Several other items were sold, but none of them caught my attention. Still, I made a considerable profit from my pills.
A total of 6 mid-grade spirit stones and 1,200 low-grade spirit stones.
Considering that each mid-grade spirit stone is equivalent to 1,000 low-grade ones, my total came to 7,200 low-grade spirit stones.
Subtracting what I spent on the book and a small artifact—a total expense of 2,100 spirit stones—my final profit was still very good.
The second item I bought was a small artifact that resembled a wooden shield. It is said to have been created by an Adept-level blacksmith, also referred to as an artifact master.
Externally, the shield appeared ordinary, but as an artifact, it was far from common. It was said to be capable of withstanding up to two attacks from a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even though the exact stage within the Nascent Soul realm wasn't specified, the artifact already piqued my interest.
Touching it, I felt a strong water-type energy and saw several inscriptions and runes engraved on it—ones I wished to study and definitely planned to do so.
There are certain differences between the runes and inscriptions made by a formation master compared to those of an artifact master, yet there are similarities that could serve as inspiration. After all, there's a limit to the content I have access to within the palace—both in quantity and due to my weak abilities. Not to mention that Arte told me there are still procedures I need to complete to fully access the contents of my palace.
Without hesitation, I attached the shield to my waist and waited for the final item of the auction. I didn't plan to buy it, but I was very curious about its value.
"For our final item, we have something truly special! An extremely rare blood vessel. It possesses powerful dark energy, dense, wild, and dangerous. It is said that whoever consumes it has a chance of awakening the bloodline of an ancient chaotic beast capable of destroying even gods! Even if that doesn't happen, the user may still develop the darkness element at a high and powerful level. Without a doubt, this is the rarest and most valuable item in the auction—of immeasurable worth!"
The announcer spoke with such excitement that his persuasive power was clear. Without delay, he deactivated the formation that prevented the item from being seen and its energy from being released.
Soon, everyone could see it.
It was a small, beautifully crystalline vessel with a lid made of refined, high-grade material. Carved on the lid was the image of a beast, though it wasn't clear what kind.
The amount of blood inside was minimal, just a few drops, which in itself suggested its rarity. After all, the blood of a beast supposedly capable of killing gods and causing chaos shouldn't be easy to obtain.
However, none of that mattered compared to the sensation and energy that emanated from the vessel—an energy that shocked everyone.
An extremely deep, wild, and destructive darkness was released, instilling fear and terror in many attendees.
Common Qi Condensation cultivators fainted, while others at the Foundation Establishment level couldn't even move under the pressure.
When that energy enveloped me, I nearly lost consciousness, and my Qi became completely unstable.
Horrifying images invaded my mind, and my entire body trembled. My consciousness seemed on the verge of being swallowed by a dark, savage abyss, as if witnessing the end of the world.
At that moment, a light burst forth from the depths of my soul, enveloping my body and spiritual sea in energy.
"Master!" — Arte's voice pulled me out of that state.
"I'm fine, Arte." — I replied with a dry voice.
I noticed that I was drenched in sweat. I looked at the item in the center of the auction hall with genuine fear.
In truth, it wasn't just me. Most of the attendees were in a similar state.
Then, a master of the auction house appeared beside the vessel. His strength seemed far greater than anyone I had encountered thus far—possibly even someone at the Nascent Soul level.
His body radiated with a powerful, dominant light.
Upon touching the artifact, the dark energy was immediately suppressed. Then, he touched the formation, further helping to contain it completely.
Looking at him more closely, I had the feeling I recognized him... or at least he reminded me of the guard who was beside that "angel" — cough cough, or rather, that cultivator I met the other day.
Of course, he was using some light-element technique to conceal his identity and also appeared to be using an artifact that further obscured who he really was.
When the energy was fully restrained, his voice rang out:
"I don't recommend that anyone purchase this item. In fact, it should be returned to us. But since we won't interfere directly with the auction proceedings, the decision is yours. Just to be clear: consuming this item is extremely dangerous. A cultivator with the darkness element could become a pure monster, lose all reason, and have their dantian destroyed by the berserk energy."
"For those without an affinity for the darkness element... it could be even more dangerous."
The tone of his voice made it clear that he did not belong to the auction house. He actually seemed to want to destroy the item on the spot. The only reason he probably hadn't was out of respect for the house — though I didn't know the exact reason. It was obvious that his strength and origin surpassed anyone present, perhaps even this entire city or realm.
After saying that, he withdrew gracefully. The seller, still trembling, stepped forward and stood in front of the item.
He took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and began speaking again, trying his best to ignore the presence and gaze behind him:
"Despite the words of our guest master, the rarity of this item is undeniable—as is its value. And after all, to become stronger... what risks aren't worth taking?"
"Are you going to be afraid? Fear risk out of pure cowardice? If so, how do you expect to reach the peak of cultivation and become true immortals?"
His words were exaggerated, but they carried the tone and message that typically stir the competitive spirit of cultivators.
The light behind him flickered irregularly—a clear sign of the master's irritation. His fury was palpable.
I looked away and focused again on the vessel. It wasn't calling to me—and none of my foxes reacted to it either. That was a clear indication that the item wasn't meant for me.
So, I simply enjoyed the beautiful auction performance.
...
3rd POV
In one of the VIP rooms...
A handsome man with angelic blonde hair observed the scene. At his side stood someone who appeared to be his servant.
"I can't believe that in this small kingdom, within this continent, there's such a rare item... Can't we just take it? Or join the auction?"
He asked with some irritation.
"No, master. We don't belong to this part of the continent, and by the rules, we must avoid interfering in major events—especially auctions, even if this auction house isn't particularly significant. Besides, we don't want to draw attention from the major powers of this region."
The servant replied. The answer didn't seem to convince the blonde man, but he didn't argue further.
"Still... such an item should be forbidden to exist. It would be extremely dangerous if acquired by cultivators or spirit beasts."
"We can deal with it later, master. Although we can't interfere with the auction or major events, we can act when chaos erupts. You know very well how auctions are."
The servant's reassurance seemed to please the young man.
From his body, a powerful light emanated—one that somehow exceeded his current cultivation.
"Yes. It's not the ideal method, but it is necessary."
Curiously, within that holy-looking light, something cruel could be glimpsed—but it vanished quickly.
...
In another room...
There was a man with a striking presence: dark skin, nearly demonic red eyes surrounded by terrifying energy, and elegant black hair.
He wore a cloak and a strange mask that concealed his identity.
At his side was a large dog, which suddenly opened its mouth and spoke in a human voice:
"Master. I didn't expect that to be here. This item will be extremely relevant in awakening your bloodline and power."
The man lazily agreed—though his eyes clearly showed his desire for the item.
The dog sniffed the air a few times and, once certain, said:
"I detected some interesting presences among the masters here."
"What?" — the man asked.
"One seems to be from one of those annoying light-related bloodlines. Likely one of our natural enemies."
The dog snorted disdainfully. The man frowned.
"They'll likely try to stop us from leaving with the item."
"Are you afraid, master?" — the dog provoked.
"Tsk. As if I'd fear those fireflies. Retreating isn't a problem. What else did you find?"
The question nearly came with a slap, but the dog answered carefully:
"Your love is here."
Upon hearing that, the man's body froze. After a few seconds, he responded:
"...Really?"
"Yes. But he should be safe. I don't think this item suits him. He should leave without issue."
"Okay." — the man sighed, visibly relieved, and began participating in the auction.
It was clear that his identity at that moment was entirely different from his usual one—and had to remain hidden.
...
"For the first bid, let's start with 1 mid-grade spirit stone!"
With the auctioneer's voice, shouts and offers erupted.