Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 2025: 534: Auction Gains, Peach Blossom!

"It seems my connection with the Goddess Palace is quite deep..."

Lu Changsheng maintained a composed expression, showing no particular concern regarding Shen Wanzhao’s identity or current predicament.

Although he had provided medical aid to her in times past, their relationship remained distant—akin to mere strangers who had briefly crossed paths—so it could hardly be framed as a life-saving debt.

Consequently, disclosing his true background would offer no added leverage with the Goddess Palace. Instead, it would merely complicate his affairs by drawing unwanted speculation about his origins as the Master of the Great Dream Immortal City, currently presiding over the Great Dream Marsh.

Given that Qin Yunning and Shen Wanzhao were preoccupied with maintaining order within the Immortal City, Lu Changsheng exchanged a few courteous words before accompanying Shen Yiren and her entourage to rest at the Goddess Palace’s inn, awaiting the commencement of the auction.

"Greetings, Third Palace Master."

Just as they neared the inn, a young-looking man with flowing midnight hair, a striking stature, and an imposing noble presence approached, offering a warm smile to Shen Yiren.

Despite his youthful appearance, the faint traces of gray at his temples and the profound depth in his gaze betrayed the reality of his many years.

"Island Master Cao."

Shen Yiren returned the greeting with a refined smile, offering a slight bow to the man before her.

Island Master Cao? Mentally flicking through the information he had gathered regarding the various powers of the Starry Sky Sea, Lu Changsheng quickly identified the man.

This was Cao Ting, the Master of Lingling Island and a cultivator who had reached the peak of the Core Formation stage!

Watching the way Island Master Cao gazed at Shen Yiren—with undisguised admiration and affection—Lu Changsheng realized he was merely one in a long line of the lady's suitors.

"It is little wonder the Third Palace Master rarely ventures out, and even when she does, she feels compelled to shroud herself in a veil and hat."

As a man who was himself cursed with a naturally arresting appearance, Lu Changsheng could deeply empathize with Shen Yiren’s daily frustrations.

Much like her, he often found himself forced to rely on various disguises and concealment techniques to dampen his own charismatic aura.

Without such precautions, his presence would inevitably draw stares, inquiries, and unwanted attention wherever he dared to tread.

The two held a brief, superficial conversation.

Shen Yiren remained graceful and polite throughout; her demeanor was guarded, yet the gentle cadence of her voice and her soft smile gave the impression that she was an approachable figure.

Once Cao Ting had departed, Shen Yiren discreetly sent a voice transmission to Lu Changsheng: "Island Master Cao has been stuck at the peak of Core Formation for a considerable duration. He spends his days gathering Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects and Supreme Treasures meant for the tribulation, so he likely possesses a significant collection of such rarities."

"Should you, Fellow Daoist Xuanmu, have any Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects or Upper-Class Spiritual Materials you wish to trade, I would be happy to facilitate an introduction later."

While Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects are technically universal, their efficacy is heavily dictated by how well the object's attributes harmonize with one's specific cultivation technique.

Because of this, such rare treasures are almost never sold openly. Instead, they are typically bartered between cultivators at the peak of Core Formation who prefer private exchanges.

"Then I shall leave that to you, Third Palace Master."

Lu Changsheng did not decline the offer.

He was not exactly desperate for Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects, but he was certainly open to acquiring suitable spiritual artifacts or premium Heaven and Earth spiritual materials if the opportunity arose.

After settling into the inn, the group dispersed to attend to their own affairs. Lu Changsheng chose not to hover near Shen Yiren, opting instead to roam the Immortal City on his own.

With the decennial auction approaching, numerous merchant guilds and prominent shops had put their high-end spiritual materials on display.

Naturally, the price tags were exorbitant, bearing little resemblance to the standard market rate.

Seizing the chance, Lu Changsheng acquired a variety of advanced supplies while liquidating some of his own illicitly obtained inventory in exchange.

During his rounds, he successfully traded one Middle Grade Magical Treasure and six Third Rank Talismans to secure a Coagulation Crystal Elixir.

While his stores were not critically low on Coagulation Elixirs, he had previously obtained three Jade Marrow Gold Ganodermas from the Hidden Abyss Secret Realm.

In this world, Coagulation Elixirs functioned as a form of hard currency; having a surplus was always a wise strategy.

"The auction cycle is certainly bustling, making it remarkably easy to pick up items like Coagulation Crystal Elixirs."

The excursion had been quite productive, and Lu Changsheng found himself in high spirits, eagerly awaiting the main auction event two days hence.

...

At high noon on the third day, the highly anticipated decennial high-level auction of the Penglai Immortal City finally began.

This was, without doubt, the most lavish auction Lu Changsheng had ever attended since he first embarked on the path of Cultivation.

Rules were strict: without the personal escort of a Core Formation cultivator, those of lower status were barred from entry entirely.

As an Honorary Elder of the Goddess Palace, Lu Changsheng joined Shen Yiren and the others in a private, suspended VIP chamber to witness the proceedings.

While he had to be cautious—excessive bidding might draw unwelcome eyes from members of the Goddess Palace or other powerful figures present—he was prepared to make his move.

After an hour of anticipation, the auction house officially opened.

The catalog was diverse; while many high-level items were tailored for Core Formation cultivators, there were still a selection of rare treasures intended for those at the Foundation Establishment stage.

After all, both Core Formation experts and legendary Nascent Soul True Lords needed ways to improve the prospects of their respective juniors.

"An Azure Abyss Python egg. Earth Grade Middle Bloodline. Native to the deep sea, this creature possesses significant combat potential and excels at stealthy reconnaissance. The opening bid is ten thousand Spirit Stones."

Though the Lu Family had amassed a collection of Heavenly Rank demon beast cubs, the majority of the spiritual beast eggs available on the open market rarely exceeded the High Rank or Earth Rank bloodline strata.

"Twelve thousand Spirit Stones!"

"Fifteen thousand!"

"Twenty thousand!"

Valued for its versatility, the price of the Azure Abyss Python egg climbed rapidly to twenty thousand Spirit Stones.

"Twenty-two thousand."

The creature held little personal use for Lu Changsheng, but the Lu Family’s Blackwater Dragon Dao Soldiers were currently hindered by a lacking foundation and a shortage of Water-attribute Earth Grade spirit beasts.

This particular python was an excellent candidate.

Although it lacked authentic dragon blood, Lu Changsheng had acquired a supply of Flood Dragon Blood earlier, which would be more than sufficient to bridge the gap.

"Hmm?"

Shen Yiren and the others nearby traded glances, clearly surprised that an expert of Lu Changsheng’s stature—a late-stage Core Formation powerhouse—would express interest in a spirit pet with only an Earth Grade bloodline.

"Hehe, I am currently exploring the nuances of beast taming and am looking for a suitable subject for some ongoing research."