Chapter 117: The Temple Street Auction (Part Two)

The jade pendant held little appeal to martial cultivators; its contained power could not be directly absorbed, making it more practical to sell it for pills instead. Xiao Kaitian encountered no significant resistance and ultimately secured the pendant for 1.25 million.

Such an item, previously worn by someone else, seldom attracted much interest. Yet Xiao Kaitian disregarded these trivial concerns; he valued utility above all. If others could not use it but he could, that was enough.

Luo Yanxin couldn't help but glance at him, wondering if this young prince had a penchant for antiques.

But soon, during the intermission, the exhibited items were all antiques of great collectible value, which Xiao Kaitian dismissed. Once he reached higher dimensions, such things were mere toys to him.

Luo Yanxin found Xiao Kaitian inscrutable. He wasn’t buying pills or antiques—was he merely here to observe?

The bond between martial cultivators and corporations in Han-Tang was solid; some businesses even came specifically to support martial sects. Yet Xiao Kaitian’s behavior matched none of these patterns.

After the intermission, the auction entered its climax with the final, most prestigious items. The host’s expression grew solemn, and the atmosphere shifted palpably.

“This item is a martial art manual provided by the Shaolin Sect. The saying goes, ‘All martial arts emerge from Han-Tang; Han-Tang’s martial arts belong to Shaolin.’ The author is a certain elder of Shaolin. According to records, it can be cultivated to the peak of the Earth Realm,” the male host paused slightly before continuing, “Starting bid is fifty million.”

“Eighty million...” As soon as he finished, bids flew in. A manual capable of reaching the peak Earth Realm from Shaolin was a coveted prize among many martial cultivators.

“One hundred million... One hundred million, first bid. Is there any higher? One hundred million, second bid...”

“One hundred twenty million! Someone bids one hundred twenty million...”

This was the true financial might of Han-Tang’s martial cultivators. Xiao Kaitian was taken aback; billions seemed like mere pocket change to them. A simple martial manual could fetch such a price, yet he possessed many such manuals in his divine source. Selling a few would be a windfall, making the idea of unifying Han-Tang unnecessary.

Noticing Xiao Kaitian’s surprise, Luo Yanxin explained, “Martial manuals are one of a sect’s core pillars. For some small to medium sects, purchasing one manual can sustain half their strength. You must understand, the peak Earth Realm is like being a feudal lord in one region.”

“Of course, whether the manual truly works is another matter. If it’s a genuine heirloom from a major sect, its value is priceless, sometimes even leading to deadly disputes.”

Xiao Kaitian nodded in understanding. The value of a martial manual, being an inheritance, far surpassed consumables like pills, and its high price was justified.

Ultimately, the Shaolin elder’s manual sold for 196 million.

“Perhaps some corporation bought it,” Luo Yanxin speculated. “They might use it to curry favor with other sects’ cultivators.”

Next came pills, specifically for Earth Realm breakthrough, with a starting price of 80 million. Xiao Kaitian stirred internally but knew a breakthrough was of little use to him. His limitation was not realm level but the connection between his body and divine source. Once his physical strength improved, a breakthrough would naturally follow.

This pill sold for 230 million, and seeing this, Xiao Kaitian inhaled sharply. The martial world truly treated money as nothing.

Time ticked by, and the auction neared its end. Final prices soared, with average sales around 200 to 300 million. Only then did Xiao Kaitian recall the five hundred million funds Bai Kou had given him, guessing she must have anticipated this.

“The next item is very special. Whether it finds its destined owner is uncertain,” the female host smiled, signaling staff to present the item. “This is a small piece of Cold Flame Stone, extremely rare. Please take a look.”

The camera revealed a small, thumb-sized stone glowing like fire, radiant in deep red. Xiao Kaitian’s pupils contracted sharply—the four-dimensional energy it contained far exceeded that of common pills.

“Where does this come from?” Xiao Kaitian turned to Luo Yanxin. “Is such a thing even known in the martial world?”

“Cold Flame Stone appears near volcanic craters,” Luo Yanxin explained, clearly well-informed. “Though it looks fiercely hot, it’s actually extremely cold. It’s unsuitable for carrying on one’s person and emits slight radiation. The spiritual energy inside cannot be directly absorbed by cultivators, so it’s mainly used to craft weapons or nurture medicinal herbs. It’s exceedingly rare.”

Xiao Kaitian’s spirit lifted. This was something he could use—he could even transfer part of its energy into the jade pendant. This was a prize he was determined to win.

“Starting bid: 100 million. Let the auction begin,” the female host announced, leaving the camera focused on the Cold Flame Stone.

After nearly ten seconds of silence, a bid finally rang out: “150 million!”

A 50 million increase at the outset made Xiao Kaitian’s eyelids twitch. This item might exceed his budget. He stayed calm, observing the situation.

“180 million...”

“200 million...”

“260 million! 260 million...”

“Oh, this is serious! 300 million! Anyone else? 300 million, first bid...”

“350 million,” Xiao Kaitian took his tablet and entered his bid. Luo Yanxin’s heart skipped a beat witnessing this. Could Xiao Kaitian be crafting weapons or cultivating herbs? First the jade pendant, now Cold Flame Stone—he seemed drawn to stones.

“350 million!” The female host’s lips trembled with excitement. If this sold, her commission would be significant. “Any more bids?”

“400 million...” A lurking heavyweight finally made a move.

“500 million...”

Xiao Kaitian clasped his hands tightly. He had expected fierce competition for the Cold Flame Stone, but this exceeded his estimates. Gritting his teeth, he raised the bid once more: “600 million.”

“600 million! 600 million, first bid!” The female host beamed. This was the highest bid of the auction so far. If this sold, she would receive a hefty bonus. “Any other bids? 600 million, second bid...”

“620 million...” Someone wasn’t giving up just yet, but it seemed a last gasp.

“650 million.” Xiao Kaitian raised the price again. Once this number appeared on the screen, it sealed the fate of others. Spending hundreds of millions on a mere stone—even if turned into a weapon or used to cultivate herbs—would never pay off.

“Sold!” The female host announced with excitement.

Among the attendees, doubt flickered in many minds. Was this auction graced by a wealthy fool? Such extravagance was almost unbelievable.