Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 909 Dead Egg
As dusk swallowed the setting sun, the thirty-six dragon-pearl lamps inside the gilded pavilion were lit one after another.

The sound of the gavel striking the sky at noon still echoes through the dome, accompanied by the rising and falling sounds of bidding.

When Hong Wuyai struck the jade chime with his gavel once more, the surge of 60,000 high-grade spirit stones finally propelled the fifth-tier profound skill "True Explanation of Heavenly Gang Thunder Control" onto the eighth level of the Heavenly Rank, the Cloud Pattern Pavilion.

Everyone present was amazed by the other party's skill. Amidst the commotion, Hong Wuyai smiled faintly and waved his hand, causing the gilded platform to change once again.

The platform, originally three zhang in diameter, unfolded like a gilded scroll, with hundreds of zhang of golden patterns lighting up one after another as the earth's spiritual energy flowed in.

At the same time, seventy-two coiled dragon stone pillars slowly rose, and the black iron tokens floating on the top of the pillars exhaled demonic energy, condensing into smoke and mist that swirled in the air.

Crimson Flame Ferocious, Azure Eyed Dragon, Frosty Black Frost Swan... all sorts of strange beast phantoms ran and howled in the clouds, and the spiritual wind brought up by their scales and claws could even lift the clothes of the onlookers.

The bustling crowd suddenly fell silent.

The sound of a cultivator swallowing was unusually clear in the silence, and then it spread like wildfire...

If the previous alchemy, weapon crafting, and cultivation techniques were still divided into audiences, with some people remaining detached and merely watching the show, the current spirit beast auction is a process that everyone can participate in.

In the Floating Cloud Realm, raising spirit beasts is never a pastime to add to one's enjoyment, but rather an instinctive need that has long been integrated into the path of cultivators.

Even the most down-on-his-luck rogue cultivator carries a spirit beast pouch at his waist, just as a sword cultivator never leaves his natal sword.

Even if a spirit pet dies or falls behind due to its limited aptitude, people will quickly replace it to ensure their progress on the path of cultivation is not slowed down.

The Haixin City auction is the best opportunity for cultivators from Guixu to change their spirit pets.

In particular, scions of noble families who disagree with the spirit beasts they keep are more willing to spend a lot of money to buy rare and exotic species.

After all, spirit pets are too important, almost directly linked to one's cultivation path, so no one would take them lightly...

Inside the domed pavilion, Chen Mu slowly exhaled a long breath, his eyelashes fluttering as he looked up, his gaze filled with a keen interest.

On the gilded platform, amidst the swirling spiritual mist, numerous phantom images of spirit beasts floated and sank like swimming fish.

"These are all common items, mostly young beasts with mixed bloodlines sent by major families for consignment, for low-level cultivators or rogue cultivators to choose from."

Liang Chengxuan slowly introduced, then his eyes lit up as he pointed to a certain swirling cloud of smoke: "Of the cubs that my Liang family consigned for auction last time, only these are left. Perhaps we can send another batch next time..."

Chen Mu looked in that direction and saw a silver-scaled serpent coiled in the swirling clouds, with jade-like, lustrous claws on its belly. Its scales shimmered with a moonlit glow, making it look less like a ferocious beast and more like a magical artifact meticulously crafted by a master craftsman.

The golden-feathered phoenix soaring beside it was even more divine, with wingspans exceeding ten zhang, its feathers gleaming like gilded gold and tempered fire, making the surrounding phantoms of spirit beasts pale in comparison.

These were the two mythical beasts, the Jade Claw Silver Snake and the Golden Feather Luan, kept by the Liang family.

"Don't nobles keep three kinds? Why do I only see two?" Chen Mu asked casually.

Liang Chengxuan smiled and said, "The Xuanbing Armored Turtle is a secret treasure of our clan. Even cubs with impure bloodlines will not be easily auctioned off, lest their bloodline be lost to others..."

Chen Mu nodded; this was exactly what he expected.

All the major families in Guixu raise spirit beasts, and their breeding methods are extremely sophisticated. Ordinary spirit beasts are fine, but if such rare species are released, it's inevitable that someone will discover their breeding secrets...

While I was pondering this, the auction had already begun.

Hong Wuyai's wide sleeves billowed like clouds, and one after another, the illusory images of spirit beasts turned into streams of light and dissipated.

The shouts of bidding rose from the lower-level private rooms. Although most of the people were cultivators below the sixth level of the Heavenly Realm, the clamor of voices, mixed with ripples of spiritual energy, made the atmosphere even more intense than before.

Watching the heated bidding, Chen Mu's emotions were gradually stirred.

About half an hour later, the last Crimson-Eyed Fire Fox cub was sold for 1,300 high-grade spirit stones.

The next moment, the gilded platform suddenly shrank to the size of a mustard seed. When it expanded again, wisps of auspicious purple-gold energy rose from its surface, and dozens of jade plaques appeared, their jade-like luster clear and natural.

These are the very treasures that would make the direct descendants of aristocratic families sit up straight and behave with utmost respect...

"A late-stage fourth-tier spirit beast, the Abyss Crocodile!"

Hong Wuyai was the first to pick up a black jade tablet, and ripples immediately spread in mid-air.

As the phantom swayed, a colossal black crocodile with a crocodile head and a turtle body appeared. Its carapace was rugged, with coral-like bone spikes standing tall, and its blood-red eyes exuded a fierce aura emanating from the phantom.

He seemed oblivious and loudly introduced the detailed information about this spirit beast.

"The Classic of the Great Wilderness (Eastern Classic) records that 'the Black Water Black Tortoise breathes out a waterfall,' which is an ancient and exotic bloodline."

"The only pity is that this beast has over two thousand years of cultivation and is extremely ferocious. Three days ago, it devoured half of the Ghost Market in the southwestern sea. It was later captured by my Gonggong clan, who originally intended to take its life..."

Hong Wuyai paused slightly, his knuckles lightly tapping the jade tablet, causing the illusory figure to tremble: "However, his combat strength is outstanding, and his bloodline is pure. If he gets the right opportunity, he could reach the fifth rank. If we can find him a good master, it might not be impossible to spare his life..."

"However, let me make this clear beforehand: this beast is ferocious and difficult to subdue. If you are not confident in your ability to subdue it, it may harm its master. Fellow Daoists, if you think you cannot subdue it, please be cautious."

"Starting bid: 8,000 high-grade spirit stones!"

For a late-stage fourth-tier demon beast, eight thousand high-grade spirit stones are not expensive.

Amidst the whispers and murmurs among the monks, no one raised their paddle.

The biggest danger in keeping spirit pets is the potential for hidden dangers. Who would entrust their life and fortune to an unruly and ferocious beast?
This is why people are so drawn to spirit pet cubs; raising them from a young age, while other things may be uncertain, their loyalty is almost guaranteed...

Hong Wuyai was not in a hurry and quietly looked around.

Smaller aristocratic families were interested in bidding for it, since the beast could be directly controlled, equivalent to a Nascent Soul cultivator. However, they were also worried that they wouldn't be able to control it, as the beast would rather die than submit, ultimately leaving them with nothing but the beast and their wealth. Therefore, they were quite hesitant.

Meanwhile, the powerful clans were resting with their eyes closed. With their family power, they certainly didn't lack a fourth-tier helper. Compared to that, they preferred to wait for the auction of the rare and exotic cubs...

Chen Mu remained expressionless, gazing at the illusory figure below, and suddenly gestured with his hand.

Liang Chengxuan immediately understood and listed the price: "Eight thousand five hundred spirit stones!"

A glint of light flashed in Hong Wuyai's eyes, and his voice suddenly rose: "The distinguished guest of the Eleventh Pavilion of the Heavenly Character has raised the price! Fellow Daoists, is there anyone else who is going to follow suit?"

He smiled broadly, but the scene was deserted. There were only a few scattered responses from the audience, but no serious bids were made.

Seeing this, Hong Wuyai sighed inwardly, though he had anticipated it.

Once the hammer fell, this late-stage fourth-tier Abyss Crocodile was sold after only one round of bidding.

Previously, Liang Chengxuan had bid extensively but without success. He never expected that when it came to his true target, he would acquire the item so easily and without any obstacles...

Li Zhong's eyes flashed with a cold light, as if frozen in ice. He watched as Liang Shi easily took the spirit beast into her possession, and felt as if a thousand ants were gnawing at his heart.

Unfortunately, he had already exhausted his spiritual stones, so what could he do even if he was extremely unwilling?

"In the end, it's just a fourth-tier demonic beast." He clenched his fists hidden in his sleeves, his knuckles turning white. "It shouldn't affect the overall outcome of the duel..."

Now that things have come to this, he can only console himself in this way... Not long after, the beaded curtain rustled softly, and a maidservant gracefully entered, carrying a black jade token. Her hair was lowered as she presented it to the table: "I respectfully request that the immortal examine it."

With a slight flick of his sleeve, Chen Mu's dark jade token fell into his palm like a weary bird returning to its nest.

As his divine sense sank into it, he saw the turbid waves surging in the vast cold pool. The black alligator, shaped like a mountain, was half-hidden in the water mist. Its scaly head suddenly raised, and its crimson-gold vertical pupils seemed to be able to pierce through the void and stare at him.

"She does have some talent..."

A hint of interest flickered across Chen Mu's lips. He casually put the jade token into his cave, and then with a flick of his sleeve, eight thousand five hundred spirit stones disappeared into the arms of Huang Taiqi, who had come along with him.

Liang Chengxuan's right hand trembled slightly under his sleeve, and he almost pulled out the Qiankun Bag.

"If we pay in public now, it would make it seem like you're short of spirit stones. It would be better to make up the difference when we get back to your residence..."

Although Chen Mu admitted that he was confident in the spirit stones, his father had made a promise beforehand, so how could he go back on his word?
Chen Mu was unaware of his scheme, and his gaze was now fixed on the exhibition stand.

The Abyss Crocodile's potential was not yet fully realized, and it did indeed meet some of his requirements. To avoid getting nothing in return, he bid for the beast first.

But this doesn't mean he's satisfied. Although he's not afraid of the beast rebelling and harming its master, and he's confident he can make the beast submit both physically and mentally, the beast is ultimately not the best option.

Unless the deadline arrives, he has no intention of using this beast as a vessel for proving the cause and effect of his path to enlightenment and to aid his own breakthrough...

Hong Wuyai continued his actions, taking out several more rare spirit beasts.

Among them are many rare and exotic cubs, which have attracted fierce bidding.

Chen Mu remained indifferent. In his eyes, the potential of these alien cubs was almost the same as that of the Abyss Crocodile, their advantage being that they were still young and unpredictable. However, this did not hold much appeal for him...

Time slips through our fingers like fine sand, and the gilded animal-head incense burner in front of the auction stage has accumulated a few inches of incense ash, marking the end of this auction.

Chen Mu remained calm and composed, but he couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed.

The Haixin City auction was indeed as renowned as it was, with three or four of the spirit beasts listed in the Floating Cloud Beast Record appearing. However, they were either incompatible with his attributes or their potential was only comparable to that of the Mingyuan Tuo, so they could not tempt him.

He sighed inwardly, got up, and walked to the railing.

Downstairs, Hong Wuyai's voice boomed like a bell. A three-foot-long mist rose from the jade tablet in his hand, through which the silver scales of the young dragon, tinged with purple, could be vaguely seen. The two jade horns on its head had not yet split open.

"This dragon inherits the bloodline of the Chilong, and can generate Xuanming True Water with its breath. If it is fed with ten-thousand-year-old cold marrow, it can reach the fifth rank in a thousand years!"

This beast is quite good, even stronger than the Abyss Crocodile. With careful nurturing, breaking through to the fifth rank will not be difficult for it.

But just as he thought, her strength was limited, not enough for him to spend time and energy cultivating...

The audience below was enthusiastic, but inside the elegant room, it was as calm as a lake.

Two quarters of an hour later, the last spirit beast was auctioned off for a staggering 20,000 spirit stones to an elderly man in his eighties, drawing congratulations from the assembled cultivators, suggesting he was quite popular...

As the maidservant carried the jade token behind the mica screen, it signified that the auction was about to end, and some impatient attendees had already gotten up to adjust their cloud-patterned shoes.

Just then, Hong Wuyai's wide sleeves billowed like flowing clouds, and a clear whistle pierced through the clouds and split rocks: "Fellow Daoists, please wait a moment!"

Its sound was clear and resonant, like a morning bell or evening drum, penetrating the entire venue.

Several cultivators who had reached the entrance of the passageway paused, their faces showing confusion. One of them, a Taoist in purple robes, stroked his long beard and chuckled, "Brother Hong, are you keeping us here so earnestly? Could it be that the city is hiding some divine wine and delicacies?"

"If Lord Wu Zhenjun would be so kind as to grace us with his presence, once this matter is settled, I will certainly spare no expense to accompany you."

With a light flick of his wide sleeves, Hong Wuyai clapped his hands three times, and before the sound had even faded, a maidservant gracefully approached like a butterfly flitting among flowers. On the jade plate, a scarlet silk ribbon moved without wind, faintly revealing a faint blue halo.

"The highlight of this auction has already been delivered, and Manager Hong's actions..."

The one who spoke was the elderly cultivator who had just spent a fortune to acquire the young Xuan Shui Jiao. His eyes flickered, as if to offer a reminder.

"Thank you for your wise judgment."

Hong Wuyai bowed deeply, his wide sleeves fluttering even without wind.

"This item was entrusted to me by a recluse. Although it is not listed in the major auction catalog, its authenticity has been verified at the event. If you have no intention of bidding, you may simply appreciate this rare treasure."

Upon hearing this, the previously whispering room fell silent.

On the jade steps, a cultivator turned around and sat down: "If Brother Hong can make an exception, we must see what kind of spiritual object it is."

Inside the elegant pavilion, Chen Mu also stopped and stared intently at the red veil.

He could sense the clear water beneath the red veil, and though he was curious, he wasn't in a hurry to leave...

Faced with the crowd's urging, Hong Wuyai pressed down with both palms, and the scarlet silk fell to the ground.

In an instant, the sound of a clear spring gurgling over rocks rose from the void, and a bright blue embryo the size of a goose egg appeared in the misty water vapor.

As the light shimmered, it seemed as if living water was flowing around the embryonic egg, yet wisps of dark mist lingered around it, eroding three-tenths of its brilliant radiance...

"stillbirth?"

The old man's beard trembled: "Master Hong, this egg is already showing signs of death. The reputation of Haixin City should not be ruined by such an ominous object."

Hong Wuyai waved his hand: "Elder Xie, please observe. Although this egg shows signs of death, it has not yet lost its vitality..."

Before he finished speaking, he formed an inexplicable hand seal, his lips moved slightly, and streams of water flowed from his fingertips, disappearing into the egg. The moment the water entered the egg, the dark mist dissipated as if exposed to the blazing sun, and the silhouette of a bird appeared within the eggshell…

"If it is nurtured with specific secret methods, it may be possible to bring it back to life."

The crowd remained silent, clearly lacking interest.

Raising a spirit pet is meant to help one's cultivation path, and investing effort is acceptable, but investing in it in this way is putting the cart before the horse.

Moreover, it's only a possibility that it might be brought back to life. If it fails, wouldn't it be a waste of resources and energy?
Furthermore, this embryonic egg has a weak demonic aura; what kind of rare and exotic species could it be?
Just as everyone was shaking their heads, Hong Wuyai calmly said in a loud voice, "Furthermore, according to my observation, this embryo may be related to the ancient divine beast 'Blue Duck'..."

"what?"

"Blue Fly?"

Everyone was immediately stunned and stood up abruptly.

The Blue Duck is one of the five divine birds of ancient times. It has long been extinct in the Floating Cloud Realm, so how could its bloodline still remain?
"Fellow Daoist Hong, are you joking?"

"Whether this is a joke or not, fellow Daoists will know once they see it..."

……

(End of this chapter)