Riu Xian arrived at the Market of Thousand Lanterns, a bustling trade hub nestled within a valley surrounded by jagged peaks, not far from the Cloudspring Sect—now a branch of the Bright Snow Sect. The air buzzed with the hum of voices, the scent of sizzling street food, and the vibrant glow of countless lanterns swaying above the stalls. Merchants shouted out deals, cultivators bartered for rare treasures, and the faint hum of Qi-infused artifacts lent an otherworldly charm to the lively scene.
As Riu Xian strolled through the crowded marketplace, his senses sharpened, attuned to the chatter of cultivators and merchants. The scent of exotic spices mingled with the fragrance of rare herbs on display, while rows of wooden stalls glittered with treasures—from shimmering spirit stones to intricate talismans etched with runes. Amid the vibrant chaos, he overheard whispers of an exclusive auction taking place nearby.
The star attraction, the rumors claimed, was a shard of an ancient artifact said to contain the essence of a primordial beast. Riu Xian’s interest piqued. Studying the map he carried, he confirmed that this area fell under Bright Snow’s territory—the same sect whose juniors he had encountered in the nearby forest. Their influence here was undeniable, as many merchants wore robes adorned with the emblem of Bright Snow.
With curiosity guiding his steps, Riu Xian decided to investigate the auction, sensing that his journey to the Market of Thousand Lanterns might hold more than just trade and treasures.
Upon entering the inner district, Riu Xian immediately noticed a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The air felt thicker with tension, and the cultivators here exuded sharper, more commanding auras, their gazes filled with a mix of caution and ambition. The streets were less crowded but more refined, illuminated by the soft glow of spirit lanterns that hung from intricately carved poles. At the heart of this district stood the auction house, a grand building adorned with jade carvings and gilded accents that shimmered under the twilight sky.
The auction was scheduled to take place at night, and as the sun dipped below the jagged peaks, the air grew cooler, carrying an undercurrent of excitement. Riu Xian approached the imposing structure and paid a modest entry fee to gain access. Stepping inside, he found himself in a spacious hall lit by luminous orbs of condensed Qi, casting a warm golden glow across the room.
Cultivators from various sects and clans filled the seats, their eyes fixed on the raised platform where treasures were being unveiled one by one. The auctioneer, an elderly man with a commanding presence and a voice that carried effortlessly across the hall, presented an array of coveted items—high-grade spirit stones, rare pills, and even advanced cultivation techniques. Each new item drew gasps and murmurs of appreciation, the energy in the room crackling with anticipation as the night deepened.
Finally, the auctioneer, standing tall beneath the focused gaze of the audience, unveiled the shard. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, exuding a faint pressure that seemed to hold the room in awe. All eyes were drawn to it, the atmosphere growing heavier as the cultivators assessed the mysterious artifact that was said to contain the essence of a primordial beast.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Riu Xian narrowed his eyes and extended his spiritual sense to examine the artifact. A few moments later, he frowned. The shard was a fake. The essence it supposedly held was weak and artificial. He glanced around, curious to see if anyone else had noticed. Surely, with so many high-level cultivators present, others would see through the deception.
Yet no one said a word. The bidding began, and offers quickly soared to astronomical amounts. Riu Xian leaned back in his seat, observing. “There’s more to this auction than meets the eye,” he thought.
After the shard was sold, the auction continued with a variety of items. A few caught his interest, but he held back, waiting for something truly valuable. Then, a Supreme-grade technique was presented. The auctioneer’s voice rose as he described its worth, emphasizing its rarity and power. It was a cultivation method tailored for enhancing spiritual energy flow, ideal for female cultivators.
Riu Xian considered the technique. Its value was undeniable, but the price quickly escalated beyond the spirit stones in his spatial storage ring. He could have sold some jade stones he had collected from a hidden cave, but he dismissed the idea. “This technique isn’t suitable for me,” he decided, allowing others to battle for it.
The winning bidder was a hooded man wearing a dark crimson robe. His aura was sharp, and there was an air of hostility about him. Beside him stood a veiled woman, her presence calm but enigmatic. Riu Xian felt the man’s gaze linger on him for a moment before shifting away.
As the auction progressed, another technique was introduced. This time, it was a high-grade fire attribute technique, designed for palm and fist attacks. The auctioneer described its ability to harness fire’s destructive power, making it perfect for those with a fire-based affinity.
Riu Xian’s heart stirred. During his last breakthrough, he had awakened his innate Qilin powers, activating a strong fire attribute within him. This technique would complement his abilities perfectly. He decided to bid.
The auctioneer started the bidding at a reasonable price, and several hands shot up. Riu Xian raised his hand, matching the offers. As the price climbed, the number of bidders dwindled, leaving only a few competitors. Among them was the hooded man, who seemed determined to win the technique.
Riu Xian’s gaze hardened. He wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away. The bidding war intensified, with each offer raising the stakes. Spirit stones exchanged hands at a dizzying pace, and tension filled the room.
The hooded man raised his hand again, his voice cold as he announced his bid. The crowd murmured, sensing the hostility between the two. Riu Xian remained calm, his expression unreadable as he countered with a higher offer.
The veiled woman beside the hooded man leaned in, whispering something. The man hesitated for a moment before raising his bid once more. Riu Xian’s mind raced. He could still afford to go higher, but he had to be strategic. If the hooded man decided to make things difficult after the auction, Riu Xian already had a plan in mind. He would escape with his boat, capable of traversing underground unnoticed.
Taking a deep breath, Riu Xian made his final bid. The room fell silent, all eyes on the hooded man. For a moment, it seemed he might counter. But then he lowered his hand, his expression hidden beneath his hood.
“Sold!” the auctioneer declared, striking his gavel. “The high-grade fire attribute technique goes to this young gentleman!”
Riu Xian allowed himself a small smile. He had won. The technique would be a valuable addition to his arsenal, enhancing his combat abilities and pushing his cultivation further. As he rose to collect his prize, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the hooded man’s gaze was still on him, filled with unspoken animosity.
“Let him glare all he wants,” Riu Xian thought, clutching the scroll tightly. This was only the beginning of his journey, and he would let nothing stand in his way.