Chapter 52: Cooperation

While conversing with Ji Xuanyuan, Chu Yuan’s Divine Sense had already scanned the entire Auction Venue, inside and out.

Although there were many Essence Accumulation Realm experts lurking about, there were no Domain Transformation Realm powerhouses at all. Even if a Domain Transformation expert were nearby, Chu Yuan could rely on his [Phantom Ethereal Dharma Robe]. Even if he couldn’t win the fight, he could certainly escape.

However, doing so would inevitably lead to a long life on the run, which was far from the leisurely lifestyle he desired. It would be much more cost-effective to simply cooperate with the Empress.

Seeing her pushing for more now, Chu Yuan subtly released a wave of killing intent. As a Domain Transformation Realm expert and the former Great Elder of the Demon Path Alliance, it would be effortless for Chu Yuan to kill a Clarity Realm cultivator like the Crown Prince at such a close distance.

‘Highness, do you wish to help me turn over a new leaf? Or are you trying to force me into a Demonic Fall?’

Feeling the subtle killing intent permeating the air, Ji Xuanyuan realized things were taking a turn for the worse. She was well aware of the disparity in their strength. Given his status as an Elder of the Demon Path Alliance, her Junior Brother could easily kill her to save his own life and then simply change his identity and appearance.

The fact that Chu Yuan had not done so proved that he truly did not want to harm her. Furthermore, Ji Xuanyuan already wanted to reconnect with him, so there was no need to remain stubborn.

‘Very well! However, I have conditions.’

Chu Yuan let out a secret sigh of relief. ‘What conditions?’

She gave him a deep look and slowly sent a Sound Transmission. ‘I can trust you this once. But you must establish a Soul Covenant to ensure you do not suffer a Demonic Fall again. Furthermore, all intelligence and actions regarding the Demon Path Alliance must be reported to me. When necessary, you must assist me in my duties and you may not refuse.’

Chu Yuan frowned. ‘Highness, we can share intelligence, but… assisting you without the right to refuse? That seems a bit unreasonable. I only wish to be a free and easy cultivator. I can help you fight demons, but as for other matters…’

Before he could finish, Ji Xuanyuan interrupted him. ‘The rewards will be substantial. Or are you saying that Elder Shenbao isn’t sincere about turning his life around?’

Since there would be payment, Chu Yuan naturally had no objections. ‘Fine. But any assistance I provide must be done while ensuring my own safety. If this condition is violated, I reserve the right to refuse. Furthermore, you are not permitted to reveal my identity or use this matter to threaten me in the future.’

Ji Xuanyuan nodded slightly. ‘Deal!’

Clang!

Just as the two reached an agreement, the clear sound of a brass gong suddenly rang out. Following the sound and looking out the window, they saw the auction had officially begun. On the stage, a grey-robed elderly woman stepped out slowly. She cupped her hands to the audience and shouted loudly.

“Fellow Daoists, today’s auction officially begins!”

Items were brought onto the stage one by one. There were pills, artifacts, and fragments of cultivation manuals. Since this was only a Small Auction, none of the items were high enough quality to catch the eye of Chu Yuan or Ji Xuanyuan. Only Gu Qingwan seemed to be watching with great interest.

Even so, many rogue cultivators in the audience were competing to place their bids. Chu Yuan worked on finalizing the Soul Covenant with Ji Xuanyuan while keeping his eyes on the stage, never raising his bidding paddle.

This continued until the old woman shouted again. “The next item is a Thousand-Year Lingzhi!”

An emerald box was slowly opened on the stage. Inside was a lingzhi that was a vibrant crimson throughout, with faint ripples of spiritual energy circulating around it.

“This lingzhi grew upon a cliff ten thousand feet high, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon for one thousand years. It can neutralize a hundred poisons, repair meridians, and extend one’s lifespan! The starting bid is 100,000 Spirit Stones! Each subsequent bid must be at least 100,000 Spirit Stones.”

Chu Yuan’s gaze sharpened. Although this lingzhi couldn’t break the restriction placed on his childhood friend, it could temporarily suppress it. At the very least, it would make Gu Qingwan feel better when her condition flared up.

Of course, for other rogue cultivators, this was also a top-tier healing medicine.

“200,000!”

“250,000!”

“400,000!”

As soon as the bidding started, many people began shouting out prices in quick succession.

“500,000!”

“800,000!”

“1,000,000!”

At 1,000,000 Spirit Stones, the price was already more than double the market value of the lingzhi. The people in the hall looked at each other, and no one dared to follow the bid. For rogue cultivators who lacked resources, any higher price would be a waste. For those from wealthy families, they needed to save their money for the upcoming Divine Grade Auction and saw no need to waste it here.

Seeing this, the presiding old woman raised her mallet. “1,000,000 Spirit Stones! Going once! 1,000,000 Spirit Stones! Going twice…”

Just as everyone thought the matter was settled, Chu Yuan slowly raised his paddle. “1,100,000.”

A roar of discussion broke out in the hall. The guests were astonished that someone actually dared to bid more. Who was this person?

As the murmurs continued, the old woman on stage was surprised but clearly hoped the price would go even higher. In the room, Gu Qingwan was startled. Looking past Ji Xuanyuan, she stared at Chu Yuan.

“A-Yuan, the Spirit Stones I gave you… it wasn’t that much, was it? You…”

Before she could say more, Chu Yuan waved his hand. “Don’t worry, Wan’er. I’ve earned some money recently. If I pool it together, it’s enough!”

Gu Qingwan suddenly thought of the risky reconnaissance mission Chu Yuan had accepted from the City Lord. Beside her, Ji Xuanyuan’s gaze toward Chu Yuan grew complicated.

‘Why would Junior Brother suddenly buy this kind of supplement? Is he suffering from some kind of injury? But during yesterday’s operation, nothing seemed to have happened to him.’

Gu Qingwan asked the question directly. “Then why are you bidding on it? Are you really badly hurt?”

Before Chu Yuan could explain, the old woman on stage raised her mallet again. “1,100,000! Going once! 1,100,000! Going twice!”

She scanned the room, purposely pausing for a moment. After confirming that no one else would increase the price, the old woman struck the gong. “Sold!”

Clang!

The clear sound of the gong signaled the finality of the bid, allowing Chu Yuan to let out a long breath. Having secured the [Thousand-Year Lingzhi], his trip today had been meaningful.

Once the auction ended, the three of them walked out of the inner hall.

“Highness!”

Fang Henian hurried forward to meet them, his voice filled with concern as he sent a Sound Transmission. ‘How did the talk go?’

Ji Xuanyuan replied, ‘An agreement has been reached! From now on, this Elder Shenbao will be a spy I have planted within the Demon Path Alliance.’

Fang Henian hesitated. ‘Is he… truly trustworthy?’

Ji Xuanyuan nodded slightly. ‘Rest assured. I know what I am doing.’

As she spoke, the corners of her lips curled up uncontrollably. Now, Ji Xuanyuan had formed an alliance with her Junior Brother. From now on, they would act as one, going and returning together. Perhaps over time, their feelings would grow, and the red thread of fate between them could be tied once more.

While Ji Xuanyuan was lost in her beautiful fantasies, Chu Yuan completed the transaction. An exquisite jade box was now in his hands. Without hesitation, he held the box out to Gu Qingwan.

“Wan’er, keep this lingzhi safe!”

Looking at the jade box Chu Yuan offered, Gu Qingwan was stunned. “A-Yuan… you bought this lingzhi for me?”

Chu Yuan smiled. “Of course. Wasn’t the point of coming to this auction to buy things for you? Besides, during that night I stayed at your house, you looked like you were suffering. This lingzhi will definitely be beneficial for you.”

Gu Qingwan felt overwhelmed by the gesture. Ji Xuanyuan’s heart suddenly tightened as she vaguely recalled what her Junior Brother had said when they were laying their cards on the table.

He had mentioned something about wanting to make up for a regret.