Chapter 504

Chapter 504: Heaven’s Machine Auction House

"My Lord!"

At the headquarters of the Canglan Merchant Alliance, the Head of the Qin Family hurriedly arrived.

"This flustered manner is unbecoming. What is the meaning of it?" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal rebuked.

The Head of the Qin Family wore a grave expression. "My Lord, you may not yet know, but an hour ago, people from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion were spreading the word. They claimed the Taixu Domain is the physical form transformed from the body of the rogue Four Tribulations Dao Sovereign Star Master. They called it a massive trap."

"Right now, every soul in Canglan City knows of it. Many are actively discussing the Taixu Domain."

"Star Master?"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal narrowed his eyes slightly. He was naturally familiar with the name Star Master – a figure infamous for extreme malevolence.

If this is true, the Taixu Domain actually fits the Star Master’s modus operandi, thought Xuan Du Ancient Immortal. But why would the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion disseminate such information?

"According to reports from our spies, Lu Chengfeng, leading his people from Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, has already purchased a location. They are converting it into the Heaven’s Machine Auction House. The framework is currently in place," reported the Head of the Qin Family.

A grim expression clouded Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s face. "Is he short on funds again?"

The Head of the Qin Family shook his head; how could he know?

His eyes darted thoughtfully. "My Lord," he said meaningfully, "Heaven’s Secret Pavilion in Canglan City is like a thorn in our side. Yet we cannot remove it. This is untenable."

"And what is your proposal?"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal sneered. "Do you wish to move against him?"

"Let me tell you, old man, the moment you harbor such a thought, even before Heaven’s Secret Pavilion lifts a finger, I will be the first to annihilate you. To wipe out the Qin Family!"

"Do not bring trouble upon the Second Young Master."

The Head of the Qin Family felt a sudden chill and hastily nodded in agreement.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal solemnly pronounced, "All of you must remain strictly obedient. Do not provoke the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion. If he wishes to build the Heaven’s Machine Auction House, let him build it."

"At worst, we simply yield this territory of Canglan City to him."

"Yes, Your Excellency," acknowledged the Head of the Qin Family, though his heart seethed with resentment.

The Second Young Master’s name resonated with immense prestige throughout the Hongmeng Dao Realm. Why must they make concession after concession to a mere Heaven’s Secret Pavilion?

"Let us observe what kind of spectacle he can create…"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal and the Head of the Qin Family left the merchant alliance headquarters together and proceeded to the Heaven’s Machine Auction House.

The auction house was still under construction.

The first thing to catch the eye was a pair of couplets, identical to those gracing Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

The architectural style also maintained the simple, unadorned tradition characteristic of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

The auction hall itself, viewed from above, resembled a large, hollow cylinder. The central space was the main floor, encircled by tiers of private rooms reaching up ten stories.

The higher the floor, the fewer the private rooms, signifying greater status.

"The Young Master of the Lu Family… To think that after joining Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, he has been reduced to a mere worker. How lamentably pitiful," the Head of the Qin Family mocked derisively.

"Working for others is always preferable to serving as another’s dog," Lu Chengfeng retorted coldly.

"Sharp-tongued!"

The Head of the Qin Family said sinisterly, "If I remember correctly, the last person who spoke such words was Lu Xuanyin."

"Sadly, her end was death, her soul scattered."

"Spirit? In the face of power, it counts for nothing."

"Old dog, stop spouting nonsense here. Working for the Master is our privilege," the Formless Demon Lord sneered.

"You old dog, you’ll never get the chance in your whole life."

"You insolent brat, how dare you insult me like this?" The Head of the Qin Family trembled with fury, gathering his magical power as he aimed to strike down the Formless Demon Lord.

An Immortal Venerable, daring to humiliate himself?

"Back down!"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal frowned, halting the Head of the Qin Family from acting, and said, "Don’t be reckless."

The Head of the Qin Family’s face turned green with rage; he gnawed his teeth viciously, glaring wildly at the Formless Demon Lord while wishing he could tear him apart.

"Young Master Lu, when will Heaven’s Machine Auction House open?"

At that moment, Dao Lord Long Yuan arrived, his expression beaming as he chuckled, "On opening day, I’ll certainly present a congratulatory gift from my master to honor the Master."

"At most five days," Lu Chengfeng bowed and said, "On behalf of the Master, I thank you, Daoist brother."

"Make sure to inform me."

Dao Lord Long Yuan laughed loudly and strode away proudly.

"When it opens, I’d appreciate it if Young Master could notify me. This elderly one will prepare a simple token to celebrate the Master," Xuan Du Ancient Immortal said.

"A simple token?" the Formless Demon Lord mocked scornfully, "Old man, the Second Young Master is one of the top prodigies in the Hongmeng Dao Realm; anything worth presenting is likely priceless. My Master wouldn’t glance at a meager gift."

"…"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s face darkened.

Giving gifts should be voluntary and mutual, yet Formless Demon Lord openly demanded lavish ones; to Xuan Du Ancient Immortal, this was utterly mortifying.

"No wonder he has no shame!" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal spat out.

"What’s the point of saving face?"

Formless Demon Lord spoke shamelessly, "You two old thieves cling to your dignity, but aren’t you colluding together to harm others instead?"

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s face twitched violently.

Such a brazen person, he truly couldn’t communicate with through words.

He flicked his sleeve and departed with the Head of the Qin Family.

Lu Chengfeng watched their receding figures expressionlessly.

Evening fell.

Heaven’s Machine Auction House had been constructed but not yet opened.

During this time, a series of preparatory tasks still needed completing.

"Master, I’ve been managing the Canglan Merchant Alliance for years and have many friends across the realms," Lu Chengfeng said. "But my cultivation is too weak to contact them swiftly."

"These friends all come from illustrious families with extraordinary cultivation," Lu Chengfeng continued. "If I explained the stakes in a letter, they would surely come."

"As for the Invitations," Ye Xu smiled, "I’ll have Dao Sovereign Qingyuan assist us."

In the next moment, Dao Sovereign Qingyuan appeared in Heaven’s Secret Pavilion, clad in cyan robes, her aura serene and elegant.

"Young lady pays her respects to the Master." She bowed. Having cultivated within the Canglan Divine Tree all this time, her realm was now completely stable.

She had become the undisputed strongest cultivator in Canglan City.

Yet before Ye Xu, Dao Sovereign Qingyuan remained deeply reverent. Everything she possessed was granted by him.

"Daoist friend," Ye Xu smiled as packets of Invitations hovered mid-air, "I need you to do me a favor. These Invitations are to be delivered to various sects across the realms."

"Accomplish this for me, and I owe you a favor."

"Master speaks too lightly," Dao Sovereign Qingyuan replied with a faint smile. “Previously, the Master helped this young lady devour her elder brother and advance to Dao Sovereign. That favor is greater than Heaven itself."

"Delivering a few Invitations requires but a trivial effort."

"When Heaven’s Machine Auction House commences its business, this young lady will surely bring generous gifts."

Ye Xu nodded, visibly pleased. He pondered silently.

Perhaps Dao Sovereign Qingyuan could be brought into Heaven’s Secret Pavilion? Having another Dao Sovereign subordinate would certainly make things more convenient.

Whoosh!

Dao Sovereign Qingyuan collected the jade slips and instantly divided into ten identical figures, each flying toward a different destination.

"Master, who was that lady?" the Formless Demon Lord asked, astonished.

"The Canglan Divine Tree."

"It?" The Formless Demon Lord’s eyes widened. That ancient tree had left an indelible impression on him.

After Dao Sovereign Qingyuan departed, Lu Chengfeng spoke again. "Master, concerning the plans for Heaven’s Machine Auction House, currently—"

"No need to report to me," Ye Xu interrupted. "Since I’ve entrusted this matter to you, handle it with full authority. Do well, and you’ll be rewarded. Mishandle it, and you’ll face my punishment."

"The Master has always been fair in both reward and punishment," the Formless Demon Lord chuckled nervously.

The moment his voice faded, a chilling aura brushed over him.

"The Master is truly wise!" the Formless Demon Lord proclaimed loudly. "With the Master presiding over Heaven’s Secret Pavilion and masterminding operations, Heaven’s Machine Auction House’s first venture is bound for resounding success, earning a fortune!"

"You may leave now."

Ye Xu said, "It has been a hard time for you all lately."

"Yes."

The disciples departed one after another.

"Young Master Lu, what do you intend to do?" Su Mu inquired. "Am I worthy to know?"

"Why would you say that, Senior Brother Su?"

Lu Chengfeng replied, "By seniority, I rank below you. If you wish to know, I naturally wouldn’t dare hide anything."

Formless Demon Lord also came closer.

"The Heaven’s Machine Auction House consists of ten floors, signifying we can establish a ten-tier VIP system based on each customer’s expenditure plan within the auction house."

"The available positions at each higher tier must gradually decrease."

"The highest tier can have only three positions."

Lu Chengfeng spoke methodically.

"Additionally, we specialize in intelligence—provided only by the Master himself. Outsourced intelligence will never be accepted."

Su Mu pondered thoughtfully.

In truth, Lu Chengfeng’s approach was rather conventional.

Yet, the novelty of the fate auction did bring a refreshing twist.

"Success hinges on attracting the big fish this time!"

Lu Chengfeng said solemnly, "Senior Brother Yi, Senior Brother Mu, Senior Brother Su—from this moment onwards, we may gradually disseminate matters concerning the All Laws Sect Ruins and the Book of Time under the name of Heaven’s Machine Auction House."

In a few more days, the official opening would commence.

"Agreed."

Formless Demon Lord laughed heartily. "I’ll be damned if I don’t make every soul in Canglan Immortal Domain know about the Heaven’s Machine Auction House’s existence."

Whoosh!

Full of drive, Formless Demon Lord vanished in an instant from everyone’s sight.

Su Mu and the others each set off to act.

It wasn’t long.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal caught wind as well.

"News of the Book of Time?" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s interest flared intensely. "Does the Master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion truly possess such capability, that he’d auction off information about the Book of Time?"

"It’s likely a hoax."

The Head of the Luo Family commented.

"Not necessarily."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal said solemnly, "The Master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion first revealed the secret of Taixu Domain precisely to build momentum for this Auction House’s launch."

"Having disclosed such a weighty secret, he would have little reason to jeopardize his reputation with falsehoods about the Book of Time."

"Your insight holds true, Esteemed Sir."

Hall Master’s Elder chimed in immediately. "This subordinate also believes the matter of the Book of Time is certainly not without basis."

"This old master needs to contact the Second Young Master."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal dismissed the crowd.

Once everyone had left, he retrieved a Dragon Pattern Incense stick, nine inches long and gleaming like rose gold. Xuan Du Ancient Immortal channeled his magic power and lit the Dragon Pattern Incense.

Before long, the Dragon Pattern Incense ignited, its fragrant smoke curling upwards.

Within the hazy smoke, another spacetime seemed to materialize. There, visible through this rift, was a youth carrying a sword box on his back. His clothes were plain, his aura ethereal, yet he radiated an unyielding sharpness.

His eyes, bright as starlight, were impossible to overlook.

"Xuan Du, what reason brings your contact?" the voice of the Second Young Master came through. He sat casually on the ground, an ancient sword resting across his knees as he lowered his head, polishing the blade with a piece of cloth.

"Young Master, there is news regarding the Book of Time."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal’s voice was grave.

Shua!

Instantly, the Second Young Master stopped polishing his sword. His hand clamped tightly onto the ancient blade.

"What, specifically, is the matter?" he demanded.

"The Heaven’s Secret Pavilion has established the Heaven’s Machine Auction House, specializing in auctioning intelligence on opportunities. Within the list of intelligence slated for auction in a few days, they have included information concerning the Book of Time."

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal reported.

"The secret of the Book has spurred countless seekers, yet no one knows its whereabouts," the Second Young Master said, his expression slightly mocking. "Now, with Heaven’s Secret Pavilion releasing this news on the Book of Time, countless people would indeed flock to it."

"Young Master… you’re not interested?" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal asked, astonished.

"The one most interested would be Fifth Brother."

The Second Young Master stated lightly.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal frowned slightly.

He didn’t understand the meaning behind the Second Young Master’s words.

"You stay there. Inform me of the outcome after that auction concludes." The Second Young Master’s voice lingered in the air, but the smoke gradually dissipated, and his figure vanished into emptiness.

"The Young Master remains so composed?" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal was utterly perplexed.

That was the Book!

A sacred artifact considered the supreme treasure throughout the entire Hongmeng Dao Realm!

"Attendants!" Xuan Du Ancient Immortal called out. "My Lord, what are your orders?"

"Bring the Seven Star Umbrella from the treasury. This old master is going to the Heaven’s Machine Auction House."

A quarter of an hour later.

Xuan Du Ancient Immortal, holding the Seven Star Umbrella, arrived at the Heaven’s Machine Auction House.

"Young Master Lu, the Heaven’s Machine Auction House is about to open. On behalf of the Second Young Master, I offer this humble gift, wishing the Master’s business to prosper evermore."

"Many thanks."

Lu Chengfeng revealed a smile, accepted the Seven-Star Umbrella, and handed an Invitation to the Xuan Du Ancient Immortal. "Your Excellency Xuan Du, when the auction begins, with the Invitation, you can enter the auction."

"The Invitation records your seat."

His smile was gentle, pleasantly warming like a spring breeze, as if he had forgotten the scene in the Lu Family’s ancestral land where the Xuan Du Ancient Immortal forced Lu Xuanyin to her death and made Lu Yunzhao and the other two abolish their cultivation.

The Xuan Du Ancient Immortal accepted the Invitation; his smile also held a trace of eeriness.

After seeing off the Xuan Du Ancient Immortal, Lu Chengfeng continued to manage the affairs of the Heaven’s Machine Auction House.

Meanwhile,

cultivators from Canglan Divine City converged from all directions, growing more numerous, at least all in the World Master realm, with many Dao Lords, and several Dao Sovereigns lurking in the shadows.

The news of the Book of Time fully ignited the major immortal domains.

Four days later,

Heaven’s Machine Auction House opened.

Led by Dao Sovereign Qingyuan, Dao Lord Long Yuan, Luo Nishang, and other Dao Lords personally arrived at the door, each presenting an opening gift to Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Outside Heaven’s Machine Auction House, it was crowded with a large crowd.

"Why isn’t the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion here?"

Countless cultivators questioned, repeatedly asking Lu Chengfeng.

"I am here."

At that moment,

Ye Xu’s voice echoed through the sky; he descended slowly beside Lu Chengfeng, garbed in blue robes like a god descending into the world, and with one sweep of his gaze, heaven and earth instantly fell silent.

"Dear friends, Heaven’s Machine Auction House has opened. Honored guests holding Invitations may enter the VIP rooms. The remaining friends can participate in bidding in the auction hall."

Ye Xu said lightly.

"This auction will be hosted by this junior. I hope all my seniors give generous support." Lu Chengfeng spoke politely with a cupped-hand salute.

"Please enter." As soon as Lu Chengfeng’s words fell, numerous Dao Lords and Dao Sovereigns swarmed inside.

Guided by the staff, they settled the guests respectively into VIP rooms and the auction hall.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Ye Xu’s gaze fixed on a woman with purple hair and a light veil over her face; she possessed peach blossom eyes where charm arose naturally, yet her aura was cold and aloof as an icy mountain, giving off an air that warded off strangers.

Of course, the woman’s beauty was at a devastating level, but Ye Xu hardly cared.

What he cared about was that the woman was actually a Four Tribulations Dao Sovereign.

"I never expected that this time, a Four Tribulations Dao Sovereign would descend." Ye Xu murmured.

So far,

he had only ever seen one Four Tribulations Dao Sovereign, the Star Master, who was severely wounded and could not maintain his strength at peak.

But this woman’s aura was profound as an abyss and vast as an ocean, clearly a Four Tribulations Dao Sovereign in her prime, with terrifyingly powerful strength.

Ye Xu did not hide his gaze; the woman also looked back at Ye Xu at the first moment.

Their gazes met.

The woman nodded slightly.

The person before her was the renowned master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion.

Ye Xu nodded in response, then turned and entered the Heaven’s Machine Auction House, arriving at the top-level VIP room to calmly wait for the upcoming auction.

He shifted his gaze and discovered that the woman had appeared in the auction hall.

This meant that she had not received an Invitation from the Heaven’s Machine Auction House and was likely attracted by the news of the Book of Time midway.

The woman sat peacefully in her seat, energy flowing within her; she seemed isolated from the surrounding cultivators, as if in another time and space.

"Junior Lu Chengfeng greets all seniors."

A platform made of divine stones slowly rose from underground; Lu Chengfeng stood on it, smiling warmly, exuding an indescribable confidence.

"Don’t dawdle, hurry up and auction the news about the Book of Time!"

A Dao Lord urged.

"Huang Zhuangzhu, you’re merely a Nine Tribulations Dao Lord; even if you can auction off the secret of the Book of Time, you won’t be able to obtain it, so don’t waste your effort."

Said one.

"Seniors, please calm down a little."

Lu Chengfeng smiled and spoke easily, "The secret of the Book of Time is related to the fall of the All Laws Sect and is the highlight item of this auction."

Boom!

The three words ‘All Laws Sect’ were like a stone cast into water causing ripples.

As everyone knew.

Twelve Yuanhui ago, the All Laws Sect controlled twenty-six immortal domains, with Dao Sovereigns numerous and countless experts, but it mysteriously fell overnight, with no ruins ever found.

Now, it was unexpectedly connected to the Book of Time.

"When the All Laws Sect was at its peak, it suddenly collapsed and disappeared; surely, a top-tier powerhouse of the heavenly sovereign level must have acted to achieve that."

"The fact that it involved the secret of the Book of Time makes this tragic destruction seem plausible."

Everyone discussed it heatedly.

At that moment.

Many Dao Lords and Dao Sovereigns felt unbearably impatient, wishing they could immediately skip to the last part to auction the information about the All Laws Sect.

A trace of strange light appeared in the purple-haired woman’s violet eyes.

"How could the master of Heaven’s Secret Pavilion uncover a secret from twelve Yuanhui ago? Who exactly is this person? To have such vast divine abilities?"

The purple-haired woman murmured.

Earlier, she had observed Ye Xu to get a glimpse of his cultivation, but she couldn’t see through him at all.

Just as the purple-haired woman was pondering, Lu Chengfeng’s voice echoed throughout the hall.

"This auction has a total of ten items; each item is an opportunity, and the lowest-level opportunity involves Dao Lords."

"Kid, stop talking nonsense, hurry up and start!"

Many cultivators were impatient.

Lu Chengfeng pursed his lips and smiled.

"Now, let’s begin auctioning the first item."