Chapter 440

Chapter 440: Plague Toxin Banner

Three days later, Fang Lie remained disguised as the black-robed man and arrived at the small auction venue.

The gathering numbered over a hundred cultivators—all at Wind Tribulation Immortal level or higher, including two Thunder Tribulation Immortals. This counted as a significant event for such a place.

The auction was held in a massive stone hall. The hall appeared crude beyond measure—smooth stone floors and bare walls without decoration. Aside from its vast size, it resembled structures built by primitive tribes.

Cultivators sat on individual sitting cushions along one side, facing a slightly elevated platform used for displaying goods.

A middle-aged man in embroidered robes stepped forward first. Introducing himself as Fenghuo True Immortal, he represented Chaos Demon City’s eight major gangs to welcome guests. Though the city seemed lawless, these gangs secretly maintained order while controlling every aspect of urban life—including this jointly operated auction house.

After routine pleasantries, he announced: "This auction contains two phases. First, we’ll sell a dozen prepared treasures using small spirit pearls. Afterward, attendees may present their own items—one chance per person." Smiling, he clapped his hands. "Without delay, our first item: a Seventh-rank low-grade Melting Snow Sword!"

He produced a three feet long silver flying sword that radiated piercing coldness across the hall.

Excitement rippled through the crowd. Bids instantly reached a million small spirit pearls, swiftly surpassed by higher offers.

Fang Lie watched with concealed disdain. This sword ranked among the weakest of its tier—true quality blades never leaked their aura so obviously. The uncontrolled frost betrayed its mediocrity.

Most attendees knew this. But Seventh-rank treasures remained rare finds, especially for scattered cultivators dominating the crowd. Their enthusiasm drove the price to 1.8 million small spirit pearls—an auspicious start.

Subsequent auctions featured materials rarely exceeding tens of thousands, interspersed with occasional Sixth-rank treasures. Typical auction strategy placed prime items at start and finish, padding the middle with lesser goods.

Fang Lie grew bored, questioning why he’d bothered attending. Only when the final item appeared did he snap to attention.

From Northern Desert ruins came a Plague Toxin Banner—taller than a man, dwarfing standard banners. Its golden pole appeared metallic but was actually the preserved corpse of an extinct ancient insect, already priceless alone.

The banner’s cloth seemed silken at first glance. Closer inspection revealed neither fabric nor illusion—countless green particles coalesced through arcane methods into shifting, sinister folds that oozed malevolent energy.

Though Fang Lie disdained evil artifacts, he recalled his sister Mao Mao’s recent diagnosis: Plague Spirit Immortal Root. This banner’s properties might suit her perfectly.

The host gestured dramatically. "Among recent Northern Desert discoveries, this ranks second only to Dao Pattern Heavenly Eye! Though degraded to Seventh-rank top-grade after losing Spiritual Energy and spirit, its prime rivaled Ninth-rank treasures!"

"Even now, it emits undetectable plague toxins penetrating all defenses. Fire Tribulation Immortals aren’t immune! Conventional detoxification fails against this disease-like poison. Retrieval teams lost multiple members, and survivors still suffer—only one Fire Tribulation Immortal clings to life!"

"Such power comes rarely! Starting bid: three million!"

Silence followed. Compared to the sword’s frenzy, this felt mortifying. Murmurs spread:

"They dare peddle this broken toy as finale? Money-grubbing fools!"

"Three owners died refining it in recent years! Only outsiders would bite!"

"Hehe, even outsiders wouldn’t fall for this nowadays. Everyone’s smart enough to do research first. Can’t you see nobody’s bidding here?"

However, an Elder in green robes suddenly declared, "I’ll take it for study!"

"Excellent!" The host exclaimed with relief. A Fire Tribulation Immortal’s word held absolute authority – finally offloading this troublesome item. He rushed to finalize the deal before any regrets.

A black-robed man abruptly countered, "Three and a half million!"

This was Fang Lie. Backed by the all-knowing old bird, he feared no cursed objects. His original plan was to wait until all interest faded for lowest price.

But when this unexpected challenger appeared, Fang Lie had to intervene.

The host grimaced, reluctantly asking the Fire Tribulation Immortal, "Esteemed Elder…?"

The Elder ignored him, glaring coldly at Fang Lie. "Junior, you dare oppose me?"

"Exactly," Fang Lie retorted. "This is an auction – bids rule here. Unless you want to break Chaos Demon City’s regulations?"

The Elder choked on his anger. No one operated shops here without powerful backers – this auction house had Thunder Tribulation Immortals supporting it.

With forced composure, the Elder sneered, "Boy, we’ll see who laughs last!"

"I’ll be laughing," Fang Lie scoffed. "A mere Fire Tribulation Immortal acting tough? You’ve overstepped!"

The Elder’s aura faltered. As a scattered cultivator who’d risen through caution, he now suspected Fang Lie might be disguised Thunder Tribulation Immortal. Past incidents haunted Chaos Demon City – powerful experts pretending weakness then annihilating entire families.

Fang Lie shrugged. "No bids? Then it’s mine."

"None at all!" The host bowed repeatedly. Who’d challenge someone who’d silenced a Fire Tribulation Immortal?

After securing the Plague Toxin Banner in a sealed Sumeru Bag, Fang Lie prepared to leave, believing no more treasures remained.

The auction’s second phase began. A youthful-looking gentleman announced, "Everyone! I offer one hundred Green Fox Clan maidens in exchange for Wind Tribulation Immortal-grade spirit pills!"

Fang Lie sat back down. Green Foxes rarely appeared outside – such numbers suggested a major tribe. Only his Ten Thousand Flower Valley housed that many Green Fox Demons. Whether these were his subjects or not, he’d rescue them – both from duty and fondness for their kind.