Chapter 58: The Auction

As the day of the auction drew nearer, more and more people gathered in Qingyun City. Nearly twenty Emperor Realm experts had arrived, though most were at the first tier of the Emperor Realm.

Linzhou had chosen a spacious venue capable of accommodating over ten thousand people. It was a large arena transformed for the event, with numerous private boxes above reserved for the Emperor Realm elites.

Among the auction items were three lower-grade Emperor-level pills and three semi-Emperor weapons provided by Qin Tian, along with many other contributions from various participants hoping to fetch good prices.

Finally, the day of the auction arrived.

To intimidate any troublemakers, Qin Tian assigned Zong Wu and Baili Ce to maintain order. Additionally, upon receiving news, Xiao Zhan voluntarily brought reinforcements to assist with security.

The crowd below buzzed with speculation. “What kind of background does the Lin Trading Company have to have Master Baili and General Xiao guarding their event?”

“Indeed, this lineup is comparable to an auction held by the royal family.”

“Haha, those old timers who had ideas before are probably scared stiff now.”

Amid the murmurs of the assembled elites, Lin Wan, dressed in a beautiful red silk gown, stepped onto the central auction stage to host the event under the gaze of thousands.

Qin Tian was present as well, intending to acquire some millennia-old spiritual herbs and Emperor-level refining materials. He showed no interest in the earlier Heavenly-grade items.

The auction’s climax arrived with the appearance of Emperor-level refining materials and spiritual herbs—three sets of Emperor-grade refining materials and five stalks of millennia-old spiritual herbs—all won by Qin Tian’s bids.

He paid using the pills and weapons he had put up for auction.

Qin Tian’s extravagance displeased many and sparked speculation about his true identity. Such lavishness was rare and intimidating.

Some worried Qin Tian might bid on the pills and weapons, but thankfully, he refrained. Many Emperor Realm experts eagerly bid, as such items were extremely rare.

The auction concluded successfully. Including previously obtained goods, Qin Tian acquired a total of six sets of Emperor-grade refining materials and nine stalks of millennia-old spiritual herbs. After storing his acquisitions, Qin Tian headed toward the Artistic Realm Studio, but he was soon stopped by an Emperor Realm first-tier expert.

“Hand over the materials and herbs you bought, and I might spare your life.”

Qin Tian glanced around, sensing several Emperor Realm figures watching him. The man before him was merely a scapegoat.

“Come and try to take them if you can,” Qin Tian replied calmly.

The Emperor Realm expert hesitated. His earlier words were a test; he had already prepared to flee. He sensed Qin Tian was no ordinary person, as he could not ascertain his true strength.

But Qin Tian had both the means and the boldness, clearly not an ordinary man.

Seeing no attack forthcoming, Qin Tian continued on his way. The man’s face twisted with inner conflict but ultimately held back.

Yet, a hidden second-tier Emperor Realm demonic cultivator could not restrain himself, confident in his own power.

Since no one dared to challenge Qin Tian, he resolved to act.

Without hesitation, the demonic cultivator swung his blade in a deadly strike.

Sensing the attack, Qin Tian drew the sword at his waist and blocked.

With a sharp hiss, the demonic cultivator retreated a few steps, while Qin Tian smoothly slid back several dozen meters, absorbing the blow with his bare body.

The demonic cultivator pursued with another slash.

Again, the blade met resistance as Zong Wu appeared to intercept.

“Why aid him? Do you want a share of the spoils?” the demonic cultivator sneered, recognizing Zong Wu as the auction’s security chief.

“He’s my master’s son. Why else would I help him?” Zong Wu said fiercely.

“Master’s son?” The demonic cultivator glanced at Qin Tian in surprise, then laughed, “I acted rashly. Since that’s the case, I won’t cause any more trouble.”

He turned to leave, knowing he could gain nothing with Zong Wu present.

Zong Wu looked to Qin Tian for guidance.

Qin Tian’s expression was calm. “Since you’ve made a move, you must pay the price. Kill him.”

Without hesitation, Zong Wu charged like a shadow to test his newly mastered blade technique.

The demonic cultivator’s face darkened.

“Phantom Demon Palm!”

A massive black hand slammed toward Zong Wu.

Zong Wu paused briefly and slashed his blade, dissipating the black hand into dark mist.

Seeing his ultimate move so easily countered, the demonic cultivator grew fearful.

“Demonic Clone!”

With a sharp shout, he split into six shadows darting in different directions.

“Trying to run?”

Zong Wu snorted coldly and unleashed his ultimate move: “Sky-Shattering Blade, First Form: Eightfold Slash.”

A powerful energy burst radiated from him, splitting into eight beams shooting out in all directions.

The energy touched the clones, which immediately dissipated, leaving only the original demonic cultivator who fell to the ground, coughing blood.

Zong Wu charged forward with the second form, “Uninterrupted Slash,” releasing a dazzling blade wave.

The demonic cultivator panicked and raised his weapon to block, but it was futile.

His weapon was cut in two, and he was cleaved in half.

Nearby spectators were astonished; this combat strength rivaled even a third-tier Emperor Realm.

The first-tier Emperor Realm experts who had held back were secretly relieved they hadn’t acted, or they might have suffered the same fate.

Zong Wu retrieved the demonic cultivator’s storage ring and followed Qin Tian back to the Artistic Realm Studio.

Now, Qin Tian possessed a total of twenty stalks of lower-grade Emperor-level spiritual herbs and three sets of refining materials—enough for prolonged alchemical work.

However, he still needed the Lin family to gather some auxiliary herbs before commencing pill refinement.

With his resources ample, it was time to summon Shangguan Ya and the others.

He gave Zong Wu two letters: one for the Four Saints of Shangguan Ya, and another for Mo Wentian, inviting any willing young disciples from their sects to come to Central Plains for training under his care.

After Zong Wu left, Qin Tian sought out An Miaoling, who had been consolidating her sword domain after recent breakthroughs. She should be close to mastery now.

Nightfall.

Qin Tian arrived at An Miaoling’s door, about to enter, but noticed a formation guarding the entrance.

Could it be...?

A vivid scene flashed through his mind.

Carefully, he found a loophole in the formation and breached it.

Peering through the window, candlelight revealed a graceful figure undressing inside.

One garment!

Two garments!

Miaoling usually wore three layers and was still missing one.

His breathing quickened—he had never seen her fully revealed before.

Just as he was about to glimpse the full truth, a voice filled with embarrassment and anger rang out:

“Caught you staring! I’ll fight you!”

“...”

He had let his guard down! Qin Tian realized his trembling aura had betrayed him.

Having been discovered, he boldly pushed open the door.

“You?!” An Miaoling shyly hid behind the bathtub.

“Why hide? I know you’re still wearing one layer!” Qin Tian teased with a smile.