Chapter 176: Obtaining the Treasure |
The next day, the auction opened as scheduled.
The Gathering Treasure Workshop auction house was located in the center of Lin'an Prefecture City, a magnificently imposing circular building.
When Chen Qing and Shen Xiuyong arrived accompanied by Qiao Hongyun, the entrance was already bustling with carriages and horses, with people flowing like weaving threads.
Various figures wore fine silk and luxurious garments, clearly all people of no ordinary status.
Among them were quite a few disciples from prominent families in distinctive attire, entering the auction house in orderly succession, greeting each other with pleasantries.
A maid dressed in the Gathering Treasure Workshop's special uniform with an attractive appearance had long been waiting at the passage specially reserved for the Sea Sand Sect. Seeing Qiao Hongyun, she immediately made a graceful bow with a gentle smile, "Elder Qiao, please follow this servant. Your sect's private box has been prepared."
Seeing this, Chen Qing thought to himself: Having connections is truly good. Even entering the auction house gets VIP passage.
Under the maid's guidance, the three passed through a spacious corridor laid with soft carpet, ascending all the way up to an elegant private box on the second floor.
The front of the box had a one-way glass window that provided a clear view overlooking the entire auction hall below, while making it difficult for those outside to peer into the box's interior. The privacy was excellent.
"Look over there. That old man in brocade robes with a pale, beardless face is the Deputy Pavilion Master of Fengle Prefecture's Listening to Rain Pavilion, 'Startling Waves Hand' Wan Chongshan. His Startling Waves Palm technique has a formidable reputation. He's a vetera True Aura expert. That young man beside him is his prized disciple..."
"Those several people in the western corner wearing crimson red clothing are from Pingyang Prefecture's 'Blazing Sun Sect.' Leading them is their Elder, Old Man Fire Cloud. His temperament is explosive, and the Blazing Sun True Aura he cultivates has power exceeding our sect's Lihuo True Aura, but I heard he has lung injuries..."
"And that black-clothed blade wielder over there, see him? Don't let his unremarkable appearance fool you. This person's nickname is 'Absolute Blade.' He's a rogue cultivator expert who's risen to fame in recent years. Quite a few famous figures have died under his blade. He travels alone with a solitary personality, but his strength absolutely cannot be underestimated..."
Shen Xiuyong recounted like a family treasure, informing Chen Qing concisely about the various experts he recognized or had heard of, their backing forces, technique characteristics, and even some anecdotal rumors.
Having traveled extensively seeking breakthroughs in his younger years, participating in countless auctions large and small, his knowledge was naturally extensive.
Chen Qing listened intently, his gaze sweeping over each person Shen Xiuyong indicated, memorizing their faces, features, and affiliated forces one by one in his mind.
This information might prove useful in the future.
Just then, his gaze concentrated slightly.
He saw another group entering through the entrance, led by an old woman holding a cold jade staff with a stern expression. She seemed to emanate a faint cold aura. It was none other than Hanyu Valley's Grand Elder, Granny Lingshuang.
Beside her walked the refined and beautiful Ye Qingyi.
Even more eye-catching were the Earth Origin Sect experts behind them!
The leading elder wore earth-yellow robes with complex mountain patterns embroidered on the sleeves. His aura was heavy as mountains. Brilliant light glinted when his eyes opened and closed. His cultivation was clearly also at the True Aura realm!
"That's one of the Earth Origin Nine Elders, 'Bedrock' Yu He!"
Shen Xiuyong said in a low voice, his tone carrying a trace of gravity, "One of the Earth Origin Sect's Nine Elders. The 'Bedrock Heart Method' he cultivates is one of Earth Origin Sect's four great heart methods. Its defensive power is extremely astonishing, comparable to 'True Aura' level body cultivation techniques."
Chen Qing naturally wouldn't be unfamiliar with Yu He. He had once crossed hands with this True Aura expert.
Fortunately, the night had been deep then, and the two were separated by some distance. When True Aura had just erupted, Chen Qing borrowed the force to retreat covertly, quickly disappearing into the darkness.
Hm!?
Suddenly Chen Qing spotted a familiar figure in the crowd—Miao Zhiheng!
Miao Zhiheng's name had long been inscribed in Chen Qing's little black book, but today's target wasn't him, but rather the Wood Yang Jade.
Let him enjoy his freedom for a little while longer.
Soon, the auction hall was packed without a single empty seat. Even the corridors were filled with standing people. The atmosphere was heated.
An old man in brocade robes slowly ascended the central auction platform. He was one of the Gathering Treasure Workshop's stewards.
He surveyed the entire venue, his voice booming to reach every corner, "Welcome all distinguished guests to our Gathering Treasure Workshop's once-in-five-years auction grand gathering. This old one is Qian Buyi, the chief steward of this auction. Without further ado, to avoid delaying everyone's precious time, the auction begins immediately! May all of you find treasures to your heart's content!"
Without any superfluous words, the auction began directly.
The first auction item was a lower-grade treasure weapon inner armor, woven from hundred-refined cold iron mixed with gold threads. Flexible and sturdy, it could effectively resist blade strikes and true qi impacts. It was a fine example among lower-grade treasure weapons.
"Cold Thread Iron Scale Armor, starting bid thirty thousand taels. Each bid increase must not be less than one thousand taels!"
As soon as the words fell, bidding voices rose one after another.
"Thirty-two thousand taels!"
"Thirty-five thousand!"
"Forty thousand!"
In the end, this inner armor was purchased by someone with the appearance of a wealthy merchant in the hall for sixty thousand taels of silver, making a good start.
Then came several more auction items, mostly medicinal treasures of decent age and some rare materials. Though the competition was fierce, it didn't cause too great a stir.
Soon, an auction item triggered a small climax.
"Next item, superior martial arts 'Profound Mystery Finger Formula'!"
Steward Qian's voice rose a few notches, "This finger technique specifically breaks through internal true qi and True Aura. When practiced to great accomplishment, one finger can penetrate metal and stone, silent and soundless, sinister and sharp. It is truly an excellent means for defeating enemies! Starting bid eighty thousand taels! Each bid increase must not be less than five thousand taels!"
A superior martial arts manual!
This was a good thing that could enrich a sect's foundation! Having one more powerful martial art gave disciples one more choice and better odds when facing enemies. At critical moments, it could even reverse the battle situation!
Qiao Hongyun said from the side, "I heard of this 'Profound Mystery Finger Formula' during my travels in my youth. It's said to be the unique skill of Profound Yin Elder from Qiulong. This person was both righteous and evil. His finger technique was cunning and ruthless, specifically breaking Internal True Aura. I didn't expect his inheritance would appear here."
Shen Xiuyong nodded slightly beside him and continued, "Though this finger technique is powerful, the cultivation process requires tempering finger bones with special cold medicinal liquid, extremely painful. Our sect's Lihuo True Aura follows a fierce and violent path that conflicts with this soft finger technique path. Otherwise, it would truly be an extremely strong technique for self-protection."
Hearing this, the brilliant light in Chen Qing's eyes intensified.
This 'Profound Mystery Finger Formula' was both a hand and foot technique and could complement his body cultivation technique. Finger techniques and spear techniques both had the wonder of penetration and piercing strikes. It could indeed multiply power.
His heart was already moved but Chen Qing knew this trip's purpose was the Wood Yang Jade, so he still suppressed the impulse in his heart.
The appearance of the Profound Mystery Finger Formula immediately caused quite a commotion within the auction house.
The characteristic of specifically breaking internal true qi and True Aura made many feel wary, while simultaneously making quite a few people skilled in finger techniques or seeking bizarre moves light up.
Bidding voices rose one after another, quickly breaking through the one hundred thousand taels barrier.
"One hundred seventy thousand taels!" A voice rang out from a corner of the hall.
"One hundred eighty thousand!" Someone immediately followed.
"One hundred eighty-five thousand!" This time the voice came from an ordinary private box on the second floor.
Miao Zhiheng stared intently at that yellowed manual, his breathing becoming somewhat rushed.
Golden Sand Fortress was renowned for palm techniques and blade techniques. Profound finger technique martial arts were relatively scarce. This 'Profound Mystery Finger Formula' could precisely fill this gap and strengthen their foundation.
He took a deep breath and raised his paddle without hesitation, "One hundred ninety thousand taels!"
This price made the venue quiet for a moment.
However, just as Steward Qian was about to begin counting, an icy and aged voice transmitted from Hanyu Valley's private box, "Two hundred thousand taels."
Everyone looked toward the sound. They saw Granny Lingshuang's stern expression as her cold jade staff lightly tapped the ground.
Hanyu Valley's techniques belonged to the cold path. This 'Profound Mystery Finger Formula's' sinister sharpness quite matched their attributes. Her bidding wasn't surprising.
Miao Zhiheng's expression changed. He gritted his teeth and bid again, "Two hundred ten thousand taels!"
"Two hundred twenty thousand taels." Granny Lingshuang didn't even raise her eyelids. Her voice remained flat yet carried the meaning of determination to obtain it.
Fengle Prefecture Listening to Rain Pavilion's Deputy Pavilion Master Wan Chongshan frowned slightly, speaking in low tones with the disciple beside him before ultimately shaking his head.
Their purpose for this trip was clear, they came for the finale "Azure Depths Twin Radiance." They shouldn't expend too much capital in the early stages.
Miao Zhiheng's expression struggled. This price had already approached his psychological upper limit, and obviously he couldn't afford to offend a force like Hanyu Valley.
He ultimately sighed dejectedly and gave up the competition.
"Two hundred twenty thousand taels, first time!"
"Two hundred twenty thousand taels, second time!"
"Two hundred twenty thousand taels, third time! Sold! Congratulations to our friend from Hanyu Valley for obtaining this treasure!" Steward Qian struck his gavel to finalize it.
Granny Lingshuang nodded slightly. Ye Qingyi beside her was also quite curious in her heart.
Though Hanyu Valley had many technique manuals, they didn't have many finger techniques.
The auction continued. One treasure after another appeared, pills, ore materials, treasure armor, rare items... triggering continuous cries of surprise from the audience below with heated bidding.
Shen Xiuyong also took action, purchasing a large piece of extremely high-quality Black Iron Essence at a considerable price, preparing for reforging his weapon.
Chen Qing watched calmly throughout, until Steward Qian's voice rang out again:
"Next auction item, Wood element exotic treasure—Wood Yang Jade!"
A maid brought up the cold jade box. Upon opening it, that piece of warm green jade stone emanated vigorous life force under the lamplight.
"This jade was formed from the condensation of Yi Wood essence, supremely yang and warm, containing inexhaustible creative vitality within. Long-term wearing can nourish meridians, dispel yin-cold hidden injuries, and greatly benefit those who cultivate Wood element techniques. Starting bid one hundred twenty thousand taels, or equivalent treasure exchange. Each bid increase must not be less than five thousand taels!"
Chen Qing's spirit lifted as he sat up straight.
"One hundred twenty-five thousand taels." Before he could speak, someone below had already bid.
"One hundred thirty thousand taels." Another voice rang out.
"One hundred thirty-five thousand taels."
Chen Qing nodded slightly at Shen Xiuyong. Shen Xiuyong understood and lazily called out a price.
With his voice, quite a few small forces or individual buyers who had been eager to try immediately fell silent.
The newly advanced True Aura elder of the Five Terraces Sect bidding clearly showed determination to obtain it. To offend a True Aura expert over an exotic treasure that wasn't absolutely necessary for oneself was obviously unwise.
Inside Hanyu Valley's private box, Granny Lingshuang shook her head slightly and said to Ye Qingyi, "Shen Xiuyong cultivates Lihuo True Aura. Their attributes conflict. This item is utterly useless to him. It seems he's buying it for that Chen Qing."
Ye Qingyi nodded gently, "Mm, Chen Qing primarily cultivates Qingmu true qi. This Wood Yang Jade is perfect for him." Her gaze looked toward the second-floor private box with complex emotions.
There weren't many bidders. After all, those who cultivated Wood attribute techniques were relatively few. Moreover, though the Wood Yang Jade was good, its efficacy leaned more toward nourishing assistance. Unlike the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl that could directly purify and solidify foundations, its allure was relatively limited.
When the price slowly climbed to one hundred sixty thousand taels, only Shen Xiuyong and another mysterious person wearing a bamboo hat remained in competition.
"One hundred seventy thousand taels." Shen Xiuyong bid again.
The bamboo hat wearer fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, before ultimately shaking their head and giving up.
Inside Earth Origin Sect's private box, Lu Da watched the bidding below and said in a low voice to Yu He, "Elder Yu, this Chen Qing seems determined to obtain that Wood Yang Jade. Should we... raise him a hand? Test his financial limits, or make him bleed a bit more?"
Yu He's gaze was profound as he stared at the Sea Sand Sect private box on the second floor, slowly shaking his head, "It's merely a Wood element exotic treasure. It has no importance to our Earth element. Raising the price now would make our intent too obvious and might alert the prey. Our target is the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl. Before we have conclusive evidence and complete certainty, we shouldn't act rashly and arouse the Five Terraces Sect and Sea Sand Sect's vigilance."
His actions were seasoned. He deeply understood that small impatience ruins great plans.
Hearing this, Lu Da nodded and said no more.
"One hundred seventy thousand taels, first time!"
"One hundred seventy thousand taels, second time!"
"One hundred seventy thousand taels, third time! Sold! Congratulations to this customer for obtaining the Wood Yang Jade!" Steward Qian struck his gavel with a face full of smiles.
Shen Xiuyong cupped his fists toward the audience below, appearing calm and unperturbed.
Chen Qing felt relieved. The Wood Yang Jade was successfully obtained. He had taken a major step forward on his path of five element true qi fusion.
Inside the private box, Shen Xiuyong proudly raised his eyebrows and smiled, "How about that? Your master uncle's face is still quite useful, right? One hundred seventy thousand taels to obtain it, even lower than expected."
"Many thanks, Master Uncle."
Chen Qing thanked him sincerely.
He knew very well that without Shen Xiuyong, this newly advanced True Aura elder, coming forward, those small forces or individuals with intent to compete absolutely wouldn't have given up so easily. Being pushed to over two hundred thousand taels wouldn't be strange at all.
Among the several items auctioned afterward, two sealed black iron boxes appeared.
The venue atmosphere was ignited again. This kind of unknown allure always attracted quite a few people.
Ultimately, one black iron box was purchased by Hanyu Valley for two hundred thousand taels of silver, while the other was successfully exchanged by Blazing Sun Sect's elder using a rare Red Flame Fruit plus some silver.
Finally, the auction welcomed its final climax.
Under everyone's expectant gazes, that pair of blade and sword named "Azure Depths Twin Radiance" was brought onto the stage.
Within the case on red silk, a blade and sword were placed side by side.
In an instant, an invisible sharp aura mixed with faint spiritual pressure spread out. Those close by even felt their skin slightly sting, as if cold wind swept past.
The blade body was black as ink with faint deep blue water light flowing; the sword body seemed like snow yet emanated piercing cold radiance.
The two weapons merely rested quietly on the stage yet naturally emanated a palpitating sharp intent and faint spiritual fluctuations, like sleeping fierce beasts, resonating with the true qi or True Aura within everyone present.
Qian Buyi swept his gaze over everyone present, then said:
"Distinguished guests! Please quiet down! Next will be the most precious treasure of this auction, and indeed of the Gathering Treasure Workshop in five years!"
"Everyone please look! Though this pair of weapons currently ranks at the peak of superior-grade treasure weapons, their cores have already gestated a trace of true 'spiritual embryo' due to Master Hong's divine forging technique as the catalyst! What does this mean?"
His gaze blazed as it swept the entire venue, "This means they've already taken half a step into 'spirit treasures'! If a True Aura expert uses their own origin True Aura to nurture and refine them day and night, becoming spiritually connected with them, given time, they may well truly awaken weapon spirits, enabling them to complete the final transformation and become spirit treasures possessing autonomous spirituality!"
"Divine weapons have spirits and choose their own masters! Such treasures that can be encountered but not sought, that can even serve as the foundational inheritance of a sect or clan, this old one has only seen once in his life! Their value is immeasurable!"
Instantly, the entire auction house's atmosphere was pushed to its peak!
As Steward Qian's words fell, bidding voices erupted like a tsunami.
"One hundred thousand taels!"
"One hundred fifty thousand!"
"Fengle Prefecture Listening to Rain Pavilion bids one hundred eighty thousand plus three Tidal Condensing True Aura Pills!"
"Pingyang Prefecture Blazing Sun Sect, two hundred thousand taels plus an Earth Core Fire Stone!"
The price madly climbed at an astonishing speed and continued rising. Those competing were already entirely representatives of major forces from the second-floor private boxes, each red-faced and determined to obtain it.
Chen Qing watched this money-burning mad scene below with a calm expression.
Never mind whether this blade and sword suited him, just this desperate price was absolutely not something he could covet.
Moreover, possessing such treasures invited disaster. If such treasure truly fell into his hands, it would be no different from a child carrying gold through a bustling market. It would only bring endless troubles.
What concerned him most now was still the Wood Yang Jade just obtained and five element fusion.
"Master Uncle Shen, let's prepare to leave." Chen Qing said in a low voice.
"Alright. This place indeed shouldn't be lingered in. Too much trouble."
Shen Xiuyong nodded slightly. Though he loved watching excitement, he also knew his limits.
The waters here were too muddy. A single misstep into them would prevent escape.
The two stood and bid farewell to Qiao Hongyun.
Qiao Hongyun was watching with great interest. Seeing they wanted to leave early, he couldn't help laughing and cursing, "Shen Xiuyong, you old fellow, you take your things and run. You're not even watching the good show afterward?"
Shen Xiuyong replied unceremoniously, "Qiao Hongyun, you understand shit! This old man is being low-key, unlike you who doesn't have a few coins in your pocket yet stays here pretending to be a tycoon while envious. Going, going, I'll buy you drinks later!"
"Get lost! Who cares about your terrible wine!"
Qiao Hongyun laughingly cursed and waved his hand, "Be careful on the road. Recently Lin'an Prefecture City has plenty of demons and monsters."
Shen Xiuyong patted Chen Qing's shoulder. The two quietly left the private box.
Arriving at the auction house's back hall exchange area, a chief steward had long been respectfully waiting.
After inspecting the credentials and bank notes, the steward solemnly handed over the cold jade box containing the Wood Yang Jade and the iron box containing the Black Iron Essence that Shen Xiuyong had purchased to the two.
After settling the money and goods, Chen Qing carefully stored the cold jade box in his chest. He and Shen Xiuyong quickly left the Gathering Treasure Workshop.
Not long after they left, a secret door in the back hall opened. An elder dressed in Gathering Treasure Workshop high-level attire slowly walked out.
He merely stood there, yet the surrounding air seemed to become somewhat stagnant. The chief steward immediately bowed, his demeanor extremely respectful.
The elder's gaze swept over the direction Chen Qing and Shen Xiuyong had departed, opening his mouth indifferently, "The two who just left were Shen Xiuyong and Chen Qing from the Five Terraces Sect?"
"Reporting to Third Shopkeeper, it is them." The steward replied with lowered head.
The elder nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before instructing, "Go leak the news that they've already left carrying treasures to Elder Yu from Earth Origin Sect."
For him, this was just a word that could smoothly sell Yu He a favor.
Moreover, Earth Origin Sect was after all a local powerhouse in Lin'an, with close business dealings with the Gathering Treasure Workshop.
"Yes, Third Shopkeeper." The steward understood immediately and turned to make arrangements.
The elder looked toward the endless stream of people outside the door, his gaze profound.
The waters of Lin'an Prefecture had been muddied by this Azure Depths Twin Radiance. What came next would truly be a time of winds rising and clouds surging.
Chen Qing and Shen Xiuyong left the auction house, quickly arriving at the special stables in the Gathering Treasure Workshop's side courtyard.
"Let's go."
Shen Xiuyong led his 'Treading Snow' steed and said with a smile.
Just then, a Sea Sand Sect steward came rushing over urgently. He was precisely the person who had been following Qiao Hongyun.
His expression was grave as he quickly cupped his fists to Shen Xiuyong, "Elder Qiao commanded me to quickly inform you that Elder Yu He from Earth Origin Sect, not long after you departed, also quietly left the auction house with his people. Elder Qiao worries Yu He's intentions are unclear and fears he might be harmful to you two. He had me take the first step to warn you!"
"Yu He!?"
Shen Xiuyong's brow immediately furrowed tightly, a trace of doubt flashing through his eyes, "Though my Five Terraces Sect and Earth Origin Sect aren't intimate friends, we've never had major grievances. What does he intend by following us?"
Regarding the Blackwater Dock matter, he had been in seclusion breaking through to True Aura. He had only heard that Yu He had 'slain' the Netherworld Twin Guards at Blackwater Dock and gained great fame.
Shen Xiuyong's gaze unconsciously glanced at Chen Qing beside him.
Regarding the Blackwater Dock matter, he knew it was dangerous but didn't know the details, much less the many hidden secrets within.
Chen Qing's heart jolted as he instantly understood.
Yu He, that old bastard, must suspect the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl was in his possession. Even more, he had pinned the enormous scapegoat of the Netherworld Twin Guards' disappearance and even the Demon Sect's retaliation on himself. Now he couldn't help but wanted to personally take action to probe or even forcefully seize it!
"Master Uncle Shen, this matter is likely because of me. It's a long story. Yu He's target is very likely me. We need to go quickly and shouldn't linger here!"
Chen Qing spoke extremely rapidly as he mounted his horse.
Shen Xiuyong was also a decisive person. Though full of questions, he deeply knew now wasn't the time to press for answers.
He likewise leaped onto Treading Snow's back and called out in a low voice, "Go!"
The two horses immediately broke into a gallop, rushing out of the stables, racing along the street toward outside Lin'an City.
Treading Snow's speed was extremely fast. Chen Qing had to fully urge his yellow piebald horse to barely keep up.
Within the city with many eyes, Yu He might still have some scruples, but once they left the city...
The two rode like lightning all the way, quickly rushing out of Lin'an Prefecture City's tall gate, racing along the main road toward Yunlin Prefecture.
However, having traveled only about ten li, passing through a dense forest where the terrain gradually rose, Shen Xiuyong's expression suddenly darkened. He sensed a powerful aura from behind rapidly closing in at an astonishing speed!
That aura was heavy as mountains yet carried undisguised oppressive force. It was precisely the True Aura fluctuation characteristic of Earth Origin Sect's heart methods!