area51novel Chapter 68 Lake and Sea Auction, Thunder Pattern Reappears
Chapter 68 Lake and Sea Auction, Thunder Pattern Reappears
Chapter 68 Lake and Sea Auction, Thunder Pattern Reappears
More than twenty days later,
It's another night of the full moon.
Chen Yi quietly left the market and submerged into the water.
His concealment technique reduced his mana fluctuations to the late stage of the first tier, while his illusion technique simulated the fluctuations of a tortoise-snake beast.
Chen Yi quietly arrived at a location three miles away from the cave's great formation. Three miles is already the range that a Core Formation stage cultivator's divine sense can cover.
Chen Yi was testing the waters.
There are now many human cultivators on the lake and in the market; almost all the demonic beasts at the bottom of the lake have fled.
That near-third-tier or third-tier old tortoise is probably hiding in the formation. Even if it discovers Chen Yi, given its cowardly nature, it wouldn't dare to come out.
If the other party cannot recognize Chen Yi even under the coverage of their divine sense, then it is not impossible for him to approach the formation again later, or if he has the opportunity to sneak into the formation when it is activated and devour a large amount of divine sense.
It will be about three miles away, and midnight will be approaching.
Sure enough, within this range, there was a wave of divine sense sweeping over.
All of Chen Yi's aura feedbacks pointed to a small tortoise-snake beast, even though the opponent's divine sense was sweeping across a wide area without any targeted probing.
They found nothing unusual about Chen Yi, and even detected subtle fluctuations in his divine sense:
"Junior, use your divine sense to leave this place immediately."
The old tortoise still mistook him for someone else, Chen Yi thought to himself.
As midnight approached, the large array at the bottom of the lake suddenly began to hum.
An invisible icy blue ripple of divine sense swept across, causing the composite divine sense shield on Chen Yi's body to tremble violently—the outer ice crystal shield cracked with spiderweb-like patterns, while the inner green wood vine shield was frozen into a brittle, ice-sculpted state.
"Click, click."
The ice crystal layer groaned in despair on the verge of collapse, but the wood-attribute divine sense surged out from the cracks in time, melting away the invading chill like a spring breeze melting snow.
Ultimately, the shield, though cracked, did not shatter completely, redirecting 70% of the attack force into the surrounding lake water, creating a string of fine bubbles.
The remaining icy divine sense seeped in through the crack, but Chen Yi, who was prepared, "bite" it.
The pure energy from this ancient array was immediately decomposed and purified by the system upon entering, transforming it into nourishment for the divine consciousness.
As the last wisp of alien divine consciousness was digested, Chen Yi opened his eyes.
The trail of a silver-scaled fish swaying its tail seventy feet away was now as clear to him as if it were right next to him—the coverage of his Foundation Establishment level divine sense had expanded by a full seven feet overnight.
The range of his divine sense exceeded seventy feet, a level typically found only by cultivators at the second level of the Foundation Establishment stage.
"Junior, so it was you. Now that you have comprehended the Turtle God Needle Technique, remember to enter the great formation eight years later. Do not leave the inheritance to humanity."
The old tortoise's spiritual message came again.
Chen Yi cooperated by blowing a few bubbles, emitting extremely faint fluctuations of his divine sense.
Then they quietly left.
"The results of this test were good. I'll find another opportunity to improve the [Supreme Illusion Breath Concealment Technique] again."
When the formation is activated and the old tortoise is busy dealing with a large number of cultivators, I might actually be able to sneak in.
However, this matter cannot be rushed; even with opportunities, stability is paramount.
"I can wait until several waves of human cultivators have gone in, then blend in during the mid-to-late stages before entering myself. Let them pave the way first, and once the dangers have been mostly dealt with, I can then go in."
Chen Yi thought to himself,
As for arriving too late and having the opportunities in the cave snatched up by someone else, so be it. Having some is better than nothing, and if not, so be it.
After all, Chen Yi wasn't thinking about the opportunity to form his core, but rather about things related to the divine sense array.
Five days later, Chen Yi changed into an ordinary blue robe and appeared before Qin Chengcheng looking radiant.
His eyes were clear and bright, and his aura was restrained yet exuded a sense of complete vitality.
Qin Chengcheng's eyes lit up upon seeing this, and she asked telepathically, "Chen Yi, judging from your condition, your spiritual sense has improved again? How many spiritual needles have you accumulated now?"
Chen Yi smiled calmly: "I've gained a little, but it's insignificant. Fairy, there's no need to rush. The Soul-Nourishing Wood at the auction is more important right now. By the way, we must keep a low profile."
"Don't worry." Qin Chengcheng's lips curled up slightly. "Knowing your cautious nature, I had already prepared an identity for you."
She suddenly raised her voice, her tone carrying a hint of teacherly authority: "Come on, my disciple Chen Yi, help your master steer the flying boat and carry your bags."
"Master and disciple?" Chen Yi was clearly taken aback.
"What? Not satisfied?" Qin Chengcheng raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice, "To outsiders, you're just my array apprentice. What's wrong with calling me master?"
Chen Yi shook his head: "You can't just call someone 'master' randomly. At most, you can call them 'teacher'."
"Why not?"
Qin Chengcheng suddenly thought of something, her pretty face flushed slightly, and her voice lowered even further:
"You don't actually intend to disrespect your teacher, do you?" She stopped abruptly, coughing lightly. "Fine, then call me teacher. It's just an act for outsiders anyway."
The Lake and Sea Market suddenly erupted in chaos. The once clear and cold sky was now filled with intertwined lights, and the streaks of light from various magical artifacts and spirit birds streaked across the sky, causing the Qi Refining cultivators on the ground to give way with expressions of awe.
In front of the temporary auction venue, a magnificent circular pavilion rose from the ground, with spirit jade wind chimes hanging from the eaves vibrating with spiritual energy, emitting clear and melodious sounds.
Zhao Tieshan, dressed in the black robe of the Jade Dragon Sect's Enforcement Hall, stood with his hands behind his back on the steps. Beside him stood an old man in a red robe and white beard—the "Red Robe Gentleman" of the Qingfeng Chamber of Commerce, who was in the late Foundation Establishment stage. His sleeves were embroidered with the Chamber of Commerce's emblem in gold thread, and his smile was kind but concealed a sharp edge.
As the two were exchanging pleasantries with the Foundation Establishment cultivators who were arriving one after another, a jade flying boat suddenly appeared, descending through the clouds. The boat was decorated with lotus patterns from the Miaoyin Pavilion, and two figures stood at the bow.
"Fairy Qin!" Zhao Tieshan's eyes flashed with joy, and he quickly stepped forward to greet her.
"The presence of this fairy brings great honor to the Jade Dragon Sect."
He stepped aside to introduce, "This is the senior member of the Qingfeng Chamber of Commerce, who is also the host of this auction."
It's no secret within the Jade Dragon Sect that Qin Chengcheng might become a Daoist partner with a true disciple of the sect in the future.
The old man in the red robe also smiled broadly when he saw Qin Chengcheng himself.
Qin Chengcheng gently brushed the hem of her skirt with her delicate hand and nodded slightly.
Today she wore a moon-white monastic robe, with a jade hairpin tucked diagonally into her hair, which accentuated her cool and aloof demeanor.
"Thank you for your help, Fellow Daoist Zhao and Senior Red Robe." His voice was like a clear spring, yet it carried a hint of detachment.
The old man in red robes stroked his beard and smiled, "You're too kind, Fairy Qin. Please take your seat."
Zhao Tieshan personally led the way, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the young man in blue behind Qin Chengcheng—Chen Yi was looking down and putting away his flying boat, with a jade pendant engraved with simple array patterns hanging from his waist, looking every bit the array apprentice.
"This is my array formation apprentice. Let him broaden his horizons," Qin Chengcheng explained casually, lightly tapping Chen Yi's sleeve with her fingertip, signaling him to follow.
Chen Yi bowed his head in respect, his posture humble and courteous.
Zhao Tieshan's eyebrows twitched slightly: He recognized this person. The cook from Miaoyin Pavilion had actually become Qin Chengcheng's apprentice? And he was even cultivating array formations?
It's normal for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to mentor a Qi Refining apprentice; the only slightly unusual thing is...
Qin Chengcheng was a cultivator specializing in music at the Miaoyin Pavilion, yet he took on an apprentice specializing in formations, and in his memory, the cook from the Miaoyin Pavilion.
This cook actually has a talent for array formations?
However, these were Qin Chengcheng's prerogatives, and Zhao Tieshan, given his current status, had no right to ask further. He simply said gently:
"The Jade Zither Fairy is unparalleled in both zither and musical formations. With the guidance of Fairy Qin, Chef Chen's future is limitless."
"This foolish disciple's cultivation is shallow and his progress is slow, unlike the high-ranking disciples of the Jade Dragon Sect. I have only come along to broaden my horizons."
Qin Chengcheng spoke indifferently, her expression displeased, seemingly dissatisfied with Chen Yi's stupidity.
Chen Yi kept his head down and remained silent, secretly amused that Qin Chengcheng was really getting into character.
The venue was arranged in a circular, stepped shape, resembling a giant bronze cauldron. The central platform was filled with spiritual light, and the surrounding area was covered with futons, each only about ten feet apart—a distance that was almost enough for cultivators to hear each other breathe.
As Chen Yi followed Qin Chengcheng through the crowd, countless gazes pierced him like needles.
In the lower-level Qi Refining cultivator area, Hao Youren and Old Hu stared wide-eyed, their Adam's apples bobbing as they transmitted their thoughts:
"Little Chen actually managed to get close to Fairy Qin! No wonder he was dismissive of Young Master Xu's offer back then." Old Hu's fingers trembled in his sleeve.
Hao Youren chuckled in a low voice, "Hey, you don't know how glorious he was when he was a servant! Back then, he was so thin that he was just skin and bones, and he would still sneak into half-closed doors every few days. It seems that he used all his skills on women."
Outside the suspended, gilded private room on the second floor, Qin Chengcheng paused almost imperceptibly.
She was naturally sensitive to the gazes behind her, and after noticing the two men staring at Chen Yi with unusual expressions, she deliberately and quietly released her divine sense to eavesdrop on their conversation.
She overheard Chen Yi's old secrets, and glanced at him with a half-smile:
"Chen Yi, my disciple, I've heard that you used to be a frequent visitor to the semi-closed door. You must be more discreet and restrained in the future, and not go astray again."
Chen Yi responded in a low voice.
Qin Chengcheng smiled, very satisfied with Chen Yi's humble attitude.
Previously, Chen Yi's voice inside her soul was quite loud, and he didn't hold back, causing her pain for several days.
The maids preparing spiritual tea and fruits in the private room remained expressionless. They had undergone rigorous training and were able to ignore the conversations of the VIPs in the room.
The auction was still half an hour away from starting, and the maid in the private box seemed to have received a message asking Qin Chengcheng if she would like to go backstage to check out the treasures to be auctioned, a privilege reserved for VIPs.
Qin Chengcheng nodded and led Chen Yi on a tour backstage.
Foundation Building Pill, top-grade magic weapon, second-tier superior pill, near-third-tier Soul Nourishing Wood, near-third-tier Spirit Bamboo, and even a talisman treasure, as well as an important auxiliary medicine for Crystal Condensation Pill!
This auction was truly high-profile, befitting its joint effort between the sects and the merchant guild.
Resources that are usually monopolized by sects and major powers also made an appearance.
This forced the Foundation Establishment cultivators who were hiding inside and outside the market to come out. For some cultivators, the opportunity gained from an auction was no less valuable than ten years of hard work.
Chen Yi followed behind, listening intently as the maid introduced and explained things to Qin Chengcheng. He did not make any rash moves.
He subtly touched a piece of black metal, taking advantage of the others' explanation of the items.
Sure enough, the system received a notification.
Besides these, there were a few other things that he remembered, things that were probably priced low, wouldn't be too competitive, and would be very useful for his cultivation.
The two returned to the private room. Chen Yijing stood behind Qin Chengcheng without touching the spiritual tea and fruits brought by the maid.
Half an hour later, the seats downstairs were almost full.
A surge of magical energy rippled through the center of the venue, and four pillars of magical light lifted a platform slowly into the air.
On the platform, the elderly man in the red robe smiled and bowed to those around him.
"Welcome, fellow Daoists, to the Lake and Sea Market. I am Sun Heling, an elder of the Qingfeng Chamber of Commerce, and I have been entrusted by the Jade Dragon Sect to preside over this auction today."
"Elder Zhao of the Jade Dragon Sect will be overseeing this auction. All participants must abide by the rules during the auction. Collusion, threats of violence, the use of divine sense or magic, and any actions that disrupt the order of the auction are strictly prohibited."
After the auction, fighting is prohibited within a hundred li radius of Lake Sea Market. Violators will be considered as trespassers and will be apprehended by the Jade Dragon Sect's enforcement team.
"The first item up for auction is the Tier 1 superior-grade magic weapon flying sword, 'Qingfeng Sword'."
"Many fellow cultivators know that this sword is the standard flying sword of my Qingfeng Merchant Guild, which has been passed down for three hundred years. The blade is made of cloud-patterned steel as the main material, and is forged with three strands of Xunfeng spiritual sand. Its speed is more than 30% faster than ordinary flying swords. It is especially suitable for cultivators in the late stage of Qi Refining, and its mana consumption is only 70% of that of a magic weapon of the same level."
"This auction features a specially crafted version—the hilt is inlaid with a miniature spirit-gathering array, allowing it to absorb spiritual energy from heaven and earth to nourish the sword. The starting bid is 500 spirit stones, with each bid increment no less than 10 spirit stones!"
As the introduction was being given, the phantom of the Qingfeng Sword on the ceiling suddenly enlarged, and the Xunfeng spiritual sand flowing at the sword's edge condensed into fine star patterns. Each pattern was clearly discernible as the projection rotated.
The miniature spirit-gathering array at the sword guard is even more detailed, and the scene of the surrounding spiritual energy being swallowed up by a whale is vividly depicted.
At the same time, the old man in the red robe reached out and summoned a sword box that flew from backstage and landed on the auction stage.
"Qingfeng Sword!"
"The first item up for auction is the Qingfeng Merchant Guild's famous flying sword, and today it's even a special edition."
The late-stage Qi Refining cultivators below the stage were already showing interest, and even some early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators revealed expressions of interest.
Many cultivators in the early stages of Foundation Establishment do not possess such a fine flying sword.
Moreover, even if you don't use this special edition yourself, it's still a rare find when given as a gift.
"Five hundred spirit stones!"
"Five hundred and twenty!"
Soon, a series of bids were announced.
Chen Yi was also somewhat envious. He had been in the cultivation world for so many years, and this was only the second time he had come into contact with a flying sword.
Dong Chang'an's Cold Soul Flying Sword was also of superior quality, on par with the Clear Breeze Sword before him.
However, that sword was a flying sword that Dong Chang'an had used for many years; it was too unique for Chen Yi to use or sell. He could only have it absorbed by the system, which was somewhat wasteful.
Since reaching the seventh level of Qi Refining, he has never actually tried flying on a sword.
Seeing a flying sword right in front of him, it would be a lie to say he wasn't envious.
But in the end, reason prevailed over emotion.
What he needs to improve most right now are his spiritual sense and physical abilities.
Flying on a sword, that kind of cool stuff, should wait until later.
After all, if a fight really broke out and he had to escape, even if Chen Yi used his magical power to fly on a sword in the sky, he wouldn't be able to get very far. It would be better for him to rely on his body-refining cultivation and use the Golden Step to run wildly.
He saw two things backstage at the auction and decided it was best to save his spirit stones.
The bidding from the audience gradually subsided, and finally a young man in white robes won the bid for 850 spirit stones, which was not a low price for a high-grade flying sword.
"Haha, congratulations to this young master."
The old man in the red robe offered his congratulations, and then began the auction for the second item:
"Five bottles of Qi-Clearing Pills, a total of five pills, can help one break through from the sixth level of Qi Refining to the seventh level. Each pill will be auctioned separately, with a starting bid of two hundred spirit stones and each bid increment of no less than ten spirit stones."
Those cultivators at the mid-stage of Qi Refining had their eyes shining and were making bids one after another.
Chen Yi then stopped paying attention.
Qin Chengcheng behind her also made a move. The items auctioned in the early stages were all items for the Qi Refining stage, so she wasn't in a hurry.
Soon, all the Tier 1 items were auctioned off, and the auction entered its second half.
With the appearance of second-tier items, the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the arena all perked up.
"The twenty-seventh treasure to be auctioned is three pieces of spiritual metal that a fellow Daoist obtained by chance from the Monster Beast Mountain Range. It has been appraised by the Qingfeng Chamber of Commerce."
It is an extremely rare lightning-attribute treasure, Lightning Pattern Iron!
Normal Thunder Pattern Iron can reach near-Tier 3, or even Tier 3!
Of course, these three pieces of Thunder Pattern Iron have some flaws. The spiritual energy within them has been constantly leaking out, and they have now dropped to the mid-grade level of the second tier, which is not enough to forge a magic weapon.
However, if there is a master craftsman, he can melt it down and forge it into a top-grade magic weapon, which is also very effective.
The three pieces of thunder-patterned iron will be auctioned as a package, with a starting bid of 800 spirit stones and a minimum increment of 20 spirit stones.
"Rainbow Iron?!"
The weapon refiners in the arena immediately perked up.
Some Foundation Establishment cultivators, who had higher requirements for flying swords, also showed interest.
Adding these pieces of lightning-patterned iron to a magical flying sword grants it lightning attributes. Lightning attributes are among the most powerful in the cultivation world, a capability many people dream of.
"Eight hundred spirit stones!"
A Foundation Establishment stage weapon refiner directly offered a price.
"Eight hundred and fifty!"
"Nine hundred!"
This time, the price is different from before; it's increasing by fifty spirit stones each time.
"one thousand!"
"One thousand and fifty!"
"One thousand and two!"
Suddenly, a price quote came from the VIP room on the second floor.
Moreover, the price increased by 150 spirit stones in one go.
This immediately quieted down the entire auction.
"Chen Yi?"
Qin Chengcheng looked curiously at the young man in front of her who was bidding.
"What do you need this for?"
She asked telepathically.
"Thunder-patterned iron contains the power of lightning, which can be used to temper one's divine sense."
Chen Yi replied via telepathy.
"You actually used the power of thunder to forge your divine sense? How much suffering must you have endured?!"
Qin Chengcheng was stunned, then deeply moved; he had done everything for me.
I see.
After a moment of silence, it was discovered that the bidding was coming from Qin Chengcheng's private room.
"One thousand two hundred and twenty!"
Some people were unhappy because it was Qin Chengcheng's apprentice who quoted the price, not Qin Chengcheng himself.
The next moment,
Qin Chengcheng then walked out of the private room, her cold voice echoing throughout the room:
"Five thousand five hundred spirit stones. I am very interested in using these pieces of Thunder Pattern Iron for my research on array formations."
"Chen Yi, since it's for my sake, I should pay for it. Leave the rest to me; you don't need to worry about it."
Chen Yi heard a voice transmission in his ear, and at the same time, he stared in astonishment at Qin Chengcheng walking out of the private room, his feelings complicated.
Actually, he couldn't absorb the intact spirit-patterned iron he had obtained before because his body couldn't meet the requirements. These three pieces were defective and had lost their spiritual essence. He wanted to try absorbing the spiritual essence within them to refine his body and improve his cultivation.
Chen Yi had a total of over two thousand spirit stones in cash. One reason was that he had his eye on these pieces of spirit-patterned iron, and the other was that he was also interested in something else.
The third item was the Qingfeng Flying Sword.
Of course, he didn't really need the spirit-patterned iron; he was just asking for 1,200 spirit stones to try it out.
Unexpectedly, Qin Chengcheng stepped forward.
Qin Chengcheng's sudden fame was no small matter; she was a distinguished guest of the Jade Dragon Sect.
After Qin Chengcheng spoke up, the red-robed old man on the stage seemed to receive a telepathic message and smiled:
"It's rare that Fairy Yuqin is interested in this item, and she's even directly raised the price by nearly three hundred spirit stones. This price has far exceeded the auction's estimated price."
Is there anyone else who wants to raise the price?
If no one bids higher, then on behalf of the Jade Dragon Sect, I thank you all for your kindness.
Most of the Foundation Establishment cultivators who have come to the market are planning to build third-tier cave dwellings at the bottom of the lake, and they will definitely have to deal with the Jade Dragon Sect in the future.
Upon hearing the red-robed old man's hint, who wouldn't understand?
If you don't compete with Qin Chengcheng, no one in the Jade Dragon Sect will remember you.
But if you still try to snatch it after the old man in red robes has given his hint, the Jade Dragon Sect will definitely remember you. In the future, you can forget about getting any benefits in this Lake and Sea Market.
As expected, after the old man in the red robe spoke, no one else bid.
"Congratulations, Fairy Qin, on winning three pieces of Thunder Pattern Iron."
Qin Chengcheng smiled and thanked him before returning to the private room.
A moment later, a maid brought over an iron box containing three pieces of lightning-patterned iron.
"Fairy Qin, you only need to pay 1350 spirit stones. As a VIP of the Jade Dragon Sect, you will enjoy a 10% discount on your first item."
"Thank you very much."
Qin Chengcheng paid with spirit stones, then took the Thunder Pattern Iron and casually tossed it to Chen Yi.
"Chen Yi, my disciple, keep this safe."
(End of this chapter)