Laughing at the Mortal World: How to Save a Cabbage with Long Legs

Chapter 98 Laughing at the Mortal World: How to Save a Cabbage with Long Legs

In the afternoon, after Jing Hongchen dispersed the crowd, Lin Dong walked out of the villa area wearing a black robe, knowing that being recognized would cause him a lot of trouble.

As soon as I entered Xuan Ziwen's office, I saw that he and Lin Jiayi were already waiting there. As usual, I analyzed the core formation with them.

After hearing Lin Dong's explanation, Xuan Ziwen smiled excitedly:

"With your explanation, I should be able to upgrade the formation to level four. I really owe you a lot."

"In that case, I'll be going now, Teacher Xuan?"

Seeing Lin Dong's anxious departure, Xuan Ziwen couldn't help but ask:

"You little rascal, if you ask me, how long has it been since you practiced using soul tools? You have such strong talent for soul tools, I really can't bear to see you waste it."

Upon hearing this, Lin Dong subconsciously replied, "Teacher Xuan, the dean seems to have said that he would give me a set of soul tools that I made myself. But I can't calm down, so I won't waste my time on soul tools. I'm more suited to cultivation."

Seeing Lin Dong's serious expression, Xuan Ziwen frowned but ultimately didn't say anything more. This was Lin Dong's own business, and he had no right to interfere. Besides, given Lin Dong's current status, it was still uncertain who would be in charge.

While Lin Dong said this, he had his own thoughts in mind:

While constantly busy escaping, becoming stronger, and seeking revenge on the Tianxuan Continent, he hadn't had time to calmly study the art of weapon crafting. Now that his cultivation was on track, the art of weapon crafting could not only improve his strength but also hone his mental power.

Given that the Sun and Moon Empire is said to have no shortage of rare metals, and with his Devouring Ancestral Symbol and the Blade of Life Watch, plus the successful conversion of Yuan Power, he will undoubtedly be able to bring a touch of traditional fantasy to the Sun and Moon Empire's soul tool technology.

However, although the Yuan energy was successfully converted, he remembered that in Tianxuan, only spirit talisman masters could begin refining weapons after condensing their spiritual fire. But this continent seemed to be several levels lower than Tianxuan.

If we use the two powerful tools, the Ancestral Symbol and the Blade of Guardianship, although it's unlikely we'll be able to create a spiritual treasure, we might be able to manually craft some low-level soul tools, saving us the trouble of carving the core array and other complicated operations.

Seeing Lin Dong deep in thought, Lin Jiayi said in a rather polite manner:

"Hehe, Lin Dong, now that we've finished asking, we won't delay your cultivation any longer. You're the Dean and Elder Kong's darling now, so go ahead and do your work."

Lin Dong didn't hesitate any longer after hearing this, nodded and smiled, "Okay, teacher, director, then I'll be going now."

After the two nodded, Lin Dong walked straight out of the office.

Unexpectedly, they bumped into a sleepy-eyed girl at the door. She had long, smooth black hair and looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old.

What is most striking is her flawless, white skin, as white as mutton fat jade. Her delicate skin has no visible pores, and it looks as if you could squeeze water out of it if you pinched it.

The form-fitting school uniform perfectly accentuated her beautiful figure. She didn't react at all to the collision with Lin Dong, just pouting without saying anything.

Lin Dong glanced at her indifferently, and seeing that she didn't seem to intend to make things difficult for him, he didn't bother to argue and headed straight for his residence.

After all, he still had some ideas he was eager to put into practice. The sleepy-eyed orange looked at the boy's departing figure, seemingly puzzled: Is this a new student the teacher recruited?

But she was very tired and didn't have much time to think about these things. She shook her head somewhat blankly and slowly walked into the office.

After leaving Xuan Ziwen's office, Lin Dong headed straight for Mingde Hall, where Jing Hongchen's office was located at the very back.

As the academy's current star, Lin Dong walked unimpeded into Jing Hongchen's office. Seeing that Jing Hongchen was already prepared, Lin Dong smiled and said:

"Dean, I've come today to request some things from you. I have some ideas to conduct experiments and need some materials. After thinking it over, I realized that you are the most suitable person to contact."

Jing Hongchen asked with some surprise, "Oh? You little rascal, you actually ask me for things? Just tell me, and I'll give you anything that exists in this world."

Seeing his magnanimity, Lin Dong smiled faintly:

"Dean, you're too kind. I'm not so ungrateful. I'm looking for a furnace that can convert power into flames. Do you have any ideas?"

Seeing Jing Hongchen deep in thought, Lin Dong couldn't help but wonder if his idea was feasible, since Master Cheng had used spiritual fire to refine weapons back then.

However, given his current mental strength, it is clearly impossible for him to complete this operation, so he will probably have to rely on something like a cauldron.

After thinking for a long time, Jing Hongchen slowly spoke:

"Hmm... If I recall correctly, there will be an auction at the Mingdu Auction House tonight. I saw the auction list a few days ago, and there might be something you want there. As for the funds, the card I gave you will be enough."

Lin Dong nodded with some delight after hearing this: "Then thank you very much, Dean."

Seeing Lin Dong about to turn and leave, Jing Hongchen quickly called out to him:

"Wait, Xiaomeng and her brother also have their eyes on the items at the auction. I'll have them go with you."

Lin Dong paused for a moment after hearing this, then nodded: "Then I'll go directly to them, so I won't trouble the dean to make a special trip."

"That works too. Should we send a guard or something?"

Lin Dong smiled and waved his hand after hearing this: "There shouldn't be any need for that. In Mingdu, everyone is their bodyguard."

Hearing this, Jing Hongchen couldn't help but chuckle:

"You little rascal, you really know how to talk. Well then, have fun, and don't worry about the money."

"Thank you very much, Dean."

Seeing Lin Dong turn and leave, Jing Hongchen's expression returned to calm, and she whispered to the waiter beside her:

"Go and tell the people at Mingdu Auction House to make preparations. Tell them to be smart and not let some brainless idiots ruin their fun."

"Yes."

It was evening.

Lin Dong was about to go out to find Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen when, as soon as he opened the door, he saw the two standing behind him. Xiao Hongchen gave him a sincere smile and put her arm around his shoulder.

"Lin Dong, it's been so long since we last met! You're back, why didn't you come looking for this genius on your own initiative? Why do I have to come looking for you?"

Lin Dong slapped away the hand that was reaching for his shoulder and glared at him irritably:

"Don't touch me. I've told you countless times that I'm not interested in men."

Xiao Hongchen, completely unfazed by the teasing in his tone, replied casually:

"I never said I was interested in you. This genius just thinks that being friends with you seems pretty good."

Lin Dong looked at the sincere smile on his face with astonishment, seemingly not expecting this usually arrogant guy to say such a thing.

Noticing Lin Dong's strange gaze, Xiao Hongchen blushed slightly and coughed lightly, scolding:

"It's all Zhou Xinghao's fault. What a terrible idea he came up with! He said that this would disrupt your Dao heart so that I could speed up my cultivation and catch up with you."

Meng Hongchen couldn't help but laugh, "You two, something feels... off about you?"

Both of them turned around at the same time and vehemently denied it: "I'm not interested in men!"

Under Meng Hongchen's teasing gaze, the two deliberately kept their distance, but Meng Hongchen, caught in the middle, couldn't help but break the silence:

"Lin Dong, why did you ask Grandpa for a furnace? What can that thing be used for, to refine metals?"

Seemingly surprised that she had hit the nail on the head, Lin Dong paused for a moment and then nodded.

Meng Hongchen asked with some surprise, "I remember you're not a fire elementalist, right? What use would you have for that thing? And... I have to remind you."

Those rare metals are rarely easily smelted by a Soul Master's flames; otherwise, Soul Tools wouldn't need to have core formations inscribed on them.

Lin Dong asked curiously after hearing this, "Why, are these rare metals very hard?"

Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes, somewhat speechless, her blue eyes flickering slightly:

"Of course, otherwise not only would all fire-attribute soul masters be able to easily become top-tier soul masters, but the power of defensive soul tools would also be greatly reduced."

After listening to her explanation, Lin Dong nodded: "I only have some ideas, but I haven't experimented with them yet. Let's talk about it after we get our hands on the furnace."

"it is good."

Seeing his younger sister's obedient appearance, Xiao Hongchen narrowed his eyes slightly, grabbed Meng Hongchen, and pulled her aside:

"Dream, go over there. I haven't seen him in a long time. Let's catch up."

Seeing Xiao Hongchen's wary gaze, Lin Dong knew what he was worried about, but he was also pleased with it. He smiled calmly and didn't say anything.

Looking at Lin Dong, who showed no reaction, Xiao Hongchen couldn't help but wonder:

Wait a minute, whether this kid is faking it or not, he'll be at a disadvantage in a dream. This is really bad.

While Xiao Hongchen was inwardly scratching his head in frustration, Meng Hongchen had already taken a light step behind the two of them, arriving on Lin Dong's other side, and looked at him with a smile, asking:

"Lin Dong, is the cauldron you want a pill-refining furnace, or an ordinary cauldron?"

Lin Dong replied without hesitation, "Ordinary is enough. I don't have high requirements for this furnace."

"I see. That's quite common. If it's a pill-refining furnace, I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Grandpa and Elder Kong to ask for help. After all, pills are state-controlled, but ordinary people can't make them anyway."

Having just finished contemplating, Xiao Hongchen looked at the sight of his own cabbage growing long legs and was at a loss for what to do.

The three of them soon arrived at the entrance of the Mingdu Auction House. Looking at the magnificent building in front of him, Lin Dong couldn't help but marvel at the wealth and power of Sun and Moon.

This Mingdu Auction House looks much more impressive than the Xingluo Auction House, no wonder the dean said not to worry about money.

With the two human-shaped signposts, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, and with Jing Hongchen's prior instructions, the three of them had just arrived at the door when a respectful waiter came to greet them.

With a highly professional smile on his face, he said, "Three distinguished guests, please come with us. We will arrange a private room for you."

Xiao Hongchen nodded calmly. As a young master of Mingde Hall, he was used to the attitude of these people.

The waiter glanced at the three of them out of the corner of his eye, and upon seeing Lin Dong's calm expression, he inwardly exclaimed in amazement:

Although we don't know the identity of this young master, judging from his demeanor, he subtly surpasses the grandson of the Red Dust Hall Master. We must be extremely cautious now.

I'm currently reading the error-free version! This is the first time I've published this novel.

Led by a waiter, the three arrived at a private room marked "1" on the door. After the waiter opened the door himself, the three entered.

After sitting down on the sofa, the waiter activated his soul power, and the 64-inch soul guidance screen lit up instantly, seemingly much more convenient than Xingluo's.

Then, bowing to the three of them, he slowly began to speak:

"Distinguished guests, I am your waiter, just call me Xiao Tang. Our auction will begin in five minutes. VIP room number one offers complimentary customized dining service. Our chefs are among the finest in the empire. Would you be interested?"

The three exchanged glances, and Lin Dong looked at him and smiled, "Do you have any food that can enhance physical strength?"

The waiter, somewhat pleased, replied, "Of course! Our recently acquired 3,000-year-old Iron Fist Tiger is an excellent material for nourishing the body. There are only three in the entire auction. Shall I have someone bring you one?"

Seeing Lin Dong nod, the waiter turned to Xiao Hongchen and the other man and respectfully asked, "What would you two like to do?"

Xiao Hongchen replied indifferently, "I'm the same as him, a three-thousand-year-old Iron Fist Tiger. I can't lose to him."

Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes at him and said softly:

"I want a three-thousand-year-old soft-boned rabbit. Remember to stew it until it's very tender; it won't taste good if it's not soft. Also, no cilantro."

"Yes!" the waiter replied, then gave the order into the voice transmission device:

"Did you all hear that? Hurry up!"

Before the auction officially began, the three portions of food were delivered to the three of them as quickly as possible. They ate while looking at the auction items on the soul guide screen.

The soul tools and medicinal herbs that are extremely precious to ordinary people did not arouse any interest in the three of them, until a medicinal herb appeared.

"Distinguished guests, this five-thousand-year-old Pure Spirit Tranquil Orchid, once ingested, allows one to achieve complete mental concentration for two hours. Of course, there is also a side effect, namely, difficulty concentrating for the following three days."

This item can be used when you need to concentrate fully on something. After taking it, the user can focus intently on the task at hand, greatly improving their control over their mental energy. We call it the Absolute Domain.

This item has special effects and almost negligible side effects. Our auction house's herb-gathering team went through great lengths to obtain three plants, which were then bound together.

Starting bid: 150,000 Gold Soul Coins!

This item is a divine artifact for Soul Masters. This absolute domain can greatly increase the success rate of engraving core formations, but its price of 150,000 is enough to make ordinary people hesitate.

However, quite a few people were still very interested in it and directly called out the price:

"160,000 Gold Soul Coins!"

Lin Dong looked at the herbs on the soul guidance screen, a flicker of emotion flashing in his eyes, and said softly:

"170,000 Gold Soul Coins".

Upon hearing this, the audience fell silent instantly. That was the number one auction box, where, apart from members of the royal family, there were also powerful figures with immense influence in the empire. Only a fool would bid against them.

Lin Dong only made one bid in the end and successfully won the three Qingling Anhun Orchids. Seeing that he would not speak again, the waiter lowered his head and waited for his next instruction.

As the auction progressed, Lin Dong's main purpose for this trip was brought to the forefront.

A cauldron with a bluish-green hue was carried up. The cauldron was quite robust, exuding a calm and steady aura. Lifelike flame totems were painted on its surface.

As they slowly rotated, these flame totems seemed to pulsate as if they were real, and subtly gave the impression that energy was gathering around the cauldron.

Looking at the furnace in front of him, Lin Dong had no doubt that with this item, he could greatly increase his success rate in refining weapons.

The auctioneer's sweet voice slowly rang out at this moment:

"Distinguished guests, you can all tell that this furnace is of a high quality, but because its practicality is so low, it has not generated any profit for the seller who created it."

Instead, it caused him to squander his fortune, and now he has to sell his most prized works to have more funds for further research and to maintain his basic survival needs.

Starting bid for this item: 500,000 Gold Soul Coins!

At such an exorbitant price, to buy a furnace that has no known purpose, let alone lack of money, even if one had the money, no one would do such a foolish thing.

The seller behind the scenes was an old man with messy hair. He nervously rubbed his fingers together. His father was a blacksmith, and after inheriting his father's craft, he dedicated his life to the furnace.

Although he was not very familiar with soul tools and core formations, he taught himself the basic knowledge of soul tools because of his passion for them, and used all of it to forge the furnace.

This cauldron was the culmination of his hard work, hammering it out one hammer blow at a time. He wouldn't have put it up for sale if he hadn't been so desperate for food.

However, under these circumstances, not a single person made a bid, and the old man suddenly looked much older.

Just as he was lost in thought, a calm bid came from the mysterious VIP room number one:

"Five hundred and one thousand!"

Upon hearing this, the old man's cloudy eyes suddenly lit up. Being valued by the important figure in VIP room number one was enough to show that his lifelong passion was not something worthless that everyone else had discarded.

He was so excited that his eyes turned red.

No one in the audience dared to utter a word in response to Lin Dong's bid. No matter how confused they were, they could only keep their thoughts to themselves. They simply couldn't afford to offend such a powerful figure!

Seeing that no one was bidding, Lin Dong stopped talking. The perseverance of the person who forged the furnace was indeed moving.

The old man who sold the furnace cauldron grabbed the hand of the waiter beside him, his voice trembling with excitement:

"Could you please introduce me to that person? I'd like to see which sir has such good judgment that he can give me hope to continue."

The waiter shook his head with a troubled expression after hearing this:

"I'm sorry, but our auction house has rules that the information of sellers and buyers cannot be disclosed, let alone the important person in Box Number One. I cannot bear this responsibility."

Upon hearing this, the old man's eyes flashed with an undisguised disappointment, and he nodded dejectedly.

Seeing that he had obtained the cauldron, Lin Dong was eager to leave, but Meng Hongchen gave him a speechless glare.

"What are you doing? I still have things to buy, and you're already in such a hurry to leave? You said you'd surprise us when you got back, but you won't even stay with us for a little while. Humph, as expected, you're just all talk."

Hearing her string of resentful words, Lin Dong gave a helpless twitch of his lips:

"Okay, okay, I'll see if there's anything else I need."

Meng Hongchen then pouted and smiled, "That's more like it. Sit down and wait, maybe there'll be something you like."

Lin Dong nodded, turning his gaze to the soul guide screen, quietly waiting for the other auction items to appear…

(End of this chapter)