The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 1077 - 589: Raising Money (Bonus - for He He Li La and He Shi Bi)

Her most pressing issue now is how to get the Nanming Lihuo Sword into her possession. Seeing the eager buyers in the stands below, even thirty million Spirit Stones can’t stop their steps.

As for Steward Wu’s setback this time, she wasn’t too disappointed, as even if she got the money back, she still couldn’t afford it.

What’s the next step? Should she mortgage the entire Central Capital branch of Ningyuan Hall? Even if it were feasible, a whole city is only worth a million, and the money the Central Capital branch could fetch would just be a drop in the bucket. With no real estate in hand, she thought hard and said to Steward Wu, "If all else fails, let’s pawn the Dragon Piercing Halberd back to the Heavenly Residence."

At this point, the auction had slowed down because the value of the Divine Sword had been raised to a full thirty million Spirit Stones. From now on, every bid would be carefully considered by each buyer.

She counted attentively; there were still thirteen boxes in the auction making bids, and four VIPs in the hall. Seventeen competitors in total!

Jiu Mo and Qi Zai knew she was anxious, and after exchanging a glance, Jiu Mo transmitted, "How about we wait outside and see who wins the Divine Sword, and then snatch it once they leave?"

Ning Xiaoxian gave a bitter smile. Anyone capable of purchasing such a treasure would surely be well-prepared in advance. The chances of success with Jiu Mo’s snatch-and-grab were improbably low. This could only be considered a last resort.

A sharp pain throbbed in her chest, the result of accumulated stress, but she dared not stretch out her hand to soothe it, unwilling to show any vulnerability. Her subordinates and the stewards and servants of the Heavenly Residence were all watching.

No, the Nanming Lihuo Sword, which she had sought so arduously, was within reach. She would not admit defeat! Perhaps, perhaps there was one last way, worth a try!

She paced back and forth, her steps slowing as she walked, a customary habit of hers when deep in thought, which Qi Zai knew well, and thus dared not disturb her.

Indeed, after contemplating for a while, she asked Steward Wu, "What is the cultivation level of the members of the Elder Council? What are the requirements to become a council member?" After all, it’s not easy to become an elder of the Heavenly Residence.

Steward Wu, not understanding her intent but having cooperated for so long, replied straightforwardly, "Among the six elders, two are Early Stage of Mahayana, one is Middle Mahayana, two are Early Stage Tribulation Crossing, and Elder Xiu is Late-stage Void Refining Great Perfection."

This meant that the elders themselves had quite formidable cultivation. It made sense, as the Heavenly Residence had vast financial and human resources, supporting several elders would not be difficult.

Steward Wu continued, "As for the prerequisites for becoming an elder, I truly don’t know. When I entered the Heavenly Residence, only Elder Xiu was newly appointed; the others were already in place. However, it is indisputable that all six elders come from exceptionally powerful sects."

She nodded in understanding. In a large, personnel-heavy, and complexly structured organization like the Heavenly Residence, rising to a high position without backing was as unlikely as getting struck by lightning on a sunny day. Even if one managed by chance, they would quickly have to ally with a powerful force as their backing, or risk being swept away.

However, the more intricate the power structures behind the six elders, the more advantageous it was for her in the current situation.

After some contemplation, she made up her mind, took out a fruit from her bosom, and handed it to Steward Wu: "This fruit is called Spring Blossoms and Autumn Fruits."

Steward Wu blinked, vaguely feeling that the name sounded familiar.

Ning Xiaoxian observed his expression and smiled, "Its other name is Xuantian Tao Fruit."

"Is, is this truly the Tao Fruit?!" Steward Wu’s expression suddenly froze, his hand shaking while holding the bottle, even his usually fluent speech faltered, "The Xuantian Tao Fruit, the legendary delicacy only a Heavenly God can consume?"

"Indeed, this is the Xuantian Tao Fruit, capable of allowing a cultivator to ’align body and Heavenly Heart,’ and there can be no more than nine of them in the world at any time." With time being precious, Ning Xiaoxian spoke concisely, "Even though I treasure it dearly, I have no choice but to part with it now. Have it certified."

Steward Wu had not yet shaken off the bliss of having such a precious treasure in his hands and hesitated for a moment, "Pricing such a priceless item is difficult."

Ning Xiaoxian smiled mysteriously, "Who said I was pricing it? It’s worth whatever the Nanming Lihuo Sword sells for."