The auction commenced, hosted by a captivating fox-woman whose sultry charm and several fluffy tails swaying behind her drew many eyes.
"I wouldn't mind a sip of beast milk myself…" Lin Fan smacked his lips, his gaze gleaming.
Yue Chan shot him a frosty glare. "Hmph, vixen!"
Lin Fan chuckled. Though the fox-woman was alluring, the crowd's focus quickly shifted to the auctioned treasures.
The first item sparked gasps and fervor, greedy eyes glinting across the hall.
It was a pristine celestial bone, shimmering with crystalline light, exuding a mysterious energy and faint golden heat—an extraordinary relic.
Yet, it was incomplete, a corner missing, rendering it a fractured bone. The technique inscribed upon it was similarly flawed, lacking crucial runes.
"This is an original rune bone from an ancient Golden Crow, not a legacy species but a primordial heavenly-tier beast," the fox-woman announced. "Though it's missing part of its runes…"
"What? A fragmented heavenly-tier technique?!" The auction hall erupted, eyes flashing like lightning, fixated on the bone.
Even incomplete, it hailed from the Golden Crow clan, a race of fearsome renown in ancient times. Their fire-based divine abilities were unmatched, capable of sweeping the world, rivaled by few.
Legend held that the sun itself was formed from a fallen Golden Crow, a testament to their might.
"A Golden Crow technique? No matter the cost, it's mine," declared a spirited voice, tinged with defiance—the Ninth Princess of Stone Country.
Murmurs of awe followed. For the Bone Charm Auction House to open with such a treasure, rather than saving it for the finale, meant the true highlight would be even more astonishing.
In Lin Fan's private booth, the item drew attention. While he remained nonchalant, Yue Chan's divine eyes were already active, scrutinizing the gleaming bone.
The Lower Realm's Heaven Mending Sect possessed a fragmented Golden Crow technique. If this bone's runes could complement theirs, they might reconstruct a complete heavenly-tier divine ability.
"Saintess, the runes on this bone contain the missing parts of our sect's technique. We must secure it," urged Granny Cherish-Flowers, materializing in the booth, her eyes alight with urgency. Old Yu, the other protector, mirrored her fervor.
A complete heavenly-tier technique, second only to the Archaic Vicious Ten's techniques, was exceedingly rare—worthy of being a sect or nation's cornerstone.
The protectors hadn't anticipated such a windfall in the Desolate Region, a chance to perfect their sect's technique.
Both turned to Lin Fan, nodding in approval.
"Young Sir, your luck is extraordinary! To encounter such fortune upon arriving in the Desolate Region!"
Lin Fan: …
Meanwhile, a voice in the crowd questioned, "Why auction such a precious technique first?"
The red-clad fox-woman smiled, her eyes sparkling with charm. "This rune bone is incomplete, missing its core forbidden divine ability. What remains is the fire Dao's mysteries and the Golden Crow's rainbow transformation technique."
"I see. Its value is diminished, but it's still precious, especially for fire cultivators or those seeking speed," the crowd mused, some relieved.
Many abandoned their bids. Without its strongest offensive power, the technique was akin to a legacy species' ability. For those wealthy enough to attend, their clans already possessed comparable techniques, their focus shifting to artifacts or divine materials.
Yet, certain beings—especially avian creatures and fire cultivators—coveted the bone. The near-peerless rainbow transformation and solar true fire held immense appeal.
Thus, the bidding was fierce, starting with offers of rare treasures.
"I offer twenty thousand-year-old spiritual herbs!"
"I bid a set of killing arrays!"
"I offer a vial of Yellow Spring Water!"
The price soared to astronomical heights, leaving onlookers speechless.
The Ninth Princess of Stone Country was relentless, outbidding every competitor with unwavering resolve.
"This bone will be my gift for Father Emperor's birthday," her melodious voice rang out from a VIP booth.
Many hesitated, reluctant to challenge the Stone Emperor's face in his own capital.
"Heehee, it's mine!" the princess giggled, certain of victory.
But then, a voice cut through.
"I bid one piece of Heavenly Astral Stone!" Yue Chan called.
She produced a stone the size of an egg, radiant with dazzling light, its divine glow piercing the room.
"What? A divine-grade Heavenly Astral Stone?!"
The crowd gasped, drawing sharp breaths, craning toward the source.
Heavenly Astral Stone was a material used by ancient gods to forge artifacts. Even a small piece could enhance a treasure's power and durability several-fold.
An egg-sized piece was staggering, outvaluing most other bids. Few would dare offer such a treasure.
"Someone dares steal my gift for Father Emperor?!" The Ninth Princess fumed, glaring toward Yue Chan's booth, indignant but ultimately conceding.
"They've offended the Ninth Princess in the capital. Trouble's brewing," someone whispered.
In Stone Country's capital, the Ninth Princess was notorious. Though breathtakingly beautiful and graceful, her fiery, direct nature gave many headaches.
But Yue Chan, in her VIP booth, was unfazed. A mere princess—could she compare to an immortal sect or surpass a saintess's dignity?
Securing the Golden Crow technique, Yue Chan studied it intently. Moments later, her heart leapt—the bone indeed held the missing runes, perfect for her own Golden Crow technique.
"Thank you," she said to Lin Fan. Rushed as she was, she'd brought few treasures and had borrowed from him.
"No problem. Just repay me double," Lin Fan grinned, his teeth gleaming like a cunning merchant.
"You…" Yue Chan's face darkened, irritation flaring. This guy's infuriating.
He'd called her "wife" so sweetly, yet now he was all business, demanding double repayment. And wasn't the purchase for the sect's benefit?
Unable to resist, she asked, "Don't you cultivate this technique?"
"In that case, forget the double. Just return one Heavenly Astral Stone," Lin Fan said, his small face earnest, as if he were being generous.
Yue Chan was dumbfounded. What kind of fiancé is this? Hailing from the Upper Realm, richer than her, yet so greedy.
As if reading her mind, Lin Fan scolded, "Wife, you're in the wrong here. I'm saving resources. Don't our future wedding costs matter? Our children's cultivation resources? Our grandchildren…"
"Shut up! I'll pay you back when we return!" Yue Chan snapped, on the verge of losing it, her fist itching to strike.
What kind of person is this? Making stinginess sound noble, dragging their future descendants into it…
"Pfft, I'd never have children with someone like him!" Yue Chan ground her teeth, her resolve to annul this betrothal hardening.
In the shadows, the two protectors watched, torn between amusement and exasperation. These children were too entertaining, especially the young sir—a lively rascal, wise beyond his years.
For the first time, they saw the normally poised, unflappable saintess repeatedly ruffled, her expressions vivid and varied.
Together, they were a perfect match—a golden boy and jade girl, bickering sweethearts!
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