Chapter 4311: Underground Auction

Upon returning to Qingli Pavilion, Wang Changsheng took out a blue glowing magic disk. He cast a spell, activated it, and asked, "Tuntian, have you made any progress?"

"Not yet, Master," replied Wang Tuntian. "However, we've received word that an underground auction will be held in a month. Among the items for sale is the Luoyun Elixir, a third-tier immortal pill. It's particularly effective for healing, as it's refined with the core of a seven-colored Chaos Beast from the Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage. High-grade immortal artifacts will also be available."

Items at underground auctions typically have illicit origins. Jinxiao City, being a relatively large black market, hosts these auctions periodically.

"Return now!" Wang Changsheng instructed.

"Understood, Master," Wang Tuntian responded.

Wang Changsheng put away the magic disk, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.

The clue provided by Tan Feng was significant. Assuming Daoist Moyun was indeed in Jinxiao City, locating him would be a considerable challenge. Putting himself in Daoist Moyun's shoes, Wang Changsheng reasoned that the Daoist would certainly not show himself easily. Even if healing elixirs were needed, he would surely send Wang Tuntian and others to procure them rather than appearing in person.

Not long after, Wang Tuntian, Wang Yang, and Wang Chan returned.

"Wang Yang, hand me your residence permit. You'll remain at Qingli Pavilion for the time being," Wang Changsheng instructed.

Wang Yang produced a golden jade token and respectfully handed it to Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng flicked his sleeve, and Wang Mengli flew out from the Spirit Beast Bracelet.

"Mengli, this is a residence permit. Take it for the time being." Wang Changsheng handed the golden jade token to Wang Mengli, then retrieved a golden jade box and presented it to her. "This is the Jiayu Elixir," he explained. "Once consumed, it will allow you to disguise yourself as a Grand Unity Golden Immortal. Go to the rogue cultivators' market square, find Luo Shan, and inquire about the whereabouts of the Golden Window Divine Crystal. Should you acquire it, payment can be made with pure crystal cores."

Wang Changsheng briefly described Luo Shan's appearance. The Golden Window Divine Crystal can be used to refine auxiliary immortal artifacts, which are capable of eavesdropping on conversations, even bypassing some restrictions. However, its effectiveness depends on the grade of both the immortal artifact and the restriction.

Wang Mengli opened the jade box, and inside was a pale golden pill.

The Jiayu Elixir, a third-tier immortal pill, could elevate a Golden Immortal cultivator's aura to that of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal. It was merely an aura enhancement, intended for deception. Wang Changsheng had acquired it at a gathering of Grand Unity Golden Immortals, and it now proved perfectly useful.

Wang Mengli unhesitatingly consumed the Jiayu Elixir. Her aura swiftly elevated from the late Golden Immortal stage to the early Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage, after which she departed from Qingli Pavilion.

Wang Changsheng looked at Wang Tuntian and asked, "Are there any restrictions for the underground auction?" If there were restrictions, Daoist Moyun's accomplices might not be able to attend.

"No, there aren't," Wang Tuntian replied. "The auction is held at Tianlu Building, and anyone can participate. However, an entrance fee of one five-colored Chaos Beast crystal core from the Golden Immortal stage is required."

The cost of living in Jinxiao City was notably high, with prices significantly exceeding those in Tianfeng City.

Wang Changsheng nodded, gave a few final instructions, then entered a secret chamber. Its stone walls were inscribed with numerous profound array patterns. He flicked his sleeve, and the Azure Lotus Creation Cauldron flew out, landing on the ground. He took out an azure storage bracelet and gently shook it. A swathe of azure light swept forth, and a large pile of items materialized on the ground, including an azure-glowing banner. Wang Changsheng opened his mouth and expelled a jet of snowy-blue flame, directing it to the bottom of the Azure Lotus Creation Cauldron. He then opened the cauldron's lid, sequentially dropped the materials inside, and closed the lid.

A month later, Wang Changsheng emerged from the secret chamber, his expression calm. Wang Mengli stood at the entrance, her expression respectful.

"How was it? Did Luo Shan agree?" Wang Changsheng asked.

"He said he would help keep an eye out and notify me if he finds anything," Wang Mengli replied. "However, he wants a pure, seven-colored Chaos Beast crystal core from the Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage."

"As long as you acquire the Golden Window Divine Crystal, you can give him a pure seven-colored crystal core," Wang Changsheng affirmed. "You weren't followed on your way back, were you?"

"I don't believe so," Wang Mengli replied. "I deliberately spent over half a month wandering around Jinxiao City, continuously altering my appearance. Only then did I return to Qingli Pavilion, so my identity should not have been discovered."

"You will remain here at Qingli Pavilion," Wang Changsheng instructed, handing an azure storage bracelet to Wang Mengli. "I'm entrusting you with this seven-colored crystal core and the Jiayu Elixir. If he contacts you for a transaction, notify me if at all possible. If you cannot reach me, proceed with the transaction yourself. Once you succeed, do not rush back to Qingli Pavilion; instead, await my command."

He was unsure when Luo Shan might initiate the transaction with Wang Mengli, so he needed to be prepared for either scenario.

"Understood, Master," Wang Mengli acknowledged, accepting the storage bracelet.

Leaving Qingli Pavilion, Wang Changsheng arrived at the entrance of Qinghe Tower and sent out a sound transmission talisman. Not long after, Tan Feng walked out and invited Wang Changsheng in.

"Daoist Wang, is it refined?" Tan Feng asked, his face full of anticipation.

Wang Changsheng nodded. With a flick of his sleeve, an azure-glowing banner flew out, hovering in mid-air and emitting terrifying spiritual energy fluctuations.

"A high-grade immortal artifact! Excellent. Thank you, Daoist Wang!" Tan Feng's expression was one of excitement, and he repeatedly voiced his gratitude.

"It was merely a small effort," Wang Changsheng replied. "By the way, have there been any updates regarding Daoist Moyun?"

"None," Tan Feng sighed. "Jinxiao City is simply too vast. It's incredibly difficult to locate a Grand Unity Golden Immortal who is deliberately trying to remain hidden." Tan Feng sighed, adding that if Daoist Moyun had found a place to settle down and enter seclusion for healing, there would be nothing they could do. Putting himself in Daoist Moyun's position, he wouldn't easily show himself either.

After chatting for a while, Wang Changsheng left. He then began to wander the streets, observing his surroundings.

Two hours later, Wang Changsheng arrived at the entrance of an azure pavilion. Its signboard displayed three large silver characters: "Tianlu Building." He strode inside. The spacious and brightly lit hall was furnished with numerous tables and chairs. Behind the counter sat a rosy-faced elderly man in a golden robe, whose aura suggested he was a True Immortal cultivator.

Wang Changsheng approached the counter and said to the golden-robed elder, "I've heard that Tianlu Building has recently acquired some excellent tea. I'd be interested in sampling it."

"Senior, please follow me," the golden-robed elder politely invited him to follow, leading Wang Changsheng to the backyard, where a simple wooden house came into view. A burly man in an azure robe guarded the entrance, who, judging by his aura, was a Golden Immortal cultivator.

"Senior, according to the regulations, participation in the auction requires an entrance fee," the azure-robed man politely stated.

Wang Changsheng produced a five-colored crystal core and tossed it to the azure-robed man.

The azure-robed man then retrieved a silver-glowing mask. Seven golden light points were etched onto its surface, arranged in the pattern of the Big Dipper constellation.

"This Heavenly Star Mask will conceal your appearance," the man explained. "Combined with the venue's restrictions, it makes it difficult even for Grand Unity Golden Immortals to discern the true faces of other bidders. It must be returned after the auction concludes."

Wang Changsheng nodded, placed the Heavenly Star Mask over his face, and pushed the door open, stepping inside. The room was modest in size. In its lower-left corner, an underground passage began, marked by a flight of azure stone steps descending into the earth. Wang Changsheng descended the azure stone steps. After several dozen paces, he reached the end, emerging into a large hall spanning over ten acres.