After some time, the cultivators began involving themselves in the bidding of the pill. However where the mortals had been offering prices in the currency of gold coins, the cultivators began offering essence stones.
Although the quantity was much less than that of the gold coins, the value far exceeded anything that could be bought with gold coins.
Bai Rouyun could not help but raise an eyebrow in surprise when she heard the lavish prices being shouted out. Initially, she had not cared much about the pill's final price; however, now, things were different.
Essence stones were something she had always lacked in her past life. The major factions occupied the essence stone veins, and only if you belonged to one could you get your hands on them.
The essence stones that Bai Rouyun had gotten in her past life were remnant stones that had been left in tombs and graves, and what she could get through trading her treasures.
Now the factions were offering hundreds of them for a pill that had been created by her. While it was not easily created, it had not been too difficult of a feat either, and she was capable of creating even more of these pills.
While it was tempting for her to create a couple more pills and auction them, she understood that she should not do that.
First of all, she was unwilling for the factions who had once hunted her to benefit from her pills.
Secondly, she had given the formulas to Li Moyun for him to strengthen the Eternal Shadow Palace. If she then created many of these pills and spread them out, then their advantage would become much smaller.
Bai Rouyun was also worried that if the factions knew of her identity, then they might band together to eradicate the Eternal Shadow Palace. They could use her power as an incentive to make the others interested in attacking.
Ancient pill formulas were extinct, and if one faction suddenly got hold of these treasures, then the rest would do their utmost to get a share of the pie. If the Eternal Shadow Palace had these items and refused to share, then a war might break out.
"One thousand essence stones!" the voice belonged to the Elder who had come on behalf of the Undying Sword Sect.
This was one of the major sects in the entire continent, and not many dared to bid after him.
Although there were two other factions with an equal amount of power and reputation as the Undying Sword Sect, they had to consider if it was worth it to make an enemy out of them for the sake of a pill.
The Elder seemed to understand that others were hesitating on whether or not they should bid, and he decided to release a promise that his Sect Master had conveyed to him beforehand.
"We, the Undying Sword Sect, do not plan on keeping the Marrow-Cleansing Pill for ourselves. The Indomitable Will Sect and the Dragon Rising Sect will have their chief alchemists invited to come and analyze the pill alongside our team."
Initially, the Undying Sword Sect did have plans of keeping the pill for themselves. However, they knew that it might be counterproductive, and that they might not be able to keep it within their hands if they did so. Their Sect Master was a shrewd old fox, and he knew how to manipulate others.
Hearing his promise, the Indomitable Will Sect and the Dragon Rising Sect both felt pleased and nodded their heads, making their stance clear. Although they would not be the owners of this pill, their alchemist masters would still benefit from the analysis, and thus their Sect would gain without having to pay out.
The Elder smiled slightly as he saw that the pill was on the way into their Sect's pockets, and just as he was about to thank the other experts, a languid voice sounded out.
"Fifteen hundred essence stones."
The voice was not unfamiliar to the Elders, even Bai Rouyun recognized it right away, but she was somewhat perplexed. Why would Li Moyun bid on a pill like this? He already had the formula, and could create as many pills as he wanted, for a much cheaper price.
The Elder of the Undying Sword Sect was also feeling frustrated. He followed the voice, and all the threatening words he had been about to spit out were hastily swallowed back down. Who would have thought that the bidder would be The Eternal Shadow Lord?
"This pill should go to the righteous path," the Elder of the Undying Sword Sect said, as he tried to calm his anger. "I have already said what needs to be said; I will bid sixteen hundred essence stones."
Li Moyun snickered when he saw that the Elder was angered, and just as he was about to raise the price once again, he felt a soft and gentle hand press on his arm.
He looked confusedly at Bai Rouyun, only to see her shake her head in exasperation.
Why waste such a large amount of money on their own items? He might be a rich young man, but to her, essence stones should never be wasted like this.
Li Moyun was confused at first when he saw her stopping him, but after considering her background, his heart ached as he understood where she was coming from.
Li Moyun had his own essence stone vein, and could extract as many of them as he needed, but she had never been rich.
Even in this life, where she had been reborn, wealth was something that was foreign to her.
Feeling pain in his heart whenever he thought about it, he gently reached out his hand and caressed her head above the cloak. His eyes turned tender and soft, and he retreated from the bidding.