Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2204 - 1572: Beginning

For unaffiliated cultivators, securing pills with superior effectiveness at a reduced cost represents a substantial saving of Spirit Stones!

Even if the Tongtian Sect lacks ideal training locales, these cultivators would gladly make it their residence, merely dedicating additional travel time.

Furthermore, considering the current trajectory of the Tongtian Sect’s growth, it’s probable that they are already acknowledging their own deficiencies and formulating countermeasures.

"This upcoming auction hosted by the Tongtian Sect is poised to draw in a vast multitude of cultivators. Even the prominent powers within Mingzhou will undoubtedly dispatch representatives."

"Does this imply we won’t stand a chance at obtaining any spiritual treasures?"

"Most likely, but it’s still beneficial for gaining perspective. After all, the Tongtian Sect isn’t imposing an entry fee for this auction, allowing free access to boost its appeal."

This reasoning resonated with everyone present. While the prospect of acquiring rare items might be slim, at least they wouldn't be denied entry.

Additionally, this presents an opportunity to witness the Tongtian Sect’s might firsthand. Previously, the sect maintained a veil of secrecy, exuding an aura of enigmatic obscurity.

"The auction is scheduled to commence in ten days. Perhaps we should attend together then."

"Agreed."

...

Meanwhile, on another front.

The major factions within Mingzhou indeed received prompt notification regarding the Tongtian Sect’s impending auction, including details about the commodities to be offered.

"Where, precisely, did this sect originate? If it’s a recently established group, how could it present such invaluable treasures?"

However, no one present could furnish an answer. Indeed, some had never encountered the Tongtian Sect’s name before.

Their lack of prior knowledge is understandable, given the Tongtian Sect’s exceptionally low profile over the past few centuries and the remote location of its Mountain Gate, making its obscurity unsurprising.

"Perhaps they unearthed these treasures from a forgotten ruin or a Secret Realm."

The Sect Leader dismissed this conjecture with a shake of his head, redirecting the focus from the origin of the treasures to the potential challenges presented. "We can delve into that matter later. For now, let us address the implications they pose."

Unlike the unaffiliated cultivators primarily concerned with pill prices, these established powers were contemplating the broader ramifications.

The cultivation landscape in Mingzhou is not particularly vibrant, resulting in a limited overall cultivator population. If the Tongtian Sect now aims to attract a substantial number of independent cultivators to settle within its domain, it would inevitably siphon off cultivators from their own territories.

Concurrently, if these independent cultivators begin purchasing their enhanced pills, the factions’ own medicinal products would lose their market appeal, becoming mere inferior alternatives and consequently diminishing profits substantially from this sector.

"Could we offer the pills used internally within our sect for sale?" proposed an Elder.

An immediate objection arose: "That’s not viable. They are marketing their pills at current market rates. Even if our pills possess comparable efficacy, we cannot justify matching their pricing!"

Crucially, they lacked the capacity to produce mid-grade pills in large quantities.

While their trained alchemists possessed the requisite skill, the process demanded considerable resources and time.

This contrasted with the past, where alchemists were less concerned with pill grades; as long as refinement was successful, lower-tier pills could be sold to independent cultivators while superior ones were retained.

"How could the Tongtian Sect achieve this? A sect established for mere centuries, where do they acquire such proficiency?" questioned an Elder, vocalizing his skepticism.

He suspected this might be a strategic ploy by the Tongtian Sect. They might possess advanced pill formulas but are capable of producing only limited batches, deliberately concealing this fact.

"I concur entirely with that assessment!" A significant number of Elders were inclined to believe this explanation plausible, viewing it as a potential deception orchestrated by the Tongtian Sect.

After all, even these ancient, powerful factions, boasting traditions spanning millennia, couldn't replicate such a feat. How could a relatively young sect, less than a thousand years old, possibly achieve it?

The palpable tension in the room gradually dissipated, transforming from grave concern to a more relaxed atmosphere.

"Should we participate in the auction?" inquired an Elder.

"Undoubtedly! Should the advertised auction items prove genuine, we must secure a few treasures."

The Elder chuckled with a hint of malice, adding, "And perhaps we’ll witness quite the spectacle."

They had already determined that the Tongtian Sect’s strategy to attract cultivators was fundamentally flawed and anticipated their imminent downfall and public embarrassment.

But would this prediction hold true?

...

Ascension Mountain.

Initially, Wansheng voiced his disapproval to Li Zhirui regarding the latter's ambitious plan. He shared the prevailing doubt that the current Tongtian Sect lacked the capacity to fulfill the extensive demand for enhanced medicinal pills from numerous cultivators.

"Sect Leader, isn't this decision rather hasty? Apart from yourself, are there any other disciples capable of refining these advanced pills?"

However, with the announcement already made public and an unknown multitude of cultivators now aware, repentance was no longer an option.

Contemplating this unfortunate turn, Wansheng's brow furrowed in deep concern. The Tongtian Sect's reputation had yet to be established, and it now faced potential adversity before it had even truly begun, with an uncertain future evaluation looming.

"Have no concern; the refinement process itself has not become more challenging. There is merely an additional procedure required once the pill has been formed," Li Zhirui responded, his expression utterly unburdened, as if dismissing the matter as trivial.