Transmigration: The Peerless Immortal Husband

In a private VIP room upstairs, two Foundation Establishment cultivators sat watching the fierce bidding outside, feeling both excited and disdainful.

“Junior Brother Liu, I really didn’t expect this backwater place to be able to produce so many spirit stones. It seems that just casually throwing something out there can make those ignorant folks outside fight to the death,” said Senior Brother Chen with a smirk.

“Senior Brother Chen is absolutely right,” Junior Brother Liu replied smugly, nodding. “It seems our effort to secure this opportunity was well worth it. This ‘Yunxia Pill’ could never sell for such a high price in our territory.”

He was inwardly delighted. This trip hadn’t cost them much time but was bringing in a hefty sum of spirit stones. Not to mention the gift from the city lord and the offerings discreetly sent through intermediaries by the smaller sects. Although the cost of a teleportation trip was exorbitant, the sect had covered it entirely, so they didn’t need to spend a single spirit stone themselves.

Because of this, before they came, apart from the spirit stones used for bribes, they had converted all their remaining spirit stones into magical tools, spirit pills, and other materials. They had even borrowed some spirit stones on credit. Watching the idiots outside fighting red-faced over their goods made their sense of superiority soar to an unprecedented level.

Senior Brother Chen sneered, “It’s all because they’re ignorant and haven’t seen much of the world. That’s why they’re so desperate to snatch these things. I’ve done my research. The best alchemist here is just that so-called Master Hu of the Valley, who can only refine eighth-grade high-tier pills. And yet, he’s still revered by the masses.”

Junior Brother Liu sighed, “What a pity this only happens once every ten years. Otherwise… heh heh.”

That was greed talking. If not for the ten-year gap that gave the Tianlin Continent some breathing room, it would have already been stripped bare by these outsiders. No matter how good the items were, if no one could afford them, they’d be worthless.

In the end, the ‘Yunxia Pill’ was auctioned off for a high price of over five thousand spirit stones by an elder of the Beixing Sect, sparking envy among the crowd. Everyone sighed inwardly, thinking how wealthy and powerful the Beixing Sect truly was.

The next several items up for auction were also related to Foundation Establishment cultivators, including pills, magical tools, and spiritual materials—natural treasures of the world. While none fetched prices as high as the ‘Yunxia Pill’, they still sparked fierce competition. From below, Gu Yao and his companions could hear Senior Brother Jiang’s warm and steady voice, unaffected even by the heated bidding. His calm demeanor stood out sharply among the chaotic shouts of the crowd.

After more than a dozen rounds, the initial frenzy finally subsided slightly, and items suitable for high-level Qi Refinement cultivators began to appear. Only then did Gu Yao and his companions show a bit more interest. The auction result of the ‘Yunxia Pill’ had excited Gu Yao because it revealed a promising future for alchemists—one that seemed even brighter than that of pharmacists. He firmly believed that once his cultivation level improved, he could absolutely refine top-grade ‘Yunxia Pills’. Just imagining the prospect of earning thousands of spirit stones for a single pill made his worries about spirit stones seem laughable.

Seeing Gu Yao grinning to himself, Chi Changye’s eyes softened with indulgent amusement. Gu Yao was not a difficult person to understand, and Chi Changye could easily guess what was on his mind. However, Gu Yao seemed to overlook one crucial point: the higher one’s cultivation, the greater the consumption of spirit stones. In truth, a cultivator’s desires weren’t necessarily smaller than those of mortals—and they were insatiable at that.

Some cultivators could stay true to their hearts, while others became blinded by greed, turning unscrupulous in their pursuit of power. Thinking of past events, a trace of coldness flashed in Chi Changye’s eyes. He vowed to one day return to where he came from—and when that day came, he would take Gu Yao with him. This place would become less and less suitable for cultivation after the Foundation Establishment stage.

Senior Brother Zhou made a bid at one point—for a pill that could aid in reaching the peak of Qi Refinement. However, he soon stopped, clearly unable to outbid others due to a lack of funds.

Huh? Weren’t most of those admitted to the Tianfu Academy supposed to be wealthy second-generation heirs?

“The next item for auction is a piece of meteorite from beyond the heavens. Our appraiser was unable to clearly identify what it is, but it is confirmed to be an extraterrestrial object. Interested cultivators can bid on it for research—it might lead to unexpected discoveries. Let the bidding begin! The starting price is ten spirit stones, with each increment no less than one spirit stone.”

The projected image of the item on the platform revealed a red stone about the size of a washbasin. The auctioneer’s introduction and the surprisingly low starting price made everyone scrutinize the stone curiously. However, Gu Yao’s eyelid twitched as he turned to Chi Changye and said, “Big Brother Ye, let’s bid on this stone.”

Chi Changye didn’t even ask why Gu Yao wanted it. Without hesitation, he nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll bid for it.”

The three companions beside them stared at the two as if they were idiots. That stone didn’t seem to have any value—why waste spirit stones on it? Was Gu Yao gambling that there might be something valuable inside the stone?

In the VIP room, the two men were also discussing the red stone. Junior Brother Liu sneered and said, “Who knows where they picked it up? They casually claim it’s a meteorite from beyond the heavens. For all we know, it’s just cosmic trash. Even Uncle Yan doesn’t think much of it—it’s probably just meant to fool these idiots.”

Senior Brother Chen chuckled and said, “Maybe they’re just trying their luck. Who can blame them? They’re poor.”

“Fifteen spirit stones!”

Junior Brother Liu glanced outside. “I didn’t expect someone to actually bid on it. Of course, it’s one of those paupers in the main hall. Senior Brother, should we drive up the price a bit for fun?”

Senior Brother Chen shook his head. “Better not. What if they decide it’s not worth it and refuse to buy it? Just enjoy the show.”

“Twenty spirit stones!”

Xu Chen, who rarely paid attention to such events, happened to glance out. He found the auction entirely boring—nothing on offer caught his eye. Seeing Gu Yao bidding on a red stone that looked like cosmic trash, he asked curiously, “Do you know what that stone is? Why are you bidding on it?”

Gu Yao rolled his eyes and replied, “Not telling you. It’s my secret.”

Xu Chen: …

Xu Chen retorted, “Like I care! You win, okay?”

He rolled his eyes dramatically and retreated into the pill pavilion again. He had seen countless treasures in his life, far beyond what Gu Yao could imagine. If even he couldn’t discern value in the stone, how good could it be? He figured his time would be better spent studying the extraction techniques for pharmacists that Gu Yao had shared—they did have some merit.

When the auction ended, apart from Gu Yao acquiring the unknown red meteorite, the others left empty-handed. After reuniting with Senior Brother Jiang, they were informed that they would depart for Tianfu Academy early the next morning, so they should take the time to bid farewell to their families.

Making the most of their remaining time, Gu Yao and Chi Changye went out to browse the market again, purchasing items they had their eyes on. Who knew when they might return to Shifang City? Judging by the current situation, the resources here were the most abundant and diverse. Even Chi Changye bought some materials for talisman crafting and array formation.

City Lord Meng respectfully handed a storage ring to Senior Brother Yan and said, “Senior Brother Yan, this contains the proceeds from this auction as well as the tributes accumulated over the past ten years. I’ll trouble you to deliver it back to the sect.”

Seeing Senior Brother Yan accept it, City Lord Meng breathed a sigh of relief. At last, he could report back without any issues. His expression relaxed slightly as he asked, “Senior Brother Yan, wouldn’t you and the two young disciples consider staying for a few more days? Although cultivation on Tianlin Continent is relatively underdeveloped, there are still some fine landscapes and intriguing danger zones worth exploring.”

“No need. Completing the mission and reporting back to the sect is more urgent. I will take my leave now. Take care, Junior Brother Meng,” Senior Brother Yan said. Then he turned to the three standing nearby. “You, come with me.”

“Yes, Senior.”

Gu Yan was beyond excited, so much so that he barely noticed the disdainful looks cast by the two Foundation Establishment cultivators. He wasn’t foolish—he understood these people were not to be offended. They were senior members of the sect, inner disciples who had already reached Foundation Establishment. As a newly accepted outer disciple, he knew they could crush him without a second thought.

Glancing at the two individuals chatting happily with the Foundation Establishment cultivators, Gu Yan’s eyes flashed with jealousy. It was only after seeing them that he learned the City Lord’s mansion in Shifang City had long been scouting promising recruits for Changxian Sect. Those with exceptional aptitude entered the sect directly as inner disciples, enjoying treatment worlds apart from his own. Even their families received special care from the City Lord’s mansion, a privilege he did not share.

Junior Brother Liu glanced at Gu Yan and muttered, “I don’t know which senior in the sect gave this token away, but with this kid’s aptitude, he wouldn’t even qualify to join the sect in our region.”

“Let it go. Uncle Yan will investigate this when we return. It’s none of our business, and we’re unlikely to cross paths with him again. With his aptitude, making a name for himself in the sect will be nearly impossible.”

“Understood!”

The teleportation array activated, emitting dazzling streams of light. When the glow faded, the cultivators within the array had been transported away.

City Lord Meng finally relaxed completely. Fortunately, the sect had rewarded him for his efforts, so he hadn’t worked for nothing. Instead of returning to the sect to be overshadowed by other Golden Core cultivators, he preferred to remain here, accumulating resources for his descendants.

—

“Activate!”

This time, Teacher Fang brought out a flying artifact shaped like a ship. When expanded in the wind, it could hold nearly a thousand people. With only a few hundred on board now, the ship felt remarkably spacious. Once activated, the artifact shot into the sky, quickly speeding away from Shifang City.

Tian Feirong initially felt a little melancholic. After all, he was leaving behind his family and elder brother. From now on, there would be no one to clean up his messes or nag him about his cultivation, leaving his heart somewhat sour. However, being naturally optimistic, he soon started joking and playing with the chubby boy nearby. After leaving Shifang City, the chubby boy’s mood visibly improved, as though he were a bird released from a cage, his eyebrows practically dancing with glee.

Gu Yao, however, felt no sadness. To him, Shifang City was just a transit stop. As for Yuanyang Town, if not for it being his predecessor’s birthplace, he would feel no attachment at all. Instead, he looked forward to joining Tianfu Academy, chatting with Chi Changye with evident excitement.

Onboard the ship, there were no shortage of arrogant second-generation heirs. Upon boarding, they began complaining about various things, only to be sent flying by a wave of Teacher Fang’s palm. That shut them up quickly.

Tian Feirong found the scene absolutely hilarious, as he had once suffered the same fate. Watching others now face the same treatment brought him endless satisfaction.

“If you don’t like the conditions, use your own flying artifact to get to the academy. Let me teach you something today,” Teacher Fang said sternly. “The academy may allow some freedom, but it’s a place where strength speaks louder than anything. If you can’t beat me, then shut up and behave!”