**Chapter 25: High Price Acquisition
"Esteemed cultivators, let me reiterate the effects of the Blood Heart Pill. This pill's efficacy can grant a Foundation Establishment cultivator the chance of revival, even if it's just a faint breath left!"
"The starting bid is 8,000 spirit stones, with each increment no less than 100 spirit stones!" Luoxiang announced with excitement.
Ye Jingcheng noticed that Ye Xinghe's body was slightly trembling, clearly showing his concern for the Blood Heart Pill.
Nearby, cultivators from the Li, Chu, and Chen families began to place bids.
"9,000 spirit stones!"
"10,000 spirit stones!"
...
The price of the Blood Heart Pill soared, reflecting its high value in healing Foundation Establishment cultivators. Though ordinarily not worth so much, its value skyrocketed when needed for healing.
A Foundation Establishment Pill might fail, but the Blood Heart Pill offered a reliable chance to restore Foundation Establishment power.
"11,000 spirit stones!" Ye Xinghe bid for the first time, remaining rational.
The top families, and possibly the two major Purple Mansion families upstairs, might participate. Excessive bidding wouldn't scare away the scattered cultivators.
"12,000 spirit stones!" Li Mutian countered provocatively.
"13,000 spirit stones!" Ye Xinghe maintained his composure as he continued to bid.
By the time the bid reached 18,000 spirit stones, there were still three contenders: the Xu family from the second floor, the Li family from the first floor, and the Ye family also from the first floor.
Many cultivators who had intended to leave after the previous items began to stay, captivated by the high-stakes bidding.
[Translator: sauron]
The last high-profile auction was remembered from three years ago when the Taiyi Sect's Foundation Establishment Pill caused similar excitement.
"20,000 spirit stones!" Ye Xinghe made his bid calmly.
Li Mutian, noticing this, asked, "That Black Dragon Tongs earlier was from your Ye family, right?"
Ye Xinghe didn't respond, continuing to watch the auction quietly.
Daoist Blackwood had vanished from sight.
The hall fell into silence for a moment.
Finally, a bid of 21,000 spirit stones from the second floor broke the silence.
"22,000 spirit stones!" Ye Xinghe persisted.
The second-floor bidders paused again.
Luoxiang continued to entice the bidders with her charm, but those interested were either too exhausted to bid, or those who weren't interested didn't bother.
"22,000 spirit stones once!"
"22,000 spirit stones twice!"
"22,000 spirit stones three times!"
"Sold! Congratulations to the Ye family cultivator!" Luoxiang's gavel came down, sealing the deal.
Ye Xinghe sighed in relief, his calm exterior masking a clenched fist.
The Black Dragon Tongs, crafted by the Ye family's patriarch, had been sold to the Li family due to the Blood Heart Pill's influence.
Though Ye Xinghe suspected some deceit with the Blood Heart Pill, its current quality was confirmed. The family needed to investigate further.
He hoped his suspicions were wrong, and the Blood Heart Pill would be useful for the family's spiritual beast to recover.
Ye Xinghe exchanged spirit stones and the item with efficiency. The Li family, including Li Xiangcai, remained seated, seemingly staging a scene. Ye Xinghe played along with their pretense before returning to the store.
"Xinghong, close the store for ten days. Don't open for the next ten days!" Ye Xinghe ordered upon entering.
He then turned to Ye Jingcheng and the others.
"Return to your rooms and focus on your cultivation for these few days!" Ye Xinghe instructed.
Turning to Ye Jingcheng, he handed over the Red Dragon Fruit, saying, "Here's your Red Dragon Fruit, 320 spirit stones!"
"Thank you, Uncle. Jingcheng only has 250 spirit stones…" Ye Jingcheng awkwardly said.
He had only dared to bid 300 spirit stones because Ye Jingli had promised an additional 100 spirit stones.
"Deduct it from the contribution points. Xinghong, please handle the deduction for Jingcheng!" Ye Xinghe instructed and then asked everyone to stay inside before heading to his room.
"This treasure is crucial for the family. Please endure and focus on cultivation. All external matters are secondary. Only cultivation is paramount!" Ye Xinghong advised solemnly.
She sighed, reflecting on how she had once overlooked her cultivation. Now, she had adapted to a simpler life.
"Thank you, Thirteenth Aunt. We understand!" Ye Jingcheng said, then went to his room.
He gathered all spirit fruits and herbs, eager to examine the ancient book's illustrations.
Ye Jingli and the others, excited by the auction, wanted to discuss it. Ye Jinghao and Ye Jingyun crowded around, only to retreat when Ye Xingyu frowned.
In his room, Ye Jingcheng set up the formation and laid out the herbs. The ancient book displayed images of alchemy techniques.
Ye Jingcheng recorded diligently, knowing that the pill's complexity exceeded that of a first-tier mid-grade pill. Mastering it required understanding the first-tier top-grade pill and ensuring his Flame Fox reached the late first tier.
He needed to ensure successful pill refinement and decided to review the materials daily.
The sight of the Flame Fox's majestic double tails in the book motivated him.
After feeding his spirit beasts, he relaxed and began to cultivate, feeling the calming effect of the fire technique.
Days passed, and everyone awaited the end of the ten-day store closure.
Ye Jingcheng, Ye Xinghe, and the outside world all awaited the outcome...
*(End of Chapter)*