Chapter 6 - The Auction of Azure Haven

The auction hall of Azure Haven was a magnificent structure, towering above the bustling city like a fortress of wealth and power. Its walls were adorned with intricate carvings of ancient battles and mythical beasts, each detail meticulously crafted to reflect the grandeur of the place.

The hall was filled with cultivators from across the Eastern Continent, all gathered to bid on rare treasures and powerful artifacts. But today, the usual excitement was tinged with an undercurrent of tension and unease.

As Xuanyuan Tian entered the auction hall, a ripple of silence spread through the crowd. Conversations halted, and all eyes turned toward the young man who walked with an air of absolute confidence.

At just 20 years old, Xuanyuan Tian was already a figure of legend. His cold, penetrating gaze swept across the room, causing even the most powerful figures present to avert their eyes in a mixture of fear and reverence.

"Xuanyuan Tian..." a voice whispered from the crowd.

"The heir of the Xuanyuan family… so young, yet unmatched in power," another murmured, their tone filled with awe.

Despite his youth, Xuanyuan Tian had already carved out a reputation as someone unrivaled in his generation. Stories of his feats had spread far and wide, making him a figure both feared and respected. However, few truly understood the depths of his power.

His true cultivation level was a mystery, adding to the enigmatic persona that made others tread carefully around him.

As he made his way further into the hall, the crowd instinctively parted, creating a clear path for him. The leaders of various sects and families, usually the most dominant figures in such gatherings, now found themselves humbled in his presence.

At the forefront of the hall, seated in the most prestigious positions, were representatives from the major powers of the region.

One of them, Elder Wei of the Jade Serpent Sect, a man in his fifties with a long, flowing beard, was among the first to rise and approach Xuanyuan Tian. Though Elder Wei was known for his composure and authority, there was a noticeable tremor in his voice as he spoke.

"Young Master Xuanyuan," Elder Wei greeted with a respectful bow, his tone carefully measured. "It is a great honor to have you here in Azure Haven. The reputation of your esteemed family precedes you, and your presence alone has graced this auction."

Xuanyuan Tian's expression remained impassive, his cold eyes briefly meeting Elder Wei's before shifting away.

His silence was more intimidating than any words he could have spoken, and Elder Wei quickly realized that he was in the presence of someone far beyond his understanding.

"I hope the journey here was pleasant," Elder Wei continued, attempting to fill the silence with more courteous words.

"Mm," Xuanyuan Tian responded with a noncommittal sound, his attention already elsewhere. The elder's attempts at conversation were clearly of little interest to him.

Elder Wei, recognizing the futility of further attempts at small talk, stepped back with another bow. "Should you require anything, please do not hesitate to let us know," he said before retreating to his seat, his heart pounding in his chest.

As Xuanyuan Tian continued deeper into the hall, more figures approached him, each offering their respect with carefully chosen words and deep bows.

The leaders of various sects, family heads, and influential cultivators all vied for a moment of his attention, but none dared to overstep the bounds of propriety.

They knew better than to risk offending someone with the might of the Xuanyuan family behind him.

"He's even more intimidating in person," one sect leader whispered to another.

"And to think he's only twenty… How powerful will he become in the future?"

Despite their murmured conversations, none dared to speak too loudly, knowing that even their quiet words might reach Xuanyuan Tian's ears.

His reputation as a cultivator without equal among his peers was well-known, but what truly unsettled them was the fact that no one knew the true extent of his cultivation. This uncertainty only added to the mystery and fear surrounding him.

As Xuanyuan Tian approached the front of the hall, where the most esteemed guests were seated, he could feel their eyes on him, their thoughts unreadable but their respect palpable.

He was not here to make alliances or trade words; he was here purely out of curiosity, having heard of the auction while passing through the city.

When he finally took his seat, there was an almost audible release of tension from the crowd. The auction master, an older man with a sharp gaze and a commanding presence, quickly took to the stage, eager to begin the proceedings now that the most prestigious guest had arrived.

"Honored guests," the auction master began, his voice carrying through the hall, "we are privileged to host this grand event in the esteemed city of Azure Haven. Today, we present a collection of the finest treasures, each more valuable than the last. We hope that you all find something to your liking."

As the auction began, rare and powerful items were brought forth one by one. Spirit-enhancing elixirs, ancient weapons, and mystical artifacts—each item was more impressive than the last. Yet, Xuanyuan Tian remained largely indifferent.

As the auction continued, Xuanyuan Tian's presence remained a dominant force, his every movement and expression closely observed by those around him. Despite the multitude of powerful individuals in the room, it was clear that Xuanyuan Tian was the one who commanded the most respect and fear.

Even as the auction master presented items of immense value, the crowd couldn't help but steal glances in his direction, wondering if he would choose to make a bid.

As the auction progressed, the tension in the air grew palpable. The items that had been showcased thus far had been impressive—rare herbs, ancient weapons, and powerful artifacts—but none had truly caught Xuanyuan Tian's interest. He remained seated, his eyes half-closed, exuding an aura of indifference.

Suddenly, the auction master stepped forward with a subtle smile, his voice rising slightly to draw attention. "Esteemed guests, our next item is something... peculiar. It may not appear as grand as the previous treasures, but it is a rarity in its own right."

A servant brought forth a stone pedestal, upon which rested a large egg. The egg was about the size of a human head, with a rough, mottled surface that seemed to pulse with a faint energy.

The crowd's interest waned slightly at the sight of it, many dismissing it as a common magical beast egg, hardly worth their attention.

"Behold," the auction master continued, "an egg of an unknown magical beast, discovered in the depths of the Southern Wilderness. Though its origins are shrouded in mystery, we believe it could hatch into a formidable creature—if one has the patience to nurture it."

A murmur ran through the crowd, but it was clear that most were unimpressed. Magical beasts, while powerful, were not uncommon, and an unhatched egg held too much uncertainty. It was a gamble, one that few were willing to take.

Xuanyuan Tian's eyes, however, opened fully as he focused on the egg. There was something about it—a subtle, almost imperceptible aura that resonated with his cultivation. It was as if the egg was calling out to him, its true nature hidden beneath layers of obscurity.

Li Xue, standing beside him, noticed his interest and leaned in slightly. "Young Master, do you sense something from it?"

Xuanyuan Tian nodded almost imperceptibly. "It's not an ordinary magical beast. There's something... more."

Li Xue glanced at the egg, her gaze sharpening. She, too, could now sense the faint but unusual energy emanating from it, though she couldn't place what it was. However, she trusted Xuanyuan Tian's instincts implicitly.

The auction master, sensing the lack of enthusiasm, quickly set a low starting bid. "We shall begin the bidding at 1,000 low-grade spirit stones."

Spirit stones were the universal currency in this world, used by cultivators and mortals alike. They were not only a medium of exchange but also a source of energy, each stone containing a varying degree of spiritual Qi. Low-grade spirit stones were the most common, used for daily transactions and minor cultivations. Mid-grade and high-grade spirit stones were far rarer, often reserved for significant purchases or cultivation breakthroughs.

A few half-hearted bids were made, but the interest quickly died down as the price reached 1,500 low-grade spirit stones.

No one wanted to waste their resources on something as uncertain as a magical beast egg, especially one with no known lineage.

Just as the auction master was about to declare the egg unsold, Xuanyuan Tian raised his hand lazily. "10,000 low-grade spirit stones."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward him in shock. Even the auction master was momentarily stunned, quickly regaining his composure. "10,000 low-grade spirit stones! Do we have any higher bids?"

The crowd was in an uproar, whispering among themselves. No one dared to compete with Xuanyuan Tian, not only because of his exorbitant bid but also due to the fear and respect his name commanded.

"Going once... going twice... sold!" The auction master's voice rang out, still sounding surprised. "The egg is sold to the young master of the Xuanyuan family!"

As the egg was carefully delivered to Xuanyuan Tian's private booth, he examined it more closely. The faint energy he had sensed earlier was now more apparent, though it was still concealed beneath layers of dormant Qi. There was something ancient about this egg, something that defied the normal boundaries of magical beasts.

Li Xue looked at him curiously. "Young Master, do you have any idea what it might be?"

Xuanyuan Tian shook his head slightly. "Not yet. But whatever it is, it's not ordinary. We'll find out in due time."

The auction continued, but Xuanyuan Tian's thoughts were now focused on the egg. Magical beasts were a significant part of this world, their power often rivaling that of cultivators.

They came in various forms, from low-level beasts used for labor and protection to high-level ones that were revered as divine creatures. The most powerful of them, the divine beasts, were said to have intelligence and power that could rival even the most formidable cultivators.

However, magical beasts were not born powerful. They required nurturing and proper guidance, much like a cultivator's journey. A magical beast with a strong bloodline could grow to unimaginable heights, but without the right environment and training, it could just as easily fade into mediocrity.

Xuanyuan Tian knew this well, and his decision to purchase the egg was not made lightly. He had no doubt that the egg held a secret, one that could potentially be of great benefit to him in the future.

As the auction neared its conclusion, Xuanyuan Tian prepared to leave. The egg was carefully packed away by Li Xue. The other two shadow subordinates, Hei An and Yue Shuang, stayed close, their sharp eyes scanning the room for any potential threats.

The auction had provided more than just material gain; it had given him a glimpse into the power dynamics of Azure Haven and the Eastern Continent. 

As he exited the auction house, the cool night air greeted him, filled with the scent of the ocean and the distant hum of the city. Li Xue, Hei An, and Yue Shuang followed closely behind, their presence silent yet commanding.

"Let's return," Xuanyuan Tian said calmly, his mind already moving to the next step of his journey.