The Mystic Tortoise, once capable of slaying kings and marquises, naturally possessed astonishing treasures. Its divine technique was considered a supreme sect-guarding ability, and its appearance at the auction set Shi Hao’s heart ablaze with anticipation.
“A single Fire-Repelling Pearl, though flawed, remains a rare treasure in recent years,” the white-haired elder on the stage announced, displaying a fiery red orb.
“This is a true rarity, a genuine treasure. Observe it closely—whether for crafting artifacts or as a collector’s item, its value is extraordinary,” the curvaceous woman added.
The Fire-Repelling Pearl was indeed a gem of heaven and earth, the size of a pigeon’s egg, crimson as fire crystal, translucent and radiant. Regrettably, it bore several cracks and a missing fragment, marring its perfection. At first glance, it seemed limited to repelling flames, lacking versatility. Yet its true worth was immeasurable.
Certain forbidden realms required special means to enter—places like the earth’s core or volcanic caves, where forging artifacts demanded unique treasures. Even legendary perilous lands, where divine flames scorched the skies and nurtured peerless treasures, could be accessed with such a pearl.
Fire-Repelling Pearls and Wind-Calming Pearls were exceedingly rare, appearing perhaps once in centuries, destined to be priceless relics. Moreover, they served as supreme materials for crafting sacred artifacts—even divine weapons—making them coveted divine materials.
As soon as the announcement concluded, the crowd erupted into frenzied bidding. Shi Hao watched eagerly, though he refrained from joining the frenzy—the pearl’s exorbitant price was beyond his current needs.
Finally, a crisp feminine voice declared an astronomical bid, securing the treasure with a pile of primal bone inscriptions.
“It’s the Sixteenth Princess, the Human Emperor’s most beloved daughter!” someone exclaimed, recognizing the victor.
A stunning maiden in a yellow dress, fair-skinned and bright-eyed, held the crimson pearl, its radiant glow complementing her beauty. The crowd sighed—who could rival the imperial family’s wealth?
“Another treasure slips through our grasp,” lamented one.
“Patience. This auction is of the highest caliber—more rarities await,” reassured another.
Soon, a pitch-black Umbrella of the Nether emerged, shimmering with dark light and exuding eerie energy—a prized weapon among marquises, contested fiercely by elder nobles. The younger generation could only watch, unwilling to interfere.
“Little Pagoda, won’t you advise me? What’s truly valuable here?” Shi Hao whispered.
Silence.
The holy terror smirked, certain the pagoda would speak when the time came.
Next, a yellowed ancient talisman was presented—a rare relic of the past.
“Recognize this? The Earth-Shrinking Talisman, capable of traversing vast distances in a single step, swifter than birds in flight. A creation of ancient sages, now nearly lost to time,” the woman explained.
Many were intrigued—such a talisman could save lives in dire straits. Shi Hao, recalling his own shattered talisman from the Hundred Shattered Mountains, resolved to bid.
“Three thousand essence stones!”
“Four thousand!”
Bidding surged, though not as fiercely as for the pearl. Shi Hao ordered a fist-sized chunk of his Sea-Blue Marrow to be offered, stunning the crowd with his extravagance.
No one dared challenge him. The holy terror secured the talisman with sheer wealth.
“Will this draw envy? I must prepare,” he mused.
“Rest assured, none would dare act within the imperial capital. Our auction house guarantees your safety,” an attendant assured.
The next spectacle reignited fervor—a dull beast hide, unremarkable until draped over the woman, rendering her invisible.
“Could this be… Void Beast Hide?” someone gasped.
The crowd erupted. Void Beasts were mythical, their hides priceless—capable of concealment and even void traversal.
Shi Hao bid aggressively but was outmatched by nobles and hidden elites, some exuding pure-blooded auras.
“The Emperor’s birthday has drawn formidable figures,” he realized.
The hide went to a mysterious bidder in a private chamber, offering a staggering array of rare materials.
“Let them exhaust their wealth. My turn will come,” Shi Hao consoled himself.
Next, a fist-sized black figurine, ancient and unremarkable, was displayed.
“An ancient artifact, possibly a mighty battle puppet if restored,” the woman said.
Skepticism arose. “If it were truly valuable, you wouldn’t auction it so plainly.”
The figurine, though sturdy, bore shattered runes and cracks, deemed near-useless.
Shi Hao examined it, sensing nothing—until the Little Pagoda spoke.
“Acquire this. Its worth will last you a lifetime. Even I hesitate to consume it—such a pity.”
Shi Hao’s heart raced. For the pagoda to praise it so—this was no ordinary treasure!
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