The auction proceeded slowly, unfolding amid the expectations of countless spectators. After the enigmatic, fragmented image that had initially appeared, several exceptional items were revealed, each stirring the atmosphere. Among these, the highlight was undoubtedly Xiao Yan's Three-Embellished Qingling Pill, which ignited the most enthusiastic response. As one of the highest-tier Qingling Pills, the presence of genuine three-embellished patterns was rare even within the Black Thorn Region—such a feat required three distinct types of flames during the refining process, a condition that was inherently demanding. When the Three-Embellished Qingling Pill was unveiled, even the leading powers of the region—such as the Blood Sect, the Sky Serpent Mansion, and the Black Skull Mausoleum—could not help but express astonishment. As for the final recipient of the "San-Wen Qing-Ling Pill," it was not the wealthy heir of the Blood Sect, but rather a representative from the Sky-Serpent Prefecture. The young elder from the Sky-Serpent Prefecture immediately announced a price of fifteen million, a staggering sum that left the entire audience awestruck by her determination. Despite his flushed face and strained expression, the heir of the Blood Sect, Fan Ling, could only reluctantly yield to the overwhelming presence of the elder, ultimately giving up his bid with evident reluctance. Observing the elder now sitting calmly with a serene smile, Xiao Yan shook his head, murmuring to himself, "What a formidable woman—she doesn't act unless she intends to strike decisively; once she does, her move is a decisive victory, leaving no room for resistance. She is much like the Man-tara sand snake of the desert, feared and respected by all who hear of her." The peak excitement generated by the San-Wen Qing-Ling Pill gradually subsided after half an hour, and soon after, the previously idle Xiao Yan, seated quietly in his chair, suddenly found himself drawn to a herb placed on a small silver platter brought out by the auctioneer on the crystal platform. The herb was a deep crimson, as if bathed in fresh blood, about the size of a palm. At first glance, it resembled a lingzhi. As soon as it was unveiled, a delicate fragrance spread out, invigorating the spirits of those nearby. "This... is the Earth-Core Fire Lingzi?!" murmured the elderly pharmacist, his voice filled with astonishment. "Remarkable! What good fortune for this young one—having encountered such a rare marvel. Indeed, this auction has been well-attended." The pharmacist's voice, echoing in Xiao Yan's mind, stirred a sense of surprise within him. "Earth-Core Fire Lingzi?" "Heard that, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then a visible joy spread across his face: 'Is this one of the four essential ingredients for crafting the Earth Spirit Pills that Master mentioned?' 'Yes,' the old doctor smiled, 'the Earth Heart Fire Mushroom grows only at the very core of volcanoes, absorbing volcanic energy and the heartfire of the earth. It's extremely difficult for ordinary people to harvest it. Even powerful cultivators—some even at the Emperor of the Battle Realm or the Sovereign level—wouldn't dare venture deep into such volcanic regions.' Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then murmured, 'We can't afford to overlook this. I'm going to see if that person will still try to interfere with me.' While Xiao Yan and the old doctor were speaking, the auctioneer on the crystal platform provided a detailed explanation of the Earth Heart Fire Mushroom's functions and origin. Under his narration, the audience responded positively, indicating that many were genuinely interested in this rare treasure." "Hehe, according to the assessment, the base price for this Earth-Core Fire Mushroom is set at seventy thousand. Now, let's begin." After announcing the price, the white-haired auctioneer smiled warmly toward the audience. With such a high bid, several people who had initially shown interest now fell into disappointment. Though they weren't lacking in funds, in the midst of this intense competition, it was entirely normal for the price to double—perhaps even more—given their relatively modest financial resources. They naturally had to act within their means. "Seventy-two thousand!" Of course, aside from those who intended to withdraw, there were still quite a few determined to secure this item. "Seventy-four thousand!" "...” Xiāo Yīn remained quietly seated in his chair, listening to the steadily rising prices, yet did not rush to enter the bidding. As time gradually passed, the number of bidders dwindled due to the rising prices, until ultimately only two remained in competition, the price having climbed to around one million seven hundred thousand. "One million two hundred thousand!" As the price remained steady, a lazy voice finally broke the silence. Countless eyes followed the sound, converging on the man in black robes who slowly rose to his feet. The sudden surge in price surprised those ahead, who turned to look in astonishment. When Fan Ling noticed that the one calling the bid was precisely the man in black robes from earlier, his brows furrowed again. The price of one million two hundred thousand pressed both final contenders firmly down. Yet, despite the attention from around him, Xiao Yan remained unfazed, slightly tilting his head, his gaze—through the dark robe—settling firmly on Fan Ling's face, carrying a subtle challenge. Feeling the emotion in Xiao Yan's gaze, Fan Ling chuckled, though the Earth-Core Fire Orchid was indeed precious, it held no value for him. Moreover, having once suffered a small setback—spending twenty thousand for a strangely broken item—he was now determined not to act impulsively again. Gazing at Xiao Yan with a faint, indifferent glance, Fan Ling slowly turned his back, no longer willing to engage in pointless delays. "Hmph..." Beneath his black robe, Xiao Yan pursed his lips, lifting his eyes to the crystal platform and asked, "Can we proceed with the hammer now?" Upon hearing Xiao Yan's request, the auctioneer nodded promptly and, after a few inquiries, firmly struck the hammer down. "Relieved," Xiao Yan breathed, his shoulders relaxing as he settled back into his seat. … After the appearance of the Earth-Core Flame Mushroom, the auction hall seemed to gradually wind down, as a series of truly remarkable treasures began to appear one after another. Various techniques, combat skills, and even medicinal formulas were unveiled, creating a dazzling array that left the audience dazzled. The excitement was palpable, with continuous bidding calls echoing throughout the hall. On one occasion, two factions from the back rows engaged in a heated struggle over a set of Xuān-jí-level techniques and combat skills, eventually turning so intense that one of them drew his sword and prepared to physically confront the other. However, just as the man was about to take action, a sudden gust of wind erupted in the upper part of the hall. A long, jet-black arrow descended from the sky in an unusual manner, piercing directly into the man’s chest. The force of the impact drove half of the arrow’s shaft into the solid floor, and the oscillating arrow tip, vibrating at high speed, emitted a sharp, piercing sound. The long arrow descending from the sky brought a measure of clarity to the otherwise disoriented Liangfang forces, who now scanned the surroundings with wary eyes before reluctantly retreating to their respective positions. As the gaze slowly shifted away from the commotion, Xiao Yan, beneath his black robe, followed the brim of his hat to a dark spot on the second floor of the auction hall—where, earlier, the very arrow that had even stirred his own sense of awe had been launched. "These eight gates have the courage to host such an auction; indeed, they must possess a solid foundation," Xiao Yan murmured. Having not participated in the earlier bidding contests, he had remained largely indifferent—his cultivation techniques no longer held much appeal due to Feng Jue's influence, and he found ordinary combat techniques unimpressive as well. Thus, aside from spending forty thousand to acquire a medicinal cauldron named "Eight-Directional Flame," he had purchased nothing else. The thunderous cries of bidding echoed throughout the vast hall, their clamor so intense it nearly tore through the ceiling and soared into the heavens. As the auction was drawing near its final moments, finally a truly significant piece emerged—a technique, specifically a mobility-based one. "Three Thousand Thunder Strikes, Mobility Technique, Rank: Lower Earth Rank." The auctioneer's soft voice instantly silenced the bustling hall. Countless pairs of glowing crimson eyes turned sharply toward the silver scroll resting on the crystal platform, breaths rushing in rapid, steady waves, like the wind blowing through a bellows. "An Earth Rank technique…" Xiāo Yīn inhaled deeply, his heart racing despite himself. His eyes were filled with astonishment—Earth Rank? Indeed, someone had managed to bring such a technique to auction. That was… truly a waste of resources! Such a technique—likely one that even the top-tier powers across the continent would carefully preserve—was now being offered for sale. And here it was, actually being done. "It's not that I'm unwilling to bring it out—it's simply that most of the items auctioned within the Black Corner are 'black goods,' meaning they were obtained through improper means, and the owners are afraid of being discovered. Thus, they themselves hesitate to cultivate them, and therefore, they end up bringing them here." The Elder of the Medicine Sect spoke slowly. Xiao Yan nodded slightly, gazing at the other bloodline sects and powerhouses whose eyes were likewise shining with excitement. He couldn't help but sigh, "Though we're all very enthusiastic about the Three-Thousand-Thunder Technique, it's clear that I still haven't made the cut for the competition." "Indeed, they won't let go of this opportunity," the herbal elder smiled, his voice suddenly tinged with anticipation. "I'm simply curious—this mid-tier cultivation technique is merely the second-to-last reserve. Then, what could be the true hidden treasure, the truly extraordinary and world-shaking marvel?" Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, a wave of shock and awe sweeping through him. Could there be something even more precious and rare than a mid-tier cultivation technique? What could it possibly be?