Chapter 37: The Auction Ends
The auction finally came to an end, and the air was still buzzing with excitement and awe.
As the crowd dispersed, Xiao Feng calmly stepped out of the Number One Private Room, his expression unreadable. He moved with purpose, his robes fluttering slightly as he headed toward a discreet side door leading to the private quarters of the auction house's owner. He wasn't finished yet.
The auctioneer, a middle-aged man with sharp features and a keen eye for wealth and power, was waiting for him, as if anticipating his arrival. He bowed deeply, his demeanor respectful. "Honored guest," the auctioneer greeted, his voice laced with deference, "how may I assist you further?"
Xiao Feng's gaze was steady. "I need more than just the technique," he said calmly. "I'm looking for rare herbs, ones that were not put up for auction. Do you have anything available?"
The auctioneer hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with thought. "Indeed, there are a few rare herbs in our collection that were not suitable for public auction," he replied cautiously. "But since you are a distinguished guest, having purchased the Celestial Dragon Ascendant Technique, I could make an exception. However," he added, "do keep in mind that Mystic River City is not one of the major cities in the Heavenly Realm. We have some rare herbs, but the rarer and more potent varieties you might seek are harder to come by here."
Xiao Feng nodded. "Show me what you have."
The auctioneer gestured for Xiao Feng to follow him down a narrow corridor. They passed several rooms before arriving at a locked chamber. With a swift motion, the auctioneer produced a key and unlocked the door. Inside was a well-guarded vault, its shelves lined with glass containers and jade boxes filled with herbs, each radiating faint spiritual energy.
The auctioneer stepped aside, allowing Xiao Feng to inspect the collection.
"These are the herbs we have on hand," the auctioneer explained, "You'll find things like Blood Lotus, Spirit Jade Grass, and the rare Crimson Soul Flower. However, the really rare herbs, like the Nine-leaf Yin Lotus or the Heavenly Dragon Grass, are beyond our reach here."
Xiao Feng's eyes scanned the shelves, picking out the rarest herbs that could still serve his purpose. While it wasn't everything he needed, it was a significant start. He knew that Mystic River City, being smaller and less affluent compared to the likes of Azure Cloud City or the grand Imperial City, wouldn't have everything. Still, what was here could help him elevate his cultivation to the next level.
"I'll take all the rare herbs you have here," Xiao Feng said, his voice calm but decisive.
The auctioneer blinked in surprise but quickly composed himself. "Of course, honored guest. I'll have everything prepared for you immediately."
Within moments, a few attendants brought out the herbs, carefully packing them into jade boxes to preserve their spiritual essence. Xiao Feng paid for them without hesitation, his gaze sharp and focused. He knew this was just the beginning.
With his rare herbs secured, Xiao Feng made his way to the finest inn in Mystic River City. The innkeeper, recognizing the high status of Xiao Feng, swiftly arranged for the best room. Once inside, Xiao Feng sealed the room with a formation to prevent any disturbances. He then carefully unpacked the herbs and prepared them for alchemical refinement.
For the next few days, Xiao Feng worked tirelessly, refining the rare herbs into top-grade pills. His alchemical skills, honed over centuries in his previous life, allowed him to extract the maximum potential from each herb. Using his spiritual flames, he merged the essence of the herbs into shimmering pills, each one brimming with power.
After a week of intense labor, Xiao Feng finally had what he needed: several bottles of high-grade cultivation pills. These pills would enhance his cultivation speed and strengthen his foundation, helping him overcome the limitations of the thin spiritual energy on Earth.
Satisfied with his work, Xiao Feng sat down in the lotus position, placing the pills beside him. He closed his eyes and began circulating his cultivation technique, drawing in the spiritual energy from the pills. With each breath, he felt the power of the pills surge through his meridians, cleansing and expanding them.
Months passed in seclusion. Xiao Feng's cultivation soared as he absorbed the spiritual energy from the pills and combined it with his profound understanding of the Celestial Dragon Ascendant Technique. His mysterious stone, still hidden within his dantian, provided an additional boost to his cultivation, stabilizing his breakthroughs and preventing any deviation.
By the time he opened his eyes again, Xiao Feng had reached the Spirit Sovereign Realm, Level Five. His aura was far more refined, and his power had grown exponentially. He had used every resource at his disposal—the rare herbs, the pills, the technique, and his own knowledge—to push his cultivation to the next level. He was now among the strongest cultivators on Heavenly Realm, because although his Cultivation Level is in Spirit Sovereign Realm level 5 but relying on his strong foundation and powerful Techniques and his experience he could fight a Heavenly Realm level 8 or even level Cultivator head on, but he knew this was only the beginning.
His next goal was clear. He needed to leave Mystic River City and head to the Imperial City, the grandest and most powerful city in the Heavenly Realm. It was there that the true treasures and resources awaited him, and it was also home to the Six Supremes—the most powerful beings in the realm.
Xiao Feng packed his belongings and prepared to depart. As he left the inn, he felt the eyes of the city's cultivators on him, though none dared approach. His power was undeniable, and the rumors of his victory at the auction had only added to his mystique.
Xiao Feng soared into the sky, leaving Mystic River City behind. His destination was the Imperial City, where the greatest challenges—and opportunities—awaited him.
But for now, his path was clear: gain more power, seek out greater treasures, and continue his quest for vengeance and ascension. The road ahead was long, but Xiao Feng was ready.