Protect Our Patriarch

……

Compared to the typical Purple Mansion Clans, the Zuoqiu Clan's entourage appeared more composed and confident.

This was the demeanor cultivated from long-term superiority, exuding an air of self-assurance. The saying "residing in a high position breeds nobility" perfectly explained this phenomenon.

"Shihai, would a fourth-grade clan be interested in the 'Tongling Baodan' or the 'Wuji Baodan'?" Wang Shouzhe's expression was slightly grave.

"Fourth Uncle, both the Tongling Baodan and Wuji Baodan are sixth-grade elixirs. Not only are the materials rare, but the refining requirements are also extremely high. It's said that only alchemists at the Divine Realm can refine them," Wang Shihai replied. "A fourth-grade clan is still a Purple Mansion Clan, so they would naturally be interested in sixth-grade elixirs. However, because fourth-grade clans are very powerful, often dominating an entire commandery, their connections, channels, and foundations are much stronger than ours. Obtaining sixth-grade elixirs is much easier for them."

"I understand. They would be more focused on cost-effectiveness." Wang Shouzhe nodded, feeling slightly relieved.

Just like the "Tianling Dan" for ninth-grade clans, due to limited channels and rare opportunities, they would often be willing to pay a premium if they had the chance to acquire it.

But given the current status of the Wang Clan, there are more channels to obtain a fourth-grade Tianling Dan. If the price isn't right, they can choose not to buy it and wait for a better opportunity.

"In most cases, that's indeed the case," Wang Shihai said with a slight frown. "But precisely because fourth-grade clans are stronger and wealthier, if they urgently need a particular treasure, their ability to pay a premium can become quite formidable."

Wang Shouzhe remained calm. Although he had a great need for the Wuji Baodan, if it became unaffordable, he would have no regrets in giving it up.

At worst, he could slowly search for it later.

After half an hour, everyone in the private rooms had arrived, and the auction officially began.

Compared to the auction Wang Shouzhe had attended in the East Sea, this auction was of a much higher caliber. Most of the families attending were sixth or fifth-grade, and even the auctioneer was an elderly man at the Celestial Realm.

This was to prevent the auctioneer from being too weak to control the scene.

After a round of opening remarks, the first auction item was quickly brought up.

It was a jade box, neatly filled with thirty spirit pills that exuded a rich aroma and a faint blue glow.

"The first auction item is thirty fourth-grade 'Yunpo Dan' pills," the auctioneer introduced. "These pills can nourish the soul and strengthen the blood, suitable for Purple Mansion Realm cultivators during their training, and can also assist prodigious cultivators in breaking through to the Purple Mansion Realm. The starting bid is 300,000, with each increment no less than 10,000."

Wang Shouzhe's expression changed slightly.

As expected of a high-level auction, the first item was a fourth-grade Yunpo Dan.

In terms of unit price, this spirit pill was much cheaper than the fourth-grade Tianling Dan, but the Tianling Dan was used for breakthroughs to the Lingtai Realm, usually requiring only one pill. The Yunpo Dan, however, was a consumable for daily training...

Wang Shouzhe was slightly tempted to buy it for Ancestor Long Yan.

"Don't rush, Shouzhe," Ancestor Long Yan seemed to see through Wang Shouzhe's thoughts and said calmly, "I'm currently only at the early stage of the Celestial Realm. The 'Dajuling Dan' is sufficient for now. We can switch to this pill later. Today, no matter what, you must secure the Wuji Baodan first. Everything else can wait."

"Yes, Ancestor." Wang Shouzhe nodded in agreement.

Although the Yunpo Dan was precious, it was much more common than the Wuji Baodan. Given the current wealth of the Wang Clan, they could always find ways to obtain more of it later, so there was no need to buy it here.

However, just because Wang Shouzhe didn't want it didn't mean other families didn't.

Thirty pills at 300,000 was a bargain, with plenty of room for the price to rise. It didn't take long for the bidding to reach 380,000, and finally, it was sold for 410,000 Top Gold.

During this time, the Monan Wang Clan also tried to bid but gave up at 370,000. Clearly, they also wanted to save funds for their desired items.

As the Yunpo Dan was sold, the next auction item was brought up.

The auctioneer introduced it methodically: "A mid-grade magical weapon, the 'Chasing Moon Spear,' starting at 500,000 Top Gold."

At an auction of this level, a mid-grade magical weapon would be a major item, but here, it was just an ordinary lot.

For Purple Mansion Clans, the main combatants were often Celestial Realm elders, and mid-grade magical weapons were much more powerful than low-grade ones, providing a significant advantage in battles of the same level.

Typically, the prodigious Celestial Realm cultivators of Purple Mansion Clans would be equipped with mid-grade magical weapons for protection, and some powerful elders could also be equipped with them to enhance their combat effectiveness.

If funds allowed, Wang Shouzhe would also bid for such items to bolster the family's foundation. Unfortunately, he had to miss out on the Chasing Moon Spear today.

After a round of bidding, the "Chasing Moon Spear" was sold for 770,000.

Compared to the 590,000 Wang Shouzhe had spent on the mid-grade magical weapon "Purple Lightning Sword," this was much higher, showing the difference in wealth between Purple Mansion Clans and seventh-grade clans.

Of course, this was also because other families had given Wang Shouzhe face and withdrawn from the competition when he bought the Purple Lightning Sword.

As he pondered, the "Chasing Moon Spear" was taken away, and the next auction item was brought up.

It was a smoky blue longbow, engraved with intricate runes and faintly glowing. Beside the longbow was a quiver filled with long arrows.

"A top-grade spiritual weapon, the 'Dingxian Bow,' with eighteen matching arrows, starting at 300,000 Top Gold," the Celestial Realm auctioneer introduced, clearly familiar with all the details of the items.

"This..."

Wang Shouzhe's eyes lit up, and he felt a strong urge.

He was very skilled in and fond of archery, but after advancing to the Lingtai Realm, ordinary bows and arrows were no longer effective.

Therefore, while diligently practicing his archery, he had been searching for a spiritual bow. After all, as a plant-controlling Basalt cultivator, he had an advantage in ranged combat with a bow and arrow over close combat.

The problem was that he didn't want to settle for an ordinary low-grade spiritual bow, but top-grade spiritual bows were very rare...

Ancestor Long Yan understood Wang Shouzhe well. Seeing his expression, she knew what he was thinking.

Her eyebrows slightly raised behind her veil: "If the price is right, Shouzhe, try to get it. This spiritual weapon will be very useful for our Wang Clan's expansion. If funds are tight, we can pawn a couple of other treasures."

After a brief consideration, Wang Shouzhe nodded.

There weren't many spiritual weapons suitable for him at the moment. If the final price didn't exceed 600,000, he would take it. Moreover, top-grade spiritual weapons wouldn't become obsolete. Even if he outgrew the bow, it could be passed down to the younger generation.

This was the difference between a family and a rogue cultivator. Every item purchased would be put to use, with many family members waiting eagerly for their turn.

"300,000 Top Gold." Having made his decision, Wang Shouzhe quickly placed his bid.

The price rose slightly afterward, but in the end, Wang Shouzhe secured the top-grade spiritual weapon "Dingxian Bow" for 400,000 Top Gold.

This result left him slightly surprised.

But after a moment's thought, he understood. Firstly, most attendees were from fifth or sixth-grade clans, with their main combatants being Celestial Realm elders.

No matter how good a top-grade spiritual weapon was, its power was comparable to a low-grade magical weapon. At the same price, they would prefer to buy a magical weapon.

After all, not every family had as many prodigies as the Changning Wang Clan, each deserving a top-grade spiritual weapon.

Secondly, everyone had come with specific goals, so they were saving funds where they could.

This outcome benefited Wang Shouzhe, allowing him to secure his desired item at a relatively low price.

Subsequently, more high-quality treasures and elixirs appeared, including fifth-grade elixirs like the Xisui Dan, which were offered in bottles of five.

Even Wang Shouzhe found it hard to resist, wanting to take everything back.

This kind of auction targeting high-end clients was like this.

Every item was something even Purple Mansion Clans needed. For a seventh-grade clan like the Wang Clan, everything was a treasure.

But no matter how good the items were, he had to hold back until he secured the Wuji Baodan.

Fortunately, the Wuji Baodan was not the final or main item of this auction.

In the latter part of the auction, it was finally the turn of the "Wuji Baodan."

The auctioneer announced: "A sixth-grade elixir, the Wuji Baodan, which can enhance bloodline aptitude, directly upgrading a first-grade bloodline to a second-grade bloodline, and also has a significant effect on those above second-grade."

"Master~" a voice from one of the private rooms asked, "Can a 'Lingtai Realm' prodigy with mid-grade B aptitude use the 'Wuji Baodan' to upgrade to high-grade aptitude?"

Mid-grade B aptitude referred to an innate first-grade high-level bloodline, with the bloodline awakening to second-grade high-level in the Lingtai Realm. Even among prodigies, this was considered very good aptitude.

"Hmm?" Wang Shihai wondered, "The Mo Clan, a mere sixth-grade clan, also wants to buy the Wuji Baodan? With their foundation, can they even afford to cultivate a prodigy?"

The elderly auctioneer, experienced and knowledgeable, immediately responded loudly: "You can first take a Blood Refining Pill and a Xisui Dan to enhance the bloodline, then take the Wuji Baodan. There's a high chance of upgrading to high-grade aptitude. If you've already taken a Xisui Dan, the chances are very slim. As everyone knows, any elixir that can improve bloodline aptitude has strong resistance. The first use is most effective, the second only retains twenty percent of the effect, and the third has a very weak effect."

"Thank you, Master, for the explanation." The Mo Clan's representative in the private room sounded quite pleased. "Our family member hasn't taken a Xisui Dan yet. This gives hope for upgrading to a prodigy."

However, just as he finished speaking, a cold snort came from another private room.

"A mere sixth-grade clan dares to covet the 'Wuji Baodan'? I'd like to see how much Top Gold your Mo Clan has prepared to compete with me."

Zuoqiu Clan?

The Zuoqiu Clan was a fourth-grade clan, and their private room was naturally arranged in the most prestigious central position.

Hearing the Zuoqiu Clan speak, the other private rooms started whispering.

Although the Wuji Baodan was precious, it wasn't something a fourth-grade clan would urgently need. After all, being a fourth-grade clan meant they could ensure at least three stable Purple Mansion Realm cultivators.

To maintain this, they would typically cultivate no fewer than five prodigies at a time. Even if they were short on prodigies for a while, they could make up for it in a few decades with the next generation. This reduced their reliance on the Wuji Baodan.

"Silence."

Seeing the commotion, the elderly auctioneer's face turned stern, and he shouted loudly.

Instantly, an invisible force spread through the private rooms.

The venue fell silent.

Although the elder was not a Purple Mansion cultivator, he represented the Baibao Pavilion. Most families were quite wary and respectful of the Baibao Pavilion.

"Hmph! Young master of the Zuoqiu Clan, the Baibao Pavilion has its own rules. During the auction and before and after the auction, no one is allowed to threaten others or seize their auction items. Otherwise, it will be considered an affront to the Baibao Pavilion," the elder said sternly. "Since this is your first offense and you're young, I won't pursue it this time. But if you dare to do it again, you'll be immediately expelled from the Baibao Pavilion. Later, someone will also visit your Zuoqiu Clan to hold you accountable."

His words were heavy, and the entire auction venue fell silent. Even the Zuoqiu Clan's private room quieted down.

Indeed, without rules, there can be no order. The Baibao Pavilion had been in business for thousands of years and naturally maintained strict order.

If people could threaten others or seize auction items at will, who would dare to attend the Baibao Pavilion's auctions in the future?

Seeing everyone settle down, the elder softened his expression and continued to host the auction: "Any other questions? If not, let's continue the auction..."

"Master~" Wang Shouzhe suddenly spoke, "What effect does the Wuji Baodan have on a 'Lingtai Realm' prodigy?"

The elderly auctioneer glanced at Wang Shouzhe's private room and replied, "For those with a third-grade bloodline, it's not recommended. The effect is very low."

"May I ask, Master, how low is the effect?" Wang Shouzhe asked again.

"The distance from the early stage to the middle stage of the third-grade bloodline can only be improved by twenty to thirty percent, making it very cost-ineffective," the elderly auctioneer replied, though somewhat impatiently. "Any other questions?"

"Thank you, Master, for the explanation." Wang Shouzhe politely thanked him, feeling a sense of relief. This item was far inferior to the Blood Gu King.

The Blood Gu King had once elevated his bloodline from the early to the middle stage of the third-grade bloodline.

But that was enough.

After all, Wang Shouzhe was now at the peak of the third-grade bloodline, only needing that final push.

The elderly auctioneer then announced, "Continuing the auction for the 'Wuji Baodan,' starting at 2 million Top Gold, with each increment no less than 100,000 Top Gold."

"2.5 million." The Monan Mo Clan was the first to bid, raising the price by 500,000 to prevent anyone from getting a bargain.

"Hmph, 2.6 million." The Zuoqiu Clan's voice followed.

"2.7 million." Wang Shouzhe joined the fray.

"2.8 million."

"3 million!" The Zuoqiu Clan coldly shouted.

At this price, several families who intended to buy the Wuji Baodan for their reserves gave up. The Wuji Baodan typically reached 3 million when urgently needed, losing its cost-effectiveness.

In the Monan Mo Clan's private room, the clan leader said to Mo Ruoqiu, "Ruoqiu, the clan elders approved a limit of 3.3 million. I can personally add another 200,000. If it exceeds this price..."

Mo Ruoqiu nodded understandingly, "Father, don't worry. If it comes to that, it means I have no fate with it."

"Good." The Mo Clan leader continued to bid, "3.3 million."

"You..."

In the Zuoqiu Clan's private room, the young master couldn't believe that a mere sixth-grade clan dared to bid so high.

His face turned ugly, but he gritted his teeth and bid, "3.4 million."

"3.5 million." The Mo Clan raised the bid again.

As the Zuoqiu Clan's young master prepared to bid again, a Celestial Realm elder reminded him, "Seventy-ninth young master, the premium is too high. Let's stop here and think of other ways. Although the Wuji Baodan is precious and rare, there are still ways to obtain it."

Fourth-grade clans were wealthy, but their wealth wasn't limitless. Moreover, fourth-grade clans had large populations and many branches, with numerous rules and regulations, making it impossible to act recklessly.

"One more round. I'll add my private funds." The Zuoqiu young master looked angry, "If we still can't get it, then forget it."

"3.6 million!" the Zuoqiu young master shouted.

If that damned Mo Clan still wanted it, they would have to bid 3.7 million, an additional 200,000 that might be unaffordable.

The Mo Clan leader sighed, "Zuoqiu young master, you win."

He then looked apologetically at Mo Ruoqiu. He had done his best, but they couldn't compete with a fourth-grade clan's young master.

Mo Ruoqiu also looked disappointed. Losing this auction was a heavy blow. She hadn't expected the bidding to go so high.

"Heh, overestimating yourself." The Zuoqiu young master sneered, a smile forming on his lips.

Although the premium made him bleed, he had secured the Wuji Baodan. As long as he had it, everything was worth it.

However, just as he thought the Wuji Baodan was in his grasp, Wang Shouzhe calmly said, "3.7 million."

"What?" The Zuoqiu young master was furious, shouting, "You, you, you... who are you..."

"Zuoqiu young master, watch your words," Wang Shouzhe sneered. "This is a normal auction. Don't disrupt the order."

The Zuoqiu young master shivered, remembering the auctioneer's earlier warning. He had to suppress his anger.

But his previous bid was his limit. Adding another 200,000...

He gritted his teeth and chose to remain silent.

The elderly auctioneer, seeing this, began the countdown: "3.7 million once... 3.7 million twice... 3.7 million thrice, sold! Congratulations to this young master for winning the 'Wuji Baodan.'"

Even with Wang Shouzhe's composure, he felt a moment of joy and relief.

Finally, he had secured the Wuji Baodan.

All the efforts to earn money for the family and increase production had paid off.

Although there were some surprises, he had ultimately outbid them with wealth. The total expenditure was far from his limit.

Wang Shihai, watching from the side, was stunned.

Fourth Uncle was too wealthy~~~ 3.7 million, that's 3.7 million Top Gold... Oh, wait, he also spent 400,000 on a top-grade spiritual weapon earlier.

Is this still a seventh-grade clan?

Wang Shihai felt his worldview and common sense being challenged.

Fortunately, Wang Shouzhe didn't bid on anything else afterward.

Although Wang Shouzhe was interested in the final "Tongling Baodan" and the grand finale item "Phoenix Tree Immortal Wood," he decided to hold back for the future development of the family.

The competition for the Tongling Baodan was fierce, with the Monan Wang Clan frequently raising the bid, but in the end, it was the wealthy Qian Clan of Longzuo Commandery that secured it for 4 million Top Gold.

The Monan Wang Clan's plan to stockpile the Tongling Baodan was thus thwarted.

They could afford the 4 million, but the premium was too high, making it unwise to buy. It was better to wait for the next auction or try their luck in the capital.

After all, Wang Dingxin still had several decades before he needed to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

The Phoenix Tree Immortal Wood was a high-grade wood, with the auctioned piece being about one or two cubic meters. It had various mystical properties and was eventually sold for 6.3 million Top Gold to the Gongye Clan from Tianfu Commandery, likely for crafting some treasure.

With the Phoenix Tree Immortal Wood sold, the auction came to an end.

As Wang Shouzhe and his group left their private room, they were greeted by Qian Xuehan from the Qian Clan and Wang Zonghao from the Wang Clan, both smiling and congratulating him.

"Congratulations, Master Shouzhe/Fourth Uncle, on securing your desired treasure."

"Congratulations to you as well, Master Xuehan," Wang Shouzhe replied with a smile, though he was inwardly puzzled. According to his information, the Qian Clan's Purple Mansion seed wouldn't need the Tongling Baodan for another seventy to eighty years. Why would Qian Xuehan pay such a high premium to acquire it now?

But such questions were not to be asked directly.

"Congratulations, Master Xuehan," Wang Zonghao also congratulated with a graceful demeanor. "The Qian Clan of Longzuo Commandery truly lives up to its reputation as a wealthy family. We, the Monan Wang Clan, are thoroughly convinced of our loss."

Qian Xuehan quickly returned the courtesy, exchanging polite words.

Meanwhile, the Monan Mo Clan also exited their private room.

Mo Ruoqiu followed behind the clan leader, looking dejected and downcast.

Huangfu Feifei, who had also come to observe, approached her. "Ruoqiu, it's okay if you didn't win this time. I'll help you inquire about other places where you might find the Wuji Baodan."

"Thank you..."

Mo Ruoqiu looked up and suddenly saw Wang Shouzhe, her body trembling as she stood frozen.

"Isn't that Young Master Shouzhe? So he was the one who won the Wuji Baodan... No wonder the voice sounded familiar," Huangfu Feifei's eyes lit up, and she prepared to go over and greet him.

But before she could take a step, Mo Ruoqiu ran past her, rushing to Wang Shouzhe and nervously bowing.

"Ruoqiu greets Master Shouzhe."

……