As the energy circle extended upward, the metal stage of the auction house, accompanied by a low, grinding sound, slowly split open. A stairway descending deep underground revealed itself amidst the countless gazes within the hall. As the hidden passage emerged, an elderly man clad in radiant golden robes descended the steps with dignified pace. The moment he appeared, an immense and concealed pressure swept outward from his body, silencing all the surrounding noisy chatter within the enormous auction hall.
“What formidable presence! He must undoubtedly be Mo Tianxing, the head of the Black Royal宗!” Xiao Yan, casting a narrowed gaze upon the golden-robed elder, murmured with an exclamation.
“Mmm,” softly agreed the Little Healer Immortal. Mo Tianxing’s power was no weaker than that ancient senior from the Scorpion Thousand Sect which Xiao Yan once encountered, and he might even be a notch above.
“Hehe, This old servant is Mo Tianxing. No doubt, many present already recognize Me. Today’s auction is a courtesy from my Black Royal宗, so allow me to warmly express my appreciation for everyone’s patronage and presence,” declared Mo Tianxing, letting his gaze casually trace the chamber. At intervals, when his eyes swept over specific quarters, they paused momentarily. His booming laughter reverberated through the very soul of everyone present.
The dignitaries seated among the elites exchanged chuckles among their circles at Mo Tianxing’s voice. As an ancient pillar of authority in the Black Region, the Black Royal宗 had stood unscathed over countless years, garnering allies widely along the way. And Master Mo himself had cultivated numerous influential friendships. Many formidable figures present shared a deeper or at least passing connection with him. Observing the rising ripples of response, Mo Tianxing permitted a satisfied smile, but soon, as his roaming vision completed its rotation, it halted specifically towards one of the prestigious VIP enclosures. It was where Xiao Yan and his group’s designated seats lay, and upon the young man himself did Mo Tianxing’s gaze dwell especially.
Aware of the stare, Xiao Yan shifted his vision upward from underneath his black hood, locking gazes for a fleeting moment before receiving the elder’s pleasant nod in reply.
“Hehe,” smiled Mo with the crowd of awaiting eyes focused fully upon him; “surely my many friends here are impatiently anticipating the auction proceedings. As such, this humble, old man shall not prolong the proceedings with unnecessary chatter so as not to become irksome.”
“Beforehand, this aging servant does hold one advisory remark— I urge you to remember the rules which regulate our auction! Should there exist any impertinent individuals attempting disorder at our Black Royal宗 domain,” his voice darkened suddenly as a chill settled through the chamber at an unspoken meaning, “I speak candidly in all humility before you here this night; I assure you any who attempt it shall be made to beg for neither life nor death to grant their escape.”
At such frostily wrapped menace, the massive auditorium sat frozen in utter hush. Even the roughest among them faltered slightly at encountering Mo Tianxings’ suddenly unfeeling gaze, hurriedly concealing ill-fitting thoughts that flickered too audibly through the hall moments prior.
“Truly a Battle Sect powerhouse…what imposing presence…” mused Xiao Yan, shaking his head in awe. Through sheer willpower alone—without striking blow nor weaving formation—he quelled every battle-hardened soul gathered from the corners of the Black Region… a true exemplification of the majesty exuding from Battle Sect masters!
“Hehe. Moving forth, let this humble establishment now serve our royal auction feast.” Satisfied that obedience was restored alongside palpable anticipation, Mo’s kindly visage returned, all frost melting effortlessly away with that single warming tone. At that conclusion, he turned briefly, offering respectful greetings with his raised hand to select few distinguished positions within the dignitaries circle, before proceeding into the underground passage again from where he emerged in the first wave of light.
Once Mo departed beneath the platform, a second series of openings split upon its marble surface, revealing passageways anew. Then followed along an old man possessing a shock of white, yet vibrantly animated hair—a gleam within eye matching his joyfully crooked smile—as mirthfully he stepped onto display floor. A retinue consisting mostly of elegantly clothed female attendants clad in light-silks followed. Draped silver trays danced with butterfly steps they navigated as though in rhythm through each movement toward the stage’s center. Upon said trays now were laid various articles before the crowd.
Elevated above crowd level, the gathered audience could each see silver trays held objects glowing faintly within them.
“Hehe, we present you our appetizing introductory item first—an ancient scroll detailing techniques of finger strikes,” gestured the white-haired auctionmaster cheerfully, pointing towards the silver serving dish at hand wherein lay a scroll wrapped immaculately in pristine white silk.
“Enter ‘Feathered Heavens Fist’—Mid-ranked Arcane Tier! Techniques involving fingers tend seldom to be passed on throughout cultivation lore…while admittedly more complexly structured than typical forms… they are often capable delivering unexpected tactical advantages when properly engaged during mortal exchanges!” Smiled elder benevolently as familiarizing chuckle warmed the stage atmosphere, “Gentlefolk among us present surely realize just how difficult opponents clad in this method prove to counter!”
“This value should indeed open at nothing less than Thirty Kilo-Coin by standards,” he winked knowingly towards crowd, before continuing his buildup, “however, recognizing it stands being auction’s inaugural prize—our宗master, out sheer courtesy opening evening, permitted humble suggestion: only TEN THOUSAND coins for starting bid—and maximum accepted bid shall halt exclusively at an affordable EIGHTY THOUSAND only.” A grin spread further across his already gleaming cheeks, adding further:
“So whoever first dares reach 80k mark can confidently claim ‘Feather Heaven’s Touch’ as their private treasure – no additional price shall then surpass that final sale! Thus, gentlemen…such opportunities knock just once… seize wisely while possible, indeed!”
This silver-maned elder, clearly possessing mastery over salesmanship through time-tested experience, required little further setup before the ambiance shifted palpably energetic across chamber in heartbeat—Ten Kilo wasn’t considered significant purse in here; combined with technique’s documented rarity exceeding initial offer—bidding exploded near instantaneously in cascadic uproar the moment final word departed mouth.
Such response hardly surprised Xiao Yan, whose admiration silently grew—he’d indeed underestimated their hosts this evening who clearly harbored more talents within their establishment’s halls.
Though intrigued slightly at such finger-based fighting forms—having embarked originally with precise aims on uncovering martial treasures worth claiming—his interest still remained tempered: current auctioned offering simply too modest to truly excite… Unless at Earth-class grade and above, little currently available would tempt his interest.
Reclining idly into comfortable cushions behind, Xiao Yan let lids drop slightly into his thinking expression.
This marked only opening phase though… better wares inevitably would follow. For present piece? Notably unremarkable even compared against fellow VIP peers—none having even offered price quote from those seated there.
Light fingers tapped armrest lazily as Xiao Yan heard numbers rocketing beyond expectations—only ten, then fifty-seven and rising—without showing signs slacking any moment soon.
Watching proceedings as spectator now with expression matching one watching unfolding theater piece, Xiao Yan noted nearly quarter-hour elapsed before the fierce bidding calmed enough for the silver man’s concluding gavel to strike finalization. As predicted—the figure reached precisely capped 80K.
Graciously, our auction master observed hall quiet settling over participants, smiling all through: an overpriced final bid when measuring against item merits alone—something seldom achievable were usual auction methods applied… still made profitable return thanks precisely to that initial enticingly paltry offer.
With his gavels’ triple-strike upon platform—completion finalized. The transaction passed, successfully transferring the feathered scroll of ‘Feathered Heavens Fist.’
The successful opening stroke invigorated excitement in waves around hall—riding high momentum the elderly auctioneer swiftly produced additional artifacts following similar quality and enthusiasm. As such, auction quickly built into roaring success with items swiftly attaining competitive bids—Black Royal宗 indeed ensured themselves fortune tonight.
Unquestionably, tonight’s crowd drawn to auction bore no fluke circumstance—judging by displayed artifacts’ rarefied qualities unseen compared in Xiao Yan’s recent experience… albeit, these items considered impressive by mainstream cultivator perspective still yet to stir the desires unique to an advanced elite circle like himself.
Time ticked steadily—nearly an hour passing by in auctioned excitement escalating in value of each successive piece. The hall’s anticipation had reached an electrified boil.
Two-hour mark nearly reached when newly revealed pieces now prompted actual competition for acquisition rights… Even Xiao Yan on more than occasion felt urge to chime forth bidding… Yet after evaluating his needs… refraining each chance—opted patience still… best choices arrive not from impulse but precision match.
Because distinguished elites situated among upper tiers now entered personal rounds of fierce competition, bidding wars flared intensely throughout hall—as competing groups clashed. Notably so as certain enmities ignited tensions when long-hostile organizations collided within auctioned frenzy, each side vying to break others financially—specters of ruthless intensity not missing the sharp eyes among commoners—veritable living demonstration regarding true might exhibited through coin and name reputation held by powerful syndicates from Black Region’s expanse.
Even such fevered bickering left a small smile ghosting about Xiao Yan’s lips, as he lazily shifted into cushion folds with his cup swirled idly by fingers’ edge. Surface rippled like reflecting his idle contemplations.
At present, while Xiao Yan merely observed like audience within audience, the beaming old man concluded auction of an elegant steel weapon studded with fifth-grade Demon-Core. Then with exaggerated secrecy, he retrieved a brand new object carried respectfully on silver tray by attendant girl. Unveiled—an incandescent red scroll glowing softly as flames licked invisible air about.
“Haahaa, This particular treasure… somewhat rarely encountered indeed… because…” grinned auctionkeeper widely with showy flair—spinning intrigue thick into audience, before continuing, “This one also hails from an unusual path—techniques focusing upon bladed battle staves… Though seldom practiced commonly like mainstream boxing or sword techniques—the scroll we present tonight ascends up toward Mid-Level Earth-Rank!”
“A further notable trait—the scroll traces lineage back hundreds of years ago, once owned and wielded during his age of glory by a once-feared Dou Zun Sage, roaming as terror across lands!” Elder’s tone dropped reverently toward ending.
Hearing words “bladed staff techniques,” Xiao Yan, previously languishing idleness against seat… suddenly straightened slightly, his interested gaze snapping wide open—directing for first time that auction podium with new intensity shining within dark eyes agleam. For the first time tonight—the game had begun anew.
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