Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 325: The Trade

Having decided to exchange the Blue Dew Epiphyllum for the three Soul-Guiding Grass plants, Qin Sang no longer cared whether he was profiting or losing. However, if he could gain a better deal, it would naturally be to his advantage.

As expected, the revelation of the Blue Dew Epiphyllum’s potency sparked a wave of excitement in the hall, rivaling the enthusiasm generated by the Soul-Guiding Grass. Even if only a fifth of the attendees practiced wood-based arts, it was still a considerable number.

Qin Sang’s gaze subtly swept across the individuals he had previously taken note of, silently hoping that their desire for the Soul-Guiding Grass was not too strong.

If, after revealing the Blue Dew Epiphyllum, he still failed to secure the Soul-Guiding Grass, the loss would be too great.

Just then, an unexpected voice broke the silence.

From the moment Qin Sang revealed the Blue Dew Epiphyllum, Gao Yi’s expression had subtly changed. He examined it closely, seemingly assessing its authenticity.

The signature starry aura of a millennium-old Blue Dew Epiphyllum was unmistakable. Once Gao Yi confirmed its authenticity, he suddenly spoke up, "Daoist, are you certain you wish to trade the Blue Dew Epiphyllum for these three Soul-Guiding Grass plants?"

Qin Sang looked at Gao Yi in surprise, not expecting the Blue Dew Epiphyllum to attract his attention.

The Dilu Pill was only effective for Foundation Building cultivators and did not enhance the chances of forming a core. As a Fake Core Realm cultivator, Gao Yi had no personal use for it.

Unless... he was acquiring it for someone else.

This realization brought an unexpected surge of excitement to Qin Sang.

Undoubtedly, the wealthiest cultivator in the hall was Gao Yi. If he was interested in the trade, the deal was almost certain.

Without hesitation, Qin Sang nodded and replied, "If Commander Gao can offer a reasonable price, I will certainly make the exchange without regret."

His response left some room for negotiation.

Qin Sang was not overly greedy; he knew that a thousand-year-old spiritual herb could be exchanged for an unused, intact talisman astra.

There was still plenty of room for bargaining.

Gao Yi, unbothered by these minor details and confident that Qin Sang wouldn’t dare renege, retrieved a talisman paper from his Mustard Seed Pouch and displayed it prominently, declaring loudly, "I will participate in the auction for the Soul-Guiding Grass. This Gu Demonic Ring talisman astra can be used for both offense and defense, with endless applications. Its power remains at seventy percent capacity. To ensure fairness, I invite all Daoists to witness the transaction."

With a flick of his palm, the talisman astra soared across the hall, circling the front rows. After several cultivators verified its authenticity, it gently landed back onto the tray.

Gao Yi's open and honest approach set a fair playing field, relying on financial competition rather than coercion through cultivation level or the influence of Yinshan Stronghold. No one could find fault with his conduct.

Since the appearance of the Soul-Guiding Grass, the auction had seen many twists and turns, but this was the first actual bid to be placed.

"The Mountain-Suppressing Stele talisman astra—once activated, a massive stone stele materializes, as heavy as a thousand jun, unmatched in power. It still retains seventy percent of its original might and should surpass Commander Gao's Gu Demonic Ring by a small margin."

As Qin Sang had anticipated, the red-clad woman indeed had an interest in the Soul-Guiding Grass. With a charming laugh, she presented a talisman astra and promptly placed her bid.

The other cultivators' eyes flickered with anticipation, but none followed up, all waiting to see how Gao Yi would respond.

Gao Yi’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly nodded and said, "Daoist, you are correct. My Gu Demonic Ring is indeed inferior to your Mountain-Suppressing Stele. I concede... Are there any other bids?"

“Formless Whip talisman astra...”

“Starshine Divine Armor...”

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“A Grade Three Azure Lotus...”

Without prior display, no one had anticipated that so many cultivators possessing talisman astras had gathered in this small auction hall. Talismans of such caliber, rarely seen in everyday encounters, suddenly emerged one after another.

The crowd, watching the unfolding drama, was thoroughly entertained and awed by the spectacle.

Despite the excitement, only a select few had the qualifications to participate in the competition. The bidding was not fierce; most bidders took their time deliberating before finally placing an offer. Among the talisman astras presented, the Grade Three Azure Lotus offered by the Daoist Master stood out as the highest in quality.

Just as Qin Sang grew increasingly anxious, Gao Yi did not disappoint him.

"The Heavenly Spear talisman astra—offensive type, used only once."

Gao Yi put away his Gu Demonic Ring and retrieved another talisman astra with a self-deprecating smile. "I've now brought out my most prized possession. If anyone can present an equivalent talisman astra, I will have no choice but to add spirit stones. Rest assured, fellow Daoists, I will not abuse my position. The final decision will lie with the owner of the Soul-Guiding Grass."

This Heavenly Spear talisman astra was almost as good as a pristine, unused one.

Seeing this, the red-clad woman and others reluctantly withdrew, unwilling to continue the competition. With no further bids, the Soul-Guiding Grass owner had no need to make a choice.

Thus concluded the auction's least-contested item so far. However, with its twists and turns and the sudden appearance of numerous treasures, the event left everyone parched and exhilarated, feeling their trip was well worth it.

Gao Yi placed the talisman astra onto the tray without touching the Soul-Guiding Grass. Using his spiritual power, he guided the three jade boxes toward Qin Sang. In turn, Qin Sang, understanding the unspoken etiquette, flicked his hand and sent the Blue Dew Epiphyllum flying toward Gao Yi.

Upon opening the jade box and verifying its authenticity, Gao Yi nodded in satisfaction and mused, "Daoist, if my Gu Demonic Ring had secured the Soul-Guiding Grass, I would have added a top-grade artifact as extra compensation. However, the value of the Heavenly Spear is not far off from that of the Blue Dew Epiphyllum. Therefore... I will take responsibility for covering the auction's quota. Also, I recall you previously bid on a Fallen Phoenix Vine. Would you be interested in a piece of Ripplewood? I have one here, and it could serve as compensation. What do you think?"

"I will gladly accept your offer!"

Qin Sang cupped his hands in agreement. Although Ripplewood was slightly inferior to the Earth Fire Tung Wood, obtaining the Soul-Guiding Grass was already a satisfying victory for him, and the addition of spiritual wood was an unexpected bonus.

Once Gao Yi handed over the Ripplewood to Qin Sang, the transaction was finalized, leaving both parties pleased.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Qin Sang did not linger on examining the Soul-Guiding Grass. After confirming its authenticity, he swiftly stored it away and continued watching the auction.

With the Soul-Guiding Grass now off the table, there were likely only a few more items left in the auction.