Chapter 13: The Auction [Part-2]

A deep, bone-chilling cold spread through the auction hall. The massive ice crystal radiated a dense, eerie Yin Qi, its presence making even seasoned cultivators shudder.

Tianming, seated in his private booth, narrowed his eyes. Unlike the others, who simply felt the oppressive chill, he sensed something deeper—something alive.

Within his soul monument, the essence of the Seven-Colored Herb Spirit Deer trembled in response to the crystal's arrival. A strange whisper-like sensation brushed against his consciousness, vague yet undeniable.

This… is a treasure unlike any other.

His heart pounded.

The deer's blood essence had never reacted this strongly before, not even to the Marrow Cleansing Pills he had created. If it stirred now… then this ice crystal was no ordinary item.

On the stage, Qin Xuan's melodic voice echoed through the hall.

"This mysterious ice rock has remained unmelting for decades. Its origin is unknown, and even skilled alchemists cannot analyze it. However, its most distinct trait is its pure, chilling Yin Qi, capable of significantly affecting the environment."

The auction hall was silent for a brief moment—then, as realization dawned, murmurs erupted.

"If its secrets are unlocked, it could be priceless!"

"This is a gamble… but one worth taking!"

"It might be a remnant from an ancient ice beast or a sacred Yin artifact!"

The once skeptical cultivators were now greedy with anticipation.

Before anyone could place a bid, a lazy yet arrogant voice rang out.

"One hundred spirit stones."

All eyes turned toward Tang Zijie.

The young master leaned back in his chair, his expression unbothered. To him, this was no different than casually picking up a new ornament for his collection.

No one immediately countered. Despite the ice crystal's mystery, it was still an unknown entity. Many hesitated, wary of throwing spirit stones into an item they couldn't fully comprehend.

Tianming's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of his seat. He could feel his pulse quicken.

The more he stared at the ice crystal, the more the deer's essence resonated with it.

This thing… it was worth far more than a hundred spirit stones.

His lips curled into a smirk.

"One hundred and fifty."

A slight shift occurred in the atmosphere.

The masked man in the black robes had spoken.

For the first time, Tang Zijie's brows furrowed. He had been prepared for competition over the Marrow Cleansing Pills, but this? Did this mysterious alchemist see something he didn't?

"Two hundred," he said with more force.

Tianming remained silent for a moment, then lazily raised a finger. "Three hundred."

A faint murmur spread among the crowd.

"That masked man again… who is he?"

"First, the pills, now this? Does he really have that many spirit stones?"

"Or does he know something we don't?"

Tang Zijie gritted his teeth.

"Four hundred."

"Five hundred."

The tension thickened.

Tang Zijie's face darkened. This masked bastard had been an annoyance from the start—being escorted by Qin Xuan, hoarding spirit stones, and now, daring to steal his treasure?

His grip on the chair tightened. "Seven hundred!"

Qin Xuan's gaze flickered toward Tianming. A subtle curiosity danced in her eyes. Why was he so intent on getting this ice crystal?

The Iron-Clad Tiger Sect and other powerful factions watched in silence, measuring the situation. Was this ice rock truly a hidden treasure, or were these two simply indulging in their egos?

Tianming chuckled softly.

"One thousand."

A stunned silence swept across the auction hall.

One thousand spirit stones.

An absurd amount—for an unknown object, no less.

Tang Zijie's face twisted in rage. His mind screamed at him to go higher, but even his Tang Family had its limits.

Beside him, his guards shifted uncomfortably.

"Young Master, this is reckless… The clan allocated spirit stones for your resources before the Dragon Martial Competition. If you—"

"Shut up!" Tang Zijie snapped, his voice laced with fury.

But deep inside, doubt crept into his mind.

One thousand spirit stones… was he really willing to gamble it all just to one-up this masked bastard?

His fingers trembled.

The murmurs in the auction hall turned into sneers and quiet laughter.

"Young Master Tang is losing control."

"Getting reckless over a bid? This is disgraceful."

"The Tang Family isn't as disciplined as we thought."

The Iron-Clad Tiger Sect remained silent, but their chief disciple's sharp yellow eyes glinted with mockery.

Tang Zijie felt their gazes. He felt the judgment, the ridicule.

And he hated it.

But he hated Tianming even more.

With clenched fists, he forced himself to remain silent.

Qin Xuan's lips curved slightly. "One thousand spirit stones… Going once… Going twice… Sold."

A faint smirk played on Tianming's lips.

This treasure was his.

The auction concluded, and as the guests rose from their seats, whispers filled the air.

"Who the hell is he?"

"He casually threw a thousand spirit stones for an unknown treasure."

"Could he be… an old master in disguise?"

Tianming stepped down from his booth and made his way to the private transaction area.

Qin Xuan handed him a spatial ring wich contained his earnings aswell as the ice crystal, her expression unreadable.

"The Hundred Treasures Pavilion, on my behalf, gifts this to you. You may use it to store your newly acquired treasure."

Her tone was soft, almost… personal.

Tianming arched a brow. So, this wasn't just her gift—this was the entire pavilion's way of securing ties with him.

He accepted the ring with a small nod, then turned to leave.

The moment he stepped outside the auction house—

A figure blocked his path.

Tang Zijie stood before him, his eyes burning with fury.

Murderous intent flooded the air.