The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 795 The Grand Finale Auction: The Celestials Return

"Welcome, fellow Daoists, to the annual top-tier auction of Xuanling. This auction is jointly endorsed by the Five Blessings Merchant Guild, Jade Snow Merchant Guild, Azure Green Merchant Guild, Yuanhai Tower, Hengshan Workshop, and Xuanling Pavilion, all under the jurisdiction of the North Sea Merchant Alliance. We have also specially invited the Hundred Refinement Pavilion and the Alchemy Alliance to join us. This auction will feature a total of [number] items and will last for five days. I, Yuan Wei, once again welcome you all."

A loud, clear, and composed voice echoed throughout the magnificent and spacious auction hall.

An elderly man with gray hair and beard, yet still vigorous, stood on a high platform in the auction hall.

Yuan Wei is a well-known auctioneer in Xuanling City, and also a martial arts grandmaster at the pinnacle.

For such a prestigious event, it is perfectly appropriate for him to serve as the main auctioneer and preside over the auction process.

"I'm sure you fellow Daoists are eager to see what's happening. Alright, enough of this small talk, let's now present the first item of this auction."

At the auction, the gray-haired old man calmly controlled the pace of the proceedings.

In the VIP box on the top floor of the venue, Chen Ping'an, draped in a black robe, sat calmly on a large jade chair with his eyes slightly closed.

Although this auction was the largest and highest-level auction in Xuanling City in the past decade, Chen Ping'an was not very interested in the items that had appeared.

Even though the first item to appear at an auction is always meant to bring good luck and a good start, its quality and value are still quite different from what Chen Ping'an needs.

Even before the auction, he had systematically reviewed his own situation and financial background.

Under normal circumstances, rare and precious materials, spiritual herbs and pills, refined minerals and treasures, talismans and arrays, puppets and secret artifacts are not of great significance to him. Even if they are of some significance, they are not that urgent in terms of urgency.

What he needs most right now are a few things, the most important of which is naturally the blood of a demon beast that is related to the secret of body tempering, the blood of a top-grade demon beast with a heavenly bloodline.

Next in line are cultivation techniques at the True Skill Scroll level, which are not limited to offense, defense, or movement techniques. As long as they are at this level, they will be of great benefit to him.

Secondly, there is the concealment technique that can hide one's tracks and disguise one's aura. This kind of technique has extremely high requirements and can complement the Black Iron Mask, working together to benefit his disguise.

Equally comparable are protective treasures that cover a wide area or suppress negative influences.

Most of the elixirs and miraculous medicines that could aid cultivation were useless to him. Only spiritual objects like the Snow Spirit Leaf could have a positive effect on his cultivation progress.

The rare spiritual fruits and treasures previously gifted by the Bi Cang Chamber of Commerce and Yuan Hai Lou, such as the Bi Ling Fruit and Luo Wen Fruit, were of little use to Chen Ping'an. They were more of a cover-up.

With these two spiritual fruits, his decision to go into seclusion during this auction is plausible, both in terms of motive and logic. Furthermore, his increased combat power upon emerging from seclusion would also be entirely plausible.

His natural talent is already extraordinary. With the aid of such a spiritual object, and if he focuses on seclusion and cultivation, it's no exaggeration to say that his combat power will reach another level!

Whether it's reaching the level of the Wind and Cloud Realm or truly ascending to the Wind and Cloud Grandmaster Ranking, that remains to be seen.

Given his current level of skill and the combat power he has openly displayed, even if it were slightly higher, as long as the logic is sound and his movements are clear, he would still be able to control the situation.

especially.
When the Tai Xu Wind Riding Step is perfected!
Inside the private room, Chen Ping'an's slightly closed eyes flashed, revealing a faint blue light.

This time, he appeared in disguise, revealing his Celestial Realm. To ensure safety, he naturally used the unique divine ability of the Black Profound Iron Mask to realistically simulate it.

The simulated image is naturally the original one.
Chen Ping'an's mind sharpened, and he stopped thinking.

Under the shock of the soul, the black iron mask covering the face faintly emanated a black and mysterious aura, with a cold and deathly light flowing around it.

From Chen Ping'an's perspective, a new aura was clearly imprinted in the three empty spaces simulated by the Black Profound Iron Mask.

Following the aura imprinted within the Dream Pearl and the strangely disguised young man, a new aura has emerged.

At the auction venue, the various items being auctioned were proceeding in an orderly manner.

As the largest and most influential auction in Xuanling City in the past decade, it must be said that the auction items are of a higher level than those in the past.

Even on the very first day, the auction items attracted fierce competition from many masters.

Chen Ping'an did not participate; he simply sat quietly.

His expression was calm, his spiritual power hidden, sensing the distinct aura in the venue.

In a private room below, he sensed a familiar presence.

"She's here too." Chen Ping'an's expression was calm, but a hint of interest appeared in his slightly closed eyes.

Her previous successes had given her hope, so how could she possibly miss out on the most prestigious auction in Xuanling?
Chen Ping'an chuckled: "It seems that the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm holds considerable weight in their minds. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone to such lengths to find a more suitable option when they already have a clear trading target."

Chen Ping'an's emotions shifted, but his expression remained calm.

The Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm technique was quite valuable to him. Especially the poison and fiendish power, which offered considerable insights for his cultivation. It would give him more methods and more depth in future battles.

Furthermore, as a sinister and domineering poisonous palm technique, it also serves to perfect his cultivation system.

Whether it's refining techniques or innovating new ones, it has immense value.

However, while the palm technique is important, it's not so much that Chen Ping'an is so anxious about losing it, that he can't live without it.

He now possesses the Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique, which he studies and comprehends, using its subtleties to perfect the Bewitching and Deceptive Technique within the Seven Forbidden Techniques. His energy is limited, and he isn't in such a rush regarding the Five Poisons Earthly Fiend Palm.

Chen Ping'an remained calm as he looked at the auction hall, a sense of superiority creeping into his mind.

The term "celestial being" refers to one who looks down upon all living beings; it is not about being indifferent to worldly affairs, but rather a state of mind.

With this thought in mind, Chen Ping'an slowly closed his eyes, and a faint spiritual power rippled within the private room.

hum~
“The Crimson Flame Old Ghost, and the Black-Robed Old Monster.”

His skin was as pale as frost and snow, his bluish-gray veins resembled the roots of an ancient tree, and his facial features were sharply defined, yet they appeared somewhat unreal due to the shroud of gray mist.

Inside the private room, a gray mist filled the air, blurring the man's face so that only the outline of his features could be vaguely discerned. However, his long, narrow eyes, shrouded in a hazy grayness, left a deep impression.

"On the very first day, we have already found two like-minded individuals. The days to come are something I can look forward to!"

The man sat cross-legged silently in the private room, a smile playing on his lips, his gray eyes gleaming faintly. His aura was subdued, like a dark owl lurking in the gray mist, quietly observing everything around him.

"Medium-sized crossbow, equipped with high-quality bolts, a set of sixteen, sold as a package, starting bid 500 yuan crystals."

"Breakthrough Pill, usable by cultivators at the advanced Profound Light realm to break through bottlenecks and obstacles, and to help them solidify their Grandmaster's will. Starting bid."

"Near-divine weapon, Flying Shadow Needle. Starting bid: 800 Yuan Crystals. Minimum bid increment: 20 Yuan Crystals."

"Enhancement Elixir, used for spiritual cultivation, condensing and purifying to enhance one's foundation. Starting bid."

"A top-grade precious ore."

"."

The auction hall was bustling with activity. Each item being auctioned sparked a fierce bidding war.

The elderly man with gray hair who hosted the event was extremely experienced. He introduced the value and function of the auction items, focusing on their rarity, practicality, and other aspects, thus creating a lively atmosphere.

This continuously fueled the bidding frenzy at the auction.

"A complete explanation of talismans! There's even an auction for this? That's wonderful! This is exactly the path I've been pursuing. If I can obtain this initial explanation, I'll surely be able to glimpse the way and truly enter the field."

"A restrictive array! 1,500 Yuan Crystals!"

"The Blood Burning Secret Technique!? It can burn one's essence blood to unleash battle power. I must seize this protective artifact!"

"Gentlemen, please do me a favor! 1,800 yuan crystals."

"Two thousand Yuan Crystals!"

"Damn it! Two thousand one hundred yuan crystals!"

"Two thousand two hundred!"

"."

The auction hall was bustling with noise and fierce competition. Various parties vied for the items, engaging in a bidding war, some even arguing heatedly and shouting at each other.

The entire auction process was not one of constant intensity, but rather a well-paced one. During the intervals between each bidding session, the elderly man with gray hair, acting as the auctioneer, would dedicate considerable time to explaining the value of each item. Throughout the process, he would use various methods to stimulate the desire of all parties for the item.

This kind of stimulation doesn't come from the intensity of the bidding, but rather from a subtle, pervasive atmosphere. With this balance of tension and relaxation, the auction itself becomes incredibly exciting.

Amidst the rising and falling bids, the five-day auction quickly came to its final day.

"Now, let's present the last item before the thirteen final items of this auction!" The gray-haired old man, with a ruddy complexion and a loud voice, set the tone for the event.

As he introduced the item, a new lot was brought to the auction platform.

"The Mysterious Longevity Fruit is ancient and its efficacy is 30% stronger than other longevity fruits of the same type. If taken for the first time, it can extend one's lifespan by sixty years. If it is combined with spiritual herbs and a master alchemist is consulted to refine a longevity pill, the extension of lifespan can be increased even further!"

The appearance of the longevity fruit caused a stir in the auction hall, especially among those who were already seeking it. Upon hearing about this item, they became even more excited.

"Mysterious Pattern Longevity Fruit!"

"This is a rare variety of longevity fruit, one that I have never tasted before!"

"Heaven hasn't forsaken me! Hahaha!"

"."

Some rogue cultivators nearing the end of their lifespan had their eyes gleaming, determined to obtain this item at all costs.

Amidst this wave of enthusiasm, the gray-haired old man, his voice faltering, announced another important piece of news.

"This auction features two longevity fruits, to be auctioned in two sessions!"

"What? There are two!"

"Haha, my hopes have greatly increased!"

"I must obtain one of the two Longevity Fruits, no matter what!"

"."

Everyone was incredibly excited. Even the cultivators who had previously dared not place too much hope on them were now full of energy and ready to fight tooth and nail.

With just a few words, the gray-haired old man completely stirred up the atmosphere in the room.

"Mysterious Longevity Fruit! It really exists!"

Inside a private room at the auction venue, Lan Yingjun's petite figure was hidden beneath a wide black robe, her fair hands clenched tightly. A hint of nervousness was visibly mixed with her excitement.

For more than half a month, she traveled between various trade fairs. Although she gained some knowledge, she did not achieve much success in extending her lifespan.

Mother had consumed longevity fruits before, but ordinary varieties were not very valuable. Furthermore, Mother had hidden injuries and her foundation was already weakened; replenishing her vital essence and restoring her vitality would not be easy.

Although she traveled to many places, she still couldn't find the right thing.

There was a chance to obtain the longevity elixir at a previous auction, but ultimately, due to insufficient funds, he missed the opportunity and could only watch helplessly as it was sold to someone else.

Now, given another chance, she would never lose.

"Two longevity fruits. This time, the chances are extremely high!"

"Mother, Ying'er will definitely buy this item to prolong your life!"

Lan Yingjun's eyes were firm as she made up her mind.

"Alright, this last Longevity Fruit will belong to the fellow Daoist in Box 37."

After a fierce competition, the gray-haired old man announced the final result of the second longevity fruit.

"Very well, let's congratulate our two fellow Daoists. Next, we will begin the real highlight of this auction. Now, let's invite the first item among the thirteen final lots." On the high platform, the gray-haired elder introduced the item with great enthusiasm. Inside the private box, Lan Yingjun's eyes dimmed, her expression dejected, and she slumped into a large chair, unable to accept it.

"Failed"

Lan Yingjun felt conflicted, unsure how to face her mother.

"Just a little bit more"

The first longevity fruit was highly sought after, and its price soared rapidly. Although she spared no effort, she ultimately failed to obtain it.

For the second longevity fruit, she immediately tried to intimidate others, displaying her determination to win, but unfortunately...
Ultimately, things didn't turn out as she had hoped.

What she found most unacceptable was that she was just a hair's breadth away from finally winning the longevity fruit.

"If the price had been more reasonable at the time of the transaction, and more pills and poisons had been refined, then..." Lan Yingjun regretted in her heart.

If she hadn't been so impatient and had recently traded for a spiritual item that would aid her mother's cultivation, things wouldn't have gone so wrong today. This second Mystic Pattern Longevity Fruit would undoubtedly have been hers, but now…
Lan Yingjun was heartbroken and extremely frustrated.

"Is it really the only option?"

"Didn't you take a picture?"

At the same moment that the gray-haired old man Yuan Wei announced the results, Chen Ping'an opened his eyes in the top-floor private room.

During the bidding process, Lan Yingjun concealed her voice and aura, but it was clear that such a small amount of concealment could not escape his senses.

The second Longevity Fruit with Mysterious Patterns was acquired by Lan Yingjun with great force, and Chen Ping'an initially thought it would be hers. However, to his surprise, it was actually won by a pseudo-celestial being.

"That's true," Chen Ping'an smiled, without saying anything more.

Just as he was thinking this, the first of the thirteen suppressed items in this auction was brought out.

"The Spirit-Nourishing and Purifying Pill!"

"A near-fourth-tier premium pill, refined by Master Hua, the number one alchemist in Xuanling City. It can aid in the cultivation of spiritual essence, clear the mind and enhance overall condition."

On the auction platform, the gray-haired old man, Yuan Wei, gave a detailed introduction to this high-grade elixir.

This pill can be taken by both martial arts grandmasters and martial arts celestials. However, its efficacy is significantly reduced for true martial arts celestials, though it is not entirely ineffective.

Whether it's healing injuries, calming the mind, purifying the spirit, or dispelling inner demons, it has a great effect.

However, Chen Ping'an had little need for such pills and was not particularly interested in them.

On the contrary, many pseudo-celestial beings and martial arts grandmasters in the arena showed great interest in it. After the gray-haired elder Yuan Wei finished his introduction, a fierce competition ensued.

Chen Ping'an's eyes were calm as he quietly observed the situation on the field.

In these past few days, he hasn't been entirely without gains. Apart from not making a move in the first two days, he did make a few moves in the following days.

I photographed a book explaining the principles of array formations, a book on divination, and two bottles of elixirs for detoxification and protection.

He inherited the forbidden technique and has been studying it ever since. He had previously obtained a preliminary understanding of the technique and had a general concept of many things, but he still felt that he couldn't quite grasp the specific intricacies.

Now, having acquired a detailed explanation of array formations, he has taken another step forward on this foundation. With the help of this explanation, and through mutual study, he should make considerable progress in the art of restrictions.

As for the initial interpretation of the divination, it was just a pastime for him in his spare time. He could just read it as a leisurely book and learn more about it; it was never wrong.

Even if you don't know how to do it yourself, having a basic understanding of fortune tellers, or even having corresponding methods to prevent it, is a good thing.

As for the elixirs for detoxification and protection, they were just right, a good reserve. He didn't need any elixirs for cultivation, but he would use some for both healing injuries and detoxification.

Although with his physique, he could usually achieve considerable healing effects even without elixirs, the effects would undoubtedly be much better with the help of elixirs.

He still has some savings, so spending them appropriately is a good thing. In the future, when his cultivation level has improved to a level far beyond what he has now, he can sell or trade these stored spiritual items and pills when he no longer needs them.

In fact, Chen Ping'an had planned to consign a few items to this auction, such as the pair of black jade rings he had previously acquired from Li Wusheng, and the blood-red compass from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect.

However, after careful consideration, he abandoned this idea. Although his status meant that there was almost no risk in consigning the item for auction, there was no guarantee that someone with malicious intent wouldn't investigate, especially afterward, and might analyze these clues to deduce something and make unnecessary connections.

It may not seem like a big deal now, but who knows what might happen later? It's best to avoid similar risks if possible.

After all, his public identity is that of someone stationed at Xuanling Garrison, so he still needs to be careful about these things. Besides, it's not really a necessary matter.

"Alright, congratulations to the fellow Daoist in room number 13. This Spirit Nourishing and Purifying Pill, refined by Alchemist Hua, is now yours!"

Before I knew it, the auction results were in.

On the auction platform, the gray-haired old man, Yuan Wei, announced the results with an excited and radiant expression.

Chen Ping'an glanced at it briefly, then his divine sense traveled there.

The person who bought the Spirit Nourishing and Clarifying Pill was an acquaintance of his.

Qiu Siping, the pseudo-celestial being of the Wenxin Sword Pavilion.

I had met him once before at the Azure Dragon Banquet.

Chen Ping'an quickly withdrew his gaze, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a golden finger panel appeared in front of him.

Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Celestial Being 1st Realm - Pivotal Light Realm
武学：青阳血炼法小成（0/15360）颠鸾倒凤·阴阳枢入门（225/8640）、广寒剑法（残篇）小成（0/7680）、狂雷刀法入门（0/2160）太虚御风步大成（12425/14400）、七绝禁法圆满、七杀天罡拳圆满、霸刀圆满、万魔铸身诀圆满
Secret Techniques: Soul-Guiding Technique, Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique
During his time at the auction, aside from occasionally paying attention to the situation, he spent most of his time practicing meditation and studying.

In the past few days, the Butterfly Dream Bewitching Technique has finally been included in the Golden Finger Panel. Chen Ping'an has now fully mastered this soul-binding secret technique obtained from Lady Biluo and can use it smoothly.

His spiritual foundation was already far superior to those of others in the same realm. With the foundation of the Seven Forbidden Techniques, it was naturally incredibly smooth for him to study the Butterfly Dream Bewitching Spirit Technique.

"Speaking of which, it's all about how Biluona is doing. Rebuilding the foundation and continuing the path, if it succeeds, then my investment will have gone smoothly." Chen Ping'an's mind was calm, with an indescribable sense of tranquility.

"Consider yourself lucky!"

Old Monster Heiyan looked irritable as he stared in the direction of Qiu Siping's private room at the Wenxin Sword Pavilion.

"If it weren't for my reservations, how could I have let you have your way!"

The first and final item in the auction was the Spirit Nourishing and Purifying Pill, crafted by Master Hua Dan. He also participated in the bidding for it.

He was skilled in external martial arts techniques, and while his spiritual cultivation was not particularly weak, it was certainly not strong either.

If he could obtain such elixirs, it would be of great benefit to him.

In fact, if it weren't for the old monster in black robes, who was afraid of making too much noise and alerting him, Qiu Siping probably wouldn't have been able to snatch this Spirit Nourishing and Cleansing Pill from him!
He, Black Rock Old Monster, is famously incredibly wealthy.

With his robust physique and powerful energy, he is the perfect choice for exploring secret realms and training in a team. His thick skin and tough flesh make him ideal as a trailblazer for the team.

The benefits and profits gained from this are considerable.

Over the years, his wealth, while not enormous, is still comparable to that of ordinary martial arts masters.

The thought of this made Old Monster Black Rock feel a pang of sadness.

"Damn it, I didn't check the almanac before I went out. The auction hadn't even started yet, and this happened. Now I'm stuck in this awkward situation, feeling restricted and uncomfortable."

Remembering the two items he had used to apologize, Black Rock Monster felt even more heartbroken.

"Learn from your mistakes! Next time, when the situation is unclear, keep a low profile, especially in this kind of occasion. Never make a big fuss."

Old Monster Black Rock scratched his head in thought, learning from his mistakes.

While he was pondering this, the bidding for the second, most anticipated item officially began.

"Golden Thunder Orb?"

Chen Ping'an calmly looked at the new item being auctioned on the high platform.

The Golden Light Thunder Pearl is a powerful weapon that can only be used once, but its power is considerable.

Incidentally, he also possesses a Azure Lightning Pearl, which he obtained from Li Wusheng, the Master of Absolute Sound.

A single thunder pearl is enough to unleash the power of wind and clouds.

It is absolutely a protective artifact at the Grandmaster level, a trump card for killing.

The power of the Golden Light Thunder Pearl surpasses that of the Azure Light Thunder Pearl, and its destructive power even exceeds that of ordinary pseudo-celestial beings, enough to threaten even top-tier pseudo-celestial beings. If one is too close to the explosion point and caught off guard, their life may be in danger.

These refining secrets are absolutely genuine means of protecting one's path; even a pseudo-celestial being would be tempted by them.

"Golden Thunder Pearl?"

Black Rock Old Monster glanced at it and then paid no more attention.

He possessed abundant vital energy and an astonishing physique. This Golden Thunder Pearl could threaten ordinary pseudo-celestial beings, and even a considerable number of top-tier pseudo-celestial beings, but it could not threaten him.

As long as it's not at the very core of the explosion, with his physical strength and the help of secret techniques, he would at most suffer minor injuries.

Under these circumstances, he naturally had little interest in the Golden Thunder Pearl.

However, the black lightning bead above the golden lightning is a completely different concept.

This is a true weapon of mass destruction, a secret artifact for forging weapons. Even a true martial arts master would probably have to retreat and be extremely wary upon seeing this artifact.

Under the Black Lightning Pearl, ordinary martial arts masters are simply no match. The slightest carelessness will result in serious injury. Only those who have truly entered the second realm of martial arts masters can prepare in advance, or those with exceptional physical strength who can withstand the attack with their bare hands.

If he had such a protective object, he would truly be able to act with impunity, and even if he encountered a true celestial being, he would not be too alarmed.

However, such items are rare and hard to come by, and for him to obtain them is merely a pipe dream.

Even in various regions, such a thing is absolutely a top-tier protective treasure. Unless one reaches a certain level, one would rarely even hear of it.

The competition for the Golden Thunder Pearl was extremely fierce, and it was eventually obtained by a highly experienced pseudo-celestial being who spent a huge fortune to acquire this deadly weapon.

Although this Golden Lightning Bead is a one-time product, its deterrent power can solve many problems invisibly.

In some situations, you might not even need to lift a finger; simply taking out this item can eliminate a great deal of risk.

This is strategic deterrence!
Some methods are meant to be shown off, not actually used.

When the day comes that it is truly needed, it will be a fight to the death, a battle to the death.

Chen Ping'an remained calm as he watched the competition for the Golden Lightning Pearl in the arena come to an end. The Golden Lightning Pearl was valuable, but it held no appeal for him.

With his current strength, a casual strike from him can unleash power far exceeding that of the Golden Lightning Pearl. Not to mention now, even back when he had not yet stepped into the Celestial Realm, his peak combat power was incomparable to any Golden Lightning Pearl.

Chen Ping'an remained calm, but as the third and final item was announced, his expression subtly changed. He raised his eyelids slightly and sensed a new divine soul aura.

"Martial Arts Celestial Being."

Chen Ping'an's eyes were deep and unfathomable as he looked through the private room towards one side of the venue.

The opponent's aura was sharp, conveying a sense of deep-seated, fierce power.

As Chen Ping'an sensed it with his soul, the other party's aura surged, and his soul rippled, responding to his senses.

Chen Ping'an slightly closed his eyelids, a hint of excitement appearing in his eyes.

"finally."

Following the red-haired old man, another celestial being descended upon this auction venue.

(End of this chapter)