"Earth, fire, and water are all accounted for. We're only missing a wind-attribute spiritual material," Xiao Ran had said at the time. "Although wind is a common attribute and not particularly rare, natural wind-attribute spiritual materials are genuinely scarce. Wind is formless and intangible, so for it to accumulate into a spiritual material containing abundant natural wind energy is far more difficult than for the other attributes."
"Ordinary wind-attribute spiritual materials mostly originate from spiritual herbs, soul beasts, or the derivative powers of soul masters. They are not forces of nature and are unsuitable for nurturing the Tai-Xu Grotto-Heaven."
"What should we do, then?" Xiao Cheng asked.
"I've already sent people to look into it. If they find anything, I'll let you know," Xiao Ran said. "Also, tomorrow, several of Ming City's top auction houses—Tianbao Pavilion, the Purple Radiance Chamber of Commerce, and the Sun Moon Auction House—will be jointly holding a premier auction. I hear quite a few good items will be appearing. You should go take a look. You might find a wind-attribute spiritual material."
"A joint auction?" Xiao Cheng was somewhat surprised. "Aren't those three usually competitors? Why would they join forces?"
"During the Federation-wide Grand Tournament, visitor traffic surges. A single auction house would find it difficult to swallow such a massive market," Xiao Ran explained. "Besides, I hear this auction is of an exceptionally high caliber, with a genuine supreme treasure as its finale. By joining forces, the three can share the risks while expanding their influence. Why wouldn't they?"
"A supreme treasure? What kind of supreme treasure?" Xiao Cheng asked curiously.
"I don't know the specifics, but according to unofficial sources..." Xiao Ran lowered his voice. "It's a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone."
"A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone?!" Xiao Cheng's pupils contracted sharply.