This was the very first auction ever held by the Hanhai Dragon Palace. Beyond simply organizing the event, the goal was clearly to make a name for themselves. By waiving all handling fees, they encouraged more cultivators to offer their rare but unused treasures for auction. The more items up for bidding, the greater the impact—and the greater the benefit to the Dragon Palace.
After all, this event had gathered two hundred thousand guests, the elite powers and strongest cultivators from the surrounding regions. One could say this represented the full strength of the Hanhai area. Waiving auction fees was also a way to subtly build goodwill with these powers.
After announcing the rules, the Hanhai Dragon King smiled and took his leave.
Each guest was then led by a mermaid attendant to their personal accommodations, located in another grand palace.
This palace was vast—capable of housing a massive number of guests. Each guest was given their own private space, segmented through intricate spatial techniques. These weren't mere rooms but independent spatial zones, skillfully layered and partitioned. Such manipulation of space was beyond the capability of ordinary sects and was a direct demonstration of the Dragon Palace's profound heritage.
Yi Tianxing, for instance, was brought by a mermaid to a space neither too big nor too small. A luxurious crystal-like manor stood within, much like a miniature Crystal Palace. He could even see the outside world—undersea coral reefs, gemstones, and marine creatures—vivid and lifelike. It was a unique and immersive experience.
"Fascinating. The Hanhai Dragon Palace truly lives up to its name. Even casually revealed abilities are enough to leave one awestruck. Their mastery of spatial techniques is astounding."
Yi Tianxing praised his accommodations and began to ponder the real event.
"This auction will undoubtedly be the grandest gathering in the Hanhai region. There may not be another for many years. It's not just a chance to bid—but also to showcase one's own power and treasures."
Yi Tianxing considered what he might contribute to the auction. Since this was a platform for influence, the items needed to represent the Great Yi Dynasty's unique strength without undermining its status.
"Weapons? Divine crossbows? Rune guns? No… those are national armaments and cannot be released so easily. Their limited number would also reduce impact. Better to auction Yunjin, Wujin, Dukang Immortal Brew—items that show our heritage yet can be steadily reproduced."
These were not mere luxuries—they symbolized culture, craftsmanship, and abundance. Among them, the Dukang Immortal Brew, famed as the ancestor of all spiritual wines, could cause a frenzy among cultivators. Even if it meant exposing that Dukang resided in the Great Yi, it was a risk worth taking.
"So long as Dukang is protected, no one can challenge Great Yi lightly."
Having made up his mind, Yi Tianxing relaxed and began enjoying the serene view of the seabed.
As for Green Emperor? No one knew where that troublesome mutt had gone.
"Let's just hope he doesn't cause any chaos."
Yi Tianxing sighed, recalling how Green Emperor had mingled with Sikong Zhaixing, Liu Qu, and that invincible general. That bunch was nothing short of a walking disaster—a thief, a tomb raider, a chaos-loving dog, and a foul-tempered general.
"Whatever. As long as they don't stir trouble inside the Dragon Palace, they can do what they want."
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, spirits were high among the guests. All were eager for the auction to begin. The items they intended to auction had already been collected the night before, including Yunjin, Wujin, and Dukang Immortal Brew from Yi Tianxing.
"Esteemed Emperor Yi, please follow me. The auction will take place in another palace."
A mermaid attendant arrived to guide him.
"Lead the way."
Yi Tianxing nodded and followed her. Along the way, he saw many other guests also heading in the same direction, including Green Emperor swaggering alongside Sikong Zhaixing and his crew.
The auction venue turned out to be a circular crystal palace, both elegant and imposing. Inside, it was another world entirely.
Rows of tiered crystal seats surrounded a large central auction platform. Each seat came with a small table stocked with fruits and refreshments, and a round-light mirror that allowed a clear view of the center no matter where one sat. The seating rose in concentric circles like a giant funnel, ensuring everyone had a good view.
"Please enter through this door. It will randomly assign you a seat. Wherever you appear is your seat for this auction—there's no distinction between front and back."
The mermaid attendant explained kindly.
"Thank you."
Without hesitation, Yi Tianxing stepped through the door and was immediately enveloped by a spatial force. In the next moment, he appeared at a randomly assigned seat.
"Interesting. Everyone is shrouded in mist—clearly to maintain anonymity. No one will know who bought what, ensuring personal safety."
Around him, other figures sat in their crystal seats, all veiled by light mist. It was an impressive measure of privacy and security.
In front of each seat was a personal teleportation array. Once a bid was successful and payment made, the item would instantly appear before the buyer.
This thoughtful convenience won silent praise from many cultivators.
As time passed, more and more guests arrived, filling the vast venue. The space could host hundreds of thousands, even millions. Participants included not just land-based sects and empires, but powerful aquatic clans of the sea.
"This won't be a calm auction."
With more participants, bidding wars were inevitable, especially over rare items. The competition would push prices to astonishing heights.
Ding ding ding—!
A series of crisp chimes rang through the hall.
On the auction stage, an old man had appeared—face glowing, skin as smooth as a baby's, and a large tortoise shell strapped to his back. He was none other than the Tortoise Prime Minister of the Hanhai Dragon Palace, a figure of immense prestige. Even the royal descendants of the Dragon Clan had to greet him with respect.
"Unfathomable…"
Yi Tianxing narrowed his eyes. The Tortoise Prime Minister's cultivation was like a deep abyss—impossible to gauge. Clearly, he was one of the palace's true powerhouses.
"Fellow Daoists, I will be hosting this auction. Let's get straight to the rules."
"As always, highest bid wins. Bidding will be conducted in Eternal Coins, the currency of the first Fortune Dynasty—Great Yi. I trust everyone is prepared."
"If you're interested in an item, simply state your bid. Once the auction ends, the winning bidder can receive the item instantly. Now, without further ado, let the auction begin!"
With no unnecessary fluff, the Tortoise Prime Minister got straight to the point.
A mermaid attendant ascended the stage carrying a tray covered with black cloth—the first item up for auction.
As the tray appeared, all eyes focused on the center.
The Tortoise Prime Minister smiled calmly and stepped forward—lifting the black cloth.