The sudden bid caused a commotion throughout the auction hall. The Spirit Battle Pill and the Imperial Extreme Pill, both of which could directly enhance the strength of a Dou Wang or Battle Emperor, were highly attractive to some of the stronger individuals present. At this level, it was no easy feat to increase one’s strength by even a single star. Sometimes, even years of effort might not yield results. And yet, this effort could be compensated with just one pill, making it clear why these strong individuals would be so crazed for such pills.
Pills like the Spirit Battle Pill or the Imperial Extreme Pill were rarely put up for auction by any force, as they could enhance the strength of key members within a sect, providing immense benefits to an overall force. Therefore, when everyone heard someone offering such pills in exchange, there was a moment of astonishment before all eyes turned to the black-robed figure standing slowly from the VIP seats. Hushed whispers filled the hall with all sorts of speculation.
In contrast to the numerous shocked mutterings, the crowd in the VIP area seemed much calmer. After all, they knew that this mysterious, black-robed individual was a Rank Six Alchemist, and alchemists naturally preferred to trade with pills. However, their hearts still wavered at the offer of the valuable Spirit Battle and Imperial Extreme Pills; truly, Rank Six Alchemists were on another level.
One Spirit Battle Pill and one Imperial Extreme Pill—if converted into gold coins—would not be less than eight million, a significant sum. On the auction platform, the white-haired elder let out a relieved sigh at the bid, discreetly wiping away sweat from his forehead. Though the value of the pills was considerable, it was still somewhat insufficient to exchange for this beast corpse, which had nearly become an eighth-grade fearsome beast before it died. Even as a mummified corpse, its ferocious aura lingered.
As he thought this, the white-haired elder subtly glanced at a certain spot in the auction venue, and after seeing a slight shake of the head, sighed inwardly. A smile still plastered on his face, he swept his gaze over the VIP seats and said, “This gentleman has bid a Spirit Battle Pill and an Imperial Extreme Pill. Is anyone willing to offer more?”
“Can a low-level Earth stage skill do?” a hesitant voice replied after the elder spoke. The elder was taken aback, then shook his head, smiling bitterly. “My apologies, but while a low-level Earth stage skill has value, the Black Emperor Sect prefers the pills.”
With that, the old man who had spoken shook his head, muttered, and sat down, losing interest in continuing the bid for the mummified beast. As he did, the silent atmosphere returned to the VIP section. Many lacked the audacity to gamble so much, especially if it was for a useless corpse.
Faced with the silence, the elder felt vexed—though two pills were decent, they were far from the Black Emperor Sect’s estimated value for the beast. Selling it now would be a loss…
Just as the elder was in this dilemma, the leader of the Mysterious Flame Valley, a red-haired elder, stood up after a brief discussion with a few elders, drawing the attention of many watching eyes. He first bowed respectfully towards Xiao Yan’s direction, and then addressed the white-haired elder, “A pill like the Imperial Extreme is not something I would readily give up. But I do have a mid-level Earth stage skill. Let me explain its use first, and then you may decide.”
“This skill is called ‘Flame Manipulation Decree,’ and it requires rigorous cultivation of fire-based martial arts. It not only allows one to quickly control any kind of flame but also transforms internal energy into a non-physical, energy-driven flame. However, its greatest function is to temporarily merge the energy fire produced by multiple cultivators, turning it into a tangible flame comparable to the power of an Anomalous Flame!”
When his words fell, there was a stir in the room. Such a powerful, fusion-based skill was unheard of. Most present knew of Anomalous Flames and had some inkling of their terrifying power, so the reactions were of genuine astonishment.
While the audience was in awe, Xiao Yan’s heart was pounding. He wasn’t particularly interested in the fusion of flames, but the ability to quickly control any kind of flame was exactly what he needed. With several Anomalous Flames within him and more to come, controlling them was his greatest challenge.
Anomalous Flames were volatile and required significant effort to manipulate. After obtaining each new Anomalous Flame, Xiao Yan had to spend significant time and energy to gain control, and as he merged more flames, the complexity of control increased. The ‘Flame Manipulation Decree’ could potentially provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
In this moment, Xiao Yan was tempted to turn around and demand the technique from the speaker, as it would be crucial for him. The white-haired elder, previously disappointed, could not help nodding in approval after hearing about the skill’s wonders.
“Ah, Elder Dialect… perhaps you haven’t told the whole story, have you? Although I’ve been in seclusion for many years, I know of the Mysterious Flame Valley. While the ‘Flame Manipulation Decree’ is remarkable, each use inflicts permanent damage on the user. Repeated uses can lead to death. The Black Emperor Sect does not want to sacrifice so many for such a skill. So, while intriguing, it’s not very useful to us,” chuckled the elder.
As the elder hesitated, a faint, elderly laughter rang out, and a golden-clad figure appeared on the auction platform—it was the Mysterious Flame Valley’s leader, Motianxing.
Seeing Motianxing, Dialect paused, laughed awkwardly, and said, “Since Lord Motianxing is uninterested, let’s forget it. We don’t want to return with a useless corpse, for fear of harsh reprimand.”
After this subtle jab, Dialect sat back down, seemingly done with the bidding. Hearing this, Motianxing frowned, a chill passing through his eyes. He then smiled amiably at Xiao Yan, saying, “Friend, we are all wise here. This auction is risky, but if there’s something valuable, you stand to gain greatly. If you can offer five Spirit Battle Pills and four Imperial Extreme Pills, I’ll transfer the corpse to you.”
Motianxing’s words caused a ruckus, and many rolled their eyes. Three Spirit Battle Pills and one Imperial Extreme Pill, countered Xiao Yan calmly. “Four Spirit Battle Pills and three Imperial Extreme Pills,” Motianxing demanded.
“Does Lord Motianxing really think these pills are so easy to refine?” Xiao Yan sneered. “I’ll go no further. Three Spirit Battle Pills and two Imperial Extreme Pills. If not, forget it. Like the others, I have no great daring to gamble blindly. Who knows if there’s anything more than dried-up flesh inside the beast?”
Motianxing frowned, pondering. Finally, to the shock of the crowd, he nodded decisively. “Fine, as you wish.” As he nodded, a barely perceptible, smug smile played on his lips. Yet, unbeknownst to him, under his black robe, Xiao Yan’s lips twisted into a cold, matching smirk.
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