Fierce Bidding Competition

Whispers of recognition spread rapidly through the crowd like a wildfire, igniting a mixture of awe and fear among those present.

"It's the Wu Clan, Wu Huang," someone exclaimed, their voice filled with awe and perhaps a hint of fear. Another person nearby was equally alarmed. "What! You mean that madman Wu Huang."

Wu Huang wasn't the direct heir of the Wu Clan, but his exceptional cultivation talent had allowed him to rise through the clan's ranks effortlessly.

By the age of 17, he had reached the 6th level of Qi Gathering, an achievement that set him apart from his peers. The nickname "madman" stemmed from his fierce and relentless nature.

Those who dared to provoke him learned the consequences the hard way. There was a chilling story that circulated about him—how he had once seriously injured a fellow clan member over a trivial dispute.

But what followed was even more sinister.

Wu Huang went on to ruthlessly torture the entire family of the injured party right in front of him, all for his own amusement. Shortly after, both the clan member and his family mysteriously vanished.

"Ling Ming, act quickly and place your bid," Wu Huang urged, dismissing the surrounding gossip with a nonchalant look on his face. "Your father likely sent you here for this Heavenly Flame seed, didn't he?" His focus remained fixed on the auction, unwavering in the face of the crowd's fear of his notorious reputation.

This task had been assigned to him by the Wu Clan's patriarch. If he could successfully secure the Violet Flame Seed, his position within the clan would skyrocket, and his authority would only be second to that of the elders and the patriarch himself.

Ling Ming, with a snort of disdain, swiftly responded, "1,200 high-rank spiritual stones." His bid echoed through the hall. Before he came here, his father had told him that only the Wu Clan was interested in the flame seed.

Beside Zhou Yuan, Yang Jin shared some insight into the Wu and Ling Clan's specializations among the five great clans.

"Among the five great clans, only the Ling and Wu Clan are not primarily battle oriented. The Ling Clan specializes in forging weapon-type artifacts, while the Wu Clan excels in alchemy. The remaining clans—the Zhou, Yang, and Mu Clans—have earned their status through battle."

Zhou Yuan nodded in understanding. "The Ling Clan will likely attempt to create a high-rank spirit artifact using the Violet Cloud seed as the core. As for the Wu Clan, they are more likely to try and cultivate a new Heavenly Flame. After all, it's essentially the ultimate treasure for any alchemist. Either way, if any of them succeed, their overall strength will increase exponentially." Zhou Yuan couldn't help but be impressed by the ambition of these two clans.

However, Yang Jin wore a peculiar expression, as if trying to suppress his laughter. "It's truly a pity. Both clans have been striving for so long to grow stronger, and now they have this chance. Unfortunately for them, you're here."

Zhou Yuan simply smiled. The Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed was his opportunity to detoxify himself, and there was no way he would let anyone else lay claim to it.

Amidst the escalating bidding war, Zhou Yuan's youthful voice rang out confidently, "1,500 high-rank spiritual stones."

Zhou Yuan's bid of 1,500 high-rank spiritual stones resonated through the auction hall, breaking the momentary silence that had fallen over the crowd. His voice, although young, held a determination that was undeniable.

Wu Huang's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan's room. His lips curled into a sly smile, revealing a hint of disdain. "1,700 high-rank spiritual stones."

Ling Ming, representing the Ling Clan's interests, wasn't one to back down easily either. With a cold glint in his eyes, he raised his voice, "1,700 high-rank spiritual stones."

The tension in the hall was palpable as the seconds ticked away. All eyes were on Zhou Yuan, waiting to see if he would counter the Ling Clan's bid.

Zhou Yuan's face remained calm, his determination unwavering. He knew the significance of the Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed to his clan and himself. With a sense of purpose, he raised his voice once more, "2,000 high-rank spiritual stones."

The auction hall was abuzz with speculation and curiosity. Zhou Yuan's bold bid of 2,000 high-rank spiritual stones had created a palpable tension in the air, and it was clear that he wasn't an ordinary participant in this auction.

The onlookers exchanged hushed whispers, their gazes fixed on Zhou Yuan's room. Who was this young man who dared to challenge the Wu Clan and the Ling Clan, two of the five great clans?

Despite their curiosity, nobody dared to release their divine sense to probe into his identity. In the presence of the Golden Dragon Commerce, such an act would be seen as a grave disrespect, and no one was willing to incur the wrath of such a powerful organization.

Instead, the attendees engaged in hushed conversations. Some wondered if he had a powerful backer supporting him, while others speculated that he might be a rising star with extraordinary talents.

Zhou Yuan remained composed, his expression unwavering as he continued to focus on the bidding war. He was determined to secure the Violet Cloud Heavenly Flame seed, and he wouldn't let anything, or anyone stand in his way.

However, Ling Ming clenched his teeth and boldly declared, "2,200 high-ranking spiritual stones." His voice sliced through the tense atmosphere in the hall.