Lin Shu wasted no time. The moment he caught wind of the auction, he scoured the town, questioning anyone who seemed even slightly informed. Piece by piece, the details fell into place. The auction would last five days, starting tomorrow, and it would be held at the Stone Path Hall Institute — a neutral ground in Greenwood Hollow. The institute's reputation ensured that no faction would dare cause trouble within its walls.
One thing caught Lin Shu's interest: attendees were allowed to wear masks if they wished to keep their identities hidden. For those who sought even greater anonymity, there were VIP rooms, completely secluded from view. But he quickly dismissed the idea — rooms like that wouldn't be given to someone like him. Those were reserved for the powerful, the wealthy, or those with influence.
His mind raced with possibilities. "I could trade my Lightning Steps for another skill… or something even more valuable. Gold is useless when it comes to rare techniques — no one sells power for mere coins."
Wanting to learn more, Lin Shu made his way toward the Stone Path Hall. The place was already bustling with activity, workers preparing for the event. He tried to get closer, but a staff member politely redirected him.
"If you're looking for details, head to the Quest Hall," they advised. "There's a board with the auction rules posted for everyone to see."
Lin Shu followed the advice and soon found himself at the Quest Hall, where a crowd had gathered around a large board. Quietly slipping through the throng, he read the neatly written rules:
1. No fighting is allowed within the auction grounds. Any attempts at violence will be met with punishment — fines, expulsion, or worse.
2. Anonymity is guaranteed. Guests may wear masks or any disguise to conceal their identities.
3. Items for sale must be submitted beforehand with a small processing fee. Sellers may set specific demands for their items — whether it be another item, or gold — or leave the bidding open to the highest offer.
4. Seller's choice. The final decision rests with the seller. Even if someone offers the highest bid, the seller has the right to choose another buyer if they wish.
5. Secrecy is ensured. After a trade is complete, buyers and sellers will be escorted through separate passages to ensure no one can track or ambush them afterward.
6. Five-day event. The auction will grow more intense with each passing day — the most valuable items will be reserved for the final day.
Lin Shu narrowed his eyes, absorbing every detail. "No fighting… good. I can stay hidden. The last day will have the best items — if the Crimson Flow Pill is here, that's when it'll appear."
He turned, slipping into the shadows. There was much to prepare. The auction was tomorrow — and he wouldn't leave empty-handed.
Lin Shu made his way toward another building, where a line stretched down the street. People stood in silence, each holding tightly to their belongings — items to be traded or auctioned off. Next to the entrance, another board listed the rules for submitting trades. Lin Shu's eyes scanned the text carefully:
1. Minimum Value: Items must be worth over 1,000 gold coins to be accepted. Anything lower would be outright denied.
2. Verification Process: Items would be inspected during the auction itself. If found to be fake, the consequences would be severe.
3. Submission Fee: A non-refundable fee of 50 gold coins was required to register an item for trade.
4. Personal Presentation: The seller must personally present the item during their turn. If they failed to show up when their number was called, then their trade would be cancelled.
Lin Shu's gaze lingered on the "severe consequences" line. "They're not joking," he thought. "Trying to trick them would only get me killed."
Before approaching the building, Lin Shu made careful preparations. He summoned his Ivory Dominion armor — but this time, he altered its form. The bone helm covered his head entirely, and he painted its surface, giving it a dull, metallic sheen. He added jagged patterns along the sides and etched false cracks into the surface, making it seem like a simple mask rather than armor. To anyone watching, it would look like a crude disguise, not a manifestation of his own body.
The disguise wasn't just for anonymity. Lin Shu's body bore scars — long, jagged reminders of past battles and suffering. His neck, hands, and arms were especially marked, and without a healing technique, they would never fade. He couldn't risk someone recognizing him by those scars alone.
Stepping into the building, Lin Shu paid the 50 gold coin fee without complaint. The clerk handed him a small, round token with the number 97 carved into its surface.
"When your number is called, bring your item to the stage. The auction host will inspect it before the trade begins. Fail to appear, and we'll keep your fee."
Lin Shu gave a curt nod and left without another word, taking several detours through side streets before finally returning to his house. He locked the door behind him and sat in silence.
The token rested in his palm, cold and smooth. Tomorrow, he would step into the auction. Whether he left with power or disappointment — that would depend on what he found… and what he was willing to risk.
The day of the auction arrived, and Lin Shu moved through the streets of Greenwood Hollow like a shadow. His painted bone armor masked his identity, altered to resemble a crude disguise rather than the manifestation of his own body. A plain robe draped over him, hiding the armor's contours and further obscuring his form. The morning air was cold, and the crowd outside the Stone Path Hall buzzed with anticipation.
Lin Shu joined the line, silent and watchful. When he reached the entrance, he handed over his token — 97 — proof that he had a trade to present. Without a word, the guard directed him to the sellers' section, where others like him stood, each guarding their own secrets and ambitions.
The auction hall was massive. Rows of seats stretched across the floor, packed with eager buyers, while the sellers gathered along the side, separated from the rest. The air was heavy with greed and expectation. Lin Shu kept to himself, scanning the crowd. Most were ordinary cultivators, though a few stood out — their presence sharp, like unsheathed blades. Those were the dangerous ones.
Moments later, a man strode onto the raised platform at the front of the hall. His robes were deep violet, embroidered with gold thread, and a polished jade ring gleamed on his finger. His face wore a perpetual smile, smooth and unreadable — a merchant through and through. He spread his arms wide, his voice ringing out across the hall.
"Esteemed guests, welcome! I am Master Jian Tao, your humble host for these next five days of trade and opportunity." He bowed slightly, his movements precise and graceful, the mark of a man who had spent a lifetime coaxing gold from others' hands. "We've gathered treasures from across Stormridge — rare skills, potent pills, and perhaps even a few secrets worth dying for. Without further delay, let the auction begin!"
The first item was brought forth — a jade scroll containing a Low-Tier Rank 1 Sword Art. Bidding started almost immediately. Lin Shu barely paid attention. One after another, items appeared: cultivation pills, beast pelts, medicinal herbs, low-tier techniques. None were worth his time.
The second day showed more promise. Several mid-tier techniques appeared, their value closer to his Lightning Steps, but none suited his needs. One skill reinforced the meridians, another sharpened qi control — useful, but not for him. Lin Shu's heart remained cold and patient.
Then came the third day. The air was heavier, the crowd larger. Today's items would be the best so far. When Master Jian Tao finally called his number, Lin Shu stepped onto the platform. His painted armor and robe drew a few glances, but no one dared question the disguise. He stood silently beside the host, his eyes cold behind the helm.
Master Jian Tao raised his hands, silencing the crowd. "And now, dear guests, we present one of today's finest offerings!" He gestured toward Lin Shu. "This gentleman brings us a rare and valuable battle skill — the Mid-Tier Rank 1: Lightning Steps!"
Gasps rippled through the hall. Lin Shu could feel the eyes on him, measuring, calculating. Jian Tao continued, his voice smooth as silk.
"Lightning Steps is a movement technique that grants the user unparalleled speed, allowing them to traverse the battlefield like a streak of lightning. Our experts have deemed it among the best of its rank, a prize for anyone seeking to dominate their opponents through sheer swiftness." He paused for effect. "But our seller has specific demands."
The crowd hushed. Lin Shu spoke, his voice low and cold. "I seek a Body Refinement Technique of equivalent rank — one that focuses on strengthening the bones and body. Healing factors and speed are irrelevant." His gaze swept the hall. "Failing that… a Low-Tier Crimson Flow Pill, with gold to balance the trade."
Murmurs spread among the buyers. Body refinement techniques of that caliber were rare. Some cultivators whispered among themselves, weighing their own treasures. Master Jian Tao raised his arm. "Let the bidding begin!"
The first offers came quickly — gold, lesser pills, and a few techniques that didn't meet Lin Shu's criteria. He rejected them all without hesitation. Minutes passed, and no body refinement techniques emerged. His heart sank. Was his gamble in vain?
Then, from one of the masked figures in the private booths, a smooth voice cut through the noise. "A Low-Tier Crimson Flow Pill… and 5,000 gold."
Silence. Even Master Jian Tao raised his brows in surprise.
Lin Shu's pulse quickened. The Crimson Flow Pill — his lifeline. Without it, his cultivation would be crippled. He felt his breath catch, but he kept his voice steady. "Accepted."
Jian Tao nodded, pleased. "A most fortunate trade." He signaled the attendants. A delicate jade box was brought forward, resting on a silk cushion. Lin Shu opened it slightly, just enough to glimpse the pill's dark crimson hue and faint medicinal scent. It was real. The gold was counted before his eyes — all 5,000 pieces — before being poured into a storage pouch.
He slipped both items beneath his robe, vanishing them into his storage ring with a flick of his fingers. The transaction complete, Lin Shu bowed slightly to Master Jian Tao and turned, slipping back into the crowd.
He didn't linger. Others might have stayed to watch the rest of the auction, but Lin Shu knew better. Every moment spent here was another chance for greedy eyes to mark him. He moved swiftly, exiting through a side passage. His painted armor and altered route made it hard to follow him, and by the time he reached his room, his breathing was steady.
In the quiet of his quarters, Lin Shu unsealed the jade box once more. The Crimson Flow Pill glimmered faintly in the dim light. His heart pounded, the taste of victory bitter and sweet.
"Finally…" He clenched the box tight, a sharp grin spreading across his face. Power was now within his grasp. Let the world tremble.