CHAPTER 118: CHAPTER 118: THE PILL REACHES NINTH GRADE (VOTE FOR MONTHLY TICKET)

It seems that this trade fair is quite worth looking forward to.

Scanning through the rows of chairs below, every pearwood chair was spaced about one zhang (approximately ten feet) apart.

Evidently, this was the safety distance between cultivators, enough to react in case of sudden incidents.

These Qi Cultivation Realm cultivators also sat down with one or two spaces between each other, all appearing extremely vigilant.

Li Yunjing went with the flow and found a seat in the last row in a secluded spot.

Then, with a thought, his divine sense surged forth, silently probing the various cultivators within the auction hall.

As Deng Yanshi said, the trade fair hosted by "Treasure Pavilion" was targeted at high-tier cultivators within the Qi Cultivation Realm.

Normally, this trade fair would only be open to those at the seventh, eighth, and ninth layers of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

However, organizations like guilds have many connections, friends from all walks of life.

Some relationships are hard to refuse, so quite a few, like Li Yunjing, got in through connections.

Nevertheless, the lowest cultivation level of those present was the fifth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm, a rarity, only one individual.

There weren’t many at the sixth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm either, just five or six people.

But this didn’t excessively lower the standard of this trade fair.

Among those present, there were as many as four cultivators at the ninth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm; fifteen at the eighth layer; and the rest were at the fifth, sixth, and seventh layers.

Evidently, the level of this trade fair was not low, something Li Yunjing was quite satisfied with.

Most of the cultivators present were loose cultivators from the nearby thousands of miles.

Only a large group of loose cultivators could gather so many high-tier cultivators within the Qi Cultivation Realm.

Though the "Myriad Swords Sect" seemed quite powerful, the level of their high-tier cultivators in "Myriad Swords City" was actually similar to this.

Some members of "Myriad Swords Sect" were at the frontlines, and others were out on adventures, so this wasn’t the entirety of their strength.

Among those present, some disciples of "Myriad Swords Sect" were also participating.

However, like the vast majority, these individuals opted to hide their true identities with special treasures to prevent others from prying.

Only seven or eight individuals, including Li Yunjing, appeared openly.

Evidently, there were fewer arrogant, fearless people.

Li Yunjing sat here for about fifteen minutes before two more cultivators at the seventh layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm entered.

By this point, the number of attendees was complete, and the door on the third floor closed with a creak.

Moreover, there were no windows on this floor, and runes adorned the walls.

At each of the four corners of the third floor, four cultivators at the eighth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm appeared to stand guard.

They were all members of "Treasure Pavilion", vigilantly watching the surroundings to ensure no chaos occurred.

All these measures were to guarantee the absolute safety of the trade fair.

No one could commit murder or robbery here!

Otherwise, "Treasure Pavilion" would not forgive them!

This involved the reputable name of "Treasure Pavilion".

Therefore, the two individuals responsible for hosting the trade fair were also experts from "Treasure Pavilion", both at the ninth layer of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

Along with the four cultivators at the seventh layer outside the door and another four downstairs, the numerous members of "Treasure Pavilion" were sufficient to deal with any sudden incidents.

After scanning the surroundings and understanding the situation, Li Yunjing also nodded to himself, recognizing that the methods of "Treasure Pavilion" were indeed formidable—no wonder they managed to invite so many participants.

During the waiting period, the hall was utterly quiet, with no one speaking.

Everyone concealed their identities to avoid exposure, thus, naturally, they didn’t dare to converse and reveal their depths.

After observing the situation, Li Yunjing slightly closed his eyes, sitting in the corner to rest.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Suddenly, in this quiet environment, a middle-aged man in brocade robes walked up to the stage, clapping his hands.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Some of you have attended our ’Treasure Pavilion’ trade fair multiple times, while others are here for the first time. As per tradition, let me explain our rules to everyone!"

The man from "Treasure Pavilion" turned out to be a cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Realm. His sharp gaze scanned everyone before continuing, "First, during the trade, no one is allowed to leave in the middle."

"Second, for each transaction concluded, ’Treasure Pavilion’ charges the seller a one percent fee based on the sale price as a venue fee."

"Third, we welcome both barter and spirit stone transactions."

"Fourth, any fighting or even murders during the trade fair are strictly prohibited! If anyone commits such acts, we at ’Treasure Pavilion’ will pursue them relentlessly!"

"Fifth..."

The words of the middle-aged man in brocade robes made many people solemn, while a portion of them nodded slightly, indicating they had participated before.

Seeing that everyone understood the rules of the trade fair, the man in brocade robes said, "The trade fair begins now! Who will be the first to take the stage?"

"I’ll go first."

A man in a black robe and a straw hat was the first to walk up to the stage.

This person seemed extremely eager, with a sense of impatience.

"Tsk, tsk..."

Seeing the man with the straw hat with whom he had traded before, Li Yunjing showed a hint of curiosity, wanting to see what this person lacked, having exchanged so many spirit stones.

"Let me start by stating what I’m looking for: a Foundation Establishment Pill! It can be purchased with spirit stones or exchanged for items!"

This person spoke piercingly and immediately got straight to the point.

"Foundation Establishment Pill!"

Many were taken aback, then quickly understood.

This person should be a cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Realm, beginning to decline with age.

If this person could not obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill in the next few years and break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, he would have no hope for the rest of his life.

Because of this, the man with the straw hat appeared so impatient.

Such individuals are countless in the Cultivation Realm, facing death in despair every moment.

The "Foundation Establishment Pill" is an auxiliary elixir for cultivators at the Qi Cultivation Realm to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Taking the "Foundation Establishment Pill" does not guarantee a successful breakthrough; it merely increases the chances.

There are nine grades of pills, and the quality of the elixir varies depending on the alchemist.

The weakest Ninth Grade "Foundation Establishment Pill" increases the chance of Foundation Establishment by ten percent.

The First Grade "Foundation Establishment Pill" is personally refined by supreme alchemy grandmasters, possessing incredibly powerful effects and providing up to ninety percent chance of successful Foundation Establishment.

However, true supreme alchemy grandmasters disdain to refine such lower-tier elixirs like the "Foundation Establishment Pill".

Like the Yu Family’s alchemy grandmaster that Li Yunjing knew, such figures research spirit pills related to the Golden Core Realm.

If anyone in "Shenxiao Dao Sect" were foolish enough to ask Alchemy Grandmaster Yu Tingchuan to refine a "Foundation Establishment Pill", they’d likely be kicked out by this esteemed figure!

Hence, the market doesn’t have perfect quality "Foundation Establishment Pills".

Instead, Ninth, Eighth, and Seventh Grade "Foundation Establishment Pills" circulate more widely in the Cultivation Realm.

Hearing the request for a Foundation Establishment Pill, Li Yunjing felt a bit disappointed.

Such spirit medicine held little importance for Li Yunjing.

He didn’t think he’d need a Foundation Establishment Pill to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm in the future.

In "Shenxiao Dao Sect", many have broken through using the Foundation Establishment Pill.

However, none of those who became true disciples did so with the help of the pill.

For geniuses, such elixirs are optional and not essential.

Being an outstanding genius, Li Yunjing could afford to disregard the Foundation Establishment Pill.

But the others present seemed to place great importance on it!

Their eyes reddened, many unable to contain themselves, whispering or muttering.

It seemed everyone wanted to know who among the participants might offer a Foundation Establishment Pill for trade.

After the man with the straw hat finished speaking, though whispers filled the hall, no one stepped forward claiming possession of the pill.

Seeing no heavyweight transactions, Li Yunjing’s disappointment grew, sitting expressionlessly.

The man with the straw hat surveyed the crowd and, unwilling to give up, said, "Twenty thousand spirit stones! Folks, think about it, such stones are enough to buy one and a half Foundation Establishment Pills. An immediate transfer gives five thousand spirit stones in profit! Friends with such ability should be able to get more Foundation Establishment Pills, without hindrance to their paths!"

"Hiss..."

"That’s a high price!"

"Could someone among us really have a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

The crowd buzzed in astonishment, as the man with the straw hat seemed so certain someone present had the pill.

He didn’t seem to be speaking aimlessly; he must have gotten prior information.

Even the man in brocade robes from "Treasure Pavilion" showed curiosity, hoping to see who had the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Of course, this didn’t provoke his envy—"Treasure Pavilion" absolutely doesn’t lack such pills!

He even calculated in his mind, "If this person can add a bit more, reaching twenty-five thousand spirit stones, I could sell him one too!"

After selling, he could naturally requisition more through "Treasure Pavilion’s" myriad branches!

The motto of "Treasure Pavilion" is profitable transactions, with nothing exempt from trade!

Foundation Establishment Pills included!

"I have one! But your twenty thousand spirit stones are a bit short!"

Suddenly, a clear voice rang out.

Everyone looked and saw a woman in red sitting in a corner at the back, her face veiled, making it hard to see her appearance.

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, quite soothing to hear.

Li Yunjing, like the others, turned his gaze towards her, showing curiosity.

Li Yunjing didn’t have a Foundation Establishment Pill, so this woman’s possession indicated her exceptional status.

"Fellow cultivator! Twenty thousand spirit stones are a lot already! It’s all I could gather!"

On the stage, the man with the straw hat was initially pleased but then became anxious.

He had truly exhausted all his resources with no more to spare.

Risking everything for Foundation Establishment, if he failed, he’d have no life worth continuing, completely losing his chances!

"Your offer is indeed high! But my Foundation Establishment Pill is Eighth Grade, so you should understand my meaning."

The woman in red calmly stated.

"Boom..."

The crowd was shocked!

For these trade fair participants, mostly loose cultivators, small clans, small sects...

Even the few disciples from "Myriad Swords Sect" were regarded as elite from renowned sects.

Among this level of cultivators, the standard "Foundation Establishment Pill" was assumed to be Ninth Grade.

This woman having an Eighth Grade Foundation Establishment Pill was blinding!

Twenty percent chance for Foundation Establishment!

Combined with their own preparations, quite a decent probability!

This one pill certainly exceeded the value of twenty thousand spirit stones!

Could they contain themselves?

One person abruptly stood up, turning to the woman in red at the back, saying, "I’ll offer twenty-five thousand low grade spirit stones, would you sell it to me?"

This statement caused another stir!

Who’s this wealthy individual, with such riches?

Onstage, the man with the straw hat fumed, shouting, "There’s an order here! I was negotiating first; what are you interrupting for?"

"Heh! If you can’t get it, who else buys if not me?"

The standing man, wrapped tightly in a black robe, spoke sinisterly.