Chapter 484: Chapter 257: Auction, Preparing for the Hunt

Social interactions, especially among Core Formation Cultivators, often allow for mutual assistance in many matters.

This is why, after falling behind, gaps gradually form.

This disparity arises because, under the gap of a Great Realm, the daily needs for cultivation and even discussions aren’t in the same circle, naturally manifesting this huge difference over time.

Moreover, Old Hu does not have many Spirit Stones reserved, after all, he’s just recently formed his Core, and despite being in Bihai Palace, he’s only forged a Lifebound Treasure, still owning quite a bit in Spirit Stones.

...

Days later.

The bustling event of the Five Dragon Island Market was in full swing, with the auction drawing an impressive number of cultivators that night.

Even many cultivators from the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea hid their appearances and concealed their auras to attend.

"Mr. Lin."

"Mr. Hu."

Upon seeing Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin arriving with laughter, many Core Formation and Fake Pill Cultivators greeted with smiles and cupped their hands.

Quite a few people secretly envied the extraordinary relationship between this Array Master Lin and Mr. Hu.

Upon careful thought, their deep friendship has been continuous since the Foundation Establishment stage, journeying together to the Core Formation Realm.

Such friendships, developed through the cultivation journey, are extremely precious in the Immortal Cultivation Realm.

Facing everyone’s greetings, Lin Chang’an nodded with a smile.

Since Hu Jin’s arrival, Lin Chang’an noticed that many people showed him greater respect, like Xu Lingfeng from Profound Sound Pavilion, a rather proud Core Formation Cultivator.

Now, when they meet, Xu Lingfeng displays a courteous smile.

"Come, come, please, fellow Daoist."

With Lin Chang’an nodding and smiling at the fellow Core Formation Cultivators, everyone entered the auction hall together.

This time attending the auction, Lin Chang’an, now a Core Formation Cultivator, naturally did not have to squeeze with those below.

Instead, he was seated in a private box at the auction.

Various forces were gathered, and below there were still cultivators concealing their cultivation, as some wished to remain unseen.

Some were eyeing specific treasures and needed to hide their identities.

Meanwhile, in the upper private boxes, due to identity reasons, major forces’ Core Formation Cultivators could not easily conceal themselves.

This time, Profound Sound Pavilion’s attendees included Core Formation Cultivators Liu Ruyu, Xu Lingfeng, and Lin Chang’an.

As the auction began, the atmosphere on-site became lively.

In the private boxes reserved for Core Formation Cultivators, individuals calmly awaited the final premium treasures.

...

Inside the private box.

"How about it, Old Lin, any feelings sitting inside this private box?"

Beside him, Hu Jin, with a face full of smiles, sipped Spirit Tea while teasing.

However, Lin Chang’an had a rather solemn expression in response to Hu Jin’s teasing.

This lofty feeling, with figures below seemingly reminiscent of his former self.

"A feeling of exuberance, yet a bit of melancholy, as if seeing myself once among the masses below."

Facing Lin Chang’an’s melancholy, Hu Jin nodded and said:

"Indeed, when I broke through to Core Formation, the change in identity brought about this complicated emotion, clearly exhilarating yet nostalgic for my former self."

As the two teased each other, the auction below grew even hotter.

Unfortunately, treasures that once drew his attention now felt somewhat dull, making Lin Chang’an reflect.

This is because he had grown stronger, and the circles have changed; once invaluable treasures have now become dispensable, even beneath notice.

"Indeed, humans are the most changeable beings."

As the auction progressed, Tier Three Treasure finally appeared, including true Tier Three items.

"Next is a true Magical Treasure, though somewhat damaged, but undoubtedly a very precious treasure."

The elder who shouted excitedly at the auction drew significant attention from many Fake Pill and even newly entered Core Formation Cultivators.

Magical Treasures are precious, despite being damaged; if possible, they can be gradually repaired.

"Tier Three Lower Grade Magical Treasure, indeed this auction is making quite a stir."

Upon seeing the treasure appear below, even Lin Chang’an showed a rare touch of excitement.

Although his assets seem good, for now, he actually only has one offensive Magical Treasure, lacking in both offense and defense.

Unfortunately, his foremost focus was to first enhance his Spirit Root and Golden Core quality, accelerating cultivation speed was most important.

"Thirty-three thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones, anyone else interested?"

"Thirty-three thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones, once...twice...sold!"

Watching the transaction of the Magical Treasure, many Core Formation Cultivators present showed interest.

Next were various Tier Three Spiritual Objects, all treasures capable of attracting Core Formation Cultivators.

"Next is a legacy of a Tier Three God-determining Talisman, including this Tier Three Talisman Master’s insights, starting at ten thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones!"

Amid the shout of the auction host, the scene was quite subdued.

One reason is that there are very few cultivators with Tier Three skills, and another is God-determining Talisman is quite niche, with limited practical use.

Despite the quiet around the treasure, the elderly host was not embarrassed; rather, he enthusiastically continued the introduction, as many treasures weren’t lacking in value.

Rather it was due to being niche; failing to sell wasn’t unheard of.

"Ten thousand five hundred Middle Grade Spirit Stones!"

"Eleven thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones!"

Eventually, with little enthusiasm in the room, someone finally started bidding but was directly outbid by Hu Jin at eleven thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones.

The Core Formation Cultivators present naturally paid attention to who was bidding, knowing full well who occupied the private box above.