All the Inner Elders and important figures of the Ice Domain Temple arrived as the Temple Master summoned them.
After everyone gathered in the main hall, Larisha introduced Calyx to them.
They were shocked to learn that he was a Rank 2 Alchemist. But at the same time, they felt joy and excitement—because with a Rank 2 Alchemist, the strength of the Ice Domain Temple would surely rise!
At present, their temple ranked only 10th in the entire Eldoria Empire. Of course, they dreamed of one day reaching Rank 5… or even Rank 1!
The current number one temple was the Eldoria Temple. As the name suggested, it was directly controlled by the Eldoria Empire.
"Alchemist Master Calyx… can you show us how you concoct pills? We have Rank 1 herbs that you can use," one of the elders asked, curious.
The other elders nodded. They, too, wanted to see it. There was also some skepticism—Calyx was only 33 years old, after all.
They knew a Rank 2 Alchemist from the Eldoria Royal Family who had only reached that level at 100 years old.
Calyx smiled. Of course he understood. If you want people to believe in you, you must show them proof—be it strength, alchemy, or anything else. That was a natural rule.
"I will show you all how to make a Rank 2 pill," Calyx said.
When the elders heard this, they exchanged glances, realizing that their temple currently didn't possess Rank 2 herbs.
Their Spiritual Vine was only Level 2, allowing them to grow only Rank 1 herbs. If they had a Rank 3 Spiritual Vine, they could grow Rank 2 herbs and spiritual fruits.
Larisha quickly stepped up and presented the Rank 2 herbs she had acquired.
"Relax, everyone. I didn't expect you to provide me. As a Rank 2 Alchemist, of course I already have Rank 2 herbs," Calyx said.
After that, he brought out his cauldron.
The elders' eyes widened, and even Larisha was once again shocked—Calyx's cauldron was Rank 3!
It was a rare treasure.
Calyx began concocting the pills. With fire blooming from his left hand, he placed the Rank 2 herbs into the cauldron.
The pill he was making now was the Rank 2 Breaking Pill. This pill helps a cultivator boost their strength, especially for those within the Tier 1 Realm.
After several minutes, a white light emerged from the cauldron. It was a success!
The elders were stunned.
Calyx retrieved the pills and showed them.
He had created three pills from ingredients that would usually be enough for only one!
And all of them were preak-grade!
Pills were graded as: Failure, Lower Grade, Middle Grade, Higher Grade, and Peak Grade.
...
Eldoria Empire's Royal Palace.
Ancestor Emperor Dazel was sweating profusely. His hands were trembling.
As an Early Stage Tier 3 human—and the strongest person in the Eldoria Empire he rarely experienced fear.
The last time was during an assembly with other emperors from across the Desolate Region, where he felt the overwhelming pressure of their energy.
But now… this was different. No, this was even stronger than those emperors. This presence was on par with that old monster. It had to be a Tier 4 Realm human!
Boom!!
A windstorm roared, and the powerful presence arrived.
"S-Senior… W-what can I do for you? I'm just a lowly old man, the Ancestor of this bumpkin empire… I don't remember offending anyone," Dazel said fearfully, kneeling.
'Fuck, what is this!? Why is this happening!? Who is this mysterious powerhouse!? Did my foolish grandson—the current Emperor—offend someone?'
"I'm here only to convey a message. Next week, our Monarch Auction House will hold its first auction. There will be a Rank 3 and a Rank 4 item up for bidding. The location is Bamboo Mountain Peak. That's all."
Dazel slowly raised his head and saw a beautiful girl—so divine in appearance that she looked like a goddess. Her white hair swayed gently as she rose into the air, mounted a demonic beast, and flew away.
As soon as she disappeared, the pressure vanished, and Dazel finally let out a deep breath and collapsed to the floor.
"Monarch Auction House… Bamboo Mountain!? Isn't that still within my Eldoria Empire?"
"That girl was so young… yet she's already such a powerful expert. Who could she be? If she wanted, she could kill me with a flick and destroy this empire in an instant."
Sigh "This world really is vast and mysterious, just like my father used to say. We are nothing but frogs in a well… no—bacteria in a well."
Dazel clenched his fists. He had made up his mind: he would attend the Monarch Auction House's first event next week. Maybe there, he'd find a way to change his fate.
Several days later, in the Eldoria Temple—
The Temple Master was drenched in sweat and full of fear.
"I-I need to go to the Royal City right away. I have to tell father about the Monarch Auction House."
Meanwhile, in the Thunder Cloud Temple, Temple Master Albert was gripped by fear. He immediately called a meeting with the Elders, who also asked about the immense pressure that had left them breathless.
"A mysterious expert visited and announced the arrival of an Auction House called the Monarch Auction House. It will be held at Bamboo Peak Mountain next week—and there's a Rank 4 item!"
Selene also visited the Spider Silk Temple, the Shadow Snake Temple, the Let Hem Cloak Temple, and other powerful factions within the Eldoria Empire.
High above the skies, Selene flew toward the Ice Domain Temple—her final destination.
"I can feel Master's presence in that temple…" she said excitedly, increasing her speed.
After an hour, she finally reached the Ice Domain Temple.
She released her powerful spiritual energy, which was immediately sensed below—by disciples, Elders, even the Temple Master.
Except for the Alchemist Hall area—she didn't release her energy there. After all, her master, Calyx, was inside.
Boom!
Inside the Master Hall, Larisha, who was meditating, was forced to the ground by the overwhelming spiritual pressure.
"W-Who is it…" she gasped, fear clear in her eyes.
Then, a soft and cold voice echoed.
"I'm here only to convey a message. Next week, our Monarch Auction House will hold its first auction. There will be a Rank 3 and a Rank 4 item up for bidding. The location is Bamboo Mountain Peak. That's all."
And then—Selene disappeared. The pressure vanished.
Larisha slowly looked up but saw nothing.
Her heart was racing. It was the first time she had ever encountered such an overwhelming power.
But she remembered the message clearly.
Monarch Auction House…
Moments later, Granny Nayi, the Grand Elder of the Ice Domain Temple, along with several other elders, rushed to the Master Hall. They were all sweating, their faces pale with lingering fear.
At the Alchemist hall..
"Master, I've already delivered the message to all the major factions in the Eldoria Empire," Selene said solemnly.
"Good job. Let's go home now," Calyx replied.
"There are people already heading here since they got scared by your energy and about to call me for a meeting. I'll leave a clone here so I can continue the roleplay, even while we're gone."
After saying that, Calyx get his book then write something, and moments later, a clone appeared.
He then took Selene's hand and teleported into the sky.
He summoned his Middle-Stage Tier 4 Lightning Falcon beast, and the two of them sat on its back.
"Master, how did you create that clone? Truly, nothing is impossible for you," Selene said in awe.
Calyx glanced at her. Her white hair danced in the wind as they flew through the sky.
"It's just a simple trick for me. Soon, when you become stronger, you'll be able to do it too."
"Master, why did we only invite factions from the Eldoria Empire? Why not others as well?"
"Because it'd be boring if every empire knew about our Auction House right away. Where's the thrill in that? Besides, since we're based in the Eldoria Empire, let's give them the opportunity first," Calyx replied.
Selene nodded and didn't ask further.
She looked toward the horizon as the sunset bathed the sky in red and gold.
Calyx also gazed into the sunset. Then, he opened his book and began writing.
He then smiled.
Moments later, the red sunset turned into a screen visible only to the two of them. It played a scene like a movie..
(Calyx was inside his room. Selene lay beside him. He leaned in and kissed her lips gently.
Looking into her eyes, both were already filled with burning desire.
His lips moved to her lotus-like skin, kissing her neck, then slowly trailing downward.
Calyx began removing her clothes, revealing her breast. He moved carefully, savoring each moment.
He kissed her breast and—
"Slurp~"
"Ahhh~ Master…" Selene moaned softly.
He continued sucking her pink n*pples while gently fondling the other.
His hand caressing her curves, moving lower, lips and hands unrelenting in their passion-)
"Wahh!!"
Selene suddenly snapped out.
She rubbed her eyes and looked again at the sunset.
It looked normal now.
Her heart pounded, her face glowing red like a tomato.
"Are you alright?" Calyx asked, his expression stoic—though internally, he was laughing like a madman.
"…The sunset seems strange, Master…" she mumbled softly.