As Ji Yuan and the others were conversing, today's trade fair also smoothly commenced.
The items auctioned earlier, while possessing some value, clearly did not capture the attention of the group.
Instead, it was the cultivators in the Enlightenment Realm, or even early stages of Spirit Guiding Realm, who bid fiercely against each other, successfully igniting the atmosphere.
"Daoist Ji, you are not from Feiyun Commandery, are you?"
During their conversation, Song Jiuan suddenly inquired.
While not entirely obvious, one could still discern the distinct accent of another commandery in Ji Yuan's speech.
"This humble Daoist originates from Luoxia Commandery and came to Feiyun Commandery upon entering the Nine Profound Sect."
He nodded in affirmation, making no attempt to conceal the truth.
Upon hearing the name "Nine Profound Sect," the eyes of both Song Jiuan and the other individual present involuntarily narrowed.
Within Feiyun Commandery, this name carried an extraordinary weight, its influence immeasurable.
From a purely power perspective, even some prosperous sects rarely boasted at least nine Golden Core Grand Cultivators in each generation.
"So, Daoist Ji is from the Nine Profound Sect."
Song Jiuan nodded, a myriad of thoughts arising in his mind.
A cultivator, appearing no older than twenty, who had already reached the third realm, would undoubtedly hold a high position and be highly valued by the entire sect, even within the Nine Profound Sect.
Such a figure, though currently not widely known, was destined to soon gain renown throughout Feiyun Commandery, perhaps even the entire Lingyang Prefecture.
"May I inquire if Daoist Ji has come to the commandery city for any particular business?"
Song Jiuan tapped his armrest lightly, a smile gracing his lips. "Although I possess no significant influence, I do have some connections within the commandery city, which may prove to be of considerable assistance."
His words clearly conveyed his intention to forge a connection.
However, it was understandable. Even for an ordinary sect, the emergence of such a young cultivator in the third realm would instantly make it a focal point of attention in a commandery.
All the more so, considering his origin from the Nine Profound Sect and his displayed cultivation talent and mastery in alchemy. It was not difficult to imagine him becoming a prominent figure in the future.
"Then I thank you in advance, Daoist."
Ji Yuan replied with a smile.
He then glanced towards the outside of the private room, observing the progress of the trade fair, thinking that help would soon be needed.
Two years prior, he had already planned his trip to the commandery city, but his breakthrough to the third realm had caused some delay.
Now, after another three to four months of preparation, it was time to officially commence his endeavors.
Amidst their idle chatter, the first round of auctions concluded amidst a fervent atmosphere.
In a short span, more than ten maidservants carrying various spiritual items ascended the stage.
Items in such trade fairs were typically presented in batches, with each round escalating the bidding prices and quality, representing a gradual progression.
Considering the time, more than half of today's trade fair had already passed, and many cultivators in the first and second realms had begun to withdraw from the bidding.
Those still capable of placing bids were either of considerable cultivation, or backed by a sect or force, possessing financial resources far beyond those of ordinary cultivators.
"This is the final item for this round, esteemed guests, do not miss it."
The presiding cultivator unveiled the red cloth on the wooden tray, revealing a jade bottle.
He opened the stopper and poured out a five-colored pill, which rolled lightly on the jade plate, emitting a faint medicinal aroma.
"The pill is named 'Five Qi Nourishing Yuan,' and its grade is mid-tier sixth-rank."
"Its effect is to warm and nourish true essence, and it can also heal injuries of a similar nature, rapidly restoring one's vital energy."
"The starting bid is ten spirit coins!"
Without extensive introduction, the presiding cultivator merely offered a few brief remarks before commencing the bidding for the pill.
However, in truth, much introduction was unnecessary. Many cultivators with keen insight could discern the extraordinary nature of the 'Five Qi Nourishing Yuan' pill at a glance.
The condensed, unscattered pill aura, and the five-elemental energies contained within the pill, all spoke of its immense value.
"Fifteen spirit coins!"
Immediately upon the commencement of bidding, Song Jiuan spoke.
He increased the bid by five spirit coins in one go, for a pill whose specific efficacy was yet unknown.
His action, it must be said, immediately drew countless gazes.
Upon noticing the presence of the alchemy master Zhang Hongming seated in the private room, some individuals immediately believed they had discovered a crucial clue.
Under such circumstances, many raised their bids, pushing the price up to twenty-eight spirit coins!
One spirit coin was equivalent to one hundred taels of gold, and often more.
Now, a pill that cost less than half a spirit coin to produce was fetching nearly thirty spirit coins.
This was something Ji Yuan had not anticipated!
He cast a deep glance at Song Jiuan and Zhang Hongming seated beside him, his mind immediately contemplating the situation.
It seemed the former's influence in the commandery city was far greater than he had initially imagined.
Furthermore, the latter's presence undoubtedly became a significant reason for many to compete for this pill.
It was likely that many believed this alchemy master had also taken a liking to the 'Five Qi Nourishing Yuan' pill, which explained Song Jiuan's forceful bidding.
And the endorsement of an alchemy master naturally made many eager to acquire the pill for themselves.
"Thirty-five spirit coins!"
However, in the end, under Song Jiuan's high bid, no one else continued to compete.
Spending over thirty-five spirit coins for a pill of unknown efficacy was beyond the financial means of the vast majority.
"Daoist Ji's pill is truly remarkable in its effects."
Having secured the 'Five Qi Nourishing Yuan' pill at a high price, Song Jiuan let out a sigh of relief. Even with his status and position, parting with such a large sum for a single spirit pill left him feeling a pang of regret.
In the past, he would never have acted this way.
However, having experienced the effects of this pill, he felt he had no other choice, at least not at this moment.
"I must thank Daoist for your patronage."
Ji Yuan replied with a smile, his expression betraying none of his inner thoughts.
Both of them understood that for a single 'Five Qi Nourishing Yuan' pill, even with potent effects, fifteen spirit coins would have been the absolute ceiling.
The reason it fetched such a high price was due to a confluence of coincidences, coupled with Song Jiuan's desire to appease him.
Indeed, this bidding war was orchestrated by Ji Yuan. On one hand, it was to generate buzz and let cultivators throughout the city know of his existence.
On the other hand, it was to inform Song Jiuan that his earlier avoidance was a form of venting, and that offering this pill was a sign of unresolved matters. If he wanted more 'Five Qi Nourishing Yuan' pills, he needed to demonstrate sufficient sincerity.
The latter had accurately received the signal, hence his willingness to pay any price today to acquire this pill.