"One thousand five hundred!" "Five thousand five hundred!" The second Foundation Establishment pill auction began with an incredibly fierce momentum. Almost instantly, the bidding soared past the final price Luo Chen had paid in the previous round. Three contenders had entered the fray, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from a cultivation family based in Snow Lotus Market; the same rogue cultivator at Perfected Mastery of Qi-Refining who had challenged Luo Chen earlier—And the third… was none other than the Li Family. "Xiao Ao, although I prepared a Foundation Establishment pill for you eight years ago, a single one might still not be enough. With Duan Rui of the Duan family as a cautionary example, you absolutely cannot afford to be careless. "That’s why, I must win this second Foundation Establishment pill for you!" Li Yixian said firmly to Li Ao. Then she turned and bid loudly, "Six thousand spirit stones!" The bid was clearly set at the same rate as the one sold to rogue cultivators back at Dahe Market. "Six thousand one hundred!" The Foundation Establishment cultivator from Snow Lotus Market refused to back down. "Six thousand two hundred!" The Perfected Mastery Qi-Refining rogue cultivator’s eyes were bloodshot. Li Yixian’s expression was cold and resolute. She had deliberately abstained from bidding for the Mystic Flame Sword. The Li family’s foundation, built over many years, was solid. Just a single Foundation Establishment pill, nothing they couldn’t afford. "Six thousand five hundred!" "Six thousand six hundred!" "Six thousand seven hundred!" As Li Yixian called out that bid, the Snow Lotus Foundation Establishment cultivator hesitated, then finally backed out. The rogue cultivator at Perfected Mastery Qi-Refining still looked like he wanted to raise the bid. But a surge of spirit consciousness pierced through the crowd, locking onto him with terrifying precision. In that instant, the fire in his bloodshot eyes vanished, extinguished without a trace. His face turned deathly pale and mouth opened wordlessly, then he collapsed back into his chair in defeat. His companion quickly comforted him, "It’s fine. There’s still a third one coming. Don’t lose hope yet." He only forced a bitter smile but said nothing at all. In the Dajiang Gang's private room, Min Longyu trembled as he watched the Foundation Establishment pill being taken away. "Gang Leader?" Wang Haichao shook his head. "Li Yixian didn’t compete with me for the Mystic Flame Sword earlier. Now that she’s this determined, I must give her face." "Don’t worry. There’s still a third round." "Do we really have a chance?" "This time, I’ll strike first and make it decisive. I must win this one!" Min Longyu nodded repeatedly, like a drowning man clutching at a lifeline. Yes, strike first and seize the initiative! Wang Haichao was already at the third stage of Foundation Establishment, just a step away from breaking through further. If he were to bid first, what worm would dare squeak in protest? Seven thousand spirit stones for a single Foundation Establishment pill! Huo Hu was thoroughly pleased with the result and thought, Now that’s more like it! This was in line with the wartime scarcity of resources and the sky-high prices brought by it! That earlier bid closed at five thousand four—what a joke. Honestly, he wished Luo Chen wouldn’t join in any more bids. Every time he bid, he controlled the price so tightly that there was no room left for profit. If word got out, outsiders might think he, Huo Hu, was incompetent, unable even to run a proper auction. Smiling faintly, Huo Hu raised the final jade bottle in the palm of his hand. "The third Foundation Establishment pill has the same rules as before. "Everyone, please bid!" Before the words had even faded, Wang Haichao’s voice boomed through the air. "Five thousand spirit stones!" Another Foundation Establishment Initiate had entered the bidding? The eager rogue cultivators looked utterly crestfallen. The Perfected Mastery Qi-Refining rogue cultivator had just leaned forward, ready to speak only to hear a crisp voice like a phoenix cry ring out. The rogue cultivator had just sat up straight, craning his neck in anticipation. But this time, he said nothing. His lips clamped shut as a chill crept over him, and he slowly shrank back into his cold, unyielding seat, retreating into silence. This world… is so cruel to rogue cultivators! Inside the Dajiang Gang’s private room, Wang Haichao hesitated. Min Longyu grew frantic. "Gang Leader!" Wang Haichao looked pained. "The one who just placed the bid… is none other than Yu Rou, the matriarch of the local Yuhua Mountain Yu family." "Gang Leader…" Min Longyu looked at him, voice nearly pleading. "Ah, foolish child!" Wang Haichao sighed. "Very well. I’ll bid for you one last time. Whether it succeeds or not, let fate decide." "Seven thousand." His voice rang out softly. It no longer carried the boldness of before, only the weary defiance of a final, dying struggle. Over at the Yu family’s side. The elder looked firmly at the matriarch dressed in ornate robes. “Matriarch, we cannot back down. “Even in a marriage alliance, we should remain on equal footing. Securing this Foundation Establishment pill will raise Chuchu’s chances of breaking through significantly. You can’t place all your hopes on Huang’er. “If Chuchu succeeds in reaching Foundation Establishment, she’ll at least have a voice in the Huo family.” Yu Rou listened patiently, then gave a slight nod. “You’re right. I hadn’t considered it fully before.” “Seven thousand one hundred!” Her crisp voice rang out. It was only a hundred spirit stones more, but her tone was firm, clearly indicating that if someone bid again, she would not hesitate to raise it further. Wang Haichao, upon hearing this, decisively gave up. Turning back to see the despair on Min Longyu’s face, he spoke earnestly, “The Yu family is set to form a marriage alliance with the Huo family, everyone knows this. We can’t afford to offend either of them, much less both. Besides, it wouldn’t make sense for all three pills to end up in the hands of people from Dahe Market. Min Longyu leaned against the cold wall, eyes vacant. “I just want some time alone.” “Yes, a little peace is good. Some things simply can’t be forced, they depend on fate. “Cultivation is . Don’t lose heart as long as you find your footing, there’ll be more chances. The small auction happens once a year, the grand one once every decade. And besides…” Wang Haichao went on, speaking in a rare, long-winded manner. It was rare to hear him talk so much. Had it been someone like Gao Tingyuan or Li Da, he wouldn’t have been so patient but Min Longyu was different. He was skilled in formations and had no family or foundation, someone worth drawing close. Wang Haichao believed he had treated him well and he had indeed placed a bid just now. There was nothing to be done, circumstances were greater than the will of any one man. Such was the path of cultivation. "One was secured by me, another by Li Yixian. “Thankfully, the third Foundation Establishment pill was won by the Yu family of Yihua Mountain. Otherwise, it could’ve easily stirred unnecessary trouble.” Luo Chen gave a small nod, clearly pleased with the outcome. It was a result that aligned with his expectations and he was confident the major factions within Taishan Market would find it acceptable as well. Perhaps the only ones who couldn’t accept it were the late-stage Qi-Refining rogue cultivators. But who cared? No one would care! With the departure of the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion and the Flame Alliance assigning the Huo family to oversee the market and with institutions like the Spirit Herb Pavilion and Treasure Pavilion being properties of external sects, many of the old, unspoken rules no longer held any weight. What? Offer a Foundation Establishment pill to give rogue cultivators a chance at survival? What a joke. Who among the cultivation families would be willing to part with such a precious pill at a bargain? If they really did that, Huo Hu would be scolded first for being a wasteful fool. Different positions led to different perspectives. In the end, it had all culminated in this current situation. Luo Chen’s gaze fell upon the Qi-Refining cultivator at Perfected Mastery, now lifeless, as if he had lost all hope in life. Luo Chen felt no sympathy or pity. If I had chosen the path of a rogue cultivator, I would likely be facing the same predicament in every auction. Even with plenty of spirit stones, they’d be useless. How could Qi-Refining possibly compete with Foundation Establishment! After a brief moment of reflection, Luo Chen refocused his attention on the ongoing auction. The Spirit Herb Pavilion truly lived up to its name as a Medicine King Sect asset, every pill they brought to auction was of exceptional quality. Luo Chen couldn’t resist and purchased a second-tier Spirit Purification pill, along with a large quantity of high-quality calming incense. In doing so, he spent a considerable sum of spirit stones. Every time he placed a bid, he hit the pricing mark precisely. Once or twice was one thing but after several times, the late stage Qi-Refining cultivators of Luo Tian Society were all visibly amazed. Right then, it was time for the auction segment featuring goods offered by rogue cultivators. There weren’t many high-quality items among them, and Luo Chen hardly paid them any mind Casually, he began chatting with those he had brought along. "In the cultivation world, auctions, black markets, and rogue cultivator bazaars are all common forms of trade. "Each venue comes with its own set of trading tactics. Since the opportunity’s right in front of us today, let me teach you all a bit about bidding strategy at auctions. "First, we must assess our own actual situation, such as…" Luo Chen explained everything in meticulous detail, and the cultivators of the Luo Tian Society listened with full attention. Even young Qu Lingjun sat wide-eyed, utterly captivated by every word. After all, Luo Chen wasn’t just talking theory, he had already put these concepts into practice several times during the auction itself, making his lessons all the more vivid and convincing. Observe the opponent, then deliver a decisive blow! Increase the price gradually to exert psychological pressure! Seize the opening bid to dominate right from the start... As everyone focused intently on the lecture, Wang Yuan couldn’t help but cast Luo Chen a long, thoughtful glance. In that moment, he seemed to glimpse the shadow of someone else in Luo Chen. The auction drew to a close with the final item, a delicate enchanted treasure known as Smoke-Cold Gauze. As the bidding settled and the gavel fell, it was revealed that the one who secured the treasure was none other than Li Yixian. There was no denying it, this time, the four Foundation Establishment cultivators from Dahe Market had completely stolen the spotlight. Both of the major enchanted treasures presented at the event had ended up in their hands, with Wang Haichao and Li Yixian each claiming one. And neither came cheap, their winning bids had soared to impressive heights. Luo Chen hadn’t stayed idle either, he had made several bids throughout the auction. While the items he acquired weren’t the absolute best, each was still exceptionally valuable. Only Nangong Jin, after losing the bidding war for the Mystic Flame Sword to Wang Haichao, had fallen completely silent. The local cultivators of Taishan Market, however, looked favorably upon the high-profile conduct of the Dahe Market Foundation Establishment cultivators. It showed clearly that these outsiders genuinely wanted to integrate into the market and were contributing actively through their purchases. Especially since this auction was hosted by the Huo family of Chican Mountain. The high bids from Wang Haichao and Li Yixian had undoubtedly saved face for them. The end of the auction didn’t mean the place had emptied out. Luo Chen stood there, absently toying with the crimson invitation in his hand, a faintly amused glint in his eyes. When he looked up, he spotted Li Yixian emerging from her private room across the hall. She gave him a small nod in greeting. Looks like they received one too, Luo Chen thought. But the so-called “banquet” they’d been invited to had no illusions that it would be anything enjoyable. With a slight shake of his head, he slipped the invitation away. “Huiniang,” Luo Chen transmitted calmly, “head back immediately. Sima Huiniang, who had been following just behind him, blinked in surprise. Before she could ask, another line of instruction entered her mind. “Pack everything. Keep the Skyhawk Flying Boat in standby, it should be ready to launch at a moment’s notice.` Her eyes widened, but only for a moment. Whatever it was Luo Chen had sensed, it was clearly serious. She gave a firm nod, then turned and left without another word. Wang Yuan halted and asked, “Need me to go with you?” Luo Chen gave a faint smile. “That won’t be necessary. It’s not like I’m heading into a dragon’s den. The Huo family still has their pride. You return first and hold the fort for the Luo Tian Society.” Wang Yuan nodded. Since Luo Chen was this confident, there was no need to nag him. Besides, Luo Chen’s strength was now on par with his own. He no longer needed the constant protection he once did. Once everyone from Luo Tian Society had left, Luo Chen flicked his sleeves and strode toward the inner halls of the palace. Before long, the four Foundation Establishment cultivators from Dahe Market converged with an unspoken understanding. Despite their silent coordination, the atmosphere was laced with tension, like a bowstring drawn taut. Luo Chen stayed a step behind the others, his gaze fixed on the two in front, a lazy smile playing at his lips. “Fellow Daoist Nangong, you really kept quiet. Gave me quite a surprise,” he said, still smiling. Wang Haichao’s voice was calm, but laced with endless sarcasm. Nangong Jin gave a wry smile. “Since you’ve already achieved what you wanted, must you press the matter further?” Hmph! Wang Haichao gave a cold snort, fixing his gaze on Nangong Jin. “I didn’t have to pay such a heavy price in the first place!” Nangong Jin’s smile faded, his tone serious. “You didn’t need to force yourself to stay here. Why make it so hard on yourself?” Indeed, Wang Haichao and Nangong Jin were fundamentally different. The latter had a family to support and desperately needed a peaceful place to recover and grow. Taishan Market was, without question, the most suitable choice. Remaining here meant operating within a familiar environment, surrounded by Foundation Establishment cultivators whose temperaments and tendencies were already known. For the Nangong family’s future, it offered undeniable advantages. But Wang Haichao, all on his own with no family or burden to anchor him, had no real reason to insist on staying. To cling so stubbornly to Taishan Market was, at best, unwise. He shot Nangong Jin a fierce glare, said nothing more, and turned to leave, his sleeve sweeping through the air as he strode off. His steps were quick, within moments, he had completely distanced himself from the other three Foundation Establishment cultivators from Dahe Market. Watching his retreating figure, Li Yixian sighed softly. In that moment, the so-called Dahe Alliance shattered completely, crumbling in silence. She glanced at Luo Chen, only to see a faint, amused smile resting on his lips, as if none of this had come as a surprise to him at all. “Fellow Daoist Luo Chen,” her voice rang gently through a sound transmission, “Where do we go from here?” Luo Chen’s expression remained unchanged. His gaze followed Nangong Jin’s slow, silent figure as it receded down the steps. He calmly replied with simple words. “Tianlan Immortal City.” Li Yixian froze in place. Her steps came to an abrupt halt as she stood motionless, letting Luo Chen walk past her. She watched quietly as his figure moved ahead with unhurried confidence, his every step steady and composed. As Luo Chen’s figure strode calmly ahead, Li Yixian found herself rooted to the spot. His unhurried steps, his composed posture, it stirred something deep within her. Tianlan Immortal City… One of the ten great cities in the Jade Cauldron Domain. A city built atop a true third-tier spirit land. Its distance from Taishan Market was vast. Even with a flying enchanted artifact, it would take dozens of days to reach. Most cultivators would never consider such a distant, unfamiliar place. Was Luo Chen thinking of leaving simply because he couldn’t remain in Taishan Market? No—that's not it! Li Yixian’s heart jolted as she recalled that moment back in Xiao Huan Mountain’s Grand Hall. Back then, Luo Chen had listed several destinations and the last one he mentioned had clearly been “Tianlan Immortal City.” Which meant he had made his decision long ago. This wasn’t some impulsive choice. That’s right. He bears no burden of family and everything he does is in pursuit of longevity. So why would he ever settle for a mere Taishan Market? But the journey is so long, how many dangers lie along the way? And once there, will the Luo Tian Society really be able to gain a foothold? It truly is a fine place. If my Li family were to relocate as well... “Fellow Daoist Li?” The voice cut through her thoughts like a bell. She blinked and looked up. Luo Chen had turned back to glance at her, curiosity in his eyes. Startled, she quickly caught up. What’s the use of thinking so much? she told herself. Better to walk step by step and see where the road leads. Even with her years of experience, she couldn’t match the decisiveness of someone who had only just entered Foundation Establishment. Best to take it one step at a time.