novelraw Chapter 635: Tan Zixin
Chapter 635: Tan Zixin
The gazes of the four people in the hall instantly focused on Ning Fan.
The eyes of the youth in the beast robe carried a cold gleam, while the other three Void Refinement cultivators were shocked, with towering waves surging in their hearts.
"Who exactly is this person, and what skills does he possess? To actually fend off Yuan Tong’s attack with mere Void Fragmentation cultivation!"
According to what the three knew, the youth in the beast robe was named Yuan Tong, a disciple of the Ape Emperor, with a cultivation of the Return to Origin Grand Void Realm, an attack imbued with his fighting spirit was rarely blocked by cultivators of the same level.
Yet Ning Fan could block it with his Void Fragmentation cultivation, it was truly inconceivable.
Ning Fan’s gaze swept across the hall, glanced over the four Void Refinements in the chamber but did not speak.
Behind him, the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master calmed his spirit, followed him inside and said to everyone, "This is Fellow Daoist Bai Mou from Baimu. He has graced our pavilion with the same purpose as all of you: to seek the Purple-grade Fishing Rod."
"Baimu!"
This time, everyone’s expressions, including the youth in the beast robe, subtly changed.
The Baimu from the White Feather Clan, with Void Fragmentation cultivation, was greeted by four Void Fragmentation cultivators upon entering Tianyuan City, attracting the attention of many seasoned cultivators.
However, it was later discovered that Baimu comes from a less powerful White Feather Clan of the demon race, notoriously infamous centuries ago, with low strength, having been pursued for a year by a Half-Step Void Refinement cultivator without any ability to retaliate. He had also once been expelled by his own clan, becoming a laughing stock for a time...
Whether Ning Fan was notorious or not, the people were not aware.
But as for saying Ning Fan’s strength was weak, the four absolutely did not believe it.
Especially the youth in the beast robe. His attack, infused with formidable Divine Skills, is exceedingly rare to be countered by someone of the same level, yet it was dispelled by Ning Fan’s mere hand gesture.
The youth in the beast robe was certain Ning Fan’s strength was not only low, but rather formidable.
Although only formidable, it was not enough for the youth in the beast robe to pay too much attention.
He was Yuan Tong, a disciple of the esteemed Ape Emperor, his talent allowing him to rank among the top three in the Ape Palace. Among the younger generation in the Demon World, he was considered a celebrated figure.
He would naturally not regard the obscure Ning Fan.
Placing his hand on the storage pouch, Yuan Tong was just about to take out some magical treasures to teach Ning Fan a lesson for dispelling his Divine Skills.
Just then, the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master lightly coughed, his expression slightly displeased as he said, "Daoist Yuan, this is Tianyuan City. This Dragon Fishing Conference, the Old Yuan Emperor specifically ordered, ’Within Tianyuan City, no private duels allowed, violators will face death’!"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Tong’s expression changed slightly, realizing this was the territory of the Yuan Hall, not his own domain, and it was not appropriate to act rashly.
Ten thousand years ago, an old monster at the Fourth Heavenly Layer of the Void Fragmentation Realm, relying on his profound cultivation, killed several people within Tianyuan City. The next day, he was killed by the Old Yuan Emperor himself within the city, hung at the city gates, shocking the Demon World.
For nearly a thousand years, the Old Yuan Emperor rarely appeared, reportedly having obtained a unique treasure, using the power of the treasure to fully strive for the Life Immortal Realm.
As long as the Yuan Hall had the Old Yuan Emperor present, even Yuan Tong dared not ignore the Old Yuan Emperor’s prestige, causing chaos within Tianyuan City.
Concealing the cold gleam in his eyes, Yuan Tong no longer cast a glance at Ning Fan, as if he had forgotten the previous unpleasantness.
Ning Fan similarly disregarded Yuan Tong, choosing a seat and sat down, briefly cupping his hands to greet the three Void Refinement cultivators sitting nearby.
In his heart, however, he mulled over further thoughts.
Having observed countless individuals, Ning Fan only needed one glance at Yuan Tong to know he was an outstanding descendant from a major power.
This person’s arrogance seemed unruly, yet upon hearing the prohibition of private duels by the Old Yuan Emperor, he immediately retracted his actions...
The fierce prestige of the Old Yuan Emperor was indeed intimidating.
Ning Fan initially thought, if he couldn’t acquire the last fishing rod, he would just snatch one in the city.
Given the current situation, grabbing a fishing rod was absolutely out of question. Doing so would undoubtedly offend the Old Yuan Emperor.
Ning Fan possessed techniques for self-preservation; perhaps he wouldn’t be killed by the Old Yuan Emperor.
But participating in the Dragon Fishing Conference under the watchful eyes of the Yuan Hall would be impossible.
"With private duels forbidden within Tianyuan City, I must acquire the last fishing rod from this Supreme Ninth Pavilion no matter what," Ning Fan contemplated.
The old man, the great Han, and the beautiful woman had all witnessed Ning Fan’s ability, dared not be disrespectful, and courteously returned a bow in return.
Seeing the conflict dissipate into thin air, the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master slightly let out a sigh of relief, saying,
"Including Fellow Daoist Bai, there are five Daoists present vying for the last Purple-grade Fishing Rod. Who exactly it should be sold to makes this old man indeed somewhat troubled..."
"Why must the Pavilion Master be troubled? In business dealings, as always, the highest bidder wins. Among us five, whoever offers the highest price will naturally acquire the last fishing rod," Yuan Tong confidently smiled.
He had thirty billion immortal jades, all granted by his master, the Ape Emperor.
The market price for a Purple-grade Fishing Rod was around one billion immortal jades. Ordering one might be slightly more expensive, but the price would not exceed two billion.
A common Void Refinement could have several billion immortal jades, thus categorized as a wealthy individual, as cultivation is exceedingly costly.
Yuan Tong firmly believed that in terms of immortal jades, he asked himself he wouldn’t lose to anyone present.
He naturally did not know that Ning Fan carried three trillion immortal jades, his wealth able to rival the entire Ape Palace.
"We agree with Daoist Yuan’s opinion, in business, the highest bidder wins!" Both the old man, the great Han, and the beautiful woman confidently smiled.
The immortal jades they had were not few, possessing seven to eight billion each.
They further did not realize that their meager amount of immortal jades couldn’t even be compared to Ning Fan’s fractional amount of immortal jades.
"I have no objection, the highest bidder wins, it’s only natural." Ning Fan spoke calmly.
"Alright, since everyone agrees, this old man will not say much more. The last fishing rod will be crafted by our pavilion’s most exceptional grandmaster refiner. This grandmaster refiner rarely makes a move, but the Purple-grade Fishing Rod crafted by her is absolutely the strongest fishing rod in Tianyuan City; even the legendary Yin Dragon and Yang Dragon can be caught. However, the price, naturally isn’t cheap..."
The Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master gave a bitter smile, then continued,
"To commission the crafting of her Purple-grade Fishing Rod, the price is five billion immortal jades, and she has one additional condition. Only by agreeing to this condition will she consent to crafting the fishing rod... Daoists, please bid above the base price of five billion immortal jades; whoever’s price is higher, this grandmaster refiner will craft the Purple-grade Fishing Rod for them..."
Upon these words, including the youth in the beast robe, all four Void Refinements’ expressions shifted.
"Five billion immortal jades! That’s too expensive!"
"And to commission this person to craft a fishing rod, one must agree to one of her conditions, that’s simply laughable! Tianyuan City has numerous Artifact Refining Workshops, yet none have ever attached extra conditions."
"This Supreme Ninth Pavilion has left the last bidding slot for a fishing rod to us to scramble for, it seems they intend to sit back and jack up the price. They claim this last fishing rod can catch Yin Dragons and Yang Dragons... No one has fished up such legendary dragon souls for millions of years. Whether there are still Yin Dragons and Yang Dragons in the Dragon Rearing Pond is unknown, what use is such a good fishing rod?"
Although dragons can be reared in the Dragon Rearing Pond, Masters cannot enter its waters.
The waters of the Dragon Rearing Pond are infused with the Territorial Light of Separation, even rogue devils would meet their death if they enter; only dragon souls reared with Secret Techniques can survive in these waters.
No one knows how many dragon souls are in the Dragon Rearing Pond.
No one knows whether there are Yin Dragons and Yang Dragons in the Dragon Rearing Pond.
An elderly Void Inquiry cultivator first stood up and told the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master unhappily, "Farewell," and left without lingering.
This purple-grade fishing rod, he was not going to compete for it.
He was merely at the Void Inquiry cultivation, perhaps unable to secure a slot in the fishing tournament in five days.
If he ultimately couldn’t secure a slot and yet bought such an expensive fishing rod, it would indeed be unwise.
Better to just buy any random fishing rod and participate in the fishing tournament with a common attitude.
Seeing an elderly monster leave as soon as the five billion high price was announced, the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master could only smile wryly.
The price was indeed quite high, but it was set by his own young lady, he had no authority to change it.
The Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master glanced at the four people present.
The Chongxu Great Han and the beautiful woman did not leave; they both gritted their teeth and resolved to strive for it, knowing that the fishing rod was expensive.
Yuan Tong’s eyes slightly narrowed, gradually putting away his surprised expression. Five billion immortal jades were indeed expensive, but he could still afford it, he just didn’t know what additional condition that grandmaster refiner had.
Ning Fan’s expression was as calm as an ancient well, being the only one present not frightened by the five billion high price.
Ning Fan had always had no concept of money; to him, money was something to be seized, not earned, and no amount of spending would cause him heartache.
"What is the additional condition proposed by that grandmaster refiner?" Ning Fan asked the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master.
"The grandmaster refiner has one requirement: if her fishing rod is bought and Yin Dragon and Yang Dragon are caught, the two Dragon Balls must be loaned to her..." the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master replied.
"This condition is not excessive," the Great Han and the beautiful woman nodded, and Yuan Tong also breathed a little easier.
Not only was it not excessive, in the eyes of these three, the condition made no difference whether suggested or not.
For millions of years, who could fish up the Yin Dragon and Yang Dragon?
Ning Fan frowned slightly but didn’t say more.
He had come for the Yin-Yang Dragon Pearls; if by chance he did fish up the Yin-Yang Dragon Pearls, then he had to lend them to this grandmaster refiner.
Thus, a few more twists were added.
However, given how persistent this grandmaster refiner was about the Yin Dragons and Yang Dragons, the fishing rods she crafted might very well assist in capturing the Yin Dragons and Yang Dragons...
"If the four Fellow Daoists have no other questions, you may place your bids now."
"I am willing to offer 530 million immortal jades!" the middle-aged Great Han was the first to speak.
"Hehe, I am willing to offer 550 million," the beautiful woman smiled with enchanting eyes.
"560 million!"
"570 million!"
"600 million!"
The Great Han’s gaze turned steely, as he called out the price that made him feel intense heartache.
The beautiful woman gritted her teeth and clenched her pink fists. She wanted to bid higher but finally sighed and gave up bidding, smiling bitterly, "I give up..."
Seeing the beautiful woman give up, the Great Han visibly relaxed, looking at Yuan Tong and Ning Fan, a fine sweat appearing on his forehead.
"Will the two Fellow Daoists not offer a price?" the Great Han asked nervously.
"700 million!" Yuan Tong showed a smile full of determination.
Upon hearing the high price of 700 million, the Great Han’s face immediately turned ashen. Yet he bit his teeth and stubbornly said, "710 million..."
Just as he finished speaking, Yuan Tong again mocked, "800 million!"
The Great Han fell silent.
He was already close to breaking through to the Return to Origin Grand Void Realm; this once-a-millennium fishing tournament was his best chance for a breakthrough.
If he had a purple-grade fishing rod, catching a few high-grade dragon souls would certainly aid his breakthrough to the Grand Void Realm!
If he could luckily fish up a first-grade dragon soul with a Dragon Ball within it, then his return to the origin would be a great hope.
For this sliver of hope, he was willing to take a gamble.
"810 million..."
He hadn’t finished speaking when Yuan Tong sneered, "900 million!"
At this price, the Great Han stood up abruptly, looking at Yuan Tong incredulously, seemingly unable to believe he would bid so high.
Afterwards, as if all his strength was drained, he fell back into his chair in despair, "Forget it, I give up on bidding for this fishing rod, I won’t compete anymore..."
Giving up, it wasn’t just about not competing for the fishing rod, even his confidence to pursue the greater path was shattered by Yuan Tong’s strike.
The beautiful woman failed to win the bid, yet her spirit sense remained unharmed.
However, the Great Han’s failed bid cracked his spirit sense, losing the confidence to reach higher realms; it would be very difficult for him to break through to the Grand Void Realm in this lifetime...
"900 million immortal jades! Such a grand gesture and ruthless scheme from this Ape Emperor’s disciple!"
The Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master was slightly shocked.
In every word and action of Yuan Tong, there was the divine skill of battle intent.
With a bid of 900 million immortal jades, he systematically dismantled the spirit sense of the Chongxu Great Han—not only winning the bid but also leaving an indelible shadow on the middle-aged Great Han’s spirit sense for the rest of his life...
This lad is ruthless!
"Daoist Bai won’t bid?" Yuan Tong glanced at Ning Fan with self-assurance, carrying a hint of provocation.
He attempted to first stir Ning Fan’s spirit of war, then step by step destroy Ning Fan’s spirit sense.
The combat divine skill of the Ape Palace can attack a cultivator’s spirit sense, causing it to collapse.
Ning Fan carelessly glanced at Yuan Tong, his eyes narrowed slightly.
A good combat divine skill, but useless against him.
Instead, he could do the opposite, step by step breaking Yuan Tong’s fighting spirit and confidence.
"Nine hundred and ten million." Ning Fan mimicked the Chongxu Great Han, only raising the bid by one million immortal jades.
"One billion!" Yuan Tong sneered.
"One billion and ten million." Ning Fan’s expression remained unchanged.
"One billion two hundred million!"
"One billion two hundred and ten million."
"One billion five hundred million!"
Yuan Tong confidently glanced at Ning Fan, thinking that he was raising the price step by step, higher and higher, to give Ning Fan a certain sense.
He, Yuan Tong, was insurmountable and unbeatable.
Once such a mindset is born, even if only a trace, Yuan Tong can use the combat divine skill embedded in his words to destroy Ning Fan’s spirit sense step by step, causing it to collapse!
"This lad should now be pale-faced like that big guy." Yuan Tong tried to find a hint of defeat on Ning Fan’s face but found that the lad’s face was always calm, without any emotional fluctuations.
"One billion five hundred and ten million." Then, Ning Fan still only added one million, silently mocking Yuan Tong with his actions.
"One billion six hundred million!" Yuan Tong’s eyes darkened, surprised by the firmness of Ning Fan’s spirit sense, difficult to break.
The price had already been raised to one billion six hundred million, and even with Yuan Tong’s wealth, it was becoming unsustainable.
He dared not raise the price by several hundred million at once; spending such an enormous amount of immortal jades on a mere purple-grade fishing rod was too much of a loss.
"One billion six hundred and ten million." Ning Fan’s voice was still emotionless.
"One billion seven hundred million!"
"One billion seven hundred and ten million."
"One billion eight hundred million!"
"One billion eight hundred and ten million."
Ning Fan was just raising the bid by one million at a time.
Yuan Tong was purposely raising the price aggressively, giving people an invincible impression, trying to crush others’ spirit sense from this angle.
Ning Fan followed closely, approaching step by step, neither fast nor slow, pursuing the prey. When approaching Yuan Tong’s limit, he intended to crush him in one move.
Yuan Tong’s forehead gradually began to sweat slightly. He had already raised the price to two billion seven hundred million immortal jades, but Ning Fan still slightly opened his mouth, raising it to two billion seven hundred and ten million.
Intentionally, this lad was definitely doing it intentionally!
He obviously possessed countless immortal jades, yet insisted on raising the bid by only one million, intentionally giving him an invisible sense of pressure...
"Damn it! If I shout out two billion eight hundred million immortal jades, would that boy raise it by another million..."
When this thought arose in Yuan Tong’s mind, he immediately looked shocked.
How was that possible? He, the mighty Yuan Tong, was feeling a lack of confidence in front of Ning Fan.
A lack of confidence was deadly for Yuan Tong!
The combat divine skill he cultivated required the cultivator’s spirit of war to be undying, with the confidence and courage to challenge the world’s strong.
If confidence collapses, then the spirit sense shatters, leading to endless troubles!
Yuan Tong was shocked to discover that during this bidding, he was unknowingly guided by Ning Fan.
It was a price of two billion seven hundred million, which he originally would never have shouted out.
But Ning Fan deliberately heightened his eagerness to win, gradually following up, preparing to crush his spirit sense in one decisive move at the final moment!
"So close! I was almost caught in this lad’s trap!"
"This lad may not have two billion seven hundred million in immortal jades but definitely harbors the intention to destroy my spirit sense!"
"I am the disciple of the Ape Emperor, only possessing thirty billion immortal jades; what right does this lad have to be compared with me!"
Yuan Tong’s gaze sharpened, and he suddenly got up, looking at Ning Fan with a cold expression. He suddenly slapped his storage pouch and pointed outside the hall.
In an instant, a mountain of immortal jades, as much as two billion eight hundred million, appeared outside the hall.
"Two billion eight hundred million!" He shouted out the price and even took out the immortal jades in front of everyone.
He turned his head to look at the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master and said, "I suspect Bai Mu deliberately raised the price, intending for Yuan to spend a high price to buy the fishing rod. I don’t believe he has two billion seven hundred and ten million immortal jades."
At this moment, the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master was already beyond shocked, and both the big man and the beautiful woman breathed heavily, unable to speak out of surprise.
A fishing rod usually priced at one billion was unexpectedly bid up to two billion eight hundred million by Ning Fan and Yuan Tong step by step.
If this were to spread out, Tianyuan City would have another topic of conversation over tea and meals.
Before the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master could speak, Ning Fan nodded with a smile, "What Daoist Yuan said makes sense. If I don’t take out the immortal jades for everyone to see, it would indeed give people the impression of deliberately raising the price... two billion eight hundred and ten million."
Ning Fan indeed added another ten million immortal jades.
He also slapped his storage pouch, raised his hand, and pointed outside the hall, where a mountain of immortal jades, totaling two billion eight hundred and ten million, immediately appeared.
"What! This kid actually has so much immortal jade!" Yuan Tong’s spirit sense trembled.
He prided himself as a disciple of the Ape Emperor, always feeling a sense of superiority.
This sense of superiority, to a certain extent, increased his confidence and boosted his fighting spirit against strong foes.
But at this moment, he realized that being a disciple of the Ape Emperor was not such a big deal after all.
This Baimu, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, actually possessed a wealth no less than his.
In this light, his usual arrogance and pride amounted to nothing!
Startled for a moment, he unexpectedly did not continue to bid, as if conceding defeat.
At this moment, a crack appeared in Yuan Tong’s spirit sense, though it was just a crack, if repaired in time, could still be restored through cultivation.
But Ning Fan did not intend to give Yuan Tong the chance to restore his spirit sense.
Right now, he was in Tianyuan City, under the shadow of Old Yuan Emperor’s reputation, unable to deliver a fatal blow to Yuan Tong.
But this did not mean Ning Fan could tolerate Yuan Tong’s malicious intent.
Yuan Tong wanted to destroy Ning Fan’s spirit sense, so why wouldn’t Ning Fan repay him in his own way!
"Oh, Daoist Yuan, you don’t intend to bid anymore? Why not let Bai Mou raise the bid for you, 2.9 billion!"
Ning Fan raised his hand, offering 90 million immortal jade, still outside the hall, deliberately raising the price.
Yuan Tong’s eyes shook, not expecting Ning Fan to continue raising the price even after securing the fishing rod.
"3 billion!" Ning Fan threw out another 100 million immortal jade, causing Yuan Tong’s complexion to turn pale.
Three billion immortal jade was already his bottom line; he simply couldn’t beat Ning Fan!
Every subtle expression of Yuan Tong’s fell into Ning Fan’s eyes, and Ning Fan vaguely perceived that three billion was all of Yuan Tong’s wealth.
Thus, he could take advantage and completely destroy Yuan Tong’s spirit sense.
"4 billion!"
"5 billion!"
"7 billion!"
"9 billion!"
"10 billion!"
Ning Fan raised the bid five more times, throwing out jades each time, instantly inflating the price of the Purple-grade Fishing Rod to 10 billion!
Seeing the towering pile of immortal jade outside the hall, Yuan Tong felt an unprecedented sense of defeat, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
A hundred billion immortal jade, that’s a hundred billion immortal jade!
Even his master, the Ape Emperor, would never be willing to spend a hundred billion!
This person’s wealth was vast, incomparable to him, incomparable!
Yuan Tong surrendered, and this surrender meant the collapse of his undefeated fighting spirit cultivated throughout his life, within an instant!
A true warrior cannot admit defeat, cannot speak of failure.
Once confidence is lost, there will no longer be the courage to challenge the mighty, no longer the determination to ascend the great path.
The Great Han and the beautiful woman were both stunned, a hundred billion immortal jade was an extravagance they could never fathom.
The Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master looked deeply at Ning Fan, instantly recognizing him as someone not to be trifled with.
Yuan Tong sought to destroy his spirit sense, so he turned the tables and destroyed Yuan Tong!
"Bai... Baimu, I’ll remember this account! Humph!"
Yuan Tong forcibly swallowed the blood in his throat, gritting his teeth, transforming into escape light and hurriedly leaving.
His spirit sense was already destroyed, he must immediately seek his master, perhaps there might be a slight chance for repair...
In his hasty departure, he didn’t even manage to take with him the 2.8 billion immortal jade.
The Great Han glanced at Ning Fan with a hint of gratitude, cupping his hands in salute before leaving.
The bidding had ended, and staying here was meaningless.
Yuan Tong destroyed his spirit sense, Ning Fan destroyed Yuan Tong’s, indirectly avenging him, thus he was grateful to Ning Fan.
The beautiful woman too had no intention to linger, bidding farewell and leaving.
The shock of today’s events was overwhelming; a bidding war more thrilling than a life-and-death struggle, killing invisibly.
"The Purple-grade Fishing Rod is now Bai Mou’s. In five days, I shall once again visit the Upper Nine Pavilion to collect it."
Ning Fan stood up, slightly cupping his hands to the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master, intending to take his leave.
He still wore an expression of calm and ease; to him, a hundred billion immortal jade was a mere drop in the ocean, insignificant.
"Daoist friend, please hold on. If my young lady is to craft a fishing rod for you, it needs to be custom-made, so you will need to meet with her. Rest assured, it won’t take up much of your time."
"Your young lady?" Ning Fan froze, halting his steps.
He didn’t know that the last artisan left in the Upper Nine Pavilion was someone the Pavilion Master revered as a young lady.
One must know that although the Supreme Ninth Pavilion Master serves as the Pavilion Master, his other identity is that of a Yuan Hall Cultivator.
All Yuan Hall Cultivators can only have one master, and that is the Yuan Emperor.
The young lady he mentioned could only be a close relative of the Yuan Emperor.
"Yes, though I am the Pavilion Master of the Upper Nine Pavilion, the one in charge of the Upper Nine Pavilion is indeed Miss Zixin from my household." (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)