Chapter Twenty-Three: The Auction

“Heavenly Fire!” A flash of delight sparked in Zi Yan’s eyes. Having spent tens of thousands of years within the Xuantian Cave, she had seen every manner of rare treasure and celestial herb, yet the legendary Heavenly Fire had always been something she’d only heard of, never witnessed. Now, if Zhang Xiao’s cultivation of the Sevenfold Xuantian Technique could be aided by this fire, his progress would surely surge at an astounding pace. Thinking of this, Zi Yan congratulated him, “Congratulations, young master. It’s as if you wished for a pillow and one appeared. You must not let this opportunity slip by.” Of course, Zhang Xiao needed no reminder; he would never let such a chance escape him. The Sevenfold Xuantian Technique advanced slowly, but there were three ways to accelerate the process.

The first method required Pure Yang Earthfire. While earthfire was common, Pure Yang Earthfire was something Zhang Xiao had only just heard of, with no clue where to find it. The second method involved refining a pill called Crimson Sky Pill, which could likewise assist in cultivation. Zhang Xiao knew of this pill, but lacked its ingredients. With the wealth he possessed—even compared to some of the old monsters that appeared after the Heavenly Change—his bone ring contained countless rare treasures, yet not a single herb needed for Crimson Sky Pill could be found. This proved just how rare and precious the pill truly was. The third method was to cultivate with the aid of Heavenly Fire. Strictly speaking, the Sevenfold Xuantian Technique was focused on body refinement; whether Pure Yang Earthfire or Crimson Sky Pill, both served to temper the body. Using Heavenly Fire was no different, though it depended on fate, as the fire’s attributes varied greatly. Even if one obtained it, it might not match one’s own attributes, so it all came down to luck.

Unexpectedly, the finale item at the Longxing Auction House was precisely this Heavenly Fire. As for its attribute, Zhang Xiao was uncertain. Leading Zi Yan into a drama theater, once a premier opera house now renovated into an auction venue, they were greeted by dozens of hostesses clad in cheongsams. Each possessed a remarkable figure—though none could rival the calamity that was Zi Yan, they surpassed Lan Fang by far. Of course, Zhang Xiao was not being fickle; he was simply stating the facts. He cared little for Lan Fang’s appearance—their hearts belonged to each other, and that was enough. As for looks and figure, well, once Lan Fang advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, even a crow could become a phoenix. The thought of Lan Fang brought memories of the two sitting together in the Hundred Herbs Valley, and Zhang Xiao wondered how she fared now in Kunlun Sect. Once he mastered the first transformation of the Sevenfold Xuantian Technique, he intended to find a way to bring Lan Fang from Kunlun to live with him.

Zi Yan, seeing Zhang Xiao staring blankly at the hostesses, pinched his waist. Yet she was but a cluster of spiritual energy, without a physical form, so Zhang Xiao felt nothing at all. It was merely for show, and the hostesses giggled at the scene. Their laughter snapped Zhang Xiao out of his reverie, and he flushed with embarrassment as he faced their amused smiles.

“Sir, are you here for the auction? Please register over here.” A plump steward hurried over, offering Zhang Xiao an easy escape. Grateful, Zhang Xiao found the steward much more agreeable and went with Zi Yan to register. Looking at the registration book, Zhang Xiao was surprised to see it much the same as before the Heavenly Change.

Name and identity card number! Zhang Xiao asked in confusion, “Why do you still need an identity card number? Does that still work?” The steward explained, “It does! Sir, perhaps you’ve only just left your sect. Since the founding of the nation, basic systems are being restored. Computers can’t connect to the internet, but storing and managing data is no problem. Chancellor Li Si has established a personnel department and begun unifying the population nationwide.”

Li Si! Zhang Xiao knew him—even met him. Since the resurrection of the First Emperor, it seemed he could revive ministers and generals of antiquity to aid in governance. Besides Li Si, there were Wang Jian, Wang Ben, Meng Tian, and other famed Qin figures. Thus, Zhang Xiao was surprised but not shocked by the steward’s words. He filled out the register and handed it over.

The steward respectfully led Zhang Xiao into the auction hall. Though Longxi Auction House was not renowned, it was the first to be established in the nation after the Heavenly Change. From the steward, Zhang Xiao learned that not only did the Shushan Sword Sect hold shares, but half were state-owned. Zhang Xiao smiled; it seemed Chancellor Li Si was truly a remarkable man, adapting so swiftly to modern ways. The auction had not yet begun, but the hall was already packed. Zhang Xiao swept the crowd with his spiritual sense and found many there were masters of the Golden Core stage.

“Master, what does auction mean?” Zi Yan, who had never witnessed such an event, found the term unfamiliar. Seeing that the scene before her was not as she imagined, she asked Zhang Xiao. Realizing his oversight, Zhang Xiao patiently explained the rules and methods of auctioning to her.

Meanwhile, more people filed in, and though the event had yet to start, the audience was already abuzz with conversation. A young woman in a cheongsam stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand: “Gentlemen and ladies, please quiet down!” With the host’s appearance, the chatter ceased and all eyes turned to her.

“Now, the Longxing Auction begins. The first item is a Grade Three magical treasure, the Five-Colored Glazed Lamp.” As she introduced it, the crowd’s excitement surged. “Starting price: five hundred jade coins.” At her words, bids erupted. Since Maoshan Sect acquired the right to mint currency, they’d begun issuing new coins: jade coins; 1,000 jade coins equaled 1 jade note, and 1,000 jade notes equaled 1 crystal unit. These jade coins contained dense spiritual energy, albeit chaotic, but whether for array formation or pill and artifact refining, they were highly useful—only sects favored by the Heavenly Dao, like Maoshan, could produce them.

Zhang Xiao was not short of funds. As the Nation’s Guardian Lord, he received thirty jade notes every three months, even without official rank. Yet he did not bid; he found these items beneath notice. The auction unfolded with fervor, rare treasures displayed, contestants vying brilliantly. Zhang Xiao paid little heed, but Zi Yan grew restless. Watching others bid, her heart grew hot. Though she cared not for the items, the excitement was irresistible. Her plaintive eyes turned to Zhang Xiao, who could not resist her charms and nodded his consent for Zi Yan to bid as she pleased. Overjoyed, Zi Yan snatched the bidding paddle from him.

At that moment, a set of Five Elements magical treasures appeared on the stage, with the starting price nearing one jade note. Though expensive, complete sets were rare and valuable, prompting a flurry of bids. In no time, the price soared to three jade notes. In Zhang Xiao’s estimation, the set was worth at most two jade notes, but the price was inflated thanks to Zi Yan’s antics—she showed no concern for money, waving the paddle incessantly. Her allure drew countless gazes; she was a peerless beauty, and now her lavish bidding made her the very image of the legendary rich heiress.

Zhang Xiao could only feel helpless. Though she attracted attention, he cared not; whatever Zi Yan won, he accepted and paid for. The host had at first rejoiced at encountering such a spendthrift, but soon became anxious—Zi Yan was playing games, bidding on everything. Eventually, no one else dared bid against her; what was the point, if they couldn’t win? Some tried to compete, raising prices, but Zhang Xiao quietly advised Zi Yan, who would then drive the price up and suddenly drop out, leaving the other bidder to suffer. After Zi Yan’s disruptions, had it not been for rumors of a finale treasure, many would have stormed out.

The host was left bewildered; whenever Zi Yan bid, even for a single jade coin, others promptly withdrew. Seeing the situation unravel, the host helplessly had the finale item brought forward. “Ahem! Now we present the most valuable treasure of today’s auction, the grand finale item,” she declared.

A square crystal box was placed onstage, within which hovered a sky-blue orb of light.

“This is a cluster of Heavenly Fire, the finest treasure for refining pills and artifacts. Any ordinary magical treasure tempered with this fire will instantly rise three grades. This fire is of the water attribute; for water-attribute treasures, its effect is multiplied several times, and it can bestow remarkable abilities. It is a rare, unattainable treasure. Starting price: thirty jade notes, with each bid at least one jade note. If you lack jade notes, you may barter with items. Gentlemen and ladies, please bid!”

As she spoke the final words, the host kept a wary eye on Zi Yan, fearing another disruption. Yet this time, Zi Yan seemed to sense the host’s intent and sat quietly, showing no inclination to bid, much to the host’s relief.

“Thirty-one jade notes,” called a bidder, and a third of the audience joined in. There were not many wealthy ones, but Zhang Xiao was not the only one. In no time, the Heavenly Fire was pushed to the sky-high price of forty-three jade notes.

The following content is not counted toward the word limit: Regarding criticism of Guoshui, Guoshui admits it is deserved. Sometimes Guoshui neglects details, and readers should criticize and comment as needed—your guidance helps me improve. However, please refrain from mentioning family; otherwise, comments will be deleted and users banned. I hope readers will continue to offer suggestions, leave comments, and above all, support, click, and collect! Thank you.