Soul Emperor Martial God

Leaving the forest controlled by the Sky-splitting Sword Sect, Xiao Yi swiftly made his way to Baiwu City and stopped by the Demon Hunting Hall.

Demon beasts above the third grade generally had their information available at the Demon Hunting Hall, detailing their attributes, level of danger, and known locations.

This information was available free of charge, accessible to anyone.

After reviewing the information and getting a sense of the demon beasts, Xiao Yi was just about to leave.

However, he noticed a person-search task posted by the Bai Family on the mission board of the Task Department, looking for Yi Xiao.

Xiao Yi's eyes lit up, suspecting that the Bai Family might have news about the Six Treasure Exquisite Ginseng.

Leaving the Demon Hunting Hall, Xiao Yi found a secluded corner, changed into tight-fitting clothes, put on his Ghost Mask, and then returned to accept the mission.

Checking the information did not require a token, so Xiao Yi could look at it as himself.

But to accept missions and view mission details, a token was necessary, and he had to revert to the identity of Yi Xiao.

The Demon Hunting Hall's token recorded a Martial Artist's aura, and each person could only possess one.

Xiao Yi could not apply for a second one.

Back to the point.

After taking the mission, Xiao Yi glanced at the mission details, and the message from the Bai Family was to wait for them inside Baiwu City.

The Task Department staff then said, "Yi Xiao, you have completed this person-finding mission yourself, but there are no reward points; later, some personnel from the Demon Hunting Hall will inform the Bai Family that the task is over."

"Okay," Xiao Yi nodded and then left the Demon Hunting Hall, finding a random inn to stay.

...

Half a day later.

Bai Family Master, Housekeeper Bai, and a dozen Bai Family Martial Artists appeared at the inn.

"Bai Family Master," Xiao Yi greeted with a salute.

"Hehe, Brother Yi Xiao, no need for such formalities," the Bai Family Master said with a smile.

"Bai Family Master," Xiao Yi started, "I have urgent matters to attend to, so I'll be direct. Is there any news of the Six Treasure Exquisite Ginseng?"

"None," Bai Family Master shook his head.

"None?" Xiao Yi was startled. What then was the purpose of the Bai Family Master calling him here?

"Haha," Bai Family Master suddenly laughed. "There's no news of the Six Treasure Exquisite Ginseng, but..."

Bai Family Master paused, then said, "News about the Eight Treasures Exquisite Ginseng has emerged."

"Eight Treasures Exquisite Ginseng?" Xiao Yi was taken aback.

Both the Eight and Six Treasure Exquisite Ginseng were similar, but the effects and quality of the former were greater, making it much more precious and rare.

The Eight Treasures Exquisite Ginseng was classified as a Fifth-grade Heavenly Material.

"Where is it?" Xiao Yi inquired.

"Don't rush," the Bai Family Master smiled and answered, "In two days, Baiwu City will host a grand auction, jointly held by two local trading families and Shengbao Trading House."

"The Eight Treasures Exquisite Ginseng will be one of the auction items."

"You've been out of sight for two months. I thought you had gone to other cities, and if you didn't show up in these two days, I was going to purchase it myself."

"Now that you've appeared, it's perfect. We can attend the auction together."

The auction would feature high-tier items, some of which even the Bai Family needed.

"Auction," Xiao Yi frowned.

Noticing Xiao Yi's thoughts, Bai Family Master explained, "I know about your situation with the Northern Mountain Murong Family, and a few deacons from the Hundred Martial City Treasure Trading Company are also on the lookout for you."

"But, this is not the county. The influence of Shangbao Trading Company here is far less than our Bai Family, so you can rest assured."

"Otherwise, if it's inconvenient for you, I can buy it on behalf of the Bai Family, and you can wait here in the inn for our return."

Xiao Yi shook his head and smiled, "Thanks for the kind offer, Bai Family Master. I too wish to experience the auction, so let's go together."

...

Two days later, at the Shengbao Trading House.

Xiao Yi followed the Bai Family to their already arranged VIP seats.

This auction was unprecedentedly grand, and ordinary people were simply not qualified to attend.

Those attending included renowned Martial Artists from over a dozen cities around Baiwu City, Family Heads, City Lords, famed Demon Hunters, and Independent Martial Artists, among others.

There were only five VIP seats, each belonging to a major power.

The Guu Family from Baiwu City was also listed.

Hours later, guests streamed in until the auction hall was completely filled, and only then did the auction commence.

The auction had two levels.

The first level was for ordinary guests, with seats connected together, totaling hundreds. This сhаptеr first аppеаrеd оn М|V|L^ЕМРYR.

The second level consisted of VIP seats, circularly arranged.

And the center was hollow.

Those in the VIP seats could directly overlook the auction items below from a high vantage point.

"Ladies and gentlemen,"

At that moment, an auctioneer appeared on the first floor, stepped onto the podium, and spoke loudly.

Using their True Qi, Martial Artists could clearly broadcast their voices throughout the entire auction hall.

"First, on behalf of the auction, I thank you for your presence. Secondly, it is my honor to serve as the auctioneer today."

"Much appreciated," said the crowd on the first floor, "Being a part of such a grand auction is more than enough excitement for us."

The other two trading families involved in organizing the event also possessed great influence within Baiwu City, rivaling that of the Guu Family.

And the auctioneer was a deacon from one of the commercial families, hence the guests were all quite polite.

"Alright, I won't waste more of your time with idle talk," said the auctioneer, "what everyone cares about the most are the items up for auction. The auction officially begins now."

"Introducing the first item up for bid."

After the auctioneer spoke, four robust men appeared holding an item and placed it on the display stand.

Then, the four of them took positions at each corner, vigilantly guarding the item.

These four individuals were all Mysterious Profundity Third Layer Warriors; two belonged to the Shengbao Trading House, and the other two came from local business families.

These four were responsible for the security of the auction item.

"This is a Subspirit Artifact, the Three Earth Puppet Ball. Upon activation, it can release three Earth Attribute puppets, adept at defense, with a strength equivalent to the Innate Ninth Layer."

Having finished the introduction,

the guests on the first floor were already gleaming with excitement.

"Three Earth Puppet Ball, starting bid eighty thousand Silver Tael, each increment must not be less than five thousand Silver Tael."

After the auctioneer finished, guests had already begun placing their bids.

"Eighty-five thousand Silver Tael."

"Ninety thousand Silver Tael."

"...."

The VIP seating above was without any movement.

"Brother Yi Xiao, won't you place a bid? This item is quite good, especially for Demon Hunters like you who are often out; it could save your life when necessary," said Bai Family Master.

Xiao Yi shook his head.

The strength of a Puppet Ball largely depends on the Alchemist's skills.

This Three Earth Puppet Ball, although the same tier as his own Three Fire Puppet Ball, the puppets' strength was far inferior.

If he were to auction his own Three Fire Puppet Ball, the starting bid would at least be one hundred and twenty thousand Silver Tael.

Down below, the bidding was fierce.

In a short while, it was acquired by a major family's Family Head for one hundred and ten thousand Silver Tael.

Originally, this Three Earth Puppet Ball should not be worth this price.

But this Family Head, with a Cultivation of Mysterious Profundity First Layer, couldn't use it himself. However, there was a beloved family member about to go on a training expedition.

For low-level Martial Artists, this item could be life-saving when necessary.

Thus, it was normal for this Family Head to buy it at a high price.

"Next item," said the auctioneer.

Four strong men placed a jade bottle on the display stand.

"Inside the bottle are ten Thunder Fire Pills. Starting bid for each pill is ten thousand Silver Tael, increment bid must not be less than one thousand Silver Tael."

Thunder Fire Pill, a Third-grade Peak Elixir; not hard to refine, but the ingredients are very hard to find.

It has the effect of tempering the body through Thunder Fire, can strengthen a Martial Artist's body; along with its immense medicinal strength, it can significantly increase cultivation speed within one day.

Effective for all Martial Artists below Half-step Cave Profound.

Various guests began placing their bids.

The upper tier VIPs were still not placing any bids.

Xiao Yi wasn't interested in this item either.

"Third item...."

"Fourth item...."

"....."

One by one, items were presented, all being rare treasures, but Xiao Yi showed no interest.

That changed when the eighth item was presented.

The auctioneer introduced, "This is a Wind Attribute Peak Xuan Rank Martial Technique, consigned by a Martial Artist who wished to remain anonymous."

"Starting bid one hundred thousand Silver Tael, each increment must not be less than ten thousand Silver Tael."

"Everyone, take good advantage of this opportunity. Peak Xuan Rank Martial Techniques have not appeared in auctions for many years. If this Martial Artist was not in urgent need of Silver Tael, it wouldn't have been sold."

The auctioneer's skills must be acknowledged, as they immediately sparked the buying desire among the guests.

Even in the VIP seats above, some were showing signs of eagerness.

"Brother Yi Xiao, you haven't bid on any of the first eight items; are you not even interested in this Peak Xuan Rank Martial Technique?" asked Bai Family Master.

Xiao Yi smiled bitterly, "It's not that I'm not interested, I just don't have the money to buy."

He was saving his money to buy Eight Treasures Exquisite Ginseng, naturally he wouldn't waste it casually.

Moreover, a Wind Attribute Martial Technique wasn't of much use to him, and he already possessed Lightning Stone.

Bai Family Master also didn't place a bid; Bai Family itself had Peak Xuan Rank Martial Techniques and it also didn't suit Wind Attribute techniques.

Below, the auction was extremely competitive, and it brought the first climax to the auction.

Eventually, the Peak Xuan Rank Martial Technique sold for two hundred and fifty thousand Silver Tael to a major power seated in the VIP area.

"Next item...."

"Tenth item...."

It must be said, this auction had all kinds of extraordinary items; even if one didn't buy anything, it was an educational experience.

"The eighteenth item up for bid is one of the main highlights of this auction."

The auctioneer's resonant voice filled the entire hall.

With four strong men setting the item on the display stand, Xiao Yi suddenly became alert.

There it was, the Eight Treasures Exquisite Ginseng.