The middle-aged cultivator saluted and exited. Xu Ping surveyed the box's environment; although its space was not large, it was exquisitely decorated. Directly in front was a transparent glass through which the entire auction venue could be viewed.

Xu Ping looked down to see that the seats in the hall were filled with Qi cultivators, many of whom concealed their faces.

He only glanced briefly, then lost interest, sitting cross-legged to silently await the auction's arrival.

Time quietly flowed by, and after waiting for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, a copper gong sounded, officially starting the auction!

On the auction stage, a prosperous-looking middle-aged man was speaking with a smile, saying some pleasantries to foster a cordial atmosphere.

"I am Han Tian of the Han family! Greetings to all fellow Daoists. This auction is hosted by myself, and I hope everyone can purchase items to their satisfaction..."

Though this person appeared adept in social situations, his cultivation was overflowing with spiritual power, clearly having reached the early-stage of Foundation Establishment.

"Without further ado, the first auction item is a small Barrier-Breaking Pill... Used to break through the bottleneck from mid to late Qi Refinement, suitable for cultivators of various techniques, with a starting price of one hundred and fifty Spirit Stones!"

Han Tian's voice was powerful and sonorous, igniting the enthusiasm of the entire venue.

"I bid one hundred and sixty!"

"I bid one hundred and seventy!"

...

The hall was ablaze with activity, and prices continuously climbed, but Xu Ping showed no interest, continuing to rest with his eyes closed, waiting for the Spirit Stone's arrival.

As items were auctioned off one by one, the atmosphere at the scene became increasingly fervent.

Just then, Han Tian's enthusiastic voice rang out: "To thank all fellow Daoists for their enthusiastic attendance, it has been decided to auction one of the finale items ahead of schedule!"

"Great!" an eager voice came from the crowd.

"I can't wait any longer, let's begin quickly!" the crowd urged one after another.

...

Facing the enthusiastic crowd, Han Tian's smile grew even brighter:

"The next auction item—Purple Gold Strange Devouring Ape's Essence Blood!"

He pointed to a Jade Bottle on the tray, loudly saying: "The Purple Gold Strange Devouring Ape is a second-stage upper-grade demon beast. You don't need me to explain the efficacy of its essence blood."

...

"Second-stage upper-grade ape essence blood!" Xu Ping's eyes could not help but brighten.

What a treasure!

He just happens to need it!

Currently, his Blood Demon Body Refining is at the second level; after training a bit longer, he can proceed to the third level.

And second-stage upper-grade ape essence blood is an indispensable item!

...

"Starting price—five thousand Spirit Stones, with a minimum increment of three hundred Spirit Stones per bid!"

Right after Han Tian spoke, bidding voices erupted from the second floor.

"Five thousand three hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Five thousand six hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Five thousand nine hundred Spirit Stones!"

...

Xu Ping did not immediately participate in the bidding; he was calmly waiting.

The price of the second-stage upper-grade ape essence blood kept rising until it neared seven thousand, leaving only two competitors.

One was a cultivator from the Song family, the other a second-stage body cultivator.

"Seven thousand one hundred Spirit Stones!" The second-stage body cultivator's breathing was somewhat labored, clearly nearing his limit on this price.

"Seven thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!" The Song family cultivator appeared at ease, effortlessly raising the bid by four hundred Spirit Stones, seemingly unconcerned.

The second-stage body cultivator gritted his teeth, wanting to bid again, but this price exceeded his mental expectations. He opened his mouth but said nothing, reluctantly withdrawing.

The Song family cultivator smiled, assuming victory was certain, when suddenly a calm and resolute voice called out:

"Seven thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones."

This was naturally Xu Ping's bid.

"Eight thousand one hundred Spirit Stones!" The Song family cultivator's expression changed slightly, yet continued to raise the bid.

"Eight thousand six hundred Spirit Stones!"

Xu Ping showed no mercy, adding five hundred Spirit Stones, demonstrating an unwavering intent to win.

The Song family cultivator stared intently at Xu Ping's box before finally giving up on the bid.

This price clearly exceeded the market price, continuing to compete would be unwise.

However, he silently logged this competitor in his mind.

"Congratulations to this fellow Daoist for purchasing this bottle of second-stage upper-grade ape essence blood. You may head to the side hall to finalize the transaction at any time,"

Han Tian's face shone with satisfaction as he spoke with a smile.

Xu Ping went to the side hall, handed over the Spirit Stones, and obtained the Purple Gold Strange Devouring Ape's essence blood. However, because the Soul Stone had yet to be auctioned, he remained.

As time passed, treasures continued to be auctioned off at high prices.

Xu Ping did not bid again.

"The final headline item—the Soul Stone!"

Han Tian's voice noticeably heightened: "The Soul Stone is a kind of special ore capable of storing souls. If gravely injured and close to death, one can store one's soul in it and, if a suitable body is found, live a second life!"

"Han Daoist, stop dawdling, just get on with it!" a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the box urged impatiently.

This treasure has little use for Qi cultivators, but its value is immense for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Although Foundation Establishment cultivators have the conditions for reincarnation, their souls are exceptionally fragile.

As long as the soul leaves the body for a moment, it will perish. If one desires reincarnation, special objects to store one's soul are necessary.

And the Soul Stone is one of the items capable of storing a cultivator's soul.

Hearing the prompting from the crowd, Han Tian smiled slightly and then announced loudly: "Starting price—eight thousand Spirit Stones, with a minimum bid increase of five hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Eight thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Nine thousand Spirit Stones!"

"Nine thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"

...

The price continuously climbed until it hit twelve thousand Spirit Stones, and the pace of bidding finally slowed.

"Thirteen thousand Spirit Stones!" the Song family cultivator said deeply.

Currently, the price of the Soul Stone had reached a dreadful number.

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