Zhu Guo’er stepped forward and nodded in acknowledgment. The twelve young women also obediently rose to their feet and followed, standing behind Zhu Guo’er.
“Aside from these twelve incense maidens, our alliance has prepared a few other small gifts. We hope you, Venerable, will graciously accept them as well,” the purple-robed woman said with a faint smile in her eyes as she saw Han Li accept the maidens.
She then clapped her hands, and three handsome youths of foreign races entered the hall, each holding a pale silver tray covered with an unknown red silk cloth.
“Your alliance is too courteous. These incense maidens are already a generous gift—how could I accept anything more?” This time, Han Li swept his gaze over the three trays, seeing through the coverings with ease, and waved his hand in refusal.
“If Venerable Han finds these gifts unworthy, I naturally won’t insist. Since you’ve traveled from afar, you must be weary. I’ll lead you to your quarters to rest for the night, and we can discuss other matters later,” the purple-robed woman said after a brief pause, gesturing for the three foreign youths to withdraw.
“I would indeed like to rest. Please guide the way,” Han Li replied with an unchanged expression.
Without further delay, the purple-robed woman led the group out of the hall, with the others following at a leisurely pace.
As soon as they stepped outside, they were met with a clamor of voices.
Han Li’s eyes flickered slightly as he realized they now stood beside a modest bluestone street. Though not bustling, the street was lively with people coming and going.
The crowd was diverse in attire, and shops with various signs lined both sides of the street. Some people entered and exited with expressions of delight, while others wore dark scowls—each bearing a different demeanor.
What caught Han Li’s attention was that every passerby exuded an extraordinary aura, their cultivation levels far from weak. Even the shop attendants standing by the doors had at least Golden Core-stage cultivation.
Extending his divine sense further, Han Li discovered that this place was not limited to just one street. Other roads and densely packed structures stretched in all directions, though the entire area was not particularly large—roughly a hundred miles in radius—resembling a small town.
As for the grand hall they had just exited, its doorway vanished the moment they stepped out, as if they had appeared on the street out of thin air.
The nearby pedestrians paid no attention to this phenomenon, as if it were a common sight.
“Are these people all invited by your alliance for the auction?” Han Li asked indifferently after retracting his divine sense.
“Not at all. Most honored guests attending the auction are resting in the guest lodgings. The people here are mostly internal members of our alliance, taking advantage of this opportunity to trade rare items. Even among our own, only select individuals are qualified to attend the auction,” the purple-robed woman replied with a charming smile.
“I see,” Han Li said without further comment.
The purple-robed woman then formed a hand seal, summoning a mist of radiant light beneath her feet. A white fog materialized, lifting Han Li and the others before swiftly carrying them down the street.
“…That is the designated venue for this auction. When the time comes, esteemed seniors and other invited guests will gather there. In addition to the treasures already announced, there will be several rare items of great use even to Mahayana-stage seniors. Rest assured, none will leave disappointed,” the purple-robed woman explained as she guided the cloud through the sky, pointing toward a towering structure encircled by several streets.
“Is this the auction site? From the outside, it doesn’t seem very large. Does it conceal a separate space within?” Han Li remarked after studying the tower.
“Venerable’s insight is impeccable. Indeed, this tower connects directly to a hidden realm. The interior merely serves as the entrance to the true auction venue. This allows us to accommodate more guests while ensuring security against any ill intentions,” the purple-robed woman replied respectfully, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.
“It seems your alliance has gone to great lengths for this auction. How many Mahayana-stage seniors are expected to attend?” Han Li inquired further.
“To answer Venerable Han, since the auction is still a month away, the final count is uncertain. However, over twenty have already arrived—a number surpassing previous auctions.”
Seeing no reason to conceal this, the purple-robed woman answered candidly after a brief thought.
“Over twenty? Your alliance’s influence is truly remarkable, gathering so many peers in such a short time,” Han Li remarked with slight admiration.
“Venerable flatters us. The reason so many seniors have graced us is not due to our alliance’s prestige, but rather our long-standing reputation. Many have benefited from past auctions, which is why they’ve traveled such distances to attend,” the purple-robed woman replied with a light laugh.
“Judging by your tone, your alliance has great confidence in this auction. However, I’ve heard that past auctions offered cross-continental teleportation slots. Will such items be available this time?” Han Li asked casually, masking his true interest.
“Cross-continental teleportation slots are among the auction’s special offerings, intended to facilitate travel between continents. Naturally, they wouldn’t be canceled lightly. However, due to issues with the super teleportation array in the Thunder Continent, slots to that region have been temporarily suspended. Instead, we’ve increased the number of slots available to the Blood Sky Continent,” the purple-robed woman explained, though she found his question somewhat odd.
“The Thunder Continent slots are canceled?” Han Li’s expression shifted slightly.
“Indeed. Did Venerable originally intend to go there?” the purple-robed woman probed.
“Not necessarily. The Blood Sky Continent will suffice. I planned to visit eventually—this merely alters the schedule slightly,” Han Li replied calmly, stroking his chin.
Behind him, Zhu Guo’er and Xue Po exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and contemplation.
Soon, the cloud descended at the edge of the town, landing in a lush, verdant forest.
The forest brimmed with exceptionally pure spiritual energy, housing only a few exquisitely crafted pavilions and towers.
Each cluster of buildings was spaced several miles apart, separated by towering ancient trees, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance.
The purple-robed woman led Han Li’s group to one such complex. Before she could announce their arrival, seven or eight servants—male and female—emerged and knelt before them.
“This is the Celestial-tier VIP lodging area. These servants are at your disposal. If you find them useful, you may keep them. Otherwise, feel free to dismiss them,” the purple-robed woman said, ignoring the servants as she addressed Han Li.
“With the incense maidens you’ve just gifted, I have no need for additional attendants. They may leave,” Han Li replied indifferently.
The purple-robed woman complied immediately, issuing a command. The servants bowed and withdrew from the area.
“Venerable Han, please rest well here. When the auction approaches, I’ll send someone to notify you. If any of your companions wish to explore the town, they might stumble upon unexpected treasures. For now, I’ll take my leave,” the purple-robed woman said, preparing to depart.
“Farewell. I won’t see you out,” Han Li replied plainly, watching as she soared into the sky and vanished beyond the forest.
“Let’s go. Since they’ve arranged such accommodations, we needn’t stand on ceremony,” Han Li said, striding toward one of the pavilions.
Xue Po and the others followed closely.
Moments later, they gathered in the pavilion’s main hall, with Han Li seated at the center.
Xue Po, Hua Shi Lao Zu, and the others stood respectfully to the side.
The twelve incense maidens had already been assigned duties by Zhu Guo’er and sent away.
“Venerable Han, do you truly intend to go to the Blood Sky Continent first?” Xue Po asked hesitantly, her expression a mix of hope and unease.
“The original plan must indeed be adjusted. Unless you know of another way to reach the Thunder Continent?” Han Li replied impassively.
“Venerable jests. If there were another method, I wouldn’t have kept it hidden,” Xue Po said with a bitter smile.
“Since no alternative exists, we’ll proceed to the Blood Sky Continent. If necessary, we can always find a way to the Thunder Continent from there. That said, though I’ve never visited the Blood Sky Continent, its infamy precedes it. Beyond its notorious blood-path demonic arts, it’s said to harbor several other mysterious legacies—capable of slaying enemies from thousands of miles away or erasing them without a trace. Truly unpredictable and treacherous. Xue Po, you must have encountered some of this during your time there?” Han Li said slowly, a rare trace of solemnity crossing his brow.
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