Translator: Lynn
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Despite this familiarity, Xu Ziqing couldn’t pinpoint its source. He kept this feeling in mind, staying vigilant.
Once the winner of the auction was declared, a Nascent Soul Enforcer took the Thousand Ghost Banner to Ding You’s room. However, two immensely powerful auras suddenly erupted, targeting the “Yi Mao” room where the Ghost Spirit Sect was situated. The oppressive force was so intense that it immediately quelled any resistance and snuffed out any lingering greed among the onlookers.
A thought flashed through everyone’s minds: “Divine Transformation Stage1Change from Divine Soul Formation stage. I’ll check previous chapters to revise them soon!!”
Everyone froze in fear. It became clear why the Longhang Firm felt secure—having two Divine Transformation stage masters guarding the auction ensured no one dared to cause trouble.
Despite their reluctance, the Ghost Spirit Sect had no choice but to relent. Their future actions, though, were just like anyone’s guess.
Xu Ziqing heard someone nearby remark, “This person has made an enemy of the Ghost Spirit Sect.”
Another added, “Once he leaves the auction house, his life will be in danger.”
But the person in Ding You’s room remained, not seizing the opportunity to escape. This might have been a strategy to rely on the protection of the Divine Transformation stage masters or a sign that they didn’t fear the Ghost Spirit Sect. Nonetheless, everyone doubted their safety, thinking it was just a delay.
The bidding war for the Thousand Ghost Banner had stirred up significant excitement. Though the remaining items weren’t as valuable, they were still rare and sold quickly.
The third batch featured treasures like magical beasts2芝人芝馬; Zhiren Zhima; is said to be vehicles and horses, so maybe magical beasts are used for mounts?, elixirs, rare ores, high-quality refining materials, and even the inner core of a seventh-level monster and spirit beast eggs. These items were precious and were swiftly auctioned off.
Xu Ziqing was amazed, having only read about many of these items in jade slips. Seeing them in person at the auction expanded his knowledge.
The final batch comprised items from secret realms, making it a sort of “Mystery Auction.”
The world of the secret realm was vast, with countless relics, secret places, ancient caves, and tombs. Many cultivators have discovered treasures over the years. Some treasures were immediately useful, but others, either due to ancient restrictions or lost knowledge, were sold at auctions. These “secret treasures” were auctioned off, and their true value depended on the buyer’s luck.
There was once a craftsman who bought an unnamed ore to reveal high-grade treasures, but others lost all their money, ending up with only ordinary items or even ancient beast eggs that couldn’t hatch due to lost vitality.
The mix of joy and disappointment is hard to describe. Despite the risks, the allure of ancient secret realm items remains strong, and many cultivators are eager to bid. Mystery Auctions aren’t always held, but as soon as the Nascent Soul Daoist mentioned it, many cultivators were already prepared.
Cultivators of a certain status often have their own sources of information and have already anticipated the Mystery Auction, preparing enough funds in advance.
Xu Ziqing glanced at Xuan Ze, noticing that while he appeared to be casually caressing the back of a woman on his lap, his eyes were serious. Clearly, he had come for the Mystery Auction.
Mystery Auctions operate differently from open ones. The bidding increments are set by the auctioneer, usually no less than 1,000 low-grade spirit stones. The items’ purposes are often unknown, with very brief descriptions provided.
The Nascent Soul Patriarch in floral robes clapped his hands, making a box appear in his palm. It was about one foot long, half a foot wide, and three inches thick. He announced, “This item comes from the Mausoleum of Changtian 382 years ago. Only a Nascent Soul cultivator can break the restriction. The starting bid is 100,000 low-grade spirit stones.”
Many cultivators began bidding immediately.
“101,000 low-grade spirit stones!”
“110,000!”
“We offer 135,000 low-grade spirit stones. Who dares to compete?”
“135,000? I bid 150,000 low-grade spirit stones!”
After nearly half a stick of incense, the price had reached 213,000 low-grade spirit stones. Bidders relied on their judgment, essentially gambling on the item’s worth. Considering only a Nascent Soul cultivator could break the restriction, the contents were likely valuable, justifying the high bids.
While Mystery Auctions are highly sought after, unless the item is exceptionally rare, prices aren’t as high as those in open auctions. Mystery Auctions often feature various restricted items to attract cultivators, ensuring many stay until the end to avoid missing desired items.
Though the Mystery Auction prices are generally lower, Xu Ziqing’s wealth wasn’t enough to participate. However, Xuan Ze and his confidants and guests actively bid and acquired several items.
By this point in the Mystery Auction, more than 80 items had been presented, with a total of 100 expected. Xu Ziqing observed each item and found them all to be truly enigmatic, living up to the reputation of a Mystery Auction.
The flower-robed cultivator on stage revealed another item, and upon removing its protective covering, Xu Ziqing’s expression changed dramatically. His dantian was in turmoil, and Rongjin was restless, as if trying to escape. Since Xu Ziqing’s cultivation had advanced, aided by Bitter Bamboo flute, Rongjin had not been this disobedient for a long time. What is happening now?
This reaction was clearly driven by instinct.
Xu Ziqing, though anxious, quickly suppressed Rongjin, calming it down. He began to receive fragmented thoughts from Rongjin, filled with a strong desire: “Mother, I want… I want it!”
Xu Ziqing’s attention turned to the flower-robed cultivator’s palm, which held an embroidered kit with intricate patterns. It had no apparent aura, and while it resembled a storage bag, it lacked the typical inner sense of one. It also didn’t seem like an ordinary trinket. Its exquisite design suggested it once belonged to a female cultivator.
The flower-robed cultivator continued, “This item is from the Xiaoyutian Secret Realm. The restriction can be broken by those at the Golden Core stage. The starting bid is 20,000 low-grade spirit stones.”
This announcement caused many to lose interest. In ancient times, male and female cultivators faced different challenges. Female cultivators often had a difficult early stage, avoiding harm from men unless they were part of a renowned sect from a young age. Consequently, it was rare to find valuable items from low-level female cultivators. However, those who overcame early difficulties and reached higher stages often possessed numerous treasures.
The kit’s restriction, breakable at the Golden Core stage, suggested it belonged to a female cultivator who wasn’t extremely powerful. This led many cultivators to speculate it might just be a dowry item, reducing their interest.
However, Xu Ziqing sensed it was not that simple.
If it were merely a woman’s dowry, Rongjin, an ancient monster, wouldn’t be so excited and unable to suppress his instincts. This made Xu Ziqing wonder if the item was of significant help to Rongjin.
Rongjin was Xu Ziqing’s natal tree, and its strength directly benefited him. After three years of rigorous training, Xu Ziqing had come to realize the importance of collecting various types of wood in the future. Since Rongjin shared his will, it acted on his behalf, and thus, he couldn’t treat it poorly. After a brief contemplation, Xu Ziqing decided to bid: “Twenty-one thousand low-grade spirit stones.”
Given that most were not interested in this item, it was his opportunity. He had a total of 50,000 to 60,000 low-grade spirit stones, which was sufficient to place a competitive bid.
However, despite the general disinterest, some wealthy cultivators preferred to acquire it rather than miss the opportunity, and they began bidding against him.
In a short time, the price rose to “Forty thousand low-grade spirit stones.” Xu Ziqing, frowning, made his bid: “Forty-two thousand.”
“Forty-three thousand…”
“Forty-five thousand.” A young cultivator in blue, looking polite, said: “I offer 48,000. I intend to give this to my junior sister. If you are all just curious, please don’t compete with me.”
An older cultivator smiled and conceded.
But Xu Ziqing couldn’t let go of this item: “50,000.”
The young cultivator in blue frowned but continued to bid.
Xu Ziqing’s gaze remained steady, refusing to back down.
Finally, the young cultivator in blue bid “60,000.”
By then, Xu Ziqing had run out of spirit stones. He sighed inwardly, feeling he had done his best, but it seemed this item was not meant for him…
After a moment of silence, the young cultivator in blue looked smug, believing he had won.
Then, a cold voice cut through the air: “One hundred thousand.”
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