Under the silver glow of the moon, the disciples of various sects, including the Clark Sect, settled outside the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves, engulfed in discussions and contemplations. The unexpected requirement to bid for entry into the caves had thrown their plans into disarray.
Madam Frost, her expression a mix of determination and concern, addressed her disciples.
"We must assess our resources carefully. The initial 10,000 Grade 4 spirit stones might not suffice, especially with the Vinci Sect here."
The disciples murmured in agreement, aware of the challenging position they were in. "Let's see how the bidding unfolds in the morning. We'll gauge the others before making our move," suggested Elder Ring, his voice heavy with the burden of the decision ahead.
The Clark Sect, though rich in heritage, was not as affluent as some of the other sects present, particularly their rivals, the Vinci Sect. The realization weighed heavily on them as they prepared for a night of uncertainty.
As discussions continued, Eric found a quiet spot away from the others. He closed his eyes, extending his senses to survey the surrounding pine forest for any potential dangers or resources.
His mind was focused on Ria, on providing her with the best possible materials to enhance her training. The high-grade items in his spirit ring were not suitable for someone of her cultivation level, so he planned to utilize the abundant resources of the pine forest to expedite her progress.
As the night deepened, a remarkable phenomenon occurred. Tiny beads of Qi, pure and potent, began to fall like snowflakes from the sky. The disciples around the caves noticed an immediate improvement in their cultivation, a tangible effect of the dense Qi.
"This is incredible," whispered a young disciple, his eyes wide with wonder. "The Qi is so concentrated here; it's like nothing I've experienced before."
Another disciple, older and more experienced, nodded in agreement. "Imagine what the energy must be like inside the caves. This is merely a fraction of the power they hold."
The effect was not lost on Madam Frost, who realized the Dany Sect's strategy. "They've let us experience this on purpose," she said, her voice low but clear. "To increase our desire to enter the caves, to drive up the bids tomorrow. It's a clever tactic."
The realization only fueled the disciples' determination to gain access to the caves. The desire to train within the legendary Azure Dragon Echoing Caves, to bask in the concentrated Qi and achieve breakthroughs, became even more pronounced.
Eric, quietly observing the effect, knew the importance of the upcoming bidding. He understood that the resources of the pine forest and the Qi-rich environment were invaluable. But gaining access to the caves was crucial, not just for Ria's training but for the advancement of all the Clark Sect disciples.
As the night wore on, the disciples of the Clark Sect, along with those from other sects, cultivated under the Qi snowfall, each moment bringing them closer to their goals. The anticipation for the morning's bidding grew, a pivotal event that would determine the fate of their training and, ultimately, their futures in the cultivation world.
_
The serene early morning at the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves was abruptly shattered by the piercing cry of a massive bald eagle. Its golden feathers shimmered in the dawn light, a majestic sight that heralded the arrival of the Dany Sect. The eagle, bearing the sect's flag, landed with a thunderous noise, disturbing the peaceful valley.
As the eagle settled, over thirty Dany Sect disciples disembarked. They were dressed in luxurious golden uniforms, their attire speaking volumes about the wealth and status of their Rank 1 sect. With an air of superiority, they crossed the energy barrier that separated the sects, heading straight toward the main elder who was waiting outside the caves.
Madam Frost, along with the Clark Sect disciples, watched this display with a mix of awe and unease. The arrival of the Dany Sect was a clear reminder of the power dynamics at play.
Ten minutes later, the Dany Sect elders began the formalities for the day. They placed ten crystal vessels, each one shimmering with a clarity that seemed to capture and reflect the morning light. An elder, holding a sea shell, let out a high-pitched whistle, signaling the beginning of the bidding process.
"Place your bid amount in the crystal vessel allowed to you," he announced, his voice echoing through the valley. "The vessel will change color, reflecting the magnitude of your wealth."
Madam Frost exchanged a worried glance with her fellow elders. The stakes were high, and the Dany Sect's unconventional bidding method was designed to maximize competition and, consequently, their profit.
Instead of directly asking for a fixed price, they chose this bidding method to exploit more wealth.
Elders from each sect stepped forward, their movements deliberate as they approached the crystal vessels. Madam Frost, representing the Clark Sect, solemnly placed 10,000 Grade 4 spirit stones into their assigned vessel. A hush fell over the crowd as the vessel absorbed the stones, its color deepening slightly.
The Vinci Sect elder, Sen Vinci, watched with a smirk. Stepping forward, he confidently placed 20,000 spirit stones into his sect's vessel, his action met with murmurs and gasps from the onlookers.
"Is that all the Clark Sect can afford?" Sen Vinci taunted, his voice loud enough for Madam Frost to hear. "It seems the competition will be less challenging than we thought."
Madam Frost clenched her fists, struggling to maintain her composure. "The value of a sect is not measured by spirit stones alone," she retorted, her voice steady despite the rising anger.
The Dany Sect elders observed the exchange with thinly veiled amusement. This bidding war was playing out exactly as they had hoped – a display of wealth and power, a game where the highest bidder wins the prize.
As the morning sun rose higher, casting its light over the valley, the sects continued to place their bids. The atmosphere was tense, each addition of spirit stones to the vessels raising the stakes higher.
The disciples of the Clark Sect watched anxiously, aware that their chances of training in the coveted Azure Dragon Echoing Caves were slipping away with each increasing bid. The competition was no longer just about cultivation; it was a test of their sect's very survival in the cultivation world's hierarchy.
_
Note: Don't forget to vote the Power Stones...
Your's lovingly,
PeterPan ;-)