No one wanted to be stuck in the Yellow Springs Inn forever. Staying cooped up in such a place made them question why they had even come to the underworld in the first place. Returning to the living realm would be a monumental challenge, so instead of wasting time idly in the inn, it made more sense to explore the underworld and take in its unique scenery.
"Mm, if the two fellow Daoists wish to go, then go. The underworld has sights that our living world cannot compare to. However, in a few days, the Yellow Springs Auction will take place. Many rare treasures will appear. Even if you don't win anything, it will be an eye-opening experience—well worth the trip."
Yi Tianxing didn't stop them and replied with a light smile.
In the underworld, the two of them at least possessed enough power to stay safe from deadly threats.
As for himself, he had no plans to go out. Though the underworld was strange and filled with wonders, it wouldn't provide him with any meaningful trials. Having just drunk the Meng Po Soup, which purified his soul and deepened his understanding of the Great Dao, this was the perfect time to enter secluded cultivation.
Soon after, the Decomposer and the Paper Craftsman left together.
Yi Tianxing returned to his quiet chamber and silently activated the Heavenly Emperor Dragon Scripture, immersing himself in the unique laws and Dao rhymes of the underworld. Unknowingly, his foundation became even more flawless and complete.
Time flowed quietly. Before long, the day of the Yellow Springs Auction arrived.
"Dear guest, the auction is about to begin. It will be held on the seventh floor of the front building. If you're interested, please head up. The bidding will be done using Willpower Orbs."
A crisp knock sounded on the door, followed by the voice of a staff member.
"It's starting, huh."
Yi Tianxing emerged from his meditation. Hearing the staff continue to notify others in the hallway, a glimmer of expectation flickered in his eyes. This auction was said to host numerous rare treasures, powerful enough to draw in strong contenders from all around. It was, without doubt, a rare event in the region. Items like Reincarnation Pills and Meng Po Soup were enough to stir greed in many hearts.
The only thing that irked him was the currency for this auction: Willpower Orbs.
"Using Willpower Orbs for bidding? That's not ideal at all. I'll have to talk with the proprietress later. Perhaps I can pay in Eternal Coins instead."
Yi Tianxing frowned slightly, musing to himself. One was consumable, the other renewable—naturally, he preferred the more advantageous option.
But that would come later. For now, the auction awaited.
The inn's front building had seven levels. The seventh floor, normally closed to guests, was specially designed as an auction house and only opened for events like this.
Stepping out, Yi Tianxing saw Zhao Li emerging from a nearby room.
"Fellow Daoist Yi, the auction is starting. Care to join me?"
Zhao Li smiled. His aura had clearly become much stronger—obviously a benefit of the Meng Po Soup.
"Let's go."
Yi Tianxing nodded and the two headed up together.
When they reached the seventh floor, it felt like they had entered an entirely separate dimension.
Surrounding them were rows of seats, all crafted from Yellow Springs Ghostwood—a rare and top-tier material for artifact forging. In the living realm, it would be worth a fortune, hotly contested by all. Here, it was simply used as furniture. Any artifact refiner witnessing this would likely curse their wastefulness.
Each seat came with a small table, topped with snacks and fruits for guests to enjoy during the auction.
The auction stage was the same floating platform Yi Tianxing had seen before during meals, once used for dancers and musicians, now transformed into the centerpiece for displaying treasures.
While not as grand as the auction grounds of the Hanhai Dragon Palace, this venue had its own unique charm and immersive atmosphere.
At the entrance stood two Rakshasa maidens, welcoming guests.
"Fellow Daoists, please choose any seat. The seat number will serve as your bidder ID. All seats are equal in function. We've also prepared some refreshments—please enjoy at your leisure."
"Much appreciated."
Yi Tianxing responded calmly and entered with Zhao Li.
The moment they stepped in, a spatial force gently enveloped them and transported them to two empty seats.
"Hmm… This auction is rather intriguing. After returning from this trip to the underworld, I should consider activating the Mystic Auction House. It might yield some pleasant surprises."
Looking around, Yi Tianxing noticed many seats were already occupied by all kinds of cultivators from various underworld races. But no one dared to act rashly here. After all, this was the Yellow Springs Inn, and no one wanted to provoke the Meng Clan.
Still, the thought stirred in his mind. He had obtained an auction house earlier, and now seemed the right time to activate it. The Mystic Auction House could potentially pull in participants across the Eternal World, regardless of whether they were alive or dead, strong or weak. If managed well, it could become a formidable foundation of power.
As Yi Tianxing scanned the room, he noticed a small teleportation array in front of his seat—used for quick delivery of auctioned goods. Once a transaction was completed, the item would be transferred instantly. No need to wait for the end of the auction. In the cultivation world, everything was settled immediately—no deception, no delays.
"Impressive. But one must be cautious here. There's no anonymity in bidding unless you actively conceal your presence. Even so, against some strange techniques, it may not help much. While you're safe inside the inn, once you leave… be prepared. Robbery and murder over treasure aren't uncommon."
Zhao Li sat beside him, smiling as he offered advice.
"No problem. If someone comes to rob me, I'll welcome them with open arms."
Yi Tianxing replied calmly. Those who tried to rob him might just end up gifting him their treasures instead.
"Let me introduce some of the notable attendees. See that guy on the left? He's a King of the Asura Clan, named Duotala. The Asura Clan is known for its combat prowess. He's cultivated the Asura clan's divine power—Blood Soldier Tribulation—deadly and destructive. He's definitely here for something valuable."
Zhao Li pointed at an ugly figure wearing a half-face mask etched with blood patterns. Even with half his face covered, he was still hideous.
"And that one's the Undying Ghost King—a rival to the Red Robe Ghost King. Both are vying for the proprietress's favor. But let's be honest, with faces like that… she'll never be interested."
Zhao Li chuckled as he pointed at a figure in a blue robe. This Undying Ghost King looked like withered bark—his face like ancient tree skin. Not exactly the stuff of romantic fantasies. Yet, he was famously persistent, constantly gifting rare treasures in his pursuit of the proprietress. His affection was well-known throughout the region.
"Love isn't all about looks," Yi Tianxing mused inwardly, "but if you're that unfortunate in appearance… it's better not to expect too much."
"And that's the Red Robe Ghost King—no need to say more, you've seen him. But that woman over there… that's Nalan Rou of the Corpse Clan. Don't be fooled by her beauty. She's… let's say very enthusiastic about men. A water corpse from the Five Elemental Corpses, her water-element abilities are frighteningly powerful."
Zhao Li's tone turned playful as he pointed to a woman in revealing blue palace robes. Her appearance was enchanting, seductive. One would never guess she was part of the Corpse Clan.
"They say she never turns anyone away. Daoist Yi, you've got the qualifications for a 'one-night karmic fate.' I hear no one who's shared a night with her forgets it."
"I already have a lovely wife," Yi Tianxing replied coolly. "Wildflowers by the roadside aren't worth picking."
No matter how alluring Nalan Rou was, she couldn't hold a candle to Cai Yan or his other companions.
Zhao Li seemed deeply familiar with every major figure in the underworld. As a soul ferryman, he had a complete grasp of the region's power dynamics. He easily named off the kings and elites present, their powers, reputations, and quirks.
Meanwhile, Yi Tianxing absorbed it all. One thing became clear—anyone who could be called king in the underworld was not to be taken lightly.