Cultivation begins with ice harvesters

Chapter 116: Welcoming Cultivators

Aside from the requirement for cultivation level, the invitation contained only three other conditions: first, all transactions would be conducted using spirit stones as the sole exchange; second, while the authenticity of the spirit items at the auction was guaranteed, their origin was not; and third, anyone who disrupted the auction process would be expelled for minor offenses and executed on the spot for serious offenses.

The following rule, though seemingly brutal, is a strict requirement for underground auctions; otherwise, these unruly and greedy cultivators from all directions would never willingly trade spirit stones.

The only hidden danger of participating in such underground auctions is that the source of a certain spiritual item purchased may be unclean, which could lead to some potential dangers.

This is not an exaggeration; similar examples are commonplace. A symbolic magical artifact from a direct descendant of a family or sect is the easiest target to trigger an explosion.

The reasons for the deaths of these cultivators are unclear, but once their magical artifacts appear on the market, their elders will certainly not hesitate to act immediately.

The cultivator who chose to buy from the underground auction was the first unlucky one, paying a considerable amount of spirit stones only to bring about his own demise.

Lucky cultivators might be able to save their lives, but if they are unlucky and encounter some irritable cultivators, they will not only die, but may also face inhuman torture.

However, most cultivators who are short of money are still so enthusiastic about underground auctions, mainly because the prices are cheap.

Apart from magical artifacts, all kinds of spiritual talismans, elixirs, materials, medicines and other spiritual items have no marks, so all cultivators can buy and refine them with peace of mind.

"This invitation is quite timely. Six thousand five hundred spirit stones should be enough to make a name for oneself at this underground auction."

"I wonder if any treasures that aid in Foundation Establishment will appear at this auction. After all, for all late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, these are the real hard currency."

Tong Bingfeng gazed into the distance with hopeful eyes. For him, a spirit core was just the beginning. If he wanted to successfully forge a foundation of rank three or above and become a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his need for spiritual items was still extremely urgent.

However, according to past practice, the possibility of obtaining foundation-building aid spiritual items in such underground auctions is obviously not high. When they do appear, they are usually sold at exorbitant prices, and he also has a considerable shortage of spirit stones.

After a short two-day rest, Tong Bingfeng got back into the swing of things, sorting out and storing all the spiritual items in his storage bag except for those needed for daily cultivation and those that helped him build his foundation.

Depending on the different needs of the five trading points, Tong Bingfeng would choose the appropriate location and time to sell each item in exchange for enough spirit stones.

This also included the complete corpse of a first-grade superior Blood Fiend Frost Toad. This kind of monster, which is rarely seen in ordinary times, has a wide range of uses, so it is only natural to sell it at a high price. In the end, it brought him a full eight hundred spirit stones.

If it were brought to Ice Spirit Island for sale, its price could be increased by at least 20%. However, due to numerous matters and the upcoming auction, it is impossible to return to Ice Spirit Island in person to sell it. Therefore, this profit can only be given away for nothing.

In fact, of the more than 70% of the spiritual items acquired by these shops of all sizes located deep in the icy region, more than 60% eventually flowed to the Chen family through various means, while the remainder was also consumed within the Ice Spirit Island.

Time flows like water, passing by silently and unnoticed.

In the midst of our busy lives, ten days passed by in the blink of an eye.

Tong Bingfeng had collected a total of 9,500 spirit stones in his storage bag, which was all his wealth, in preparation for any eventuality. He wanted to be qualified to compete for any spiritual items that could assist in Foundation Establishment at the underground auction.

"Nine thousand five hundred spirit stones is all that I've accumulated over the years. If I go all in at once, I'll be back to a state of scarcity of spirit items and financial deficit for the next few years."

Tong Bingfeng felt the bulging storage bag, but he didn't regret it at all. After all, everything had to give way to planning his foundation building.

Tong Bingfeng would go all out and spare no expense to obtain even a spiritual item that could slightly aid in Foundation Establishment.

This is not because he is ignorant or irrational, but because it is the eternal pursuit of a cultivator who comes from a humble background, has spent many years struggling at the bottom of society, and has been trying to survive by various means.

The distance from the Spirit Ice Mine to the location specified on the invitation was not too far, and they arrived smoothly after an hour's journey.

"It was this central trading point that dealt me ​​a heavy blow. If it weren't for the pursuit by the evil cultivators back then, I probably wouldn't have been able to gain such a profound and personal understanding of the rules deep within the Ice Domain. But today, I've returned with the cultivation of the eighth level of Qi Refining, which should be enough to deter some unscrupulous individuals."

Looking at the still dilapidated trading point in front of him, Tong Bingfeng would recall his initial encounter when he rashly came to the Spirit Ice Mine to find a channel for trading Spirit Ice.

However, at this moment, Tong Bingfeng no longer had any fear. With the improvement of his overall strength, his confidence naturally became more and more abundant.

Even if a vicious cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refining made a move, he was confident that he could handle it. Even if he was no match for him, he could more than protect himself.

"Spiritual Food Shop"

Tong Bingfeng's thoughts did not hinder his progress until he stopped in front of a shop located deep within the central trading point, made of only a few simple wooden planks. This was the entrance to the auction as stated in the invitation.

"Welcome to our Spiritual Food Shop, fellow Daoist. Although our shop is small, it is fully equipped and can supply a variety of spiritual foods ranging from low-grade to high-grade first rank. Which spiritual food would you like to try to satisfy your hunger?"

A middle-aged cultivator with a stubble beard and dark skin came forward, strictly adhering to the business scope of the spiritual food shop, and enthusiastically praised it.

"I have come at your invitation to attend the auction. Please show me the way, fellow Daoist."

Tong Bingfeng did not respond to his question, but instead directly stated his purpose. This disheveled cultivator must be a welcoming cultivator for the auction.

"Please show your invitation letter, fellow Daoist. Those without an invitation are not permitted entry. This is the rule, and it is also for the safe transaction of all fellow Daoists. We ask for your understanding."

While the disheveled cultivator was asking questions and waiting for the invitation, a flash of light suddenly shot out from him. At the same time, his aura was no longer concealed. He was also a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, and even more powerful than Tong Bingfeng.

For underground auctions, the welcoming monks are the first effective line of defense. If they cannot intimidate the visitors enough and earn their respect, it will be quite difficult for the subsequent auction to proceed smoothly.

Tong Bingfeng revealed the invitation and then remained silent. After verification, he was led by the welcoming cultivator to the kitchen of the spirit food shop, which specialized in preparing various spirit foods.

"Crunch"

As the welcoming cultivator channeled his magic, a small space, barely large enough for one person to walk on, appeared on the dilapidated, greasy ground.