungraceful. However, the other Core Formation Stage experts seemed to know something and showed no signs of dissatisfaction.
On the contrary, they kept looking at Lin Xuan, Field Small Sword, and Xu Hán with a rather odd expression.
Lin Xuan's eyebrows knitted as he smiled wryly; it seemed only he and Field Small Sword were completely in the dark!
Regardless of their past interactions, their current situation was similar. Suffering the same fate, Lin Xuan turned to Field Small Sword, intending to discuss something, but his expression suddenly changed dramatically as an indescribable powerful essence energy entered from outside.