The following days in Silvermist City were calm on the surface, but Feng Yuntian could sense the growing undercurrents of change. His time in the city was spent silently observing from the shadows, paying attention to the movements of the Skyshatter Sect and other powerful factions. He carefully avoided making any unnecessary moves that might draw attention, preferring to keep his existence concealed.
He visited local markets, inns, and lesser-known gathering spots where information flowed freely. There, he gathered whispers about the sect's inner workings, rumors of hidden treasures, and talk of mysterious events occurring across the region. Though much of it was idle gossip, occasionally a useful thread of information appeared, giving him insight into the larger picture.
One night, while Feng Yuntian was listening in on conversations at a quiet tavern, he overheard a pair of merchants discussing a rare auction taking place in a remote part of the city. The merchants spoke in hushed tones, clearly aware that the items on offer were not for the average buyer. Their conversation piqued Feng Yuntian's interest, particularly when they mentioned a certain "Skyshadow Medallion"—a legendary artifact said to grant the bearer access to a hidden realm connected to the Skyshatter Sect.
"I heard the medallion was once owned by a disciple who disappeared centuries ago," one merchant said. "It's said that whoever holds it can unlock a forgotten part of the sect's legacy."
"Shh, keep it down," the other merchant warned. "If the sect gets wind of this, we'll be in serious trouble. That medallion is worth a fortune, but it's also dangerous."
Feng Yuntian's gaze darkened slightly. The medallion could be his way into the deeper secrets of the sect, bypassing the conventional route of discipleship. He knew he had to attend this auction, but he would need to be cautious. Something as valuable as the Skyshadow Medallion was bound to attract powerful players—both from the sect and outside of it.
The auction was set to take place in three days, giving Feng Yuntian time to prepare. He used those days to quietly gather resources and scout the auction location. It was being held in the private estate of a wealthy merchant, a man known for dealing in rare and often illicit goods. Feng Yuntian discovered that the auction was invitation-only, with access restricted to the elite of the cultivation world.
Of course, gaining entry would not be difficult for him. With a few well-placed connections and a subtle use of his Heavenly Void Art, Feng Yuntian easily acquired an invitation under a false name. On the day of the auction, he dressed in simple, unassuming robes and arrived at the estate, blending in with the crowd of wealthy merchants, sect members, and rogue cultivators who had come for the rare treasures on offer.
The auction hall was lavishly decorated, and the atmosphere was thick with tension as cultivators eyed one another warily. Feng Yuntian kept to himself, quietly observing the other attendees. Among them were figures he recognized from his investigations—disciples from lesser-known sects, influential merchants, and a few lone cultivators who radiated dangerous auras.
As the auction began, items of great value were presented one after another—rare herbs, spirit stones, weapons imbued with powerful arrays, and ancient scrolls detailing forbidden techniques. The bidding was fierce, but Feng Yuntian had no interest in these items. He waited patiently, his focus solely on the Skyshadow Medallion.
Finally, after hours of bidding, the auctioneer presented the final item.
"And now, for the highlight of tonight's auction," the auctioneer announced. "The legendary Skyshadow Medallion, once held by a disciple of the Skyshatter Sect. It is said to hold the key to a forgotten realm and untold riches within."
A collective murmur swept through the crowd. The medallion was small, barely the size of a palm, but its dark metallic surface shimmered with an ancient power. Feng Yuntian could sense the faint, residual energy radiating from it—a clear sign that it was no ordinary artifact.
The bidding began at an astronomical price, and it quickly escalated as various cultivators vied for the medallion. Feng Yuntian remained silent, waiting for the right moment to act. He didn't care for the price; what mattered was securing the medallion without drawing too much attention.
As the bidding reached its peak, Feng Yuntian sensed a shift in the room. A group of masked individuals sitting near the back had remained quiet for most of the auction, but now their eyes were locked on the medallion. Their presence was unsettling, and their cultivation levels were not to be underestimated.
Just as one of them raised their hand to place a bid, Feng Yuntian struck. Using the Heavenly Void Art, he silently sent out a pulse of void energy, disrupting the flow of spiritual energy around the masked group. It was a subtle move, but it caused enough of a disturbance to break their concentration.
Simultaneously, Feng Yuntian placed his own bid, raising the price to a level that few could match. The room fell silent as the masked group hesitated, clearly aware that something was amiss but unable to pinpoint the source. After a tense pause, they reluctantly lowered their hands.
"Sold!" the auctioneer announced, and with that, the Skyshadow Medallion became Feng Yuntian's.
He accepted the medallion without a word, tucking it away beneath his robes. As the auction concluded, he quietly left the hall, slipping into the night before anyone could take notice of him. But as he made his way through the darkened streets of Silvermist, Feng Yuntian could sense that the auction was only the beginning.
The masked group, whoever they were, would not give up so easily. He could feel their eyes on him even now, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
That night, Feng Yuntian returned to his inn, sitting cross-legged on the floor as he examined the Skyshadow Medallion. The artifact pulsed faintly in his hand, its surface etched with strange, ancient runes. He could sense that the medallion was more than just a key—it was a guide, a tool designed to lead its wielder to something far greater.
But as Feng Yuntian studied the medallion, he could also sense the danger surrounding it. Whoever had created this artifact had woven layers of protection and secrecy into its design, ensuring that only those who possessed the necessary knowledge could unlock its true potential.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Feng Yuntian's eyes narrowed as he rose to his feet. He hadn't been expecting any visitors, and he knew that few would dare approach him uninvited. Opening the door slightly, he found a hooded figure standing in the hallway.
"We need to talk," the figure said, their voice low and urgent.
Feng Yuntian remained silent, his senses on high alert. He could feel the cultivation level of the person before him—strong, but not a direct threat.
"I know what you've acquired," the figure continued, their voice barely above a whisper. "And so do others. If you wish to survive, you'll need more than just power. You'll need allies."
Feng Yuntian's eyes gleamed with curiosity, but he gave no immediate response. The medallion had drawn unwanted attention, but that was to be expected. What mattered now was how he would navigate the treacherous waters ahead.
He opened the door wider, gesturing for the figure to enter. "Speak," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "And tell me why I should trust you."