Chapter 14: Auction Opening

When Xu Yang returned to the fifth floor, the auction was almost ready to begin.

A maid led Xu Yang to Ling Qingshu's room and escorted him inside.

What Xu Yang didn't know was that shortly after he entered the private room, the young man who had argued with him over the spirit herb downstairs walked out.

"I can't believe that guy tricked me earlier," he muttered, "And now I can't find him."

The young man continued walking, muttering to himself. He was clearly still bothered by what had happened.

As soon as Xu Yang was seated in the private room, the auction officially commenced.

A Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator immediately stepped onto the stage, apparently in charge of hosting the auction.

"Greetings, everyone," the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator announced. "This old man will be hosting today's auction. I hope you all leave with valuable acquisitions."

Without further ado, the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator immediately began the auction.

The first item was a Yellow-grade, mid-tier cultivation technique scroll.

After the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator explained the technique's requirements, two factions showed interest in the scroll and initiated a new round of bidding.

Neither Xu Yang nor Ling Qingshu were interested in the Yellow-grade, mid-tier cultivation technique scroll. Xu Yang already possessed numerous high-level techniques, so a Yellow-grade, mid-tier one held no appeal for him. Ling Qingshu's lack of interest stemmed from Xu Yang's presence; she believed that with Ancestor Xu Yang, the Tianlan Sect would never be short of cultivation methods or secret techniques.

For a single Yellow-grade, mid-tier cultivation technique scroll, the representatives of the two factions engaged in a minor bidding war. Ultimately, the Yellow-grade, mid-tier cultivation technique scroll went to the highest bidder.

With the successful sale of the very first item, the auction proceeded remarkably smoothly.

Cultivation methods, techniques, magical artifacts, elixirs, and talismans were all put up for auction. The variety of items available at this auction was truly astonishing. Many of these items held significant benefits for Golden Core Realm cultivators.

As Ling Qingshu observed the spiritual treasures she once coveted, she found herself no longer as eager to possess them. Thanks to Xu Yang, her horizons had expanded considerably over this period. While she might have once been excited by a spiritual item that could enhance cultivation, that was no longer the case.

"Today's auction has proceeded exceptionally smoothly," the host announced. "Only two items remain. Now, let's unveil the grand finale item of this auction."

Two auction house staff members carried an item onto the stage. After the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator finished speaking, they removed the red cloth covering it.

When the true appearance of the grand finale item was revealed, Xu Yang, who had been nonchalant throughout, suddenly grew serious. As he gazed at the item on the stage, Xu Yang felt a strange sense of familiarity.

"Acquire this item," Xu Yang instructed Ling Qingshu.

On stage, the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator continued to introduce the mysterious item. "This item was brought out from a secret realm by several rogue cultivators," he explained. "We can only tell that it is extraordinary, but we haven't been able to identify its exact nature."

As soon as he uttered these words, the attention of everyone present was captivated. "Secret realm" and "unknown"—these two terms, when combined, often signify a great opportunity. Items originating from secret realms, if usable, are invariably rare and exquisite.

"By the consignor's request, this item will only be exchanged for cultivation-aiding elixirs," he announced. "Please begin your bidding."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the auction hall, from those in the viewing stands to the guests in the private rooms, was momentarily stunned. The auction was surprisingly for an exchange of cultivation-aiding elixirs. What kind of situation was this? Were spirit stones suddenly too troublesome to accept?

Inside the private room, Ling Qingshu's expression also shifted, but it was to one of pleasant surprise. Cultivation-aiding elixirs were precisely what their Tianlan Sect seemed to have in abundance right now. Ancestor Xu, seated beside her, possessed terrifying alchemy skills that Ling Qingshu had personally witnessed.

After a long silence, with no bids yet made for the item, Ling Qingshu seized the opportune moment to speak. "One bottle of Golden Core stage cultivation-aiding elixirs, capable of increasing cultivation efficiency by thirty percent," she announced.

After her bid, no one immediately countered. If things continued this way, the item would belong to Xu Yang, who was behind Ling Qingshu.

"I have elixirs with similar effects," a voice from another private room responded. "I bid one and a half bottles."

A typical bottle contained twelve pills, so one and a half bottles meant eighteen pills. To produce eighteen such cultivation-aiding elixirs at once indicated that this bidder possessed immense wealth. After all, not everyone possessed terrifying alchemy skills like Xu Yang.

Hearing someone bid against her, and knowing that Xu Yang's instructions could not be failed, Ling Qingshu quickly responded. Ling Qingshu spoke again, immediately raising the bid to two bottles. The opposing bidder also seemed intent on acquiring the item, raising their bid to two and a half bottles without hesitation.

Being outbid once more, Ling Qingshu's expression turned sour. This was a task Xu Yang had assigned, and failing to complete it smoothly would be a significant oversight on her part.

"Outbid him. I want this item," Xu Yang said.

Xu Yang had been listening to the bidding process, so he naturally understood the situation. He also had a general idea of Ling Qingshu's supply of elixirs, as he had provided them to her.

Following Xu Yang's instruction, Ling Qingshu once again raised the bid to three bottles. The other party, hearing the determined resolve in Ling Qingshu's voice as she raised her bid, fell silent. They seemed to be weighing whether it was wise to continue competing against her for an unidentified item.

After a long silence, the other party finally ceased bidding, clearly conceding the item to Ling Qingshu.

While the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator was auctioning the final item of the day, Ling Qingshu beckoned to the maid at the door and asked her to summon the manager.

Once Ling Qingshu handed the three bottles of cultivation-aiding elixirs to the auction house manager, the item Xu Yang desired was delivered to their private room.

The item was an elliptical object, entirely black and completely devoid of luster, making its material impossible to discern. Xu Yang circulated true qi into his hand, and each time he gently rubbed the object, it emitted faint glows. Xu Yang handled the elliptical object as if it were a delicate piece of porcelain, not daring to apply any significant force.

Ling Qingshu had been closely observing Xu Yang. When she saw the object emit a series of glows after he rubbed it, she knew that the item Ancestor Xu had acquired was indeed extraordinary. Therefore, Ling Qingshu watched with extreme care, her gaze fixed on Xu Yang, afraid to miss any subsequent detail.