Chapter 14: The Opening of the Auction

When Xu Yang returned to the fifth floor, the auction was just about to begin.

With the help of a maid, Xu Yang learned the location of Ling Qingshu's room and followed her inside.

What Xu Yang didn't know was that after he entered the private room, the young man who had competed with him for the spiritual herb downstairs walked out.

"I can't find that guy anywhere. He actually dared to play tricks on me earlier."

The young man mumbled quietly as he walked, clearly still upset about what had happened.

As soon as Xu Yang settled into his seat in the private room, the auction officially began.

A cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage went up to the stage, and it seemed he was the one hosting this auction.

"Everyone, greetings from this old man. I'll be hosting this auction today, and I hope everyone will leave with something worthwhile," the Foundation Establishment cultivator said without further ado, starting the auction immediately.

The first item up for bid was a mid-level Yellow-grade spell technique.

After the cultivator presented the requirements for the technique, two forces immediately expressed interest, beginning a new round of bidding.

As for the Yellow-grade mid-level spell technique, both Xu Yang and Ling Qingshu weren't interested.

Xu Yang didn't care because he already mastered numerous higher-level techniques, so a low-grade technique was beneath him.

Ling Qingshu, on the other hand, wasn't interested because of Xu Yang's presence. In her mind, with Xu Yang as her ancestor, Tian Lan Sect would never lack for cultivation techniques or spell secrets.

For the Yellow-grade mid-level spell technique, the representatives of the two forces competed briefly, and in the end, the one who offered a higher price claimed the item.

With the first item sold successfully, the auction proceeded smoothly.

Techniques, spells, magic tools, pills, talismans—there was a wide variety of items up for auction.

Many of these items would be highly effective for Golden Core cultivators.

Looking at those spiritual items that once tempted her, Ling Qingshu no longer felt as eager.

With Xu Yang around, her perspective had greatly expanded during this time.

In the past, she might have been excited about a spiritual item that could enhance cultivation, but now, she was no longer that desperate.

"The auction is proceeding smoothly today, and there are only two items left. Let's take a look at the finale item for this auction," the Foundation Establishment cultivator announced.

Two staff members from the auction house brought the final item onto the stage. After the cultivator finished speaking, they uncovered the red cloth.

When the true appearance of the final item was revealed, Xu Yang, who had been indifferent up until then, immediately became serious.

Looking at the item on the stage, Xu Yang felt an unfamiliar yet strangely familiar sensation.

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

On the stage, the Foundation Establishment cultivator was still introducing the mysterious item that had been brought up.

"This item was brought out by several wandering cultivators from a secret realm. All we can tell is that it is quite extraordinary, but we cannot specifically identify what it is."

As soon as these words were spoken, all eyes in the room were drawn to the stage.

Secret realm, the unknown—when these two terms come together, they usually signal great opportunities.

Anything brought out from a secret realm, as long as it can be used, is undoubtedly a top-quality item.

"This item has been entrusted by the owner to be exchanged only for pills that assist with cultivation. Now, please make your bids."

As soon as this was said, everyone in the auction hall, whether sitting in the stands or in the private rooms, paused for a moment in surprise.

This auction was going to be traded for cultivation-assisting pills?

What was going on? Was spirit stones now too hot to hold?

Ling Qingshu, sitting in the private room, also looked surprised, but her expression quickly changed to one of delight.

Cultivation-assisting pills were something Tianlan Sect had plenty of.

She had personally witnessed Xu Yang's terrifying alchemy abilities.

After waiting for a while, no one in the auction hall had placed a bid for the item. At this moment, Ling Qingshu seized the opportunity.

"I offer one bottle of Golden Core stage cultivation-assisting pills, which can increase cultivation efficiency by 30%."

Once she spoke, no one made a counteroffer. If nothing unexpected happened, the item would belong to Xu Yang, who was behind Ling Qingshu.

"I have similar pills. I offer one and a half bottles."

One and a half bottles meant eighteen pills, as a bottle usually contained twelve pills.

To suddenly take out eighteen cultivation-assisting pills, the person making this bid seemed to be quite wealthy.

After hearing someone bid against her, and knowing that Xu Yang had given the order, Ling Qingshu did not hesitate and raised her bid to two bottles.

The other party, apparently determined to win, immediately raised the bid to two and a half bottles.

After being suppressed again, Ling Qingshu's expression darkened.

This was something Xu Yang had arranged, and yet she had failed to complete it smoothly. It was a major mistake.

"I'll take it over him," Xu Yang said, his ears catching the bidding process. He naturally understood what had happened.

As for the pills that Ling Qingshu had, Xu Yang already had a rough estimate since he had given them to her.

With Xu Yang's directive, Ling Qingshu raised her bid to three bottles.

Seeing the firmness in Ling Qingshu's voice, the other bidder fell silent, unsure whether competing for an unknown item against her was a wise decision.

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

When the Foundation Establishment cultivator auctioned off the last item of the day, Ling Qingshu called over a maid to bring the manager of the auction house.

After handing over the three bottles of cultivation-assisting pills to the manager, the item Xu Yang wanted was delivered to their private room.

It was an oval-shaped object, completely black, with no luster. Its material was indiscernible.

Xu Yang circulated his true qi through his hand, and every time he rubbed the object, it emitted faint glows.

He treated the oval object as if it were a fine porcelain artifact, not daring to apply too much force.

Ling Qingshu had been paying close attention to Xu Yang's actions. When she saw the object emit glowing halos after Xu Yang rubbed it, she knew that the item Xu Yang had instructed her to buy was no ordinary item.

So, she watched even more carefully, her gaze fixed on Xu Yang, afraid of missing any crucial detail.