The scent of the Ignis Beast's eggs hung in the air, an obvious and highly provocative statement that immediately threw the group into disarray. They nearly lost formation entirely under the beast's initial charge. Wu Ji erupted in fury, roaring, "If anyone dares cause further chaos, don't blame me for losing my temper! Fight properly, and no one will miss out on the spoils. Situ Zhennan, for disrupting morale, half of your share of the spoils is forfeited this time."

That aged Situ Zhennan, originally just the ancestor of a minor family, had only managed to scrape his way to the Golden Core stage when he was already quite old. Having lived a life of poverty, he had never witnessed such a clutch of Golden Core level demonic beast eggs. In his excitement, he made a grave misjudgment, nearly causing the entire formation to collapse.

The others hastily pulled their focus back, concentrating their firepower on the Ignis Beast. Although the beast fought with fierce desperation driven by the primal urge to protect its young, it was ultimately no match for superior numbers—two fists are no match for four hands. After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, it finally let out a mournful cry under the onslaught of savage magical artifacts and spells, crashing to the ground, twitching briefly before its strength faded completely.

Seeing that this peak Golden Core Ignis Beast, which normally commanded deep reverence when encountered alone, had finally been slain through their combined efforts, a wave of relief washed over everyone, and cheers erupted involuntarily. Although those with softer hearts, like the Murong sisters, felt a twinge of sympathy for the slain creature, the overwhelming joy of the immense profit that followed washed that faint pity entirely away.

Among the eight combatants, only Situ Zhennan and Gao Fei sustained minor injuries; the others had expended considerable true essence and stamina but suffered virtually no other losses. It could truly be called a near-perfect battle.

"Li Xianxian, your performance in this operation was poor—hesitant and lacking responsibility. Half your spoils are deducted." Before anyone could fully bask in the victory, Wu Ji’s cold voice cut through the air. "The forfeitures from Situ Zhennan and Li Xianxian combine to equal five percent of the total spoils. This five percent will be split equally between the actively engaged Murong sisters and Ding Dong. Does anyone have an objection?"

Though some felt internal resentment and dissatisfaction, Wu Ji's decision was deemed reasonably fair. If someone fought with the timidity of Li Xianxian, prioritizing only their own safety, the very purpose of the team would be negated.

While unwelcome to admit, Ding Dong had indeed displayed exceptional combat prowess and awareness. It could be said that if there were no casualties this time, Ding Dong accounted for at least half the credit; his sharp awareness kept the Ignis Beast nearly immobilized. Strong, truly strong. Most importantly, Wu Ji held undeniable prestige within the group and was the strongest fighter present.

The Murong sisters, meanwhile, had also been extremely active; their true essence was nearly depleted, leaving their faces pale and weak.

Seeing no objections raised, Wu Ji began inventorying the loot under the shimmering gaze of the others. The materials from the Ignis Beast were appraised at three million five hundred thousand spirit stones. That wasn't the main prize; the most valuable assets were the Ignis Beast eggs—three in total, each appraised at six million spirit stones.

Furthermore, a careful search of the Ignis Beast's cavern yielded quite a few fire-attributed heavenly treasures, including many quite rare items, appraised separately at another three million spirit stones. Thus, the total value of the spoils from this operation reached twenty-four million five hundred thousand spirit stones.

For the vast majority of Golden Core cultivators, this figure was astronomical. Even the wealthy Wu Ji’s eyes shone, his smile stretching so wide it seemed impossible to close. Two or three more successes like this, and everyone could head home early.

Following the same rules as when he previously teamed up with Lei Dong, members of the group had the first right to purchase any specific item they desired. Almost everyone’s gaze was fixed upon the three eggs. Even though each egg was valued at six million spirit stones, raising one to the Golden Core level guaranteed returns well worth the investment.

However, no one wanted to be the first to speak up. After a long pause, the Murong sisters finally couldn't resist. Murong Lian spoke first: "According to the rules, we are entitled to eight million one hundred fifty thousand spirit stones from the spoils. We are willing to contribute an additional three million eight hundred fifty thousand spirit stones to acquire two of the Ignis Beast eggs." Although the Ignis Beast was ugly, it was incredibly powerful, especially its flame, which possessed formidable might. If the two sisters each had a Golden Core-level Ignis Beast, their combined strength would more than double. Such a magnificent opportunity, how could the sisters let it slip away?

"I also require an Ignis Beast. By right, I am due three million six hundred eighty thousand spirit stones in spoils; I am willing to add two million three hundred twenty thousand spirit stones to secure one egg," the handsome Chen Yun from the Sword Hero Sect stated, not wishing to be outdone. Outside, purchasing a beast egg of this caliber would cost slightly more overall, not to mention being a matter of luck. No one wanted to miss this chance.

Even the few early-stage Golden Core cultivators showed strong interest, but the price was too high for them to compete effectively.

"I also want an Ignis Beast egg." Wu Ji was equally keen on the item. He stated gravely, "Since the demand exceeds the actual spoils, it indicates that the appraised price of this item has been underestimated. Therefore, we must enter a bidding process. Does anyone object? For the sake of fairness, the price for all three eggs must be uniform. Now, I ask: Six million spirit stones per egg—who wants one?"

As a result, four people, including Wu Ji himself, needed one. Lei Dong, however, held little interest in the creatures. Firstly, he already possessed the advancing Soul-Devouring Shadow Tiger, making this creature largely redundant. Secondly, it was simply too ugly compared to his magnificent Shadow Tiger.

Seeing Lei Dong abstain, the Murong sisters breathed a sigh of relief; otherwise, the price might have been driven up significantly higher.

"Six million five hundred thousand spirit stones each. Who withdraws?" Wu Ji continued his call.

The Murong sisters exchanged glances, gritting their teeth, but refused to back down. Chen Yun considered it for a moment and also declined to withdraw.

"Very well, I will continue as well. Now, seven million each. Who drops out?"

At this price point, it was nearly comparable to the normal market rate outside. Chen Yun and Wu Ji continued to hold their ground. The Murong sisters began to hesitate, as they were now having to spend two million spirit stones more than originally planned. Just as they were debating whether to press their claim further, Murong Lian suddenly received a mental transmission from Lei Dong: You two sisters take one each first. I guarantee you will acquire another one.

The Murong sisters exchanged thoughts and decided to trust Lei Dong. In truth, this price was already pushing the limits of their affordability. Thus, Murong Fu spoke first, "I personally withdraw, but my sister must continue the bid."

"Good, then all three eggs now have owners." Wu Ji also felt a slight relief; continuing the bidding would have forced him to withdraw too. But acquiring this one egg was still a bargain, no matter how he calculated it. As long as resources were invested, cultivating it to the Golden Core stage was certainly achievable. His tone carried a hint of joy. "Next, everyone needs to settle the spirit stones owed. Chen Yun, you owe three million three hundred twenty thousand spirit stones. Murong Lian, you owe..."

After securing an egg, Chen Yun inwardly sneered relentlessly. If it weren't for the foolish notion that whoever obtained the egg would immediately attempt to refine it—a blunder he never expected—he wouldn't have bothered participating in the bidding war at all.

In his estimation, most of these people were already as good as dead.

After the protracted bidding, the three eggs found their respective owners. The remaining smaller items would not be auctioned immediately but would be sold off later, after the team formally disbanded, according to need. Typically, the final transaction prices would be slightly lower than the outside market rate. However, they wouldn't be drastically lower; everyone wanted the chance to grab a bargain or a windfall, and even if they didn't need the item, they could still profit from selling it. If the initial valuation was set too low, the price would inevitably be driven up.

As Wu Ji was summarizing the spoils and recording the data for everyone, a sweet, melodious laugh rang out: "Well, this place seems lively. I wonder if this General can join in on everyone's merriment?"

The voice was somewhat sweet, echoing resonantly throughout the vast cavern.

"Who?" Wu Ji started in alarm, but his expression remained composed as he quickly adopted a respectful demeanor. "This junior is an Elder of the Cloud Mountain Sect from Great Qian Continent. May I ask which clan and which senior has graced us with their presence? Please bestow your name so that this junior may offer due courtesy." He had discerned that the visitor was likely not human, as the bearing in the voice suggested a cultivation level easily matching that of a Nascent Soul expert. Few Nascent Soul humans would refer to themselves as "This General"; they would usually claim modesty or self-reference as "This Venerable One."

"Cloud Mountain Sect? Hmph." The voice giggled. "A sect with no Soul Transformation experts—merely a second-rate little faction." As the laughter subsided, a figure cloaked in crimson light descended out of nowhere, hovering about ten feet before the group. A serpentine crimson tail writhed in the air, while the upper body resembled a devastatingly alluring and sensual beauty from the human race. "Hiss~" Wu Ji sucked in a sharp breath, his heart sinking; it was a Demon General from the Purgatory Fire Serpent Clan. Moreover, he felt he had seen her somewhere before—she looked remarkably familiar. Of course, facing such a supreme expert, Wu Ji dared not question or slight her in the least. He bowed respectfully, "It turns out the senior from the Crimson Refined Divine Serpent Clan has arrived. Senior's timing is impeccable; this junior and the others have just secured a modest haul, worth nearly twenty million spirit stones. We implore the senior to accept this small token of our respect, and not refuse our offering." Wu Ji was clearly a seasoned veteran of the cultivation world, possessing terrifying awareness; this Crimson Refined Fire Serpent woman could, if she wished, obliterate his entire group of eight without leaving a trace.

"Hee hee hee," the figure chuckled coquettishly, casting a seductive glance. "I rather admire you brute-types. How about it? Why don't you follow this General from now on?"

Wu Ji’s face was deathly pale, yet he forced a dry laugh. "Senior is joking. This junior is an Elder of the Cloud Mountain Sect; how could I—Pfft—" Before he could finish his protest, a blast of finger energy struck his chest, causing him to vomit a mouthful of blood and fly backward. Yet, after being struck so violently, he didn't dare retaliate.

"Brat, you refuse respect when it's offered." A fierce glint flashed in Chi Wei's eyes.

The others shivered uncontrollably, their legs trembling so violently they dared not even draw a full breath.