Only ten cultivators put up something for bidding.

Bidding and paying were done quickly, and soon the first phase was already completed!

"Fellow daoists, usually we would be holding a welcoming ceremony now to welcome the new members of this gathering, but because of the circumstances, we will skip it this time," the host announced.

Anyways, the new members this time weren’t many. Only four in total, one of whom was sent away. It was understandable - after all, at this point, people are too busy planning their own survival.

Liling had invited Fengyu prior to the information that the Beast Tide would come soon, and after it was announced, Fengyu also proved his worth, which is why her case is special. Ming tagged along, so he wasn’t notable either.

As for the third and only other new member... he was very close to an old cultivator, presumably his grandson or disciple, which is also a special circumstance.

"Let us begin the second phase right away then!" the host said when he saw no objection.

"Please enjoy the tea and mingle around fellow daoists, I hope everyone can talk a bit more and help each other in the coming Beast Tide!" the host said, then walked forward and directly spoke with a few cultivators.

Friends came together to talk while those with a purpose came directly to the person.

Most present had been members for years, so having formed friendships was natural.

A cultivation couple approached Liling, their expressions slightly downcast.

"Fellow daoist Liling, how are you? Your pearl today was truly great, it’s been five years since you last sold one, right?" the female cultivator smiled when she arrived in front of Liling, chuckling and asking in surprise.

"Haha, I can’t hide anything from sister Shuan! Indeed, five years ago I sold the first near second stage pearl, and it was also the only time I sold it." Liling nodded and laughed, saying a few more things.

The male cultivator mainly stood aside, occasionally nodding and agreeing, not saying much.

"Fellow daoist Shuan and Wei both have such strong auras, it seems Foundation Building isn’t far away!" Liling commented after a bit of chitchat. These two were older than her, their foundations extremely stable - one was a fire alchemist, the other a water weapon refiner. Their roles are a bit reversed, since water alchemy and fire refining were the most popular, but who could comment on it?

She knew that cultivator Wei’s pills have always been exceptionally potent and had low impurities compared to other pills, while her friend Shuan’s water cutting technique could produce extremely strong sharp weapons.

"Alas, although we are close to Foundation Building, we can’t cultivate in peace at all!" Shuan sighed in exasperation. Her and her husband’s cultivation had reached the point where going into seclusion to break through would be perfect. But breaking through to the Foundation Building stage required six to twelve months.

Now that the Beast Tide was imminent, how could they just go into seclusion? 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Liling was surprised when she heard this, an idea forming in her mind. She turned to Fengyu, only to see him nodding, clearly having thought of the same thing.

"Fellow daoists, in that case, why not rent a field in the eastern gate districts? Go into seclusion while having someone protect you! Isn’t this the best solution?"

"Of course that would be best! But, who is willing to allow two strangers to rent? And those that are willing are simply too weak. How could we dare to put our safety into their hands? Protecting ourselves and using this as an opportunity to refine our cultivation would be better than gambling on the abilities of some strangers." Shuan complained, unwillingness written all over her face.

"Fellow daoist Shuan, I haven’t introduced you yet! These are fellow daoist Fengyu and his junior Ming! Fellow daoist Fengyu happens to be renting a field in the eastern district, and I, together with Han’er, went to rent an acre from him..." she explained, her eyes shining clearly.

Shuan was surprised, her eyes gleaming with delight and excitement, nodding gratefully to Liling before turning to Fengyu, "Fellow daoist, you just heard..."

"Fellow daoists, you are about to become seniors, how could I be unwilling to open the gates of my field? It’s just that there is a requirement." Fengyu was equally excited. If they could really break through in his field, not only would he feel safer, he would even gain a connection to Foundation Building cultivators!

"What is this requirement?" Wei was the one to ask, his expression stern yet also hopeful.

"As fellow daoists saw, I have a good perception. But this perception is based on my contracted companion, who can perceive and determine a person’s attitude better. As long as fellow daoists are willing to go through his inspection, staying in my field won’t be an issue." Fengyu explained the reason clearly, reminding them of the small incident with the demon cultivator.

"Fellow daoist has such methods of perception, it gives us a feeling of ease!" Shuan said, not at all scared about this inspection, even feeling it would make their stay better.

"Will every renter have to pass this inspection?" Wei asked just to make sure.

"Yes! Fellow daoist Liling has passed it, a friend of mine, fellow daoist Shanqing, has also passed it. Although you two and fellow daoist Han haven’t been checked yet, my preliminary sense tells me that both of you have peaceful auras." Fengyu explained, even a bit confused as to why their auras were so peaceful.

"Oh? Peace?" the two cultivators were surprised.

"Indeed, I perceive the aura of peace to determine a cultivator’s attitude," Fengyu explained.

"It’s no surprise then! Haha, my husband and I are cultivating a technique of harmony, which is quite close to peace, so it might be because of that. In that case, I feel even more reassured!" Shuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Wei also chuckled and cupped his hands, "I have been negligent! Greetings fellow daoist, my wife and I would love to rent two acres of your field!"