Chapter 423
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Chapter 423: The Scarlet Flame Sword
There were still three auction items left, and the real treasures lay among them. “You want all of them? What do the rest of us get?”
Everyone looked at Ye Yun, their gazes not angry but filled with mockery, as if he were a fool. Did he truly believe no wealthy cultivators were present? Did he think his mere thousands of top-grade spirit stones could secure such treasures?
Zhuge Chong and Zeng Xuan also stared at Ye Yun, their faces etched with resignation.
Truthfully, Zeng Xuan held neither fondness nor dislike for Ye Yun. Though their personalities differed, they bonded through mutual openness—a rarity in the treacherous cultivation world where disputes often turned violent.
Witnessing Ye Yun’s bold claim, Zeng Xuan frowned. These final items were so precious that even the Divine Grace Palace had ordered them to secure one. Bidding under the palace’s name would deter most competitors, ensuring an easy victory.
But Ye Yun’s involvement complicated matters. A youth from an obscure hidden ancestral family, no matter how influential, held no sway in the Great Qin Empire’s capital. What backing could rival the imperial family?
Though the capital enforced its laws, if Ye Yun claimed all three items, shadowy figures might target him. The city’s guards might never solve such crimes.
“Ye Yun, focus on bidding. Silence would serve you better,” Zeng Xuan muttered tersely.
Ye Yun tilted his head, grinning. “My thanks, Brother Zeng. I merely spoke my mind. Perhaps none will interest me. But if one does… expect competition.”
Zeng Xuan sighed, falling silent. He’d never been one for chatter.
Zhuge Chong slung an arm around Ye Yun. “Bold as ever! After this, join me. The Divine Grace Palace’s disciple selection approaches—you must attend!”
Ye Yun smiled, recognizing the unspoken protection. Staying close to Zhuge Chong post-auction would deter attackers. Becoming a palace disciple would shield him entirely within the empire.
Others grasped this too, grumbling before quieting.
On the podium, Yue Yunfan radiated satisfaction. Auctions thrived on spenders like Ye Yun—obscure heirs with deep pockets.
“Our next item needs no introduction: the Scarlet Flame Sword.” Yue Yunfan flicked his wrist. Firelight erupted, coalescing into a blazing longsword.
Crimson and wreathed in flames, the sword pulsed with scorching intent, as if a twitch could unleash fiery devastation.
“The real Scarlet Flame Sword! A pinnacle among extraordinary mystical weapons!”
“Three centuries ago, Ancestor Flamesun wielded it. Not a divine artifact, yet unmatched among mystical weapons!”
“But it demands Fire Spirit Qi. Useless to ordinary cultivators.”
“Exactly! Only Fire Spirit Qi unlocks its power—enough to boil seas!”
“That fool’s weak cultivation blinds him to its might.”
Ye Yun studied the sword, intrigued. Each flickering flame seemed alive, eager to consume all.
“A formidable weapon,” he murmured.
Zhuge Chong leaned in. “It’s among the strongest below divine artifacts. Once past the Golden Core stage’s heavenly tribulation, it unleashes full power—precious even to Nascent Soul Ancestors.”
“The Divine Grace Palace claims this sword,” Zeng Xuan declared, his voice carrying across the hall.
The crowd hushed. Few dared challenge the palace.
Yue Yunfan remained unbothered. While most would back down, some relished defying authority.
“Five thousand top-grade spirit stones!”
A scholar-like youth—Leng Yifeng, Lenghua Sect’s young master—snapped open a fan, smirking.
“Six thousand!” countered Tian Yicheng, a burly rogue cultivator with a chest of coarse hair.
“Leng Yifeng’s stuck at the Golden Core’s first layer for years,” Zhuge Chong whispered. “Tian reached the fifth layer after decades wandering. Rare talent.”
Ye Yun nodded. “I won’t bid against you.”
Zhuge Chong chuckled. “Bid if you wish. The palace competes fairly.”
“Using your name is ‘fair’?” Ye Yun teased.
Zhuge Chong merely laughed.
“Ten thousand!” Zeng Xuan interjected.
Gasps rippled. Leng Yifeng had bid five, Tian six—Zeng Xuan’s leap declared the palace’s resolve.
“Eleven thousand,” Leng Yifeng drawled, fan fluttering.
“Twelve!” Tian boomed.
Zeng Xuan’s jaw tightened. This wouldn’t end swiftly.
“Fifteen thousand.” His calm tone belied the staggering sum.
The hall erupted in shock. Fifteen thousand top-grade stones—a fortune!
“Is it worth that?” Ye Yun whispered.
Zhuge Chong’s voice dropped. “Its hidden uses justify the price. Wait and see.”
Ye Yun’s eyes narrowed. Hidden uses? Was this a hint of trust?
His mind brushed against the Soul Turning Tower, seeking the Ancestor of the Sword Path.
