NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Mysterious Bronze Fragment
Chapter 19: The Mysterious Bronze Fragment
As everyone took their seats, the royal auction officially began. Under the watchful gaze of the audience, a group of young palace attendants took the stage, led by a middle-aged man in ceremonial robes adorned with a python emblem.
"Oh, it's Prince Mo Tianxing," Qin Shi murmured from nearby, drawing Lin Langtian's attention.
Lin Langtian noticed that Emperor Mo Jingtian had left at some point, which didn't surprise him. Given the emperor's status, he wouldn't bother hosting an auction, and his duties certainly wouldn't allow him to stay long. Mo Tianxing, the emperor's cousin and the previous emperor's son, held a prominent position in the royal family and was a Creation Realm powerhouse, making him the perfect host for the event, symbolizing both royal authority and the empire's respect for Ling Qingzhu and the other talented guests.
"Esteemed guests, welcome to the Royal Auction Hall," Prince Mo Tianxing greeted, his words brief yet respectful. "Although this auction was organized in honor of the distinguished Miss Ling, I hope all of you find something to your satisfaction today."
After his opening words, Prince Mo Tianxing wasted no time introducing the first item.
"Today's opening item comes from our esteemed Senior Advisor, Master He Gu, a high-level Spirit Talisman Master. Behold, the Flaming Sun Fire Sword!"
A palace attendant brought forth a silver tray, on which lay a two-foot-long, crimson sword radiating a bright fiery glow. Runes danced faintly across its blade, emanating intense heat that filled the room.
"Master He Gu's reputation, of course, needs no introduction. This Flaming Sun Fire Sword, bearing his personal runework, is a supreme weapon. For even a Three Transformation Creation Realm expert, it would be a challenge to defend against. This exceptional high-grade spiritual treasure is open for bidding at a starting price of fifteen thousand Pure Yuan Dans."
"Fifteen thousand Pure Yuan Dans…"
Lin Langtian raised an eyebrow at the price. Even as the Lin family's top talent, he could afford only one or two high-grade spiritual treasures. Within moments, numerous guests began clamoring for the sword. Master He Gu's name carried weight, and the bids quickly rose, showing how coveted the sword was.
Watching the bids climb, Lin Langtian silently marveled at how profitable being a Talisman Master could be and felt an idea sparking within him.
Before long, the Flaming Sun Fire Sword's price had surged from fifteen thousand to twenty thousand Pure Yuan Dans. The first item had already set a record high for the auction, leaving many young talents amazed at Lin Langtian's immense backing from the Lin family, which allowed him to bid so freely.
With Lin Langtian's final bid, the sword sold for twenty-one thousand five hundred Pure Yuan Dans. Looking pleased, Prince Mo Tianxing announced the successful bid and introduced the next item.
The second item up for bid was an Eight Rank Martial Skill. Though not particularly rare, it drew some interest, finally selling for twelve thousand Pure Yuan Dans.
After watching several items pass, Lin Langtian leaned back in his seat, losing some of his initial interest and awaiting something more to his needs. It wasn't until over ten rounds of bidding had passed that he saw something he truly wanted.
A powerful elixir called the Breaking Barrier Flower, a Ninth-Rank Spirit Medicine that aids in overcoming cultivation obstacles, opened at ten thousand Pure Yuan Dans.
Lin Langtian's eyes snapped open, fixated on the herb displayed in a crystal case. Ninth-Rank Spirit Medicines were valuable even in the Great Flame Empire, and his current need for it was immense. He had reached the peak of the Form Transformation Realm and was only a step away from the Qi Transformation Realm. The Breaking Barrier Flower was precisely what he needed!
Naturally, he wasn't alone in his interest. Within a minute, the flower's price had risen to thirteen thousand Pure Yuan Dans, drawing the attention of multiple bidders, including the Skyfall Sect's Du Yun.
"Twenty-two thousand Pure Yuan Dans!"
His sudden bid drew shocked gasps from the audience, as their eyes landed on Lin Langtian. Such a high bid was beyond what most small sects could afford, and even the elite talents in the audience marveled at Lin Langtian's influence within the Lin family.
Seated nearby, Lin Ke'er and Lin Chen exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that their brother likely dipped into the family's resources to fund this bid.
Lin Langtian maintained a calm demeanor, even as Du Yun reluctantly lowered his bid. With no one left to challenge him, Prince Mo Tianxing closed the sale, adding the Breaking Barrier Flower to Lin Langtian's winnings.
Lin Langtian, pleased with his victory, sat back with a contented smile.
"For our next item, we have a rare artifact of the ancient world. Due to its age, our experts have been unable to fully decipher it. However, its markings suggest it might hide a profound secret."
With a flourish, Prince Mo Tianxing lifted a silk covering to reveal an ancient, mysterious bronze fragment. Inscribed with intricate, arcane runes, the fragment emanated faint traces of energy, subtle yet compelling.
"Our royal appraisers believe this bronze fragment may contain a unique patterning technique, useful for anyone studying spirit talismans. While it may not directly enhance one's Yuan energy, it could be of interest to those invested in mental cultivation," he explained.
Several audience members, uninterested in artifacts focused on spiritual energy, shook their heads and dismissed the item. Lin Langtian, however, sat up sharply, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he stared at the ancient bronze fragment on the stage.