CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 143 PIG-RIDING GIRL_2

"Enough talk! Let’s drive out the Demon Clan quickly so we can return sooner. Wasting time here is incredibly dull."

"Besides, the little darlings of Hundred Dragon Pond have suffered considerable losses recently. It’s time they were let loose."

"What more is there to say? Let’s go already."

Watching the four hot-tempered elders charge toward the Demon Clan’s main camp, Hua Jiu’s face darkened. They’re all the type who won’t commit unless they see a clear advantage.

Wudao Tian, at her side, remarked dryly, "Stop complaining. It’s quite good that they’re willing to help defend. Your primary marital ally, Triple Sect, was nearly wiped out; it’s already a feat that you can preserve yourselves."

Hua Jiu’s expression dimmed. Wudao Tian was right. Flower Fairy Valley’s greatest marital ally, Triple Sect, was gone. Their strongest backing had vanished. If Flower Fairy Valley couldn’t forge ties with the Myriad Beasts Sect this time, preserving their heritage would be uncertain.

However, since Wudao Tian was willing to give Die Luowu an entire Immortal City, perhaps something can be worked out, Hua Jiu mused.

The Immortal Cities displayed at the auction were all minor ones, not the kind the Fifth-Layer Heavenly Immortals had spoken of.

Chen Jiuge had watched the entirety of this unique Immortal City auction. The bids, reaching into the billions of Spirit Stones, made him acutely aware that he was still just a pauper.

「...」

"Eh, Insect Master? What brings you here?" Just after planting the Holy Spirit Fruit Tree within his Personal Grotto Heaven Magic Treasure, Chen Jiuge spotted Chong Xiaochong arriving for a visit.

The usually vivacious Chong Xiaochong said with a hint of awkwardness, "I’m here to buy a Spiritual Beast from Senior Brother."

It’s all Senior Sister’s fault! She said there would be high-quality Spiritual Beasts at the auction, but these prices are outrageous! And Senior Sister is broke too, even though she’s a True Disciple! This is so embarrassing! Chong Xiaochong lamented internally.

Chen Jiuge was unaware of Chong Xiaochong’s inner turmoil, assuming instead that the girl was nervous about being in a strange male cultivator’s cave mansion.

Pleased at the prospect of a returning customer, Chen Jiuge was elated.

He personally brewed a cup of Spiritual Tea and asked, "Junior Sister Chong, what level of Spiritual Beast are you looking for? And why hasn’t your Senior Sister joined you?"

"Senior Brother Chen, Senior Sister was called away by an Elder. I want a Spiritual Beast with high potential, ideally with strength comparable to my own," Chong Xiaochong stated her requirements.

"What price range can you accept?" Chen Jiuge pondered. He had cultivated few Spiritual Beasts at the Divinity Transformation level. While he had some, their potential was very high, and they weren’t cheap. If Junior Sister Chong’s pockets aren’t deep, she’ll have to settle for one at the Nascent Soul level.

"The best ones," Chong Xiaochong said, confidently patting her Storage Ring.

Hmph! Senior Sister gave me 100,000 Top Grade Spirit Stones, and with my own savings, that’s 200,000 Top Grade Spirit Stones in total. Surely I can afford a Spiritual Beast? Chong Xiaochong was brimming with confidence; having Spirit Stones truly straightened one’s spine.

Chen Jiuge looked at Chong Xiaochong skeptically. Her confident demeanor made him wonder if he had misjudged her. Could she be a wealthy young lady in disguise?

「...」

Filled with excitement, Chen Jiuge led Chong Xiaochong into his Personal Grotto Heaven.

This place housed the finest batch of Spiritual Beasts he had cultivated since arriving in the Great Thousand Worlds, peerless in both strength and potential.

Seeing the rare Spiritual Beasts darting past, Chong Xiaochong flinched slightly. Seriously? Senior Brother Chen, aren’t you exaggerating just a tad? Can I actually afford any of these?

SLURP!

A Fire God Colt licked Chong Xiaochong, causing her to stumble.

Chen Jiuge kicked the Fire God Colt aside. "Junior Sister, are you alright? These Spiritual Beasts rarely encounter people. The bolder ones tend to be quite mischievous."

Chong Xiaochong replied, her face stiff, "I’m fine. Senior Brother, how many Spirit Stones for that Fire God Colt?"

"That one? It possesses a rather high-grade Bloodline, nearing the Immortal Beast level—even stronger than the Golden Crystal Green-eyed Beast from the auction. But since we’re all from the Heavenly Realm, I’ll give you a discount, Junior Sister: 800,000 Top Grade Spirit Stones will do," Chen Jiuge announced grandly.

"Eight... 800,000... Top Grade Spirit Stones?" Chong Xiaochong asked faintly.

"Yep! If you think that’s too little, there are even better ones. See that Martial Mouse over there? That’s a Spiritual Beast even our Eldest Senior Brother fancies! While it may not possess the strongest Bloodline among Martial Mice, it’s a creature active during ancient times. Only 1,000,000 Top Grade Spirit Stones!" Chen Jiuge said, practically spraying saliva with his enthusiasm.

"Cough, cough... Senior Brother, could I contact my Senior Sister first? She adores Spiritual Beasts more than anyone. I’d like her to see them too," Chong Xiaochong stammered.

Chen Jiuge assumed Chong Xiaochong was simply awestruck by the sight of such magnificent Spiritual Beasts. Feeling rather smug, he permitted her to contact her sister.

Before long, Die Luowu rushed in.

Gazing at the array of rare Spiritual Beasts, even Die Luowu’s usually cool composure wavered, a hint of embarrassment on her face. "Senior Brother Chen, excuse me, but what’s the price of your most affordable Spiritual Beast?"

"The most affordable?" Chen Jiuge stared at Die Luowu, astonished. Didn’t her Junior Sister, Chong Xiaochong, just insist on seeing the very best? Yet you, a True Disciple, are asking for the cheapest?

Though bewildered, Chen Jiuge still brought out a dingy, plump pig.

"This here is the Ruishui River Pig." Pointing at a sooty-black piglet, Chen Jiuge explained, "Don’t be fooled by its appearance. Its Bloodline is by no means inferior to other Spiritual Beasts. Its abilities are just a bit more... specialized, and its looks are somewhat lacking. That’s why it’s cheaper—only 400,000 Top Grade Spirit Stones."

Once he finished his introduction, Chen Jiuge noticed the two disciples from Flower Fairy Valley huddled together, whispering.

"Senior Sister, what should we do? 400,000! I don’t have that many Spirit Stones!" Chong Xiaochong exclaimed, her face a mask of distress.