Spatial Brush..
The instant the words left Qin Wentian's lips, all eyes in the area fixated on him.
The young man who had just spoken appeared to be in his mid-twenties, dressed in pristine white attire. He had a clean-cut, handsome visage, and his aura was concealed. In his arms, he cradled an adorable snowy puppy. The only indicator of his cultivator status was the ancient sword strapped to his back.
This audacious newcomer was none other than Qin Wentian.
As Yin Cheng and Shang Yue locked eyes with Qin Wentian, their expressions told different stories. Yin Cheng's eyes glittered with a threatening glint, and his body exuded an intimidating aura. Beside him, Shang Yue wore a disdainful expression. She now understood why Qin Wentian had dared to meet her gaze so confidently. He was simply a lustful man, trying to bolster his courage with desire. To think that he would stoop so low as to use a low-grade Yuan Meteor Stone to take Song Jia away.
However, in the midst of the Treasure Seizing Assembly, it was unlikely that Qin Wentian would even have the opportunity to take Song Jia away, given the rules.
Song Jia was equally taken aback. She had never expected Qin Wentian to follow her here. She tried to convey her wish for him to give up with her eyes, not wanting to implicate him.
Yet, Qin Wentian seemed to ignore her unspoken plea. Instead, he held the snowy puppy close, wearing a nonchalant smile as if his earlier actions were entirely ordinary.
Yang Ting, on the other hand, radiated an air of murderous intent. Qin Wentian was clearly courting death.
Yin Cheng turned his gaze to Qin Wentian and asked, "Do you understand the rules of the Treasure Seizing Assembly?"
"Of course. The treasure presenter sets their conditions, and if someone can meet the price, the transaction is complete. If multiple individuals are interested, they settle it through combat to determine who has the right to 'seize' the treasure," Qin Wentian replied casually. This was precisely why the event was called the Treasure Seizing Assembly. Only disciples of major powers dared to compete for treasures, as ordinary individuals rarely contested them. The use of combat to determine ownership was often brutal, and injuries, even death, were not uncommon.
"Since you're aware, are you sure you want to make a bid?" Yin Cheng inquired once more.
"For the sake of that charming lady over there, there's no need for you to try to dissuade me. It would be wonderful to see her every day," Qin Wentian chuckled, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he had offended Yin Cheng. A wicked grin flashed across Yin Cheng's face as he glanced at Yang Ting, who promptly stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Song Jia.
"Junior sister, rest assured. I will do everything in my power to protect you and prevent you from falling into the hands of others," Yang Ting declared, his voice carrying a cruel undertone.
Song Jia's expression stiffened, her face turning incredibly unsightly as she shot a glance at Qin Wentian. Yang Ting was ruthless, and his cultivation was formidable. How could Qin Wentian possibly contend with a third-level Heavenly Dipper expert like Yang Ting? Given Qin Wentian's age, his achievement of reaching Heavenly Dipper was remarkable enough, but defeating Yang Ting seemed nearly impossible. She knew that Yang Ting would show no mercy.
"Ready?" Yang Ting stood before Qin Wentian, his question carrying a faint threat. "If I decide to act, you won't even have a chance to retaliate."
As he spoke, a formidable sword qi erupted from Yang Ting. His sword leaped from its scabbard, emanating an intense sword intent. He advanced step by step toward Qin Wentian, his sword hovering menacingly over his head. Occasional flashes of purplish lightning illuminated the blade.
"Not bad," Qin Wentian remarked, nodding in acknowledgment as he sensed Yang Ting's sword intent. The ancient sword on his back began to hum, its sword cry resonating continuously.
"I only need one strike to deal with you," Yang Ting declared. With that, a deafening rumble filled the air. His sword descended with the explosive force of a thunderbolt, cleaving through space and bearing down on Qin Wentian.
As the crowd witnessed the breathtaking and devastating swordplay, they couldn't help but pity Qin Wentian. The disciples of the Heaven Shocking Sword Sect were renowned for their formidable sword techniques. They could infuse their Astral Souls' attributes and Mandate will into their swordplay. Yang Ting's strike resembled a thunderbolt, capable of rending oceans apart. Even if Qin Wentian had the same level of cultivation, this single strike could severely injure him.
Yet Qin Wentian stood unmoved. The thunderous swordstrike approached him rapidly. If it landed, it would surely result in his demise.
Song Jia's face turned pale, and she couldn't bear to witness Qin Wentian's potential death.
"Rumble..." Thunderclaps echoed, and a shockwave and blinding light engulfed the area. The onlookers stared in astonishment at the combatants, only to see the thunderbolt-like sword stopped just before it struck Qin Wentian.
A mysterious energy enveloped Qin Wentian. Although it didn't seem overpowering, it conveyed the impression that he could stand still, and Yang Ting wouldn't be able to harm him.
Yang Ting's face turned ashen, disbelief filling his eyes. He sensed that his sword was being obstructed by an inexplicable force.
"Die!" In desperation, Yang Ting thrust a finger, aiming to pierce Qin Wentian's head.
However, the white-robed youth stepped forward casually.
At that moment, the vibrating sword behind Qin Wentian finally moved. With a crisp ring, the ancient sword emerged from its sheath halfway, and a fearsome sword intent enveloped Yang Ting. Yang Ting sensed imminent danger and retreated with all his might. Nevertheless, he felt fresh blood spurt from his throat. He halted his retreat, trembling violently, and felt the chill at his throat.
Placing his hands around his neck, Yang Ting paled. His heart raced as he sensed the depth of the wound. A fraction deeper, and he would have met his end.
The thunderbolt sword lost its luster and dropped to the ground. With a flick of his hand, a low-grade Yuan Meteor Stone soared and landed before Yin Cheng. Qin Wentian smiled, "That settles it. This girl is mine."
Yin Cheng, still recovering from his shock, couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he had been in Qin Wentian's place. An attack that was soundless and formless, a second-level insight – it could kill in an instant.
Upon seeing the Yuan Meteor Stone, Yin Cheng reached out and accepted it. He turned his gaze to Qin Wentian and asked, "May I inquire about your identity?"
"Just a nameless someone not worthy of mention," Qin Wentian replied casually. "Since today is the Treasure Seizing Assembly, how can we have no one seizing the first treasure offered?"
After these words, he strolled over to an empty pavilion and took a seat. Glancing at Song Jia, he said, "Why aren't you coming over to serve me yet?"
Song Jia was startled, looking at Qin Wentian before rushing to his side. Gazing at the white-robed figure, she involuntarily took a deep breath. Little did she know that the man who had come to her clan in search of wine was such a powerful expert. At the very least, he should be at the third level of Heavenly Dipper with terrifying combat strength, evident from Yang Ting's inability to match his sword intent.
"Massage my back," Qin Wentian ordered. Song Jia hesitated for a moment but ultimately began massaging him. Her mind swirled with confusion as she couldn't fathom Qin Wentian's intentions. Was he genuinely making her his servant?
If Qin Wentian were aware of Song Jia's thoughts, he would likely be exasperated. She didn't want to bring trouble to her clan. Despite his previous rescue from the black-robed assailant, she had still chosen to seek out Yin Cheng. Now, by openly revealing himself once more to save her, he intended for her to put on a show temporarily. This way, Yin Cheng wouldn't trouble her again.
Unaware of Qin Wentian's plans, Song Jia continued massaging him. Yin Cheng, who observed this, silently chuckled to himself. Even if Song Jia were under his control, it wouldn't be easy for her. With such beauty at his beck and call, how could Qin Wentian resist his desires?
Shang Yue, who had been initially impressed by Qin Wentian's combat abilities, couldn't help but feel disappointed by his vulgar behavior.
After Yang Ting's withdrawal in embarrassment, Yin Cheng cast another glance at Qin Wentian, silently granting him permission to sit in the pavilion. He then called out to the crowd, "Let the Assembly continue. Is there anyone else who wishes to present their treasures?"
As his voice faded, another figure emerged from the crowd. This person was dressed in black with a mask concealing their face, a common sight at the Treasure Seizing Assembly.
"What treasure do you wish to present?" someone inquired.
The masked individual flicked their hand, summoning a fiery cauldron into mid-air. An intense heat radiated from it, as if powerful flames were eager to burst forth.
"I want a thousand fourth-layer Yuan Meteor Stones for this," the masked person stated their terms. In no time, an elderly man stepped forward, "I'll take it."
However, within the Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan's area, a young man's eyes gleamed with determination as he fixated on the fiery cauldron. "This item is mine."
The elderly man hesitated upon seeing a member of the Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan contesting him. His expression wavered, and he waved his hand in surrender, "Forget it, I don't want the fire cauldron anymore."
"Bring it over to me," the young man from the Golden Fire Aristocrat Clan ordered one of his servants.
Experts from this clan excelled in fire-based arts, possessing the unique ability to consume unusual flames to strengthen their Golden Fire Bloodline. This made the fiery cauldron a perfect fit for him.
After the transaction, the black-robed treasure presenter swiftly blended into the crowd, disappearing at great speed.
Following this, a steady stream of treasure presenters emerged, eager to sell their unique items. Some willingly handed over their treasures to those in the pavilions, while others ended up in the hands of spirited individuals in the crowd. Occasionally, disputes arose and were settled through physical combat.
Qin Wentian, seated comfortably in the pavilion, continued to enjoy Song Jia's massage. He wore a contented smile, completely unaware of her silent curses and gritted teeth.
"This Treasure Seizing Assembly is truly remarkable, with so many extraordinary treasures on display," Qin Wentian remarked. Since 'acquiring' Song Jia, he had opted to remain an observer, not yet finding an item that truly piqued his interest.
Suddenly, another figure, clad in black but revealing his aged face, stepped forward. A single glance told Qin Wentian that this old man possessed an unfathomable level of cultivation.
Without preamble, the black-robed elder presented his treasure—an exquisite golden brush measuring three feet in length. As it appeared, waves of spatial energy emanated from it, instantly capturing the attention of those present.
"I came upon this spatial brush through good fortune. In exchange, I seek a peak-tier Ascendant-level cultivation art," the old man declared his terms, sending a shiver down the spines of many. Few could meet such a demanding offer.
However, Qin Wentian's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
This item was something he absolutely had to acquire.
"I'm interested," a representative of a major power announced.
"I, Yin, also desire this treasure," Yin Cheng chimed in with a cold smile. The spatial brush was undoubtedly a rare find. Even though an Ascendant-level cultivation art held immense value, the exchange would be well worth it.
The crowd's expressions grew somber, never anticipating that this spatial brush would cause such a stir.
"This brush belongs to me."
A chilling voice rang out, capturing everyone's attention as they turned to see a woman standing beside Yin Cheng.
Shang Yue's eyes were locked onto the spatial brush, their brilliance revealing her determination. This treasure unquestionably belonged in her possession!