A thought suddenly struck Lin Feng, one that had been overused in Earth novels: If looks could kill, he'd have sliced me to ribbons a thousand times over by now. The venomous glare directed at him wasn't unfamiliar. He'd seen it before, in He Wenyang's eyes back at the cave. Both men shared the same reason – their sons had died by his hand.
But was that his fault? Did your poor parenting raise sons who were rotten, arrogant, and foolish enough to come after me? Their deaths were deserved! Did you expect me to offer my neck when they tried to kill me? Lin Feng snorted inwardly, deliberately ignoring Li Ziyao's poisonous stare. He swept his gaze over him once and dismissed him.
Many nearby noticed the tension. Loong Xingtian also glanced towards Li Ziyao in the distance, a flicker of schadenfreude and mockery in his eyes. Turning to Lin Feng, he said in a low voice, "Young Friend Lin, the Li family are notoriously vindictive and ruthless. While they likely won't act openly, be wary of hidden schemes and underhanded tricks…"
Though Lin Feng had never openly admitted it, Loong Xingtian, like everyone else, assumed he was almost certainly responsible for Li Renyao's death. The Li family undoubtedly believed it too, explaining Li Ziyao's naked hostility. Indeed, Loong Xingtian admitted privately, Were it my son slain, how could I remain calm facing the killer? Fortunately, his foolish son had provoked Lin Feng and paid the price, while his own son enjoyed Lin Feng's goodwill. Loong Xingtian felt immense satisfaction. Even if his generation only stalemated the Li family, it seemed the Loong family's third generation would emerge victorious, barring unforeseen upheavals.
Lin Feng smiled dismissively. "Thank you for the warning, Senior Loong. I'll be careful."
"Fellow Daoist Lin."
A voice sounded from behind. Lin Feng turned to see Dongfang Yuhui standing there, a faint smile on his face. He hadn't noticed his arrival.
"Fellow Daoist Dongfang! You're here too?"
Lin Feng was slightly surprised as he stood to greet him. Loong Chengkong and the others beside him also rose quickly. Even Loong Xingtian and Loong Xingyun appeared momentarily flustered. Though older than Dongfang Yuhui, the latter was a Golden Core cultivator. By the unspoken rules of the cultivation world, they should address him as 'Senior'. Yet, since he called Loong Chengkong 'Fellow Daoist', using 'Senior' themselves felt awkward…
Dongfang Yuhui noticed their hesitation and clasped his fists proactively. "You are elders of Fellow Daoist Loong, hence my seniors as well. Please, no need for formalities." "We dare not presume, Fellow Daoist Dongfang! How could we possibly…" Loong Xingtian relaxed slightly, smoothly adopting the title 'Fellow Daoist' – a universally acceptable term, especially among acquaintances. He silently admired Dongfang Yuhui's bearing, thinking, Truly an exceptional talent from a major power. I wonder which great sect he hails from?
Lin Feng asked curiously, "Fellow Daoist Dongfang? Didn't you secure a box on the second level?" Given his Golden Core cultivation, a private box upstairs would have been more fitting for his status.
Dongfang Yuhui chuckled lightly. "What difference does it make? No need for a box. And since everyone else is down here, I'll join you…" He casually took a seat next to Lin Feng and his companions, displaying none of the aloofness or disdain for lower-ranked cultivators common among some Golden Core experts.
"..." In the distance, Li Ziyao watched Lin Feng conversing easily with this newly arrived, rumored Golden Core cultivator. The muscles in his jaw twitched involuntarily. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles white, eyes burning with intense hatred and bitter resentment. Hmph! Enjoy your arrogance while you can!! Once my Li family acquires that other main Spirit Tool fragment… even with a Golden Core backing you… you will still die!!
...
As time passed, the auction hall filled steadily. When Lin Feng arrived, less than half the seats were occupied. After perhaps half an hour of conversation with Dongfang Yuhui and the others, he glanced around to find the vast hall nearly full. A rough estimate put the crowd at five to six thousand. Most attendees possessed the strength and funds typical of mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and above. A few early-stage Foundation Establishment, or even Qi Condensation cultivators, were present, but they were a small minority, likely just there to witness the spectacle.
At nine o'clock sharp, the massive entrance doors closed with a resonant thud. The pervasive background buzz gradually subsided as everyone understood – the auction was about to begin. Sure enough, as silence settled over the hall, a middle-aged man in resplendent golden robes strode onto the spacious central platform. His mere presence commanded absolute quiet.
"That's City Lord Qin of Biquan City," Loong Chengkong murmured softly beside Lin Feng.
Lin Feng's eyebrows lifted in surprise. No wonder his presence is so imposing. Qin Dongsheng, the City Lord, was also an Elder of the Level Four Sect, Biquan Sect, and a powerful Late Golden Core cultivator. The City Lord personally opening the auction? This confirms the event's unusual significance.
Standing center stage, Qin Dongsheng's voice, amplified effortlessly by his cultivation, boomed clearly throughout the hall. "Fellow Daoists! Welcome to this auction, personally organized by our Biquan Sect! Rest assured, the treasures on offer will not disappoint. Moreover, I can reveal… the final offerings today will be three Spirit Tools!" A collective gasp rippled through the audience. He continued, "As for their specifics… that revelation awaits! I shall keep my words brief. I hereby declare… the auction… officially begun! May you all find treasures worthy of your journey!" He displayed no arrogance; his few words instantly heightened anticipation. As he declared the start, a fresh wave of excited murmurs swept the hall.
"Spirit Tools!! Truly grand! Three Spirit Tools as the finale! I wonder what kind they will be?" "Bah! Whatever they are, they're beyond our reach – reserved for the Golden Core experts in the boxes upstairs. Did you actually think you could bid?" "Hah! Compete with Golden Core cultivators? I wouldn't dare! Just curious is all…" "..."
Lin Feng was also genuinely surprised. Three Spirit Tools as the finale was indeed a major event for Biquan City. However, he noticed Dongfang Yuhui beside him give a barely perceptible, dismissive twitch of his lips. He seems utterly unimpressed by these 'grand finale' Spirit Tools. Clearly, this was someone accustomed to far grander spectacles. Lin Feng suspected Dongfang Yuhui possessed more Spirit Tools than just the Low-grade Spirit Light defensive artifact he'd seen before – likely several others. Now that I have a robe myself, Lin Feng noted internally, I recognize Dongfang Yuhui's garment is likely also a protective robe… and its grade is probably higher than mine…
...
As the excited chatter continued below, Qin Dongsheng retreated. Onto the stage stepped a refined, scholarly-looking middle-aged man with a pleasant smile. He clasped his fists towards the audience. "Fellow Daoists! I am Shilan, honored to serve as today's host and auctioneer. May you all secure the treasures your hearts desire!" His voice, strong and resonant without amplification, carried effortlessly to every corner. "Without further ado… allow me to present the first lot of today's auction…" As he spoke, a graceful young woman stepped onto the platform carrying a tray draped in red silk, placing it beside him. Shilan swept the cloth aside with a flourish, revealing two small, pure white pill bottles.
"Our opening lot comprises these two bottles of pills," Shilan announced, his voice sharp with clarity. "They will be auctioned separately. Each bottle contains… one Qingxu Pill!"
"Whoosh…" The moment "Qingxu Pill" left his lips, the hall exploded. A wave of shock and disbelief washed over the crowd. Numerous cultivators stared at the delicate bottles with blazing eyes, faces flushed with excitement.
"They're starting with Qingxu Pills?!" Lin Feng's own eyes brightened considerably. What an opening! Such a precious treasure right at the beginning! He hadn't expected something this valuable to appear so soon.