Chapter 18: The Royal Auction

"A promise?"

Everyone in the grand hall was taken aback upon hearing Lin Langtian's words, and a look of surprise quickly spread across their faces.

They had never expected that Lin Langtian's greeting gift would be such an intangible and elusive promise.

Of course, it wasn't that promises themselves were worthless. The value of a promise mainly depends on who is making it—it varies from person to person.

A promise from a top-tier powerhouse could be considered priceless. For example, a promise from Mo Jingtian, the Emperor of the Great Yan Empire, could instantly elevate a beggar to the status of a noble within the empire.

But if the promise were from a beggar, it would clearly be worthless and ignored by everyone.

As the foremost talent of the Lin Clan, Lin Langtian's promise was indeed quite valuable within the Great Yan Empire. However, for a disciple of a super sect like Ling Qingzhu, what value could it hold?

Moreover, the promise was conditional upon it being within his abilities and not violating his principles. Isn't that essentially an empty promise?

Huangpu Ying, who was standing by, sneered, "Brother Langtian, your greeting gift is truly unique. I doubt any of the gentlemen present could come up with something as thoughtful as yours.

But do consider who Ling Qingzhu is. As a disciple of a super sect, does she really need your help?

I suggest you not overestimate yourself and say things that make everyone laugh."

As his words fell, the faces of the talented individuals present showed odd expressions as they looked at Lin Langtian.

Some had met Lin Langtian before, while others had only heard of his reputation. However, in their impression, this top talent of the Lin Clan was supposed to be calm and powerful.

But now, he seemed more like someone trying to freeload.

Wasn't he afraid of angering Ling Qingzhu, a disciple of a super sect, and being disqualified from the Hundred Empire War?

Facing everyone's gaze, Lin Langtian remained indifferent, calmly looking at Ling Qingzhu without any sign of being disturbed.

Everyone thought that his promise was worthless to Ling Qingzhu, but Lin Langtian himself did not think so.

After all, he was determined to step into the Ancestral Realm.

He had even decided on a title: Tian of Lin Langtian, known as the Heavenly Ancestor.

A promise from the Heavenly Ancestor himself could indeed be considered priceless.

Of course, this was just a temporary whim of Lin Langtian. The reason he made the promise, apart from not having any gifts to give, was to test Ling Qingzhu.

If she truly saw through some of his potential, she wouldn't consider his promise worthless.

And if Ling Qingzhu disregarded it, it would reassure Lin Langtian, indicating that his facade was perfect and that even the young palace master of the Nine Heavens Supreme Palace had not noticed anything.

Looking at the serene young man in the green robe before her, Ling Qingzhu's beautiful eyes showed a hint of contemplation.

As the next palace master of the Nine Heavens Supreme Palace, she practiced the supreme martial art of the palace, the Tai Shang Induction Art, which only the palace master and the heir could practice.

This martial art did not possess any power nor could it repel enemies, but strangely, it was a mandatory course for successive palace masters of the Nine Heavens Supreme Palace.

Just a moment ago, when she saw Lin Langtian, she sensed a boundless and terrifying black flame on him through the Tai Shang Induction Art.

Although Ling Qingzhu doubted whether she had sensed correctly, she held the attitude of believing in its possibility. Lin Langtian indeed left an unusual impression on her.

Thinking of this, Ling Qingzhu smiled lightly at Lin Langtian, her beauty unparalleled, like a blooming lotus.

"Though Brother Langtian's gift is unique, it is indeed the most precious one Qingzhu has received today.

In the future, if Qingzhu needs help, I hope Brother Langtian will not forget the promise made in the palace of the Great Yan Empire."

As Ling Qingzhu's words fell, the faces of the talents in the hall showed surprise.

None of them expected that Lin Langtian's empty promise would actually win the favor of Ling Qingzhu, a disciple of a super sect.

Not far from Lin Langtian, Qin Shi heard this and showed a bitter smile.

Didn't this mean that Lin Langtian's intangible promise was more precious than his Earth-grade spiritual treasure?

However, being a good-natured person, although his gift was overshadowed by Lin Langtian's, he harbored no jealousy.

In contrast, Huangpu Ying's eyes flashed with extreme jealousy when he saw Ling Qingzhu's special attitude towards Lin Langtian.

As a loyal admirer and pursuer of Ling Qingzhu, he could not allow his goddess to be defiled by anyone, even if that person was Lin Langtian of the Lin Clan!

While everyone marveled at Lin Langtian's luck in gaining Ling Qingzhu's favor with just a promise, Lin Langtian was deep in thought.

"Could it be that Ling Qingzhu truly noticed something different about me..."

Lin Langtian knew that without the fortuitous encounters after his rebirth, he would never have gained the attention of Ling Qingzhu, the celestial maiden of the Tianxuan Continent.

Her original impression of Lin Langtian in the past confirmed this.

Thinking of this, Lin Langtian felt a slight melancholy.

Fortunately, judging by Ling Qingzhu's attitude, she did not seem to have any ill intentions towards him.

As Lin Langtian was lost in thought, Mo Jingtian clapped his hands, immediately drawing everyone's attention.

"Haha, everyone, to welcome my niece Qingzhu, I have specially prepared a royal auction. Everyone can participate enthusiastically later.

But I have only one request: if Qingzhu likes anything in the auction, do not compete with her." Mo Jingtian laughed heartily.

Hearing this, Ling Qingzhu smiled slightly at Mo Jingtian and said, "Thank you, Uncle Mo, for your care."

The talented individuals in the hall also responded, "We would never compete with Miss Qingzhu."

They all knew that this auction was part of the royal welcome ceremony for Ling Qingzhu, who was the undisputed main character.

Besides, if Ling Qingzhu truly fancied any auction item, they neither had the means nor the courage to compete with her. Thus, it was better to agree.

Seeing this, Mo Jingtian nodded, then summoned a royal attendant to lead everyone to the auction venue.

Following the group through a long passage, Lin Langtian found himself in a luxurious venue that could accommodate thousands of people.

Lin Langtian quickly led Lin Ke'er to find a good spot near the auction stage.

To his surprise, as soon as he sat down, Ling Qingzhu sat not far from him.

Shaking his head, Lin Langtian stopped paying attention to her and instead felt a growing anticipation for the upcoming auction...