Serpent Ancestor

Everyone was wide-eyed and breathless, stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Was someone actually competing for something Xu Fu had his eyes on? Were these two courting death?

Xu Hei was understandable, at least it was fair competition, but the person in the private room was clearly just trying to annoy the other party.

Everyone here had at least reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and the minimum bid increment was set at a hundred spirit stones, designed for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

As a Core Formation cultivator, no one would shamelessly increase by just a hundred at a time; this person was clearly doing it on purpose.

Xu Fu squinted his eyes, about to raise the bid again.

Hei Huang shouted, ”Four hundred thousand and one hundred.”

Xu Hei cursed inwardly and called out, ”Four hundred and ten thousand!”

Hei Huang: ”Four hundred and ten thousand and one hundred.”

Seeing Hei Huang’s stance, Xu Fu fell silent and reclined back in his chair.Xu Hei coldly said, ”Fellow Daoist, are you here to cause trouble on purpose?”

This was exactly what Xu Fu wanted to ask, but someone else had beaten him to it.

”The minimum bid increment is a hundred spirit stones, I’m following the rules, why not? If you have the guts, kick me out!” Hei Huang sneered.

Han Te looked at the two with a bewildered expression, then suddenly realized something and cursed inwardly at their shamelessness, playing a double act.

Xu Fu’s gaze lingered on Xu Hei for a moment before he withdrew it and closed his eyes to rest.

”Four hundred and twenty thousand,” Xu Hei said.

This time, Hei Huang remained silent.

Time ticked by second by second.

Moments later, the price was finalized at four hundred and twenty thousand spirit stones.

With a wave of Jiang Ying’s hand, the ancient jade, surrounded by layers of seals, was sent to Xu Hei, who caught it in one swift motion.

The four hundred and twenty thousand lower-grade spirit stones almost depleted all of Xu Hei’s reserves.

But he didn’t feel any regret, believing it was worth every bit.

Xu Hei’s divine sense probed into the jade, immediately obtaining a tenth of the deciphered content, insights on pill refining, and three pill recipes.

Over ninety percent remained sealed.

”This item is crucial for Xu Bai, it must be kept safe.”

Xu Hei had a feeling that while others might not be able to decipher this ancient jade, Xu Bai might just be able to.

The jade was incredibly dense, and what was sealed inside might not just be information; there could be other items as well.

Through the dark green exterior, a faint light could be seen flickering inside. Xu Hei stored the jade in a Void Stone.

There were two more highlight auction items to come.

The first was a treasure of unknown grade, named the Giant Demon Battle Axe. It was said to be an ancient relic unearthed from a meteorite, devoid of spiritual power but incredibly heavy, even Core Formation cultivators couldn’t wield it, and it was bought by a mysterious cultivator.

The second treasure was a Nine-Turn Rebirth Pill, a fourth-grade pill. It was said to bring the dead back to life, snatching people from the hands of the King of Hell, and was purchased by Xu Fu.

The prices of these two highlight items, one at three hundred thousand and the other at five hundred thousand, were no less than the ancient jade Xu Hei acquired.

”The auction process ends here, now begins the acquisition phase!”

Jiang Ying took out a large number of jade slips, waved her hand, and they lined up in mid-air, each marked with requirements, clearly visible.

Everyone immediately focused their attention.

”Seeking entry qualification to the Penglai Sea, willing to offer fifty thousand spirit stones as a reward.”

”Seeking a life-saving magical treasure, bell-type, capable of withstanding a Core Formation stage attack, reward five thousand spirit stones, plus a Qingyuan Pill.”

”Seeking offensive talismans, mid-stage Foundation Establishment and above, one thousand spirit stones each.”

”…”

Xu Hei’s gaze swept over the jade slips, most were left by Foundation Establishment cultivators, with few from the Core Formation stage.

If someone could meet the requirements, they could retrieve the jade slip from a distance and provide the item listed.

Before long, half of the jade slips were taken.

Some people, unafraid of exposure, contacted buyers on the spot to trade. More preferred to go through Jiang Ying to conceal their identities.

Xu Hei also noticed some people poisoned by the sea god, seeking antidotes at exorbitant prices. Although tempted, Xu Hei could only shake his head and sigh, as he couldn’t help with detoxification.

At that moment, a strange phenomenon occurred.

The remaining jade slips either had harsh requirements or low offers, attracting no interest.

Yet, all these unattended jade slips were taken by Xu Fu!

”Fellow Daoists, meeting at Twin Islands is a fate in itself. If someone is in trouble, why not lend a hand if I, Xu Fu, am able?”

Xu Fu smiled warmly, exuding a spring breeze-like charm that made it hard for anyone to harbor ill feelings.

He took out a large number of treasures, fulfilling the requirements on the jade slips, and handed them to Jiang Ying, who then passed them to the buyers.

Those who received the treasures were all stunned.

Someone immediately cupped their fists and bowed to Xu Fu: ”Thank you, Senior Xu!”

”Thank you, Senior!”

”I will forever remember Senior Xu’s kindness!”

Once someone led the way, the remaining people were all visibly moved, bowing to Xu Fu.

Xu Fu’s generosity helped many, earning him a great deal of goodwill.

Especially a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, who spent fifty thousand spirit stones to acquire breakthrough pills, a price almost impossible to achieve, yet Xu Fu provided it.

The person was just trying their luck, who knew there would be such a generous benefactor.

But this cultivator dared not show any disrespect, quickly bowing in gratitude.

Even the jade slips of those poisoned by the sea god were taken by Xu Fu, who provided pills to suppress the poison, leaving Xu Hei dumbfounded.

In a short time, all the jade slip requirements were met, no matter how harsh, Xu Fu could handle it.

”Alright, since everyone’s needs are met, it’s time for mine.” Xu Fu announced loudly.

He stood up, walked out of the private room, and came to the center of the hall.

Jiang Ying also stepped aside.

This trade fair was secretly orchestrated by Xu Fu, with the well-known purpose of acquiring Longevity Pills. Xu Fu had publicly sought them multiple times.

At any cost, with the power of a nation, this was Xu Fu’s confidence.

”What I, Xu, seek is well known.”

”Fellow Daoists, even if you don’t have Longevity Pills, any treasure with life essence, I will purchase at triple the price, from second to fourth grade, all are welcome.”

Xu Fu surveyed the room, laughing loudly.

His words elicited a chorus of agreement.

”Of course, I came prepared.”

”Please, Senior Xu, have a look!”

Most cultivators present took out prepared items, sending them to the center of the hall.

Various spirit medicines, magical treasures, spirit plants, and spirit springs, all containing life essence, flew over, landing before Xu Fu, filling the hall with rich life energy.

These treasures varied in grade, dazzling the eyes.

Everyone had heard the news, so they were well-prepared, showing full sincerity.

Xu Fu inspected each one, then handed out spirit stones to those who provided spirit medicines.

Xu Hei intended to offer the Longevity Pill but suddenly held back, his eyes flickering, and instead, like Han Te, he took out a thousand-year-old spirit medicine and offered it to Xu Fu.

A thousand-year-old spirit medicine, though rare, had been offered by others earlier, so Xu Hei’s wasn’t unique. Cultivators with some wealth at the Core Formation stage could usually obtain such spirit medicines.

”Excellent!”

Xu Fu accepted the spirit medicine, nodding in satisfaction, and handed over a storage bag containing two hundred and forty top-grade spirit stones, surprising Xu Hei as it was indeed three times his expectation.

…………

The process wasn’t long, lasting about the time it takes two incense sticks to burn, and no one else offered spirit medicines.

With the transaction complete, Xu Fu nodded in satisfaction, his smile as bright as a chrysanthemum.

”Today’s trade pleases me greatly. Does anyone else have treasures with life essence?”

Xu Fu scanned the room again, smiling broadly.

Most people shook their heads; what they had to offer had already been given, they wouldn’t wait until now.

Xu Hei did have ten-thousand-year-old spirit medicine, but he would never offer it, as even Elemental Infant cultivators coveted such items.

”Oh? Truly nothing more?”

Xu Fu asked once more, still smiling.

By now, some had already left the trade hall, reducing the number by a fifth.

Xu Hei also planned to leave, rising to depart, with Han Te having left a step ahead.

As Xu Hei reached the entrance of the hall, about to step out, he suddenly stopped.

He stared at the vast, empty street outside, his heart tightening with a sudden sense of foreboding.

Han Te’s expression also changed dramatically, retreating back inside, panting heavily, his face drenched in sweat.