PID Chapter 69

Thanking Lily again for the Kofi~
(5/5)

✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡

 

---

The flying ship was moving steadily along its set route. In the three-story cabin, Xi Tie had specially prepared a room for crafting. They couldn’t just play during the journey; when it was time to cultivate, they still had to cultivate.

 

On the small ship, it wasn’t convenient for sword cultivators to spar with swords, but they could still compete using sword intent. At this moment, Chu Jinglan and Yue Ming were again sparring with sword intent on the deck. With nothing else to do, Xiao Mo wandered to the helm.

 

These past few days, Xiao Mo had been sleeping for a while almost every day. In Yue Ming and Xi Tie’s eyes, this fit the behavior of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but Chu Jinglan knew it wasn’t normal. Xiao Mo also noticed his concern and told him that he was just using sleep to recover his spirit power, temporarily replacing spiritual sense cultivation, and there was no need to worry.

 

Moreover, his spirits had been good recently, and his spiritual sense hadn’t had any mishaps. Although he was still dreaming on and off, he hadn’t had any more nightmares.

 

Some dreams were too scattered, flashing by quickly, and he could barely remember the content upon waking.

 

The helm was controlled by a puppet. Among puppets, there were the simplest iron knot men, which could only do simple tasks with commands engraved in runes that couldn’t be changed. Earth-grade and above puppets were controlled by runes plus spiritual sense assistance, more like robots in modern sci-fi movies. Depending on the materials used, some puppets could look very similar to real people.

 

Xi Tie’s puppet was like this. Although its skin color was close to human, the skin was still hard, and you could hear a metallic sound when it touched things.

 

The refining stone in the puppet’s chest cavity was their energy source, which could be replenished with spirit stones or other things containing spiritual energy. Xi Tie’s puppet had combat power comparable to a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, and defensively could withstand two palm strikes from a mid-stage Divided Spirit cultivator, which was already very impressive.

 

Whether due to Xi Tie’s aesthetic taste or not, the puppet’s face wasn’t an ordinary human face, but like a colorfully glazed opera mask, very festive. Xiao Mo felt his spiritual sense had stabilized these past two days, so he condensed his spiritual sense into threads, carefully studying the puppet’s structure, as a kind of rehabilitation exercise for his spiritual sense.

 

When Chu Jinglan came looking for him, Xiao Mo was sitting next to the puppet, looking very focused.

 

Chu Jinglan showed no signs of exhaustion or dishevelment after the battle. His sword intent could kill those above his level, so of course he wouldn’t lose to Yue Ming. Seeing Xiao Mo staring intently at the puppet, he asked: “Do you like puppets?”

 

Xiao Mo: “Just studying it a bit.”

 

He withdrew his spiritual sense and said: “I’ve found that if I were to fight a puppet, my Phantom Moon Heart and the mind-controlling aspect of my flute music wouldn’t be effective.”

 

Music cultivators could condense sound into blades to cause damage, but mental attacks were their advantage. Against puppets, this advantage was indeed lost.

 

Chu Jinglan followed his academic train of thought: “When facing puppets, regardless of the type of cultivator, it’s best to first find the puppeteer behind them.”

 

Xiao Mo: “Mm, by tracing the spiritual sense marks on the puppet, you can trace it back to the source.”

 

As long as the opponent’s spiritual sense wasn’t stronger than Xiao Mo’s, he could even use that thread of spiritual sense to plant a “thought” in the opponent’s sea of consciousness in reverse. This was something only Xiao Mo, as a special inner demon, could do.

 

If Xiao Mo was truly interested in puppets, Chu Jinglan thought silently, he could later pay the craftsman to forge one or two puppets. They could not only take care of daily life but also serve as bodyguards and shields. It would be very practical, reducing the chances of Xiao Mo having to fight directly, thus helping to protect his identity.

 

Feasible.

 

But for now, the priority was to address Xiao Mo’s recent spiritual sense situation.

 

Chu Jinglan: “We’re about to reach Bohai Sea.”

 

After saying this, he pressed his lips together and tentatively reached out to Xiao Mo.

 

Xiao Mo, not suspecting anything, naturally took Chu Jinglan’s hand, using it as support to stand up.

 

It was just an ordinary, simple action, but when one’s heart has changed, every touch can evoke tenderness and affection.

 

Chu Jinglan could clearly feel his heart leap.

 

Every subtle flow whispered that the person before him was the one in his heart.

 

[Ding, mental attack successful, +50 points!]

 

Xiao Mo was no longer surprised by these point notifications.

 

His hand naturally separated from Chu Jinglan’s as they came to the deck. Below was a vast expanse of blue ocean, mirroring the sky. The flying ship began to descend, and they could gradually see many flying ships and swords around them, all heading towards the same port.

 

The sea market of Bohai Sea was the entire city. The Yingyue Sect group disembarked, and Xi Tie put away the flying ship, letting the puppet continue to follow them. From the port onwards, it was bustling with noise. Various shops and stalls could be seen everywhere. Some stalls might look unremarkable, but with luck, one might find some good items.

 

In such a prosperous place for making money, the Jinxiu Pavilion’s influence was naturally present behind the scenes.

 

“Top-quality Bohai pearls and sea beast core pills, don’t miss out as you pass by!”

 

“Freshly harvested marrow coral, come take a look!”

 

The hawkers’ calls rose and fell, creating a lively atmosphere. Ball Ball stood on Xiao Mo’s shoulder, curious as Xiao Mo watched the bustle, turning its little bird head left and right. Passing by a small stall, Yue Ming’s eyes caught a sword tassel that looked quite nice. He stopped to ask: “How much?”

 

The stall owner, observing the group’s demeanor and attire, rolled his shrewd eyes and said with a smile: “Fifty medium-grade spirit stones.”

 

The sword tassel was woven from rosy silk. Yue Ming was about to pay when Xi Tie grabbed his sleeve: “This craftsmanship is worth at most twenty medium-grade spirit stones, no more. He’s ripping you off!”

 

Hearing this, Yue Ming was instantly displeased. He didn’t think there was a difference between something being expensive and someone treating him like a fool: “You think I’m easy to fool?”

 

Seeing his change in expression, the owner immediately apologized with a smile: “Oh no, how could that be! The craftsmanship of this tassel is truly excellent, I always sell at this price. But since you all look like good people, how about this, friend, twenty it is.”

 

Xi Tie, usually socially anxious when speaking, suddenly became tough when it came to bargaining, as if he were a different person. He raised his head: “Fifteen, take it or leave it!”

 

The owner knew he had met someone who knew the trade. Although it pained him to earn less, it was better than not selling at all. He had to say: “Alright, alright, fifteen it is. Can’t go any lower!”

 

Yue Ming got the item for fifteen, happily patting Xi Tie’s shoulder: “You’re pretty good!”

 

Xiao Mo also nodded: “As expected of an expert.”

 

Without the bargaining atmosphere, Xi Tie blushed at the praise, embarrassedly rubbing his head: “It’s… it’s nothing.”

 

They bought the Bohai pearls Xi Tie needed at a large shop. East Clear Pearls were also available here. Chu Jinglan looked through them one by one, finally picking one up and asking: “Is this the oldest one?”

 

In his hand was a 200-year-old East Clear Pearl.

 

The shop owner said: “Yes, sir. East Clear Pearls over 200 years old only appear at auctions. Today, a 600-year-old one will be auctioned at the hall. If you’re interested, you can go take a look.”

 

“Thank you for telling me,” Chu Jinglan said. “I’ll take this one too.”

 

Xiao Mo caught his wording: “Too?”

 

“Mm.” Chu Jinglan paid and handed the East Clear Pearl to Xiao Mo. “Let’s go to the auction house and take a look.”

 

Xiao Mo took the pearl, round and smooth, emitting clean and gentle spiritual energy: “I don’t object to going to the auction house to broaden our horizons, but this pearl is enough.”

 

“In the past, I couldn’t give you anything good,” Chu Jinglan said. “Now that you need it, we should naturally choose the best.”

 

Xiao Mo’s hand holding the pearl tightened.

 

He felt he was already quite used to Chu Jinglan’s kindness, but these words still struck a chord in his mind, making even his heartless chest feel warm.

 

He suddenly averted his gaze, his fingers and the little person in his heart showing rare timidity, his whole demeanor becoming unnatural again: “…This is already very good.”

 

Just then, Yue Ming and Xi Tie, who had finished paying, came over. Yue Ming said: “Look at all the things he’s gotten for you. How can a 200-year-old pearl be enough? Come on, let’s go to the auction house.”

 

Xi Tie also nodded repeatedly: A heaven-grade flute is already on the way, what’s a 600-year-old pearl!

 

Xiao Mo’s awkwardness hadn’t dissipated, and he didn’t dare look into Chu Jinglan’s eyes, instead talking to the other two: “Why are you also joining in?”

 

Yue Ming chuckled: “If he wants to buy it for you, just take it. What’s there to be embarrassed about?”

 

Xiao Mo cleared his throat, stubbornly: “I’m not embarrassed.”

 

Chu Jinglan followed his words with a decisive: “Good, then let’s go to the auction house.”

 

He stood right next to Xiao Mo, his voice too close to Xiao Mo’s ear, making it tingle. Xiao Mo said he wasn’t embarrassed, but still didn’t dare turn his gaze towards him.

 

But Yue Ming and Xi Tie were clearly excited too, confirming the plan to go to the auction house.

 

Xiao Mo held the pearl, having to go along with the majority. He first put away the 200-year-old East Clear Pearl.

 

Xiao Mo felt that his spiritual sense hadn’t been fluctuating much recently, so the East Clear Pearl might not be of much use. If the price of the East Clear Pearl at the auction was too high, he would stop Chu Jinglan.

 

The entrance fee for the Bohai auction house was fifty medium-grade spirit stones per person, but for a private box, it increased to one hundred. The three didn’t want to be disturbed, so they got a box.

 

The auction house emphasized luxury and nobility. A huge suspended earth-grade celestial lamp in the center was not only beautiful but also a formation eye. With Divided Spirit cultivators presiding and backed by the Jinxiu Pavilion, they weren’t afraid of trouble.

 

The auction house had five floors with a sky-high dome structure, surrounded by boxes on each floor, allowing every level to see the central auction stage. The first floor was general seating, already full. Their box was on the third floor.

 

Boxes on the third floor and above had barriers, preventing outsiders from seeing inside. The third floor and below were regular boxes. It wasn’t that the Yingyue Sect group couldn’t afford better boxes, but the fourth and fifth floors needed advance booking and were already full.

 

An attendant led them to their seats and served spirit tea and food, all of good quality. The tea’s fragrance was refreshing. Having paid for it, the service naturally matched. They looked through the small booklet in the box, listing today’s auction items.

 

There was indeed a 600-year-old East Clear Pearl, with a starting price of 20,000 medium-grade spirit stones.

 

Xiao Mo asked Xi Tie: “What’s a reasonable price for a 600-year-old East Clear Pearl?”

 

Xi Tie said: “As that shopkeeper said, East Clear Pearls over 200 years old only appear at auctions, so they could go for any price. But normally, it should be obtainable within 300,000 medium-grade spirit stones.”

 

Xiao Mo nodded, thinking this price was acceptable.

 

Although he had infinite points and could sweep up billions of spirit stones from the system mall, and his storage device also contained a lot of money, he didn’t want to waste when unnecessary. The habit was ingrained in him.

 

Soon, a beautiful auctioneer took the stage, and the auction officially began.

 

Items were brought to the stage one by one. Today’s auction wasn’t a grand event; the items were respectable but not worth fighting over. Most transactions were completed at reasonable prices.

 

Xiao Mo listened, feeling slightly relieved, figuring there probably wouldn’t be much competition for the East Clear Pearl.

 

Soon, the 600-year-old East Clear Pearl was brought up. The auctioneer’s clear voice announced: “One 600-year-old East Clear Pearl, starting price 20,000 medium-grade spirit stones, minimum bid increment 1,000 medium-grade spirit stones!”

 

When bidding for the East Clear Pearl began, including Chu Jinglan, there were only eight bidders in total.

 

As the price steadily rose, people quickly stopped bidding.

 

Yue Ming felt confident: “Not many bidders, and their voices don’t sound urgent. It probably won’t go too high.”

 

“30,000—”

 

“35,000—”

 

“36,000—”

 

When the price reached 50,000, only two parties were left bidding.

 

Chu Jinglan: “70,000.”

 

Another voice followed: “75,000.”

 

Chu Jinglan: “80,000.”

 

That voice said: “100,000.”

 

The person bidding was in a second-floor box. From Xiao Mo’s group’s position, they could only see the edge of the box’s railing, with people further inside. Similarly, the people in that box couldn’t see Chu Jinglan’s group.

 

However, everyone was bidding normally, and no one paid attention to what the other side looked like.

 

When Chu Jinglan spoke again, he calmly added a large amount: “150,000.”

 

The voice from the other box, which had been steadily following, paused this time before continuing: “160,000.”

 

Chu Jinglan: “180,000.”

 

This time, the pause from the other side was even longer.

 

Auctioneer: “180,000 medium-grade spirit stones once, 180,000 medium-grade spirit stones twice—”

 

“200,000!”

 

When that voice called out, it clearly carried a pained tone.

 

Xi Tie observed knowingly: “The other side should be reaching their limit.”

 

But Chu Jinglan’s side was still at ease: “210,000.”

 

The other side gritted their teeth: “211,000.”

 

Chu Jinglan said lightly: “250,000.”

 

“Slap!”

 

A clear table-slapping sound came from that box. Xiao Mo and Yue Ming both raised their eyebrows, leaning towards the railing. Gradually, sounds of argument emerged from the box below. Soon, a person appeared at the railing, with a stern face: “I don’t know which fellow cultivator is bidding, but could you sell the Lingxiao Sect a favor?”

 

When Xiao Mo heard the words “Lingxiao Sect,” he felt his brow twitch with a bad premonition. The next second, his premonition came true, because the person who appeared behind that disciple was all too familiar to him.

 

Su Baimo was seen anxiously pulling the sleeve of the bidding disciple: “Senior brother, you don’t need to spend so much for me.”

 

Xiao Mo was about to quickly withdraw, but he was a step too late as Chu Jinglan leaned to his side.

 

Thus, the people below looked up, and those above looked down, and they all clearly saw each other.

 

Su Baimo froze completely upon seeing Chu Jinglan’s face.

 

Chu Jinglan, however, seemed thoughtful, gently sweeping his gaze towards Xiao Mo. He noticed disbelief in Xiao Mo’s eyes, and his expression was a bit stiff.

 

Xiao Mo was internally screaming: No way, how did we run into them again!?

 

Yue Ming, standing on the railing, directly snorted: “Everyone’s bidding normally. If you can’t afford it, just stop. Selling the Lingxiao Sect’s face? Does the Lingxiao Sect know you’re out here embarrassing yourselves?”

 

That disciple’s face reddened, but looking at Su Baimo, he was about to say something stubbornly when a scolding voice came from beside him: “I told you not to go, come back and sit down. Aren’t you embarrassed enough!”

 

In such situations, the auctioneer skillfully controlled the scene, rolling her eyes but temporarily not speaking.

 

Soon, in the Lingxiao Sect’s box, another pale-faced person slowly came to the edge. He carried a faint air of illness about him and bowed to Xiao Mo’s group.

 

“My apologies, fellow cultivators. My junior brother doesn’t know better and has caused you trouble. Please continue.”

 

As he spoke, he lowered his hand and looked up.

 

The person who raised his face turned out to be the same as someone from Xiao Mo’s previous dream: the last cornerstone character, Jun Bushu from the Lingxiao Sect.

 

When Jun Bushu looked up, his listless eyes suddenly brightened as if he had seen something.

 

He had been sickly just moments ago, but now he inexplicably became energetic, urgently saying: “Could the fellow cultivators meet with me later? I have an important matter to discuss!”

 

Chu Jinglan was about to say “No need” when the person below switched to mental communication: “I have a divination concerning the two on the right. I am Jun Bushu of the Lingxiao Sect, please allow me to discuss it in detail!”

 

His mental message reached the ears of all four from the Yingyue Sect. Yue Ming widened his eyes: “He’s the divine calculator Jun Bushu?”

 

The two on the right were none other than Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo.

 

Chu Jinglan’s words stopped at his lips.

 

He had been in the upper realm for some time and naturally had heard of Jun Bushu’s reputation.

 

“This person’s divinations are very accurate. It’s definitely worth connecting with him,” Yue Ming turned his head and said. “Besides, since Jun Bushu has a divination concerning you two, now that you’ve met, even if you refuse this time, he’ll find a way to approach you.”

 

Xiao Mo didn’t want to get close to Su Baimo, but since Jun Bushu’s divination involved him and Chu Jinglan… perhaps they should indeed listen.

 

Xiao Mo pondered and looked at Chu Jinglan: “Shall we hear what he has to say?”

 

Chu Jinglan: “Alright.”

 

He also wanted to know what kind of divination included both him and Xiao Mo.

---

 

1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter