Chapter 124

Chapter 124: High-End Auction Event

"I stumbled upon it by chance," Nie Zheng answered earnestly. "At first, I only noticed unusually dense spiritual energy here. But as I investigated further, I discovered faint traces of celestial energy surrounding the entire island."

He furrowed his brow, appearing to recall something, then continued, "Initially, I thought I’d found traces of that traitor Jing Chen. But deeper examination revealed spatial formation fluctuations around the island that kept intensifying. That’s when I realized a celestial-grade Secret Realm might soon manifest – likely within the next two days."

Celestial-grade Secret Realms typically referred to abandoned cave mansions created by Immortals, either through their demise or other circumstances, that fell into the lower realm. Nie Zheng normally wouldn’t care about such things, being an Immortal himself. If not for the suppression of his powers in the lower realm, he could create several himself.

But times had changed – he was broke!

All the spirit stones he’d earned these years went toward debt repayment, leaving him with nothing. More importantly, while he didn’t need resources, Ning Rui did! His brother had just reached Foundation Building stage – still far from ascension. As an elder brother, shouldn’t he plan ahead?

At this thought, he instinctively turned a concerned gaze toward Ning Rui…

Ning Rui felt his temple pulse violently. Slamming his freshly poured teacup onto the table, he shot dagger-like glare at Nie Zheng – Keep looking at me like some elder and I’ll beat you senseless!

Nie Zheng blinked at the splashed tea, then beamed as if receiving enlightenment. He happily grabbed the half-spilled cup.

"Thanks!"

Ning Rui truly was soft-hearted beneath his prickly exterior! Fierce-looking but still thoughtful enough to offer tea. Worth calling this brother!

Meanwhile, the actual thirsty Ning Rui: "…"

Calm. Elder Ling said disciples must maintain decorum before the sect master. He endured.

"Yuan Papa…" You You turned to Yuan Qi, oblivious to their silent exchange. "Did you sense anything?"

Yuan Qi smiled his usual gentle smile. "Let’s check." Placing his palm on the table, he released an invisible force that rippled outward, sweeping across the entire island in moments.

Two minutes later, he withdrew his hand. "Spatial fluctuations confirm an emerging Secret Realm. However…" His brows creased slightly. "The space feels unstable. Rather than opening properly, it might merge with our realm."

"Merge?" You You blinked.

"Remember where I slept before?" Yuan Qi prompted.

"The Moon Sea Secret Realm?" You You nodded.

"Similar principles apply. Secret Realms exist through their creator’s power or special magical tools. Normally, outsiders need permission or overwhelming force to enter. But this one…" He gestured downward. "Lacks proper stabilization. Hence the leaking celestial energy."

"What happens then?"

"Without stabilization, the realm collapses. In this case…" Yuan Qi’s gaze swept across the island. "It will likely fuse with Yuyu Island, causing unpredictable changes."

"So that’s why it’s called Yuyu Secret Realm!" Ning Rui interjected, recalling his past life knowledge. Later cultivators found no great treasures here – because the realm had already merged with the island itself, accessible anytime!

"Will merging cause disasters? Earthquakes? Volcanoes?" You You’s mind flashed with apocalyptic scenarios.

"Some dangers, yes." Yuan Qi nodded. "But greater opportunities. The first explorers usually reap the richest rewards."

"When?"

"Nie Zheng’s correct – likely tomorrow noon."

You You organized their plans. They’d follow Yuan Qi’s guidance once the realm appeared. The living treasure detector would handle opportunity-seeking, especially for Soul Breath. Supplies were already prepared – Ling Qi had packed over a dozen storage bags.

As they finalized details, Ning Rui kept scribbling in a notebook while stealing glances at the auction below.

"What’s that?" You You asked.

"Elder Ling’s assignment." He kept writing. "Collect market prices for pills, talismans, and formation devices during the Treasure Pavilion’s appraisal event."

You You: "…"

Ling Qi really managed everything for the sect’s finances.

"Almost done." Ning Rui nodded toward the auction stage. "They’re starting the final item – supposedly something even top immortal sects covet!"

Curious, the group watched as the auctioneer dramatically unveiled the red-draped item:

"Behold! Today’s ultimate treasure – the legendary Qiu Zhang Technique!"

Pfft-!

Four tea sprays simultaneously arced through the air.