33 Auction House

The meeting between the great clans was scheduled to take place one month after the arrival of the flame in the city. Despite concerns raised by Patriarch Li and Matriarch Markov about the delay, the Violet Sky clan assured them that they needed time to handle the treasure properly.

Demonstrating their construction prowess, the Violet Sky clan completed the four-story building within two weeks. Standing over forty meters tall, the structure was constructed using blackroot wood, known for its heat resistance properties and durability, making it ideal for withstanding the residual heat of the flame. The tiles, crafted from a special white clay found in the spirit mines, added to the building's unique charm. Elaborate carvings of fire, swords, and magic adorned the doors, showcasing elegance and simplicity.

Multiple formations were implemented both inside and outside the building to ensure the safety of the flame and its inhabitants. These formations served the dual purpose of protecting those inside and safeguarding the flame itself.

Damian learned from Malik, the elder overseeing the construction, that the building was designed to accommodate cultivators at different levels of cultivation. The first floor would cater to Qi Condensation cultivators, the second floor for Foundation Establishment cultivators, the third for Golden Core cultivators, and finally, the fourth floor would house the Nascent Soul cultivators and serve as the dwelling place for the flame. The intention was for the fourth floor to receive the majority of the flame's Qi, with formations distributing the energy accordingly to the lower levels.

Impressed by Malik's thoughtfulness, Damian recognized him as one of the smartest individuals in the council. Over the past two weeks, Damian had managed to establish a rudimentary form of communication with the flame through their link. Although lacking a distinct personality, the flame possessed a certain level of sentience. This explained its aggressive reaction when it sensed other cultivators' Qi attempting to restrict it. However, Damian's intense baptism by fire in the cave distinguished him from the others, causing the flame to recognize him as an extension of itself.

Impulsed by this connection, Damian personally infused Qi into the protective formations surrounding the flame. Initially, the flame resisted and broke the formations, but Damian persisted in reassuring it and demonstrating that the Qi within the formations posed no threat. As a result, the flame gradually calmed down and recognized the Qi as a means of protection for itself.

The council unanimously decided to name the building "Flame Tower." Satisfied with the flame's secure containment within the tower, Damian decided it was time to visit the Markov auction house. Having put his inscriptionist training on hold during his time in the cave, he was eager to resume his studies.

On a cold winter evening, with the air crisp and chilly, the enchanting lights of Violet Sky City illuminated the streets, formed by the interconnected houses and buildings. Accompanied by his two designated bodyguards, Christine and Nathan, Damian walked purposefully towards their destination - the Markov auction house. He had learned that the auction house only held auctions once a month, while the rest of the time it served as a store open to the public. However, the most valuable items were exclusively auctioned off monthly.

Arriving at the central plaza of the city, Damian stood before the five-story Markov auction house, a testament to grandeur and magnificence. The building emanated a sense of awe, enhanced by the illuminating formations at the entrance. Stepping inside, Damian was greeted by a series of showcases displaying various cultivation resources, including pills, herbs, weapons, and technique descriptions. As it was only the first floor, the items catered primarily to Qi Condensation cultivators.

Immediately upon entering, Damian, Nathan, and Christine were welcomed by a tall woman. She possessed a delicate and proportionate silhouette, with vibrant crimson lips matching her one-piece dress that accentuated her figure. Her blonde hair and blue eyes added to her allure.

"How may our humble auction house serve the honored Elder Damian of the Violet Sky clan? I am Violet, and it would be my pleasure to attend to your needs," she said, performing a medium bow as a sign of respect for Damian's status and strength.

Nathan, curious, was the first to inquire, "How did you know who he is?"

All three of them exchanged glances, as it was evident to the others how the woman could deduce Damian's status and importance. Nathan, feeling the weight of their gaze, pressed further, "What is it?"

Damian, aware that further delay could lead to Christine saying something sarcastic and thus ending in Christine and Nathan engaging in an argument, quickly spoke up, "We are all wearing the robes of our clan, indicating our origins. Additionally, we are not concealing our cultivations, making it easy for her to identify a ninth-stage cultivator before her. From there, it becomes apparent who I am, as I am the only ninth-stage cultivator in the city."

Nathan finally realizing how she could deduce it, simply said "I see" as he grabbed his chin with one hand as he delved into his thoughts, fortunately, because of that he didn't notice the smug smirk on Christine's face.

"Thank you for the clarification, Your Excellency," Violet responded, showing her understanding.

Damian continued, aware of their purpose, "I am in search of materials for an inscriptionist journeyman."

Violet's eyes gleamed with a shrewd business glint as she recognized the opportunity presented by Damian's status and needs. Leading the way, she proceeded to fulfill her duty of catering to VIP customers. She was well aware of the tensions between their clans due to the treasure, but her focus was solely on providing exceptional service. The matter of clan conflicts was left to the matriarch's discretion.

Ascending to the fourth floor, they were escorted to a private room. Inside, a couch, a table set for four, a tea set, and two maids awaited them. Damian settled into a seat and was promptly served a cup of spirit tea. Savoring the taste, he appreciated the moment, being a fan of tea, after he had tasted the wondrous tea made by Cedric. This tea was of course lacking in comparison but it was not bad, he could tell the spirit herbs used were of good quality. Poison was the least of his concerns, given his baptism by the white flame, which granted him the ability to purify weaker toxins within his Dantian. Moreover, he carried several antidotes in his spatial pouch, courtesy of Jack. Lastly, his impression of the Markov was, that they were not imbeciles nor backhanded people, they were the straightforward and overbearing type.