As one rare item after another was successfully traded, the atmosphere in the grand hall grew increasingly heated, stirred by these extraordinary treasures.
"Now, let's begin the auction for the second-to-last item of this trading event," Elder Baoshan announced with a smile, lightly clasping his hand in front of him. A piece of ancient, yellowed parchment appeared in his grasp.
"Excellent, excellent. This item has finally made its way here without any surprises. The four fragments of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map can now be fully assembled," Gu Fei thought to himself, nodding in satisfaction as he recognized the familiar piece of parchment. He had been waiting for this moment for many years.
Previously, Gu Fei had worried that his activities in the Central Plains might have caused some unforeseen changes, but now it was clear that he had been overthinking. The continent was vast, and he had only traversed a small portion of it.
Elder Baoshan introduced the fragment, "After thorough research, we have concluded that this map is related to the legendary Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame…"
His words immediately captivated everyone's attention. The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame ranked third on the Heavenly Flame List.
Although this flame existed only in legends, its power was known to be terrifying, capable of destruction on an unimaginable scale.
In the grand hall, eyes filled with desire were fixed on the map fragment. Although it wasn't the actual Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame, owning the fragment could provide clues to its whereabouts. If one were lucky enough to follow the trail, obtaining the flame would bring unimaginable benefits.
"The owner of this map fragment wishes to exchange it for some pills…" Elder Baoshan said, scanning the room. "Now, let the bidding begin."
The hall was filled with people eager for the fragment, and an elderly, raspy voice soon called out, "Three eight-tier pills with six-colored lightning markings."
"Four eight-tier pills with six-colored lightning markings."
"Five…"
In less than two minutes, the bidding escalated rapidly, with each voice pushing the price higher.
Gu Fei remained silent for now, not joining in the bidding frenzy.
"Five eight-tier pills with seven-colored lightning markings."
Soon after, a cold voice filled with fiery energy rang out. The price had now reached a level that caused many to withdraw from the competition, no longer able to keep up.
"One eight-tier pill with eight-colored lightning markings!" Gu Fei finally made a tentative bid.
A low murmur of surprise rippled through the hall.
"Three…"
However, the next bid was even more aggressive, tripling Gu Fei's offer.
The bidder was a thin figure cloaked in black, whose fierce gaze shot toward Gu Fei, as if trying to intimidate him into backing down with sheer force of will.
Gu Fei casually waved his sleeve, easily dispelling the pressure.
"Eight," Gu Fei bid again.
Elder Baoshan smiled, "This friend has bid eight eight-tier pills with eight-colored lightning markings. Does anyone wish to offer more?"
It was clear that this bid had reached a level that many in the hall could only dream of matching.
"One eight-tier pill with nine-colored lightning markings. If you can top that, the map fragment is yours!" the thin, black-robed figure coldly declared.
"That guy is insane!"
The crowd was taken aback, drawing a collective breath at the mention of a pill with nine-colored lightning markings. Many shook their heads in disbelief.
"He really wants to challenge my husband, bidding such a high price!" Cai Lin said, her expression turning cold. At this point, she was tempted to simply take the map by force.
"Hehe, if you want it so badly, then take it," Gu Fei chuckled, deciding not to continue bidding. He had his reasons- those nine-colored pills were better reserved for his loved ones than wasted at this auction. After all, in his mind, the black-robed figure was already a dead man walking.
"Heh heh…"
Seeing Gu Fei withdraw, the black-robed man let out a low, sinister laugh. He turned to Elder Baoshan in the center of the hall, and with a wave of his hand, a pure white rabbit appeared in his grasp.
As soon as the rabbit appeared, the rich aroma of the pill it contained filled the air.
Despite his reluctance, the black-robed man completed the exchange.
"Friend, the transaction is complete. The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map fragment is now yours," Elder Baoshan swiftly concluded the deal.
"Now, the final item of this trading event is not an object, but a piece of information!"
"Although this information may soon spread across the Central Plains, you have the privilege of being the first to hear it here!" Elder Baoshan declared.
Gu Fei, however, had lost interest in the auction, as the news that Elder Baoshan was about to share was not new to him.
"The legendary Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, which can grant instant sainthood, has reappeared after a millennium…"
"Bodhisattva Ancient Tree?"
Elder Baoshan's words were like a bomb, instantly igniting a wave of excitement throughout the hall.
The Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, if ranked among the natural treasures of the Dou Qi Continent, would undoubtedly be in the top three!
The Ancient Tree was also known as the Tree of Wisdom and Reincarnation in some ancient texts. It took a thousand years to grow one cycle, and only after reaching a hundred cycles would it fully mature.
The passage of such an immense amount of time would erode almost anything, but the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree existed beyond time itself. It was one of the oldest known species on the continent…
According to some ancient records, only one Bodhi Ancient Tree existed in the world, possessing wisdom. After each appearance, it would retreat deep within the earth, hidden from anyone's reach. Only when the time was right would it reemerge.
The Bodhisattva Ancient Tree could grant instant sainthood! This was no exaggeration.
Within the tree resided the Bodhisattva Heart, which, if obtained, could enlighten one's heart, making sainthood a mere formality.
This god-like power was enough to drive anyone to madness.
Whoever obtained the Bodhisattva Heart would have the key to becoming a Dou Saint, joining the ranks of the most powerful beings on the continent!
Even without the Bodhisattva Heart, the slightly lesser Bodhisattva Seed could still greatly enhance the chances of becoming a Dou Saint.
Though not as miraculous as the Bodhi Heart, it was still an irresistible lure for those on the brink of Dou Saint.
Given all this, the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree's allure to top-tier experts was almost unimaginable.
It was easy to predict that once this news spread, it would cause a massive upheaval across the Central Plains.