Chapter 2058: True Spirit Relic Bone

This emerald green, shimmering object looked like the relic bone of an unknown colossal beast.

Though it was only a fragment of bone, the moment it was presented, a vast, primeval aura instantly surged forth. Yue Liantian, who was closest, had prepared himself, but still cautiously retreated several steps.

As for the others in the auction hall, this oppressive aura elicited gasps of surprise. Some, finding it unbearable, were forced to activate their protective demonic light, their faces etched with shock.

The onlookers were bewildered, questioning how a mere beast bone could possess such a terrifying aura. Some wondered if it was the legendary remains of ancient wasteland beasts, while others vehemently dismissed the idea, stating that even those colossal creatures' bones wouldn't emit such an astonishing presence. They urged Yue Liantian to explain.

The demonic cultivators were once again in an uproar, gazing at the translucent giant bone with expressions of shock and awe.

Yue Liantian cleared his throat and smiled, assuring the cultivators that he would explain the item's origin since it was up for auction. He noted the widespread interest and, without further ado, revealed that it was not the skeleton of a wasteland giant beast, but a relic bone of an ancient true spirit.

The revelation sparked an even greater uproar than the "sacred brick" had, as many exclaimed that a true spirit relic bone would be a priceless treasure. Others found it impossible, arguing that even Holy Ancestors would covet such an item, making its presence here inexplicable. After Yue Liantian's announcement, nine out of ten demonic cultivators wore expressions of disbelief.

As for Han Li, his face beneath the cloak subtly changed upon hearing the term "true spirit relic bone," and his gaze immediately fixed on the emerald green giant bone.

It was then that he faintly detected a familiar sweet scent within the wild aura, somewhat resembling a medicinal fragrance. However, this particular aroma was incredibly faint; he doubted he could have discerned it had he not frequently dealt with various spirit medicines.

Simultaneously, a surprised whisper reached Han Li's divine sense from Qu'er, the nine-curve spirit ginseng's human manifestation. Her clear, tender voice, trembling slightly, conveyed that the item seemed to be of great use to her and she hoped he would acquire it if possible.

Han Li's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't immediately reply. Instead, he released tendrils of his divine sense, sweeping them over the giant bone. He couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation of surprise.

Meanwhile, Yue Liantian continued in a solemn voice. He clarified that the bone was not native to their realm, having accidentally entered through a spatial rift. He explained that while it was indeed a true spirit relic bone, its immense age meant that no true essence or spiritual marrow remained within. This made it impossible to identify the original true spirit, and its aura was but a tiny fraction of its former power, incomparable to other true spirit relics previously seen in their realm. Despite this, he stressed that the bone was incredibly hard and, if refined, could yield a treasure no less powerful than an ordinary spirit treasure. Its presence in their city, he added, was simply due to the owner's desire to quickly dispose of it without attracting trouble, much like the previous sacred brick. He then announced that an incense stick's burning time would be provided for everyone to examine the ancient spirit bone, inviting genuinely interested parties to come up to the stage for a closer look.

As soon as he finished speaking, the elderly demonic cultivator flicked his sleeve, and a green incense burner flew out, landing steadily on a corner of the stone platform. Inside the burner, a freshly lit, half-foot-long incense stick was prominently placed, emitting faint wisps of blue smoke.

Next, Yue Liantian flipped his palm, revealing a silver talisman, which he pressed onto the spirit bone. Instantly, the overwhelming aura receded, and the almost suffocating sensation vanished.

Most demonic cultivators, having heard the elderly man's words and observed the sealed spirit bone, found their doubts significantly lessened. If this spirit bone wasn't a true spirit relic in the fullest sense, but merely a rare refining material, its appearance in Blood Crow City was no longer so outlandish.

Nevertheless, many high-level demonic cultivators remained very interested in the giant bone. They not only released their divine senses to probe it, but four or five disguised individuals actually stepped forward for a thorough examination.

However, whether through divine sense probing or physical inspection on stage, the cultivators were largely disappointed after their examination. The massive spirit bone was exactly as Yue Liantian had described: aside from some lingering aura within, nothing particularly useful was found. The true value of a true spirit relic bone primarily lies in the residual true essence power and spiritual marrow. Even a tiny trace of these could increase its value a thousandfold. Without either, the drastic drop in value was understandable.

Han Li remained quietly in his seat for a while. After no other demonic cultivators approached the stone platform, he suddenly rose, walked forward, and extended a finger to gently press it onto the spirit bone.

Yue Liantian glanced at Han Li, smiled, and made no attempt to stop him.

Han Li stood before the massive spirit bone for only a moment. After a thoughtful contemplation, he nodded, withdrew his finger, and turned to walk back to his seat.

After this, no one else came up for a closer look.

When the incense stick in the burner finally burned out, Yue Liantian swept his sleeve, making the censer vanish instantly. He then formally announced that time was up and the auction would begin, setting the starting bid for the ancient true spirit relic bone at fifty million.

In contrast to the situation with the sacred brick, the entire auction hall fell into an unusual silence after the announcement, with no one bidding for a moment. Seeing this, Yue Liantian merely smiled faintly, appearing entirely unconcerned.

After a prolonged silence, a demonic cultivator hesitantly offered fifty million demonic stones. Subsequent bids followed, but only from six or seven individuals, who raised the price with extreme caution, a stark contrast to the fervent bidding for the sacred brick.

This was understandable; despite its astonishing origin, the giant spirit bone's utility was naturally limited if it was only to be used as a refining material, so not many people would be willing to bid a high price. Even so, the price of this spirit bone slowly climbed, reaching an astonishing seventy million, with three or four bidders still holding firm.

The demonic cultivator who made this high bid was a woman dressed like a noblewoman. The moment such a high price was offered, the other two or three persistent bidders abruptly fell silent, seemingly resigned to giving up. The beautiful demonic woman, seeing this, flashed a hint of triumph in her eyes.

"Seventy million, going twice," Yue Liantian announced, chuckling. He added that if there were no further bids, the ancient true spirit relic bone would go to the current bidder. He hinted that missing this opportunity would make it incredibly difficult to acquire another true spirit bone, seemingly expressing mild dissatisfaction with the price.

Suddenly, a man's voice, faint but clear, broke the silence. It was Han Li, inquiring if other items could be exchanged on the spot should demonic stones prove insufficient.

Yue Liantian's spirits lifted, and he replied with a slight smile that indeed, other items could be exchanged. He explained that the auction house would accept valuable demonic artifact materials, spirit pills, or cultivation techniques, converting them into demonic stones at two-thirds of their market value. He also stipulated that the exchanged items would not be returned, even if the bidder failed to secure the desired item.

"Very well," Han Li stated in a deep voice, "I don't have enough demonic stones and need to make an exchange. Please pause the auction for this item for a moment."

"Understood, fellow cultivator. A dedicated staff member in the back hall will assist with your exchange!" Yue Liantian immediately nodded and gestured for a demonic servant girl beside him to guide Han Li. Han Li silently followed the girl and, a short while later, entered a hall through a doorway.

About a cup of tea's time later, Han Li returned to his seat and, without a change in expression, calmly called out a price of eighty million.

This astonishing price immediately caused a stir of whispers among the demonic cultivators in the hall. Many scrutinized Han Li's figure, secretly speculating about his true identity.

The beautiful noblewoman's elegant face subtly changed, but she nonetheless countered with a higher bid of eighty-two million, seemingly determined to acquire the spirit bone.

"Ninety million," Han Li stated again, his expression unwavering.

This time, the demonic noblewoman finally showed hesitation. After glancing in Han Li's direction, she gritted her teeth and offered ninety-one million. She then abruptly addressed Han Li, introducing herself as a member of the Hai family from Desolate City. She explained that the spirit bone was of great use to her family and promised generous gratitude from the Hai family if he were willing to concede.

Whispers rippled through the hall, recognizing the Hai family of Desolate City as one guarded by the Desolate Holy Ancestor, and questioning why they would travel so far to Blood Crow City. Others noted the Hai family's reputation as one of the few great artifact-refining families in the Saint Realm, explaining their interest in the spirit bone. Speculation also arose about the woman's strong cultivation, with some wondering if she might be a direct descendant of the Desolate Holy Ancestor.

"One hundred million demonic stones," Han Li stated coldly, seemingly unswayed. This price caused a collective gasp among the demonic cultivators in the auction hall. He reasoned that even if the woman had connections to a Demonic Holy Ancestor, as long as it wasn't near Blood Crow City, he saw no reason to heed her.

Seeing this, the beautiful woman of the Hai family's face instantly took on a fierce, murderous aura. After uttering three "goods," she ultimately did not bid again.

"Excellent! This ancient spirit bone now belongs to this fellow cultivator," Yue Liantian hastily announced, clearly overjoyed.

Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately rose and approached the stage again, where he handed over the spirit stones and placed the spirit bone into his storage bracelet.

The auction then concluded.

As Han Li walked slowly down a street, Qu'er's extremely excited voice echoed in his mind: "I imagine Master has also discovered the profound mystery of this ancient spirit bone. With this item, Master's Ganoderma Immortal Spirit Body has a great chance of developing Mahayana-level divine abilities in the future."