Chapter 480: Battle for the Black Token
Lin Langtian stared intently at the black token held gently in Li Feier's jade-like hands atop the auction platform. He had never anticipated that he would genuinely find the lead he had been desperately searching for at this Ten Thousand Commerce Auction.
The unique wave of energy emanating from that black token might have been imperceptible to others, but to Lin Langtian, who possessed the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, it resonated like a powerful electric shock coursing through his body.
The peculiar sensation, exactly matching that of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, was entirely unmistakable and absolutely incomparable to anything else in existence.
His gaze remained fixed firmly upon the token for a long moment, excitement pulsing wildly through his heart. Gradually, the overwhelming noise and commotion from the crowd around him brought him back to reality, easing his intense focus.
Having confirmed the significance of the token, a subtle smile curled at Lin Langtian's lips as he quietly mused to himself, "I wonder which generation's holder of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol this Samsara-stage expert was? To think he had actually reached the legendary Reincarnation Realm…"
This revelation filled him with immense excitement. Acquiring such a powerful inheritance would unquestionably bring tremendous benefits, both for himself and for the Heavenly Palace sect.
"But even so, obtaining that token will be incredibly difficult," Lin Langtian thought, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.
Judging by the eager expressions of the powerful factions seated at the front, it was clear that this token was precisely what they had been eagerly awaiting.
Although none of them knew the true identity of the cave mansion's owner as a former master of the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, merely the prospect of the inheritance of a Reincarnation-stage powerhouse was enough to drive them into a frenzy.
Considering his current financial strength, competing against these wealthy factions seemed virtually impossible.
"This is troublesome…" Lin Langtian sighed inwardly. Neither he nor his recently established Heavenly Palace possessed the overwhelming power or financial resources necessary to intimidate all the powerhouses present here today. If he wanted that black token, he had no choice but to find another way.
A sharp glint flickered briefly in his eyes. He had found this clue at last, and he certainly would not let it slip through his fingers. No matter what methods he had to resort to, that token would be his!
"Hm?"
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Lin Langtian suddenly noticed Mu Lingshan next to him staring intently at the token on stage, looking somewhat dazed.
"Brother Langtian, that thing seems quite special…" Mu Lingshan whispered softly, her large, crystal-clear eyes lifting toward him, ensuring only Lin Langtian could hear her.
"Yes, it's definitely special," Lin Langtian nodded subtly. Given that this token was linked to the Devouring Ancestral Symbol, it was not surprising that Mu Lingshan—who herself embodied the Life and Death Ancestral Symbol—would sense its uniqueness.
Up on the auction stage, Li Feier smiled slightly, clearly expecting the overwhelming excitement in the hall. After a brief pause, she announced clearly, "The starting price for this token is thirty million Xuan Yuan Pills."
At this extraordinary price, the previously energetic atmosphere suddenly froze. Many participants slumped back into their seats, visibly discouraged.
Thirty million was a staggering sum, not only for ordinary attendees but even for those prestigious factions at the forefront of the auction. Furthermore, this was merely the initial price—after fierce competition, the final cost could become unimaginably astronomical.
Even the representatives of the major factions exchanged grim looks, aware that this battle of wealth would be intense and possibly ruinous.
"Hehe, since no one wishes to start, allow my Blood Demon Shark Clan to throw in the first stone. Thirty-two million!" Sha Li boldly declared, his eyes filled with undisguised greed as he stared at the token.
"The Blood Demon Shark Clan is certainly influential, but this inheritance belongs to a human expert. Perhaps your noble clan shouldn't get involved," said a black-and-white-robed elder from the Limitless Sect of the Limitless Sea, offering a slight smile. "My Limitless Sect bids thirty-five million."
"In that case, my Blood Saber Sect will join the fray as well—thirty-eight million," a cold-faced man clad entirely in blood-red garments interjected.
The fierce bidding intensified as yet another powerful voice called out, "My Heavenly Shark Sect bids forty million."
Lin Langtian leaned back against his seat, calmly observing this fierce but silent battle of wealth, fully aware that such astronomical prices had already placed the token beyond his current means.
Although he and the Heavenly Palace sect had proven their strength through the recent battle against the Yuan Gate, they still lacked the deep financial reserves possessed by these veteran forces from the chaotic Demon Sea.
Realizing he could no longer rely on legitimate means, Lin Langtian prepared to take another route.
"Don't participate this time," he gently advised Mu Lingshan, noticing the eagerness beginning to show on her face.
"Why not?" she asked, puzzled. She had clearly sensed that Lin Langtian cared deeply about the black token.
"Putting aside whether we could even afford to win, even if we did, do you honestly think we could safely walk out of here carrying that item?" Lin Langtian replied softly.
Mu Lingshan paused, realizing the truth of his words, and nodded slightly in understanding. Even at her young age, she grasped the severity of the situation—whoever managed to purchase the black token today would immediately become a target for countless powerful, greedy eyes. Escaping with it unscathed would be a tremendous challenge.
Lin Langtian exhaled quietly, watching as the heated competition continued. Since legitimate means were no longer an option, he resolved himself to more unconventional methods. Regardless, he was determined that the black token must ultimately fall into his hands.
"Fifty-one million!"
"Fifty-three million!"
The bidding war surged relentlessly upward, quickly becoming fiercely competitive. Even these mighty factions struggled to keep up with the soaring prices. Eventually, at fifty-five million Xuan Yuan Pills, some of the forces reluctantly withdrew, their faces dark with frustration.
Now, only three major powers remained stubbornly competing: the Blood Demon Shark Clan, the Limitless Sect, and the Heavenly Shark Sect. The tension reached its peak, the air thick with barely restrained hostility.
Finally, after several tense rounds, the Blood Demon Shark Clan secured the black token at a stunning price of sixty-three million.
Lin Langtian observed this outcome with a mocking smile. "The Blood Demon Shark Clan truly has deep pockets…" he murmured softly.
"Hehe, the Blood Demon Shark Clan really spent lavishly this time. Although the inheritance within the black token is rumored to belong to a Samsara-stage powerhouse, its authenticity remains uncertain. Your clan is truly bold to invest so heavily," Li Lin from the Heavenly Shark Sect remarked, an odd smile on his lips.
"No need for your concern, Li Lin," Sha Li retorted coldly. "The value of this token certainly matches its price."
Li Lin shrugged calmly. "Then congratulations, Brother Sha Li. However, I sincerely hope you'll manage to safely bring it back to your clan."
His words were tinged with subtle menace, and the other faction leaders exchanged darkly knowing glances, each silently plotting their own schemes.
Sha Li snorted disdainfully, unwilling to engage further. He was well aware that their current prize placed them squarely in the crosshairs of countless rival factions.
On the auction stage, Li Feier concluded gracefully, "If there are no more bidders, this black token is officially sold to the Blood Demon Shark Clan for sixty-three million Xuan Yuan Pills."
An undercurrent of greed permeated the crowd, a strange silence descending as factions secretly prepared their plans.
"Let's go. The auction is over," Lin Langtian smiled faintly at Sha Li, who glared back with intense hostility. Without further words, he led Mu Lingshan and the Liu brothers out of the auction hall.
Moments later, Lin Langtian retrieved his purchased items from Li Feier inside the Ten Thousand Commerce Tower. Noticing Mu Lingshan attempting to pay, Lin Langtian gently stopped her, saying with a smile, "Don't worry, I still have enough money. For now, there's no need for you to pay."
Mu Lingshan pouted lightly but didn't protest further, understanding Lin Langtian's intent.
Before leaving, Li Feier discreetly advised, "Brother Langtian, the next few days may become chaotic around here. Please be cautious."
"Thank you, Miss Feier. I'll keep that in mind," Lin Langtian replied with a confident nod.
Exiting the building, Lin Langtian quickly spotted Sha Li and the Blood Demon Shark Clan members nearby. Noticing Lin Langtian, Sha Li approached, sneering, "You actually dare to appear before me again?"
Lin Langtian merely smiled mockingly, "You're the one with real troubles now. Let's see if you can safely take that token off this island. It seems the upcoming days will be entertaining indeed."
With that, Lin Langtian left, ignoring Sha Li's clenched fists and angry glare.
Outside, Lin Langtian raised his eyes to the darkening skies, a storm seemingly gathering on the horizon. A cold smile formed upon his lips as he whispered, "The real show is just about to begin."
After all, how could such an exciting spectacle unfold without him joining in?
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