Gou's Liver Experience in the World of Demons and Demons

"These holy sites and major sects are testing each other, rapidly raising prices to a level that ordinary people simply cannot reach, thus eliminating any other possibilities. At the same time... are they also setting a trap for that 'mysterious item added at the last minute'? Are they draining each other's resources?"

Tantai Xueli nodded, her expression somewhat complicated.

"Negotiations between holy sites are often like this. What may seem like a simple bidding process can involve a great deal of calculation and compromise."

The Heavenly Origin Token, though valuable, is neither the only nor absolutely necessary tool. For some determined to obtain it, it is the goal; for others, it may merely be a bargaining chip or… a tool to wear down their opponents.

She looked at Gu Sheng and asked.

"Brother Gu Sheng, what do you think of this Heavenly Origin Token...?"

Gu Sheng did not answer directly, but instead asked a question.

"In your opinion, what price will this item eventually fetch?"

Tantai Xueli pondered for a moment.

“In previous years, Heavenly Origin Tokens have been auctioned off, with the highest price reaching 37 million top-grade spirit stones. This time, due to the unexpected participation of many top holy lands, the competition may be even fiercer, but considering the diversion of that ‘mysterious item’... it might fluctuate around 40 million?”

She had barely finished speaking—

"Fifty million."

A cool and calm female voice, yet carrying an overwhelming aura, suddenly rang out from the Tianyi No. 1 private room on the third floor.

It is none other than the Holy Maiden of Zixiao!

The entire auction hall fell into a deathly silence!
Fifty million?! That's almost double the base of twenty or thirty million?! This isn't bidding anymore, it's... disrupting the bidding?!
Even the auctioneer, Hongxiao, was stunned on the stage, momentarily forgetting to respond.

Tantai Xueli's pretty face changed slightly, and she said in a low voice.

"Is she crazy?! Fifty million for a single Tianyuan Token? The highest price in previous years was only thirty-seven million! This premium... exceeds ten million!"

A strange light flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes as he looked thoughtfully toward the Tianyi Private Room.

Just as everyone was stunned speechless by the terrifying bid, the voice of the Purple Cloud Saintess rang out again, still as cold as ever, yet carrying an undeniable air.

"Since no one objects, this Heavenly Origin Token shall belong to this Holy Maiden. Auctioneer, please skip this item and proceed directly to... the 'temporarily added mysterious item' auction. I presume that's what everyone here truly wants to see."

Her words directly targeted the unknown treasure that had attracted the attention of top holy lands, and also subtly revealed that her bidding for the Heavenly Origin Token might not have been her original intention, but rather a way of... clearing the field or making a statement.
The auctioneer, Hongxiao, looked troubled and glanced towards the higher-ups. The process was set in stone; making last-minute changes, especially skipping the final item, was against the rules.

Seemingly sensing the auctioneer's hesitation, the Purple Cloud Saintess's voice carried a hint of disdain.

"What? This Holy Maiden has offered fifty million. Is there anyone who can offer a higher price? If not, the deal is done. Why waste time?"

Her gaze seemed to penetrate the private room, sweeping across the entire space with a condescending scrutiny.

The auctioneer in red silk looked at the other private rooms with the "Heaven" designation, especially the private rooms where representatives from top holy lands such as Burning Heaven, Yao Light, and Heavenly Profound resided.

However, the private rooms remained silent, showing no reaction to the exorbitant price. They seemed to tacitly approve of the Purple Cloud Saintess's proposal, or perhaps their minds were no longer on the Heavenly Origin Token.

Fifty million top-grade spirit stones! This figure exceeds the total revenue of some weaker holy lands for half a year! Even top-tier holy lands would need to carefully consider using such a huge amount of working capital. It seems not worthwhile for a "Heavenly Origin Token" that is not unique and mainly effective for young disciples.

The room fell silent; you could hear a pin drop. The auctioneer, in her crimson robes, waited for a long time, and seeing no further bids, finally took a deep breath and announced loudly.

"Fifty million top-grade spirit stones! Any higher bids?... Once!... Twice!... Three times! Sold! Congratulations to our VIP guest Tianyi for winning the 'Tianyuan Token'!"

As the jade hammer fell, this auction, which should have been fiercely contested for the final item, was abruptly and absurdly ended by the Purple Cloud Saintess with her overwhelming wealth.

All eyes were fixed intently on the auction stage and on the red-clad auctioneer. The dust had settled on the Heavenly Yuan Token, meaning the "mysterious item" that had attracted so much attention was about to be revealed!

Looking down at the hall below, which had fallen completely silent due to the astonishing bid from the Purple Cloud Saintess, Tantai Xueli couldn't help but turn to Gu Sheng and ask softly.

"Brother Gu Sheng, this Heavenly Origin Token... are you really not going to fight for it?"

Gu Sheng shook his head, his tone calm.

"Fifty million is too much of a premium. The Heavenly Origin Treasure Pool is good, as it can solidify one's foundation and enhance potential, but for me, it is not the only way, nor is it necessary at the moment. Exchanging these tens of millions of top-grade spirit stones for more suitable cultivation resources, or using them in other aspects, might be more direct and effective in improving my strength."

He was not belittling himself, but rather making a rational judgment based on his own circumstances.

His cultivation path differs from ordinary people; his foundation is far more solid than others of the same level. The "solidifying the foundation" effect of the Heavenly Origin Treasure Pool might have limited effect on him. As for "enhancing potential," he has more faith in his own efforts and opportunities. Rather than spending exorbitant sums to acquire a token, he'd rather use his resources wisely.

Upon hearing this, Tantai Xueli smiled sweetly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

"Brother Gu Sheng is quite open-minded. If it were anyone else, they would probably have been green with envy at the chance of the Heavenly Origin Treasure Pool."

As the two were talking, the auctioneer Hongxiao's jade gavel fell, and the "Tianyuan Token," which had aroused the covetousness of countless people, fell into the possession of the Purple Cloud Saintess at a speed that no one had expected and was almost dramatic.

Just as everyone's attention was drawn to the result, some people were still marveling at the terrifying price, while others were eagerly awaiting the "mystery item" to be auctioned, the door to Tianjia Private Room was gently knocked on again.

"Come in."

Tantai Xueli spoke up.

The door opened, and in came Tantai Xuefei, who had returned.

She looked hurried, first nodding to Gu Sheng and Tantai Xueli, then looking at Gu Sheng, her tone quick and clear.

"Brother Gu, Sister Jing asked me to inquire about the auction method for your 'item.' Normally, the highest bidder wins the spirit stones. But Sister Jing said that considering the special nature of that item and the identity of the potential buyer, perhaps... bartering would be more appropriate?"
Those top holy lands often don't lack spirit stones, but certain unique resources and rare treasures they control are difficult to buy with spirit stones from outside sources.

Upon hearing this, a look of understanding flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes. Bartering was a direction he hadn't considered carefully before. But Tantai Mingjing's reminder wasn't without merit.

The value of a complete Saint Realm technique is indeed difficult to measure with simple spirit stones, especially for those holy lands with profound foundations, who are more willing to exchange their unique treasures that have miraculous effects on cultivation.

He pondered for a moment, then thought of the Tianyuan Token that had just been sold for an astronomical price.

That thing might not be particularly valuable to some top holy sites, but as "hard currency" and a kind of symbol, it serves as a good reference point.

"can."

Gu Sheng nodded. "Let's use the 'Heavenly Origin Token' as the starting bid. We'll accept any rare and precious materials, divine weapons, and secret techniques of equal or higher value for exchange. The specific value will be assessed on the spot by the professional masters of the Myriad Treasures Hall."

Ultimately, I can choose to exchange one or more of the items that I like best.

He offered a relatively flexible and autonomous solution. It set thresholds while retaining the final choice, avoiding the tedious competition of pure wealth and ensuring that one could truly obtain something useful.

Tantai Xuefei's eyes lit up.

"Brother Gu's idea is great! I'll go and inform Sister Jing right away to adjust the auction plan!"

She was quick and efficient; she turned and left immediately after speaking, clearly indicating that time was of the essence.

On the auction stage below, after announcing the sale of the Tianyuan Token, the auctioneer, Hongxiao, temporarily paused the proceedings, seemingly communicating with someone backstage. A moment later, she stepped aside.

Immediately afterwards, a striking figure in bright red stepped onto the auction stage with steady and powerful strides. It was none other than Tantai Xuefei.

She changed into a formal outfit representing the senior management of Wanbaodian, and her brows showed less of her usual playfulness and more solemnity.

Her appearance made everyone, who were already holding their breath in anticipation, even more certain that the real highlight was about to begin!
Tantai Xuefei surveyed the entire venue, her gaze lingering slightly on the private rooms occupied by the newly arrived representatives of top holy sites, before her clear voice resounded throughout the hall.

"Distinguished guests, the following item will be the last item in this auction, and it was added at the last minute. This item is extraordinary. It has been verified by our top-level appraisal team at Wanbaodian, and its authenticity is guaranteed by Wanbaodian's long-standing reputation! If it is found to be fake, Wanbaodian is willing to bear all compensation responsibilities!"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up towering waves!

Verified by the highest-level appraisers at Wanbaodian! Guaranteed by a thousand-year reputation! Compensation promise! These words combined already indicate the significance of the item about to be unveiled!

Before everyone could process what was happening, Tantai Xuefei took a deep breath and announced clearly, word by word.

"This item is a complete, supreme martial art from the Holy Realm!"

"boom--!"

The entire auction hall seemed to explode with an invisible force! The martial artists in the hall, regardless of their cultivation level or social status, all stood up uncontrollably at this moment, their faces filled with extreme shock, fervor, and disbelief!

"A sacred realm ultimate technique?! And the complete one?!"

"My God! Am I dreaming?!"

"No wonder! No wonder the Burning Heaven Holy Land and the Yao Guang Holy Land came! So that's what they're after!"

"The Myriad Treasures Hall actually managed to auction off a complete Saint-level martial arts technique? This... how is this possible?!"

Exclamations, gasps, and incredulous murmurs mingled together, plunging the venue into unprecedented turmoil and chaos. A sacred martial art! It was a legacy left behind by a master who stood at the pinnacle of martial arts, a supreme treasure coveted by countless martial artists!

Even obtaining a fragmented copy of a move or two is enough to drive people crazy, let alone a complete ultimate technique!

However, this fervor did not last long. Soon, reason returned, and the eyes of most martial artists in the hall dimmed, replaced by deep helplessness and self-mockery.

The complete Holy Realm techniques... such things are simply beyond their reach.

Its bidders are destined to be only those lofty holy lands, ancient clans, or reclusive peerless powerhouses.

They weren't even qualified to participate.

Sure enough, Tantai Xuefei's next words confirmed their guess.

"Given the unique nature and unparalleled value of this unique skill, after discussions with the owner, this auction will be conducted through a barter system."

Tantai Xuefei's voice was clear and melodious.

"The starting bid is—one 'Tianyuan Token'! Or a rare treasure of heaven and earth, divine weapon, precious medicine, or special inheritance of equivalent value. The specific value will be jointly assessed on-site by our three treasure appraisal masters from Wanbaodian!"

Using the "Tianyuan Token" as the starting price?!
The Tianyuan Token, which was just sold for a sky-high price of fifty million, was only this "threshold"?! A sigh of disappointment immediately rang out in the hall.

This starting price has already completely excluded 99.9% of people.

If obtaining a single Tianyuan Token is already so difficult, how much more difficult would it be to exchange it for treasures of equal or even greater value? This is destined to be a game between top-tier powers.

After a brief silence, a slightly somber yet ancient and dignified voice rang out from a private room on the third floor.

"Does the cargo owner have any other specific requirements?"

Tantai Xuefei looked towards the source of the voice and recognized it as a senior elder from the Yao Guang Holy Land. She replied respectfully and tactfully.

"Reporting to Senior, the owner has only set this starting price and has no special requirements. The final exchange will be decided by the owner from all bids that meet the starting price."

Another slightly playful voice, which sounded somewhat familiar to Gu Sheng, came from another private room in Tianbing.

"Heh, using the Tianyuan Token that was just auctioned as the starting price? That's quite unique. Very well, I, this young master, will throw out a bid and offer three Tianyuan Tokens."

Three?! The hall erupted in another uproar.

One piece is already incredibly expensive, three pieces... what a move!

However, before the surprise could subside, the lazy yet disdainful voice of the Purple Cloud Saintess rang out from the Tianyi Private Room.

"What is the Heavenly Origin Token? Is it worthy of being exchanged for a Saint Realm ultimate technique? This Saintess hereby offers a 'Purple Lightning Soaring Sword', a gift from an old relic in my family many years ago. As for its grade... it can barely be considered a Saint Realm divine weapon. This Saintess does not cultivate the sword path, so keeping it is useless to me. I might as well exchange it for something more practical."

A divine weapon from the Sacred Realm?! Trading a divine weapon from the Sacred Realm for a Sacred Realm ultimate technique?!

The expressions of all the martial artists present, including many important figures in the private rooms, changed! A Saint-level divine weapon is a treasure that can greatly enhance the combat power of a Saint-level expert. The difficulty of its forging and the materials required are no less than creating a Saint-level ultimate technique!
In some ways, even rarer! The Purple Cloud Holy Land was actually willing to exchange a Saint-level divine weapon? And it was even a "useless" item? This gesture was simply outrageously extravagant!

"Saintess Zixiao! How can a divine weapon of the Holy Realm be treated so lightly?! Do you truly mean this?"

A voice of doubt came from one of the private rooms.

The Purple Cloud Saintess scoffed.

"My word is my bond. The sword is in my hand, and the Master of Wanbao Hall can verify it at any time. As for its authenticity... it's an auction; the highest bidder wins. If you have something better, bring it out. If not, then shut up. My willingness to exchange is out of respect for Wanbao Hall and the owner. Unwilling to exchange? Then forget it." (End of Chapter)