Chapter 412
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Chapter 412: A High-Profile Appearance
The Alchemy Cauldron Sect stood as one of the largest sects in the Great Qin Empire. Though not renowned for cultivating top-tier experts—having reportedly birthed only two Saints in a thousand years, both of whom later vanished—their mastery of the alchemy path allowed them to rival even stronger foes. Their control over alchemy practice methods also earned them alliances with powerful experts and major sects.
The sect’s shop in the empire’s capital bore the name Alchemy Cauldron Building. Behind it lay a sprawling hall spanning thousands of square feet, where the auction was held.
Unlike auctions hosted by merchant guilds or city lords—which permitted anonymity to protect buyers of precious cultivation treasures—the Alchemy Cauldron Sect’s event required all participants to disclose their identities. Though names weren’t publicly revealed, attendees gathered in an open hall without private booths, separated only by seating positions.
Yet, despite this lack of privacy, crowds flocked to the sect’s auctions like moths to flame. Most cultivators, however, failed the spirit stone verification due to empty pockets. Attendees were typically scions of noble clans, elite sect members, or wandering cultivators of Exceptional Cultivation Level.
At the Alchemy Cauldron Building’s entrance, disciples greeted guests while capital guards struggled to control the packed street outside. Without their presence, the doorway would’ve been impassable.
The chatter of the crowd rose and fell like tides. A ten-zhang-long white jade path gleamed at the building’s center, flanked by stone-faced Alchemy Cauldron Sect disciples at the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment stage. Their frosty demeanor chilled the air.
Two Golden Core stage disciples guarded the path’s end, permitting entry only to those bearing tokens. Cultivators stepped forward one by one, presenting tokens to gain access.
“Look! That’s Elder Jiu Shan Wang from the Heavenly One Sect—Third Level of the Golden Core stage. Rumor says they’re determined to win a specific treasure today.”
“The Heavenly One Sect’s just a local name. Even the Cloud Sect sent an elder for some divine medicine.”
“Both are small fries here to pad numbers. My cousin’s neighbor’s brother-in-law is a Divine Grace Palace disciple! They’re joining the auction while recruiting in the capital. This is a triennial event—last time had world-shaking treasures!”
“Divine Grace Palace? Then why bother with other sects? They could buy everything!”
“Who’d waste top-grade spirit stones on trash? You think they’re cabbages?”
“Exactly! The palace has endless treasures. Only something extraordinary would catch their eye.”
“You elders know so much! I’m just a country mouse.”
“We all start ignorant.”
Ye Yun and Old Cheng arrived, stunned by the throng. Ye Yun, especially, couldn’t fathom why a mere auction drew such crowds.
Old Cheng chuckled. “This triennial event’s a spectacle. The items will explain everything.”
Ye Yun smiled. Though his Jin Kingdom upbringing limited his exposure, the ancient soul in the Soul Turning Tower had schooled him well in treasures.
They slipped through the security checkpoint.
“Halt! State your business!”
Two guards blocked them, eyeing their modest robes and mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation.
“Since when do guards play gatekeepers?” Ye Yun muttered to Old Cheng.
Old Cheng’s voice turned glacial. “Your duty is keeping order, not impersonating sect disciples.”
The guards hesitated. One reddened. “We safeguard the capital! You look suspicious—probably here to stir trouble!”
Murderous intent seeped from Old Cheng as the guards brandished their authority, unwilling to back down before these unremarkable cultivators.
"We’re cultivators here for the auction. Step aside," Ye Yun said with a slight frown.
"Ha! If ragged beggars like you can attend, then my brother and I might as well be elite disciples of Alchemy Cauldron Sect! Right, Little Zhang?"
"Exactly! How ridiculous! Brother Hu, think – all those who entered earlier were either well-dressed sect disciples or renowned seniors. Look at your pathetic selves, daring to claim you’re here for the auction!"
"Little Zhang speaks truth. If you’re really auction attendees, show us your VIP token. Fail to produce it, and we’ll drag you to the security office for interrogation."
Old Cheng burned with rage. In his prime, who in the capital hadn’t known him? Yet after a decade’s absence, even lowly street guards dared disrespect him! But he held his temper – this was the capital, not City of Rubble.
"Young master, show them the token," Old Cheng said through gritted teeth.
"Yes, hurry up or face consequences!" Little Zhang lived up to his name, looking as arrogant as his name suggested.
Ye Yun’s expression darkened completely. "Ignorant fools. What right have you to demand my token?"
With a flick of his right hand, two palm shadows struck the guards.
Crack! Crack!
The men flew backward, blood spraying as they crashed into the crowd ten yards away, landing on some cultivators who couldn’t dodge in time.
"Who dares cause trouble on capital streets?"
"Who strikes before Alchemy Cauldron Sect’s gates?"
Two shouts rang out simultaneously. An armored guard captain approached – sixth level Foundation Establishment cultivator – while sect disciples glared from the jade path.
Old Cheng stared blankly. Though he’d wanted to strike those fools himself, he’d never dare act in the capital. Yet Ye Yun had done so without hesitation!
"Young master, this is the capital, not City of Rubble. We must endure," Old Cheng whispered urgently.
Ye Yun glanced at him. "Just two ignorant fools. No matter." He stepped forward, cold gaze sweeping over the guard captain.
"Halt!" The captain reddened at being ignored.
"What? You want a palm strike too?" Ye Yun’s murderous intent thickened until it felt physical.
The captain froze, a chill suddenly gripping his heart. His prepared threats died unspoken.
The crowd fell silent. Attacking security officers during such an event? Unthinkable! Who was this outrageously bold youth?
Old Cheng gaped as Ye Yun walked past the speechless captain toward the jade path, only belatedly scrambling to follow.
Two Golden Core disciples stood guarding the path, examining Ye Yun without suspicion. "Auction attendees? Show your token," one demanded.
Ye Yun stared coldly. "Would I approach without one?"
The disciple frowned, taken aback. "Present your token."
Murmurs erupted:
"He’s bluffing! Look at his cheap robes and early Foundation Establishment level!"
"But who’d dare cause trouble here without a token?"
"Maybe he’s got the lowest-grade token requiring thousand top-grade spirit stones…"
"Enough!" Ye Yun flipped his hand. A black token glinted in his palm.
The Golden Core disciples stiffened, then bowed deeply. "Our apologies, honored guests. Please proceed."
Dead silence fell. A black token? The crowd stared in shock as Ye Yun strode forward, Old Cheng hurrying behind.
