Immortal of the Nine Realms-Chapter 1284: The Fish Has Arrived

After Fang Chen made his bid, Wang Chongsong glanced at him. They exchanged looks, and Wang Chongsong nodded with a smile.

No wonder this fellow came to participate in the auction. The invitation letter was actually issued by the Enlightenment God Palace. That was where Wang Chongsong had first risen to prominence. He must have interests tied to that place. Well, all the more reason not to let him have the invitation.

Wang Chongsong transmitted to Lin Bao, "Normally, these invitations fetch high prices only when prodigies from top families are involved, since they do have some measure of confidence in getting in. Ordinary cultivators wouldn't even glance at it. Why are two families suddenly competing with me for it?"

Lin Bao replied by transmission, "Senior Brother, I don't know if you plan to return to Enlightenment God Palace, but I really don't have many immortal crystals on me, so be cautious."

"How many?"

"At most, I can lend you one hundred immortal crystals."

"Good."

Wang Chongsong decisively raised his hand and said, "Three hundred and sixty immortal crystals."

He appeared perfectly composed, smiling with serene confidence, giving off the impression of someone wealthy and unhurried.

If it had been anyone else, they might have backed down after such a bid. Unfortunately, he had run into someone who would never let an old acquaintance win so easily.

"Four hundred immortal crystals," said Fang Chen with a faint smile.

"Four hundred immortal crystals!"

Every cultivator present, regardless of where they came from or what realm they were in, was startled by this price.

"This one is definitely a fifth transformation Immortal," many whispered among themselves.

No ordinary cultivator could produce such a fortune. If he truly was a fifth-transformation expert, that would explain it. He definitely wasn't a rogue cultivator either. This invitation letter was likely intended for a prodigy within his clan.

Nanqing Constellation had once sold a few Upper Three Realms invitation letters. One was bought by Immortal Lord Taixu for one hundred and fifty Immortal Crystals. After purchasing it, his disciple left for the Upper Three Realms and was never seen. Many speculated the disciple had been accepted by a top sect there and might now be a sixth-transformation Immortal.

The auctioneer smiled and said, "Four hundred immortal crystals! Any higher bids?"

His gaze kept flickering toward Wang Chongsong.

Wang Chongsong remained calm and smiled composedly. He stood, lightly nodded, and then turned to leave the Hongfu Inn.

Seeing that, the auctioneer did not dawdle and finalized the transaction for the invitation.

Fang Chen paid four hundred immortal crystals and completed the exchange with the auctioneer. Holding the invitation letter in his hand, he felt it was somewhat similar to the Great Transference Immortal Talisman Lady Suya once gave to Song Zhili.

After leaving the inn, Fang Chen altered his appearance and aura several times before returning to his lodging.

He didn't plan to follow Wang Chongsong and Lin Bao. In the Immortal Exchange, simply changing one's appearance and aura was enough to lose any tail. Following them would be pointless.

The conference didn't allow mid-way withdrawals either, and he wasn't worried if the two left early.

In the following month, Fang Chen didn't miss any auctions. Occasionally, he traded with people in the streets or inns. Through these exchanges, he managed to gather most of the rare spirit herbs needed for the third stage of the Profound Yang Body. Only one main herb was missing before Fang Xuanyang could attempt to make a breakthrough.

That day, Fang Chen sat leisurely in the main hall of the inn, sipping tea the establishment provided for free. The taste was quite decent.

A figure approached and sat across from Fang Chen. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"Fellow Daoist, I heard you're buying peak-grade spirit stones?"

"You've got some?" asked Fang Chen with a relaxed smile. "I don't buy just any peak-grade spirit stone—it depends on what kind of spiritual energy is contained within them. And I pay with immortal crystals, not spirit stones."

The man chuckled. "I heard about that. Seems you really are a collector of peak-grade spirit stones. Otherwise, who would spend so many immortal crystals just to buy them?"

These days, in the Nine Mortal Realms, only two types of people dealt in peak-grade spirit stones. Some sought to comprehend the ancient energies contained within. Others were pure collectors, fascinated by the remnants of ancient power. They'd decorate their cave dwellings with these stones to flaunt their wealth.

Fang Chen showed a composed smile. "If you've got such stones, take them out and let me see. If I'm interested, we'll trade right now. No need for unnecessary talk. Several people have already approached me, but unfortunately, I already own spirit stones similar to the ones they offered."

"I am not going to lie to you," said the man in a low voice, "I visited an immortal's ruins recently. I believe that immortal might've been a collector, like you."

He clicked his tongue in awe. "He had a whole cabinet filled with peak-grade spirit stones—dazzling beyond belief."

Fang Chen was immediately hooked. "Do you have any of them with you now? Let me take a look."

The man shook his head. "There was... an accident at the time."

He glanced around cautiously, then lowered his voice and said, "I've offended some people, and I can't return to that place. But I can give you the location. Follow my directions, and you'll definitely be able to retrieve those peak-grade spirit stones."

Fang Chen's expression darkened. Seeing the man reaching for a cup of tea, he calmly took it away.

"You're tricking me with empty words," said Fang Chen, his eyes unfriendly. "I don't play that game. Try someone else."

"You really are trying to get something for nothing," said another voice from the next table. "Still, I am curious about that place. Why don't you sell the information to me instead?"

The man sneered. "How many immortal crystals can you offer? If you're not obsessed with peak-grade spirit stones, I doubt your price will satisfy me. If it's too little, I'd rather let those stones continue gathering dust."

"You're just spouting nonsense. I'd be generous to toss you a few high-grade spirit stones. Asking for immortal crystals? What a joke," the cultivator at the next table retorted coldly. "Even the sixth-transformation cultivators from the Ten Direction Immortal Sect have come to this Immortal Exchange. Do you think the hosts will allow someone like you to spread such garbage?"

The man ignored him and turned back to Fang Chen. "Daoist, are you really not interested in that dazzling collection of peak-grade spirit stones? I won't even ask for a high price, just—"

"You can go. I've got company," interrupted Fang Chen, waving his hand dismissively.

The man paused, let out a cold laugh, and left.

Right after, a new figure sat down across from Fang Chen and got straight to the point. "I heard from the innkeeper that you've been spreading word about buying immortal souls in bulk in the Floating Pagoda Realm?"

The fish had taken the bait.

Fang Chen smiled, poured the newcomer a cup of tea, and nodded. "Correct. Bulk purchases only. Don't bother me with small quantities."

He had already lured several such "fish" recently. Fang Chen had negotiated prices with each of them, arranging to conduct trades through the Underworld after the exchange was over.

He was casting a wide net; if Lin Bao took the bait, all the better. If not, there would be little loss.

For now, these dealings with the sellers of immortal souls were nothing more than verbal agreements.