Absolute Cheater

After collecting the remaining valuable items from the bandit camp, Asher and Valeris made their way back to the mercenary guild to submit their mission report. The journey was uneventful, and within a few hours, they arrived at the bustling city where the guild was located.

As they entered the guild hall, the same receptionist from before greeted them with a mixture of surprise and mild amusement. "Back already? That was… fast."

Asher placed a small sack onto the counter, and when she opened it, her eyes widened. Inside were several insignias belonging to the Red Pelta Mountain Bandits—proof of their extermination.

"Mission complete," Valeris stated casually.

The receptionist exhaled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You two really are monsters…" She scribbled down the details in her ledger before sliding a heavy pouch toward them. "Here's your reward—1,000 high-quality Astral Stones as promised."

Asher took the pouch and stored it away. "Thanks."

As they turned to leave, the murmurs of other mercenaries filled the hall. Word of their terrifying strength had already spread, and many were still processing how two newcomers had wiped out a dangerous bandit group in mere hours.

Ignoring the stares, Asher and Valeris left the guild, making their way toward their next destination—Black Iron City.

****

Black Iron City

The journey to Black Iron City took several days of travel across rugged landscapes, forests, and rivers. As they neared their destination, the scenery changed. Towering black metal walls loomed ahead, giving the city an imposing presence. The air was thick with the scent of iron and sweat, a clear indication of the dominant power in the region—the Black Iron Sect.

Known for their brutal body cultivation techniques, the Black Iron Sect ruled the city with an iron grip. Here, strength dictated status, and only those with formidable physical prowess earned respect. The city's layout reflected its nature: stone-paved streets, towering martial dojos, and training grounds where warriors honed their bodies to unnatural levels of resilience.

As they passed through the city gates, Asher and Valeris observed their surroundings. Warriors clad in heavy armor patrolled the streets, while blacksmiths forged weapons using special refining techniques that enhanced their durability and power.

"The atmosphere here is different," Valeris mused. "Everyone is either a cultivator or a warrior."

Asher nodded. "Makes sense. The Black Iron Sect controls everything, and their focus is pure body refinement. Anyone weak would struggle to survive in a place like this."

Their destination, however, wasn't the sect's headquarters but a far more discreet location—the hidden auction house rumored to deal in rare cultivation materials, forbidden techniques, and unique individuals with special bloodlines.

After gathering some information, they found their way to an unmarked building in one of the city's darker districts. The entrance was heavily guarded, with warriors standing at attention. Their sharp gazes immediately locked onto Asher and Valeris as they approached.

One of the guards stepped forward, his muscular frame radiating a strong aura. "State your business."

Asher smirked. "We're here for the auction."

The guard studied them for a moment before nodding. "Invitation?"

Valeris produced a small token they had acquired from the bandit leader before his demise. The guard examined it closely before stepping aside.

"Welcome to the Black Iron Auction," he said, opening the doors for them.

As they stepped inside, the air grew heavy with an ominous energy. The auction house was filled with powerful figures—sect elders, rogue cultivators, and wealthy nobles, all gathered for one reason: to obtain the rarest and most valuable treasures the underground world had to offer.

Asher and Valeris exchanged glances.

"This," Valeris whispered, a glint of excitement in her eyes, "might actually be fun."

Asher smirked. "Let's see what they have to offer."

And with that, they ventured deeper into the auction house, ready to claim whatever they desired.

Inside the Black Iron Auction House

The moment Asher and Valeris stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. The walls were lined with intricate black steel engravings, and the dim golden glow of spirit lamps cast long shadows over the elegantly furnished interior. The air was thick with tension and greed—everyone here was a predator, looking for the next treasure to claim.

A well-dressed attendant approached them with a polite yet wary expression. "Welcome, esteemed guests. Are you here to participate in the bidding or to sell an item?"

"Bidding," Asher replied smoothly.

The attendant nodded, leading them through a lavishly decorated hallway into a massive chamber filled with tiered seating. At the front stood a grand stage covered in protective formations, where items would be displayed safely. The bidders were a diverse mix—nobles draped in luxurious robes, mercenaries clad in battle-worn armor, and hooded figures hiding their identities.

Valeris leaned closer to Asher, her voice low. "I sense some strong auras here. A few of them might be a challenge if they decide to make things difficult."

Asher smirked. "Let them try."

They took their seats near the middle of the hall, a good vantage point without drawing too much attention. Moments later, a sharp chime rang through the room, signaling the start of the auction.

An elderly auctioneer, dressed in refined dark robes, stepped onto the stage. His presence alone commanded attention—his cultivation was high, and his sharp eyes scanned the room like a hawk.

"Welcome, honored guests," he began, his voice carrying a subtle energy that ensured silence. "Tonight, we offer only the rarest and most coveted treasures. Let us begin."

The first few items were impressive but uninteresting to Asher and Valeris—rare herbs, high-grade weapons, and spirit artifacts. The crowd eagerly bid on them, raising prices to absurd levels, but Asher remained patient. He was here for something more valuable.

Then, the auctioneer's tone changed.

"And now," he announced, "something truly extraordinary—an item that many of you have sought after but few have had the fortune to acquire. A captured Celestial Bloodline Holder."

A murmur spread through the hall. This was it.

A set of armored guards stepped forward, dragging a young woman onto the stage. She was bound in high-grade spirit-sealing chains, her body covered in bruises, but her presence was undeniable. Even in her weakened state, an aura of celestial purity radiated from her, her silver hair shimmering faintly under the stage lights.

Asher's eyes narrowed. "A Celestial Bloodline… no wonder they're auctioning her off instead of keeping her. Their sect specializes in body cultivation, but her bloodline is tied to pure energy-based growth. They can't properly utilize her potential."

Valeris rested her chin on her palm, watching the girl with interest. "Still, she's valuable. If her bloodline is strong, she could be useful."

The auctioneer smiled as the crowd's excitement grew. "Starting bid: 500 high-quality Astral Stones!"

Immediately, hands shot up.

"600!"

"750!"

"1,000!"

The price skyrocketed in mere moments.

Asher remained still, letting the bids climb higher. He knew the real competition would begin once the weaker bidders dropped out.

"1,500!"

"1,800!"

A noble from a wealthy sect smirked as he raised his hand. "3,000!" His smug gaze swept the room, daring anyone to challenge him.

Valeris chuckled. "Cocky."

Asher raised a single finger. "5,000."

A wave of silence washed over the room. Even the auctioneer raised an eyebrow.

The noble's face twisted in irritation. "5,500!"

Asher didn't hesitate. "10,000."

Gasps erupted from the audience. The sheer audacity of doubling the bid in an instant sent a clear message—Asher wasn't someone to be trifled with.

The noble clenched his teeth but hesitated. The price was now beyond what he was willing to pay. He scowled but eventually backed down.

"10,000 going once…"

The auctioneer glanced around. No other bids.

"Going twice… Sold! To the honored guest in the black coat!"

A hush fell over the room as people tried to assess Asher's background. No ordinary cultivator would spend that many Astral Stones so casually.

Valeris smirked. "Well, that was fun."

Asher leaned back, satisfied. "Now, let's see what other treasures they have."

With the Celestial Bloodline Holder secured, the auction continued. And Asher had no intention of leaving empty-handed.

Asher didn't have to worry about any shortage of Astral Stones. With his Eternal Creation talent, he had already produced them in the millions. Right now, he could generate enough to buy an entire world if he wished. Using this ability, he began bidding without hesitation.

Unlike others, he didn't need to rely on wealth or resources—he could create them effortlessly. And though he didn't flaunt it, his Dragon God Bloodline set him apart from everyone in the room.

Even Celestial Bloodlines were rare, but they only had one affinity—Light. Asher, however, possessed nine affinities, each of them immensely powerful and far beyond the norm. These were not ordinary elemental affinities but ones tied to primordial forces, making his very existence something beyond comprehension.

And with this overwhelming power backing him, the auction house would soon realize that no one here could outbid him.

The Auction continued with the Slaves comin in with bloodlines, but none had any Soul heart but Asher still bought them all, cause his Wife need maids for her.