Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Exquisite Treasure Pavilion Auction, Return to Crimson Sunset Immortal City
"Hmm...?"
Noticing the unique identity jade talisman’s fluctuation, Ji Haoyuan couldn’t help but pause.
But when he took out the jade talisman and saw its contents clearly, his previously calm expression immediately turned serious.
The others present seemed to have noticed Ji Haoyuan’s unusual demeanor and couldn’t help but turn to look at him.
"Haoyuan, has something happened?"
Finally, Ji Bochang spoke up on behalf of everyone.
Upon hearing this, Ji Haoyuan did not conceal anything and slowly began to speak:
"I just received news from the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion.
In half a month, the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion will hold a grand auction."
"An auction?"
Ji Bochang and the others were taken aback.
"That’s right." Ji Haoyuan nodded. "Moreover, this auction is not an ordinary one; it will feature the Jidan as an auction item."
"What? Jidan?"
Upon hearing Ji Haoyuan’s final piece of news, everyone present, including Ji Bochang, was visibly shaken.
Jidan, there’s actually going to be Jidan!
This revelation left everyone unable to remain calm.
They all clearly understood what an auction featuring Jidan as an item signified.
Especially in the current delicate situation.
Everyone could almost imagine the fierce competition that the auction in half a month would bring.
Perhaps even cultivators from the Crimson Sunset Sect would enter to compete.
"Fifth Uncle, should our Ji Family also participate in this auction?"
At this point, Ji Yunfan, being the clan leader of the Ji Family, couldn’t help but look towards Ji Haoyuan.
Unconsciously, he and the assembled family elders began to seek Ji Haoyuan’s opinion first.
And this was precisely what Ji Bochang desired to see.
"Of course."
Ji Haoyuan answered without hesitation.
"Our Ji Family must not only participate in this auction but also strive to obtain that Jidan.
At the very least, we must try to acquire some foundation spiritual artifacts."
In the current cultivation realm, besides the Jidan, there are other spiritual objects that can be used for cultivators to establish their foundation.
Such as the Five Elements Essence or Natural Dao Liquid.
However, neither the Five Elements Essence nor Natural Dao Liquid has effects as good as the Jidan for establishing one’s foundation.
Moreover, they lack the protective effects of the Jidan during the foundation establishment process.
Using them to establish one’s foundation, if failed, although not life-threatening, the path forward will surely be severed with no second chances.
This is also the main reason why the Jidan is hailed as the top spiritual artifact for foundation establishment.
Because with the Jidan, if your first attempt fails, as long as you are not too old, you still have a second and even a third chance to start over.
"So..."
Ji Haoyuan continued, "Gather all the spirit stones that our Ji Family can currently mobilize and see if we can sell off some things we don’t need within this half-month timeframe to obtain more spirit stones."
He understood very well that the reason the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion scheduled the auction for half a month later was to give participants more time to procure spirit stones.
"Yes!"
The crowd responded to Ji Haoyuan’s words by bowing and accepting their mission.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang returned to the back mountain.
Ji Haoyuan immediately took out a defensive spiritual artifact round shield from himself and handed it to Ji Bochang.
"Ancestor, take this defensive spiritual artifact.
The current situation is unclear, and neither of us can guarantee when the real battle will arrive.
This artifact has excellent defensive capabilities; you should hold onto it."
Upon hearing this, Ji Bochang hurriedly shook his head.
"Haoyuan, since this item is your defensive weapon, how can I take it from you?
You should keep it for your own protection."
However, Ji Haoyuan shook his head.
"It’s fine.
This item is becoming somewhat low-grade for my needs now and doesn’t serve much purpose.
Moreover, I already have a new defensive spiritual artifact."
As he said this, he summoned the Kunluo Spirit Umbrella that he had crafted himself.
Seeing the Kunluo Spirit Umbrella that Ji Haoyuan summoned, Ji Bochang immediately noticed that its grade was indeed higher than the defensive round shield.
So, he no longer hesitated and received the defensive round shield with a sense of gratitude.
He only said, "For that auction in half a month, I shall accompany you then."
Upon hearing this, Ji Haoyuan initially wanted Ji Bochang to remain with the clan.
But seeing the concern in Ji Bochang’s eyes, he didn’t refuse and instead smiled and nodded, saying:
"Alright!"
Time flew by.
Half a month later.
When Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang arrived together at the Crimson Sunset Immortal City, it was noticeably more crowded than when he had previously come.
Needless to say, most of these additional people had come for the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion’s auction.
"Senior..."
On the way to the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion, Ji Haoyuan heard a familiar voice from behind.
Turning around.
It was Bai Qingshuang, who had been his guide the first time he came to the Crimson Sunset Immortal City, looking at him with surprise and delight.
This made Ji Haoyuan somewhat astonished.
Who would have thought that they would encounter Bai Qingshuang again by chance.
"Hmm? Haoyuan, who is this...?"
Ji Bochang, standing by, appeared puzzled.
Evidently, he didn’t understand how Bai Qingshuang, a cultivator only at the Qi Refining Stage, had become acquainted with Ji Haoyuan.
Ji Haoyuan briefly explained to Ji Bochang and then smiled warmly at Bai Qingshuang:
"Since fate has brought us together again, Qingshuang, would you mind serving as our guide once more?"
"Yes, yes, of course!"
Bai Qingshuang nodded eagerly, filled with joy.
She then respectfully led the way ahead.
"By the way, Senior, where are you heading this time?"
Ji Haoyuan replied with a smile.
"Just take us directly to the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion.
We’re here this time to attend the auction at the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion."
Upon hearing this, a flash of realization appeared in Bai Qingshuang’s eyes.
It was just as she had guessed.
So many people had come to the Crimson Sunset Immortal City during this time, all preparing to attend the auction at the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion.
Just from her knowledge, there were no less than seven or eight Foundation Establishment-level forces.
With this in mind, she immediately shared with Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang the information she had gathered during this period.
After hearing this, Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang both nodded.
Things were indeed as they had anticipated.
The number of people coming to the Crimson Sunset Immortal City to attend the auction at the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion was more than they had imagined.
After a period of time.
Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang, under Bai Qingshuang’s guidance, arrived at the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion.