Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 151 Cloud Concealment Armor
Two days passed quickly.

The auction ceremony at Yifeng Pavilion was held as scheduled.

Li Xiangming and the others leaned against the fourth-floor railing, looking down.

“So lively!”

Shen Rube exclaimed in surprise, her eyes darting around.

Li Xiangming understood her shock, because the magnificent scene before him also filled him with emotion.

As a renowned merchant guild in the cultivation world of Heng Kingdom, the Luo Yan Merchant Guild wields extraordinary influence.

The auction alone attracted thousands of cultivators.

It should be noted that the official auction is different from the one two days ago. Today, every cultivator who enters Yifeng Pavilion must pay a participation fee of 1 spirit stone.

Don't underestimate this small amount of spirit stone; it's enough to deter more than 1% of cultivators, especially rogue cultivators.

Even so, the auction was still bustling with activity.

In comparison, the auction houses in Pushuifang Market seem like child's play.

On the high platform of the hall, an elderly cultivator dressed in fine robes held a staff with dragon carvings. His voice was melodious and his words were precious: "Distinguished guests, welcome to the 127th Spirit Treasure Gathering of Yifeng Pavilion. On behalf of Luoyan Chamber of Commerce, I would like to express my gratitude to you all."

"Situ Wangbo, with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, is one of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding Yifeng Pavilion of the Luoyan Chamber of Commerce, and is also the host of this auction."

Shen Rufeng gave a brief introduction, and Li Xiangming looked over with a solemn expression. The fact that three Foundation Establishment cultivators were deployed in just one industry showed that the Luo Yan Chamber of Commerce was indeed a powerful chamber of commerce with operations throughout the two provinces and six prefectures.

Looking at the densely packed figures around him, Situ Wangbo smiled broadly. He first bowed to the crowd, then clapped his hands and said, "Without further ado, today's first item for auction is a high-grade defensive magic artifact called the 'Cloud Concealment Armor.' This armor not only has amazing defensive capabilities, but also the miraculous effect of concealing one's form and traversing through clouds and mist. Whether for fighting demons or exploring secret realms, it is an excellent choice."

As he finished speaking, a graceful maid slowly walked onto the stage, holding a tray in her hands with a piece of soft armor that shimmered with light, drawing gasps of amazement from the audience.

"This item will be auctioned starting at 200 spirit stones, with each bid increment not less than 10 spirit stones."

After Situ Wangbo finished speaking, he struck the auction gavel heavily, announcing the start of the auction.

Two hundred spirit stones is dirt cheap for a high-grade magic weapon!
In an instant, bidding erupted, and before long, the Cloud Concealment Armor soared to 400 spirit stones.

This is a common tactic used in auctions: to release low-priced competing items at the beginning of the event to stir up the crowd's emotions.

At this point, the customer has ample financial resources and can quickly raise the price of competing products.

Auction houses generally don't lose money.

"Brother Li, are you interested?"

The game was reaching its climax when Shen Rufeng suddenly turned to look at Li Xiangming.

"Ah."

Li Xiangming nodded in agreement. He already possessed the Weeping Spirit Desolate Sky Rope, which was primarily for offensive purposes, and what he lacked was a high-quality defensive magic weapon. The Cloud Concealment Armor offered by the Luo Yan Merchant Guild, which allowed him to move undetected in the clouds and mist, perfectly suited his fighting style.

"It won't be easy to be the first to stand out in front of so many people."

Shen Rufeng shook his head slightly. According to past practice, the first competing item was carefully selected by Yifeng Pavilion. Although the initial price was low, in the end, it was basically sold at a premium.

In just a short while, the Cloud Concealment Armor reached the 500 spirit stone mark.

By this time, 90% of the people shouting had disappeared.

But there were still seven or eight people who refused to give up.

Seeing that the price was about to rise further, a fair-skinned young cultivator said in a sinister tone, "I'll offer 550 spirit stones. You all should stop competing with me."

His words caused the price of the Cloud Concealment Armor to jump by 50 spirit stones, and the auction fell silent.

However, after a moment of silence, someone quickly spoke up, a female cultivator: "I'll offer 560 spirit stones."

The female cultivator chuckled lightly: "Young Master Lian is exceptionally talented and highly regarded by Spirit Serpent Island. What kind of magical artifact can't he obtain? Why does he need to compete with us rogue cultivators?"

"If Fairy Ping is a rogue cultivator, then we are probably not even as good as rogue cultivators?"

Lian Yumeng replied coldly, "However, I am determined to have the Cloud Concealment Armor. I will offer 570 spirit stones."

Seeing that Lian Yumeng was so determined, Fairy Ping hesitated for a moment, knowing that she was not financially capable, and finally gave in sadly.

Seeing this, the others also quieted down. After all, a high-grade defensive magic weapon with functional features would cost around six hundred spirit stones.

Those who have stayed with us until now know the truth perfectly well.

Situ Wangbo glanced around and frowned slightly. This price was far below Yifeng Pavilion's expectations.

"Is there anyone else bidding? If not, the Cloud Concealment Armor belongs to Young Master Lian. I will finalize the deal with three hammer blows, and no further bids will be accepted."

Before Situ Wangbo could finish speaking, Li Xiangming poked his head out and shouted, "I'll pay 580 yuan."

Finally, someone entered the bidding. Situ Wangbo's face lit up with pleasure: "This fellow Daoist has bid 580 spirit stones. Is there anyone else who wants to compete with him?"

"590 yuan."

Lian Yumeng glanced at Li Xiangming, his expression indifferent.

"600 yuan."

Li Xiangming remained calm and composed.

Lian Yumeng frowned: "My friend, wouldn't it be better to buy something else with 600 spirit stones? Why do you have to go against the Lian family?"

"It's just a normal auction; there's no question of opposing them."

Li Xiangming replied calmly.
Upon hearing this, Lian Yumeng narrowed his eyes.

The other party showed no fear of the Lian family, so they must also be from a prominent family, or perhaps from one of the major sects in Wei County.

Thinking of this, he stopped using threats and said directly, "650 spirit stones."

"Fellow Daoist Lian, you've offered 650 spirit stones!"

Situ Wangbo was overjoyed and called out, "The Cloud Concealment Armor is a rare treasure. Does anyone else want to make an offer?"

Although he was speaking to everyone, Situ Wangbo's eyes were always on Li Xiangming, and at the moment, only Li Xiangming was bidding against Lian Yumeng.

However, Li Xiangming remained silent.

He really wanted to bid for the Cloud Concealment Armor, but 650 spirit stones were beyond his financial means.

If he hadn't bought the Five Thunder Talisman, with the 700 yuan he had for the seat fee and some other odds and ends, he should have been able to compete with Lian Yumeng for a while, but that's clearly not the case now.

"If Young Master Li is short of spirit stones, I can lend him a few for now."

Just then, Shen Ruqing suddenly spoke.

"Lend me the spirit stones?"

Li Xiangming was taken aback. Spirit stones were not just currency, but also high-level cultivation resources.

For most cultivators, the practical value of spirit stones is greater than their monetary value; therefore, it is extremely rare to see the exchange of spirit stones or the lending of spirit stones.

At least Li Xiangming never lent spirit stones to anyone.

Hearing Shen Ruqing's words, he was momentarily stunned.

Shen Rufeng was also surprised. Even if he wanted to borrow spirit stones, how could he lend them to outsiders?

Shen Ruqing lowered her head and explained, "Lian Yumeng is so fond of the Cloud Hidden Armor, there must be a hidden reason. If he obtains it, it may be detrimental to our Shen family."

“Our Shen family and the Lian family have a two-hundred-year-old feud. Although the situation has greatly eased now, we must still be wary of others. Who knows if the Lian family will break their oath to Mo Xin Island? Rather than letting the Lian family bid for the Cloud Concealment Armor, it would be better to let Young Master Li bid for it.”

At this point, Shen Rufeng suddenly realized what was going on and quickly said, "If Brother Li needs it, I can also lend you spirit stones, but I need to keep the spirit stones on me for other purposes, so I can only lend you 100."

Xu Ci, who had been silent, spoke up: "I'm not here to bid this time. If Brother Xiangming wants it, I can lend you all 50 spirit stones I have on me."

"me"

Shen Rubei really wanted to join in the fun, but after spending two days browsing the Xiaoganshan Market, she had already spent all her spirit stones and was now so anxious that she was scratching her head in frustration.

Li Xiangming patted her head and said softly, "In that case, thank you all."

With the strong support of the Shen siblings and Xu Ci, he no longer hesitated and called out, "660 spirit stones."

(End of this chapter)