Becoming an Immortal and Ancestor, Starting from the Clan-protecting Divine Beast

21: Chapter 21 Entering the City, Wanbao PavilionSeven days later, Chen Fufeng and Yuan Feng returned to the outskirts of Liyuan Commandery and joined the queue.

Over these seven days, they had returned to the Liyuan Plains to search for Robber Cultivators, only to discover that many Immortal Cultivators on the plains had gone mad. They attacked anyone they saw, as if they had lost their minds, like they were suffering from a fit of insanity.

For some unknown reason, the man and the ape had also become bloodthirsty, joining the fray and killing many Cultivators—at least eighty, if not a hundred.

This included several Peak Qi Refining Cultivators, all of whom died under Yuan Feng’s fists with miserable fates.

As the killing continued, they eventually regained their clarity. After tallying their gains, they hurried back to Liyuan Commandery.

Looking back now, Chen Fufeng felt a lingering fear. He did not know when he had fallen under a Spell, and the same was true for Yuan Feng.

However, although they had gone on a killing spree during this trip, the gains were extremely substantial. The number of Low-Grade Spirit Stones alone exceeded ten thousand.

This did not even include the Medicinal Pills, Talismanic Incantations, Magical Artifacts, Cultivation Techniques, and various other items. If all of these were sold, it was estimated they could fetch several tens of thousands of Low-Grade Spirit Stones. Such wealth could already rival an ordinary Foundation Establishment Family.

”Brother Yuan, do you think the changes on the Liyuan Plains this time might have something to do with that auction at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?” Chen Fufeng’s aura was somewhat unstable. He lifted his slightly pale face, a thought stirring in his heart, and sent a voice transmission.

Sitting on his shoulder, Yuan Feng remained silent for a moment before speaking: ”Perhaps, or perhaps not. To high-Realm Cultivators, we Cultivators at the Qi Refining stage are like ants, to be manipulated at will.”

After experiencing the slaughter on the plains, Yuan Feng had a clearer understanding of the Advanced Cultivators in this Realm.

Spells capable of influencing Cultivators on such a large scale hardly existed. There was only one explanation: they had all been struck by a Divine Ability and, driven by it, had joined the ranks of the slaughter.

Chen Fufeng vaguely had this suspicion as well, but he did not voice it. Both the man and the ape knew it clearly in their hearts.

”Since the big figures did not come out to stop it, I fear they have already tacitly approved of this behavior. We just need to do our own thing.” Yuan Feng’s eyes were deep, his tone eerie.

This feeling of being at the mercy of others and being led by the nose was truly unbearable; he did not wish to experience it a second time.

”Cough, cough. I really don’t know if coming to the commandery this time is a blessing or a curse. Sigh.” Chen Fufeng coughed twice. He had sustained no small injuries during the seven days of fighting and had yet to fully recover.

Once inside the commandery, he would first need to find a place to stay and recuperate so he could better handle the auction.

”It is not a curse if it’s a blessing, and a curse cannot be avoided. Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, and a blessing may hide disaster. When all is said and done, it is because our strength and Realm are too low, unable to jump out of the game. Now that we have stumbled into the chessboard, we can only take it one step at a time; the boat will naturally straighten when it reaches the bridge.”

Yuan Feng said this, having let go of his worries for now.

Since the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion dared to divide the auction venue into three tiers—Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, and Purple Mansion—it meant they had already made the necessary preparations.

King against King, General against General, Soldier against Soldier. As long as a Great Cultivator at the Foundation Establishment level did not appear, he feared no one among the Qi Refining level Cultivators.

”Haha, Brother Yuan, why are you speaking so bookishly?” Chen Fufeng chuckled, dispelling the somewhat oppressive atmosphere.

”I’ve read too many books, so it just comes out that way,” Yuan Feng replied.

After waiting in line for two and a half hours, it was finally Chen Fufeng’s turn.

Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivators needed to pay five Low-Grade Spirit Stones to enter the city, and if they brought a Yao Beast, an additional five Low-Grade Spirit Stones were required.

Just like that, Chen Fufeng handed a total of ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones to the guards, then received a white jade token and entered the city.

The commandery was extremely lively, with wide streets, rows of shops, heavy traffic, an endless stream of people, and the sounds of hawking and calling ringing in the ears incessantly.

From time to time, one could see Great Cultivators above the Late Foundation Establishment Stage flying overhead, evoking exclamations and envy from many.

The scent of Medicinal Pills, the light of formations, the glow of Talismanic Incantations, and the radiance of Magical Artifacts all captured the minds of the Cultivators, making them restless. One careless move, and their wallets would be emptied by more than half.

After sweeping his gaze over everything, Chen Fufeng set off toward a nearby inn. He had not forgotten the first thing he needed to do upon entering.

Yellow Smoke Inn!

After walking for a full quarter of an hour, Chen Fufeng arrived in front of an inn. Without hesitation, he walked straight in.

After paying a full thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stones, the waiter at the Yellow Smoke Inn led Chen Fufeng to Room 32 of the Yellow tier. This room would belong to him for the next three days.

The rooms at the Yellow Smoke Inn were divided into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow. The Yellow-tier room was the fourth grade, yet even so, it cost ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones a day—exorbitantly expensive.

Chen Fufeng did not pay much mind to it. He was currently flush with cash, and thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stones were nothing.

Upon entering the room and confirming the door was shut, Chen Fufeng activated the sound-dampening formation in the room and set up a few Formation Flags for warning. Only then did he sit cross-legged on the bed, took out a few Medicinal Pills for healing, and began to mend his injuries.

Yuan Feng climbed down from his shoulder, sat in front of the bed, and began to practice breathing exercises.

He was a Yao Beast with a top-tier Yao Beast Bloodline. Not only was his combat power strong, but his Physical Body’s recovery ability was also extremely powerful.

On the road, the injuries on his body had already fully healed. The combat power of those few Peak Qi Refining Cultivators was average, and the damage they could inflict on him was just so-so, not worth mentioning.

Two days later, Chen Fufeng opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of foul, black stagnant blood. His complexion was much ruddier, his aura was stable, and he had recovered seven or eight tenths of his health.

”Old Chen, how is your recovery?” Yuan Feng, who was sitting in front of the bed practicing, opened his eyes, his pitch-black pupils as deep as a starry sky.

A smile appeared on Chen Fufeng’s face, and his voice was full of energy: ”Brother Yuan, I am no longer in any serious trouble.”

Yuan Feng nodded slightly, then landed on Chen Fufeng’s shoulder and asked: ”What are your plans now? Going to sell the resources on hand to exchange for Spirit Stones first?”

Chen Fufeng pondered for a moment and said: ”Let’s get familiar with the commandery first.”

Arriving in an unfamiliar environment, one naturally had to familiarize themselves with it first and find a retreat route just in case. If something really happened, it would be easier to run.

Yuan Feng nodded; not bad, very cautious.

Step!

Chen Fufeng got off the bed, packed up the Formation Flags used for warnings, opened the door, and walked out, leaving the Yellow Smoke Inn.

Using Spiritual Qi to bolster his footsteps, Chen Fufeng spent nearly half a day wandering before he finally had a general idea of Liyuan Commandery.

Liyuan Commandery was divided into the Inner City and the Outer City. The Inner City was where the seven great Purple Mansion Factions and the Commandery Governor were located, along with some prominent or wealthy Foundation Establishment Families. All other factions were rooted in the Outer City.

The headquarters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion was in the center of the Outer City, occupying a huge area. It could be said that the Outer City was built around the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion; it was accessible from all directions, and the streets were filled with countless shops and dazzling goods, making one overwhelmed by the choices.

Chen Fufeng carried a lot of stolen goods on him—Magical Artifacts, Medicinal Pills, Talismanic Incantations, Cultivation Techniques, and other miscellaneous items. The variety was very mixed.

He first made a copy of the Cultivation Techniques he had obtained, then wandered around before finally arriving at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

A beautiful maid dressed in gorgeous clothing greeted him with a beaming smile: ”Welcome to the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Guest, what can I help you with?”

Chen Fufeng straightened up and told the maid that he wanted to sell things, adding that there were many items and the transaction amount would be large.

Upon hearing this, the maid’s smile grew even wider. She swayed her waist as she led Chen Fufeng to the second floor of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

”Tsk tsk, incredible. Even a maid at this Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion is a Seventh Layer of Qi Refining Cultivator. If this got out, it would probably scare a whole lot of people.” Yuan Feng couldn’t help but exclaim.

Chen Fufeng secretly sent a voice transmission: ”Brother Yuan, you don’t know this, but the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion is very strict in selecting its maids. The large black market we went to before belonged to the lowest grade, but even they required the maids to have Early Stage Qi Refining cultivation.”

”The Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion at the town level requires maids to have Middle Stage Qi Refining cultivation, while the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion in this commandery requires the maids to have Late Stage Qi Refining cultivation.”

”Besides cultivation, there are strict requirements for the maids’ appearance and figure; they must be young, beautiful, and have a graceful figure.”

Hearing this, a strange look appeared on Yuan Feng’s face. This Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion was quite interesting.

The maid brought Chen Fufeng to the door of a private room, bowed, and performed a salute: ”Guest, please come in.”

After saying this, she personally opened the door for Chen Fufeng, providing excellent service.

I am now someone who can be served by a Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivator!

Chen Fufeng straightened his clothes, stood tall, adopted the demeanor of a wealthy Cultivator, and walked in.

After he entered, the maid gently closed the door to the private room and stood gracefully outside, looking very professional.

Half an hour later, Chen Fufeng walked out with his head held high, a look of joy between his brows. Apparently, the harvest was even higher than he had thought.

”Does Senior wish to purchase anything else?” The maid waiting outside the private room greeted him immediately.

Chen Fufeng took the opportunity to ask: ”I plan to attend tomorrow’s auction. Can you tell me what I need to pay attention to regarding this auction?”

Hearing this, the maid made a gesture of invitation, letting Chen Fufeng walk first while she followed alongside, and then said:

”It seems Senior is here for the auction. You want to know how to participate in this auction, right?”

Chen Fufeng nodded. He knew that the once-in-a-decade auction would be held tomorrow, but he did not yet know how to participate.

”According to the records in the pavilion, Senior, you can now obtain a copper ten thousand treasures token. You can use this ten thousand treasures token to attend tomorrow’s Qi Refining level auction. There will be an independent private room, rather than attending the auction in the main hall.”

”A copper ten thousand treasures token?” Chen Fufeng was somewhat surprised. He did not expect that they would actually give him a copper ten thousand treasures token.

The Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion would give out different specifications of ten thousand treasures tokens based on the level of customer spending, with the iron ten thousand treasures token having the lowest specification and the gold ten thousand treasures token having the highest.

Among them, even the lowest-grade iron ten thousand treasures token required a Cultivator to spend over a thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion to obtain it.

However, thinking of the number of Spirit Stones he had just obtained, Chen Fufeng understood why the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion would give him a copper ten thousand treasures token; he was indeed qualified.

”Using the power of a Divine Ability to make us Qi Refining Cultivators slaughter each other, just to cultivate some wealthy Qi Refining Cultivators to attend this auction—is this really worth it?”

Chen Fufeng couldn’t help but think of the abnormalities on the Liyuan Plains. His somewhat happy mood felt as if it had been doused with a bucket of cold water, becoming heavy.

That feeling of losing one’s mind, unable to control oneself, and only knowing how to slaughter like a beast—he did not want to experience it again.

If it weren’t for Yuan Feng, he would probably be no different from those Qi Refining Cultivators who were sleeping forever on the Liyuan Plains, becoming a dead pawn, his life and Dao extinguished.

”By the way, is there any Thunder-attribute Cultivation Technique for sale at this Qi Refining auction?” Chen Fufeng asked suddenly.

In terms of importance, a Cultivation Technique was even above Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. Previously, he had been dazed by the once-in-a-millennium Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, which led to the idea of wanting to kill Robber Cultivators and loot their wealth.

Looking back now, it was more than just lingering fear; cold sweat had broken out.

The young maid smiled, her voice pleasant: ”Thunder-attribute Cultivation Techniques are extremely rare among the many techniques. However, Senior is very lucky; there will be several rare Cultivation Techniques up for auction at this Qi Refining auction, including a high-grade Thunder-attribute Cultivation Technique.”

”However, Thunder-attribute Cultivation Techniques are already rare, and since this one is also high-grade, I fear the price will be very expensive. Please be well-prepared, Senior.”

Chen Fufeng frowned slightly. Good news: there was a Thunder-attribute Cultivation Technique for sale at the auction. Bad news: this technique was of a very high grade, and he might not be able to secure it.

”It’s not a big problem, Old Chen. Ask her if there are any other Thunder-attribute Cultivation Techniques for sale in the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion besides the auction.” Yuan Feng sent a voice transmission; he was very calm.

Chen Fufeng nodded and asked: ”Does your esteemed pavilion have any other Thunder-attribute Cultivation Techniques for sale besides the auction?”

”Yes, Senior. Let me check.” The maid raised her hand. There was something like a bracelet on her wrist. Under her control, it projected a virtual screen, making Yuan Feng widen his eyes. How was this so similar to the projector from his previous life?

”Currently, the pavilion has a fourth-grade Thunder-attribute Cultivation Technique for sale, named 【Xuan Yi Upper Heaven Thunder Scripture】. Its nature belongs to Upper Heaven Thunder. Once cultivated to the Foundation Establishment stage, one can form the fourth-grade Upper Heaven Thunder immortal foundation 【Xuan Yi Upper Heaven】.”

”Upper Heaven Thunder?” Chen Fufeng was thoughtful.

Regarding the Thunder Dao, he did not know much, but he knew that this Dao was divided into Pivot Thunder, Divine Thunder, and Upper Heaven Thunder.

Among them, Pivot Thunder was the head of all thunders, the total pivot of thunder, in charge of heavenly punishment and retribution.

Cultivators who walked the path of Pivot Thunder were in charge of the laws of thunder, acting on behalf of the heavens to punish, and had extremely strong lethality against those heinous Cultivators.

Divine Thunder was the extreme speed of all thunders. Its nature was like metal, moving like blades and weapons, excelling in slaughter, and was extremely suitable for Sword Cultivators.

Upper Heaven Thunder was the mildest among the three thunders, beneficial for bringing clouds and rain, mainly responsible for issuing the decrees of the heavens and earth. In terms of slaughter, it was not as good as Divine Thunder; in terms of rain, it was not as good as Gui Water; it was the most lackluster.

”Besides Upper Heaven Thunder, are there any other Thunder-attribute Cultivation Techniques?” Chen Fufeng asked.

The maid shook her head and replied: ”Senior, you may not know this, but third-grade Thunder-attribute Cultivation Techniques are useless; they generally start from the fourth grade. Other than the 【Xuan Yi Upper Heaven Thunder Scripture】, there is only the one at the auction in our Liyuan Commandery Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.”

”Alright.” Chen Fufeng felt a bit regretful inside, but he didn’t say anything more. He would just do his best.

Afterward, he took the copper ten thousand treasures token given by the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion and left, returning to the Yellow Smoke Inn to wait for the auction to begin.