Chapter Ten: The Xun Family’s Old Pit

Exiting the appraisal room, Ye Feifan was led by a maid outside into the auction hall where the auction was underway.

The setting somewhat resembled a dim British conference room, with dark seats all around arranged like an arena. Only the auction platform at the center stood out brightly, illuminated by what seemed to be a spotlight formation. Even from the back, Ye Feifan could clearly see the items displayed on the platform.

As the auction proceeded, murmurs rippled through the crowd. Most attendees dressed similarly to Ye Feifan, likely to conceal their identities.

Only those seated in the front row revealed their true status. In this small place, as long as no major powers appeared, they were virtually invincible. Besides, they belonged to the city’s most prominent families, and petty thieves dared not set their sights on them.

Ye Feifan was somewhat surprised to recognize a familiar face in the front row. Startled, he murmured, “Foster father…”

After a glance at Xun Tianxing, Ye Feifan noticed that the heads of the Yan and Zhang families were also present, indicating the auction might feature some rare treasures today.

The Yan family head appeared sullen, with dark circles under his eyes, though not yet completely debilitated. What truly surprised Ye Feifan was the Zhang family head—currently Zhang’s father. For some reason, the position of head had been passed back to him. It seemed they wanted to use Zhang’s father as a scapegoat to catch the mastermind behind some covert chaos.

Ye Feifan found this amusing. He had orchestrated such schemes many times before—their dreams were often caught by him, and their energy was something they could never fully replenish unless they bought the energy elixir he was about to auction.

Even then, no matter how much they used it, Ye Feifan would still surprise them with dream captures every other day.

That said, knowing the item that could attract such powerful figures must not be ordinary. He guessed it was likely a cultivation manual or a rare elixir.

At the auction’s center stood a captivating woman in a golden gown, presenting a large sword on the platform. Her sales pitch was not overly extravagant, but her charm was undeniable. With a devilish figure and a voice like silk, she effortlessly captivated many, prompting a surge of bidding.

Teasing the men at the auction, her performance rivaled that of Xun Yicao, and she seemed to have refined some form of allure magic. Had Ye Feifan not been brimming with energy, he might have fallen under her spell.

Her apparent identity was just a facade. In truth, she was a young royal descendant and the true arbiter of the city’s appraisal auction—her femininity allowing her to disguise herself better. Ye Feifan knew this mainly thanks to some inadvertent information previously revealed by Xun Tianxing.

Her name was Gu Fangxiang—a graceful name, not overly imposing but worthy of admiration. Many attended the auctions simply for her presence; capturing her favor could save decades of effort.

Flirting with men was her hobby. The icy coldness in her eyes was visible only to Ye Feifan. She even cast a flirtatious glance at a buyer, who was instantly exhilarated, yet her gaze dripped with profound contempt.

This woman was no ordinary figure!

Gu Fangxiang wore a constant smile that even made the family heads of Xun, Zhang, and Yan wary.

After the sword was auctioned off, a maid carefully placed a jade tray on the platform.

At a signal, Gu Fangxiang’s eyes flickered strangely. She chuckled softly and said, “Everyone is in luck. The next item up for auction is an energy-restoring elixir. I believe many will be interested. It replenishes energy, but for those below the Fluid Realm, it can only restore about thirty percent. I recommend only cultivators below that realm to bid.”

On the platform stood a metallic tripod, which surprised Ye Feifan; he hadn’t expected cultivators to invent something akin to laboratory equipment.

Within the tripod stood a glass test tube containing a single drop of yellow liquid emitting a faint golden glow.

Only one drop!

Many stared wide-eyed, unable to believe such a spiritual medicine was up for sale.

“This is called Energy Elixir. When diluted with water, it helps weaker juniors restore energy. Everyone knows that passing tribulation during breakthroughs exhausts the mind and spirit. This elixir instantly replenishes energy, enhancing focus and increasing the chance of successfully passing the Nine Tribulations…”

Before Gu Fangxiang could finish, excitement erupted among the crowd. Such a medicine effectively added a ten percent boost to tribulation success—truly a divine remedy.

Sensing some lingering doubts, Gu Fangxiang smiled and said, “This elixir has been personally authenticated by our auction house’s master appraiser Zhang Zheng. It is extracted and fused from high-level demonic beasts and rare plants. Its properties are mild and effective, guaranteed. Rest assured, everyone.”

Zhang Zheng’s reputation in the city was formidable. The crowd’s skepticism vanished, replaced by greedy gazes fixated on the vial.

Seeing their reactions, Ye Feifan knew this round was secured.

Looking at the front row, Xun Tianxing’s expression was excited but restrained, a hint of inner conflict on his face. Zhang’s father and the Yan family head were visibly thrilled; they had exhausted much energy, and this item was clearly tailored for them.

Ye Feifan nearly laughed aloud at their reactions—it seemed they were about to be duped by Xun Tianxing’s act.

To Xun Tianxing, himself a master actor, hiding his expressions was even more elaborate than Xun Yicao’s.

At first, he had only wanted to raise a strong servant for the family, but due to his poor talent and his daughter’s looming forced marriage, he became a pawn to be discarded.

Life is like a play, and the play is like life!

“Everyone knows the power of the Energy Elixir. The starting bid is 100,000 gold coins. Please begin bidding!” Gu Fangxiang announced with a smile, scanning the room before briefly pausing on Ye Feifan, then turning to Xun Tianxing and others.

“110,000!” shouted a cultivator about to breakthrough.

“120,000!” another soon followed.

…

The price steadily climbed, reaching 300,000 after just a dozen bids, astonishing Ye Feifan.

Though the amount seemed high, medicines that boost breakthrough chances were rare. Even tribulation-breaking pills cost tens of millions to qualify for bidding.

The Energy Elixir wasn’t as potent as those pills, but it replenished energy, so 300,000 was not a bad deal.

After a long pause with no more bids, many were out of funds and gave up.

Seeing no competition, Zhang’s father finally exhaled and calmly said, “400,000!”

Silence fell. Some realized he intended to use it himself.

“Old Zhang, you’re already in the Fluid Realm. Why do you still need this energy elixir?” teased the Yan family head, a lean dwarf, from the side.

“Don’t trouble Old Zhang,” Zhang’s father retorted. “I’ll definitely outlive you.” The Yan family head’s face darkened but he cheerfully raised the bid, “450,000!”

…

In their fierce bidding war, Xun Tianxing watched the spectacle, while Zhang’s father and the Yan family head slowly pushed the price to 600,000, leaving many stunned.

“One million!” Suddenly, Xun Tianxing raised the bid.

All eyes turned to him, even Zhang and Yan heads momentarily shaken by the high price.

“Old Xun is determined to get this elixir, huh?” the Yan family head forced a laugh.

Xun Tianxing glanced at him coldly. “If you want it, bid now. After today, you won’t get another chance.”

The Yan family head’s expression darkened, suspecting something. Gu Fangxiang had said the item was useful during tribulation—could the old fox really be about to breakthrough?

This was a major event. Yan family might soon be overshadowed.

He cast a discreet glance at Zhang’s father, who seemed to understand and gritted his teeth, “I’ll just keep it for collection then. 1.2 million!”

Through years of fierce rivalry, Zhang’s father and Yan family head silently agreed to jointly purchase the elixir, splitting the cost and sharing half a drop each.

“Hmm?” Xun Tianxing frowned, casting a threatening look at Zhang’s father and Yan family head.

“Old Xun, not enough money? Need me to lend you some?” the Yan family head joked.

Xun Tianxing forced a smile, then resolutely declared, “Of course I have enough… two million!”

The frenzied bidding stunned everyone, even Zhang and Yan heads, who’s eyebrows twitched—perhaps their suspicions were correct; the old fox was indeed on the verge of breakthrough.

“Two million two hundred thousand!”

“Two million two hundred thousand!”

…

In the end, the Energy Elixir sold for four million. Xun Tianxing grit his teeth and gave up bidding.

The Yan and Zhang family heads looked pleased but soon felt uneasy, realizing they had overpaid. Yet, the thought of blocking the Xun family head’s breakthrough made it worthwhile.

“No further bids. The Energy Elixir is awarded to the Zhang family head!” Gu Fangxiang announced after a gentle tap with her small golden hammer.

Four million for a single drop of Energy Elixir—Ye Feifan almost laughed aloud. He had witnessed Xun Tianxing’s superb acting and nearly believed it himself.

After living with the old fox for years, Ye Feifan immediately saw through the scheme. Yan and Zhang families had been duped, unable even to detect his acting skills.

“The final item of this auction will now be presented!” A maid carried away the jade vial.

Gu Fangxiang waved her delicate hand, and a robust cultivator approached, placing a jade tray before her.

Lifting a yellow silk cover, Gu Fangxiang revealed a smooth jade slip resting quietly on the tray.

Though the tray was exquisite, the jade slip’s radiance was dazzling.

“The Profound Scripture: Blood Sacrifice!”