The Fire-Patterned Thunder Leopard was also quite a renowned demonic beast, its cubs especially favored by Golden Core realm cultivators. If properly nurtured, such a creature could accompany a cultivator throughout their journey, potentially reaching the peak of the Golden Core stage. In terms of value, it was hardly less than the Soul-Devouring Shadow Tiger cub Lei Dong had previously acquired; they were objects of the same caliber.

Such demonic beast battle pets held immense **appeal for Golden Core experts. As the Nascent Soul cultivator uttered the name in an indifferent tone, the excitement of all the Golden Core cultivators present exploded, instantly igniting the scene with frantic private messages and ceaseless whispers.

“Quiet, everyone settle down.” The Yang-surnamed Nascent Soul auctioneer chastised them in a low voice, yet the sound boomed like a great bell, reverberating throughout the vast auction hall. Instantly, the crowd of Golden Core cultivators fell silent. The difference between the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages was a vast gulf; the disparity in strength was immense, akin to the relationship between a mouse and a cat. No matter how formidable a Golden Core cultivator might be, a natural dread resided within their hearts.

The Nascent Soul auctioneer swept his cold gaze around and declared plainly, “The starting bid for the Fire-Patterned Thunder Leopard cub is three million spirit stones. Increments must not be less than one hundred thousand spirit stones. Bidding starts now.”

The starting price of three million spirit stones was not high, primarily because such a battle pet differed greatly from Lei Dong’s high-grade Spirit Ghost. While both held the potential to cultivate to the peak of the Golden Core realm, the latter was better suited for Ghost Cultivators, unless one was willing to learn a specific Ghost Taming art. Even then, those arts would never surpass the specialized techniques of sects dedicated solely to that cultivation path. Moreover, many cultivators practiced overly vigorous, masculine arts unsuitable for nurturing ghosts, placing severe restrictions on their options. The Fire-Patterned Thunder Leopard, however, could be blood-sacrificed by almost anyone, with virtually no constraints.

Even Wu Ji, standing beside Lei Dong, swallowed audibly, clearly deeply tempted by this treasure.

In fact, the vast majority of Golden Core cultivators felt the same pull. As soon as the Nascent Soul auctioneer finished speaking, the price began to soar. From three million spirit stones, it skyrocketed past four million within a dozen breaths, then began climbing toward five million. However, once it breached five million, the rate of increase slowed. Only a small cluster of wealthy cultivators continued to trade blows, while the majority were forced to withdraw, constrained by their limited means.

Ultimately, the price settled at seven point three million spirit stones—a very high figure, yet one considered worthy of the investment for a Golden Core cultivator. As long as the Fire-Patterned Thunder Leopard could be nurtured to the Golden Core level, the return would justify the cost.

Wu Ji beside him sighed regretfully.

“Brother Wu, do not fret. You are already a high-stage Golden Core expert; this Fire-Patterned Thunder Leopard is merely a fleeting attraction for you. Once you reach the Nascent Soul stage, this creature will be next to useless,” Lei Dong comforted him via private message.

Upon hearing the mention of the Nascent Soul stage, Wu Ji’s eyes shone with fervent longing. But his expression quickly dimmed, and a somewhat dejected, awkward reply echoed back: “Brother Ding, you jest. Reaching the Nascent Soul stage is hardly so simple. Look around at these hundreds of Golden Core cultivators; how many among them will ultimately achieve Nascent Soul?”

“Brother Wu, that is a flawed perspective. While it is true that few among these hundreds will finally attain Nascent Soul, if you contest, there remains a sliver of hope. But if you do not even try to contend, you won’t have even half a chance,” Lei Dong transmitted calmly.

Wu Ji was silent for a long moment before finally standing up and bowing deeply to Lei Dong: “Brother Ding speaks the absolute truth. Over the years, as my cultivation stagnated, I confess I grew weary and somewhat lax. As you say, even if it is only a faint hope, one must strive for it.” A trace of firm resolve could be detected in his tone.

The two chatted idly while continuing to watch the auction. The subsequent items were mostly ordinary fare—common Fire-attribute celestial treasures, likely fetching only one or two million spirit stones at most. Interspersed among them would be one of the dancing courtesans previously seen, typically selling for anywhere between a million to two million spirit stones.

After a short while, the woman Wu Ji had taken an interest in, Number Eight, was presented. Clearly, many people had set their sights on this woman; the price quickly surpassed that of the previous ones, hitting over two point two million before its ascent slowed, though showing no signs of stopping. Lei Dong genuinely couldn't be bothered to play games with these bidders, so he raised his paddle directly: “Three million spirit stones.”

This bid stunned the entire assembly. The woman was indeed outstanding, but the final sale price rarely exceeded two million five hundred thousand. Three million spirit stones was pure extravagance. Wouldn't it be better to save those spirit stones to buy a few spiritual elixirs? Perhaps with luck, one might even improve their cultivation.

However, it seemed a reckless youth had taken offense and engaged Lei Dong in a duel, hotly standing up to shout three point five million spirit stones, glaring viciously at Lei Dong. If not for the presence of the Nascent Soul auctioneer maintaining order, he might have already sent a flying sword his way.

“Four million spirit stones.” Lei Dong didn’t even spare the youth a second glance before stating the new price.

“Five…” The hothead immediately began to falter, on the verge of shouting five million spirit stones, but seemed to be restrained by his companion. The two glared fiercely at Lei Dong, as if consumed by hatred. Lei Dong felt absolutely nothing regarding the animosity of such people; four million spirit stones or one million spirit stones made no meaningful difference to him.

Wu Ji also gasped, letting out a breath that was half laughter, half exasperation, sending a private message to Lei Dong: “Brother, you must allow your poor brother to owe you quite a few years; otherwise, I fear I cannot repay this so quickly.”

“Then take your time repaying it,” Lei Dong chuckled in return. “I shall set a deadline for you, Brother Wu: you are not permitted to repay these spirit stones until you reach the Nascent Soul stage. Only after you reach Nascent Soul are you allowed to settle the debt.”

“Brother Ding…” Wu Ji was astonished.

“Consider it a gift from me to you, Brother Wu,” Lei Dong said dismissively.

Soon, the Foundation Establishment attendant respectfully brought Woman Number Eight to Lei Dong’s side. The four million spirit stones Lei Dong offered was an exceptionally high price; no one would be foolish enough to keep competing against him. If he decided to walk away from the bidding, wouldn't the current bidder have trapped himself? With a Nascent Soul level cultivator presiding over the auction, no one dared to place a bid and then refuse to pay the stones—that was simply courting death.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, especially under the stern gaze of the deadpan Nascent Soul cultivator, Lei Dong counted four hundred high-grade spirit stones from his storage ring and handed them to the Foundation Establishment attendant. Thus, this auction item officially belonged to Lei Dong. The Nascent Soul cultivator retracted his gaze.

Of course, that Nascent Soul cultivator was only in the early stage. Even his oppressive stare had zero effect on Lei Dong. Lei Dong had slain countless Nascent Soul-level cultivators or demonic beasts of comparable strength. Unless they gathered in a significant force, they were nothing more than clay chickens and pottery dogs to him.

Lei Dong didn't spare Woman Number Eight a second look. He simply addressed her with stern indifference: “From now on, you will follow this Golden Core senior.” Indeed, given Lei Dong’s current strength and status, he had no need to spend spirit stones to purchase a handmaiden. If he wished, he could easily procure hundreds or thousands. Furthermore, in Lei Dong's estimation, although the woman was attractive, she was countless times inferior to his wives; even Gongsun Qing was far more beautiful than her.

The woman silently stood behind Wu Ji, offering no resistance whatsoever. In truth, by offering herself for sale, she had already surrendered control over her fate. All she could pray for now was that the senior she followed was not some monstrously cruel individual, so that her destiny would not be overly bitter.

Having completed this task, Lei Dong’s immediate objective was temporarily satisfied. He was disinclined to listen to how Wu Ji consoled the woman, so he slowly closed his eyes to rest and recuperate his spirit. While listening to the endless stream of items being sold or failing to sell, Lei Dong was actually keeping constant watch on one specific person—that was his true, primary objective for this journey.

Dozens of feet away from Lei Dong sat a masked man: Chen Yun of the Sword Master Sect. He had remained seated the entire time, utterly silent, like a mere spectator.

It wasn't until only a few items remained before the auction’s end that Lei Dong faintly detected a sound wave, seemingly emitted from a distance and falling upon Chen Yun’s ear. Chen Yun’s previously stiff body gave a slight tremor, and his gaze became intensely focused.

“The next item to be auctioned is an exquisite Supreme Fire Spirit Jade,” the Nascent Soul auctioneer stated calmly, but his assistants immediately began extolling its virtues in flowery language. Many cultivators showed expressions of keen interest, clearly indicating that Wu Ji was not the only one targeting this treasure.

Many practiced Fire-attribute cultivation arts, and it was considered a blessing to encounter such an item.

But Lei Dong thought otherwise. Judging from the various subtle cues, Lei Dong was almost certain that the Supreme Fire Spirit Jade was the object desired by the three Demon Generals from the Purgatory Domain: the essence of the Flame Monarch. Lei Dong couldn't help but look closely at the Supreme Fire Spirit Jade from afar with curiosity. It was egg-shaped, possessing a magnificent crimson hue and emitting a dense, fiery glow. Lei Dong was unfamiliar with the Fire Spirit Jade, but he was certain that whatever this item was, it must closely resemble the Supreme Fire Spirit Jade, otherwise it wouldn't be mistaken for it.

As the starting gong sounded, the bidding shot up from the base price of three million spirit stones, quickly surpassing five million, and the speed of the ascent showed no sign of decreasing as it continued to climb. Wu Ji’s eyes were blazing with intensity at this moment. Perhaps this item was still far below his mental ceiling, so he remained still, waiting for the price increase to slow before striking decisively to crush the opponent’s will…RQ