Chapter 1: A New Beginning
The air was thick with the scent of incense and an otherworldly energy that Adam could neither see nor touch, yet it vibrated through his very core. He stood at the edge of a bustling marketplace, its chaotic life far removed from anything he had ever known. Stalls made from rough-hewn wood and silk canopies spread across a sprawling square, their vendors hawking everything from shimmering elixirs to ancient weapons that pulsed with latent power. Above the din of bartering voices, the occasional roar of a beast—somewhere between a lion and a dragon—rattled the air.
Adam blinked, disoriented. He had been in his cramped apartment just moments ago, scrolling through his phone. Now, the vibrant and dangerous world of cultivation spread out before him, a stark contrast to the gray mundanity he had left behind.
"Where... am I?" he muttered.
The words burned themselves into the air before his eyes, large and glowing in bold, golden text. Adam staggered back instinctively.
Adam's confusion turned into a wary curiosity. "Auction house?" he repeated. His voice sounded oddly small in this vast and unfamiliar world.
Before he could ask more, his surroundings shimmered and shifted. He found himself standing in an opulent hall that could only be described as divine. Walls of polished jade towered high above him, and golden chandeliers floated midair, their light illuminating rows of pedestals displaying priceless treasures. From intricate talismans to gleaming weapons, each artifact seemed to hum with energy.
At the far end of the hall was a large counter, behind which stood a humanoid figure, clad in black robes that obscured their face.
"Invincible?" Adam repeated, his lips curling into a slow, calculating smile.
The robed figure behind the counter raised a gloved hand, pointing toward a glowing book resting on a pedestal nearby. Adam approached it cautiously, the faint hum of power growing louder as he drew near. The book opened of its own accord, its pages glowing with golden script.
ALL ITEMS MAY BE AUCTIONED TO CULTIVATORS. PROFITS INCREASE YOUR POWER AND EXPAND THE HOUSE. GOOD OR EVIL DEEDS PERFORMED BY YOUR CUSTOMERS STRENGTHEN YOU. WITHIN THE AUCTION HOUSE, YOU ARE UNTOUCHABLE.
Adam ran a hand through his hair, a habit from his old life when he needed to think. "So, I profit off others' actions... good or bad?" His mind whirled with possibilities.
The system responded with more glowing text.
Adam smirked. "I've always been good at that."
A sudden knock echoed through the auction hall. The shimmering jade doors swung open, revealing a ragged man with desperation in his eyes. He clutched a dusty, cracked sword in his hands, its hilt wrapped in frayed cloth.
"Are... are you open?" the man asked, his voice trembling.
Adam stepped forward, his confidence growing as he realized the scope of his situation. "Of course," he said, gesturing toward the counter. "What do you have to offer?"
The man hesitated before placing the sword on the counter. "It's a family heirloom. I need spirit stones to save my village. Please, auction it for me."
Adam picked up the sword, its weight solid in his hands. Though battered, it radiated a faint energy that hinted at its potential. "Very well," he said, placing it on one of the glowing pedestals.
The glowing text floated in the air for all to see. As if summoned by some unseen force, figures began to materialize in the hall. Cultivators of all kinds—robed sages, fierce warriors, and shadowy assassins—appeared, their eyes fixed on the saber.
The bidding began.
"Fifteen spirit stones!"
"Twenty!"
"Thirty!"
The numbers climbed rapidly, and with each bid, Adam felt a surge of power flow into him. It wasn't just the spirit stones being exchanged—it was the energy of greed, desperation, and ambition that fueled him.
When the bidding ended, the saber had sold for 100 spirit stones. The ragged man wept with gratitude as Adam handed him his share.
"Thank you," the man said, bowing deeply before departing.
As the auction hall emptied, Adam felt a strange sensation wash over him.
Adam chuckled softly. "I think I'm going to like it here."
Outside the auction house, the world of Veridia awaited—a land of cultivators, beasts, and hidden dangers. Adam knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't just survive in this world. He would dominate it.