Chapter 249

Chapter 249: Lively Scene

Soon, the lotus flowers were filled with high-level Cultivators from various regions.

The weakest among them were Wind Tribulation Immortals, with over a dozen Fire Tribulation Immortals present, and even a Thunder Tribulation Immortal in attendance. These individuals held far higher positions than Fang Lie.

The Four Seas Alliance provided different accommodations based on rank. Wind Tribulation Immortals received blue lotuses, Fire Tribulation Immortals white ones, and the Thunder Tribulation Immortal a red one. Their statuses could be instantly identified from afar.

Though not a Wind Tribulation Immortal himself, Fang Lie was assigned a blue lotus due to matching their combat power. It floated mid-air, about a hundred zhang above the water platform.

When the red lotus representing the Thunder Tribulation Immortal ascended to the highest position, Immortal East Sea’s figure appeared on the central platform, signaling the auction’s commencement.

Immortal East Sea smiled and bowed to the crowd, exchanged pleasantries, then yielded the stage to his chosen host – an alluring beauty named Fen Xue.

This woman possessed soft, watery eyes and a curvaceous figure that evoked instant sympathy. Yet her delicate appearance belied true strength – she was a Great Demon with millennia of cultivation, her true form being a giant sea clam. Widely connected and respected, she’d been specially appointed by the Four Seas Alliance to host.

"Greetings, fellow Dao friends," Fen Xue curtsied slightly. "At the alliance leaders’ invitation, I’ll oversee today’s auction. Your kind attention is appreciated."

Her radiant smile seemed to brighten the entire space. Even iron-willed Fang Lie felt his resolve soften, while every Cultivator present fell under the spell of her natural beauty – achieved without any charm magic, purely through her peerless looks.

This explained how she’d become Wanxing Sea’s renowned socialite – none could bring themselves to oppose such grace.

Dispensing with formalities, Fen Xue announced: "Let’s begin with our opening treasure – the Thousand Souls Banner!"

A Cultivator flew forth, displaying Ghost-Eating Monster Granny’s life-bound treasure.

"This banner’s no ordinary item," Fen Xue explained. "Refined through centuries by the Granny, it reaches sixth-rank top-grade power, even exceeding that in some aspects. Its combat strength depends on imprisoned demons – eight Wind Tribulation Immortal-level entities already reside within. Given time, these will devour each other until Fire Tribulation Immortal-level demons emerge, elevating it to Seventh-rank Treasure status!"

Her smile widened. "Considering its upgrade potential, this might as well be half a Seventh-rank Treasure already. Buying seventh-tier power at sixth-tier prices? Were I not impoverished, I’d bid myself!"

Laughter erupted. "Enough talk! Who doesn’t recognize the Granny’s banner? Start the bidding!"

"Exactly! I’ll add her own soul after killing her!" another voice jeered.

The crowd erupted in taunts. Ghost-Eating Monster Granny had indiscriminately slaughtered countless, including disciples of island lords present. Only her formidable strength prevented retribution – until now.

Hidden in some lotus, the prime culprit Fang Lie received her silent curses while the crowd mocked.

Fen Xue clapped brightly. "Let’s begin! Starting bid: seven hundred small spirit pearls!"

"Eight hundred!"

"Nine hundred!"

"One thousand!"

In the blink of an eye, the price of the Thousand Souls Banner skyrocketed past the one-thousand mark.

A typical sixth-rank magical item usually topped out at one thousand small spirit pearls. But this banner was special—it had a high chance to advance to the seventh rank. Once upgraded, its value would multiply tenfold, far beyond mere spirit pearls.

That’s why the bidders threw caution to the wind, treating small spirit pearls like pebbles.

This frenzy shocked everyone. The hidden Ghost-Eating Monster Granny seethed, while Fang Lie, the Four Seas Alliance, and the Great Demon Fen Xue rejoiced.

Fang Lie stood to gain the most. The Alliance and Fen Xue took cuts, so higher bids meant fatter profits. Who wouldn’t celebrate?

After fierce competition, the price surpassed three thousand small spirit pearls. Most dropped out, leaving only eight persistent bidders.

Most remaining were Demonic Path cultivators. Their Dao magic aligned perfectly with the banner. A few refining rituals would let them master it, boosting their power dramatically.

Cultivators often bankrupted themselves for strength. Demonic Path practitioners, rich from plunder, splurged without hesitation.

At three thousand five hundred small spirit pearls, the bid neared Ghost-Eating Monster Granny’s breaking point.

She finally snapped, shouting, "All my Dao friends! I crafted this banner with my blood and sweat! Only I can wield its full might. Grant me this mercy, and I’ll repay you!"

"Save your breath," a sneering voice cut in. "Your ‘face’ is worthless. Your promises stink worse than gutter trash."

"True!" another voice jeered. "You’ve wasted this treasure! I command ghost arts—give me five years, and I’ll make it Seventh-rank! It belongs to me!"

Laughter erupted from the crowd. Everyone loved watching the old hag squirm.

Furious but blind to her tormentors’ identities, Ghost-Eating Monster Granny turned on Fang Lie.

"Fang Lie! Return my banner now, or I’ll make you wish you were dead!" she shrieked.

Fang Lie smirked. "Who are you to threaten me? Come find me—if you’ve got the guts, don’t keep me waiting!"

The crowd roared approval:

"Bold lad from the Fang Family!"

"A true heir of Mo Sect’s heroes!"

"Invite us when she comes! We’ll cheer you on!"

"Maybe we’ll buy her other treasures too!"

Amid the laughter, a icy voice sliced through: "Since when does Four Seas Alliance let Qi Sea cultivators like Fang Lie attend? Where are your standards?"

Though quiet, the words crushed the hall into silence. Even Wind Tribulation Immortals felt mountainous pressure—a Fire Tribulation Immortal had spoken.

The crowd leaned forward, thrilled.

Ordinary cultivators might cower, but Fang Lie’s undying nature made him fearless.

True to form, Fang Lie shot back: "Which coward’s spewing nonsense? Show yourself, you rat!"

A cold snort answered. "I am Tian Jianzi of East Kunlun! I stand revealed. Do you dare face me, boy?"

A white lotus bloomed above, unveiling a blue-robed Elder with a sword on his back. His mere presence unleashed piercing sword intent, forcing onlookers to avert their eyes.

This was no ordinary sword cultivator. Rage simmered in his gaze as his sword intent prowled like a caged beast, ready to strike.