The entire hall was steeped in a reddish hue, with square tables and soft couches neatly arranged throughout. Luo Chen silently observed the other attendees without betraying a single emotion.0

Aside from the attendants, everyone present was a Foundation Establishment Initiate. Across from him were Kang Dongyue and Yu Rou from two local cultivation families, as well as two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Spirit Herb Pavilion and Treasure Pavilion.0

There were no signs of Foundation Establishment Initiates from sect-affiliated businesses of the outer domains. Or rather, the Taishan Market side had never planned to send any Foundation Establishment Initiates at all. After all, Taishan Market wasn't nearly as important as Dahe Market. The major sects simply didn’t have enough Foundation Establishment Initiates to assign to distant outposts.0

The elderly cultivator with a head full of silvery hair likely hailed from the Snow Lotus Market. Another Foundation Establishment Initiate had a sallow, waxy complexion. Luo Chen couldn’t place his origin, but he was likely a rogue cultivator from the surrounding area.2

Including the four from Dahe Market, the total number of Foundation Establishment cultivators just reached double digits.0

For a modest market town, that was quite a crowd. But considering this was right after an auction, it wasn’t entirely surprising.0

Even so, compared to the turnout back at Dahe Market, this felt like a lesser gathering.0

Hmm? As Luo Chen was scanning the others, he suddenly sensed someone staring intently at him.0

Without making it obvious, he glanced sideways with the corner of his eye toward the source.0

That wax-faced Foundation Establishment cultivator again? Why is he staring at me?0

Though it was only a brief glance, Luo Chen still caught the sinister glint in the man’s expression.0

Since my Foundation Establishment, I haven’t made many enemies. Why would he look at me like that… Or perhaps… The Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method?0

That's...0