The alluring woman on the central crystal platform waved her hand gently, and the Four Swords of Mystic Void and array diagram that had just been displayed were slowly swallowed up by the Returning Light Crystal Wall, and the entire auction house fell into a brief and oppressive silence once again.
Clearly, the first two items had already made everyone realize that tonight's auction was far more extravagant than any previous one. The woman's gaze slowly swept across the room, a meaningful smile playing on her lips, before her voice became exceptionally low and mysterious. "Next—the third item."
The moment she finished speaking, the entire luminous crystal wall suddenly trembled violently. It was not an ordinary fluctuation of light and shadow, but rather as if some ancient memory had been forcibly torn open from the depths of time, and an indescribable primordial radiance suddenly shone from the depths of the crystal wall.
The first thing to emerge slowly from the crystal wall was a ray of light.
But that light was completely different from any other light in the world. It was neither bright nor dim, nor did it have any color; it was just an extremely subtle, silent radiance, as if it had existed before the birth of the universe.
The moment that light appeared, the sound in the entire auction hall seemed to be lowered, and many cultivators even had the illusion that their thoughts were being gradually illuminated by that ray of light.
The alluring woman slowly said, "The first item— Primordial Traceless Stillness Light."
"Gathered from before the universe was created, Beginningless Endless, it illuminates all names and forms, and is the root of stillness and illumination."
As she spoke, the ray of light slowly rotated in mid-air, blurring the space around it, as if everything lost its definition in its presence.
Immediately afterwards, the second object slowly emerged from the crystal wall.
It was a blank space—a true blank space.
It has no shape, no boundaries, and no color; it looks like an area that has been "carved out" from reality. The blank space floats in the air, and the surrounding space collapses continuously as one gets close to it, as if even the concept of "existence" becomes unstable near that blank space.
The woman said softly, "The second thing— Blankness of the Severed Path of Words."
"Taken from where all beings' thinking is severed, it is formless and wordless, yet it can bear the principles of transcendence, serving as the foundation of supernatural powers."
Just as she finished speaking, many cultivators suddenly found themselves speechless, as if language itself had lost its meaning in the face of that blank space.
Then the third item slowly appeared; it was a Dao Fruit.
Unlike any other spiritual fruit in the world, this Dao Fruit has no physical form. It is like a void structure that is constantly collapsing and reborn, with extremely faint dark patterns flowing on its surface, as if it were the last trace left by some being after it was completely annihilated.
A strange scene kept emerging from that Dao Fruit: the figure of a cultivator was disintegrating, from the physical body to the Fate Soul and even the existence of cause and effect, all turning into nothingness, and in that absolute nothingness, a new existence was slowly condensing.
The woman's voice also became solemn. "The third item— the Void Nirvana Dao Fruit."
"Formed from absolute nothingness after the complete annihilation of the great cultivator's own existence." "Attaining the state of neither Silent Void, it becomes the soul of supernatural powers."
All three items were simultaneously suspended above the crystal platform.
The Primordial Stillness Light burned silently, the blank space devoured concepts, and the Void Dao Fruit was constantly reborn in silence. Three completely different auras intertwined, forming a powerful pressure that made people tremble.
The alluring woman slowly announced, "These three items will be auctioned together as a set."
"Starting bid: 50 million Annihilation Starlight Crystal." As soon as these words were spoken, the entire auction hall fell into a deathly silence.
All the cultivators were stunned.
The aura displayed by those three items was already astonishing enough— Primordial Stillness Light, Blankness of Words, and the Void Dao Fruit; each one was enough to become the most prized treasure of a top-tier sect.
The problem is, fifty million Annihilation Starlight Crystal. That's almost all the accumulation of many medium-sized forces over decades or even centuries.
Many cultivators in the middle and high seats looked at each other, their eyes filled with both fervor and helplessness.
"These three items are simply outrageous..." "But the starting bid is fifty million..." "Who can afford that..." "I'm afraid only the most prestigious Lineage in the VIP section are qualified to bid..."
A murmur of discussion arose, but no one raised their paddle for a long time. At that moment, Qin Yu's gaze was fixed on the three items up for auction.
His expression showed a rare hint of shock, and just as he was pondering, a familiar voice suddenly rang out from the depths of his consciousness.
Xiao Yue's voice. "Little Qinzi." "These three items—we must acquire them." Qin Yu was slightly taken aback. "They'll be very useful." Xiao Yue's tone was extremely serious.
Qin Yu didn't know what the purpose of these three items was, but he never doubted Xiao Yue's judgment.
The next moment, without any hesitation, he raised his bidding paddle, "Sixty million."
The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the auction hall, and in an instant, countless eyes were drawn to the middle seats.
The next moment, a cold laugh suddenly came from one of the private boxes in the VIP section.
"Seventy million." Hua Jingmeng slowly stood at the edge of the private room, her gaze coldly looking down at Qin Yu.
The atmosphere in the auction hall instantly became tense—above the central crystal platform, the three strange and mysterious items still floated in mid-air. The Primordial Traceless Stillness Light, like a wisp of light that existed before the birth of the universe, flowed slowly in the void;
The Blankness of the Severed Path of Words, is like an area dug out of reality, constantly devouring the surrounding concepts and sounds; while the Void Nirvana Dao Fruit silently collapses and is reborn again and again, as if some kind of cycle beyond existence and Does Not Exist is evolving within it.
Three distinct yet harmonious auras intertwined on the auction stage, immersing the entire auction hall in an eerie and oppressive atmosphere.
The moment Qin Yu shouted "sixty million," Hua Jingmeng's icy voice almost immediately fell silent in the luxurious seating area.
"Seventy million." The voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undisguised sarcasm.
Qin Yu remained calm, speaking almost without hesitation. "Eighty million."
The entire auction hall erupted in an uproar. Countless cultivators in the middle and high seats turned their heads to look, and discussions spread like a tide.
"Eighty million... is that price insane?" "Whose young master is this? He's so ruthless!"
"Dare to steal from Hua Jingmeng... you're asking for trouble." "Wait, that person looks like a mid-level Rogue Cultivator?"
"Rogue Cultivator? Impossible." "Tsk tsk tsk, I think that kid might not necessarily lose."
Various voices rang out in the auction hall, and many people's eyes moved back and forth between Qin Yu and Hua Jingmeng, gradually making the atmosphere tense and exciting.
Inside the luxurious seating area, Hua Jingmeng's face had turned completely gloomy.
"Ninety million." His tone was as cold as ice.
Almost everyone thought the bidding was about to end.
However, the next moment— Qin Yu raised his paddle again. "One hundred million."
The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderbolt striking the auction house.
The entire Echo Cliff - Deathbed Auction House instantly erupted in a frenzy.
"What?!" "One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal?!" "This is insane... This is one hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal!!!" "Who exactly is this kid?" "He even dares to defy Hua Jingmeng?"
Countless cultivators were shocked, and even some sect elders in the high-level seats couldn't help but stand up.
One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal —this price far exceeds the entire fortune of many mid-sized powers.
Amidst the commotion, Ye Wuhen, standing beside Qin Yu, froze completely.
He turned his head, his face filled with shock and disbelief. "Brother Qin... this... this is way too expensive!"
His voice trembled slightly. "You... you really have so many Annihilation Starlight Crystal?"
Ye Wuhen couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, his voice growing more and more urgent as he spoke.
"Brother Qin, the entire savings of our sect don't even amount to thirty million Annihilation Starlight Crystal!"
"I really won't be able to help you then!" he said, his forehead already covered in sweat.
Because he knew very well that this was no ordinary auction.
The Echo Cliff Deathbed Auction House is linked to the Lineage of the Supreme Transformation Primordial Domain, and transactions here are absolutely not allowed to be delayed.
If you win the bid but can't produce the Annihilation Starlight Crystal, it's not just a matter of losing face, it's a matter of life and death.
Qin Yu merely glanced at him, his expression remaining calm. "It's alright." "Brother Ye." "I know what I'm doing."
A simple sentence, yet it seemed to have no effect whatsoever, but Ye Wuhen was already covered in sweat, his heart almost leaping out of his chest.
At this moment, in the luxurious seating area, Hua Jingmeng's expression had completely changed.
His eyes were fixed on Qin Yu, his gaze almost spitting fire, "One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal..."
His voice was as low as a wild beast's roar. "I don't believe you can produce it."
The entire auction hall was eerily quiet. Everyone was waiting for the results. In the center of the auction stage, the alluring woman surveyed her surroundings and spoke softly.
"One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal - the first time."
"One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal - Second Time."
No one raised the price further. She gently raised her hand, and a transaction mark lit up within the crystal wall.
"One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal - Sold."
The three treasures on the auction stage were slowly enveloped in crystal light, signifying a successful bid.
At that very moment, Hua Jingmeng's cold laughter suddenly rang out from the luxurious seating area.
"Heh." He looked down at Qin Yu, who was seated in the middle, his tone full of sarcasm. "One hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal."
"Even I couldn't just casually scrape together a hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal." "You?"
The atmosphere in the auction hall instantly became subtle, and countless eyes were once again focused on Qin Yu.
Qin Yu, however, acted as if he hadn't heard those words at all. He simply looked up at the female host in the center of the auction stage, his tone calm.
"Don't worry. I will pay in full." The entire auction house fell silent once again.
The previously bustling atmosphere in the Echo Cliff Deathbed Auction House suddenly fell silent. Three supreme treasures floated above the crystal platform, the Primordial Traceless Stillness Light burning quietly like a wisp of light from before the birth of the universe.
The Blankness of the Severed Path of Words, is like an area carved out of reality, constantly devouring surrounding concepts; while the Void Nirvana Dao Fruit repeatedly collapses and is reborn in silence. The transaction price of one hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal still echoes in many people's minds, like a thunderclap that cannot be dispelled.
In the lavish seating area, Hua Jingmeng slowly stood up, his cold smile growing even more pronounced. His gaze, like that of a venomous snake, fixed on Qin Yu in the middle seating area. His voice, though not loud, echoed clearly throughout the auction hall, "Before the fourth item is auctioned, I need to request verification of funds."
As soon as she said this, a low commotion arose in the auction hall. Hua Jingmeng continued, "What if some people clearly don't have the goods, but deliberately disrupt the auction?"
Everyone could tell that this sentence was aimed at Qin Yu, and many cultivators turned their heads, their gazes once again focusing on the middle-level seating area where Qin Yu was.
Just then, in the highest seat of the auction house, an elderly man in a gray robe, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, slowly stood up. His aura was extremely deep, as if the entire crystal wall space was slightly shrinking under his presence. The old man's gaze swept across the entire auction house.
He then slowly began, "According to the rules of the Echo Cliff - Deathbed Auction House, if anyone raises a reasonable question about the auction results, they can apply for verification of the bidder's funds."
His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
He then turned his gaze to Qin Yu, his tone remaining calm. "Fellow Daoist, Hua Jingmeng has requested verification of your assets. Please present the corresponding funds."
Otherwise, we have reason to suspect that you are inflating your bids.
The entire auction hall fell silent as everyone awaited Qin Yu's response. Beside Qin Yu, Ye Wuhen's expression had completely changed.
He practically jumped out of his seat, his forehead covered in cold sweat. He immediately sent a telepathic message to Qin Yu: "Brother Qin! Oh no, what do we do now! I've got it! I've got it!"
"I still have some friends in Returning Light Heavenly City!" "I'll send them a telepathic message right now and try my best to help you gather 80 million Annihilation Starlight Crystal!"
"We'll figure out the rest!" Ye Wuhen said more and more urgently, his voice almost trembling, because he knew very well that if the verification failed, it would be more than just losing face.
In a place like Echo Cliff, making false bids would result in immediate suppression. Qin Yu looked at his flustered appearance but simply smiled.
"Alright, Brother Ye." "Don't worry." His voice was calm, as if he had everything under control.
The next moment— Qin Yu slowly stood up, and all eyes in the auction house once again focused on him.
Qin Yu stepped forward, walking from the middle seats to the center of the aisle. His gaze fell upon the gray-robed elder in the highest seat, and he said calmly, "Senior."
"I accept his verification of funds." These words drew surprised looks from many.
But Qin Yu didn't stop. He continued, "However, I have a request, I wonder if that's alright?"
The old man in the gray robe raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly also intrigued by the young man's composure.
"Okay." "Tell me about it first."
Qin Yu's gaze slowly swept across the entire auction hall, finally landing on Hua Jingmeng in the luxurious seating area. His voice was clear and steady. "Ladies and gentlemen."
"If I could produce one hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal."
"So, should Hua Jingmeng be banned from participating in all subsequent bidding?"
The auction hall erupted in cheers as soon as the words were spoken. "That's a very reasonable request!"
"That's right. If you have the guts to question others, you must have the guts to accept the consequences!"
"I also think it's fair!" "Otherwise, anyone could arbitrarily verify funds and delay the auction!"
Various discussions arose in the auction hall.
After listening, the gray-robed elder nodded slightly, then turned to look at Hua Jingmeng in the luxurious seating area, and said in a calm and unhurried tone, "Young Master Hua."
"This fellow Daoist proposed that if he could produce one hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal, you would be banned from participating in any subsequent bidding."
You may only view; you may not participate in the bidding for any reason.
"At the same time, your people cannot bid on your behalf." "Do you agree?"
The luxurious seating area fell silent immediately.
A disciple beside Hua Jingmeng's expression changed, and he immediately whispered, "Steward! Our purpose in coming to Echo Cliff this time is for that final treasure..."
"This matter requires careful consideration!" Hua Jingmeng didn't even look at him; her gaze was fixed on Qin Yu.
He sneered inwardly. "Hmph." "Trying to trick me with this kind of offer?"
"If you can't produce it, I can not only make you lose face on the spot, but also take the opportunity to suppress you within the city."
"You—there's absolutely no way you could have one hundred million Annihilation Starlight Crystal."
The disciple next to her was about to say something more when Hua Jingmeng suddenly glared at him.
The disciple immediately shut up, and then Hua Jingmeng slowly stood up, her voice icy. "Fine."
"I accept his request." He looked coldly at Qin Yu. "However—if he can't produce it..."
"Falsely reporting bids." "Then he must be severely punished." The gray-robed elder nodded, then looked at Qin Yu again.
"Fellow Daoist," Hua Jingmeng, "Has already agreed to your conditions."
"Well then—you may begin now." The old man raised his hand slightly, and the entire auction hall fell silent once more.
Countless eyes fell on Qin Yu at the same time.