Chapter 415: Tianyou Pass

Tianyou Pass, one of the two major strongholds controlled by demonic forces, is not far from Yinshan Pass, and their terrains bear some resemblance. However, unlike Yinshan Pass, the city at Tianyou Pass is built on an island within a swamp, rather than atop an ancient tree.

Tianyou Pass serves as a gathering point for countless cultivators. Given the current unusual circumstances, many cultivators are hesitant to venture outside the pass, ensuring a steady stream of auctions, both large and small.

In the southeastern corner of Tianyou Pass, a large courtyard stood with its gate wide open. Two masked figures guarded the entrance, as black-robed individuals frequently entered.

Oddly, these people did not proceed into the rooms at the back of the courtyard, but instead walked towards an octagonal pavilion in the center. The moment they stepped inside, they vanished.

Only cultivators with profound skill could, at that instant, catch a glimpse of a fine, silvery light shimmering within the pavilion, a sign of a powerful restriction. This indicated that the pavilion was, in fact, a gateway to a hidden dimension.

As night deepened, the flow of people entering the courtyard slowed considerably. Just as the two guards prepared to close the gate, a lone figure hurried towards the entrance.

The newcomer wore a black robe that obscured their face, a magical artifact designed to shield divine sense. This made it impossible to discern their gender or cultivation level by sight.

The two guards exchanged a glance. One stepped forward, raising a hand to block the newcomer. "Friend," he said, "please halt!"

The newcomer stopped, looked around, and asked in a puzzled voice, "Isn't the auction today?"

The guard cleared his throat. "The auction is indeed today," he explained. "Please understand, our master has decreed that guests attending the auction must undergo a qualification check. Do you possess a token, esteemed friend?"

"A token?" the newcomer said, displeased. "I've long heard of Mr. Kan's auctions and his great reputation. I've never heard that an auction requires a token! Do all those who entered earlier possess one? Are you perhaps trying to make things difficult for me?"

"By no means, by no means!" The guard waved his hands, explaining hastily. "Please don't misunderstand, esteemed friend. We ask this because our master has indeed issued tokens, and every person who received one is a distinguished guest of ours."

"Of course, you can still attend the auction without a token. However, as our master's reputation has spread, more and more friends have come to participate. Our master is honored, but unfortunately, due to space limitations, he cannot accommodate everyone."

"This particular auction is especially significant, featuring many rare treasures that have attracted even elusive, senior cultivators. Thus, our master had no choice but to set a rule: those wishing to participate must either present one thousand low-grade spirit stones or possess a cultivation level beyond the tenth layer of the Qi Refinement stage."

"Rest assured," the guard concluded, "the treasures at this auction will certainly not disappoint you. We ask for your understanding."

After hearing the explanation, the newcomer's tone softened. They let out a soft 'hmm,' released their cultivation aura, and quietly asked, "Is this sufficient?"

"Late Foundation Establishment!" The guards' expressions changed slightly. They both bowed deeply, their voices becoming immensely respectful. "Esteemed senior, your presence illuminates our humble establishment! You automatically qualify as a VIP. Please allow me to escort you to a VIP box. We will do our utmost to fulfill any other needs you may have."

"No need!" The newcomer waved a hand. "I prefer to sit in the main hall and observe the commotion; hiding in a private room holds no interest for me. Just lead me to the main hall. I heard the auction begins at midnight, and it's almost time. Don't delay my important business."

"This..." The guards exchanged wordless glances. One reluctantly led the way, guiding the newcomer into the pavilion.

Stepping into the pavilion, the scene abruptly transformed, revealing a beautifully decorated hall.

The hall was divided into three levels. The first level consisted of rows of seats, currently abuzz with chatter, with most seats occupied by cultivators, each at least at the tenth layer of the Qi Refinement stage.

The second and third levels were remarkably quiet, composed of individual private boxes. Each box was shrouded in a gray mist, and looking up from the main hall, one could only see a hazy, indistinct mass, unable to discern who sat within.

These mists were one of the effects of the spiritual formation within the hall. Additionally, the walls surrounding the hall glowed with sharp, golden divine light, exuding an air of solemnity and constantly reminding auction participants of the rules.

The guard was about to lead the newcomer to a front seat, but the newcomer's gaze swept around, waved a hand at the guard, and simply sat down in an inconspicuous corner at the very back.

"You may go," the newcomer instructed. "Tell your Mr. Kan that there's no need to give me special treatment. As long as the auction satisfies me, I will return in the future, with or without a token."

The guard, helpless, attributed this to the senior's eccentricity and withdrew. Unbeknownst to them, from where this person sat, they had an unobstructed view of the entire auction hall.

He sat there quietly, not interacting with anyone, exuding an aura that kept others at bay. His gaze silently swept over each cultivator in the hall, seemingly searching for something.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes to rest, and patiently awaited the start of the auction.

Midnight arrived, and the auction began.

Mr. Kan was a refined-looking middle-aged man. His words had a way of putting people at ease, making one realize why he held such a reputation in Tianyou Pass.

Mr. Kan masterfully handled the preliminary remarks, and after a few brief words about the formalities, he immediately announced the start of the auction. Subsequently, precious treasures were auctioned off one after another, flowing out smoothly.

Under Mr. Kan's subtle guidance, the auction's atmosphere grew increasingly fervent, with bids rising one after another, and treasures fetching high prices.

Strangely, ever since the auction began, the person in the corner had remained leaning back in their chair, seemingly fast asleep. These treasures failed to pique their interest in the slightest.

Mr. Kan kept an eye on the entire hall, his gaze subtly sweeping over this individual, a flicker of doubt in the depths of his eyes. He had already been informed by his subordinates of this person's late Foundation Establishment cultivation. In the cultivation world, the late Foundation Establishment stage signified a master. Befriending such an expert would bring considerable benefits to the auction house, and Mr. Kan naturally did not want to miss this opportunity.

He was skilled at catering to others' preferences, especially at auctions. Even the most cunning individuals found it hard to conceal their true desires when faced with something they truly coveted. But this person hadn't stirred, remaining completely unresponsive. "Could it be that these treasures are too mediocre, and this person's background is extraordinary, disdaining them all?"

Mr. Kan's movements remained calm and unhurried as he continued the auction methodically. As these thoughts churned in his mind, he couldn't help but inwardly sneer. In the past, he would have been at a loss with such a person.

But this time was different. Among the later auction items were several true treasures he had accumulated over many years, which he hoped would create a sensation. "I'd like to see how long you can remain hidden!" Mr. Kan withdrew his gaze, no longer focusing on the person. Just then, a valuable crown fetched a high price, and he seized the opportunity to raise his voice, driving the hall's atmosphere to another peak.