novelraw Chapter 419: The Second Auction
Chapter 419: The Second Auction
“Considering you’re not entirely foolish, let me give you one more piece of advice: don’t rush into Divine Transformation lightly. Sometimes, the less clever people are the ones who survive longer.”
Yu Zhao met Jin Yuan’s meaningful gaze. She tapped her fingers slowly on the table, deep in thought.
She had always found it peculiar that cultivators from the Medium Thousand World often gifted elixirs or pills meant to enhance cultivation. At first, she assumed it was some sort of custom. Now, it seemed it was more of a silent agreement between them.
The stronger the Cultivation Level of a “furnace,” the more nourishing it would be for them. No wonder they had the patience to enact the kind of dramas straight out of storybooks with her—it simply wasn’t the right time yet.
“Thank you for the warning. I know what to do now,” Yu Zhao said, rising from her seat. “I should return.”
She had been away too long, and it might arouse suspicion. Jin Yuan retrieved a fresh Transmission Talisman from her sleeve and handed it over. Yu Zhao nodded her thanks, then activated the talisman under Jin Yuan’s teasing gaze.
Back in her room, Yu Zhao pulled out the Star Domain Map from her storage space. A sweep of her Divine Sense revealed nothing surprising, and disappointment flickered in her eyes.
Although she hadn’t expected the Cultivation World’s coordinates to be marked on it, a part of her had still hoped. She suppressed the disappointment quickly, refocusing on the map.
Through its annotations, she pinpointed the Water Realm, Wind Realm, and Fire Realm, noticing how close they were to one another. Connecting their locations revealed a dense convergence of lines at an empty area on the map.
Staring at the void, Yu Zhao was seized by a strong premonition—this could very well be where the Auspicious Palace lay. She silently marked the special coordinate and continued exploring the map, discovering several minor worlds at its periphery, all beginning with “Northern”: Northern Sky Realm, Northern Sea Realm, Northern Origin Realm…But the North Abyss Realm, where Dao Lord Tai Wei resided, was missing.
Yu Zhao didn’t know whether to feel relief or disappointment.
Dao Lord Tai Wei’s actions had suggested he valued her highly, even wishing to take her as a disciple and bring her to the North Abyss Realm. Yet, the mere thought of him filled Yu Zhao with dread and suffocation.
Instinct told her to stay far from Tai Wei, but reason whispered otherwise—if she could reconnect with him, the age-old conundrums of the Cultivation World might be resolved more swiftly.
These conflicting emotions battled in her mind until the map made the choice for her.
After an entire night studying the map, Yu Zhao revised her plans. The following days were spent attending invitations from Feng Jiu Si and the others, one day enjoying tea, the next strolling through town. She treated everyone equally, careful not to offend anyone.
Unbeknownst to them, Yu Zhao had seen through their wager and decided to play along.
In a matter of days, rumors swept through the Water Realm about Yu Zhao and the four men. She was painted as a heartless flirt, unfaithful and juggling four relationships, while Feng Jiu Si and his companions were hailed as paragons of devoted love.
Some even confronted Yu Zhao in defense of the men. She merely smiled nonchalantly, unfazed.
The more fervent the gossip, the more invested the four became, evident in their increasingly attentive gestures. For Yu Zhao, the actual benefits outweighed the petty insults.
Two days later, the second auction commenced.
This time, fewer cultivators attended, leaving ample space between seats in the hall.
As before, Yu Zhao and her companions occupied the Wind Family’s private box. Feng Jiu Si and Shui Qiu Bai vied for the seats closest to Yu Zhao, locking eyes briefly as a competitive gleam passed between them.
The auction began, and soon enough, their rivalry flared over a single item—a Dark Blue Jade Bracelet, exquisitely carved and glowing with an icy blue hue that matched the Jade Ruyi Yu Zhao wore. Clearly a matching Defensive Artifact, it was crafted by a renowned Artifact Master, a man famously devoted to his partner, for whom he spent a decade creating a custom set of artifacts.
The bracelet’s sentimental significance and craftsmanship made it an ideal gift for Yu Zhao, and neither Feng Jiu Si nor Shui Qiu Bai would back down.
Thus, a peculiar scene unfolded: two voices competing within the same private box, each outbidding the other with escalating fervor.
From five thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones, the price soared past ten thousand.
Huo Shao Yan watched in astonishment. Although he was interested in Yu Zhao, his feelings weren’t as intense as the others’. Watching their reckless bidding, he could only shake his head.
Meanwhile, Tu Xiao, ever the instigator, fanned the flames, encouraging the rivalry with sly remarks.
Yu Zhao, of course, refrained from stepping in to save herself the trouble.
In the end, it was Feng Jiu Si who conceded first, realizing the auction was a Water Family affair. Regardless of the price he set, the ultimate beneficiary would be Shui Qiu Bai. Satisfied with his foresight, Feng Jiu Si withdrew, planning to reclaim his dignity another day.
Shui Qiu Bai, though disappointed, took the victory with a smug expression. He had been prepared to yield if Feng Jiu Si pressed further but was pleased with the outcome nonetheless.
From then on, Shui Qiu Bai dominated the box, frequently joining the bidding. Though rival bidders occasionally appeared, most were deterred by his overwhelming wealth—save for Jin Yuan, who disrupted proceedings simply for the fun of it, forcing Shui Qiu Bai to pay even higher prices for each item.
The second auction showcased treasures from various regions, many of which Yu Zhao had never seen before. Enthralled, she lost track of time.
“…Next, we present the grand finale of this auction—the most coveted treasure of the event!”
The atmosphere in the private box shifted. Everyone’s attention turned toward the auction hall below, their eyes alight with anticipation.
Yu Zhao smirked.
It seemed the real show was about to begin.