Chapter 42: Getting Rich

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Getting Rich


The moment the scheduled hour arrived, the vast Twin Moon Commerce Auction Hall became instantly packed.


The main floor seating was quickly filled by hundreds of commoners, independent cultivators, and merchants. They were hoping to bid for a minor treasure or simply witness the grand event. Above them, in the ring of partitioned balconies, were the VIP rooms. These were occupied by the most exalted figures: representatives from powerful Sects, ruling Kingdoms, and especially the envoys of various Holy Lands.


Vahn, situated comfortably in his private box, couldn’t see their faces, but the sheer, oppressive presence radiating from those VIP areas was enough to make his skin prickle. He could tell that any of the figures behind those screens possessed the power to crush him like an ant. That’s why he deeply appreciated the non-prying setting and the obscurity his black Clown mask provided.


The auctioneer, a charismatic man with a booming voice, wasted no time on pleasantries. He knew the crowd wasn’t here for filler.


"Welcome, esteemed guests! Tonight, our first item requires no introduction. A treasure of legend, a foundation-forging miracle: The Heaven Grade Body Tempering Liquid!"


The massive crystal display at the center of the hall lit up, showcasing the golden bottle in its full glory.


"Whoa!!"


The announcement of the Heaven Grade Body Tempering Liquid plunged the auction hall into pandemonium.


From the ground seats, gasps, shouts, and exclamations of disbelief echoed:


"Heaven Grade? Impossible!" "A Body Tempering Liquid of that caliber? We heard rumors, but never believed it!"


Common cultivators clenched their fists, knowing this treasure was far beyond their reach, yet unable to tear their eyes from the shimmering golden bottle. A wave of envy, awe, and desperate longing swept through them.


But the true storm brewed in the VIP boxes.


From one opulent box, a guttural growl escaped, followed by the clatter of a heavy gauntlet hitting a table.


"Ours! That liquid belongs to the Ironclad Sect!"


This was the voice of a grizzled Sect Elder, known for his unyielding will and desire to build the strongest disciple army. His sect had a formidable Body Cultivation lineage, and this liquid was the ultimate foundation.


Across the hall, a soft, melodious voice, yet one imbued with absolute authority, drifted from another box, "Such a miraculous item... it is perfectly suited for our Holy Maiden’s ascension. The Azure Light Holy Sect will spare no expense."


The speaker was likely a matriarch, visualizing their peerless Holy Maiden reaching unprecedented heights with such a perfect foundation.


Then, from a particularly lavish, heavily guarded VIP suite, an almost palpable pressure descended. This was the representative of the Holy Light Imperial Family, directly tied to the very Empire in which they stood.


"The Emperor has decreed that such a treasure must belong to the Royal Bloodline. Our Imperial Prince will forge an unbreakable foundation. The price is irrelevant."


The implication was clear: the Empire wanted it, and defying them would have severe consequences.


Other factions, from ancient clans to reclusive Grand Elders of powerful cultivation families, also made their presence known, their intentions radiating a fierce, unyielding resolve. Each believed they had the most legitimate claim or the most pressing need for the liquid. This wasn’t merely about wealth; it was about the future, about securing a peerless talent, and potentially shifting the balance of power in the wider region.


The bidding war was going to be savage.


​"The starting bid is 100,000 Low grade Spirit Stones, with increments of no less than 10,000!" the auctioneer declared as his voice trembled with excitement.


The moment the auctioneer announced the starting bid, the war for the Heaven Grade Body Tempering Liquid began.


"110,000." said one of the rogue practitioners just test the water.


"Haha, 110,000?" another one sneered. ’That isn’t even enough to buy the bottle. I bid 150,000,"


"160,000." said another man without too much expression. Because he knew this isn’t going into his hand.


"200,000."


"250,000."


​The bids immediately flew past the initial floor.


The Ironclad Sect and the Azure Light Holy Sect traded barbs and escalating prices, determined to outdo the other.


The numbers skyrocketed in dizzying fashion, fueled by ancient rivalries and the desperate need for a perfect foundation.


​"500,000!" a voice from a Sect VIP box roared.


​Still, there were no signs of stopping. The representatives, driven by the mandate of their leaders, seemed ready to spend every last stone. The bidding war continued to escalate until finally, the Holy Light Imperial Family representative slammed his bid down.


​"Two million Spirit Stones!"


​The number sent a shockwave through the hall, silencing every other factions.


Inside his box, Vahn was trembling with excitement.


"T-Two million low grade spirit stones!"


He had never imagined such number. Till now he only held 10 in his hand. He couldn’t even Imagine how would they pile up in real.


A small mountain.


The imagination alone blow his mind away. With this amount not just Lightning Seed, he could buy anything he wanted.


More importantly, using those spirit stones his cultivation would sky rocket. He wouldn’t be weak any longer.


Calming his excitement, he turned his attention below to the stage.


​There were visible disgruntlements and verbal clashes from the defeated parties, but the Imperial representative, a man who was rumoured to be a Soul Formation Realm, was no pushover.


He radiated domineering aura, making it clear that challenging the Empire’s purchase was courting death.


​Just as the Auctioneer was helplessly about put the hammer down , a powerful, serene presence entered the main entrance of the auction hall.


​Everyone gasped, turning to witness the dramatic interruption.


Stepping into the light was a gentle man in green robe, radiating an aura of herbs and Cauldron.


"Isn’t he the famous Medicine King Oswin from the Alchemy Land?"


"Yes, I also heard about him. He is a very talented Alchemist. His pills and elixirs are unmatched in the whole Alchemy Land."


Medicine King Oswin Goldbranch was not alone. He was followed by an immensely powerful figure cloaked in blazing flame robes: Patriarch Xion.


Vahn recognised him immediately. It’s only been a few days after all. He was the person who claimed to be his father-in-law.


​It seems the news of the Heaven Grade treasure had clearly reached the ears of the Alchemy Land surprisingly fast, and they had arrived to obtain it, backed by the political and financial might of Patriarch Xion’s support.


Vahn wasn’t complaining. In fact, he understood only Xion could break the pressure of the Imperial family.


​Medicine King Oswin Goldbranch finally spoke, "Esteemed Imperial Representative, I humbly apologize for the interruption. But this liquid is a matter of great curiosity to our Alchemists. We would like to acquire it for experimentation."


​Patriarch Xion stepped forward, a polite, yet utterly dominant smile on his face. He didn’t waste time on negotiations, immediately showing his overwhelming financial power.


​"My Apologies for interruption. The Holy Light Imperial Family is most respected, but this item belongs to the study of the Dao of Alchemy. We offer four million Spirit Stones for the immediate transfer of the purchased lot."


​A collective gasp swept through the hall.


Four million!


That was double the final Imperial bid. The stunned silence was soon broken by whispers of awe.


"The Alchemy Land is truly rich! They don’t even bat an eye at that price!"


​The Imperial Representative, though a Soul Formation cultivator, was trapped. Four million Spirit Stones was an absurd amount of capital, and challenging a Holy Land like the one backing Patriarch Xion over an item that was only moments ago acquired was not worth starting a war.


​The representative’s face twisted with frustration and rage, but he had no choice but to give up. He bowed stiffly to Patriarch Xion, his voice tight.


"Patriarch Xion’s offer is generous. The Empire concedes."


​The golden bottle was swiftly transferred to the delighted Medicine King, leaving the Imperial faction humiliated but significantly richer.


They could use the spirit stones to buy something else. At least that’s how they consoled themselves.


Without the White Lotus’ protection they couldn’t just go against one of the great seven Holy Lands, could they?