Cultivation Starts from Farming

"Today's auction will be hosted by myself. First, we have a top-tier magical artifact, the Geng Metal Parent-Child Sword. This item..."

The first item in the auction being a top-tier magical artifact surprised Xu Ping a bit, but considering the deep resources of this underground auction, it made sense.

This particular magical artifact, vividly described by the eloquent tall and thin individual as unmatched in the heavens and rare on earth, made cultivators who needed top-tier magical artifacts exceedingly eager.

However, Xu Ping was not interested in this top-grade artifact.

Soon enough, this top-tier magical item was sold amidst the clamorous bidding of the cultivators, fetching a frighteningly high sum.

Once the first item was sold, the tall and thin man cleared his throat and said again:

"The second item, Second-stage Longevity Pills, of which there are three. Each pill can extend life by fifteen years. I remind you all, that only one pill of this type per stage can extend life, and the effects do not stack."

"Second-stage Longevity Pills?"

The young cultivators showed little interest, but the eyes of the middle-aged and elder cultivators lit up.

Even Xu Ping showed interest, appearing thoughtful.

He practiced the "Longevity Skill," which could increase lifespan, and had cultivated it to Minor Achievement, perhaps not inferior to certain top-tier divine skills.

Taking the Second-stage Longevity Pills might even further extend his life.

Although his lifespan already far exceeded that of ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators, who wouldn't want a longer life?

"Starting bid is two thousand Spirit Stones, with each increment no less than fifty Spirit Stones."

"Two thousand one hundred Spirit Stones!"

Before the voice faded, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator quoted eagerly.

"Two thousand one hundred fifty Spirit Stones!"

"Two thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!"

But it was quickly drowned out by others' bids.

"Two thousand three hundred Spirit Stones!"

Xu Ping joined the bidding.

Gong Yang gave Xu Ping a surprised look. As far as he knew, the other had just recently broken through to Foundation Establishment, so he should be quite young.

With those Spirit Stones, bidding on other items would be more cost-effective than the Second-stage Longevity Pills.

But after all, it was Xu Ping's choice, so he said nothing.

The price of the Second-stage Longevity Pills continued to climb, until it broke four thousand Spirit Stones, and the number of bidders quickly dwindled, finally leaving only two.

"Four thousand one hundred Spirit Stones!" Xu Ping said in a deep voice.

"Four thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!" The other person raised the bid without hesitation.

"Four thousand four hundred Spirit Stones!" Xu Ping directly increased the bid by two hundred Spirit Stones, showing his determination.

The other hesitated for a moment and ultimately gave up the bidding.

With Xu Ping's current wealth, even late-stage or Perfection cultivators couldn't compete with him.

...

After the Second-stage Longevity Pills transaction, the auction continued.

Various exquisite items appeared one after another, the on-site atmosphere continuously rising, but the "Soul-Searching Technique" Xu Ping wanted never appeared, causing a tinge of disappointment in his heart.

As time passed, the auction reached its final stage.

The final items included a Talisman Treasure and a Magical Treasure Prototype, selling for astronomical prices.

Especially the Talisman Treasure!

Even Fake Pill Cultivators got involved.

Talisman Treasures seal a portion of a Magical Treasure's power in a special Spirit Talisman.

Foundation Establishment cultivators can use a Talisman Treasure to suppress cultivators below the Fake Pill Stage.

Though Xu Ping envied it, competing with Fake Pill Cultivators for a Talisman Treasure was clearly unwise.

The Talisman Treasure was finally taken by a Fake Pill Cultivator.

...

"Esteemed guests, the moment has come for the grand finale of this auction—the final item, Geng Metal!"

The man's low voice, like a bombshell, stirred great excitement in the auction hall.

"What!!"

"Geng Metal!!"

Exclamations of astonishment erupted, as numerous greedy, heated gazes were all directed at the glowing, golden ore escorted by the black-robed Golden Core cultivators.

Geng Metal is a renowned Third-stage Magical Treasure material.

Adding a bit of Geng Metal to a Golden Core Cultivator's treasure can greatly enhance its power.

Due to Geng Metal's special properties, it can even be incorporated into magical artifacts.

Even a slight inclusion in an ordinary magical artifact could enhance its power and potentially raise its tier!

If some is added to a top-grade magical artifact, it might even transform into a Magical Treasure Prototype.

Thus, Geng Metal is extremely precious and exceptionally rare!

Even Xu Ping couldn't help but get excited. If he could add some to the Wood Sword Array's magical swords, how powerful would it become?

It might even contend with Golden Core Cultivators!

But when his gaze swept over the Spiritually charged Fake Pill and Golden Core Cultivators, his excitement was instantly doused like a bucket of cold water.

He quickly realized those Fake Pill and Golden Core Cultivators were likely there for the Geng Metal.

With them present, who would dare snatch food from the tiger's mouth?

"The value of Geng Metal needs no elaboration from me, but due to its preciousness, Spirit Stones won't be the medium. Instead, it's a bartering system."

"Interested cultivators can enter the room behind the wooden table privately and present the items they wish to trade to the auction's cultivators for evaluation."

"Then, the auction will choose the attendee offering the highest-valued item to complete the transaction," the male cultivator announced loudly.

The cultivators present were not surprised by this, as exceptionally rare cultivation items often use this silent auction method.

Soon after his words, a figure cloaked in black stood up, moved swiftly, and slipped directly into the room.