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Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 323: The Xinming Fruit
Chapter 323: The Xinming Fruit
After issuing his warning, Gao Yi wasted no time and directly announced the start of the auction.
At that moment, a graceful young woman emerged from the darkness in the rear, carrying a square tray covered with a simple red cloth.
However, under the pressure of Gao Yi’s intimidating presence, no one dared to use their spiritual consciousness to probe the contents of the tray. They all waited patiently for his announcement.
After a deliberate pause, Gao Yi lifted the red cloth.
"The first item in today’s auction—a high-grade artifact, the Bloodflame Fork!"
As the cloth was removed, a fork-shaped artifact came into view. It was entirely blood-red, with two sharp prongs, only about the length of an adult's palm. However, everyone present understood that this was not its true form.
Once activated, it was sure to expand beyond this seemingly small size.
Qin Sang knew this was the standard procedure for auctions—starting with lower-grade items and gradually escalating in value until the final highlight, which would mark the climax of the event.
By then, the emotions of the attendees would be fully stirred.
Although the first item was merely a high-grade artifact, no one showed disappointment. For Foundation Building cultivators, talisman astras were a luxury beyond their reach. For rogue cultivators, in particular, possessing one or two top-grade artifacts was already considered fortunate. High-grade artifacts were their most commonly used tools in daily life.
Yu Dayue and his two companions, who had ambushed Qin Sang, were no exception.
The young man in black possessed two top-grade artifacts—the multi-colored parasol and a flying sword. However, their quality was at the lower end of top-grade artifacts, worth around 1500 low-grade spirit stones. Even combined, they could not match the scar-faced man's flying sword.
The scar-faced man had recently broken through to the middle stage of Foundation Building Realm, and his expenditures on auxiliary medicinal herbs for his breakthrough had left him with only this flying sword and a Thunderbolt Strike Talisman as his trump card.
They had initially believed that killing Qin Sang, a disciple of Shaohua Mountain, would bring them great fortune. Unexpectedly, they had lost their own lives instead.
Despite his efforts to break through, Yu Dayue, being a sect disciple, had a more substantial backing than the scar-faced man. His flying sword and octagonal bronze mirror were of mid-to-high quality among top-grade artifacts, each valued at over 2000 low-grade spirit stones.
Of course, these were just estimated values. In actual transactions, depending on the artifact's effectiveness and the needs of both parties, prices could fluctuate significantly.
For example, the scar-faced man's flying sword was a rare spiritual sword, the most valuable type of weapon. If he encountered the right buyer, selling it for 5000 low-grade spirit stones was not out of the question.
Qin Sang mentally assessed his own wealth while listening to Gao Yi's introduction.
"The Bloodflame Fork, when activated, releases thousands of fiery fork shadows to confuse opponents, concealing the true body among them. However, if that were its only feature, it wouldn’t have been selected for auction. The true lethal aspect lies in the poisonous fire sealed within. Once it touches an opponent's spiritual power, the poison spreads like a gangrene, instantly engulfing the body..."
Qin Sang silently acknowledged the artifact's worth. Any high-grade artifact presented at the auction was bound to be extraordinary. With its deadly poison, the Bloodflame Fork's value was not much lower than the young man's flying sword.
As Gao Yi explained, he also demonstrated the artifact’s abilities. Finally, as the fork shadows dissipated, Gao Yi returned the Bloodflame Fork to the tray. "The starting price for the Bloodflame Fork is set at 500 low-grade spirit stones, or it can be exchanged for an artifact that can conceal one's aura!"
Offering the Bloodflame Fork in exchange for an aura-concealing artifact showed that its owner clearly understood the importance of self-preservation. However, aura-concealing artifacts were even rarer, and Qin Sang doubted they would receive such an offer.
The moment Gao Yi finished speaking, bids immediately followed.
"550 low-grade spirit stones..."
"580..."
Surprisingly, the price quickly surged to 1300 low-grade spirit stones before the excitement began to wane.
As Qin Sang had predicted, everyone preferred to use spirit stones for the purchase, with no one willing to trade an artifact.
"1700 low-grade spirit stones!"
After several rounds of bidding, only a few participants remained. Suddenly, a cultivator in a brocade robe raised the bid by 200 spirit stones, then slightly bowed and smiled, saying, "I am in need of such a weapon. This is my final offer. If fellow Daoists wish to continue bidding, I will withdraw."
This price far exceeded Gao Yi’s expectations.
The fact that the first item had fetched such a high price was a good start for the auction, bringing a hint of excitement to Gao Yi’s voice. "This Daoist has bid 1700 low-grade spirit stones. Does anyone wish to offer a higher bid or an artifact of equivalent value?"
Silence followed.
After waiting a moment longer, Gao Yi announced the Bloodflame Fork sold to the cultivator in the brocade robe.
One treasure after another was auctioned off, and the atmosphere in the hall gradually grew tense. Some items sparked fierce bidding wars, with prices being driven higher and higher.
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Qin Sang, with a clear goal in mind, remained calm throughout. He participated in bidding twice for some promising artifacts but ultimately chose to withdraw after careful consideration.
"Xinming Fruit!"
Gao Yi’s voice carried excitement and allure as he dramatically lifted the red cloth, revealing a single purple fruit to the crowd.
The fruit closely resembled a plum, with an unusually thin skin that made the flowing liquid inside clearly visible. A sealing barrier was applied on its surface to prevent the medicinal essence from dissipating.
Qin Sang's eyes flickered upon seeing the Xinming Fruit.
He had heard about it from Wandering Man, who had mentioned that the fruit could nourish a cultivator's primordial spirit.
Moreover, if a cultivator's soul was injured, directly consuming the Xinming Fruit would aid in recovery. Wandering Man had taken one before, though it had no effect on him.
With the protection of the Jade Buddha, Qin Sang had no need for such an item. He leaned back in his chair, prepared to watch the bidding unfold.
At that moment, he unexpectedly noticed the burly man in the corner suddenly sit up straight, gripping his thighs tightly. His gaze was fixed intently on the Xinming Fruit.
Even with the mask covering his face, Qin Sang could sense his excitement.
Since the auction began, the burly man had remained silent. This was the first time he reacted so eagerly, as if he could no longer contain himself.
Is his soul injured?
Qin Sang discreetly observed him, but it didn’t quite seem like the case.
"The starting price for the Xinming Fruit is 1000 low-grade spirit stones, or a flying sword artifact," Gao Yi announced.
Before his words had fully settled, the burly man suddenly shouted in an anxious voice, "Can it only be exchanged for flying swords and spirit stones? Can I use other spiritual herbs instead?"
Gao Yi furrowed his brows slightly and replied in a stern tone, "The owner of the Xinming Fruit only seeks spirit stones or a flying sword. If you do not possess a flying sword but still wish to obtain the Xinming Fruit, you may present your spiritual herb and negotiate an exchange with others here."
This had been a long-standing rule of the auction—transactions between participants could take place with Gao Yi acting as a witness, though he would take a commission.
Immediately, a black-robed cultivator inquired, "Daoist, what kind of spiritual medicine do you have? If its value is sufficient, I can bid on the Xinming Fruit and trade with you."
Qin Sang’s heart stirred, and he transmitted a message to the burly man to inquire further.
He possessed three spiritual swords; if the man’s spiritual herb was valuable enough, it might be worth bidding on the Xinming Fruit.
Many others, noticing the burly man's eagerness and sensing an opportunity to take advantage, also began transmitting messages to negotiate with him.