Originally, the auction's higher-ups had grown anxious when Ye Chen failed to appear on time. Many treasures on offer had been tailored specifically for him—exclusive "custom editions."

Across the cultivation world, only he—driven by urgent need—might willingly endure the absurd, malicious bidding: premiums of tenfold or more. And afterward, they could kill him and reclaim everything. They had already agreed privately.

After Ye Chen's death, auctioned items would return to their original owners. His own coveted treasures would be divided based on each young prodigy's contribution in slaying him.

Fortunately, Ye Chen arrived at last. Smiles spread across their faces. Clearly, everyone stood to profit immensely.

…

Guided by an attendant, Ye Chen prepared to enter the auction house. Just then, he encountered Little Peacock King approaching with his usual aloof demeanor.

Spotting Ye Chen, his mouth twitched faintly. Ye Chen had expected the boy's temperament to keep him far away. Yet after a brief freeze, Little Peacock King walked straight over.

"Uncle, you really came…" he greeted awkwardly.

Ye Chen found it amusing. Seeing him alone, he asked casually, "Just you? Where's Auntie Yan?"

Little Peacock King disliked hearing Ye Chen mention his mother. He swiftly changed the subject. "How did you know I broke through to mid-fourth heaven? My mother went to fetch a treasure for me."

Ye Chen fell silent. Who asked?

Noting Auntie Yan's absence, he lost interest in his "nephew." He waved dismissively and moved to enter.

Little Peacock King hurried closer. "Uncle, you already have my mom! You can't covet my aunt too…"

Ye Chen's mouth twitched as he stared at him. He had never felt so speechless in his life. No wonder the kid approached today. Still guarding his aunt? Myriad races truly defied logic!

Sorry, but your aunt was part of your mother's "repayment" package. He wanted them both!

…

Ye Chen and Yao Yuezhi entered their private box together. The long-impatient auctioneer immediately struck the gavel, launching the highly anticipated bidding.

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The first item was carefully presented onstage. A fist-sized, crystalline diamond—transparent and pure. Liquid-like light flowed within, radiating a gentle yet intensely rich spiritual aura. Clearly, no ordinary object.

The auctioneer cleared his throat and began enthusiastically. "This item is called Spiritual Qi Origin Essence! It contains extremely pure and vast Spiritual Qi. Placed in a cave heaven, the crystal will automatically release it—continuously replenishing energy and nourishing every blade of grass, tree, mountain, and river!

"Like sweet rain upon parched earth, it rapidly elevates spiritual density, creating an environment far more suitable for cultivation. Exceedingly rare—especially with the Age of Dharma's End approaching. It maintains cave heaven spiritual concentration far above the outside world, lasting at least ten thousand years once activated. For clan legacies in that era, its significance is immense."

The moment the item appeared, the entire hall erupted in exclamations. Though the auction catalog had listed it, seeing the real object still drew gasps of awe. After all, Spiritual Qi Origin Essence was extraordinarily rare—seldom surfacing in public auctions.

The auctioneer continued eagerly. "For this bidding, there are no special requirements. You may offer top-grade spirit stones, Mahayana pills, Extreme Dao weapons, or any treasures useful to Mahayana or Unity cultivators. Highest bidder wins!"

The announcement ignited the crowd. Many cultivators who had come merely for the spectacle stared in stunned silence, then burst into ecstatic grins. In past premier auctions, sellers often imposed strict conditions—demanding specific items, techniques, or pills. Essentially, bartering in disguise.

Unrestricted bidding like this was exceedingly rare. The atmosphere heated instantly. Eager shouts rang out.

In mere dozens of breaths, the price rocketed to ten million top-grade spirit stones. At that level, enthusiasm cooled for many. Though Spiritual Qi Origin Essence was priceless, its actual boost remained limited—perhaps raising spiritual density in a ten-thousand-li cave heaven by twenty percent. Crushing ten million spirit stones and scattering them might yield better raw energy gains.

Were it not for its nourishing quality—promoting robust spiritual plant growth, deepening realm foundation, and accelerating cultivation—it would barely justify the sum. Thus, the price neared its ceiling.

…

In his private box, Ye Chen lounged with Yao Yuezhi in his arms, sipping tea leisurely. Hearing the long-legged auctioneer's rules, he chuckled inwardly. This auction clearly feared the Spiritual Qi Origin Essence wouldn't land in his hands.

As bidding below slowed, Ye Chen called unhurriedly, "Twenty million top-grade spirit stones."

Uttering the figure, he sighed inwardly. Good thing he had reached Mahayana—near the cultivation world's peak, soon ascending to the Immortal Realm. Otherwise, these prices might collapse the economy. His bid struck like a boulder into calm waters—the hall fell deathly silent.

Doubling it outright? Who was this tycoon?

In one box, several purple-haired men with vertical pupils at their brows—radiating Half-Saint fluctuations—grinned upon hearing him. "Ye Chen couldn't hold back—he bid."

"Of course. His cave heaven origin drained dry—he needs nourishment most."

"Raise it. Make him bleed."

"And the essence dissipates slowly—we'll reclaim it easily after he dies."

"Honestly, Luo Bingling was useless. By his side so long, yet no share of cave heaven origin!"

"Once Ye Chen falls, she'll return to minor status—serving the divine son dutifully."

They traded words, then bid boldly. "Treasures worth thirty million top-grade spirit stones!"

They intended to bleed him dry!

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