Lin Fan was pleased; a big fish had taken the bait. Yi Zhongyu was one of the top ten outstanding disciples of the outer sect, and his worth was surely not insignificant. Among the eight thousand disciples in the outer sect, those who could rank in the top ten were definitely not poor.
Currently, Lin Fan had only seen Meng Yangquan among the top ten outstanding disciples. His cultivation had already reached the sixth stage of the Innate Realm, yet he still lingered in the outer sect, pretending to be weak to deceive others. Lin Fan was glad to have the system that allowed him to see through anyone's cultivation. Otherwise, he might have been swallowed by this pretending pig, Meng Yangquan.
"I'll buy that sword for a thousand Qi Condensing Pills," Yi Zhongyu said. Clad in flowing white robes, he exuded an extraordinary aura and a proud demeanor.
"Senior Brother, a thousand pills is a lot, but we should see if there are any other bidders," Lin Fan said. He knew Yi Zhongyu was one of the top ten outstanding disciples, but he pretended not to know. If he showed any weakness, he would be taken advantage of.
"Hmph, you don't even know Senior Brother Yi...," Wang Tianfeng sneered disdainfully at Lin Fan.
Yi Zhongyu smiled confidently, "I believe my offer is the highest. None of the junior brothers here should be able to bid higher."
He glanced around, and the surrounding disciples sighed. While a thousand Qi Condensing Pills was a substantial amount, it wasn't unattainable. However, considering Yi Zhongyu's status, they naturally wouldn't offend one of the top ten outstanding disciples for a mere sword.
Lin Fan smiled, noting that Yi Zhongyu's cultivation was at the sixth stage of the Innate Realm. Although slightly higher than his own, it was still far below Meng Yangquan's. For someone already at the Innate Realm to remain in the outer sect was truly beneath them.
In the outer sect, once disciples reached the Innate Realm, they could become inner sect disciples, but this was voluntary. Some preferred to stay in the outer sect where they could enjoy more freedom, despite the lesser cultivation resources. They would rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond.
Under the eaves nearby, two figures stood silently. The woman was as beautiful as a fairy, and the man was extraordinarily handsome but somewhat cold.
"Meng Senior Brother, that sword is so beautiful," the woman said softly, her voice tender yet charming.
"Junior Sister, if you like it, I will get it for you," the cold-faced man, Meng Yangquan, said, his expression melting with affection.
"Meng Senior Brother, it isn't worth offending Yi Zhongyu for a low-grade weapon," Ni Mingyang, who stood behind them, cautioned.
"Mingyang, no need to say more. As long as Junior Sister Chen Yu likes it," Meng Yangquan decided.
Ni Mingyang didn't argue further, looking at Mu Chenyu with a frown. He thought she was a troublemaker, ruining Meng Yangquan's promising future. Despite all the resources and pills Meng Yangquan provided, Mu Chenyu remained stuck at the fourth stage of the Acquired Realm, unlike a pig who could reach the Innate Realm with such resources.
As Yi Zhongyu believed the sword was his, a voice from afar called out, "Two thousand pills."
The disciples were shocked. Even with Yi Zhongyu's bid, someone dared to outbid him. They were even more surprised to see Meng Yangquan, the top-ranked of the ten outstanding disciples.
Yi Zhongyu frowned, recognizing the challenger and his face changed slightly.
Lin Fan was inwardly ecstatic; a bigger fish had appeared.
"Lin Junior Brother, this..." Ni Mingyang, following Meng Yangquan, was surprised to see Lin Fan selling the sword.
"Hello, Ni Senior Brother," Lin Fan smiled.
"Lin Junior Brother, I didn't expect this from you," Ni Mingyang said, impressed that Lin Fan, a recent entrant, had managed to auction a low-grade weapon.
As Lin Fan chatted with Ni Mingyang, Yi Zhongyu and Meng Yangquan conversed.
"Meng Senior Brother, are you trying to take what I want?" Yi Zhongyu was displeased but maintained his smile.
Although the outer sect appeared peaceful, there was intense competition among the top ten outstanding disciples. Meng Yangquan held the top spot, and the other nine, while outwardly friendly, were fiercely competitive.
"Yi Junior Brother, you misunderstand. I have no intention of competing for the sword. It's just that Junior Sister Chen Yu likes it, and I hope you can give it up," Meng Yangquan said with a bow.
Yi Zhongyu glanced at Mu Chenyu beside Meng Yangquan, feeling even more infuriated. To be overshadowed by someone so enamored with a woman was an insult.
"Meng Senior Brother, Junior Sister Chen Yu already has the mid-grade weapon Jade Linglong from you. She doesn't need this low-grade sword. How about giving it to me?" Despite Meng Yangquan's words, Yi Zhongyu didn't want to back down.
Meng Yangquan shook his head, "In that case, let the highest bidder win."
Lin Fan listened intently to their conversation while chatting with Ni Mingyang. Seeing their negotiation fall apart, he was inwardly delighted. This meant more profit for him.
"I bid three thousand Qi Condensing Pills. Yi Junior Brother, your bid?" Meng Yangquan smiled.
Yi Zhongyu's face darkened. For a sixth-stage Innate Realm cultivator like him, a low-grade weapon was useless. However, he had a mysterious cultivation technique that required absorbing weapons of various grades.
The sword's top value was three thousand pills, making further bidding uneconomical. But now, it was a matter of pride.
Seeing Meng Yangquan's indifferent expression made Yi Zhongyu even more furious.
Lin Fan sent Ni Mingyang away, preparing for the impending showdown. "Senior Brothers, please use your Qi Condensing Pills to crush me to death."