Chapter 425
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
Chapter 425: No Bidders
The feather of the ancient Heavenly Phoenix—if anyone could damage it even slightly, the Alchemy Cauldron Sect would instead give them ten thousand top-grade spirit stones and hand over the feather for free.
Such a deal actually existed?
The crowd exchanged glances, visibly tempted.
"It seems this really is the feather of the ancient Heavenly Phoenix."
"Indeed. Otherwise, how would the Alchemy Cauldron Sect dare make such an offer? Ten thousand top-grade spirit stones aren’t something any sect can casually produce."
"Why don’t we all try? If we manage to damage it even a little, we’ll strike it rich!"
"You’re as dim as a barnyard hog. Let’s not debate whether this is truly the ancient Heavenly Phoenix’s feather. If it *is* real, attempting to damage it would be futile. Worse, you’d risk offending the Alchemy Cauldron Sect. Do you want their future retaliation? Even if you succeeded, claiming ten thousand spirit stones would humiliate them. They’d never let that go."
"So you’re saying we shouldn’t touch it?"
"Look around—is anyone else trying?"
"True. Seems no fools remain here. Thank you for the warning, brother." The man broke into a cold sweat, trembling at how close he’d come to provoking the sect’s wrath.
Over a hundred people crowded forward, staring wide-eyed at the feather. None dared act.
Zhuge Chong and Zeng Xuan mirrored the crowd, eyes narrowed in silent calculation.
Suddenly, Ye Yun’s voice cut through.
"Everyone, if you’re not testing it, step aside."
*Step aside?* You want to try?
All eyes snapped to Ye Yun. Finally, a fool had emerged! Yet his cultivation level was merely early Foundation Establishment—could such a weakling prove anything?
No matter. Perhaps he’d reveal something useful.
The crowd parted like water as Ye Yun approached. He stopped before the feather, meeting Yue Yunfan’s welcoming smile.
"Brother Ye, proceed freely. If damaged, our sect honors its pledge," Yue Yunfan said warmly. If all bidders were as agreeable as Ye Yun, profits would triple!
Ye Yun scratched his nose. "Who said I’m testing it? With Elder Yue’s reputation and integrity, deception is unthinkable. I’m here to bid. One hundred top-grade spirit stones!"
One. Hundred.
The crowd froze. They’d expected an inspection, not a bid wrapped in flattery.
Did he truly believe this was a Heavenly Phoenix feather? Impossible! Such a legendary being’s feathers held immense power—how could one end up here? If genuine, why would the Alchemy Cauldron Sect auction it? Shouldn’t royal houses and top sects like the Misty Sect or Divine Grace Palace be swarming? Yet only two Golden Core disciples from Divine Grace Palace attended.
A hundred stones meant nothing here—pocket change to some. But this feather lacked even a wisp of spiritual energy. Not an artifact. Not worth ten stones, let alone a hundred.
Instantly, the crowd gazed at Ye Yun like he’d sprouted donkey ears.
"Young Master Ye recognizes true value! A hundred stones is shockingly modest," Yue Yunfan declared, recovering swiftly.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Yet no counterbids came—all had branded the feather a fake.
"Do I hear any higher bids?" Yue Yunfan’s smile wilted with each shout.
Silence.
Yue Yunfan’s face tightened. He’d expected no bids *or* a thousand-stone opener. Not this humiliating pittance.
"One hundred stones for an ancient Heavenly Phoenix feather? It’s worth ten thousand!" he pleaded, spinning elaborate praises.
Still nothing.
"Elder Yue," Ye Yun called, "I’ve waited half an incense stick’s time. Declare my victory already. As a sect elder, you wouldn’t break faith, would you?" His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he glanced at the feather.
Yue Yunfan’s cheek twitched. "N-Naturally! With no competing bids, the feather belongs to Young Master Ye."
A hundred stones for "ancient Heavenly Phoenix" fluff.
Laughter erupted as Ye Yun accepted the feather. Everyone knew he’d just donated to the Alchemy Cauldron Sect.
Yue Yunfan stood stiffly onstage. Truthfully, the sect had no idea where the feather originated. Tests proved it indestructible yet inert—too soft for artifacts. Its faint crimson hue inspired the phoenix tale, hoping to lure big spenders.
Who’d guessed three hundred attendees would yield only one pathetically low bid? These cultivators were too sharp to swindle.
"Brother Ye, you’ve misjudged this time," Zhuge Chong teased, watching Ye Yun cradle the feather.
"Indeed. No spiritual energy, no power. Impossible to be genuine," Zeng Xuan agreed.
Ye Yun merely smiled. Had they heard his thoughts, they’d have caught one triumphant phrase:
*"Ancestor… the Heavenly Phoenix feather is ours."*
