"Congratulations to the guest for winning the bid."
As Wang Sheng Nuo's hammer fell, the attendant standing beside Li Xuan smiled joyfully at him. In the Starlight Auction House, attendants serving guests who win bids also receive a certain reward. Li Xuan's successful bid of two hundred and fifty million high-grade spirit stones was no small sum.
Li Xuan nodded slightly, then with a thought, handed a spatial ring to the attendant. Inside it were two hundred and fifty million high-grade spirit stones. For Li Xuan now, spirit stones were merely a number. Not only were the individuals he had killed quite wealthy, but when he left the Four-Dimensional Space, Luo Xuan had also given him several hundred million high-grade spirit stones. Furthermore, he had received fifty million top-grade spirit stones. As Luo Xuan put it, one must always have some funds for self-preservation when traveling.
Soon, an attendant arrived at Li Xuan and Cai Cha Xiang's private room with a round platter. Li Xuan directly seized the evil sword and threw it into the Town Prison. Li Xuan paid it no mind; with the good sword present, he was not worried about any actions the evil sword might take.
Unbeknownst to Li Xuan, Cai Cha Xiang was startled as she watched him casually accept the evil sword. After all, the sword emanated a terrifying evil aura, yet Li Xuan seemed unfazed.
Meanwhile, within the Town Prison, the evil sword rampaged like a wild horse. It soon encountered the Heaven Dao Brush. "You've been thrown in here, what are you still being brave for!" the Heaven Dao Brush snorted and swept towards the evil sword. In the next instant, the evil sword was sent flying. It landed precisely in front of the Azure Spirit Tower.
"This darn little brush, it did it on purpose!" The Azure Spirit Tower trembled, and the evil sword, after hovering for a moment, lunged at it. "Still dreaming," the Azure Spirit Tower retaliated without hesitation, its spiritual light surging as it slammed down on the evil sword. "If not for the good sword's sake, what could you even do?" the Azure Spirit Tower's spirit shook its head, then sent the evil sword flying again.
Evil sword: "..."
When the good sword finally appeared, the evil sword froze. The good sword said something to the evil sword, and ultimately, the evil sword chose to submit.
At the auction house, Wang Sheng Nuo cleared his throat and smiled, "Esteemed guests, the next treasure is the last item. As the grand finale, we hope it will satisfy everyone." With that, Wang Sheng Nuo waved his hand, and four powerful figures carried a cage onto the stage. Within the cage was a woman of breathtaking beauty.
"It truly is a spirit!" Cai Cha Xiang's eyes flashed with brilliance at the sight, and her demeanor suggested she had come specifically for this spirit. Li Xuan was also greatly astonished, and immediately received information from the prison spirit, conveyed by Bai. "Save this woman!"
"This is a flower spirit that has cultivated into human form. As everyone knows, spirit entities greatly benefit the cultivation of Spirit Masters. I will say no more about other benefits. The starting bid is five hundred million high-grade spirit stones." Wang Sheng Nuo could clearly sense the rapid breathing of the crowd and smiled, "Gentlemen, you may begin bidding."
"Five hundred and ten million!"
"Five hundred and twenty million!"
"..."
"Five hundred and eighty million!"
This time, a voice from a private room spoke directly, clearly indicating they had known about it beforehand.
"Bai, don't worry, I will save her," Li Xuan transmitted, sensing Bai's excited emotions within the Town Prison. Having spent time with Bai, Li Xuan had long forgotten her identity as the Ancestor of Heaven and Earth Spirits. In other words, Li Xuan genuinely regarded Bai as his sister. All spirit entities in the world were Bai's companions, one could even say her kin. Li Xuan naturally understood Bai's feelings, the concept of loving what one loved. And looking at the dazed expression of the woman in the cage, it was clear she had suffered greatly. Such actions also deeply displeased Li Xuan. All things in heaven and earth had a right to live. His experiences in the Land of Rebellion and among the Bloodthirsty Clan had instilled in him a strong aversion to being caged, let alone this flower spirit that had cultivated human form. More importantly, Li Xuan had learned from Bai that once a spirit entity's spirituality was devoured by a Spirit Master, it would completely dissipate.
"Seven hundred and twenty million."
"Seven hundred and twenty-five million."
"..."
"Seven hundred and thirty million."
The bidding price continued to climb. Even Cai Cha Xiang had joined the bidding.
"Miss Cai, are you also here for this spirit entity?" Li Xuan asked, looking at Cai Cha Xiang. Cai Cha Xiang nodded slightly. "Spirit entities are quite rare, and obtaining one can significantly boost cultivation. Moreover, a spirit entity that has cultivated human form is easier to communicate with and control. I intend to bid for it and present it to my master as repayment for her years of guidance."
Li Xuan fell silent. Cai Cha Xiang's motive could be described as filial piety and respect for her master. However, this act was built upon the suffering of the flower demon, something Li Xuan could not endorse. Yet, the common human failing of "those not of our kind are to be punished" made it difficult for Li Xuan to say too much.
"Seven hundred and sixty million." As the bids gradually lessened, Li Xuan also stated his price.
"Young master, are you also interested in this spirit entity?" Cai Cha Xiang asked, turning to Li Xuan. Li Xuan nodded slightly. "To have cultivated into human form, this flower spirit has indeed gone through great hardship. To become mere entertainment for humans is a pity. But since it has been put on the auction block, I can only do my best."
Cai Cha Xiang was taken aback, then asked, "Young master, do you mean to bid for it and then release it?" Li Xuan nodded. "Naturally." Cai Cha Xiang looked at Li Xuan with surprise, then pondered his words, ceasing her own bidding.
"Eight hundred and thirteen million."
"Eight hundred and fourteen million."
"..."
"Eight hundred and twenty million."
Li Xuan continued to bid at a steady pace, much to the excitement of the attendant beside him, whose gaze towards Li Xuan was filled with respect. While she didn't know if Li Xuan's words were true, it certainly left a good impression on her. More importantly, Li Xuan had previously spent two hundred and fifty million on half a holy sword, and now he could afford to bid eighty-two million, indicating he was quite wealthy.
"Eight hundred and fifty million."
"Eight hundred and fifty-one million."
"..."
"Eight hundred and fifty-five million."
As the prices continued to rise, the number of bidders dwindled. Li Xuan let out a slight sigh of relief, as all his spirit stones combined amounted to less than a billion.
"One billion." At this moment, a bid silenced everyone. Li Xuan's eyes narrowed, and a killing intent emanated from him.