"This auction is truly a clash of dragons and tigers," Yi Tianxing said with a faint smile.
"Mhm, in the end, it all comes down to money. Only with enough wealth can one move freely here. In the underworld, Willing Power Orbs are generally used as currency. Back in the original Netherworld, Merit was the primary currency. But nowadays, the underworld is in disarray, and the currency system is quite chaotic. Still, Willing Power remains the most accepted currency—called Nether Coins in this realm," Zhao Li said with a grin.
Back in the ghost market, most transactions were done using Nether Coins—currency forged in the underworld, formed from incense offerings and accumulated willpower. Essentially, they are just a different term for the willing power used in the living world.
"Same as always, I'll be using Eternal Coins," Yi Tianxing said, pulling out one such coin and spinning it between his fingers. Golden light shimmered from it, accompanied by a faint, melodious hum.
"Heh, Eternal Coins are accepted here too. The proprietress won't turn them down. It's not the first time Eternal Coins were used in the Yellow Springs Inn," Zhao Li laughed. He knew full well Yi Tianxing's immense wealth—this was a true tycoon who could throw around fortunes without blinking.
Unknowingly, the auction hall had already filled up with guests. Yi Tianxing also noticed the presence of both the Decomposer and the Paper Craftsman, indicating that neither wanted to miss this event.
Ding ding ding!!
A clear chime from a jade bell echoed through the hall.
Then, a stunning figure clad in white palace robes—Meng Qi—stepped gracefully onto the auction stage. Her presence was radiant and commanding.
"Fellow Daoists, I shall be your host for today's auction. Let me briefly go over the rules," she said.
"As always, the highest bidder wins. The standard currency is Nether Coins, but other forms of currency are accepted as long as they're properly converted according to exchange rates."
Currently, Nether Coins offer double amplification, making them a high-tier currency. In ancient times, before the Netherworld was sealed, they were top-tier, offering triple amplification due to their fusion with merit—known here as Yin Merit. It's said that when the Dao's seal is broken and the underworld reopens, Nether Coins will again rise to the top-tier ranks. But that remains to be seen.
"If you're interested in a particular item, simply place a bid. Winning bidders will receive their item immediately. With that, I hereby declare the auction open."
Meng Qi didn't waste time with a long speech—after a brief explanation, the auction began.
The first item was brought out by a Rakshasa attendant. She carefully unveiled the black cloth to reveal a jade bowl filled with clear liquid—so pure it seemed like the clearest spring water, entirely without impurity.
"This is Meng Po Soup – Waters of Heartless Clarity. Drink it, and you will forget all emotions—every sorrow, every tie. Your mind will harmonize with the Dao, merging with the heavens. You'll enter the ocean of the Great Dao and attain divine insight. This is a supreme aid to cultivating techniques and divine abilities."
Meng Qi added, "Importantly, this version does not erase your skills or memories. The heartless effect only lasts a hundred years. After that, all emotions return to normal. For cultivation, it is an unparalleled treasure. If you desire it, do not miss this chance. Starting bid: three million Nether Coins."
Her voice echoed throughout the auction hall.
Countless cultivators trembled at the sound, eyes lighting up with blazing desire.
"What a divine item," Yi Tianxing thought with awe.
A true Meng Po Soup would strip away the seven emotions and six desires, erase all memories, and cast the drinker into reincarnation. But this version only removes emotions, not memories or abilities. It would allow one's mind to perfectly align with the Dao. And after a century, the emotions would return.
A hundred years might sound long, but to cultivators, it was but a blink. Many spend centuries in seclusion. To them, this temporary emotionlessness was a small price for the massive boost in cultivation comprehension it offered.
Even Yi Tianxing was deeply moved by the prospect—this was a treasure he could not afford to miss.
"Three million five hundred thousand."The Red-Robed Ghost King was first to bid.
"Four million."The Undying Ghost King immediately countered, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.
"Five million!"
"Six million!!"
The bids climbed quickly—more and more top experts jumped in.
Zhao Li could only watch helplessly. He didn't even have the nerve to participate—he simply didn't have the funds. The numbers being thrown around were terrifying. All he could do was feast his eyes on the spectacle.
"Ten million!"
Yi Tianxing calmly called out.
The auction hall fell silent in an instant. All eyes turned to him. The Red-Robed Ghost King's gaze, in particular, turned icy cold—filled with murderous intent.
"Thirteen million."The Red-Robed Ghost King's voice was frosty.
"Twenty million."Yi Tianxing increased again without hesitation.
"Twenty-three million."
"Thirty million."Yi Tianxing's tone was still calm, but his bid sent shockwaves through the hall.
This sky-high price stunned even the Red-Robed Ghost King. Flames nearly shot from his nostrils, but he dared not continue bidding—it was beyond the limit he had set in his heart. At this level, the price no longer seemed worth it.
In the Yellow Springs Inn, false bids were forbidden. If someone tried to deceive, they would face the Inn's wrath.
With no more competition, Yi Tianxing secured the Meng Po Soup for thirty million Nether Coins.
"Proprietress, may I pay with Eternal Coins?" Yi Tianxing asked.
"Of course. Just according to the conversion rate," Meng Qi replied.
She had already known that Yi Tianxing possessed Eternal Coins. Their value was immense—but also advantageous.
An Eternal Coin has triple amplification, Nether Coins are double, and something like Dawei Dynasty's Profound Crystal Coins only offer a single amplification.
That meant one Eternal Coin equaled ten Nether Coins or one hundred Profound Crystal Coins.
So, thirty million Nether Coins cost Yi Tianxing only three million Eternal Coins—a price he found entirely reasonable.
With a wave of his hand, he transmitted the coins through a formation. Moments later, the Meng Po Soup appeared before him. He quickly stored it away—this wasn't the time to drink it.
"Eternal Coins…"The eyes of many cultivators in the hall changed. The light of greed and envy flickered.
In the current Eternal World, Eternal Coins were becoming quite well-known. As the currency of the world's foremost fortune dynasty, any serious cultivator could find out about them. But forging them? That was virtually impossible.
"Now, let us proceed to the second item: a formation disk—a natural treasure birthed by heaven and earth. It contains the Five Elements Suppressing Mountains Array. Once activated, it creates a powerful array capable of both offense and defense. It can serve as a guardian formation for sects or cities. And best of all, it's portable and can be deployed at will," Meng Qi said.
"Starting price: two million Nether Coins. Minimum bid increment: one hundred thousand."
This formation disk, a natal treasure, was clearly powerful. It had immense potential—especially useful for self-defense or building a lair.
The bidding started immediately, prices rising swiftly.
Yi Tianxing did not participate—not because the treasure lacked value, but because he had just won the Meng Po Soup. If he kept bidding now, he would paint a target on his back and attract hostility from everyone else in the room. That wasn't in his best interest.
Besides, this formation disk wasn't a necessity.
The auction continued.
Many powerful cultivators were wealthy, bidding fiercely for various rare treasures.
Time passed, and the auction reached its midpoint.
Then, Meng Qi clapped her hands.
Another treasure was brought out. Once the black cloth was removed, a jade bottle was revealed. Runes and seals glowed along its surface.
Inside, a single glowing pill could be seen—shaped like a tiny black disc, mysterious and brimming with power...