Chapter 161
Chapter 161
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 161
Chapter Title: Xiao Hei's Breakthrough, a Second-Tier Spirit Beast
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"Master, where are you?"
Xiao Hei's voice resounded in Chen Jianghe's spiritual altar, his tone serious and laced with a hint of apprehension.
"The auction. What's wrong?" Chen Jianghe replied.
But his gaze fell upon the auction stage, where four beautiful female cultivators were pushing a large cage covered with a bright red satin cloth.
The cage was sixteen feet high, thirty feet long, and nine feet wide.
Low roars echoed from within, shaking one's very soul and making even Qi Refining cultivators feel a sense of suffocation.
It was as if a great mountain was pressing down on them, making it difficult to breathe.
"The main event is about to begin." Alchemist Zhuang looked at the cage on the stage, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Master, what's inside?"
"Grandfather, I feel like there's something terrifying in that cage."
Both Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan looked at Alchemist Zhuang with confusion, wanting to know what was inside.
"Some time ago, during the Alchemy Grandmaster exchange, this auction was mentioned. It was said that a second-tier demonic beast would be auctioned. I imagine that's what's inside this cage."
A glint of light flashed in Alchemist Zhuang's cloudy eyes. He looked at Yun Xiaoniu and said, "Although I don't know what kind of demonic beast it is, it's severely injured. With a second-tier contract talisman, you can forcibly establish a spirit pet contract. It would be very suitable as a clan-protecting spirit beast."
"Thank you for the clarification, Alchemist Zhuang."
Yun Xiaoniu cupped his hands in thanks. He understood Alchemist Zhuang's meaning, but he simply didn't have the financial resources to bid on a severely injured second-tier demonic beast.
And it would be even harder to obtain a second-tier contract talisman.
A contract talisman was a second-tier talisman, a high-grade one at that, capable of forcibly establishing a spirit pet contract with a heavily injured second-tier demonic beast.
It was rumored that it could even be used to form a contract with a severely injured third-tier demonic beast.
Of course, this was just a rumor. Whether any cultivator had ever succeeded was unknown.
Chen Jianghe remained silent, communicating with Xiao Hei instead, because Xiao Hei had sensed the aura of the demonic beast in the cage.
"Xiao Hei, can you tell what kind of demonic beast it is?"
"It seems to be fire-attribute, but also thunder-attribute. It's definitely a second-tier demonic beast, and not an ordinary one. The pressure this beast gives off is even stronger than the second-tier spirit beast aura I sensed last time."
The second-tier spirit beast Xiao Hei mentioned was Ji Wujin's second-tier spirit pet.
"What's its bloodline?" Chen Jianghe asked.
"Stronger than my current bloodline."
"Stronger than your current bloodline? You mean your bloodline can still be improved?" Chen Jianghe asked in astonishment.
Xiao Hei cultivated the "Three Revolutions Demon Ascension Art." He had originally possessed a first-grade, low-tier bloodline, but it had transformed into a third-grade, high-tier one.
Basically, it was almost certain that Xiao Hei would become a second-tier spirit beast.
There was even a glimmer of hope for him to become a third-tier spirit beast.
But Xiao Hei's words implied that his bloodline could be elevated again, which meant his potential was immense.
This made Chen Jianghe think of the spiritual altar's imprint.
The spiritual altar's imprint had granted him Xiao Hei's lifespan, and... that was it.
But the boon the imprint had given Xiao Hei seemed a bit outrageous.
The "Three Revolutions Demon Ascension Art" cultivation technique, bloodline enhancement, and bestowed divine abilities.
It also kept his vitality and blood in a perpetually vigorous state, eliminating any worry of decline.
Most importantly, it even offered the possibility of a second enhancement to his bloodline's potential.
"Maybe it can. I have a feeling that when I break through to the second tier, the spiritual altar's imprint will grant me a new cultivation technique."
Xiao Hei said uncertainly.
Chen Jianghe turned his spiritual sense inward, looking at the spiritual altar in his sea of consciousness, which bore Xiao Hei's brand.
He couldn't help but curse inwardly.
His imprint gave Xiao Hei so many benefits.
But Xiao Hei's imprint only gave him longevity.
Just as Chen Jianghe was feeling utterly speechless.
The old auctioneer walked to the front of the cage, his gaze sweeping over the crowd of cultivators as he announced, "The sixty-second treasure is an injured second-tier demonic beast."
"I imagine many Foundation Establishment seniors have come here for this very item."
"Very well, I shall not keep you in suspense any longer. Let us all see the true face of this second-tier demonic beast."
As the old auctioneer's voice fell.
The four beautiful female cultivators pulled away the red silk, revealing the true form of the second-tier demonic beast.
It was a black leopard, fourteen feet tall and twenty-six feet long. Two stripes of pure white fur ran from its neck down to its belly and back.
Its body was covered in faint golden lightning patterns, and with every breath, flames spilled from its mouth.
However, on its abdomen, there was a fist-sized puncture wound, likely caused by a spear-type magical artifact.
Three chunks of flesh had been sliced from its back, exposing blood-stained white bone.
Its tail had been severed, leaving only a stump.
"Roar~"
The moment the red silk was lifted, the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard shot to its feet, its wary eyes scanning all the cultivators as it let out a low growl.
But then, it collapsed weakly back into the cage.
The flesh on its back was torn open, and blood flowed ceaselessly from the spear wound in its abdomen. Its aura was weak, but its ferocious and savage gaze sent shivers down the spines of the cultivators present.
"*Hiss*~"
Seeing this demonic beast, many cultivators gasped, their eyes filled with shock.
They had received news that a severely injured second-tier demonic beast had been transported from the Beast Taming Market City to Qinghe Market City.
But none of them had expected it to be a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
"Everyone, you should all be quite familiar with this demonic beast!"
The old auctioneer's expression was one of excitement. Having failed to reach Foundation Establishment, his lifespan was nearing its end.
This was the last auction he would ever host.
He had hoped for a perfect final act, and he never imagined the Beast Taming Zhou Clan would send over a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
Before the red silk was unveiled, not even he knew what kind of beast it was.
Not just him, even the current manager of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion had no idea what it was.
They only knew that the Zhou Clan wanted to consign a severely injured second-tier demonic beast, and that it came with a second-tier contract talisman.
"That's right, it is indeed a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard, possessing a fourth-grade, low-tier bloodline. Although it is a fire-type demonic beast, its bloodline contains a trace of thunder-attribute energy, giving it the potential to awaken a thunder-attribute divine ability."
"This Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard is already an adult, a late-stage second-tier demonic beast. With careful nurturing, it has more than a fifty percent chance of becoming a third-tier demonic beast."
"If you wish to become a top-tier immortal clan, how can you lack a third-tier spirit beast?"
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need to worry about the second-tier contract talisman. Whoever wins this Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard will also receive a second-tier contract talisman."
"I won't waste any more of your time. The rest is up to you!"
"No reserve price, no bidding increment restrictions."
"For the final treasure of this auction, let the bidding begin~"
As the old auctioneer's voice faded, the entire auction hall fell strangely silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
In the private room, Alchemist Zhuang's expression shifted. He glanced at Chen Jianghe, then at Yun Xiaoniu.
Initially, when he suggested Yun Xiaoniu bid on the second-tier demonic beast, what he really meant was that *he* had his eye on it.
Finding a Foundation Establishment cultivator to protect his granddaughter and disciple was hardly as reliable as spending a great sum to purchase a second-tier spirit beast.
But Alchemist Zhuang had never imagined that this severely injured second-tier demonic beast would turn out to be a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
A fourth-grade, low-tier bloodline.
This was something he simply couldn't afford.
Even if he did manage to buy it, he wouldn't be able to protect the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
"A fourth-grade, low-tier bloodline, a fire-type spirit beast with the potential to awaken a thunder-type divine ability... how could the Zhou Clan bear to put it up for auction?"
Chen Jianghe's first thought wasn't about possessing this second-tier Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
He already had two money-pits, Xiao Hei and Maoqiu; there was no need to adopt an even bigger one.
Besides, a demonic beast with a fourth-grade, low-tier bloodline was not something he could afford to raise.
Even if he could afford it, he couldn't protect it.
It would only bring disaster upon himself.
"Uncle, this Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard must have been brought from the Beast Taming Market City. How could the Zhou Clan be willing to auction off a severely injured demonic beast with a fourth-grade, low-tier bloodline?"
Yun Xiaoniu had never, from start to finish, considered bidding on the second-tier demonic beast.
Because he knew he didn't have the financial means.
Therefore, he was able to notice that something was amiss right away.
Logically, a demonic beast with such great potential would surely be kept by the Zhou Clan. With their resources, they could definitely raise the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard into a third-tier spirit beast.
Chen Jianghe pondered for a moment, then looked up at Alchemist Zhuang and asked, "Fellow Daoist, do you happen to know what kind of demonic beast the fourth third-tier one that appeared in the Beast Taming Market City was?"
"A fourth third-tier demonic beast appeared in the Beast Taming Market City?!" Alchemist Zhuang was stunned, looking at Chen Jianghe in astonishment.
"Yes."
Chen Jianghe nodded.
At the same time, he realized that few cultivators outside probably knew about the appearance of a fourth third-tier demonic beast in the Beast Taming Market City.
He himself only knew because of a letter from Ruan Tieniu.
"Uncle, you mean... the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard is related to that fourth demonic beast that appeared?"
Yun Xiaoniu took a deep breath and said in horror.
At the same time, Yun Xiaoniu sent a voice transmission directly to Chen Jianghe: "Uncle, if that's really the case, you must leave Qinghe Market City with me."
"Qinghe Market City isn't safe. If the Beast Taming Market City can't withstand the beast tide, then Qinghe Market City stands even less of a chance."
Chen Jianghe looked at Yun Xiaoniu, sensing the worry and concern in his eyes.
"It's just a guess. It might not be related to that fourth demonic beast."
"I have an acquaintance in the Beast Taming Market City and have already sent a letter to inquire. It won't be long before I know the situation there. If there really is a connection, I will leave Qinghe Market City."
As Chen Jianghe sent the voice transmission.
The bidding for the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard had just begun outside.
The lack of a reserve price was the ultimate reserve price.
No bidding increment restrictions meant the most thrilling, vicious bidding war.
The first bidder immediately called out a price of twenty thousand spirit stones.
The second was even more outrageous, directly bidding fifty thousand spirit stones, an increase of thirty thousand.
Chen Jianghe swept his spiritual sense over his own storage bag, then closed his eyes to rest, waiting for the auction to end.
He prayed inwardly that the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard would not be won by the two great clans of Qinghe.
Alchemist Zhuang also closed his eyes.
He had initially wanted to bid on the second-tier demonic beast, but after learning it was a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard, the thought vanished instantly.
His entire fortune combined wouldn't even be enough for the first bid.
It was true he was a second-tier alchemist, but he had only recently advanced and hadn't had time to accumulate wealth.
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan, however, watched the outside with curiosity, their beautiful eyes darting back and forth, occasionally glancing at the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
They were both frightened and curious.
A quarter of an hour later.
Chen Jianghe listened as the bidding outside began to slow down, the increments shrinking significantly.
The voices became fewer as well.
However, the price had reached ninety-three thousand, two hundred spirit stones.
Although the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard was severely injured, once it was bought and a contract was formed, the so-called severe injuries were not a major issue.
The spirit stones needed to buy second-tier healing pills were but a drop in the ocean compared to this price.
Another seven or eight minutes passed.
The auction for the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard finally concluded.
It was won by the Qing Clan for a price of one hundred nineteen thousand, eight hundred spirit stones.
This price was not high.
This was because the news about the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard had been kept secret. Otherwise, the other three top-tier immortal clans of the Tiannan Region would have surely sent representatives.
At that point, one hundred nineteen thousand, eight hundred spirit stones might have just been the starting bid.
The auction ended early the next morning.
Chen Jianghe first bid farewell to Alchemist Zhuang and the others, then started talking with Yun Xiaoniu.
"Xiaoniu, refine the top-grade flying sword and defensive magical artifact first, then leave Qinghe Market City."
Chen Jianghe instructed.
"I know, but I'm still worried about your safety, Uncle. The Zhou Clan's intentions are not pure. They kept the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard a secret, which clearly shows they weren't trying to earn spirit stones. Otherwise, the other three top-tier immortal clans would have definitely been at this auction."
Yun Xiaoniu's eyes showed worry as he tried to persuade him.
Just then, Chen Jianghe saw Ji Wujin walk out of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and glance at him.
This made him even more reluctant to leave Qinghe Market City.
If he left Qinghe Market City, the first danger he would face would be Ji Wujin, that old fisherman.
"Don't worry. If the situation changes, I will leave Qinghe Market City," Chen Jianghe said.
After parting with Yun Xiaoniu.
He returned to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and glanced at the materials for drawing talismans. Just as Chen Ping had said, the prices would change on New Year's Day.
Although they were still slightly inflated, after Chen Ping's discount, it was equivalent to the original price.
Chen Jianghe bought eighteen sheets of Azure Illusion Spirit Fox hide, eighteen boxes of high-grade spirit ink, and three Azure Feather Talisman Brushes.
In total, he spent six hundred and thirty spirit stones.
He still had two thousand five hundred and thirteen spirit stones left.
When he returned home, just as he was about to let Xiao Hei and Maoqiu out, he heard a knock on his courtyard gate.
Chen Jianghe only needed a moment of thought to know who the visitor was.
He had just parted with Alchemist Zhuang and Yun Xiaoniu, so it couldn't be them.
As for his acquaintance Ruan Tieniu, that was even more unlikely.
Ruan Tieniu was still in the Beast Taming Market City at this time, his fate unknown.
Chen Jianghe opened the gate. Standing outside was the masked Ji Wujin, just as he had expected.
"That Foundation Establishment cultivator's bidding was likely arranged by you, wasn't it, Fellow Daoist?"
Ji Wujin glanced at Chen Jianghe. The Foundation Establishment cultivator he mentioned was Yun Xiaoniu.
Chen Jianghe didn't respond, merely looking at Ji Wujin calmly and saying casually, "Is there something you need, Fellow Daoist?"
"Nothing major. I just noticed that your spiritual cultivation is nearing completion and came to share a piece of news with you."
"What news?"
"At the Immortal Sect Market City's auction in the second month, a natural treasure that can enhance spiritual cultivation will appear."
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist. I will have a friend bid on my behalf," Chen Jianghe said with sincere thanks.
"I'll be heading to the Immortal Sect Market City soon. Why don't you come with me, Fellow Daoist?"
Ji Wujin invited him earnestly.
"Heh heh~" Chen Jianghe chuckled but said nothing.
"You don't trust me, Fellow Daoist?"
"We are mere acquaintances. Trust isn't part of the equation."
Chen Jianghe didn't want to waste any more breath on Ji Wujin. He found that Ji Wujin was not only erratic but also a chatterbox.
Even when his schemes were seen through, he didn't seem to care in the slightest, showing no embarrassment at all.
It made Chen Jianghe feel a bit awkward, and he didn't want to continue playing along.
"Fellow Daoist, name your price. How much for the Millennium Nether Soul Bamboo or the Earth Core Soul Refining Stone?"
"Three thousand spirit stones, I'll give you both as a package deal."
"Three thousand spirit stones? You might as well consign them at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion," Chen Jianghe shook his head. Fifteen hundred spirit stones for one item was more expensive than the auction price.
"Fine, we're friends. Two thousand eight hundred spirit stones for you."
"I don't need a friend's price. A transaction between strangers will do."
"Two thousand seven hundred spirit stones, and not a stone lower. You interfered with my plans this time, causing me to lose nearly three hundred spirit stones in commission fees. You have to compensate me for that."
Ji Wujin glared at Chen Jianghe and said in a deep voice.
"I only want the Earth Core Soul Refining Stone. Hmm... same as the auction price, twelve hundred spirit stones."
Chen Jianghe saw that Ji Wujin was about to speak, so he raised a hand to cut him off and continued, "Don't be in such a hurry to thank me, Fellow Daoist."
"This is a no-cost business for you. Even if you consign it again, you'll get twelve hundred spirit stones at most, and after deducting the commission, you might only end up with a thousand. My offering of twelve hundred is helping you bear the consequences of shooting yourself in the foot."
"What no-cost business? I found this in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range at great risk."
"So, are you selling or not, Fellow Daoist?"
"I'm selling!"
"Then what's with all the nonsense?" Chen Jianghe rolled his eyes at Ji Wujin and held out his hand.
"Where are the spirit stones?" Ji Wujin took out the Earth Core Soul Refining Stone but didn't hand it over directly, holding out his own hand instead.
"This isn't our first transaction, Fellow Daoist. I usually take the goods first, then pay the spirit stones."
Chen Jianghe shrugged and said with a smile.
"Hmph~"
Ji Wujin tossed the Earth Core Soul Refining Stone to Chen Jianghe, then said in a heavy tone, "Spirit stones."
"Rest assured, I have at least that much integrity."
Chen Jianghe felt the potent soul power within the Earth Core Soul Refining Stone, flipped his hand to store it in his storage bag, and then took out twelve hundred spirit stones for Ji Wujin.
"By the way, what did you want to trade with me last time, Fellow Daoist?" Chen Jianghe asked.
"You're not qualified to know yet. When your body tempering is complete, and your spirit forging is complete... give me a thousand spirit stones, and I can tell you in advance."
Ji Wujin chuckled slyly.
"Forget it."
Chen Jianghe turned and walked into the courtyard, then shut the gate with a 'bang'.
"You think a thousand spirit stones is too much now, but don't blame me for charging you two thousand later."
Ji Wujin said this to the courtyard, then left Qingping Lane with a confident expression.
Chen Jianghe didn't believe he could get any useful information from Ji Wujin.
In his eyes, Ji Wujin was an extremely unreliable person.
You couldn't believe his words; at most, you could trust five percent of what he said.
Besides, the man was still thinking of refining him into a puppet.
Chen Jianghe opened the gate again, hung up a 'In Seclusion' sign, and closed the gate once more.
He let out Xiao Hei and Maoqiu.
"Master, where's that demonic beast?"
Xiao Hei asked as soon as he came out, looking directly at Chen Jianghe.
"...You didn't actually think I could afford it, did you!" Chen Jianghe looked at Xiao Hei, speechless.
"Was it expensive? How many spirit stones?"
"Even selling you wouldn't be enough."
"It seems it's a priceless treasure, just like me." Xiao Hei nodded, feigning deep thought.
"Stop fooling around. Get to cultivating."
Chen Jianghe took two late-stage first-tier demonic beast cores from his storage bag and gave them to Xiao Hei, then took out another one for Maoqiu.
"Heh heh, two-legs, in two months at most, I won't be the same me anymore." The corners of Xiao Hei's mouth turned up.
He then leaped into the pool, swallowing both spirit cores at once, and began cultivating the "Three Revolutions Demon Ascension Art" to absorb and refine them.
Seeing Xiao Hei cultivating at the bottom of the pool, Maoqiu obediently sat by the edge, absorbing its own demonic beast core to cultivate.
The naturally lively and active Mountain Velvet Beast had become quiet and gentle under Xiao Hei's tutelage, like a timid little wife.
Chen Jianghe glanced at Xiao Hei in the pool.
He felt a mix of anticipation and worry.
He was anticipatory because Xiao Hei was finally about to become a second-tier spirit beast, which would once again increase his safety.
He was worried because after Xiao Hei's cultivation broke through, his lifespan wouldn't increase, and he didn't know how to explain it to him.
Returning to his room.
Chen Jianghe wrote another letter to Ruan Tieniu, asking for specific details about the beast tide situation in the Beast Taming Market City.
Especially about whether the fourth third-tier demonic beast that appeared was a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard.
If it was, then he really couldn't stay in Qinghe Market City any longer.
The Zhou Clan was clearly diverting disaster.
The reason they didn't reveal that the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard would be auctioned in Qinghe Market City was to prevent the other three top-tier immortal clans from buying it.
The Zhou Clan wanted Qinghe Market City to share the pressure of the beast tide from the Beast Taming Market City.
"The Qing Clan isn't foolish either. If the fourth third-tier demonic beast that appeared in the Beast Taming Market City was indeed a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard, they would surely figure out the Zhou Clan's scheme and wouldn't have bought this severely injured second-tier one."
Chen Jianghe thought to himself.
Then, he cleared his mind of distracting thoughts and began cultivating the "Soul-Suppressing and Spirit-Forging Art." Six hours later, he started drawing talismans.
Time flew, and two months passed quickly.
Xiao Hei's excited voice rang out in his spiritual altar.
"Two-legs, I'm about to break through, haha..."
Chen Jianghe immediately stopped cultivating the "Tidal Body Tempering Art" and walked out of his room, looking at Xiao Hei who had just leaped out of the pool.
At this moment, Xiao Hei was emitting a terrifying aura, several times stronger than the tenth-level Qi Refining Ruan Tieniu from before.
His turtle shell was also shimmering with a dark, ethereal light.
"Wait a moment."
Chen Jianghe stopped Xiao Hei, telling him and Maoqiu to enter the spirit beast space first.
Afterward, Chen Jianghe immediately went to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and bought five Sealing Talismans, spending one hundred spirit stones.
Sealing Talismans were high-grade first-tier special-purpose talismans, costing twenty spirit stones each.
When used, they could seal one's own aura for an hour, or form a light screen to conceal the phenomena of a breakthrough.
Xiao Hei was his trump card and could not be revealed to anyone.
Even his advancement to a second-tier spirit beast had to be done in secret.
Chen Jianghe took out the twenty-three late-stage first-tier demonic beast cores he had, along with five hundred spirit stones.
These were for Xiao Hei to consume for the spiritual energy he would need during his breakthrough.
He then used the five Sealing Talismans in the courtyard to block the spiritual energy phenomena that Xiao Hei's breakthrough would generate.
After all this was done.
Chen Jianghe released Xiao Hei from the spirit beast space.
"Xiao Hei, how confident are you?"
Chen Jianghe looked at Xiao Hei with a solemn expression. At this moment, he shed his usual stinginess and unhesitatingly took out a second-tier water-attribute spirit core.
"Will you need a second-tier water-attribute spirit core?"
"Hmph hmph~ Two-legs, go hide off to the side and obediently watch your Turtle Lord achieve his Dao!"
Xiao Hei didn't even glance at the second-tier water-attribute spirit core.
*Whoosh*~
With a great gulp, Xiao Hei swallowed five late-stage first-tier spirit cores, and a terrifying amount of spiritual energy erupted from his body.
This spiritual energy was drawn to his turtle shell by an unseen force.
It gradually formed into tiny vortices.
Ten breaths later, the vortices on his shell began to merge, evolving into a thirty-foot spiritual energy vortex that enveloped Xiao Hei completely.
The powerful suction was blocked by the Sealing Talismans, but it still drew out the spiritual energy from the five hundred spirit stones, increasing the concentration of the vortex.
Hiding in his room, Chen Jianghe watched the scene of Xiao Hei's breakthrough. He noticed that Xiao Hei's physical body was beginning to transform at that very moment.