After the explosive victory of Lin Jie, the Lin Clan's name started gaining a faint spark of recognition among the spectators. Lin Tianyu, however, knew this spark needed to become a flame if the clan wished to escape their status as the weakest in the Northern Jade Kingdom.
The next stage of his plan unfolded in the form of an Auction Hall, located in the capital city of Silverwind Province. Auctions were the hubs where rare treasures, cultivation techniques, and precious resources changed hands. It was also the perfect stage to make an impression.
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Journey to the Silverwind Auction Hall
The Lin Clan delegation, led by Lin Tianyu, arrived in the bustling city of Silverwind, a stark contrast to their modest village. Buildings gleamed with jade-like tiles, bustling markets sold wares that radiated faint spiritual energy, and cultivators from various clans walked proudly in their respective robes, symbolizing their power.
Lin Jie, now brimming with confidence, gazed around in awe. "Father, this place is on another level. Even the lowest disciple here looks stronger than the average elder back home!"
Lin Tianyu chuckled. "Don't let appearances fool you, Jie. In a city like this, ambition runs wild. But strength without wisdom is nothing."
The System chimed in Tianyu's mind.
[System Notification: New Location Detected – Silverwind Province. System Store has been updated with location-specific items.]
Tianyu raised an eyebrow. "Show me the updates."
A screen materialized in front of him:
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System Store – Silverwind Edition
1. Crystalwind Elixir (Low-Grade) – Enhances agility by 10%.
Price: 250 Points
2. Silverwind Armor (Mid-Grade) – Deflects Qi-based attacks below Foundation Building Realm.
Price: 800 Points
3. Heavenly Flame Lotus (Rare) – An alchemy ingredient capable of refining top-tier pills.
Price: 3,000 Points
4. Starfall Formation Manual (Earth-Grade) – Teaches a defensive formation capable of blocking attacks from cultivators a realm higher.
Price: 5,500 Points
---
Tianyu frowned. "The prices keep rising. Guess I'll stick to observing for now."
The System replied cheekily. [That's because you're in a richer city. Should I remind you of your current points?]
Tianyu sighed. "Not necessary."
---
Inside the Auction Hall
The Silverwind Auction Hall was a towering building covered in intricate carvings of ancient beasts and formations. Inside, the atmosphere was lively but tense, with various clans, sects, and merchants gathered to bid on treasures that could change their fate.
Lin Tianyu and his small group took their seats in the middle tier, reserved for lesser-known clans. The upper tier, adorned with gold and jade, was for the elite—nobles, powerful sect leaders, and wealthy merchants.
As they settled in, whispers filled the air.
"Look, the Azure Blade Sect is here!"
"And the Moonshadow Clan… they never miss an auction!"
"Even the Frostpeak Kingdom's Envoy is present. There must be something big up for auction today."
Lin Jie leaned toward Tianyu. "Father, do we even stand a chance against these people?"
Tianyu smirked. "We're not here to win. We're here to learn… and maybe pick up a surprise or two."
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The Auction Begins
The auctioneer, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence, stepped onto the stage. His voice, amplified with Qi, boomed across the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Silverwind Auction! Today, we have an array of treasures that will leave you breathless. Let's not waste time and begin!"
The first few items were minor—low-grade spirit weapons, Qi Refining pills, and cultivation manuals. The Lin Clan refrained from bidding, observing the dynamics of the other participants.
Then came the first notable item.
"Next, we have the Flaming Crystal Cauldron, a high-grade artifact for alchemists. Starting bid: 500 spirit stones!"
The room erupted into a frenzy.
"600 spirit stones!"
"700!"
"1,000!"
Tianyu's System suddenly pinged.
[Item Analysis Complete: Flaming Crystal Cauldron. Enhances alchemy success rate by 15%.]
He pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Not worth it for now."
---
A Shocking Discovery
The auction continued until an item caught Tianyu's full attention.
The auctioneer unveiled a small jade box, its aura causing a subtle ripple in the room's spiritual energy. "Next, we present the Nebula Dewdrop, an extremely rare alchemy ingredient capable of producing pills that accelerate Foundation Building breakthroughs!"
The crowd erupted into excited murmurs.
"Such a treasure appearing here?"
"This could create an Earth-Grade pill!"
The starting bid was announced at 2,000 spirit stones, and the bids quickly climbed.
Tianyu's System interrupted his thoughts.
[Warning: Nebula Dewdrop contains traces of a corrupted energy. Analysis suggests it has been tampered with to sabotage pill refinement.]
Tianyu's eyes narrowed. "So, someone's trying to sell a cursed treasure."
He leaned toward Lin Jie. "Stay quiet and watch what happens next. This auction might get… interesting."
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Unexpected Turn
As the bidding for the Nebula Dewdrop reached its peak, a young man from the upper tier—dressed in the robes of the Moonshadow Clan—stood up.
"10,000 spirit stones!"
The room fell silent. Such a price was astronomical for most cultivators. The auctioneer's face lit up with excitement. "Sold to the young master of the Moonshadow Clan!"
But before the auctioneer could finalize the sale, a cold voice echoed from the entrance.
"Hold."
Everyone turned to see a tall, robed figure entering the hall, exuding an aura of authority. The man's presence silenced the room, his cultivation clearly in the Golden Core Realm.
"I am Elder Zhang of the Azure Blade Sect. That item is cursed and unfit for use. I demand an explanation!"
Gasps filled the room as the auctioneer stammered, his confidence shaken. "Elder Zhang, I assure you—"
The elder's aura flared, silencing him. "Enough lies. Do you dare deceive the Azure Blade Sect?"
---
Tianyu's Plans
Amid the commotion, Tianyu remained calm, the System feeding him information.
[Analysis Complete: Elder Zhang's claim is correct. Cursed energy detected. Suggestion: Stay neutral and observe. Opportunities may arise.]
Tianyu smirked. "No need to tell me twice."
As accusations flew and the auction descended into chaos, Tianyu's mind raced. He wasn't strong enough to intervene directly, but this incident could be used to the Lin Clan's advantage.