Chapter 35: The Auction Begins
As the moon hung high over Mystic River City, the night was anything but calm. News of the Heavenly Grade Level 7 technique to be auctioned tonight had spread like wildfire, not just in the city but to powerful cultivators in far-off regions. The allure of such a rare technique drew in experts from neighboring cities and even the Imperial City, where some of the strongest cultivators resided.
The Auction House Owner, having spread word of the technique himself, could already feel the growing tension as various powerful cultivators began arriving at the auction house. Three hours before the auction was set to begin, the streets outside the auction house were lined with luxurious carriages, mystical beasts, and flying treasures. Everyone who came had their eyes set on one thing — the Heavenly Grade technique.
Among those arriving was a particularly powerful young master, the heir to the prestigious Wang Clan, known for their wealth and influence in the region. Young Master Wang Tian, a cultivator in the Nascent Soul Realm, arrived with an air of arrogance, his robes embroidered with the symbol of his clan in golden thread. He was known throughout the region as a fierce competitor in auctions and a relentless pursuer of rare treasures.
Wang Tian strode confidently into the auction house, his guards and attendants following close behind. The moment he entered, he was greeted by one of the auction house's attendants, who quickly led him toward a private room.
"I'll take Private Room No. 1," Wang Tian declared without hesitation, as if it was his birthright.
The attendant hesitated, then nervously replied, "Apologies, Young Master Wang, but Private Room No. 1 is already reserved."
A frown creased Wang Tian's face, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. "Already reserved? By whom?" His voice was low, carrying a subtle threat.
The attendant nervously glanced around, unsure how to answer. Just as the tension was about to escalate, the Auction House Owner himself appeared, walking briskly toward them with an apologetic smile. "Young Master Wang, please allow me to explain. The guest in Private Room No. 1 arrived earlier and has already been settled. Unfortunately, I cannot ask them to move."
Wang Tian's gaze darkened. It wasn't often that someone refused his demands, and for the Auction House Owner to insist on protecting another guest's privacy was unusual. "And who might this esteemed guest be? Surely, I should at least know the person who holds more favor than me."
The Auction House Owner remained polite but firm. "I'm afraid I cannot disclose that information, Young Master Wang. But I assure you, you will be more than comfortable in Private Room No. 2."
Wang Tian clenched his jaw. Although the Auction House Owner remained respectful, the refusal felt like a slap to his pride. However, it wasn't wise to press further. The Auction House had its own powerful backers, and making a scene now might do more harm than good. "Very well," he said with a sharp nod. "But I will find out who this person is."
As Wang Tian was led to Private Room No. 2, his mind churned. Who could this mysterious figure be? To occupy Private Room No. 1 meant either incredible wealth, immense power, or both. Few in the city could match the Wang Clan's influence. Whoever was in that room was no ordinary individual, and Wang Tian would make sure to uncover their identity.
Inside Private Room No. 1, Xiao Feng sat calmly, watching the activity below through the tinted glass. His Spirit Sovereign Realm aura had done the job well enough to secure him the most prestigious seat in the auction house, and he preferred to remain anonymous for the time being. Wearing a simple black robe and a mask to hide his features, Xiao Feng had no intention of drawing attention to himself before the right moment.
The room was furnished with the finest of luxuries — silk cushions, a private tea service, and an unobstructed view of the auction platform below. Despite the comfort, Xiao Feng's mind was focused entirely on the upcoming auction. He needed vast cultivation resources to progress quickly, and this auction was the perfect opportunity to gather what he needed.
As more cultivators arrived, the tension in the auction house grew. Private rooms began filling up with powerful figures from different regions. Some of the wealthiest families and strongest cultivators had arrived, eager to claim the Heavenly Grade technique for themselves.
Among the notable arrivals were figures like Elder Yuan, a renowned expert from the Imperial City, and Madam Qiu, a fearsome matriarch known for her vast wealth and formidable cultivation level. Each arrival caused whispers to spread through the crowd, but none were as anticipated as the auction itself.
Finally, after hours of waiting, the lights in the auction house dimmed, and the Auction House Owner stepped onto the platform to announce the start of the event.
"Esteemed guests, we welcome you to tonight's auction," his voice echoed through the hall, calm and steady. "We are honored to present to you rare treasures from all over the region. But tonight's highlight, as many of you have already heard, is a Heavenly Grade, Level 7 technique — one of the rarest techniques in existence."
A murmur of excitement spread through the crowd. Even in the private rooms, Xiao Feng could feel the growing anticipation. He had placed the technique up for auction for two reasons: to gather enough resources for his cultivation and to gauge the level of interest from the powerful figures in the Heavenly Realm. A Heavenly Grade, Level 7 technique was not something many people could afford or even use, but those who could would be desperate to obtain it.
The Auction House Owner continued, "However, before we get to our featured item, we have several other treasures to present. Let the auction begin!"
The first few items were rare herbs, high-grade spiritual weapons, and valuable cultivation resources. Xiao Feng, understanding that these rare herbs were essential for speeding up his cultivation, made his move early. He placed bids on nearly every herb that came up for auction. With each winning bid, the private room buzzed with curiosity as no one knew who was behind the mask in Private Room No. 1.
"Another winning bid from Private Room No. 1," the Auction House Owner announced as Xiao Feng secured yet another batch of rare herbs.
Whispers filled the crowd. "Who is in that room?" "They're buying all the rarest herbs!" Even the powerful cultivators from other cities were starting to take notice. But no one dared to challenge Xiao Feng's bids. His aura and reputation—though still unknown—created an air of mystery and intimidation.
In Private Room No. 2, Wang Tian clenched his fists in frustration. Not only had he been denied the most prestigious room, but now this mysterious individual was sweeping up the very herbs he had his eyes on. His pride wouldn't let him lose without a fight.
"I'll place a bid," Wang Tian said coldly as he raised his paddle, offering a higher bid than Xiao Feng on a particularly rare Spirit Awakening Herb.
But as soon as his bid was announced, the Auction House Owner's voice rang out again. "Private Room No. 1 has placed a higher bid!"
Wang Tian's expression darkened. He gritted his teeth and raised the bid even higher, but once again, Xiao Feng calmly outbid him. Wang Tian's face flushed with anger, but he knew it was futile. Whoever was in Private Room No. 1 had resources far beyond his reach. He sat back down in his chair, seething.
Inside Private Room No. 1, Xiao Feng remained calm. The herbs he had acquired would go a long way in boosting his cultivation. The auction continued, with more rare treasures being presented, but Xiao Feng had already achieved his first goal: gathering the resources he needed.
As the final items were auctioned off, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.
"Now," the Auction House Owner said, his voice filled with anticipation, "we present the Heavenly Grade, Level 7 technique!"
The room fell silent as the scroll was brought onto the stage. Eyes gleamed with desire, and hearts raced with excitement. The bidding was about to begin.