Transmigrating over ten thousand years late, I was forced to become a mighty presence

Ji Zhaoyang's casual words, however, caused Shen Yuan's expression to change.

"The Sky Devouring Stone contains 10 Directions Universe Qi?"

Shen Yuan was all too familiar with the name of the 10 Directions Universe Qi—it was a supreme World Qi far surpassing the Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi, and its spatial abilities were among the top-tier across all realms.

Moreover, the greater the amount of 10 Directions Universe Qi, the more vast the spatial power one could manipulate. An Upper Realm Golden Immortal once used an immense quantity of 10 Directions Universe Qi to create a realm beyond the thirty-six heavens and ascended to the Exalted One's rank because of it.

One could say that the 10 Directions Universe Qi was the spirit object closest to the Spatial Path among all realms.

"Of course, it is precisely because of the 10 Directions Universe Qi that the Sky Devouring Stone can open up grotto heavens.

It's just that the concentration of the 10 Directions Universe Qi in the Sky Devouring Stones is too scarce. The quantity of 10 Directions Universe Qi refined from a single Sky Devouring Stone is almost negligible, and not nearly as effective as using the stones directly to create grotto heavens."

As he spoke, Ji Zhaoyang's expression was full of regret.

How could he not know the preciousness of the 10 Directions Universe Qi?

Though the Sky Devouring Stone can create grotto heavens, it is, after all, an object from the lower realms.

But the 10 Directions Universe Qi is the foundation of all heavens, even capable of opening up a realm within the powerful boundary walls of the Upper World; the two cannot be considered in the same breath.

However, the concentration of 10 Directions Universe Qi within the Sky Devouring Stone was indeed far too scarce, and even a mountain-sized Sky Devouring Stone could not refine a complete portion of it.

While Ji Zhaoyang sighed, he did not notice that Shen Yuan's gaze had already locked onto the Sky Devouring Stone within the treasure chest.

As he subtly activated his Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Great Divine Power, Shen Yuan faintly sensed a trace of imperceptible Qi of the heaven and earth coming from within the stone.

This fluctuation was enveloped by the realm forces surrounding the stone, and if not for Shen Yuan actively using his Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Great Divine Power, he would not have even been aware of its existence.

Upon closer inspection, Shen Yuan could sense that the thread of Qi of heaven and earth within the Sky Devouring Stone was extremely faint, yet it seemed to encompass the vast and boundless expanse of all heavens.

"It is indeed 10 Directions Universe Qi!"

Shen Yuan's eyes revealed a look of delight.

To others, the trace of 10 Directions Universe Qi within the stone was too weak to be of any use.

But for Shen Yuan, this was not an issue at all.

Since Shen Yuan possessed the Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Great Divine Power, as long as there was even the slightest hint of any Qi of heaven and earth, he could utilize his innate Path of Refining Elemental Qi to derive from it, even the most supreme World Qi was not a problem.

The 10 Directions Universe Qi was just a particularly special supreme World Qi. With additional effort, he would surely be able to derive it, and hence, Shen Yuan would be able to master this World Qi known as the foundation of all heavens.

"If I could possess enough 10 Directions Universe Qi, I'd be able to start expanding the Secret Realm Square-Inch. Blessed land, grotto heavens, minor worlds—they are far from the limit.

Perhaps, like the mythical Exalted One, I could open up a realm beyond the thirty-six heavens in the Upper World."

While Shen Yuan was pondering, the bidding in the outside world had already reached a staggering degree.

"I, Zhu Mingyao of the True Heavens, offer a Three Cycles Golden Pill. Upon consumption, a cultivator could ascend to the Void Refining Stage and be on the verge of understanding the greater Dao!"

"The Three Yuanji True Heavens are willing to bid a tael of Enlightenment Tea, imbibing which could elevate any baseless Divine Skill to the Third Realm, and even Wondrous Tao Divine Powers to the Second Realm!"

At that moment, a cold voice slowly echoed.

"Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens are willing to offer ten portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi!"

As these words were spoken, the entire Treasure Drop Mercantile Association's auction grounds fell into a brief silence.

Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi, a supreme World Qi known throughout the realms for aiding in understanding the Dao, while not as effective as the Enlightenment Tea, had the advantage of being abundant and long-lasting.

Using the Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi as a consumable, ten portions could sustain an isolation cultivation of a True Monarch for a hundred years.

But no one would squander such a treasure, for once a complete portion is integrated into one's body, it can permanently enhance one's wisdom, making it a sought-after treasure by cultivators from all realms in their dreams.

"Ten portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi?"

"Is this perhaps the accumulation of nearly a thousand years by Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens?"

"Not just that! Don't forget that inside Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens, the many True Immortals and Taoist Doyens require Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi for comprehending the Dao; their consumption alone isn't small.

Those ten portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi probably represent an accumulation of almost tens of thousands of years."

Even the auctioneer in the auction hall could not help but be momentarily stunned.

The next moment, as if she heard a certain voice, she listened attentively before her red lips parted, and she spoke loudly:

"The esteemed bidder for the Sky Devouring Stone declares that if one can offer an Enlightenment Treasure of a higher value, they may proceed with the trade.

If no other Enlightenment Treasures of higher value are presented, the Sky Devouring Stone will be traded with Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens."

Upon saying this, all parties present furrowed their brows in silence.

Within the Primal Chaos Realm, there were a few other Enlightenment Treasures whose effects surpassed the Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi, but either they were rare wonders of the world and could not be compared in quantity to ten portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi.

Either the price tag was far too high, surpassing that of the Sky Devouring Stone by a great margin, so it wasn't worth using here.

For a moment, the auction fell into a brief silence.

But soon, the silence was broken.

"Twelve portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi!"

A calm voice rose in the Void Illusion Realm, causing the various powers to be taken aback at first, then they looked towards the source of the sound with shock on their faces.

It came from Sky Number 2 private room.

"The one speaking is that Falling Clouds Taoist."

"Twelve portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi? Did he perhaps rob the Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens?"

"Even if he did rob them, it's not certain he could produce so many portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi. It's not like it's some common cabbage."

"Could it be that the so-called Falling Clouds Sect is the true legitimate lineage of the Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens?"

Movements stirred among the various factions, and as for Saintess Qing Yu of the Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens, she furrowed her brows at this moment and coldly watched Sky Number 2 private room.

"In the Primal Chaos Realm, aside from the Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens, it's impossible for there to be so many portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi, so I ask the Falling Clouds Taoist not to make such jokes!"

The corners of Shen Yuan's mouth gently curled up into an arc.

"Who told you that only the Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens possess Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi?"

While saying this, Shen Yuan glanced at his own Secret Realm Square-Inch.

Under the constant transformation of Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Great Divine Power day and night, the Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi which originally covered only part of the sky had multiplied countless times, at a glance appearing like a vast canopy of green.

Upon seeing this, the auctioneer hastily spoke up:

"Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi is extraordinarily precious; if the guest in Sky Number 2 private room intends to bid, please present the Qi of heaven and earth as proof."

No sooner had the auctioneer's voice fallen than Shen Yuan lightly waved his sleeve, and a stream of azure Qi rolled toward the auction hall like a veil.

In an instant, the spirit souls of all cultivators in the auction hall trembled, feeling a sense of clarity wash over them, as their numerous chaotic thoughts seemed to be swept away in that moment.

"It's really Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi!"

"Truly a treasure for enlightenment!"

"To not contain such spirited objects, it's simply a reckless waste!"

"Stop the nonsense, if you stored it in objects, would you still be able to feel the effects of such a treasure for enlightenment?"

"That makes sense."

...

Saintess Qing Yu was stunned; she thought Shen Yuan was intentionally quoting a high price to target the Little Clarity Void Grotto Heavens, but who would have expected Shen Yuan to readily produce so many portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi.

Her cool and collected visage momentarily stiffened, and it took a long while before she gritted her teeth and spoke to Shen Yuan:

"Qing Yu was rude!"

In the center of the auction hall, the moment the Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi appeared, Wealth True Monarch gathered it all into his control and completed the distribution into several exquisitely crafted jade bottles.

"Exactly twelve portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi, I wonder if there are any higher offers?"

Inside the Void Illusion Realm, there was silence; ten portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi was already a terrifyingly high price, not to mention twelve portions.

It wasn't that no one could offer a higher price, but that for a piece of Sky Devouring Stone, it just wasn't worth it.

"Since that's the case, the Sky Devouring Stone shall be awarded to the distinguished guest in Sky Number 2 private room!"

With a final strike of the hammer, the treasure chest was respectfully delivered to Shen Yuan.

Afterward, a pale golden treasure chest once again fell from the void.

The auctioneer's expression took on an unprecedented seriousness as he announced loudly to everyone:

"The next item for auction is the penultimate treasure of this inter-realm auction and also the crowning jewel of the Treasure Drop Mercantile Association."

"This item is the Earthly Destroyer Divine Power, the Nightmare Infiltration Curse, originating from the most ancient of assassination illusions capable of killing during sleep without leaving a trace.

"A single Earthly Destroyer Divine Power can be inherited for tens of thousands of years and create an ancient Taoist lineage, its value is immeasurable."

"As per the earlier rules, the Earthly Destroyer Divine Power, Nightmare Infiltration Curse, will not be auctioned for immortal jade, only in exchange for rare treasures. Let the auction begin!"

With the auctioneer's words falling, an indifferent voice once again rose.

"I bid a hundred portions of Origin-purifying Xuanzhen Qi!"