The following auction items' base prices were significantly lower, and not all the best items were left for last. After the climax, a period of calm ensued. The next item presented was a bronze figure, seemingly made of an unknown metal, dull and lacking luster.
The audience was bewildered, murmuring among themselves, "What is this?"
"Never seen it before. Could it be some kind of magical treasure?"
No one knew what the item was, but they trusted that the Heaven Ascending Pavilion wouldn't auction off something ordinary. Ya Fei nodded and introduced the item, "This is called a Demon Puppet. Some of you may have heard of something similar, but this one is not ordinary. It is the long-lost Sky Demon Puppet!"
The Sky Demon Puppet was not a Qi Method nor an ordinary Dou Technique. Instead, it was a puppet skill that had been passed down from ancient times. To refine the Sky Demon Puppet, one had to gather three items: a corpse, a spirit, and a Monster Core. The corpse served as the device, the spirit as the guide, and the Monster Core as the heart. Accompanied by many other ingredients, these components ultimately formed a Demon Puppet.
The Demon Puppet was divided into three levels: Sky, Earth, and Man. The differences between them were determined by the ingredients and the flame used during the refinement. A Demon Puppet possessed an unending amount of strength, and lacked both emotion and the ability to feel pain. It was essentially a killing machine.
It was recorded in the bamboo record that the levels of a Sky Demon Puppet could be distinguished from the puppet color: Bronze for the Man-level Sky Demon Puppet, Silver for Earth-level Sky Demon Puppet, and Gold for Sky-level Sky Demon Puppet. The refinement of the puppet used its color to identify its category. The purer its color, the stronger its actual strength.
It was apparent from the color of the demon puppet displayed on the stage that it was a Man-level Sky Demon Puppet!
Upon hearing this, everyone below the Dou Emperor realm shook their heads, having never heard of the Sky Demon Puppet. The knowledge of these puppets was scarce, almost extinct, known only to a few ancient and powerful entities who had access to restricted ancient texts.
Because it was a Man-level Sky Demon Puppet, its price wasn't exorbitantly high, set at only a few million gold coins. This particular puppet was made from a Dou Ancestor's corpse, thus its strength was at the Dou Ancestor level.
Yao Chen found the demon puppet intriguing. If Xiao Yan could acquire it, he would have a formidable protector.
Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, shook his head in disappointment. "The rank is too low. If it were a Sky-level one, it would be worth the effort to acquire it. But it's just a Man-level Sky Demon Puppet. What a pity."
As a Dou Venerate, Tang Zhen had no interest in a puppet at the Dou Ancestor realm and decided to leave it for others to bid on.
Xiao Yan raised his paddle, pretending to be hesitant as if he didn't value the puppet much. "Five million gold coins."
Han Feng turned his head towards Xiao Yan's location, seemingly reading his mind. He chuckled and said, "Sorry, young friend, but I am also interested in this Sky Demon Puppet. Eight million gold coins."
Xiao Yan's face twitched, not expecting Han Feng to know the value of the Sky Demon Puppet. This would complicate matters, for sure.
Yao Chen remained silent, aware that with Han Feng interfering, it would be impossible for Xiao Yan to win the puppet.
"Master... what should we do?" Xiao Yan asked anxiously.
Yao Chen pondered for a moment and then said, "We must not reveal our true intentions. Let's bid carefully. If we lose, we will look for other opportunities. Focus on the greater picture and our ultimate goals."
Xiao Yan nodded, understanding the wisdom in his master's words. He raised his paddle again, "Nine million gold coins."
Han Feng smirked and quickly countered, "Ten million gold coins."
The crowd watched the bidding war intently, the value of the Sky Demon Puppet becoming more apparent with each raised bid. The stakes were high, and both sides seemed determined to win.
Yao Chen sighed, "There's nothing we can do. Han Feng has more funds than us. Although we've saved up a considerable amount of gold coins this year, we don't stand a chance against the Black-Corner Region alliance."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan felt unwilling but had no choice but to give up. The opponent's financial power was superior, and without absolute strength, he couldn't prevent his master's traitorous disciple from getting what he wanted.
Yun Yun also showed great interest in the humanoid puppet, "Fifteen million gold coins."
Han Feng, who thought he had everything under control, felt a jolt of panic and turned sharply to look at the person in the other box.
He hadn't expected anyone to dare increase the bid!
Due to the concealment set up by the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, Han Feng couldn't see the other person's face, but anyone sitting on the third floor couldn't be weaker than himself.
"Gentlemen, I am Han Feng, the Medicine Emperor of Black Corner Region. I kindly ask you not to continue bidding. I, Han Feng, will be deeply grateful. How about it?"
Han Feng, being a six-rank alchemist, held a high status, so much so that even Dou Ancestor experts had to show him respect. He didn't think the other party would refuse him.
However, Yun Yun showed no signs of giving up on the demon puppet because of Han Feng's status.
Han Feng clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, "Find out who is in that box, daring to offend a six-rank alchemist! Such audacity!"
Blood Sect Leader Fan Lao nodded, "Alright, I'll investigate immediately."
"Thirty million gold coins." Han Feng slammed his palm on the table. He must obtain the Dou Ancestor-level demon puppet, and anyone who obstructed him would be killed!
The elders of Misty Cloud Sect turned pale with fear. They couldn't believe their sect master would offend a powerful figure from the Black Corner Region over a mere puppet. This was courting death!
The strength of the Black Corner Region in the Northwest Continent was at its peak, with few Dou Ancestor experts. Moreover, Han Feng was a six-rank alchemist, capable of enlisting Dou Ancestor experts.
However, upon hearing Yun Yun's explanation, the elders of Yunlan Sect widened their eyes in astonishment, nearly stripping themselves to join the auction.
"Sky Demon Puppet, I've heard from Master that every puppet requires the corpse and soul of at least a Dou Ancestor expert. So, this demon puppet should've the strength of a Dou Ancestor at worst."
Elder Yun Leng's breathing became rapid, "So, this bronze figure is a Dou Ancestor expert!"
Misty Cloud Sect had yet to produce a Dou Ancestor, and the former sect master was still in seclusion, his life or death uncertain. If they could have a Dou Ancestor as their guardian, they must secure it, even at the cost of all their assets.
Yun Lei and Yun Sheng also smiled, their attitudes shifting quickly as they agreed to spend a large amount of gold coins to purchase it.
Meanwhile, Mister Gold and Mister Silver were also intrigued and asked Han Feng, "Medicine Emperor, what exactly is this demon puppet, and why do you want it so badly?"
Han Feng naturally wouldn't tell them the truth. Otherwise, the two would spare no effort to snatch it, even offending him, a six-rank alchemist.
In this small Northwest Continent, any force with a Dou Ancestor expert was considered a pinnacle sect. Take Canaan Academy, for example; their dean had been away for years, but because of his powerful strength as a Dou Ancestor expert, no one dared attack them.
"It's just an ordinary puppet. I like it and want to take it back for research."
Mister Gold and Mister Silver exchanged glances, clearly doubting Han Feng's words. This item must have significant value; otherwise, Han Feng wouldn't be giving it so much attention.
Moreover, every item auctioned by Heaven Ascending Pavilion was rare and precious. This puppet must be an extraordinary treasure!