Chapter Thirty-Seven: Lord of Nether Lightning, Chen Lie!

Ye Cang finally made his move!

From the beginning of the auction until now, no matter what treasures appeared, Ye Cang had always exercised restraint, saving his resources for this one supreme treasure!

The Golden Core Fruit—just as its name implied—was a miraculous fruit capable of helping a Foundation Establishment cultivator break through to the Golden Core stage.

The Golden Core stage was the dream and goal that countless cultivators yearned for day and night. If reaching Foundation Establishment meant truly stepping onto the path of cultivation, then entering the Golden Core stage was akin to spreading one's wings to soar.

A Golden Core cultivator possessed the ability to walk on air and transcend the cycle of mortal life and death, representing a level beyond the boundaries of ordinary men—a step into the realm of immortals.

Moreover, the power of a Golden Core cultivator far surpassed that of someone at the Foundation Establishment stage; often, one Golden Core could take on several Foundation Establishment cultivators without falling behind.

Yet the world of cultivation was ruthless, and condensing a Golden Core was no easy feat. Out of tens of thousands of cultivators, perhaps only one would succeed in forming a Golden Core.

It was precisely because of this rarity that every Golden Core cultivator stood at the apex, able to intimidate the four corners of the world, found their own sects, and become the head of a lineage.

Take, for example, the Diamond Sect—their sect master was a powerful cultivator at the Golden Core stage.

Even within a great sect like the Way of the Self, one might not become the sect leader, but could still serve as an elder.

Within the Way of the Self, there were over twenty Golden Core elders. Except for two true disciples, the rest held various important positions.

It was the presence of these Golden Core elders that made the Way of the Self renowned throughout Yun Prefecture, elevating it to one of the foremost sects, commanding respect from all.

Thus, to become a Golden Core master was every cultivator’s dream, and for those at the Foundation Establishment stage, it was an even greater longing.

After all, relying solely on one’s own efforts to break through always involved great limitations. Whenever a treasure appeared that could aid in forming a Golden Core, it inevitably sparked fierce competition from all sides.

Now, this Golden Core Fruit was such a treasure, which explained why this auction was so lively.

In truth, the Golden Core Fruit couldn’t guarantee successful formation of a Golden Core, but it greatly increased the chances—by at least forty percent!

With a forty percent chance, and relying on one’s own insight, for most Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Golden Core stage was no longer such a distant dream.

But the Golden Core Fruit belonged to the ranks of the most miraculous heavenly treasures—one could rarely ever find one, even with a high price.

Its appearance this time shook all directions. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators present had come solely for the Golden Core Fruit!

Ye Cang was one of them. Months ago, he had already reached the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment stage, but he wasn’t confident about breaking through to the Golden Core stage.

Because forming a Golden Core required condensing it in a single burst—if one failed, not only did they have to start over, but risked dropping in cultivation.

Those less fortunate might fall all the way back to the eighth level; after years spent regaining their peak, they may have already missed the best time for Core Formation.

Therefore, anything that could raise the chances of success in forming a Golden Core was fiercely sought after by countless cultivators, causing a great stir whenever one appeared.

Inside the auction hall, everyone fell silent for several seconds.

After all, Ye Cang had just bid ten thousand spirit jades—a price that was truly astronomical.

Many cultivators lived in poverty, and at this moment, they glanced at their storage pouches and sighed softly.

Some who were wealthier, however, had their eyes flicker with uncertainty, weighing their options repeatedly. The reputation of the Way of the Self carried significant weight.

Moreover, Ye Cang’s name was renowned throughout Yun Prefecture. His Nine-Star Foundation Establishment had once caused a sensation—who in the world hadn’t heard of him?

Everyone knew that Ye Cang’s future was limitless. To offend him could invite endless trouble.

If it were just him alone, that would be one thing. But behind him stood the Way of the Self—a true colossus. What ordinary cultivator would dare provoke them?

So when Ye Cang’s voice rang out, the hall remained silent for several moments as everyone weighed the risks and benefits, no one daring to speak up first.

Beiming Lie’s eyes flickered as well, but then he chose to hold back.

His grandfather was an elder in charge of arrays, wielding great power, controlling three grand formations and the Spirit Sea Tides. When it came time for him to form his core, he could utilize the Spirit Sea’s power, giving him great confidence in succeeding. There was no need to compete for the Golden Core Fruit.

Since he wasn’t bidding, Wang Ran grew anxious. But now, posing as a Nascent Soul cultivator, the Golden Core Fruit was, in the eyes of others, useless to him, so he didn’t know how to hint at Beiming Lie.

After a brief pause, he hinted, “Disciple, this Golden Core Fruit seems quite nice…”

Beiming Lie was momentarily taken aback. “Yes, it’s quite good—a miraculous treasure.”

“Ahem, what I mean is… this thing’s golden hue is quite splendid. As your master, I find it rather appealing…” Wang Ran shamelessly continued.

Beiming Lie frowned with confusion. “Master, with your experience, shouldn’t the Golden Core Fruit be nothing special to you?”

Seeing Beiming Lie suddenly playing dumb, Wang Ran fell silent for a moment before muttering, “It’s nothing special… just tastes good, and I’m craving it.”

Upon hearing this, Beiming Lie was full of admiration. “I never imagined, Master, that you eat Golden Core Fruits as snacks—you truly make others envious!”

Wang Ran’s mouth twitched. After a moment, he could only cough lightly and wave his hand. “Keep it low-key, keep it low-key.”

He sighed inwardly; since Beiming Lie had learned the Dao, he’d become adept at feigning ignorance, his tricks growing deeper—securing this Golden Core Fruit would have to depend on himself.

Just as Wang Ran was about to speak, another voice unexpectedly rang out in the auction hall.

“What a joke! Treasures of heaven and earth go to those destined. I, Chen Lie of Purple Sky Palace, bid fifteen thousand spirit jades!”

This voice came from another VIP room. Everyone turned their heads to see a young man in purple robes standing with hands clasped behind his back by the second-floor railing.

He was strikingly handsome, his gaze as sharp as lightning. As he spoke, his voice spread in all directions, stirring waves in the air, leaving the crowd astonished.

“What? Purple Sky Palace… He’s from Purple Sky Palace?”

“Heavens, when did someone from Purple Sky Palace arrive?”

“That’s one of the premier sects in all of Yun Prefecture! At least on par with the Way of the Self!”

“Chen Lie… that name sounds familiar.”

“Could it be that Eight-Star Foundation Establishment genius, known as the reincarnation of the Dark Thunder Demon, Lord Chen Lie?”

“If it’s truly him, then he’s certainly qualified to compete with Ye Cang!”

The cultivators conferred among themselves, all focusing on the young man in purple robes. Even Ye Cang’s expression changed.

Wang Ran, too, was slightly surprised, looking at this youth named Chen Lie. There were many VIP rooms on the second floor, yet until now, this person had remained silent, causing others to overlook him.

No one had expected him to be from Purple Sky Palace!

Purple Sky Palace—the top sect of Yun Prefecture—was, in fact, even more powerful than the Way of the Self.

His involvement was something no one had anticipated!

This auction was growing ever more intriguing.