Gu He Obtains the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame's Map Fragment

Pill King Gu He was also taken aback to realize that the map was indeed related to the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame. He frowned slightly and asked politely, "Miss Ya Fei, are you sure this is really a fragment of the map? If so, where are the other pieces?"

Ya Fei nodded, wearing a confident smile. "We are willing to guarantee with our reputation that this fragment map is genuine. If there is any falsity, we will compensate tenfold. Moreover, we will do our best to find the other fragments and auction them as well."

Upon receiving the confirmation from the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, Gu He nodded but did not show any excitement. For him, the Heavenly Flame was no longer useful. An alchemist could only possess one Heavenly Flame in their lifetime. Trying to obtain another was akin to defying the heavens.

Besides, without the complete version of the Flame Mantra, it was impossible for him to search for and absorb another flame.

However, everyone's eyes were fixed on Han Feng's position, their gazes sharp and electric.

The Third Rank on the Heavenly Flame List, Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame—how could it not arouse their greed?

"Let the auction begin. The starting bid is five million gold coins."

As soon as these words fell, the alchemists began bidding frantically. Han Feng, however, wore a grave expression. He had exhausted all his funds acquiring the Flame Mantra earlier. Competing for the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame fragment map against so many factions now seemed unrealistic.

But missing this opportunity meant he might never get another chance. Gritting his teeth, Han Feng shifted his gaze to the Black-Corner Region elites beside him.

Yuan Yi, the leader of the Eight Gates, narrowed his eyes and said, "Medicine Emperor, what's with that look? Do you still want to compete for this map?"

"Everyone, please calm down. This fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame map is invaluable. If we can obtain the Heavenly Flame, our power will elevate to a new level," Han Feng said deeply. "Moreover, you all know the significance of Heavenly Flames to alchemists. If we get it, the Black-Corner Region will undoubtedly become the most powerful in the Northwestern Continent. At that time, whatever you want, I can provide."

But these individuals no longer intended to believe Han Feng. If it were a complete map of the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame, perhaps they could seize this opportunity to curry favor and secure more medicinal support in the future.

But it was just a fragment, and no one knew how large the map was or where the other pieces were. Spending a fortune on such an uncertain bet was not something they would do.

Fan Lao, the leader of the Blood Sect, frowned and said, "Medicine Emperor, we can't be sure this fragment really leads to the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame. I suggest we abandon this. If necessary, we can seize it. In the Dou Qi Continent, killing and looting are just daily things."

Other powerhouses nodded in agreement. Fan Lao's suggestion made sense. If they didn't have money, they could use force. As long as they acted cleanly, no one would know it was the work of the Black-Corner Region.

Han Feng sneered inwardly. These guys were really stingy.

However, his words held some truth in them. The powerhouses of the Black-Corner Region had always acted with the mindset of better safe than sorry. Knowing that he couldn't change their minds, Han Feng chose to withdraw from this auction reluctantly.

The price quickly soared to ten million gold coins. Although it didn't stir the same frenzy as the Flame Mantra, it was still a staggering sum. After all, this was just an ordinary map fragment, not a complete map of the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame. Spending a vast amount of money was not a sensible move.

Xiao Yan naturally recognized this as the fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame he had been searching for. He clenched his fists and murmured quietly. "Master, what should we do? We must get the map of the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame…"

As the fragment had shown up here, the only thing he could do now was to obtain it at any cost!

Yao Lao whispered, "The secret of this map has been exposed, likely done intentionally by the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. Given our current situation, there's no way we can bid for it."

Xiao Yan gritted his teeth and asked, "Then what should we do? Let this fragment slip away?"

He was deeply unwilling to accept this. The Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame was incredibly powerful for both combat and enhancing the Flame Mantra. Letting it go was something he found hard to stomach.

Yao Chen was also at a loss. He regretted not accumulating more money earlier. He had always thought that money was meaningless to powerful figures like them. Now, it seemed he was mistaken.

However, after this auction, there would undoubtedly be a bloody fight for the map. They might still have a chance to snatch it later.

As time passed, the number of bidders decreased due to the rising price. Eventually, only two bidders remained.

Xiao Yan's breathing grew heavy, eager to see who would ultimately win the fragment.

By then, the price had risen to around eighteen million.

The two remaining bidders were both five-star alchemists, each hoping to obtain the Purifying Lotus Demonic Flame map. This Heavenly Flame was several ranks higher than the Green Lotus Core Flame.

Yun Yun bit her red lips and said, "I didn't expect the price to get this high. The temptation of the Heavenly Flame drives everyone to madness."

"Twenty million gold coins!"

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention to Pill King Gu He, the six-star alchemist.

Even Han Feng couldn't help but glance curiously. He hadn't expected Gu He to join the fray. If Gu He obtained the fragment, it wouldn't be easy to snatch it from him. As a fellow six-star alchemist, he knew how much influence could be asserted just by using his name. Offending a six-star alchemist like Pill King Gu He was a reckless move.

The two five-star alchemists exchanged glances and frowned. With Gu He involved, they stood no chance of winning the bid.

Pill King Gu He said calmly, "Gentlemen, my patience is limited. You're testing my limits."

The two five-star alchemists shook their heads in disappointment and decided to give up. They had no desire to offend Gu He over a map fragment.

Ya Fei smiled.

"Since the gentlemen have given up, is there anyone else willing to bid?"

"Twenty million gold coins, going once!"

"Twenty million gold coins, going twice!"

"Twenty million gold coins, sold!"

Seeing no further bids, Ya Fei struck the auction hammer with a crisp, pleasant sound, signaling the end of the auction.

He stood up, glanced towards the fourth floor, and cupped his hands in salute. Sensing that many around them had predatory eyes and wouldn't easily let them leave if they stayed any longer, Gu He and his companion left in a hasty departure.