"I am Flame Emperor," Lin Feng muttered to himself, his lips curling into a smirk as he observed the pale golden destiny thread above Chu Xiao's head. But what truly drew his attention was the black ring on Chu Xiao's finger, flickering with a hidden presence—an ancient Alchemist Soul, resting quietly, its once-burning flames now dormant.
Interesting... A future emperor with only a beast flame today. But he walks with a master's soul on his finger. How many pills have you sold to buy your place in this game, Chu Xiao?
As the last of the guests filled the auction hall, the sound of flutes slowly died down. The vast hall dimmed slightly as soft spiritual lights floated down from the ceiling, illuminating the center stage wrapped in delicate arrays.
Then, she appeared.
The auctioneer stepped onto the stage, every movement deliberate and intoxicating. Her beauty wasn't the soft kind—it was sharp, mature, and dangerous. She wore a deep crimson silk dress, clinging tightly to her hourglass figure. Twin slits ran up both sides of her thighs, revealing smooth legs wrapped in sheer black stockings lined with golden vine tattoos. Her chest was half-covered by embroidered phoenix lace, teasing yet elegant.
Long lashes fluttered as she smiled, her glossy lips forming a perfect curve.
"Ladies and Gentlemen… Welcome to tonight's Shadow Moon Grand Auction," she purred, voice like honey dipped in fire. "I am Fei Lanyue, your hostess tonight. I hope your spirit stones are heavy, and your desires... even heavier."
A few lustful murmurs broke out in the crowd, quickly silenced by her powerful presence.
The VIP section remained calm. Each seat was isolated by spiritual barriers, spaced apart by at least several meters—enough to prevent casual conversation.
Across from Lin Feng, the green-dressed woman from the Serpent Heart Sect sat with legs crossed, posture lazy yet seductive. She gave Lin Feng a slow glance, her emerald eyes flashing. But due to the distance, she said nothing—only gave him a sly smile before looking away, her snake-shaped earrings glinting faintly.
To the left, Wang Tianhu of the Blood Devil Sect sat like a still statue. A chilling aura radiated from him, his pupils faintly red, hands folded calmly. His robe was dark maroon, almost black, soaked with traces of spiritual blood. Lin Feng could see a sharp yellow destiny thread above him—lesser than Chu Xiao's but still significant.
Fei Lanyue raised her hand.
"Let's begin."
A servant walked in with the first item: a delicate crystal tray holding three golden pills, gently radiating spiritual energy.
"Our opening item—Three Mid-grade Spirit Recovery Pills, refined by a rare fire-type alchemist who recently passed through the region. These pills restore meridian fatigue and accelerate healing for Spirit Refining cultivators. Starting bid: 300 spirit stones."
Instantly, bidding erupted from the lower sections.
"350!"
"400!"
"500!"
The price quickly rose, finally closing at 580 spirit stones. The buyer—an old man with three burn scars on his face—grinned as he accepted the tray.
Fei Lanyue's eyes gleamed.
"Next item—Silverstorm Saber. A low-grade spiritual weapon, crafted from Wind Iron and blessed with a minor breeze formation. Light, sharp, and excellent for agile cultivators. Starting bid: 700 spirit stones."
Lin Feng didn't move, nor did any of the VIPs. This level of item wasn't worth their attention. The saber went for 950 spirit stones, claimed by a veiled rogue cultivator woman in the crowd.
Fei Lanyue's smile turned sharper.
"Now, for something rarer. A single remaining copy from the ancient vault of the Shadow Moon Sect…"
She paused, letting the tension rise as a scroll wrapped in gold ribbons was brought in on a crimson velvet pillow.
"An Origin-level High-Rank Technique—'Nine Star Devouring Blade'. Ferocious, absorbing star force with each strike. A true killer's sword art. Starting bid: 2,000 spirit stones."
A gasp ran through the hall.
Lin Feng narrowed his eyes slightly. An Origin High-Rank Technique? Not bad.
The bidding began—slowly at first.
"2,000."
"2,200."
"2,500."
Suddenly, a cold voice echoed from the VIP section.
"3,000." It was Wang Tianhu, his expression emotionless. "The Blood Devil Sect will take it."
The room fell quiet.
Nobody dared to challenge him. Fei Lanyue looked mildly amused.
"Sold. To our esteemed guest from the Blood Devil Sect."
Wang Tianhu closed his eyes again as if the bid meant nothing to him.
Fei Lanyue's eyes gleamed once more. "Next, we present an item from the mysterious Beast Mountain... Recently recovered under heavy risk."
A pedestal was rolled in, holding a black orb pulsing faintly with spiritual and demonic energy.
"The Beast Soul Crystal Fragment. Possibly a remnant of a fallen King-Rank beast. While not whole, the energy stored within is valuable for beast tamers, soul cultivators, and those who practice demonic arts. Starting bid: 1,500 spirit stones."
Lin Feng leaned slightly forward. This... This might be part of the demon I sensed before.
But he said nothing yet.
Fei Lanyue smirked, her eyes locking with his for half a second—sharp, knowing, dangerous.
"The real auction has begun, dear guests," she said with a sultry tone. "Hold your breath… the good stuff is just getting started."