Yet, from their bodies emanated the undeniable aura of life. Within them, they possessed five viscera and six bowels, and their features resembled those of humans. None of this could be denied. They looked exceedingly strange, akin to a race of metallic lifeforms. Not only that—some had bodies like stone, others appeared as if made of fluid, merging together like a mass of slime, while others were crimson as fire, their very breath radiating intense heat.
"Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth—this is the power of the Five Elements."
Yi Tianxing's eyes narrowed. From their bodies he sensed distinct auras. Though their origins were the same and they absolutely belonged to the same race, their attributes diverged. That was where their differences lay.
"Brother Yi truly has sharp eyes. Correct, this is a very rare race known as the Five Elements Alchemists. They were originally human, but having stepped onto the path of alchemy, they used alchemy to transform their own bodies, attempting self-remodeling. In the end, they metamorphosed into a special bloodline race. Each of them possesses within their bodies a strand of the power of one of the Five Elements, giving them an innate affinity for that attribute. When practicing alchemy, they can unleash extraordinary effects. Those with the Wood bloodline have a natural talent in brewing and refining alchemical potions. Those with the Metal bloodline can craft all manner of powerful and wondrous alchemical creations."
Altai spoke with emotion.
The race of Five Elements Alchemists could be said to be a people created by crazed alchemists who transformed themselves through alchemy. Within their race, the true rulers were the royal bloodlines that encompassed all five elements. They were born with the ability to command the Five Elements, and any alchemical transmutation came as easily as a fish swimming in water. Each additional attribute within their body meant an incomparable elevation in essence, capable of producing earth-shattering changes.
"Alchemists—there actually exists such a race? It's truly unimaginable. Yet to alter one's bloodline and become another race entirely, the profundity of alchemy is indeed worthy of admiration."
Yi Tianxing nodded slightly upon hearing this.
The wonders of alchemy constituted a civilization no less than any other. It could refine potions, craft treasures, and create mystical objects, even reaching the realm of creating life and spirits.
The greatest achievements of alchemical civilization included floating cities, universal potions, philosopher's stones, and the pursuit of the Gate of Truth. The quest for truth forged a civilization of unmatched brilliance. The Five Elements Alchemists represented the integration of alchemy into bloodlines themselves—among this race, everyone could practice alchemy. Equivalent exchange, alchemical synthesis—such methods were incredibly formidable. Alchemy was not inferior to any other civilization.
Perhaps even stronger.
It possessed infinite potential.
"Among them are alchemists of the royal bloodline with three elements. The others number no less than a hundred thousand. Their value is not small."
Altai spoke with great confidence.
This group of alchemist slaves had fallen into his hands by coincidence, after considerable effort. Now that he had them, there was a chance to gain the legacy of this alchemical civilization itself. That would be a priceless treasure.
The premise, however, was whether they could be subdued.
These alchemists were far too strange. Altai dared not allow them to awaken. Once conscious, relying on their alchemical abilities, they might escape without a sound—or worse, cause immense harm.
Thus, he kept them in a state of slumber. He absolutely could not release them lightly.
"Money is not the concern. I want this group of alchemists with the Five Elements bloodline."
A strange light flashed in Yi Tianxing's eyes.
The civilization of Great Yi had always embraced all things, absorbing knowledge of every kind, weaving it into its own inheritance, to be passed on for millennia, becoming foundational stones of Great Yi civilization.
Alchemy could merge with rune craft, producing sparks of brilliance unlike any other.
For example, the pinnacle of alchemical creations—the floating city—was said to be modeled after the Eternal Ark, a supreme divine artifact. Such a city possessed unimaginable power, capable of animating the lifeless, granting them spirit, and touching upon the very edge of truth.
"To be honest, these alchemists of bloodline are not so easily suppressed. Even if bound by slave contracts, they would find ways to break free. Since we are friends, I, Altai, will not deceive you."
Though he wished to sell them, Altai did not want trouble that might sour their friendship. That would be a loss too great.
"Rest assured. Since I am willing to purchase them, I naturally have the means to subdue them. Should trouble arise, it will not fall upon you."
Yi Tianxing spoke calmly.
"Very well. If that's the case, then there is no problem."
Altai did not press further. Such matters were built upon mutual consent. He had already given fair warning. Whatever happened afterward would no longer concern him.
Before long, the deal was completed.
Afterward, Yi Tianxing accompanied Altai through the dreamland for a while, witnessing all manner of races. Yi Tianxing bought quite a few with great interest. One had to admit, Altai's abilities were impressive—within his collection, one could find representatives of nearly all races of the myriad worlds.
Yi Tianxing bled greatly in this purchase, paying an astonishing price.
During this, Altai even gifted him a hundred high-quality slaves.
This gift, Altai gave willingly. The profits he earned from Yi Tianxing this time were so great that this single transaction could feed him for a hundred years, leaving him with vast surplus.
Leaving the dreamland and returning to the manor, Altai immediately ordered a feast prepared.
At the banquet, all kinds of meat dishes were served in abundance. Altai ate heartily, his mouth glistening with oil. Exotic song and dance performances displayed passionate fervor. After the meal, Altai laughed and said:
"Brother Yi, since you came this time, you mustn't miss the auction. At the auction, there will also be slaves for sale—top-tier ones, even more precious than those in my hands. For instance, embryos of the Holy Spirit race, still in their gestation, not yet born."
"Holy Spirit embryos? Such a treasure will be for sale at auction? How is that possible?"
Qianmian, upon hearing this, could not hide his shock, letting out a cry of disbelief. His astonishment was evident.
This was no trivial matter. The Holy Spirit race had always been one of the supreme races of Heaven and Earth. In any world, their status was the same. Their bloodline talents gave them unmatched advantage. Their affinity with Heaven and Earth far exceeded others. Their growth was exceedingly fast, and among their peers, only a handful could rival them. Each one had the potential to become a sovereign who could dominate the world.
Most crucially, if one obtained a Holy Spirit embryo, it could be refined into a second body, with boundless potential, the perfect external incarnation. Countless mighty beings coveted such treasures. Once the incarnation grew, it could even allow the cultivator to abandon their original body and embark upon another path, with limitless future ahead.
Treasures like these were always hidden, never revealed. For one to appear at auction was unimaginable.
"This time, it's truly a grand occasion. Some things, if missed, will never be encountered again."
Yi Tianxing's heart burned with desire.
Such a Holy Spirit embryo, he was certain, would not appear again for thousands, tens of thousands of years—perhaps never again. If missed, it would be gone forever. The only question was what standard of exchange the auction would use. What would determine value?
That he had to investigate. Most importantly, whether Eternal Coins could be used. If so, then he was confident he could sweep through the auction. If not, he would need other plans.
"Indeed, it's said there are treasures no less than the Holy Spirit embryo. So, one must not miss it. I also plan to auction some items myself. With this transaction complete, I now have plenty to spare."
Altai chuckled.
Many treasures he once didn't dare dream of, he now had the chance to obtain. With luck, his strength could soar to another level. That would be perfection.
"I've heard that this time the Nightmare World intends to send participants to Eternal to join the Chaos Heavenly Ladder. Do you know which prodigies will take part? What chance does our Nightmare World have? I heard that both Eternal and Eternal Night will send their top geniuses. The battles will be fierce. If our Nightmare geniuses are too weak, it will shame us."
Yi Tianxing suddenly asked, his tone carrying a subtle edge.
"Heh, you can rest easy. Whether Eternal Night or Eternal, we of the Nightmare World know them well. As long as creatures dream, they reflect in our Nightmare. The two worlds cannot hide their secrets from us. This time, many geniuses have already declared their intent to compete. For example, the wolf clan's foremost prodigy, Grey Wolf, has already boasted he will attend, claiming he'll crush those so-called geniuses on the spot."
Altai spoke with confidence, utterly unconcerned.
Grey Wolf? The wolf clan's number one prodigy?
Yi Tianxing's expression twitched with surprise before returning to calm. He hadn't expected Grey Wolf to participate. Interesting indeed—but Grey Wolf was no easy opponent either.
"Of course, Grey Wolf is nothing. The truly formidable one is the top of our Earth Rankings, the peerless prodigy—the Nightmare Crown Prince. He is preparing to attend."