When Ling Yuling did not respond, Xiao Yu asked her:
"Miss Ling, have you started practicing the cultivation art I gave you?"
At that, Ling Yuling's face fell, and she complained:
"Yes, I have. Why didn't you tell me beforehand that practicing it would hurt so much? The first time I tried, I felt as though my whole head was splitting open. Even now, thinking about it still leaves me shaken."
"Uh, you left too quickly back then. I didn't get a chance to tell you," Xiao Yu defended himself.
"So you're saying it's my fault?" Ling Yuling's expression began to darken.
"Ah, what cultivation doesn't involve suffering? Only by enduring the bitterest hardships can you rise above others. Just tell me-is the art powerful? Does it work well?" Xiao Yu hurriedly changed the subject.
At the mention of this, Ling Yuling looked satisfied.
"Yes, it's pretty good. After spending a year mastering the first level, I immediately noticed a clear improvement in my divine sense. But mastering the second level will probably take several more years."
"Then you'll have to keep working hard. Once you reach the third level, it won't disappoint you!" Xiao Yu offered a word of encouragement.
Despite being at the core formation stage, Ling Yuling had taken a full year to master the first level. That meant her aptitude in this area was only average, and she would need to invest even more time in the future.
"Yes, I will." Ling Yuling nodded, then looked down at the hall.
Just then, a refined-looking middle-aged man emerged from a side door at the front of the hall. He walked slowly onto the platform, cupped his hands in greeting as he looked around, and said:
"My name is Ding Qi, and I will be hosting this auction.