The Longevity Family: Starting From The Branches And Leaves

Chapter 299: Three Conditions with Zhou Hongshang

"Chen Xiaoyou, I didn't expect you to be Fellow Daoist Zhou's partner. Congratulations, congratulations," Huang Yi said with a smile, offering his congratulations.

The Zhou family is quite powerful.

Chen Ling has only been in Guiyun for a little over a month, and he's already involved with Zhou Hongshang? This surprised him.

But considering their talents, it seemed normal for them to join forces.

Chen Ling, however, was cautious in his heart and a bitter smile appeared on his lips. "Senior, you're joking!" Now that he was indeed married to Zhou Hongshang, he hadn't figured out her specific intentions yet, so Chen Ling didn't rush to reject her. Since that dream, he felt an inexplicable connection to Zhou Hongshang.

Zhou Hongshang smiled slightly, her red lips parting. "Husband, there's an item at this auction that I have my eye on. I'll trouble you to bid for it later."

Chen Ling was taken aback by her words. Did she really not consider him an outsider?

But it wasn't appropriate to refuse directly either, after all, they were newlyweds.

He would clarify things with her after leaving Baiyun Tower.

Lady Jin, on the other hand, was shocked and astonished.

So they really are partners!

Then her expression changed, and she clasped her fists towards the three of them. "The auction has already begun, I'll take my leave!"

She had to go and preside over the auction.

Chen Ling and the others also got up and bid farewell.

"What do you plan to auction?" Chen Ling asked cautiously, looking at Zhou Hongshang.

He had just seen the items for this auction, and they were not cheap.

"Spirit Patterned Wood!" Zhou Hongshang glanced at Chen Ling and said leisurely.

Rank Four Spirit Patterned Wood, it helps with the cultivation and evolution of Dream Gu.

Starting bid: 600,000 Low Grade Spirit Stones.

Chen Ling finally breathed a sigh of relief. This Spirit Patterned Wood was 1,500 years old, and according to his estimate, he should be able to get it for less than 800,000.

"Why, reluctant to spend Spirit Stones?" Zhou Hongshang said with an unchanged expression.

Chen Ling smiled and neither confirmed nor denied, "This Spirit Patterned Wood is something I'm interested in as well. I'll see if I can get it later."

Huang Yi, on the other hand, was indifferent, calmly waiting for the auction to begin.

At this moment, there were already forty or fifty cultivators sitting in the auction hall.

Each of them had a strong aura and a high cultivation level.

Dang!

A crisp bell rang.

The next second, above the auction stage, a string of suspended crystal lights burst forth.

Releasing a faint and soft mysterious light, illuminating the entire venue.

Everyone immediately stopped whispering and all eyes turned to the auction stage.

"Fellow Daoists, I, Jin, offer my respects."

A seductive and enticing voice suddenly sounded.

Only to see Lady Jin, dressed in a yellow dress, appearing on the stage.

She smiled and scanned the people below the stage.

"It turns out that Lady Jin is personally presiding over this auction. It seems that there are many good things."

"Greetings, Lady Jin!"

Seeing Lady Jin appear, the cultivators below the stage greeted her one after another.

It could be seen that this woman had a prominent status in Guiyun City.

On the auction stage, Lady Jin also returned the gesture with a bow, then her voice softened, "This auction is jointly organized by Baiyun Tower, Qimeng, and Danmeng."

"Each item has been certified by several Rank Five masters, so the quality is guaranteed!"

"As for the rules of the auction, I won't say much. The highest bidder wins!"

After scanning the crowd, Lady Jin announced the start of the auction.

With a flick of her sleeve, a piece of black stone, shining with a dark brilliance and the size of two palms, floated up.

"The first item is a Rank Five Star Source Essence Stone, which contains a trace of the origin of the stars. It will help Nascent Soul cultivators comprehend the power of star laws!"

As soon as her words fell, everyone's gaze focused on the black stone.

Many people's eyes flashed with regret.

Rank Five Star Source Essence Stone!

One of the treasures that can assist in comprehending the laws of the stars. In the eyes of Nascent Soul cultivators, it is something that is hard to come by.

However, it is only related to the star attribute, so its effect is not significant for cultivators of other attributes.

And the price is not low.

The special attributes of this item make it a rare choice for candidates.

"The starting price is one million five hundred thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones, with each bid not less than fifty thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones. Fellow Daoists, let's begin!"

Lady Jin smiled and waved her hand slowly, and a bright light shone from the crystal lamp on the auction stage.

Shining on the black crystal stone.

The mysterious halo on the crystal stone became brighter.

The cultivators below could clearly see the condition of the crystal stone.

"One million five hundred and fifty thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones, Iron Xiong from the Tie Family."

At the next moment, a loud voice came from not far away from Chen Ling's neighbor.

Chen Ling frowned and instinctively looked towards the number three box on the left.

What a small world, this guy is actually next door, and he even voluntarily revealed his identity.

Although he is not of the Star Dao attribute, as a Rank Four Supreme Grade Refiner, this Rank Five treasure is also the best material for refining.

Normally, in order to avoid being targeted by others, cultivators who participate in auctions generally choose to remain anonymous.

Iron Xiong's actions clearly indicate that he intends to obtain this Star Source Essence Stone at all costs.

To directly intimidate his competitors with his identity.

After all, in Guiyun City, with his identity and the backing of the Tie Family, there is really no one who dares to touch him.

However, Chen Ling did not rush to make a bid, intending to see the market first.

But after a while, the scene became quiet.

It's unclear whether people are not interested in this Star Source Essence Stone or if they are intimidated by Iron Xiong's pressure.

"One million six hundred thousand!"

Chen Ling could only make a bid.

Of course, he had limited confidence and did not reveal his own name.

Since he has already offended this person and this Star Source Essence Stone is his first choice, he will not easily let it go.

"Is Chen Junior planning to refine a Star attribute Treasure Weapon?"

Hearing Chen Ling's bid, Huang Yi raised an eyebrow and asked in a low voice.

Chen Ling shook his head and smiled, "There happens to be a cultivator with the Star Dao attribute in my family, so I want to bid for it and see if it's useful!"

Wang Yun's attribute of cultivation technique is not a secret, as long as someone pays a little attention, they can find out.

Huang Yi rubbed his chin beard and said, "If this Star Source Essence Stone is used for refining, it can be fully utilized."

"But for cultivation, it's difficult to have any effect."

"The amount of star source it contains is too small, even with my cultivation level, it's very difficult to capture."

"Not to mention Gold Core or Nascent Soul cultivators!"

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Huang!" Chen Ling thanked him with a cupped fist.

He naturally understood this principle, but Wang Yun possesses the Star Sword Dao Body, as long as there is a trace of the original power, she can comprehend and absorb it with great efficiency.

Of course, Huang Yi's reminder was also well-intentioned.

Seeing Chen Ling's decisive tone, Huang Yi no longer said much.

The reason he spoke up was mainly because he didn't want Chen Ling to offend Iron Xiong recklessly.

In his opinion, if this Star Source Essence Stone is to be used for cultivation, it would undoubtedly be a considerable waste.

"Who is the person in the number two box who dares to disrespect Iron Xiong?"

"To be able to enter the number two box, they must be at least a Nascent Soul consummation cultivator."

"But I haven't heard of any Star Dao attribute cultivator above the Nascent Soul Late Stage in Guiyun City!"

The cultivators present began to discuss curiously.

"One million seven hundred thousand!"

At this time, Iron Xiong's voice rang out again.

"One million seven hundred and fifty thousand!"

"One million eight hundred thousand!"

······.

"Two million five hundred thousand."

In no time, the bids from the two of them had already doubled.

Chen Ling was also quite helpless, two million five hundred thousand was already close to his expected price.

If Wang Yun didn't have the Star Source Dao Body, this price would have already been inflated.

But thinking about being able to enhance Wang Yun's cultivation, no matter how much he had to pay, it would be worth it.

At the same time, he also understood that in this situation, even if he didn't expose his name.

But with the strength of the Tie Family, it is estimated that they will soon be able to find out his identity.

"Two million five hundred and fifty thousand!"

"Fellow Daoist, are you determined to go against me, Iron Xiong?"

In the box, Iron Xiong's cold snort came, with a threatening tone in his voice.

Two million five hundred and fifty thousand had already exceeded his set price.

He had already agreed to forge a star disc for the Ancient Sword Sect, so he had to find a way to obtain the Star Source Essence Stone.

However, if the price was too high, he would have to give up.

So he could only resort to threats.

Now, the situation became lively.

The cultivators below were curious and speculating about the identity of the cultivator in the second private room.

Could he continue to hold on?

Chen Ling's gaze narrowed. He wasn't afraid of Tie Xiong, but he didn't want to expose his identity in front of everyone.

He still needed to keep a low profile.

Huang Yi rubbed his forehead, looking somewhat helpless.

Tie Xiong's talent in refining tools was also outstanding, and with the support of the Tie family, he had a high probability of becoming a Rank Five Refiner in the future.

He reminded Chen Ling because he didn't want Chen Ling to have a falling out with Tie Xiong.

This time, it seemed that things had taken an unexpected turn.

"Two million six hundred thousand!"

"I, Zhou Hongshang, on behalf of my husband Chen Ling, am auctioning this Star Source Essence Stone!"

Before Chen Ling could speak, Zhou Hongshang's cold voice had already resounded through the auction house.

"What! Zhou Fairy has gotten married?"

"When did this happen?"

"So Zhou Fairy has a backer, no wonder she dares to compete with Master Tie!"

"So it's him!"

"Chen Ling, isn't he the Western Wilderness Refiner who defeated Master Tie last time?"

Zhou Hongshang's words shocked all the cultivators present, their faces filled with astonishment.

They looked up at the second private room, their faces filled with envy.

Zhou Hongshang was well-known among the cultivators of Guiyun City.

Even the first Soul Formation family, Luo Family's Luo Fan, and the first genius of the Ancient Sword Sect, Xu Shao, didn't catch her eye.

But now she had become the Dao companion of a Western Wilderness cultivator, which shocked everyone present.

Inside the private room, Zhou Hongshang glared at Chen Ling and smiled, "As the Dao companion of Zhou Hongshang, there's no need to fear anyone!"

Chen Ling coughed awkwardly, his face showing embarrassment. Was Zhou Hongshang helping him or making things difficult for him?

"What's going on?"

In the neighboring private room, Tie Xiong, dressed in a white robe, narrowed his eyes, his mind filled with doubts. How could Zhou Hongshang marry this Western Wilderness guy?

But the ancestors at home had instructed him not to easily offend the Zhou family.

"This kid is quite capable, being able to climb up to Zhou Hongshang!"

Tie Xiong snorted coldly, hesitating in his heart, deciding to observe for a while longer.

After all, if the competition continued, the price would exceed his expectations.

And he would offend Zhou Hongshang.

Besides, this wasn't his only plan for refining tools.

But then a hint of killing intent flashed in his eyes, his expression turned serious, and he muttered, "Don't think that by climbing up to the Zhou family, I won't be able to deal with you!"

"Zhou Hongshang, Fellow Daoist! Two million six hundred thousand for the Star Source Essence Stone!"

With the three hammers, the auction was concluded.

Madam Jin announced with a delighted face the ownership of the Star Source Essence Stone, then waved for a maid to bring it to the second private room.

They didn't expect the first item to be auctioned at such a high price.

"Chen Ling has great courage, even Master Tie was defeated!"

The cultivators discussed with envy and jealousy.

"I've bought this treasure for you, how do you plan to thank me?"

Zhou Hongshang looked at him with a playful gaze, her eyes filled with meaning.

"Thank you, Red Sister."

Chen Ling smiled wryly at her words. In the dream, he and Zhou Hongshang did have the status of husband and wife.

At this moment, he felt a sense of intimacy and yet also a bit of unfamiliarity.

But Zhou Hongshang did help him solve the problem.

However, whether she would marry into the Chen family was still a question.

"Don't you have anything practical to offer?"

Zhou Hongshang looked at Chen Ling with her beautiful eyes, her meaning unclear.

Chen Ling could only smile awkwardly.

Fortunately, there was a knock on the door from outside.

Then, a maid walked in.

Chen Ling handed over the spirit stones and directly put away the Star Source Essence Stone.

"Leader, I apologize for the inconvenience!"

Chen Ling said to shift the focus, smiling at Huang Yi.

Huang Yi nodded slightly.

The new round of bidding had already begun on the auction stage.

This auction was for a thousand-year Spirit Medicine.

The starting price was four hundred thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones.

After several rounds of bidding, it was finally sold for five hundred thousand.

A series of treasures being auctioned made the atmosphere in the hall become lively.

Chen Ling had not participated in the bidding for these treasures.

In the private room, he leisurely drank the spirit tea brought by the maid.

"Rank Four Spirit Pattern Wood, can assist cultivators in nurturing their Spirit Souls or help Spirit Beasts evolve and break through. Starting price is six hundred thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones."

A green spirit wood floated on the auction stage as Madam Jin called out with a smile.

······.

After two rounds of bidding, Chen Ling bought the Spirit Pattern Wood for seventy-five thousand.

In the private room, Zhou Hongshang calmly accepted the Spirit Pattern Wood brought by the maid and thanked Chen Ling with a smile on her face.

······.

Half an hour later, the auction was coming to an end, and the three of them left the Baiyun Tower.

Before leaving, Huang Yi instructed Chen Ling to find him at the Instrument Alliance if he had any questions.

"Chen Ling, I have something to discuss with you!"

Watching Huang Yi's departing figure, Zhou Hongshang spoke lightly.

"Senior Zhou, there are too many people here, please follow me to the Wanbao Tower!"

Chen Ling respectfully clasped his fists and said with a serious expression.

In this auction, he had bought the Star Source Essence Stone, the Spirit Pattern Wood, and the incomplete Forbidden City, spending nearly four million Low Grade Spirit Stones.

As for the Dragon Shadow, he had given up on it.

He used to think that he was quite rich.

But now, he suddenly realized that he was very poor, especially poor.

If he couldn't control himself and bought a few more items, he would run out of spirit stones.

"Senior Zhou?"

Zhou Hongshang's expression changed, and she said displeasedly, "What? Are you planning to burn bridges?"

"Senior, please don't worry. I will take responsibility for what I should bear!"

"As long as I don't become a burden to the Zhou family!"

Chen Ling arched his hand and said sincerely.

Then he summoned the Golden Fire Crow and smiled, "Let's leave this place first and discuss it properly!"

The two of them immediately leaped onto the back of the Golden Fire Crow.

The Golden Fire Crow flapped its wings and flew towards the Wanbao Tower.

"I want you to marry into my Zhou family!"

On the back of the Golden Fire Crow, Zhou Hongshang cast a soundproof barrier and took a deep breath before saying straightforwardly.

"The things that happened that day were all my fault."

"Besides marrying into the Zhou family, is there any other way to compensate?"

Chen Ling sighed helplessly and said honestly.

There was no way. After all, this woman had a Soul Formation Late Stage ancestor behind her, and even Tie Xiong didn't dare to provoke her easily.

He had to be cautious.

"Other ways to compensate? What do you take me for?"

Zhou Hongshang glared at him fiercely, her expression serious as she said, "This is an opportunity given to you by the ancestor. Don't you know how to appreciate it?"

She felt that her good impression of Chen Ling was constantly increasing. When she heard that Chen Ling was unwilling to marry into the Zhou family, she didn't feel as dissatisfied as before.

"Unless you can convince the ancestor!" Unable to hold back, she reminded him again.

"Senior, to be honest with you, I have a big family to support in the Western Wilderness. It's impossible for me to marry into the Zhou family."

"I hope Senior can help me persuade the ancestor. If I marry, it will be to the Chen family. In the future, if there is anything the Zhou family needs, I will definitely do my best to help!"

Chen Ling said solemnly.

"Oh!"

After hearing this, Zhou Hongshang hesitated for a moment. With a smile that was not quite a smile on her face, she said, "I can go back and discuss this with the ancestor, but you have to promise me three conditions!"

"As long as I don't marry into the Zhou family and within my capabilities, I will definitely agree!"

Chen Ling didn't hesitate at all and replied seriously.

Narrowing her eyes, Zhou Hongshang fell into contemplation. This was the idea that the Dream Gu suddenly transmitted to her, which puzzled her.

Zhou family women generally didn't marry outside. What could she use to persuade the ancestor?

But the Dream Gu had the characteristic that its choices were generally not wrong.

This made her temporarily caught in a dilemma.

After thinking it over, she could only go back and explain the situation truthfully to the ancestor.

(End of this chapter)