Time flew by, and half a month passed in a flash.

On this day, Zhou Xun was studying an array inside the cultivation room.

Suddenly, a wave of Spiritual Qi fluctuated from the northwest of the cave mansion.

Zhou Xun's heart was stirred, and he put down the jade scroll in his hand, using his Divine Sense to probe the source of the fluctuation.

A Profound Armor Armadillo, its entire body a mix of black and yellow, was bathing in a Spiritual Energy Cluster, causing gusts of violent wind that made the courtyard roar.

Zhou Xun then exited the cultivation room and arrived before the beast cage to protect it.

"Husband!" By the time Zhou Xun came out, Song Yiqing was already there, looking worried.

Zhou Xun held Song Yiqing's hand and patted it gently.

"Don't worry, the armadillo is at the final stage of its breakthrough. As long as it endures this Spiritual Power infusion, it will successfully advance!"

The Spiritual Power Group grew larger, even faintly turning into a mist.

This was a sign that the Spiritual Qi had gathered to the extreme!

The Profound Armor Armadillo within the Spiritual Energy Cluster was emitting a golden light, its body surface forming tiny whirlpools that absorbed the vast Spiritual Qi.

At the same time, its aura was continuously surging.

After an unknown period, the Profound Armor Armadillo's aura suddenly changed, and a wave of Spiritual Power spread out.

Zhou Xun was delighted at this sight.

"It succeeded!"

The violent Spiritual Qi returned to calmness, and the Spiritual Energy Cluster gradually dissipated, leaving only the Profound Armor Armadillo exuding a restrained brilliance.

Its body had more than doubled in size, with golden threads on its body becoming denser and more magnificent!

The Profound Armor Armadillo quickly came to Zhou Xun's side, gently nudging his arm in an affectionate manner, then nudged Song Yiqing.

"Husband, it really... really became a Tier Two Spirit Beast!" Song Yiqing exclaimed excitedly.

A Tier Two Spirit Beast, equivalent to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

The Qingyue Lake Song Family only had two such beasts.

"In future magical combats, it can finally lend a hand!" Zhou Xun thought to himself.

He fetched a Spirit Feeding Pill and tossed it into the mouth of the Profound Armor Armadillo.

The armadillo chewed a few times, then opened its mouth wide, indicating it wanted more.

Zhou Xun remembered that now the armadillo was a Tier Two Demon Beast, and the original Tier One Spirit Feeding Pills were no longer of much use, just like snacks.

"So be it, I'll refine a few furnaces of Tier Two Spirit Feeding Pills for you!"

Zhou Xun patted the Profound Armor Armadillo on its head.

"By the way, husband, there's something I haven't mentioned!" At this moment, Song Yiqing seemed to remember something and pulled out a very exquisite invitation from her sleeve, handing it to Zhou Xun.

"The ten-year auction of White Cloud Immortal City is set to happen in just over a month, and this is an invitation sent by the Immortal City!"

Zhou Xun nodded, took the invitation, and opened it to check.

The invitation also included a list of items to be auctioned.

By notifying in advance, the attendees had enough time to prepare Spirit Stones and bid on their desired treasures.

This helped fetch a high price, benefiting the Immortal City more.

Of course, some changes in the auction list on the actual day would be normal.

Zhou Xun examined the list thoroughly.

Indeed, it was worthy of being the decadal auction of the Immortal City; the list was filled with rare treasures.

Top-Grade Spiritual Artifacts, Tier Two Talismans, Foundation Establishment Pills, Broken Mirror Pills...

Even Zhou Xun, a wealthy Tier Two Middle-Grade Alchemist, was quite envious.

Wang Erniu risked life and limb to acquire "Geng Metal Sharp Qi," which was also on the list.

Alongside, there was also a large number of precious Spirit Medicines, mostly of Gold Attribute, seemingly from Golden Cloud Valley.

Suddenly, Zhou Xun's attention was drawn to an array description:

"Vajra Five Elements Array, Quasi-Third Tier Array, both offensive and defensive!"

Seeing this, Zhou Xun's heart was stirred.

"In a few months, it will be the time to hand over Wangchuan Lake Daoist Field, and I lack a Mountain Protection Array. This Vajra Five Elements Array would be a good choice!"

Zhou Xun murmured to himself.

However, a Quasi-Third Tier Array is already related to Third Realm treasures, so its price would not be low.

Fortunately, he had acquired many Spirit Stones from Sunx Yuanqing, ensuring that purchasing this Vajra Five Elements Array would not be a problem.

After the array, there were top-tier treasures of the cultivation realm that shocked Zhou Xun.

"Talisman Treasure!"

He didn't expect even such treasures to appear.

But this wasn't even the final item!

The final item turned out to be a Core Formation Spiritual Object—Snow Spirit Water!

Though not as precious as the Crystal Condensing Pill, it was still a coveted object for Foundation Establishment Peak Cultivators.

The competition at this auction was bound to be fierce, no doubt about it.

...

White Cloud Immortal City, Cave Mansion No. Jia Three.

The gates that had been shut for a month opened once more.

A young man with a simple appearance walked out, akin to a sword reaching for the sky, attracting attention.

"Congratulations to Daoist Wang on successfully reaching Foundation Establishment, the great path awaits you!" The middle-aged steward congratulated him with cupped hands.

He also presented a congratulatory gift—a bottle of Yuan Condensing Pills!

"The steward is too kind!" Wang Erniu felt slightly embarrassed, still not accustomed to such social interactions.

"I have a close connection with Alchemist Zhou, and he joined White Cloud Immortal City through my introduction. If you're his friend, you're my friend too!"

The middle-aged steward laughed heartily!

As Zhou Xun had brought him personally, he was naturally very courteous.

Zhou Xun was a Tier Two Middle-Grade Alchemist, still young, and cautious in his deeds, ensuring future achievements wouldn't be low.

Thus, whenever he had the chance, he'd find opportunities to show goodwill!

Unfortunately, Zhou Xun was Red Leaf Square Lin Family's son-in-law; otherwise, he would've recruited him under White Cloud Immortal City's banner!

Moreover, the young man before him, with an imposing aura and sharp gaze, even made him, an experienced Foundation Establishment cultivator, slightly wary.

"No wonder he's a friend valued by Alchemist Zhou!"

The middle-aged steward remarked!

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wang Erniu took his leave.

Later, he arrived at Zhou Xun's cave mansion to report his successful Foundation Establishment.

...

Zhou Xun's Cave Mansion, guest hall!

"Big brother, Erniu didn't disappoint you; I've successfully established the foundation as a Sword Cultivator!"

Looking at the young man before him, full of sharpness, Zhou Xun felt sentimental.

The Wang Erniu of the past was so honest and simple, and though his appearance remained the same, his aura was entirely different.

Like a sheathed Treasure Sword, the sharpness hidden within, capable of unleashing astonishing power at any moment!

"Now that we brothers have both achieved Foundation Establishment, it truly is a great occasion in life; we should indulge in a toast!" Zhou Xun laughed heartily, fetched two jars of Spirit Wine, and tossed one directly to Wang Erniu.

He slapped the seal mud off, held the jar by the mouth, and lightly clinked it.

"Cheers!"

After saying this, he drank deeply, a spirited aura rising!

After a long time, Zhou Xun brought up the auction matter.

"The auction only happens once every ten years, showcasing rare treasures from the outside world. Erniu, you'll likely need a considerable amount of precious Spirit Materials for cultivating a Sword, so this auction is a good opportunity; don't miss it!"

"If Spirit Stones aren't enough, just ask big brother. Golden Cloud Valley opened, and my Danhai Pavilion has made quite a lot in these months!"

Zhou Xun laughed heartily.

"I owe you enough, big brother; I cannot take advantage of you any further!"

"Erniu, let me ask, if I were to lack Spirit Stones or treasures and asked you for help, would you lend them to me?"

Zhou Xun asked, looking displeased.

"Naturally, if you ask, big brother, even my life is at your disposal, let alone common goods like Spirit Stones and treasures!" Wang Erniu responded solemnly and with conviction.

"Exactly, we are brothers, no need for such formality; now that you've achieved Foundation Establishment, I will need your help often!"

"As you command, big brother, Erniu will follow to the death!"

The two continued their conversation late into the night before parting.

...

Time flew by, and a month went by quickly.

As the exploration of Golden Cloud Valley concluded, White Cloud Immortal City, once desolate, became lively once more.

The decadal auction was about to commence!

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