Presenting Treasures

Presenting Treasures...

The Heavenly Mountain Treasure Seizing Assembly earned its name for a reason. It was not merely a gathering place for simple transactions. It comprised two vital areas, each cloaked in its unique aura of mystery.

The first area was the mountain's peak, a gathering point for top-tier experts. Mysterious dealings unfolded there between these masters, and the area was off-limits to cultivators below the sixth level of Heavenly Dipper. The treasures showcased here were of such immense value that even Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants might battle fiercely for them.

The second crucial area was situated at the mountain's waist, precisely where Yin Cheng, as Song Jia had explained to Qin Wentian, and his peers from various major powers would convene for their treasure seizures.

The Treasure Seizing Assembly operated on a straightforward principle: individuals presented their treasures, and others attempted to seize them. Those offering treasures would announce their transaction conditions, and those interested could accept them. In case multiple parties were interested in the same item, they would engage in combat to determine the rightful owner. This was the essence of "treasure seizing."

During each Treasure Seizing Assembly, the mountain waist area thrived with activity, as it was more accessible for most participants due to the stringent entrance criteria for the mountain peak. Every assembly saw this region teeming with people, making it the heart of the event.

Qin Wentian continued up the path, his gaze sweeping over the numerous vendor stalls along the way. However, these commonplace items failed to pique his interest. Over the years, amidst torrents of bloodshed, he had amassed considerable wealth. His trip would only be worthwhile if he discovered treasures that suited him.

The mountain waist unfolded as an extensive, flat expanse resembling a lengthy corridor that pierced through the heart of the Heavenly Mountain. This area buzzed with activity, with tens of thousands of cultivators gathered around. An isolated path was reserved for treasure presenters, leading to a wide open space. Presenters walked this path to showcase their treasures and assess if anyone among the assembly was interested in their wares.

Further along this path lay the mountain's precipice, where numerous elegant pavilions dotted the landscape, providing a space for people to socialize and relax. These pavilions were the exclusive domain of renowned figures or members of major powers within Xuan King City, and they were the primary beneficiaries of the Treasure Seizing Assembly.

The Heavenly Mountain Treasure Seizing Assembly lived up to its name as a grand event, a thought that crossed Qin Wentian's mind as he blended into the bustling crowd. People around him were engaged in animated discussions, speculating about the austere figures seated within the pavilions up ahead.

Qin Wentian's gaze swept toward the area, noticing over ten distinct groups. The majority of cultivators present were the cream of the crop among the Heavenly Dipper Sovereigns from Xuan King City's major powers. Most of them were young, likely under the age of fifty.

His attention focused on the central figures seated in the two largest camps. The person on the left was a third-level Heavenly Dipper expert with exceptionally fair skin, exuding a gloomy and sinister aura despite his good looks. His smiling eyes occasionally flickered with sharpness, revealing a trace of coldness. A single glance confirmed Qin Wentian's impression that this individual was ruthless. He projected an innate arrogance, characteristic of those born into high-ranking positions.

According to the discussions around him, this person was none other than the young master of the Yin Clan. Despite his numerous atrocities, he wasn't merely a frivolous noble. Achieving the third level of Heavenly Dipper at the age of twenty-five showcased his remarkable talent within the Yin Clan. His willingness to employ ruthless and underhanded methods to achieve his objectives, as demonstrated by the brutal extermination of a fifth-ranked Grandmaster's entire clan, illustrated his unscrupulous nature.

However, the most eye-catching figure in Xuan King City was not him but the person standing beside him, effortlessly capturing the crowd's attention.

This woman possessed a beauty capable of toppling cities with a single smile. Her snow-white skin and flawless features were breathtaking. Her aura conveyed an air of coldness and nobility. Most onlookers could only secretly admire her beauty, yet every time her gaze swept over them, they lowered their heads, unable to meet her captivating eyes.

This woman was an exceedingly famous beauty in Xuan King City, ranking within the top three in terms of attractiveness. In terms of her background, she was the princess of the Xuan King's Manor. Whether her beauty or background, most spectators felt a sense of inferiority in her presence.

Qin Wentian's attention was briefly captured by the princess's beauty, but his heart remained steadfast. While her beauty was remarkable, it couldn't compare to Mo Qingcheng from Chu or the ice princess Qing'er.

As Shang Yue's gaze roamed the crowd, her brows furrowed upon landing on a young man clad in white with an ancient sword on his back. He radiated simplicity and innate pride and met her gaze unflinchingly.

Shang Yue's eyes glinted with sharpness, causing Qin Wentian to take notice. He nonchalantly smiled and shifted his gaze away, prompting Shang Yue to do the same.

Qin Wentian then observed the other cultivators gathered around Shang Yue and Yin Cheng. A single glance revealed that these individuals had remarkable backgrounds.

To Yin Cheng's left, several young men and women sat within the pavilions, emitting formidable auras, all at the fifth level of Heavenly Dipper. They were disciples of the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect, the most powerful sect in Xuan King City, known for their formidable sword arts and powerful attacks.

On the right of Shang Yue was a distinguished aristocratic clan, the Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan, one of the three prominent clans within Xuan King City.

To the right of them were representatives of the Wind Roc Aristocrat Clan.

The Yin Clan, Golden Fire Clan, and Wind Roc Clan constituted the three grand aristocratic clans within Xuan King City. Among them, the Yin Clan reigned supreme, with the Golden Fire and Wind Roc Clans trailing slightly behind. Nevertheless, both were formidable with Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants as their foundations, surpassing even the transcendent powers of Grand Xia.

It was evident that everyone seated in the pavilions was a member or disciple of influential factions within Xuan King City.

Prior to this, Qin Wentian had gained insights into the power of Grand Shang. The Seven King Cities represented supreme authority, surpassing even the transcendent powers of Grand Xia. The most potent King City boasted Ascendants at the peak of Celestial Phenomenon, a testament to their immense strength. The strongest sects and clans even possessed the capability to resist Royal Authority if they united their forces, underscoring their considerable might.

Grand Shang stood on a tier above Grand Xia, making it clear that he was venturing alone in a realm of unparalleled power. Obtaining life-saving treasures was a prudent course of action for him. He had no concerns about Qing`er; she was significantly more powerful than he was.

"Princess, it appears that many are ready to present their treasures. Shall we commence?" Yin Cheng inquired with a smile, directing his attention to Shang Yue.

"I am here as a participant today. You may proceed as you wish," Shang Yue replied in her calm, soothing voice, causing those who heard it to feel inexplicably at ease.

"Very well." Yin Cheng nodded, and his gaze shifted to the crowd as he continued, "For this Treasure Seizing Assembly, I have high hopes that the treasure presenters will not disappoint us. If your treasure is sufficiently valuable, state your conditions with confidence, and we shall be eager to listen."

Yin Cheng's words electrified the atmosphere, heightening the anticipation of the onlookers. Those gathered around Yin Cheng had remarkable backgrounds; they wouldn't spare a glance at anything less than exceptional. As a result, the majority of treasures presented at the assembly were expected to be rare and potent.

At that moment, a silhouette emerged on the path, drawing the eyes of the crowd. The figure was that of a youthful female who didn't hide her features behind a mask.

Yin Cheng frowned upon seeing her. Song Jia, he thought, had the audacity to appear before him?

The disciples of the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect also wore puzzled expressions as they regarded Song Jia.

Song Jia walked confidently to the center, her gaze fixed on Yin Cheng as she began, "I am here to apologize for my previous behavior, where I spoke without thinking and unintentionally slandered Senior Yin Cheng, damaging his reputation. I hope Senior can forgive my ignorance."

Yin Cheng snorted inwardly, recognizing Song Jia's intelligence in using this opportunity to publicly apologize. As a member of one of Xuan King City's grand aristocratic clans, he cared deeply about his public image and wouldn't treat her too harshly in front of the crowd. Her strategy was clever in safeguarding herself, but Yin Cheng found it overly naive.

Though he thought this, Yin Cheng wore a forgiving smile on his face.

"Song Jia, you blackened Senior Yin Cheng's reputation publicly and now dare to appear before him to beg for forgiveness?" A young man from the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect stepped forward, his tone laced with coldness. He had once admired Song Jia and had attempted to court her. However, following her public dispute with Yin Cheng, he decided to change his stance.

"Song Jia," he continued, "for your actions, I should challenge you to an internal duel and punish you for your words. But since we are from the same sect, I'll spare your life if you agree to become my servant. I shall be the first to present a treasure today. My offering will be an item available here, and I am willing to exchange it for a lower-grade Yuan Meteor Stone. Song Jia, do you accept?"

Song Jia paled, biting her lip as she stared at the young man. This senior, Yang Ting, had an impressive talent, but his lustful nature had led him to harass her multiple times.

"I... I accept," Song Jia replied with a trembling voice. She had no other options; her choices were limited to either dying here or implicating her entire clan.

The crowd was well aware of her identity, and their hearts brimmed with sympathy. However, given the Yin Clan's influence in Xuan King City, who would dare to challenge him? The fact that he had mercilessly exterminated an entire clan was common knowledge, yet no one dared to voice it openly. Song Jia had dared to do so, and it was only natural that she had become a target for his vengeance.

"In that case, since we're both from the same sect, I'll take Song Jia under my wing to ensure she doesn't fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals who might subject her to unspeakable acts. I'll look after you well in the future," declared Yang Ting, the lustful senior who had always harbored desires for Song Jia. This was a golden opportunity for him.

Members of the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect were well aware of Yang Ting's intentions, but his talent was undeniable. He was a third-level Heavenly Dipper cultivator and had Yin Cheng's backing. Who would dare to challenge him for Song Jia, risking the wrath of Yin Cheng?

However, a bold voice from the crowd suddenly interrupted the tension. "This girl is mine," it declared. The words sent shockwaves through the onlookers, their expressions frozen as they sought to identify the audacious individual who dared to compete.