Inside the private room, Li Mu sat by the window, savoring Spirit Wine while observing the scene in the main hall below, taking everything in.
Hundreds of seats in the center of the hall were gradually filled by Nascent Soul cultivators and representatives of various major powers, most of them accompanied by young, beautiful, and graceful female Cultivators.
The seating in the main hall's audience section was also stratified; those with stronger Spiritual Pressure or representatives of certain powers were arranged in the front rows of the audience.
Afterward, they were sorted in order, with the weakest Loose Cultivators sitting in the back rows. The hundreds of seats in the hall were soon filled.
Li Mu spotted Daoist Wanling in the central area; he had friends wherever he went and was currently chatting with a few Nascent Soul True Lords.
Seeing this, Li Mu put down his wine glass, frowning in thought.
Aside from the nearly one hundred people in the VIP private rooms, the Auction also had over five hundred Nascent Soul cultivators in the main hall, with the rest being representatives of various powers and Loose Cultivators, all with a Realm of Golden Core or above.
The Auction had not yet officially begun, and the Cultivators were chatting and exchanging pleasantries, making the atmosphere quite lively.
About a quarter of an hour passed.
"Clang, clang, clang..." Several clear and melodious bell sounds rang out, reverberating throughout the entire hall.
The bell sounds clearly originated from a Magical Artifact. The lingering bell tones, like Buddhist chants, carried a miraculous calming effect on the mind, gradually soothing the listeners' agitated emotions.
Instantly, the noisy hall quieted down.
The next moment, Lin Baoqing, all smiles, walked out from the inner side of the hall and slowly ascended the Auction stage. Four Soul Transformation powerhouses accompanied him, forming a Formation around him.
Unbeknownst to them, a peculiar Xuanhuan Formation quietly formed, protecting Lin Baoqing in the center, ensuring extreme security.
"Is this really necessary?"
Li Mu had attended many Auctions, but this was the first time he had seen such a display.
Just as Li Mu wondered about Lin Baoqing's grand entrance, a clear voice echoed in his private room, and Wan'er's voice came from outside the door: "Senior, Manager Lin has arranged for food to be delivered. Is it convenient to open the door?"
"Come in!"
The door opened in response. Wan'er led seven or eight people who brought a large array of exquisite Spirit Meals: Lotus Stewed Spirit Chicken, Steamed Noble Spirit Fish, Multibao Pagoda, and various other rare and delicious dishes, all incredibly fragrant.
"Senior, please enjoy. This Auction will last for one day. Due to the large number of items being auctioned, there is no fixed categorization for each bidding item," Wan'er kindly reminded him.
Li Mu nodded, a little surprised. He hadn't expected this Auction to take a whole day; it was indeed quite rare.
Wan'er was clever and adept at reading people, having worked in hospitality for many years. Seeing Li Mu's confusion, she immediately replied, "Barren Ancient City is a junction connecting to other Spirit Realms and the Central Continent. Many visitors come here, so there are many rare treasures. People passing through this area often send items here for Auction to exchange for their desired rewards."
"Therefore, due to the high traffic and numerous Auction items, the duration will be significantly longer. Given the extremely broad categories, Manager Lin simply didn't categorize them. They just take out one item at a time and start the bidding."
"Similarly, due to the large quantity and high value of the auctioned items, there have been instances of lawless demonic Cultivators or thieves, relying on their powerful strength, illegally snatching items!"
"Aside from the four Protectors guarding Manager Lin, there are also three Void Refining Realm enforcement adults on the ninth floor, keeping an eye on the scene."
Three Void Refining Realm Cultivators?
Li Mu's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but look up. He hadn't expected there to be hidden compartments on the ninth floor, nor had he imagined that Wanbao Pavilion concealed three Void Refining powerhouses.
"You told me this secret; will you be alright?"
Li Mu smiled and nodded, looking at Wan'er and asking curiously.
"Hehe, Senior, you worry too much. Many people know about the existence of the three enforcement adults; it's no longer a secret!" Wan'er chuckled, covering her mouth.
Li Mu understood, and couldn't help but sigh. This Barren Ancient City was by no means as peaceful as it seemed on the surface; in fact, undercurrents surged beneath.
With so much traffic, it was inevitable that some evil cult members would be hidden there.
Presumably, people from the Nine Demon Sect were also hidden in Barren Ancient City. It seemed he still needed to act low-key and absolutely not make a move unless necessary.
It seemed he should visit Tianji Pavilion when he had time to keep up with current hot news.
While Li Mu was contemplating, on the Auction stage, Lin Baoqing's abundant True Qi gathered in his mouth, and he laughed loudly, "Distinguished guests, welcome to the Auction held by Wanbao Pavilion. I believe you all know me, so I won't waste time introducing myself. There are countless spiritual treasures in the world; those with fate shall obtain them. Our meeting here is also a form of destiny. I hope everyone will open their hearts and participate in the bidding, acting within their means, and not harm each other's harmony."
After Lin Baoqing finished speaking the countless tedious lines, he took out a very special Storage Magical Artifact.
The Magical Artifact was a triangular floating crystal block suspended in his palm, emitting a powerful aura.
Li Mu scanned it with his All-Encompassing Identification and immediately learned its attributes. He hadn't expected this Magical Artifact to be a Low Grade six-tier spirit treasure; it couldn't be opened without a special method.
Lin Baoqing flicked his fingertip, and a pair of metal sabers, radiating a powerful aura, flew out.
The golden sabers emitted a powerful aura. Two three-zhang-sized demon tiger Artifact Spirits, dragging the treasured sabers, charged wildly within the Formation, their Saber Qi intimidating.
"Good sabers!"
Upon seeing these twin sabers, a Saber Master Nascent Soul True Lord's eyes burned with fervor.
Other Nascent Soul True Lords were also incredibly excited; they all wished they could immediately acquire these rare treasured sabers.
With a wave of his hand, the twin sabers landed steadily before him. The two scaled tigers crouched on his shoulders, their eyes gleaming as they looked into the main hall. "Distinguished guests, these sabers were refined by Great Master Kong Yuanming, a six-tier Artifact Refining Great Master from the Central Continent. They are a five-tier pseudo-Spirit Treasure named Golden Tiger Soul Devourer Sabers, incredibly sharp. Even a Low Grade five-tier Spiritual Artifact cannot withstand a single strike from these sabers."
"The starting bid for these sabers is seven thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones, with each increment no less than one hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones..."
As soon as Lin Baoqing's words fell, the crowd was already impatient.
"The Golden Tiger Soul Devourer Sabers match my Cultivation Technique. If I obtain these sabers, even if I encounter a Peak Nascent Soul cultivator, I will not fear them. I bid eight thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones."
"The very first item auctioned is a pseudo-Spirit Treasure. This trip was truly worthwhile."
"Fellow Daoists, these sabers are fated with me. I can use them to Breakthrough to a higher Realm. I hope you all will show mercy and not compete with me. I bid eight thousand four hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones."
"Those with strength may obtain it. I don't care who you are, I bid nine thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones."
"Bah, shameless! Don't act like your status matters here. This is Wanbao Pavilion, so put away that attitude!"
...
Within the audience, numerous Nascent Soul True Lords had burning eyes, their tempers flaring. For a pseudo-Spirit Treasure, everyone wished they could just rush forward and snatch it directly.
However, Wanbao Pavilion had extremely profound backing and three terrifying Void Refining Realm existences above. They had the desire but not the courage, so they could only honestly compete with their financial resources.
The Nascent Soul cultivators all took out their Auction tokens and entered their bids.
The bidding below was fervent.
In the private room, Li Mu couldn't help but sigh. The Central Continent truly was a land of talented individuals. The Golden Tiger Soul Devourer Sabers on the stage, whether in terms of grade or refining technique, were exceptionally superb.
Li Mu, possessing the Eightfold Heavenly Fire Tempering Method, could see that most of the Materials used for this pseudo-Spirit Treasure were six-tier. It was likely intended to be a six-tier spirit treasure but failed in refinement, becoming a five-tier pseudo-Spirit Treasure. What a pity!
Time flew, and the bidding period ended!
This Magical Artifact was successfully bid on by the Grand Elder of a second-rate Sect, costing him twenty-seven thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones.
"The first bid has concluded. Congratulations to Fellow Daoist number twenty-nine, who successfully bid for it at a price of twenty-seven thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones. The next Auction item is also from the Central Continent, a five-tier Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill refined by Elder Liu Yueming of the Liu Family, one of the Eight Great Families."
"This Medicinal Pill has potent effects. It is refined from the essence and Physical Body essence of a hundred four-tier Spirit Beasts, combined with Nine Xuan Grass and Beast Essence Spirit Fruit. It is a Medicinal Pill that can promote the advancement of Spirit Beasts."
"Its medicinal efficacy is so strong that it can assist Spirit Beasts on the verge of Breakthrough to achieve a higher chance of breaking through and advancing to a higher Realm."
"There are a total of twenty Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pills. Each pill is priced at seven hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones, with each bid increment no less than one hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones." Lin Baoqing, all smiles, surveyed the entire venue, including hundreds of distinguished guests and a hundred VIP rooms.
With that, Lin Baoqing, under everyone's gaze, took out a crystal-clear bottle from his Storage Magical Artifact.
As the bottle cap was twisted open, a rich Spiritual Qi surged out. Twenty dark-red Medicinal Pills slowly floated out, and a peculiar fragrance permeated the entire hall.
Some beast tamers in the hall had brought small Spirit Beasts, and when they smelled the fragrance emanating from the Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill, they immediately became exceptionally excited and restless.
For a moment, various Spirit Beast roars echoed throughout the hall, one after another. The beast tamers quickly soothed them, their eyes burning as they gazed at the twenty floating Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pills.
In the private room, Li Mu's eyes also lit up. Although he had inherited the Painting World Treasure Mansion and received a large quantity of Medicinal Pills from Celestial Evolution Divine Lord, he unfortunately had no Spirit Pills that could help Spirit Beasts advance.
Xiao Jin and Xiao Wa were now at Peak four-tier, just a step away from entering five-tier. However, Xiao Jin and Xiao Wa possessed an ancient Bloodline, making their advancement several times more difficult than Spirit Beasts of the same tier.
Advancing through ordinary means was extremely difficult. This Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill was undoubtedly very suitable. If Xiao Jin and Xiao Wa consumed it, their chances of advancement would greatly increase, and they would have the potential to Breakthrough to five-tier Spirit Beasts.
While Li Mu was lost in thought, many Cultivators had already started bidding, vying for a chance for their Spirit Beasts to advance.
Li Mu checked the bidding price. As soon as the bidding began, in just ten breaths, the price of a single Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill had already climbed to two thousand one hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones, and the price was still rising frantically.
Most of the bidders this time were Nascent Soul True Lords skilled in beast taming, as well as those Soul Transformation existences in the VIP rooms. The bidding prices were exceptionally insane.
Soon, after a hundred breaths, the bidding fluctuations gradually decreased.
Now, only a few Nascent Soul True Lords with considerable status were still bidding. As for the VIP rooms represented by the tokens, only three families were still bidding.
Li Mu was still waiting and had not made a move.
"Fellow Daoist number six's bid: three thousand two hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones, remaining time: eight breaths. Is there anyone else who wants to bid?"
Lin Baoqing, all smiles, prompted them. From his expression, it was clear he was very satisfied with such a high bidding price for a single Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill.
If the first pill could fetch such a high price, the prices for the remaining nineteen would also not be low. The profit from this transaction would be extremely substantial.
Just as Lin Baoqing's words fell, there were still no new bids. After all, the maximum price for a single Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill was around three thousand.
The current price had already exceeded that, and there were nineteen more pills to come, plenty of opportunities. So, no one continued to bid.
When only three breaths remained out of the nine-breath countdown, Li Mu finally made his move, directly entering three thousand five hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones on his bidding token.
The sudden change in price caught everyone off guard.
"Who's so foolish? Three thousand five hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones already far exceeds the price of this Medicinal Pill. There are plenty more later; truly foolish."
"Hey, watch your words! Didn't you see this is VIP Room number seven? Those who can enter are big figures. Be careful what you say, or you might get cut down outside."
The people around them saw the rising price, and the number seven displayed above it had a golden rune, signifying a distinguished private room.
Those in the private rooms were people they couldn't afford to offend.
Everyone obediently shut their mouths, though they secretly mocked Li Mu as an idiot in their hearts. Bidding a losing price for the very first Medicinal Pill, he was most likely a cross-generational Disciple from some Family.
Since there were more Medicinal Pills to come, no one was willing to pay a high price for the first one.
So, they all chose to stop, and Li Mu successfully bid for the first Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill.
On the stage, Lin Baoqing glanced at Li Mu's private room and smiled knowingly. "Congratulations to VIP Room number seven, who successfully bid for the first Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pill at a price of three thousand five hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones. Next, we will bid for the second one, still at the same starting price, with each increment no less than one hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones."
The bidding resumed. Having lost one pill, but with a large quantity remaining, the bidders were not anxious, and the price steadily increased.
However, when the price again approached three thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones, Li Mu made another move, appearing with a price of three thousand three hundred Spirit Stones. This caused the bidders to frown.
They all chose to give up, feeling it wasn't worth continuing the bid.
This time, the Medicinal Pill naturally fell into Li Mu's hands once more. Lin Baoqing, with a smile, repeated the process, and the bidding for the third pill began again.
This time, Li Mu still acted covertly, always appearing in the last few breaths with a price a few hundred higher than the original.
Those who had hoped to pick up a bargain were somewhat mentally broken by Li Mu, but thinking about how many more there were, they didn't believe Li Mu would bid for every pill at a loss.
No one in this world would do something so foolish.
So, they also gave up on the third pill. But then, for the fourth, fifth, and sixth pills, Li Mu still used the same tactic and successfully bid for them.
Watching Li Mu clear the path, winning six pills in a row at inflated prices, the people around finally realized something was wrong.
Now only fourteen pills remained, each incredibly precious. One must know that for a Spirit Beast to advance, a single pill might not guarantee success. An extra pill meant an extra layer of assurance, an extra chance.
Now they couldn't sit still. They frantically bid, raising prices to participate, fearing that the opportunity would slip away from them.
"That VIP Room number seven! Damn it, the price for this seventh pill has already exceeded four thousand!"
"It's over, it's over! I can't afford the price of this seventh pill; it's already four thousand five hundred. How can I bid? Why does VIP Room number seven need so many Mystic Celestial Beast Transformation Pills! They've already acquired so many, isn't that enough?" (End of Chapter)