More Than Just A Treasure

As Li Rong and Lin Fang nestled into the secluded VIP balcony, a sense of anticipation permeated the air. Below, the auction building hummed with activity, and a sense of excitement and anticipation existed within the air. They could see all that was going on in front of them from their elevated vantage point.

Li Rong looked over the assortment of items set up for auction, his eyes gleaming . His foundation pills stood out among them like precious jewels, ready to be presented to prospective bidders. His objective was very clear: he sought to create a demand for the pills and set himself up for success in the future.

Lin Fang sat alongside him, taking in the varied group of people below with a measured stare and an expressionless face. Li Rong noticed many groups of cultivators among the attendees ; their unique clothing marking them as members of various sects.

While glancing across the crowd, Li Rong saw Tian De seated among a group of cultivators. He turned to face Lin Fang, beaming broadly, eager to share his discoveries with him. "Lin Fang, look over there." Li Rong said and passionately nudged his companion. "That is where Tian De is sitting! I should bring him over; we're companions from the Cloud Chained Valley."

Lin Fang glanced in Tian De's direction, his face slightly guarded, with a hint of something else, as he took in what he saw. He thought for a while before turning back to Li Rong in a stern yet careful tone.

With a prudent glance over the balcony, Lin Fang pointed out, "It's best not to draw attention to ourselves." We don't want the cultivator of the foundation medicines to know who you are. It might draw unwelcome attention." Li Rong's expression briefly betrayed disappointment, but he understood the wisdom of Lin Fang's words. He nodded and returned to his seat, staring down at the auction as the first item up for sale was displayed.

When the auction started, Li Rong's eyes glowed with curiosity, but he wasn't drawn to the first few items that appeared. The treasures he wanted for were far more valuable than the superficial charm of these ornaments. His eyes became more focused as the fourth item was brought out for display.

The auctioneer displayed a rusty and worn disc and gave a brief explanation of its use as a tool for identifying items that are below the foundation stage. The object looked insignificant, but as Li Rong recognised it, his breath hitched—it was the the same disc that, in his previous existence, had belonged to the illustrious Wang family.

Li Rong's mind was filled with memories of the stories told about the disc. He watched with interest, remembering the tale of how the Wang family ancestor had found it.

It was said that the Wang ancestor, a revered cultivator of his time, found himself embroiled in a bitter conflict with a rival sect. In a fierce battle that raged across the countryside, he suffered grievous wounds at the hands of his adversary—a powerful cultivator known for his ruthless ambition.

As the Wang ancestor lay battered and bleeding on the battlefield, his life force waning with each passing moment, a stroke of fate intervened. In his moment of greatest despair, a drop of his blood fell upon the bronze disc.

To the amazement of all who witnessed it, the ground trembled and quaked, and a mysterious portal materialized before the fallen cultivator—an otherworldly gateway concealed within the fabric of reality.

With no time to spare, the Wang ancestor seized upon this fleeting opportunity, casting aside his pain and uncertainty as he stepped through the portal's threshold, escaping certain death as the portal disappeared behind him. What he discovered on the other side was beyond his wildest imagination—a hidden pocket world teeming with untold treasures and secrets.

Li Rong watched with great curiosity as the bronze disc bidding proceeded on, his heart racing with anticipation. Knowing that this seemingly insignificant thing had considerably more value than it appeared to have on the outside, he understood its significance.

Li Rong's eyes flashed with resolve as the auctioneer announced the beginning bid of 500 gold coins.

Li Rong watched his rivals closely as the bidding got more intense, observing their responses and the extent of their desire. Despite the growing tension in the room, he was concentrated and maintained his mind sharp with each bid, planning his next move.

Li Rong takes advantage of the opportunity to win as the bidding reached a fever pitch, his voice bursting through the clamour with a decisive bid of 2500 gold coins. His bid was audacious and self-assured, expressing his steadfast belief in the disc's true value.

Li Rong was not surprised that his bid was accepted. The other bidders relented not believing that the bronze disc was worth the thousands of gold coins.