Elder Ge took a deep breath, a seriousness unlike anything before settling across his face. He didn't speak immediately, instead carefully taking from the tray held by a maid a jade box bathed in a soft, gentle glow.
The box was carved entirely from warm, spiritual jade. The lid was covered with intricate runes, and even on its own, the box radiated a calming, almost meditative aura.
Elder Ge held the jade box in both hands, setting it gently in the center of the display platform. He didn't open it right away, instead scanning the crowd before speaking in a steady, commanding voice.
"Esteemed Daoyou. Next, we have the final item of this auction."
He paused, letting the anticipation build to a peak before continuing.
"This item is neither a weapon of destruction, nor an elixir to enhance cultivation. However, for cultivators like us, especially for those aspiring to climb higher realms… its value may surpass the former by far. What it concerns is the foundation of our cultivation—our Primordial Soul!"
With those words, he stopped teasing and, with a flash of spiritual light at his fingertips, carefully dispelled the seals on the jade box and lifted the lid.
A hum—!
A wave of soul energy, gentle yet extraordinarily pure, rippled outward like water across the entire auction hall. Every cultivator present, regardless of rank, felt their Primordial Soul clear in an instant. The fatigue and distractions accumulated over days of cultivation and combat seemed to melt away.
Inside the box was a tiny sapling, no more than three inches tall. Its entire body glistened a vivid green, like jade carved into life, growing quietly atop a small patch of nourishing soil. Its leaves were translucent, with veins clearly visible and faint mystical patterns forming naturally. The entire sapling radiated soft, vibrant life energy.
"A Soul-Nurturing Wood sapling!" Elder Ge's voice carried profound solemnity. "And it's a fully alive, cultivable seedling!
The effects of this item need no further explanation. It nourishes the Primordial Soul, repairs soul injuries, strengthens the origin of divine sense… it even offers subtle benefits in resisting inner demons and comprehending the Primordial Force.
Starting bid—three hundred thousand superior Spirit Stones! Each increment must be at least ten thousand!"
Three hundred thousand superior Spirit Stones!
The starting price made ninety-nine percent of the cultivators in the hall gasp.
Yet this astronomical price didn't cool the crowd; instead, it acted like a spark, instantly igniting the powder keg that had been simmering all day!
Almost everyone in the private boxes today had come solely for this Soul-Nurturing Wood sapling.
For them, all previous auction items had been mere appetizers.
This item, tied to the very origin of the Primordial Soul, was worth any price to possess.
"Three hundred fifty thousand!" The first shout came from Box Heaven Number-5, adding fifty thousand without hesitation.
"Four hundred thousand!" Box Heaven Number-7 immediately followed, matching the aggressive increase.
"Four hundred fifty thousand!" Box Earth Number-1 refused to be outdone.
Every private box on the second floor joined in The price shot up like a runaway stallion. For those prepared, every increment was a trivial game—Spirit Stones were just numbers
"My gods… and it's just the beginning, and they're this ruthless!"
"Fifty thousand already! Did these big shots bring the sect treasury with them?"
"Of course! It's a Soul-Nurturing Wood! They'd sell their pots and pans for it!"
The cultivators below had long lost the ability to think, only staring in shock at this divine-level competition.
Inside Box Earth Number-3:
Yu Xiaotang frowned slightly at the intense bidding. She'd been mentally prepared, but the pace of the price surge still exceeded her expectations.
She glanced at Yu Mingxi beside her.
Yu Mingxi had also set aside his usual indifference. His expression was serious, eyes locked on the sapling below. Clearly, Tianyin Sect was determined to claim this item.
"Senior Brother Yu…" Yu Xiaotang began.
He raised a hand to stop her, speaking in a firm voice. "This item, our Tianyin Sect must obtain. If you wish, you may bid on your own, but the sect will not cooperate with you."
The meaning was clear: the Soul-Nurturing Wood was too important, and Tianyin Sect intended to keep it entirely for themselves. No sharing with an "outsider."
Yu Xiaotang felt a chill at his resolute and slightly distant words, followed by a faint sense of irony. She nodded, saying nothing, her face still wearing a gentle expression while her mind silently laughed.
"Foolish! He wouldn't even hear the full strategy before shutting it down! No wonder Tianyin Sect had fallen in prominence over the years."
She'd indeed considered an alliance. With a Soul-Nurturing Wood so precious and competition inevitable, teaming up with Tianyin Sect would have greatly improved her chances.
Earlier, when searching for Xie Zhaolin, the system had scanned all boxes. Though not precise, it roughly analyzed the main competitors and their possible financial limits.
The Grand Elder of the Beast-Taming Sect was near death; to continue his legacy, he might spend lavishly, but the sect's resources weren't infinite—likely capped around nine hundred thousand Spirit Stones.
Wanbao Tower had the richest finances, but merchants valued profit over everything; if the price far exceeded the true worth, they might not fight relentlessly, estimated max around one million two hundred thousand.
The City Lord's estate had deep backing, but mobilizing massive Spirit Stones would have political consequences, estimated max around one million. Several mysterious boxes had insufficient data, yet still posed significant threat…
Yu Xiaotang already had a rough plan and psychological price range for this contest.
She'd intended to coordinate with Yu Mingxi for a precise strategy, but his outright refusal made that impossible.
Fine. Then it would be a battle of skill.
Without Tianyin Sect restraining her, she could respond more flexibly.
Still…
Her eyes flickered as she studied Yu Mingxi's tense profile, a realization crossing her mind. This type of person… appears noble and aloof, but is actually stubborn, refuses different opinions, and values sect interests above all else.
Dealing with him was simple. Show respect, consider the bigger picture, even sacrifice trivial gains, and boosting his favor would be easy.
Right now, she could easily display that she understood the situation.
In a flash, Yu Xiaotang's expression softened into a perfect mix of understanding and regret. She spoke quietly to Yu Mingxi:
"Senior Brother Yu is right. This item concerns the legacy and traditions of your sect and cannot be allowed to slip. I didn't consider this carefully. I too carry responsibilities for my sect and cannot yield, but I sincerely wish Senior Brother to claim this treasure for your sect."
Her words were flawless—reasonable, respectful, and secretly flattering Tianyin Sect.
As expected, Yu Mingxi's tense expression relaxed slightly. He glanced at her and gave a subtle nod. "It's good that Senior Sister Yu understands."
[System Alert: Yu Mingxi Favorability +2]
Yu Xiaotang's heart couldn't help but smirk.
See? Just as expected.
She said nothing further, refocusing on the heated bidding below and quickly calculating.
Since she wasn't directly competing, she could use this chance to observe the other competitors, especially… that black-robed woman in Box Heaven Number-3.
Would she bid? If so, where was her financial limit?