Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Timid Are Full of Schemes

When Wang Ran called out that figure, he appeared indifferent on the surface, but in truth, his heart was bleeding. Fifty thousand spirit jades—almost equivalent to the total value of all the Taoist arts he had sold before. Any cultivator would see this as a fortune beyond imagination.

He had no choice, though it pained him. The item was simply too precious, and he was determined to obtain it. To outsiders, Wang Ran, a Nascent Soul cultivator, seemed to be acting on a whim, as he claimed, just to quench his thirst.

After all, Golden Fruit held no benefit for those at the Nascent Soul stage, and he spoke of fifty thousand spirit jades as if they were nothing, further deepening the crowd’s awe of his mysterious power. The hall was shaken, and minds reeled.

“Ding! Congratulations to Host Wang Ran for causing a strong psychological impact among the sect cultivators—awarded ten Dao Points!”

“Ding! Congratulations to Host Wang Ran for causing a strong psychological impact among the sect cultivators—awarded twenty Dao Points!”

Several prompts rang out, but Wang Ran's expression remained unchanged, a faint smile on his lips as he confidently looked at Ye Cang, signaling he could raise the bid at will.

Ye Cang's heart sank. He knew the man's wealth was such that no matter how high he bid, Wang Ran could easily match him. Though anger simmered within him, he dared not show it. His opponent was a Nascent Soul cultivator—among the most powerful in Yun Prefecture. Even his own sect leader was only at Nascent Soul.

The enormous gap between them left Ye Cang feeling powerless. After a moment’s sigh, he accepted his ill fortune and said nothing more.

Huang Huifeng was also stirred; he hadn’t expected the Golden Fruit would fetch a sky-high price of fifty thousand spirit jades, far exceeding his expectations. His desire to befriend Wang Ran grew even stronger.

At that moment, with a resounding “dong,” Huang Huifeng struck the little hammer in his hand. “Congratulations, Senior Chen! Congratulations, Senior Chen! You have acquired the Golden Fruit to quench your thirst—how enviable!”

Upon hearing Huang Huifeng’s words, especially the part about “quenching thirst,” the crowd fell into collective silence. Even Wang Ran blushed momentarily, coughing lightly.

Still, the Golden Fruit now truly belonged to Wang Ran.

Everyone below looked on in envy, their eyes shining as they stared at the Golden Fruit. Some even entertained thoughts of snatching it then and there, but recalling the terrifying power of a Nascent Soul cultivator, those ideas were quickly suppressed.

The strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator was such that no number of Foundation Establishment cultivators combined could pose a threat. At this level, sheer numbers no longer mattered.

Compared to the Golden Fruit, their lives were clearly more precious.

Thus, the auction drew to its close, and Wang Ran emerged as the undisputed winner—not only claiming the Golden Fruit, but also gathering plenty of other spirit tools and Taoist techniques.

As the crowd began to disperse, Ye Cang departed with a dark expression, riding his sword away.

Wang Ran rose as well, intending to leave. But just as he turned, he saw Chen Lie approaching with a smile.

Chen Lie bowed from a distance, respectfully saying, “Senior Chen, please wait. I am Chen Lie of the Purple Cloud Palace. I wonder if you would be interested in visiting our sect?”

Wang Ran was taken aback but kept his composure. “I am a free spirit, wandering the continent. I won't trouble your sect.”

Chen Lie seemed prepared for this, continuing, “Senior, that is not so. Our Purple Cloud Palace is a top-tier sect in Yun Prefecture. If you would grace us with your presence, it would bring honor to our halls.”

Seeing this, Wang Ran sensed Chen Lie had a purpose and replied frankly, “If your sect has something to say, speak plainly. I have no patience for guessing games.”

Chen Lie laughed heartily. “Senior Chen, you are indeed a forthright man. The truth is, your cultivation is extraordinary. Our Purple Cloud Palace is seeking heroes of your caliber. Would you be interested in serving as an elder for us?”

Wang Ran frowned. Purple Cloud Palace was full of experts; serving as an elder could be risky, his identity might be exposed. Even his concealing cloak may not fool the truly powerful.

With this in mind, he feigned displeasure. “Ridiculous! I am an unrivaled sword cultivator, roaming Sword Prefecture for years. No sect has ever been able to keep me. What is your Purple Cloud Palace to me? I have no interest!”

With that, Wang Ran struck a pose of invincible mastery and turned away. Many cultivators nearby were astonished by the scene.

“This Chen Wangran really is extraordinary, not even Purple Cloud Palace can impress him!”

“He is proud and outspoken, his temperament matches that of a sword cultivator exactly!”

“He dares to challenge Purple Cloud Palace because he has the strength to do so!”

“Sigh, Nascent Soul cultivators are so carefree. When will I be able to come and go as freely as he?”

“Chen Wangran… after today, his name will spread throughout Yun Prefecture!”

The crowd buzzed with admiration, moved by Wang Ran’s fearless pursuit of freedom.

Chen Lie was momentarily stunned, then sighed regretfully. “Well, if you were willing to serve as a nominal elder, it wouldn’t hinder your travels. We would grant you one hundred thousand spirit jades as a stipend. Such a pity…”

Though his words were quiet, they made Wang Ran suddenly halt. He turned, coughed lightly, and said, “Truthfully, I am not entirely a wanderer. I have grown weary of the Nine Provinces. Hearing your offer, I find it reasonable. Very well, I shall condescend to serve as your nominal elder for a few years.”

Wang Ran feigned reluctance, but those around couldn’t help but twitch their lips.

Condescend? If it weren’t for hearing about one hundred thousand spirit jades, would he have turned back?

Chen Lie’s eyes widened in disbelief, then his expression turned odd. “Well then, if that is so, it couldn’t be better.”

Wang Ran waved his hand. “Your sect must have many affairs. I won’t impose. Just hand me the stipend now.”

Hearing Wang Ran so bluntly ask for money nearly made Chen Lie collapse, but he gestured to an elderly man beside him. “Elder Sun, deliver Senior Chen’s stipend.”

The old man, Elder Sun, hunched, responded and produced a storage pouch, tossing it to Wang Ran.

Elder Sun was responsible for protecting Chen Lie on his travels, as Chen Lie was the sect’s prodigy and the sect would not risk him traveling alone. Elder Sun was at the Golden Core stage, similar to Huang Huifeng, and so noticed nothing amiss.

He also took out a talisman. “Senior Chen, this is a token between us. If we need to contact you, we will burn this talisman, and you will receive the message.”

Wang Ran nodded, pocketed the money, and calmly bid farewell before departing.

Chen Lie smiled bitterly, saying nothing further. The one hundred thousand spirit jades meant little to Purple Cloud Palace, and to secure Wang Ran’s title was well worth the price.

Even in a powerful sect like Purple Cloud Palace, Nascent Soul cultivators were rare. Wang Ran, now disguised as one, had caused a stir at the auction, and his name would soon echo through Yun Prefecture.

With Wang Ran’s nominal title, Purple Cloud Palace could boast to outsiders that they had gained another Nascent Soul cultivator, increasing their prestige and intimidation.

To Chen Lie, the spirit jades were well spent, and he would even earn rewards upon returning to the sect.

Wang Ran likewise felt it was no loss. He had easily swindled one hundred thousand spirit jades—where else could he find such fortune?

When it came to scheming, Purple Cloud Palace was no match for Wang Ran.

After all, in the world of cultivators, Brother Ran’s cowardice bred cunning!