Chapter 110 Ancient Treasures! The Auction Ends!
When the elderly man surnamed Zhao, who was presiding over the auction, felt the terrifying divine pressure that swept across the entire venue like the might of heaven, as well as the suppressed groans and spitting blood sounds coming from different private rooms, his expression changed abruptly and his pupils shrank sharply!
Nascent Soul Stage!
It is definitely the divine sense of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator!
He has presided over the Yunmeng Pavilion Auction for over a century, witnessing numerous grand events and seeing countless high-level cultivators, including many in the late Core Formation stage and even the Great Perfection stage. However, it is truly rare for a Nascent Soul stage cultivator to personally attend and so openly display his aura!
Moreover, judging from the situation, it was only because several Core Formation cultivators were reckless and tried to spy on this "senior" that they provoked such a furious counterattack.
"This is troublesome!" The old man's heart sank.
When a Nascent Soul cultivator gets angry, the bloodshed is no joke.
If not handled properly, and this senior were to go on a killing spree within Yunmeng Pavilion, or leave in anger, it would be a fatal blow to the reputation of Yunmeng Pavilion, and the host would also be held responsible.
But after all, he came from one of the four major business alliances and had experienced many ups and downs, so his calm and composed nature far surpassed that of ordinary people.
The shock lasted only a moment. He immediately forced himself to calm down, and his face quickly changed to a more respectful expression, even with a hint of fear and apology.
He first bowed deeply towards the direction of Zhou Ding's private room, number seven, and then transmitted his voice in an extremely respectful tone:
"Senior, please calm down! Senior, please calm down! It was my negligence that allowed a few unruly flies to disturb your peace. I deserve to die! Please, senior, be magnanimous and don't hold it against them, lest you harm your immortal body."
This organization will strictly regulate such behavior and will never allow it to happen again!
After the auction concludes, the elder guarding this pavilion will personally apologize to the senior!
His words were extremely humble, taking responsibility for his own and Yunmeng Pavilion's lax supervision. This not only gave the "Nascent Soul Senior" a way out but also showed Yunmeng Pavilion's apology and attitude towards the follow-up handling.
After calming Zhou Ding down, Old Zhao straightened up, his fear instantly turning into a chilling and murderous aura.
His gaze swept across the silent auction hall below, especially towards the direction of the private rooms from which those divine senses had probed earlier. His voice, no longer calm, was now filled with undisguised warning and coldness:
"Fellow Daoists! I hope that what just happened will be the last time! Yunmeng Pavilion has its own rules!"
Anyone who dares to use their divine sense to spy on, provoke, or attack other distinguished guests within the pavilion, regardless of their cultivation level or background, will be considered a serious provocation against my Yunmeng Pavilion and the four major merchant alliances!
At best, you'll be expelled and never received again; at worst... don't blame the elders guarding this pavilion for being ruthless and cleaning house! Don't say you weren't warned!
His words were resolute and filled with murderous intent. Combined with the imposing array inherent in Yunmeng Pavilion and the lingering effect of the terrifying Nascent Soul pressure from before, the effect was outstanding.
All the cultivators present, especially those Core Formation cultivators who had just suffered a great loss and whose blood and qi were still churning, were now silent as cicadas in winter, their faces pale, and they even breathed much softer. How could they dare to make the slightest move?
Their hearts were filled with lingering fear and relief.
What I find frightening is that I was actually bewitched and went to provoke an old monster in the Nascent Soul stage!
The feeling of their consciousness being instantly crushed and their souls being pierced made them truly understand what the absolute difference in life levels was.
Fortunately, this was inside the Yunmeng Pavilion, where the rules of the four major merchant alliances and their guarding experts were present. The "Nascent Soul senior" seemed to have given the Yunmeng Pavilion face and did not pursue the matter further. Otherwise, if it had happened in the desolate wilderness outside... they could hardly imagine what would have become of them.
"Thank you for showing mercy, senior..."
The injured Core Formation cultivators, especially the one with the soft, feminine voice who was in the mid-Core Formation stage, were enduring the stinging pain and shame in their souls. They all expressed their utmost apologies to the Seventh Private Room using their divine sense or whispers, fearing that they might further displease that "senior."
Inside the No. 7 private room, Zhou Ding sensed the panicked and fearful divine senses retreating, as well as the apologies from Elder Zhao and the other cultivators. His icy expression softened slightly.
His intention was simply to establish authority and deter others, not to actually start a massacre and cause unnecessary trouble.
Now that the goal has been achieved, it is wise to take the profits and call it a day.
"Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you."
He snorted coldly in his heart, slowly withdrawing the sharp killing intent he had deliberately maintained and released, leaving only the vast and profound aftertaste of his Nascent Soul level divine sense to envelop his private room, no longer paying attention to the outside world.
"The identity of a Nascent Soul cultivator is indeed useful. However, it's ultimately just borrowing someone else's power. If a real fight breaks out, it will still be quite troublesome," Zhou Ding thought to himself.
He was well aware of his true strength. With his powerful physique, Xiao Jin, Zhou Jin, and many other methods, he might be able to contend with late-stage Core Formation cultivators, but he was still no match for true Nascent Soul cultivators.
The reason he was able to easily intimidate the entire audience this time was entirely due to his divine sense, which far exceeded his cultivation level, striking unexpectedly, as well as the natural deterrent effect brought by his identity as a "Nascent Soul cultivator".
We need to be more cautious in the future. Unless absolutely necessary, it's best to avoid using such deceptive tactics to prevent being seen through by truly high-level cultivators.
After this incident, the atmosphere at the entire auction became extremely delicate.
The previous excitement and clamor had vanished, replaced by a subdued silence and awe. No one dared to cast their gaze, whether out of curiosity, envy, jealousy, or fear, on Box B7, as if a slumbering ancient beast lurked there.
Seeing that the "Nascent Soul senior" seemed to have calmed down and was no longer pursuing the matter, the old man secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He composed himself, forcing back a slightly stiff but determined smile, and announced loudly, "This minor unpleasant incident is over. My Yunmeng Pavilion has prepared for fifty years, and I will certainly not disappoint you fellow Daoists. The auction shall continue!"
Although the auction continued and the items remained valuable, the atmosphere could never regain its previous excitement.
Many monks were cautious when making bids, especially when it came to items that might compete with the "senior" in Box B, number seven; they hesitated repeatedly.
The old man seemed somewhat distracted while presiding over the auction, only hoping it would end peacefully.
As Zhou Ding had "expected," he did not make another bid.
He sat quietly in the private room, like a true spectator, occasionally taking a sip of his spiritual tea and calmly glancing at the auction stage below.
"I'm already high-profile enough. In other people's eyes, I'm a 'Nascent Soul Senior' now. If I were to compete with a group of Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators for those 'ordinary' treasures, it would seem strange, would make me lose my status, and might arouse suspicion." Zhou Ding analyzed calmly in his heart.
He has obtained the Soul-Nourishing Lotus, Purple Spirit Leaf, Void Stone, and the mysterious Purple Treasure Box he needed most, a harvest far exceeding his expectations.
The best course of action at this moment is to remain calm and observe the situation.
Nearly half an hour passed in the somewhat somber atmosphere.
When a rare elixir used to aid in breaking through a bottleneck was auctioned off, Elder Zhao took a deep breath, a solemn expression returning to his face, and his voice rose slightly, carrying a sense of ritual:
"Fellow Daoists, what follows is the final item of this Yunmeng Pavilion auction, and also the highlight of the entire event!"
As he finished speaking, a maid dressed in a special golden palace gown, whose cultivation had reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment, solemnly carried a long, rectangular jade plate covered with bright yellow brocade and gracefully walked onto the auction stage.
On the jade plate, the outline of an object can be vaguely seen, radiating a chilling, ancient, and powerful energy fluctuation.
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to it, and even the awe they felt towards Box No. 7 was temporarily suppressed.
The grand finale!
What will be the highlight of Yunmeng Pavilion's once-every-fifty-years auction?
The old man did not keep everyone waiting for long.
He stepped forward and carefully lifted the bright yellow brocade.
In an instant, a scorching, violent, and terrifying aura, seemingly capable of burning the heavens and boiling the seas, accompanied by a dazzling crimson-gold light, erupted from the jade plate!
Amidst the light, a massive sword, ancient in design, entirely pure gold, approximately four feet long, with a thick, broad blade—a sword seemingly forged from flowing magma and solidified flames—suspended silently above the jade disc!
Countless flame-like runes naturally formed on the sword's blade, seemingly breathing and burning on their own. An indescribable, ancient, heavy, and all-destroying pressure spread out, causing the temperature in the entire auction hall to rise sharply!
"Ancient Treasure—'Heaven-Burning Sword'!" Old Zhao's voice trembled with excitement. "This sword was obtained from the core of an ancient fire-attribute cultivator's cave ruins. Having endured countless years, its spiritual essence remains undiminished, and its power is astonishing! It is a genuine, complete, offensive ancient treasure! Primarily fire-attribute, when fully activated, it can incinerate mountains and boil seas—this is no exaggeration! The wielder of this sword will see their combat power increase by several times compared to others of the same level! The starting price is 100,000 spirit stones, with each bid increment no less than 5,000 spirit stones!"
Antique treasure!
A complete offensive ancient artifact!
"hiss--!"
A collective gasp filled the room, followed by uncontrollable gasps and uproar!
Almost all the cultivators, especially those in the Core Formation stage, instantly revealed an undisguised, almost frenzied fervor and greed in their eyes!
Antique treasure!
Those are divine weapons that are far more ancient and powerful than magic treasures, containing more of the laws of heaven and earth and the blood and sweat of ancient cultivators!
Any ancient treasure is enough to become the treasure of a medium-sized sect, or the greatest reliance for a Core Formation cultivator to make a living and roam freely in a region!
This time, Yunmeng Pavilion actually brought out a complete offensive ancient treasure as its grand finale!
This is truly appalling!
The starting price of 100,000 spirit stones sent a chill down the spines of most cultivators.
100,000 spirit stones!
This is equivalent to the entire fortune of an ordinary early-stage Core Formation cultivator, and many early-stage Core Formation cultivators might not be able to raise this amount even if they sold everything they owned!
But for those Core Formation cultivators who have accumulated deep knowledge or have powerful backers, this is an irresistible temptation!
"110,000 spirit stones!" A hoarse voice broke the silence first, coming from a private room.
"120,000!" another private room chimed in immediately, the voice filled with determination.
"135,000!"
……
Prices are skyrocketing at an astonishing rate!
Those participating in the bidding were all from the VIP boxes on the second and third floors, and almost all of them were cultivators at the mid-stage of Core Formation or above!
Master Mulong, Miao Li, and the owner of the effeminate voice who had previously clashed with Zhou Ding, along with several other unfamiliar mid-stage Core Formation cultivators and even a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, all participated!
Each bid drew gasps of astonishment from the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the hall below, their eyes filled with extreme envy, jealousy, and helplessness.
They could only watch; they didn't even have the right to compete.
Zhou Ding sat in the private room, calmly gazing at the crimson-gold giant sword, and couldn't help but exclaim inwardly, "What a magnificent ancient treasure!"
Its fire-attribute energy is so pure and powerful that it far surpasses the Green Radiance Sword in his hand, and is even comparable to the Mountain-Suppressing Seal in Zhou Ding's hand.
If he possessed this sword, his combat prowess would undoubtedly rise to a new level.
However, he simply watched quietly, without making any offer.
Firstly, he already possesses the Green Radiance Sword and the Mountain-Suppressing Seal, so his offensive methods are not lacking. Furthermore, his main cultivation method is the Azure Origin Sword Technique, which is not entirely compatible with the fire attribute of this sword.
Secondly, and most importantly, he had just impressed everyone with his status as a "Nascent Soul Senior." If he were to immediately go and compete with a group of Core Formation cultivators for an ancient treasure, wouldn't that be contradicting himself and arousing suspicion?
This contradicts his original intention to leave quietly and safely as soon as possible.
Thirdly, with a starting price of 100,000 spirit stones, the final transaction price would likely reach an astronomical figure. Although he was wealthy, he still needed to reserve resources for his subsequent cultivation, raising spirit beasts, and researching the ancient box.
"Forget it, external things may be good, but they are ultimately not as important as one's own cultivation and potential. With Xiao Jin here, I have enough trump cards." Zhou Ding shook his head, completely giving up on his thoughts, and settled down to watch the show.
The bidding was fierce, and the price quickly surpassed 150,000 spirit stones, continuing its slow climb. Finally, after a slightly trembling bid of "160,000 spirit stones," a long silence fell over the room.
This price has already deterred the vast majority of competitors.
"Thump!"
The jade hammer fell, its sound reverberating throughout the arena.
"Congratulations to the distinguished guest in Box 3, Class A, for winning the ancient treasure 'Burning Heaven Sword' for 160,000 spirit stones!"
Box No. 3 of Class A... Zhou Ding's divine sense stirred slightly, and he remembered that it was the box of the outsider mid-stage Core Formation cultivator who had previously made a rather fierce bid and whose aura was sharp and domineering.
Sixteen thousand spirit stones would be a significant financial burden even for a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, but obtaining a complete offensive ancient treasure would have an immediate and substantial impact on their strength. Perhaps, in the other party's eyes, it is absolutely worth the price.
With the final antique treasure sold, the Yunmeng Pavilion Auction has officially come to a close.
With a sigh of relief, Mr. Zhao announced the end of the auction and informed the distinguished guests who had won the bids that they could proceed to the back hall to complete the transaction by presenting their bidding paddles.
Zhou Ding did not get up immediately.
He waited patiently for a while, until he sensed that most of the cultivators in the private rooms had begun to leave and the crowd in the auction hall had begun to disperse, before he slowly got up, straightened his robes, and prepared to collect the items he had won at auction.
However, just as he reached the door of the private room, before he could even push it open, a soft knock came from outside, followed by the respectful voice of the maid from before: "Senior, Manager Zhao requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss."
Zhou Ding frowned slightly and opened the door. There stood the old man who had just presided over the auction, his hands clasped respectfully outside the door, his face showing the most sincere apology and a hint of barely perceptible tension.
Upon seeing Zhou Ding, he quickly bowed again.
"Senior, we apologize for our negligence at the auction and for disturbing you. On behalf of Yunmeng Pavilion, I would like to express my sincere apologies to you again." Old Zhao's tone was extremely respectful.
"It's nothing, just a small matter."
Zhou Ding waved his hand, his tone flat, carrying a hint of the aloofness and indifference expected of a Nascent Soul cultivator, "Where is the item to be handed over? Lead the way."
He just wanted to get his things and leave as soon as possible.
"Yes, yes, the handover has been prepared in advance. Please follow me, senior."
Old Zhao quickly stepped aside to lead the way, carefully observing Zhou Ding's expression as they walked. After hesitating for a moment, he still whispered, "Um... Senior, Elder Chu, who is in charge of this pavilion this time, heard of your arrival and greatly admires you. I wonder if you would do me the honor of moving to the quiet room for a meeting with Elder Chu? Elder Chu said that he had no other intention than to get to know you and show you some hospitality..."
Zhou Ding did not stop walking, but he sneered inwardly.
They arrived as expected.
The guardian elder of Yunmeng Pavilion, a true late-stage Core Formation cultivator, wanted to see this "Nascent Soul cultivator."
They simply wanted to probe his background, build a relationship, or... confirm his true intentions.
He had no interest in playing these kinds of pretense with a true late-stage Core Formation cultivator, especially a high-ranking member of one of the four major business alliances. Too much talk would only lead to mistakes and expose his true colors.
"No need."
Zhou Ding's voice was cold, carrying an undeniable refusal: "I have important matters to attend to and have no time for anything else. Once the handover is complete, I will leave immediately."
Having said that, he ignored Old Zhao and walked straight toward the handover site.
Old Zhao opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but feeling the cold aura emanating from Zhou Ding that kept people at arm's length, he ultimately didn't dare to persuade him anymore. He could only sigh inwardly and quickly follow, gaining a new understanding of this "senior's" temperament.
He was indeed a highly accomplished, aloof, and sociable senior.
The delivery process went smoothly.
Zhou Ding paid the corresponding spirit stones, carefully inspected the four treasures, and then put them into his storage bag.
The ancient box felt heavy and cold to the touch, with dark gold restrictions flowing across its surface, exuding a chillingly ancient aura.
After the transaction was completed, Zhou Ding did not linger. Under the respectful gaze of Elder Zhao and several Yunmeng Pavilion stewards, he turned and left Yunmeng Pavilion.