“What, is there a trading area in the side hall? Isn’t this place for the auction?” Han Li was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.
“Brother Han, you may not know this. Since bidding requires a large amount of spirit stones, many fellow cultivators prefer to exchange their rare materials for spirit stones just before the auction begins. Therefore, before each Four-Clan Auction, a period is set aside for fellow cultivators to trade among themselves—either exchanging for spirit stones or other needed items. If something cannot be sold, it can be directly sold to the auction hall, though the price will naturally be slightly lower than the market rate. The only advantage is that with the backing of the four great clans, no matter how rare the item, there will never be a shortage of spirit stones for purchase. The side halls on either side of the main hall are designated for buying and selling items, respectively,” Tie Jian explained briefly.
“Buying items?” Han Li’s interest was piqued.
“What, does Brother Han also have treasures to sell? However, I suggest Brother Han first visit the selling area before checking out the buying side hall. If your items can be exchanged for something you need, that would be ideal,” the bald man advised insightfully.
“Hmm, your words make sense. I’ll go take a look first,” Han Li nodded in agreement.
“In that case, let’s go together. With some luck, we might actually find something worthwhile,” Tie Jian said cheerfully, leading Han Li toward the entrance on the right.
The blue-robed guards at the entrance merely glanced at Tie Jian and Han Li before letting them pass without any questions.
“The Four-Clan Auction was originally intended to boost Yun City’s popularity and reputation, so anyone with upper-clan status or higher can freely participate. As a result, the attendees vary greatly in cultivation level and status. But this also means the number of participants far surpasses any other major auction in Tianyun,” Tie Jian explained with a smile as they entered the side hall.
“If upper-clan members can all participate, can this place really accommodate so many people?” Han Li frowned, somewhat skeptical.
No wonder Han Li doubted—Yun City had tens of thousands of upper-clan members, and while the hall was large, it couldn’t possibly hold so many at once.
“Heh, you’ll understand the reason soon enough. No need for me to explain,” Tie Jian replied mysteriously.
Han Li’s expression shifted slightly as he looked ahead. Only then did he realize they had been walking through the entrance for an unusually long time, yet the side hall still seemed just as far away.
Wait—that wasn’t right. The glowing exit ahead had been close earlier, yet after walking for a while, it hadn’t gotten any nearer.
A trace of surprise flickered across Han Li’s face.
“Spatial manipulation!” Han Li murmured gravely.
“Haha, Brother Han has finally noticed. This auction hall is actually a super artifact capable of freely expanding and shrinking, with inherent spatial abilities. The interior space is over ten times larger than it appears from the outside, easily accommodating hundreds of thousands with room to spare,” Tie Jian laughed.
“I see. No wonder the ring atop the building looked so peculiar,” Han Li mused thoughtfully.
“Though the entrance seems longer due to spatial effects, it’s not actually that far. We should be out soon,” Tie Jian said confidently, rubbing his smooth scalp.
Han Li simply nodded without further comment.
True to Tie Jian’s words, after a short while, the exit suddenly flashed and drew closer. The two stepped out into an exceptionally spacious plaza, bustling like a marketplace.
Around the plaza, semicircular light barriers were densely arranged, with cultivators constantly entering and exiting. At the center stood a white jade platform with a simple wooden table, where two young attendants handed out items to a group of non-humans.
As Han Li observed intently, Tie Jian turned and clasped his hands. “Brother Han, I’ll take my leave here. I need to find suitable buyers for my treasures and won’t accompany you further.”
“Feel free to attend to your matters. I’d like to explore on my own,” Han Li replied politely with a smile.
“Take care, then!” Tie Jian cupped his hands again before heading eagerly toward one edge of the plaza.
Han Li watched the burly man’s retreating figure, his eyes flickering thoughtfully before he turned back to the jade platform and strode over. Soon, he reached its vicinity.
Just then, several more people ascended the platform.
Now Han Li could see clearly: each non-human handed a bag of high-grade spirit stones to the attendants in exchange for small, colorful banners.
Following one recipient with his gaze, Han Li saw the man wave the banner at an empty spot on the plaza’s edge, summoning a semicircular light barrier that concealed him completely.
Han Li probed with his spiritual sense, only to find it blocked by a barrier. Clearly, these light barriers were designed for private transactions, preventing prying eyes.
Scanning the surroundings, Han Li saw countless shimmering barriers. Further beyond the plaza were several smaller plazas, equally crowded.
He exhaled deeply and shook his head. Even if treasures were present, finding the right buyer among so many would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. He couldn’t afford to waste time here.
If he wanted to secure the Myriad Marvel Pill, he needed to amass a large sum of spirit stones before the auction.
With this in mind, Han Li began moving leisurely along the plaza’s edge, occasionally stepping into a barrier but quickly exiting. After fifteen fruitless minutes, he frowned and decisively turned back toward the entrance.
Whether by coincidence or design, Han Li re-entered the passage alone. As he walked, his sleeve flicked, releasing a black veil. With a soft “puff,” a faint black mist enveloped him, obscuring his form.
Almost instantly, light flashed within the mist, which then condensed into a glossy black robe draped over Han Li. Lowering his head, he emerged from the mist, his aura now faint and elusive. When he raised his head again, his face was that of a pale stranger.
In an instant, Han Li had altered his appearance and attire.
Calmly, he exited the entrance, brushing past several entering non-humans. The blue-robed guards barely glanced at him as he passed.
Han Li strode confidently into the opposite side hall.
Another spacious plaza greeted him, but the scene here gave him pause. Unlike the selling area, though crowded, people clustered around towering stone slabs inscribed with silver text. Behind these slabs stood a dozen interconnected jade houses surrounding a multi-story pavilion.
Each jade house was translucent and pristine, their entrances veiled in shimmering light. The central pavilion, crimson and wreathed in faint green mist, exuded an otherworldly fragrance.
Those studying the slabs occasionally entered the jade houses, emerging with varied expressions—some pensive, some dejected, others elated.
After surveying the scene, Han Li headed toward a slab. Just then, a slender figure turned and moved toward the same slab.
Han Li’s gaze instinctively flicked toward the figure, and his body stiffened, his face paling dramatically.
The woman had jet-black hair, wore a blue robe, and had a strikingly beautiful yet icy demeanor. Unaware of Han Li’s reaction, she approached the slab and studied it intently, her delicate brows furrowed.
“How can it be her? Impossible. But could there really be someone so similar?” Han Li halted, his face ashen, staring fixedly at the woman as he muttered under his breath.
His intense gaze seemed to alert her. She turned, her eyes meeting his.
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