Auction Begins

Over time, more notable figures began arriving from neighboring cities. However, most of them were only Martial Apprentice Stage 6, with just a few at Stage 7—primarily elders from top clans in those cities. The patriarchs of these top clans did not attend in person, as this event was not a grand occasion. It was merely the monthly auction of Stone City's Lotus Auction House, not the prestigious annual auction.

Xenon sat with his eyes closed, calmly waiting for the event to begin.

"Look! It's the City Guardian!" someone exclaimed.

Heads turned as a muscular man exuding an imposing aura entered the hall.

The crowd buzzed with awe and respect for City Guardian Dovo, who had dutifully served as Stone City's protector for many years. The murmurs were filled with admiration and reverence for his accomplishments and reputation.

Xenon, however, remained indifferent. Keeping his eyes shut, he scoffed internally. To him, the City Guardian was nothing more than an ant—not worth his attention.

Dovo continued walking, his expression calm as he ascended to the VIP section. He was the first individual with enough influence to claim a place in the exclusive area.

Minutes passed before the next prominent figure arrived: the patriarch of the Narhan Clan, the most powerful clan in Stone City.

As soon as he entered, the crowd erupted into discussion—not about the patriarch himself, but about the young woman walking beside him.

Curious, Xenon opened one eye and glanced at the patriarch. His gaze then fell on the girl, likely around his own age. She carried a sword and maintained an aloof demeanor. Xenon couldn't deny that she was beautiful.

He promptly closed his eyes again, unbothered.

The crowd, however, couldn't stop talking about her. The young lady of the Narhan Clan was immensely popular in Stone City. Not only was she the daughter of the patriarch of its strongest clan, but she was also a prodigy, having reached Martial Apprentice Stage 4 at a remarkably young age.

Moments later, the auction finally began. A stunning woman walked onto the stage, welcoming everyone to the event.

Xenon opened his eyes again, this time fully awake, waiting for the items to be revealed.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the host began, her voice smooth and confident. "Allow me to present the first item of today's auction."

With a graceful gesture, she pulled back the cloth covering the display, revealing the first item.

"Our opening item is a Springbloom pear—a rare Spiritual Fruit! As many of you know, the Springbloom Pear can enhance spiritual gathering by up to 50% for Martial Apprentices below Stage 4!"

The announcement caused a wave of excitement to ripple through the audience, especially among the elders and senior figures present.

For many clans, acquiring the Springbloom Pear was critical. They would use it to accelerate the development of their most promising young talents, allowing them to grow in strength more quickly.

Xenon's eyes gleamed with interest. He was determined to acquire this Springbloom Pear at all costs. It would be a significant aid in accelerating his spiritual gathering, giving him the push he needed to advance to Martial Apprentice Stage 4.

Breaking through to Stage 4 was difficult—far harder than reaching Stages 1 through 3 combined. After all, Stage 4 marked the transition to the Middle Stages.

In the hierarchy of Martial Stages, Stages 1 to 3 were classified as the Early Stages, Stages 4 to 6 as the Middle Stages, and Stages 7 to 9 as the Late Stages.

Advancing to the Middle Stages wasn't just about increased strength and energy. It also came with a significant reward—an extension of lifespan. While the average human lifespan was about 80 years, reaching the Middle Stages could increase it to 100.

"And now, let's begin the bidding!" the host announced, her smile dazzling.

"The starting price is 50 gold coins!"