Chapter 309 : Auction of Celestial Treasures

The Five Elements Spirit Fruit [a rare fruit containing the balanced essence of the five primal elements] was sold off swiftly, each fetching a price of two Heavenly Crystal [a highly purified and potent form of spiritual energy crystal], a transaction notably devoid of the usual premium.

However, the other treasures were of extraordinary value. Both the Nirvana Pill [a legendary pill said to grant a form of rebirth or profound restoration] and the Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a supreme elixir that aids in the formation of a cultivator's Nascent Soul] were fifth-rank treasures.

An ordinary fifth-rank treasure typically starts at a value of ten million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. The Nirvana Pill and Nascent Soul Formation Pill, being among the more precious within the fifth rank, commanded starting prices in the tens of millions of Spirit Stone.

Even if purchased with Origin Heaven Crystal [a primordial crystal of immense purity and condensed heavenly essence], it would require at least thirty such crystals.

Though the assembled Golden Core Immortal Clan [a clan powerful enough to have Golden Core realm cultivators as its pillars] were mighty, even the most elite among them would have to exhaust the Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound, multi-generational accumulation of resources and legacy that forms a clan's true strength] painstakingly built over centuries by hundreds of thousands of clan members across several generations to amass such a sum at once.

Moreover, Origin Heaven Crystal were exceedingly rare. Gathering more than thirty of them simultaneously presented a formidable challenge.

However, the Ji Clan had prepared well in advance of the auction, notifying only those families with sufficient financial capacity about the treasures to be sold.

For this event, the Deng Clan, the Wei Clan, Astrael, and several other powerful Golden Core Immortal Clan had come specifically prepared with Heavenly Crystal.

The few families engaged in a swift bidding war, rapidly driving the price of the Nascent Soul Formation Pill to thirty Heavenly Crystal. In the end, Astrael secured it with a final bid of thirty-eight crystals.

Astrael, renowned as the foremost Rogue Cultivator [an unaffiliated cultivator who operates outside of major clans or sects] in the Heavenly Abode Continent, already had one foot planted within the threshold of the Nascent Soul [the realm where a cultivator's spirit condenses into an independent, immortal soul entity] realm. Read, share, and discuss at audio-novel-dot-com.

This man was ruthless and cruel. Over the years, he had secretly orchestrated the extermination of several clans on multiple occasions and had slain more than five or six Golden Core Cultivator [a cultivator who has formed a Golden Core, a solidified mass of spiritual energy and essence].

As the saying goes, 'ill-gotten gains pave the way to riches.' Through such brutal methods, he had amassed an exceedingly vast fortune.

Before coming here, Astrael sold off numerous treasures and several of the Spirit Mountain [mountains imbued with concentrated spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] under his control to gather this sum of Heavenly Crystal [a purified and high-density form of Spirit Stone, used by high-level cultivators]. His wealth astonishingly surpassed even that of the mighty Golden Core Immortal Clan [a clan whose power is anchored by one or more Golden Core cultivators], the Wei Clan.

Strictly speaking, it was not that the Wei Clan's financial resources were inferior, but rather that Astrael, being a Rogue Cultivator [an unaffiliated cultivator without sect or clan backing], could squander his wealth without a second thought.

The Wei Clan, however, had to consider the long-term development of their family and could not possibly liquidate all their fixed assets like their Spirit Mountain.

Although he failed to acquire the Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the perilous formation of a Nascent Soul], that Wei Magnus still managed to purchase the Nirvana Pill [a pill that grants a cultivator a chance at rebirth or profound recovery] for the price of thirty-two Heavenly Crystal.

With this pill in hand, he now possessed the courage to risk a blood sacrifice of his mortal flesh and forcefully attempt a breakthrough into the Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where spiritual energy condenses into a solid, golden core] realm.

After acquiring these two treasures, Wei Magnus did not linger. He departed the Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare resources and treasures] hastily, accompanied by the Wei Clan's four Golden Core Cultivator.

Astrael also left the market in haste, seemingly fearful that others might covet his Nascent Soul Formation Pill.

Given the combined strength of the Wei Clan and Astrael, unless a Nascent Soul True Lord [a cultivator who has successfully formed a Nascent Soul, a spiritual infant that grants immense power and longevity] were to shamelessly intervene, seizing those two treasures would be an exceedingly difficult feat.

Eldrin Chen watched the retreating figure of Astrael, a slight frown creasing his brow. Having obtained the Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the formation of a Nascent Soul], this man likely now possessed a genuine fifty percent chance of breaking through to the Nascent Soul [the realm where a cultivator's spirit condenses into an independent, immortal entity].

"A pity that, for now, I am not yet a match for him."

Pulling his thoughts back, Eldrin Chen turned his attention once more to the ongoing transactions within the hall.

The Ji Clan had successfully traded for eighty Origin Heaven Crystal [a crystalline substance of immense purity, used for high-level cultivation and crafting], leaving the stage with evident satisfaction.

Following immediately was the Ling Clan Patriarch. With a calm expression, she swept her gaze over the assembly, then with a casual wave of her hand, used her mana to project images of several treasures into the air. "My Ling Clan has recently elevated several Spirit Mountain [mountains imbued with potent spiritual energy], and we are in need of numerous formation tools to establish Mountain Guardian Grand Formation [powerful defensive arrays that protect a territory]," she stated.

"If any of you possess Fourth Rank Magical Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts of the Golden Core grade] in the form of immortal swords, you may bring them forth to trade with me."

In truth, everyone present understood. Lingxu the Ethereal Immortal's claim about establishing guardian formations was merely a pretext. Her true aim was to amass a large quantity of Fourth Rank Magical Treasure immortal swords to serve as tribulation-blocking treasures.

The Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the cataclysmic lightning ordeal one must survive to ascend to the Nascent Soul realm] faced by a Golden Core Cultivator was immensely powerful. Even with a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a pinnacle-grade artifact of legendary power] for protection, it was wisest to expend some Fourth Rank Magical Treasure to absorb the initial waves of the tribulation's fury. This was the most cost-effective strategy.

In truth, using Fourth Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [the highest quality artifacts within the Golden Core grade] to block the tribulation would be ideal. However, treasures of such caliber were exceedingly rare and generally difficult to procure through purchase.

A Fourth Rank high-grade Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] is a treasure of utmost rarity. Even within a Golden Core Immortal Clan [a clan with cultivators at the Golden Core realm], such an item would be worthy of serving as a Clan-Suppressing Supreme Treasure [the ultimate artifact that secures a clan's legacy]. After all, not every faction possesses the profound heritage and foundation of the Chu Kingdom's Three Sects [the three most powerful and ancient sects within the Chu Kingdom].

Furthermore, most of these Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts] would likely be destroyed amidst the fury of the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the celestial lightning ordeal that tests cultivators seeking to advance]. Yet, sacrificing low or middle-grade Fourth Rank treasures is far more economical than allowing a Fourth Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [a top-tier artifact of the fourth rank] to be shattered.

Of course, such considerations held little relevance for the pair. For Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, the treasures collected by Lingxu the Ethereal Immortal [a title meaning 'Ethereal Immortal of the Void'] filled them with immense delight.

"Heavenly Heart Herb [a rare spiritual herb that nourishes the soul and mind], Void Gem [a crystalline substance containing spatial or void-aligned energies]," they read, their eyes scanning the list.

Exchanging a glance, Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang could not suppress their expressions of joy.

True to her reputation as one suspected to be the reincarnation of a True Lord [a title for a powerful Nascent Soul realm cultivator], Lingxu the Ethereal Immortal's hoard contained precisely what they sought: three stalks of Heavenly Heart Herb and four Void Gem [crystalline substances containing spatial or void-aligned energies]. These were treasures they urgently needed.

Their gazes met, and a shared wave of elation passed between Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang. This chapter appears courtesy of audio–novel.com.

Their campaigns against Celestial Python Lake and the Green Sun Sect, combined with the recent Beast Tide Calamity [a massive invasion by demonic beasts], had yielded a considerable number of Fourth Rank Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts of the fourth rank].

Pooling their acquisitions, the couple tallied the Fourth Rank Magical Treasure suitable for trade. They numbered seven in total.

Among them were the Heaven and Earth Ethereal Dragon Seal [a seal artifact imbued with draconic and spatial power] and the Green Sun Demon-Piercing Shuttle [a piercing projectile artifact]. These two treasures were part of the legendary set known as the Six Treasures of Green Sun.

In addition, there were the Black Flood Dragon Immortal Sword and the Dao Ruins Crown obtained from Eldrin Chen's slaying of the Black Flood Dragon Demon King. The remaining Crimson Flame Gold Pearl and Crimson Scorpion Heart-Piercing Spike came from Lyra Jiang's defeat of the Crimson Scorpion Demon King.

The final item was the Heavenly Heart Bracelet. This object was originally the formation-controlling treasure of the Celestial Python Lake. After Lyra Jiang seized it, she exchanged it for a Fourth Rank Middle Grade Dragon Transformation Blade.

These seven treasures were the Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] the pair intended to offer for trade. In truth, they still possessed several other surplus Fourth Rank Magical Treasure.

For instance, the remaining Earth Marsh Five Mist Veil and the Frost Immortal Sword. The former was an exceptionally suitable Protective Magical Treasure for weathering heavenly tribulations, while the latter had been given by Lyra Jiang to her disciple, Elara Lin.

As for the Crimson Sun Void-Immolating Crucible, Eldrin Chen had already bestowed it upon the Old Patriarch and thus it was no longer suitable for trade.

All seven of these treasures were Fourth Rank Low Grade Magical Treasure, each valued at approximately one million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], a price nearly equivalent to that of a Heavenly Heart Herb.

Exchanging a glance, the two promptly used the 'Heaven and Earth Ethereal Dragon Seal' and the 'Green Sun Demon-Piercing Shuttle' to acquire two stalks of Heavenly Heart Herb.

However, the Void Gem [a rare crystal essential for crafting teleportation formations] was extraordinarily valuable, being the most crucial material for forging Teleportation Formation. Each piece cost around two million Spirit Stone, and the remaining few Magical Treasure could only secure two of them.

Lyra Jiang pondered for a moment before producing several treasures along with the carcass of the Crimson Scorpion Demon King. "I propose to exchange these Fourth Rank Magical Treasure, plus the remains of this Golden Core, Mid Stage Demon King, for three Void Gem," she stated.

"The carcass of a Golden Core, Mid Stage Demon King..."

The Lingxu the Ethereal Immortal [an ethereal and revered immortal title] slightly furrowed her brow. Five Fourth Rank Low Grade [a specific grade of powerful magical artifact] Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] were worth roughly five million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] at most, barely sufficient to withstand the first one or two strikes of the Nascent Soul Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the cataclysmic thunder tribulation one must endure to ascend to the Nascent Soul realm].

In contrast, the remains of the Crimson Scorpion Demon King [a powerful demonic beast king] were rather excellent, suitable for forging a fine Defensive Magical Treasure [a magical artifact specialized for protection].

Combined, the value of these treasures far exceeded the worth of three Void Gem [a rare gemstone containing spatial or void-aligned energies].

She cast another glance at Lyra Jiang, a flicker of recognition in her eyes as she spoke, "So it is the Immortal Maiden Lyra. These treasures hold some use for me, whereas Fourth Rank [referring to the grade] Void Gem are of little consequence to me now."

"Very well. I shall include the final Void Gem as a bonus. Add another five hundred thousand Spirit Stone [plural form], and you may take them all." Visit audio_novel.com to enjoy the complete series.