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墨書 Inktalez
Every time the Crimson Flower Sect opened its doors to recruit disciples, each affiliated Cultivation Family could send one exceptionally talented member to enter. Additionally, over a hundred disciples would be selected through battles in the Arena.
There were two types of Arenas. One was for Eleventh Layer Cultivators, with a more lenient age requirement allowing anyone under thirty to participate. The other was for Foundation Stage Cultivators at the tenth level, who had to be fifteen years old or younger.
Moreover, all battles in the Arena had to be fought using Spells. The use of any magical artifacts or Talismans that could not demonstrate one's own strength was prohibited. This was naturally a threshold set by the Cultivation Sect to ensure they recruited the most gifted disciples.
The Trade Fair held in Gaoyi City was organized in response to the Crimson Flower Sect's recruitment of disciples. It allowed cultivators to quickly elevate their magical power to its peak. When the Crimson Flower Sect opened its doors again in six months, entering the sect was a dream for every Loose Cultivator and even young disciples from Cultivation Families. Thus, every auction was a grand affair, with prices for elixirs skyrocketing.
Upon hearing about the Cultivation Sect's recruitment, Xunuo initially felt fortunate and excited. However, upon learning about the various conditions, his expression darkened as if he had swallowed a fly.
Although he was at the tenth level of Foundation Stage, his age far exceeded the requirements. This fact would surely not escape the eyes of the Cultivation Sect. While Xunuo believed he could advance to Eleven Layers within six months, he had no confidence in competing purely on Spellcasting. Despite having trained in three powerful Spells, he felt utterly disadvantaged in such a competitive Arena.
A Cultivator from the Heavenly Dragon Society noticed Xunuo's grim expression and tried to comfort him. "With your Alchemist skills being unparalleled, you have enough time to reach Eleven Layers Peak in six months; there’s still a chance."
Xunuo sighed and forced a nod. "That would be good."
The Cultivator patted Xunuo on the back and smiled. "A few of us Loose Cultivators are resting on that slope over there; if you don’t mind, you can join us for the night."
Xunuo thanked him but asked in confusion, "You’ve already passed your thirties; do you also have a chance to participate in the selection for Crimson Flower Sect Disciples?"
The Cultivator shook his head mysteriously and said something puzzling to Xunuo: "After the Dan Association ends, don’t head southeast. And be cautious about traveling with others."
Xunuo was taken aback for a moment, quickly realizing the implications. The Heavenly Dragon Society and the Cultivator attending the auction had ulterior motives, and they were certainly not benign. Xunuo was well aware of the dangers in the Cultivation world, where murder and treasure theft were rampant. He had no desire to get involved in such matters, so he shook his head and declined to accompany them. After exchanging polite farewells, he sought another place to stay.
Eventually, Xunuo found himself on a hill far from Gaoyi City, engaging in casual conversation with several Loose Cultivators. Through their discussions, Xunuo learned that this auction was open to all Cultivators. Although it primarily featured elixirs, it was not limited to them; other magical artifacts and materials often appeared at this auction as well. Any Cultivator wishing to auction items could have them appraised at the Auction House in the center of Gaoyi City.
Since news of the auction spread, elixir prices had skyrocketed. Even some Merchant Alliances began hoarding elixirs, aiming to make a significant profit at the auction. Upon hearing this, Xunuo understood why there were no elixirs available for sale inside Gaoyi City. He also contemplated taking this opportunity to sell some elixirs to fund the creation of a Defensive Artifact.
Half a year later, Xunuo was eager to participate in the Crimson Flower Sect's disciple selection competition. However, he felt he had little chance of success and was torn with conflicting emotions. After much contemplation, Xunuo decided that he should first focus on refining a Defensive Artifact to ensure he had some means of self-protection before considering the disciple selection competition.
The next day, as soon as the city gates opened, Xunuo entered Gaoyi City. He called for a Beast Cart at the city gate and swiftly made his way to the Auction House in the city center.
The Auction House was vast and circular, with layers rising higher as they extended outward, reaching a height of ten zhang at its outermost edge. The Identification Center for auction items was located within the auction hall itself. Cultivators continuously arrived to have their items appraised. Xunuo thought he had arrived early, but upon seeing a long line already formed at the Identification Center's entrance, he realized otherwise.
It wasn't until nearly noon that it was finally Xunuo's turn. He entered a private room where two Cultivators were seated. One appeared as a refined middle-aged scholar, while the other was an elderly man with white hair and skin like dried bark, clearly advanced in age.
Xunuo placed a Porcelain Bottle on the table in front of them. The middle-aged scholar uncorked the bottle and poured its contents onto a jade plate. After counting with mild surprise, he spoke like an appraiser at a pawn shop: "Ten Unity Pills... of superior quality."
The elderly man’s eyes widened suddenly upon hearing this. He picked up one pill and examined it closely for a moment before glancing at Xunuo, nodding slightly before closing his eyes to meditate again.
The middle-aged scholar collected the Unity Pills and handed Xunuo a jade slip. "After your items are successfully auctioned, present this jade slip to collect your spirit stones. Our auction house charges a ten percent commission on the proceeds."
Xunuo replied, "I would like to exchange them for Mid-Grade Spirit Stones if possible."
The middle-aged scholar nodded and said, "That can be arranged, but the commission will increase to twenty percent."
Xunuo felt a pang of regret. However, he truly had no other way to exchange his spirit stones for Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. He could only grit his teeth and agree.
After leaving the Identification Center, Xunuo continued to wander around the city. Partly to broaden his horizons, but mainly to search for materials to craft a Defensive Artifact.
As Xunuo walked along the street, he suddenly heard a woman's scream coming from a dark alley. Turning his head, he saw three Evil Practitioners threatening two Female Cultivators, forcing them deeper into the alley.
One of the Female Cultivators was an elderly woman in her thirties, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at the three Male Cultivators, crying out repeatedly. The other Female Cultivator was in her twenties, wearing a water-green long dress, with a dark silk ribbon accentuating her graceful figure. Her delicate and pure face bore a pair of clear eyes that glistened with tears, resembling a pear blossom in the rain as she looked towards Xunuo.
Although Xunuo was aware of the dangers in the cultivation world, he could not stand by and watch such bullying. Moreover, the three Cultivators committing these acts were only at the tenth level of Foundation Stage. Xunuo believed he had some authority in this situation. He wasn't worried that these three villains would suddenly attack him since dueling was prohibited inside Gaoyi City, especially during auction events.
While there were several Cultivation Families residing in Gaoyi City, it was actually controlled by the Six Major Merchant Alliances. Each of these alliances had a Rotating Illumination Elder stationed in Gaoyi City, firmly holding control over it and managing various cultivation material transactions involving Loose Cultivators and Cultivation Families in the surrounding areas.
Xunuo shouted loudly as he approached. The three Evil Practitioners turned their fierce gazes towards him upon realizing someone was interfering with their plans.
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