004: The Auction

004: The Auction

Zemirah has decided to find a disciple after much deliberation. She had been thinking of this for days and only decided on it now.

Her system can only show her full potential when used properly.

As for where to find a disciple, she believes that fate will bring her one. Just like how fate brought her to this world.

Now, she's preparing to attend the auction in Teal Treasure House. The auction will start this morning so she woke up early.

After making sure her clothes are neat, her hair is flowing gracefully with the hairpin artifact holding it, and her face is covered with the veil. The only lacking is her shoes which are still mortal-grade, Zemirah decided to see if she could find a good Grade 1 shoe artifact.

She was tempted to give out her shoes but they had been used by her so she decided against it. Anyway, at least buy a new one to give.

"Sia, do I look good?" She asked her system.

Ding! The Host is the most good-looking!

Zemirah giggled happily. It feels like she's the witch in Mirror Mirror.

The auction house is quite large, though much smaller than the one her destroyed Sect has.

There are many people, most are Energy Refinement Realm cultivators and some Foundation Building Realm sat in the private room. There are at least 3 Foundation Building cultivators that arrived.

One is the Town Lord and the commander, and the other one seems to be a guest from outside.

Zemirah found herself a seat in a corner near the front, she wanted to have a good look on the podium.

Besides, she's a Mid-stage Energy Refinement cultivator so it's not excessive as long as it's not the front seat.

She long noticed the seating arrangement depends on cultivation realm and strength. The Late-stage Energy Refinement cultivators are all in front. The early-stage are on the back while mortals that have some status are scattered depending on their identities.

Many eyes followed the beautiful figure in a pink robe and a white veil, her robe was embroidered with flowers and her hairpin had a beautiful thousand flowers looking real. Some knowledgeable noticed her attire and their look changed slightly.

A Supreme-quality, from the robe to the accessories. This young lady has a distinguished identity.

Some who didn't know much felt noble temperament so they just watched quietly and didn't dare have other intentions.

Of course, this lady is Zemirah.

She quietly sat on her seat, only nodding politely to the other cultivators near her as a greeting. After that, she closed her eyes as she waited for the start of the auction.

It didn't take long for the auction house to be packed and the awaited time came so they closed the door.

A spotlight pointed to the podium and a pretty lady that has a polite smile on her face appeared. She wore red cheongsam that made her beauty more apparent. Zemirah can feel the aura of an Early-stage Energy Refinement Cultivator.

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Teal Treasure House for our monthly auction. The auction house rules are still the same. We hope that you can have a pleasant experience." She said those words politely as she stared at the crowd.

"Now, let's start this Auction-Trade with our Teal Treasure House as an opening." Then she took out a box and opened it to show the crowd.

"This is an Uncommon-quality Late-stage Grade 1 Defensive Accessory Artifact called [Weeping Clam Pearl]. It can release a water shield and a strong rebounding effect. A Late-stage Energy Refinement Cultivator will not be able to break it even for a day of constant attack."

The auction house was in an uproar after hearing the artifact's function and name. Especially hearing that it is from a Weeping Clam, who doesn't know that there's a Weeping Clam clan inside the Teal River Forest.

Did that Weeping Clam clan angered the Town Lord? Otherwise, why would their precious pearl be blatantly sold here?

Every Weeping Clam can only have and nurture a pearl in its lifetime. When given away, the Weeping Clam will slowly lose its life and be a Weeping Shell.

Remembering the rumors that Demonic Cultivators and Demonic Beasts have joined hands in destroying 2 villages under the jurisdiction of Teal River Town, they seem to understand something.

Zemirah also thought the same as others, but most of her focus was on the beautiful pearl. She thought that this pearl could be given to her disciple. The reward Sia will give to her will surely be satisfactory.

The lady continued, "This [Weeping Clam Pearl] will be given to the highest bidder."

The bidding immediately started.

"1,000 Gold Coins!" Someone shouted.

"2,000 Gold Coins!"

"5,000 Gold Coins!"

"10,000 Gold Coins!" A young lady shouted.

If Gold Coins are used to buy that Defensive Artifact, it will not be satisfactory to the Town Lord.

Zemirah smiled as she bid too, "Two Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 Talisman!"

The bidding stopped as they stared at the lady who spoke the outrageous price.

Although the talisman she spoke is one stage lower, it is a quality higher.

Its market's price is at least 15,000 Gold Coins, though finding an Outstanding-quality item on the market is nearly impossible.

The lady on the podium spoke with a smile, "Can I ask this young lady to show me the talisman?"

Zemirah nodded and took out a [Frost Wave Talisman].

It looked newly made and many people noticed. The young lady on the podium nodded and said, "Let's trade."

Zemirah handed the two talismans to the staff who gave her the [Weeping Clam Pearl] Artifact.

Many people took glances at her after that. Zemirah pretended not to notice and focused on the podium.

"Now, the auction-trade officially begins." Then the lady stepped aside, clearly showing that she was just going to be an assistant to whoever stood in the podium.

An old man from the front row where late-stage cultivators sat stood and went to the podium.

The old man took out a wooden box and showed it to the crowd, "This is an Uncommon-quality Grade 1 spiritual herb called [Gentle Beer Root]."

The alchemist around the auction house perked up.

"I don't need to explain the preciousness of this spiritual herb to fellow Daoists, I want to exchange this spiritual herb for any Grade 1 Pill Recipe or Spiritual Plant with similar value."

The old man must be an alchemist who needed a new Pill Recipe. Zemirah observed the crowd and didn't make a move. She's a talisman master, what can she do to a spiritual herb?

"I have an Uncommon-quality Grade 1 [Blood-Soiled Flower]." An old thin man spoke.

The old man on the podium smiled but didn't confirm. The old thin man sighed annoyedly and sat down. [Blood-Soiled Flower] is abundant in the Soak Blood Forest unique to the Golden Light Dynasty, the [Gentle Beer Root] is more precious for its rareness.

Another spoke, "I have a Pill Recipe here."

Many eyes turned to that person, the old man was quite excited, "Can I ask the details?"

The masked lady that spoke nodded and wrote the details on a jade slip and gave it to the staff who passed it to the old man. The old man read the jade slip and nodded, "Trade."

People are curious about the Pill Recipe since knowledge like this is rarely traded, but Zemirah's eyes are on the lady who just finished trading. The familiar alchemist who almost scammed Zemirah made her pay attention.

She also saw the thin Old Man's gaze, the one who failed to exchange earlier, to the Masked Lady looking wrong.

Zemirah's complexion turned dark. She will remind the masked lady before leaving the auction house. This should be the usual killing and looting kind of cultivator.

Another Late-stage Energy Refinement Cultivator went to the podium.

"This is a fur of Late-stage Grade 1 [Crimson Fire Two-Tailed Fox]." He didn't say the quality, it depends on the eyes of the one who bought it.

It's enough to tell the origin of the fur.

Zemirah's eyes were stuck to the beautiful red fur, already thinking of how beautiful the clothing would be using it.

She wanted it.

The man continued to speak, "I want to exchange this fur for a Defensive Artifact or Talisman, a healing Pill is also good."

'Defensive Talisman, she has that'. Zemirah happily thought.

Someone started to bid, "An Uncommon-near-Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [White Spring Pill]." The masked lady spoke.

The man on the podium pondered.

Zemirah hurriedly followed, "An Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Earth Guard Talisman]!"

The pondering man paused at her offer.

The masked lady stared at her before speaking, "2 pieces of [White Spring Pill]."

"3 [Earth Guard Talisman]!" Zemirah added calmly. She has many talismans so she's not in a hurry.

"2 Outstanding-quality [White Spring Pill]." The masked lady gritted her teeth.

Zemirah paused, this alchemist actually had an Outstanding-quality pill yet she didn't sell it last time.

"Rare-quality [Earth Guard Talisman]!"

The auction house was in an uproar. These two ladies actually like that fur so much that they actually wanted to give away those rarely seen on the market high-quality items.

The man on the podium was stunned as he watched the two ladies offering something that exceeded his expectations.

The alchemist was about to speak when Zemirah gritted her teeth and said, "This lady, how about let me have this fur and I'll give you a rare-quality talisman of your choice."

This is not against the auction house's rules since it's not a threat.

The Alchemist's eyes blinked rapidly as she stared at Zemirah, Zemirah smiled to show her sincerity.

The Alchemist nodded making Zemirah smile.

Zemirah happily exchanged the Rare-quality [Earth Guard Talisman] and even gifted an Outstanding-quality Talisman to the man.

"Let me give you this as a gift because the fur made me happy."

The man then nodded and accepted the extra talisman with a smile. They even exchanged names and became acquainted with each other.

Ding! Congratulations to the Host for triggering a 3 fold-back and getting a Rare-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Earth Guard Talisman].

Then after that, she wrote a list on a jade slip about the talisman she had and handed it to the Masked Alchemist. She even changed her seat beside the Alchemist.

The Alchemist didn't expect her list to be quite complete, there are attack, defense, stealth, and even a small amount of curse-expelling talismans.

Zemirah saw from the mark on the jade slip that she chose the [Frost Wave Talisman]. So, she gave her one.

"What's your name? We met on the Ivor Street last time." Zemirah spoke and blinked her fox eyes at the alchemist beside her.

The Alchemist seemed to be hesitant to speak at first before saying, "You can call me Riya."

"Then call me Mirah," Zemirah felt that she made a friend so she was pretty happy, adding to the reward she got.

Ding! Congratulations to the Host for triggering a 15-fold back and getting a Rare-quality Low-stage Grade 2 [Snow Sword Talisman].

Her eyes lit up at the talisman that can seriously injure even a Mid-stage Foundation Building cultivator.

The auction proceeded as usual while she got more and more eyes on her together with the alchemist beside her.

Zemirah sent a voice transmission to Riya while not taking her eyes off the podium, "Riya, that old thin man from earlier doesn't look like a good person."

Riya, the alchemist, paused slightly before understanding that it must be this talisman master who spoke, "I know, you should be careful too."

Zemirah said with a smile, "Just some small fries dare to target me, heh."

'I'm not even afraid of Foundation Building now', Mirah happily thought.

Riya narrowed her eyes slightly after hearing the haughty tone of this Talisman Master named Mirah. She obviously looks like a young miss from a prominent family, so she must have some life-saving card on her.

Thinking of that list of talismans she was given earlier, Riya knew that she didn't need to worry. She should worry more about herself.

A middle-aged lady appeared on the stage, she was the last Late-stage cultivator from the front row.

"A golden silk made from the thead of a Mid-stage Grade 1 [SunRay Spider]. Besides its beauty, it has functions like warming the body and toughness that can rival late-stage attack."

Zemirah was almost blinded by the golden silk; it deserves the name sun ray spider as the silk looks like it came from the bright golden sun.

Riya saw the person beside her perked up at the sight of the golden silk, she sighed as she seemed to figure out the hobby of Mirah.

A beauty-loving lady, ah.

"I want to exchange this golden sun ray silk for any pill, talisman, and artifact of similar value."

"An Uncommon-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Fire Wall Talisman]!" A young lady offered. The lady looks like someone from a wealthy background.

Zemirah watched as the lady on the podium did not respond to the bid from that young lady. She also decided to say her bid after some offer sounded, "An Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Earth Guard Talisman]!"

The lady on the podium waited for a bit more before nodding at Zemirah, "Trade."

Zemirah happily got her golden silk, ignoring the glare from the other girl. Who made her talisman better than her, hmphed?

"Congratulations," Riya said quietly.

Mirah happily accepted her words.

When it was Zemirah's turn, she steadily made her way to the podium. The people waited for this lady's items in anticipation since she looked the wealthy kind. From the Rare-quality to the Outstanding-quality Talismans she kept exchanging.

They guessed that she was a talisman master. Only someone who can continuously make one will keep exchanging them like her.

Zemirah stood on the podium and took out a three wooden box,

One held a fruit, a pill, and a stack of talismans.

She called the lady waiting aside, "Can you please help me show this to our fellow Daoists here."

The lady from the auction house had a good impression of this rich lady and smiled, "Sure thing, fellow Daoist."

Then she held the box Zemirah pointed first and opened it to the crowd.

"These are three Rare-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 talismans. One is a [Frost Wave Talisman], an [Earth Guard Talisman], and [Curse Cleaning Talisman]."

The crowd wowed at how many Rare-quality she already showed. She even has a quite rare [Curse Cleaning Talisman] that is the bane of evil cultivators who practice evil ways like curses.

"I wish to exchange this talisman for any artifact that looks beautiful to my fellow Daoists."

Riya closed her eyes after hearing her words. Sure enough, this lady really doesn't care about her Rare-quality talisman, only beauty can catch her attention.

The crowd went silent before someone bid in an uncertain voice, "I have a common-quality low-stage grade 1 [Thousand Step Voice Mirror]."

Zemirah didn't have a bad expression when she heard Common-quality and Low-stage and asked, "May I see the mirror, Fellow Daoist?"

The young girl took out a mirror, the mirror really did look beautiful. It's crystalline white and has some pearls. Though the pearls are only normal ones.

The crowd was uncertain if she'd trade since the talisman and the mirror as so far apart when a clear voice sounded, "Let's trade, pick one you like here."

The owner of the mirror was stunned before happily choosing, "The [Earth Guard Talisman], please."

The staff assisted with the trade. Everyone was stunned at how Zemirah really took the seemingly useless mirror and gave out such a precious talisman.

The crowd only woke up after when someone shouted, "I have a common-quality mid-stage grade 1 [Moon Tear Necklace] here." A young man shouted and showed the necklace.

The necklace is beautiful, like the most expensive sapphire on Earth.

Zemirah nodded, "Change."

Only the [Frost Wave Talisman] is left.

The crowd hurriedly shouted their bid, and Zemirah chose an old woman who showed a mortal-grade [Flower Embroidered Space Pouch]. The pouch is embroidered with a beautiful purple butterfly and some small blue flowers. The space pouch is the cheapest since the space inside is very small, not even worthy of a Common-quality talisman, and what's more, a Rare-quality Mid-grade Talisman

But for Zemirah, it was the most beautiful one. She has the system so she just wants something beautiful.

To the crowd, they are shocked at this prodigal lady who happily kept the embroidered pouch. Some sighed at how lucky the old lady was, while others set their eyes on this seemingly weak Old Lady who managed to exchange.

After the first box was empty, Mirah gestured to the second box. The crowd was anticipating the next items inside the boxes.

The crowd saw a pill and knew it was a Supreme-quality pill at the sight.

The crowd was in an uproar, even the people at the VIP rooms sat up straight.

"A Supreme-quality Grade 1 [Energy Replenishment Pill], my Fellow Daoists." A smiling voice sounded from Zemirah.

Zemirah smiled, "I want to exchange this pill for any spiritual flower or plant you have that looks pleasing to the eyes."

Riya, the Masked Alchemist, sighed, 'There she was again'.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, not quite understanding her words. When someone made a bid, "I have an Uncommon-quality Grade 1 [Rose Smile Flower]."

Other people quickly said their bid when they saw Zemirah's pondering look.

"I have…"

"I have.."

A voice from the VIP suddenly spoke, "I have an Outstanding-quality Grade 1 [Dutch Whisper Plant]."

It's a small plant with leaves that has a pleasant whisper, Zemirah vaguely knew it

"[Dutch Whisper Plant]?" Zemirah wanted to ask for her to take a look when someone opened the window of the VIP room.

In the window, a cute small plant that has leaves curled in different shapes appeared.

"This plant-" The voice was about to continue telling its details when Zemirah shouted excitedly.

"Trade!"

The male voice paused, surprised, before humming.

The Supreme-quality Pill went to that VIP while Zemirah got her pot of [Dutch Whisper Plant].

She held the pot in her hand as she let her assistant open the last box.

"This is a Supreme-quality Grade 1 Spiritual Fruit called [Azure Berry Fruit]. It is one of the main ingredients for a Grade 2 pill called [Aqua Ring Pill]."

The crowd was amazed at another Supreme-quality item. This one is even more amazing as it is useful for even Foundation Building cultivators.

The crowd waited for her next words, "I want to exchange this spiritual fruit for any musical artifact."

Zemirah spoke in a serious tone, wanting to tell the people that she treated this matter as important.

Someone spoke in the crowd, "I have a Common-quality Low-stage Grade 1 [Purple Bamboo Flute]."

Zemirah smiled without saying a word.

Someone whispered, "That guy must be dreaming."

"Well, it's not bad to try his luck."

Other people also bid, the highest is an Uncommon-quality Late-stage Grade 1 [Glass White Gu Gin].

When Zemirah was thinking of choosing the most beautiful one, a voice from the VIP room sounded again.

"I have an Uncommon-quality Low-stage grade 2 [Starlight Sea Piano]."

Zemirah perked up and nodded, "Trade."

Zemirah only knew how to play a guitar and a piano. As for ancient musical instruments, she didn't know how to use them which is why she was hesitant to trade them earlier.

Fortunately, someone finally took out something she wanted.

The spiritual fruit was delivered to the room while staff handed her a space ring where the musical artifact lay. Seeing the starry black piano that shimmered like the starry night, she nodded and transferred the piano to her space ring before giving the other space ring back.

After that, she went down the podium and went to her seat beside Riya. Riya saw her satisfied look and inwardly shook her head helplessly. 'Anyway, she's rich and willful'.

It was Riya's turn. She traded her pills, there were good things like the Outstanding-quality pills and near Outstanding-quality Uncommon-quality Pills.

Zemirah didn't exchange any pills, so she decided to trade in private with Riya next time. There are no more items that caught Zemirah's eyes. Only when the auction was about to end that she remember something.

She forgot to trade for any Talisman Books.

To avoid regret, she started consoling herself that she could just go to the auction next month or the one in Wintea City in six months.

After this auction, she should go and buy a courtyard. Staying in an inn isn't the best choice right now. She thought she'd only stay in this town for a few days, but she quite liked it here so maybe stay for a few months before going to Wintea City.

Seeing that all the cultivators in the hall were finished, Zemirah wondered why everyone looked like they were waiting.

She then asked Riya about her doubts.

"Last are the people in the VIP rooms," Riya patiently said, she's also looking forward to things from Foundation Building big shots.

A bearded middle-aged man went to the podium, and the lady from the auction house bowed at him.

Riya introduced, "This is Teal River Town commander, a mid-stage Foundation Building body cultivator."

Zemirah nodded, looking at the man's burly body, he's really someone who cultivates the body. She can feel the power on that body, like a beast that can kill with just his bare hands.

A faint Foundation Building aura emitted from him, confirming her thoughts.

"Fellow Daoists, I have a bottle of Grade 2 [Teal Water Drop] I want to exchange."

Riya immediately sat straight as she stared unblinkingly at the small bottle that held teal-colored water. It looked magical with the light on it, Zemirah wondered what's the use of this water for Riya's reaction to be so enthusiastic.

"I want to exchange this for any healing pill." The commander said his requirements for the trade.

Riya clenched her hands as she went through the healing pills she could use to trade.

Someone already made a bid, but the commander just smiled.

When Zemirah was wondering if Riya had no more pills to trade, she then made a bid.

"5 pills of outstanding-quality grade 1 White Spring Pill," Riya said with gritted teeth.

The commander paused but didn't agree immediately.

"5 pills of outstanding and 10 uncommon-quality White Spring Pills," Riya added when she saw the somewhat tempted yet reluctant look of the commander.

The commander then agreed, "Trade."

Zemirah felt the commander was happy, the kind of joy where he got the better deal.

Riya pouted and took the bottle, seeing the goods were right. She hid it in her space ring.

"Is that a good thing? That commander looks like he got a good deal." Zemirah asked in a voice transmission.

Riya harrumphed and said, "That old man, he must've pretended to be reluctant earlier."

Riya also realized this at the end, yet she already said her bid so she can't take it back anymore.

"This should be the end, let's go," Riya said and Zemirah nodded, yet before they stood up, someone went to the podium.

A young man looking like a scholar wearing a pure white robe with some embroidery of a divine beast that is somewhat hidden.

Zemirah stared at the handsome young man and said to Riya, "There's one more. He should be from the VIP room."

Riya nodded, "So young and already at Foundation Building?"

"And handsome too," Zemirah said with a giggle.

Riya rolled her eyes, she didn't care for beauty, unlike Mirah.