Transmigration: The Peerless Immortal Husband

“Two million spirit stones!”

The moment Dean Yu’s voice fell, someone shouted the bid loudly. The cultivators from the City Lord’s Mansion reacted most violently. Manager Ruan slammed the table forcefully, stood up, and pointed at someone opposite him as if about to curse. Elder He’s expression darkened considerably.

It was no surprise—the one who made the bid was none other than the Sect Master of Qianxue Sect. Before anyone else could react, he directly shouted a bid of two million. This caused a round of choking and coughing sounds from the others, as though everyone had been scared out of their wits.

There was no starting price for this pill, nor any restriction on the minimum increment per bid. Thus, the Qianxue Sect Master’s actions were not against the rules. Dean Yu’s mouth twitched as if trying to suppress a laugh. Clearing his throat, he raised his voice and said, “Two million spirit stones. Any other bids? If there are no additional bids, then this final Tianyuan Pill will belong to—”

“Wait!”

Before Dean Yu could finish his sentence, Elder He stood up and interrupted. His fiery glare was locked onto the Qianxue Sect Master, and for a moment, it seemed he might strangle the man. However, the Qianxue Sect Master remained unbothered, sitting there calmly as ever.

In the end, Elder He could only grit his teeth and say in a cold, sinister voice: “Two million one hundred thousand.” Each word seemed to be dragged out with great effort, and then he glared fiercely at the Sect Leader, daring him to raise the price again.

The Sect Leader of Qianxue Sect casually glanced at him and spoke, “Two million one hundred thousand.”

It was as if a bomb had been detonated in the meeting hall. Elder He’s face alternated between green and red, as if on the verge of coughing up blood from sheer rage.

Dean Yu, adding fuel to the fire, said with a smirk, “Elder He, if you can’t decide, perhaps you should contact City Lord Meng and see what he has to say.”

“No need, two million two hundred thousand!”

“Two million five hundred thousand!” The Sect Leader of Qianxue Sect casually tossed a bomb that could have blown the entire meeting hall to pieces. Gu Yao could even feel a burst of air explode with a “bang,” shooting through the roof and into the sky.

“They’ve gone mad! Absolutely mad! Qianxue Sect is really going head-to-head with the City Lord’s Mansion!”

“I don’t think the City Lord’s Mansion is in great shape either. Most of their spirit stones and resources are sent off to the Changxian Sect. How much could they possibly have left? Trying to secure all the pills is a long shot.”

“To be honest, it’s satisfying to watch them bleed like this. What do you think? Should we support Qianxue Sect to help them win the Tianyuan Pill?”

“Are you not afraid of Qianxue Sect growing stronger? What if they turn around and bite us once they have a Golden Core cultivator?”

“Of course, we’d need to make an agreement first. Still, the Qianxue Sect Master is from Tianlin Continent. It’s better for one of our own to get the pill than for outsiders to take it.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

The leaders of several factions kept a calm demeanor outwardly but were furiously exchanging voice transmissions in secret. They ultimately reached a consensus and conveyed their decision to the Qianxue Sect Master. The sect master was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure. His tightly clenched fists relaxed imperceptibly, and he let out a quiet, long breath.

With the backing of various factions, Qianxue Sect eventually made a jaw-dropping bid of three million spirit stones. They successfully wrestled the final Tianyuan Pill from the City Lord’s Mansion, leaving Elder He and his group with just one pill. Infuriated, Elder He stormed off in a huff, with Manager Ruan glaring venomously at Qianxue Sect. His gaze clearly said, “Let’s see if you live long enough to enjoy the benefits of this pill.”

Elder He’s team had originally aimed to secure at least three pills and, failing that, two at a minimum. To end up with only one, while four pills slipped away, was an outcome they couldn’t possibly explain to City Lord Meng.

Without further delay, Elder He declined Dean Yu’s invitation to stay longer at Tianfu Academy and boarded their flying artifact to leave. The atmosphere on board was oppressively heavy.

Mid-flight, a message arrived. Suddenly, a terrifying aura burst forth on the flying artifact. The eruption of spiritual energy nearly caused the artifact to lose control midair. Everyone quickly rushed toward the source of the disturbance—Elder He.

By the time they arrived, Elder He had reined in his aura, but his face was dark with fury. Glancing at the other cultivators, he shared the content of the message: “Hu Ting successfully formed his Golden Core at Tianfu Academy and is now a Golden Core cultivator.”

Some of the others were momentarily confused about who Hu Ting was. Then they remembered—it was none other than the Valley Master of Cuiyan Valley. But wasn’t he supposed to be in seclusion at Tianfu Academy? It turned out his seclusion wasn’t ordinary meditation; he had been focusing entirely on forming his Golden Core—and he had succeeded.

Manager Ruan exclaimed in shock, “How could it be so quick? Even with the Tianyuan Pill, it shouldn’t have been this smooth!”

Elder He’s expression remained grim as he said, “What if he had the help of a ‘Blood Liuli Fruit’?”

“That’s impossible!” Several people cried out in disbelief. Realizing their loss of composure, they exchanged uncertain glances, their faces filled with doubt.

“Elder He, could you be mistaken? Why would Chi Changye or Gu Yao give up their own Blood Liuli Fruit? Unless they’ve given up on forming their own Golden Cores.”

In their position, none of them would make such a sacrifice. After all, there was no guarantee that even with the Tianyuan Pill, one could successfully form a Golden Core. Especially Gu Yao, who had four spiritual roots, would have an even greater need for the Blood Liuli Fruit.

If not for Chi Changye and Gu Yao staying inside Tianfu Academy, others would have long since made a move against them to snatch the Blood Liuli Fruit they possessed.

Elder He narrowed his eyes. “I can’t make sense of it either. But aside from this, I can’t think of any other reason that could have helped Hu Ting succeed in forming his Golden Core. Accelerate our return to Shifang City and report to the City Lord immediately!”

With the order given, the flying artifact in mid-air suddenly picked up speed, streaking through the sky like an arrow, disappearing in an instant.

At the same time, Tianfu Academy was immersed in a joyous atmosphere. The tribulation for Valley Master Hu Ting’s Golden Core had just dissipated, and remnants of the earlier phenomenon could still be faintly seen in the sky. Although Hu Ting was not a member of Tianfu Academy, the fact that he successfully formed his Golden Core there and shared a good relationship with the academy made this an inspiring event for everyone.

After stabilizing his newly formed Golden Core, Hu Ting walked out of the secluded area. The sensation of stepping into the Golden Core stage was entirely different from reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment. It was a leap into a higher realm, and many of the questions he had about alchemy suddenly became clear upon entering this new stage.

Indeed, cultivation was the foundation of alchemy. Without a solid cultivation base, achievements in alchemy would always be limited.

Thinking back to the tribulation he faced, Hu Ting realized that if he hadn’t been in the protected grounds of Tianfu Academy, he might have faced grave dangers and possibly even perished under the heavenly tribulation. Compared to Cuiyan Valley, Tianfu Academy’s foundations were far deeper.

The academy’s leadership had been waiting outside the secluded grounds. As soon as Hu Ting emerged, they congratulated him. The cultivators from Cuiyan Valley who had accompanied him were overwhelmed with joy, some even crying tears of happiness. Their valley now had a Golden Core cultivator, ensuring its strength wasn’t limited to just alchemy. With this achievement, their Valley Master’s alchemy skills also reached a higher level.

“Valley Master…” One elder choked on his words, unable to continue.

Hu Ting patted the elder on the shoulder. “This successful formation of my Golden Core wouldn’t have been possible without Tianfu Academy’s full support. From now on, Cuiyan Valley will always answer the academy’s call, no matter the request.”

“Yes, Valley Master. We will remember your words,” the elders replied. They were not foolish—they clearly saw that Hu Ting’s success was tied to Tianfu Academy’s aid. Even with the Tianyuan Pill, attempting to form a Golden Core back in their valley would have been much riskier. If Hu Ting had failed, his absence could have led to the valley’s collapse, potentially tearing it apart in an instant.

“Valley Master, the news has already been sent back to Cuiyan Valley. The entire valley is likely celebrating right now.”

Most of the visiting factions at Tianfu Academy hadn’t yet left. Taking this opportunity, Dean Yu decided to host a celebratory banquet for Hu Ting. The event wasn’t just about celebration—it also provided a chance for Hu Ting to share his insights on breaking through, offering valuable experience to others who might be on the brink of advancement.

At the end of the banquet, the tables were cleared, and tea and snacks were brought out. Only then did Dean Yu speak. “Everyone, earlier I used Valley Master Hu’s name to delay your departures for a while. Now that he has successfully formed his Golden Core, I will not keep this hidden.”

“I was merely concerned that your journeys home might face numerous obstacles, especially for those carrying Tianyuan Pills.”

Dean Yu’s voice grew serious. “I’ve said my piece. What happens next is up to you to decide.”

With that, Dean Yu ended the celebration. The various sects and factions returned to their quarters, their expressions unreadable. Whether Dean Yu was being overly cautious or there was indeed danger awaiting them, no one could be sure.

Gu Yao and Chi Changye returned to their courtyard together. Meanwhile, the plump boy stayed by Hu Ting’s side. Dean Yu had already figured out his true identity. However, since Hu Ting hadn’t requested the boy’s return to Cuiyan Valley, Dean Yu tacitly accepted his presence and didn’t publicize the matter.

“I have a feeling that the current balance will be broken, and this continent will soon become turbulent. Has Tianhai Sect decided when to set off for their return?” someone asked. Tianhai Sect had the longest journey and was most likely to face ambushes along the way. Due to various concerns, they still hadn’t departed.

Of course, they had the option to stay at Tianfu Academy and go into seclusion like Valley Master Hu. However, they hesitated. First, they didn’t fully trust Tianfu Academy. Second, unlike Valley Master Hu, who was already on the verge of breaking through due to insights gained while refining the Tianyuan Pill, not everyone was in such a favorable position. Who knew how long their seclusion might last—one year, two years, or even five or eight? How would Tianhai Sect handle such a prolonged absence?

Forming a Golden Core while on someone else’s territory felt no different from becoming dependent on them.

Tian Feiyang hadn’t left, so Tian Feirong stayed to accompany her brother.

“Balance will inevitably be broken, and Tianfu Academy will be thrust into the spotlight. But as long as I’m here, no one will harm you, Xiao Yao,” Chi Changye said seriously, looking at Gu Yao.

“Big Brother Ye… are you planning to enter the Sword Pavilion again?” Gu Yao asked.

Chi Changye nodded solemnly. “The stronger we are, the better we can protect ourselves against unknown enemies. I fear nothing below the Golden Core stage, but Golden Core cultivators are not so easily dealt with.”

Although Gu Yao felt reluctant, he didn’t want to hold Chi Changye back. He had initially planned to quickly improve his cultivation and alchemy skills to refine high-quality or even supreme-grade Tianyuan Pills to help Chi Changye form his Golden Core. But now, all they had were lower-grade Tianyuan Pills. After some thought, Gu Yao took out the Blood Liuli Fruit and handed it to Chi Changye.

“Big Brother Ye, take this fruit with you. If you find yourself in danger, don’t push yourself too hard. Once I reach the Golden Core stage, I promise you’ll have supreme-grade Tianyuan Pills to use.”

Gu Yao spoke with a deliberately optimistic tone.