Chapter Thirty: Is There Really Such Good Fortune?

In the city, on a cobblestone path, Wang Ran strolled leisurely. The dazzling sunlight bathed the vibrant green tiles and red walls around him, with the sharp eaves jutting out and shop banners fluttering high above. The bustling traffic and the continuous stream of pedestrians all spoke of the prosperity of Falling Cloud City. Occasionally, cultivators could be seen soaring through the sky on their swords, adding a touch of dreaminess to the scene.

Many passersby glanced curiously at Wang Ran, scrutinizing his attire, yet none approached him for conversation, all hurriedly passing by. It was evident that everyone on this street shared a common goal: heading to the auction center!

Within Falling Cloud City stood Falling Cloud Pavilion, the most bustling spot in the entire city, and this auction event was to be held there. Along the way, disciples from various sects and many rogue cultivators chatted and laughed, making their way to Falling Cloud Pavilion together. Wang Ran, amidst the crowd, ambled along, casually observing the scenery around him.

Before long, a wide and tall hall came into view, already crowded with numerous cultivators. This auction had garnered significant attention among nearby sects, as it was said that the items for auction were filled with treasures, and each cultivator was eager and well-prepared for the bidding. At the auction, everything was determined by financial power. Wang Ran had come prepared, possessing not only the spirit jade acquired from the underground ruins but also many techniques that could be sold for spirit jade, ensuring he had ample financial resources.

Techniques in this world were the most extraordinary things; they could be cultivated or traded. They were divided into two types: practical and cultivation types. Practical techniques could not enhance one's cultivation level but could aid in personal combat strength. For example, Wang Ran's Conqueror's Haki could not increase his cultivation but served as an attack method. Practical techniques were usually insights gained personally, and once understood, only the individual could wield them. However, one could also choose to forgo the insight and solidify their technique using the energy of the heavens, engraving it on a scroll to transfer it to others.

This led to a gradual formation of trade among techniques. It was common for powerful cultivators to enter seclusion for comprehension, and if they grasped a technique they did not desire, they would solidify it, record it, and sell it to others. The other type of cultivation technique, in contrast, could be used to enhance one’s cultivation level; in simple terms, it referred to cultivation methods. However, there was a distinction between ordinary cultivation methods and innate cultivation methods. The innate cultivation method was what an insight practitioner comprehended during their foundational building. Once confirmed for study, it became the cultivation method followed by the cultivator for their entire life.

Thus, innate cultivation methods were crucial. A highly potential innate method could enable a cultivator to progress further along their path, which is why prodigies like Zhao Xiaobai hesitated to build their foundation, constantly choosing to forgo it in search of a stronger innate technique. These innate techniques could not be recorded or solidified; if the practitioner chose to abandon them, they would truly dissipate into the heavens and earth.

Similarly, once a cultivator confirmed their understanding, only they could wield it; no one else could cultivate it, which is why Wang Ran boldly claimed to have grasped the Ten Star Technique without fear of envy from powerful cultivators. Because innate techniques... could not be stolen!

In contrast, ordinary techniques were not so complicated. Like practical techniques, they could be recorded, passed down to future generations, or gifted to others. Opportunities for comprehension were everywhere; perhaps one day, a cultivator passing through a forest might suddenly feel inspired and gain insight into a technique. However, if that technique were relatively useless or trivial to them, they would sell it to those in need.

The techniques Wang Ran obtained from the ruins were all solidified records, presumably meant for passing down within the sect. However, given the dilapidated state of the Thirteen Towers of the Azure Sea, it was likely that their sect no longer existed, allowing Wang Ran to benefit from these techniques. Since he had no use for them, he could sell them at Falling Cloud City's auction and exchange them for spirit jade.

As Wang Ran approached, Falling Cloud Pavilion appeared even more magnificent in his view. A tall building with three stories, the first floor was spacious and crowded with many cultivators, creating a noisy atmosphere. The sides were filled with stalls showcasing various items, including techniques and spirit artifacts. Wang Ran, intrigued, continued forward, feeling as though this first floor resembled a marketplace with numerous shops.

As he walked, a high platform suddenly appeared ahead, gathering a crowd. On the platform stood a burly man, glaring fiercely, clad in shining golden armor, exuding an extraordinary presence. Beside him stood a shifty-eyed middle-aged man, exuding shrewdness, who began to speak confidently from the platform.

“Fellow cultivators, I am Huang Huifeng, the chief military advisor of Falling Cloud City and the person in charge of Falling Cloud Pavilion. It is our honor to have you visit us from afar, elevating the prestige of our city.”

“Before the auction begins, let me present to you one of the treasures we have prepared for auction, the Falling Cloud Armor!”

He gestured toward the armor worn by the burly man and continued, “This armor was unexpectedly obtained during the extermination of mountain bandits. Its origins are unknown, and lacking a name, we have named it Falling Cloud.”

“This armor is one of the highlights of this auction, exceptionally sturdy with strong defensive capabilities. After our tests, it is at least a sixth-grade spirit artifact!”

“It is well-known that spirit artifacts above the fifth grade are rare, especially defensive types, making this sixth-grade Falling Cloud Armor a priceless find. It is unlikely that even Golden Core cultivators can withstand it. If auctioned, it will surely fetch over ten thousand spirit jade.”

As Huang Huifeng's words fell, a wave of astonishment rippled through the crowd of cultivators.

“It's actually a sixth-grade defensive spirit artifact!”
“This spirit artifact is incredibly precious!”

“The key is its defensive power; even Golden Core cultivators are helpless against it!”
“So, if someone obtains it, they can walk unharmed below the Nascent Soul stage?”
“That's terrifying; this is definitely a life-saving artifact!”
“It seems Falling Cloud City has invested heavily in promoting this auction.”

People buzzed with excitement, and Wang Ran couldn't help but take a few more glances, realizing that these two were promoting the auction items. Just then, someone in the crowd suddenly stood up, full of skepticism, exclaiming, “Is that true? You can’t just say it; you need to show us!”

As soon as he spoke, others chimed in.
“Yeah, is it true?”
“Is this armor really as amazing as you say?”
“Are you just bragging?”

The noise grew louder. On the platform, Huang Huifeng smiled at the commotion and pointed to the burly man beside him. “If you don’t believe it, you can come up and try it yourself. Feel free to use your strongest attacks; if anyone can injure him, I will immediately gift this armor to you, no joke!”

As his words echoed, the surrounding cultivators were instantly excited, their eyes shining with anticipation. Even Wang Ran, who had initially planned to leave, paused, his expression turning oddly thoughtful.

Anyone who could injure him would receive this armor?
My goodness, such a good deal!?