Hearing Xiao Jietian's bid, Heaven-Class Room Number 5 went silent. The figure inside paled slightly, clearly realizing the young man in Room 9 had far outstripped his budget.
"Congratulations to the distinguished guest in Heaven-Class Room Number 9 for acquiring this item!"
The Auctioneer struck her gavel decisively.
A Profound High-Rank Combat Skill typically cost around 380,000 gold coins; even a special skill like this rarely exceeded 400,000. Xiao Jietian had overpaid—and deliberately so.
"That's… so expensive!" Little Fairy Doctor inhaled sharply, patting her chest in astonishment.
If she were back in Qingshan Town, even 45,000 gold coins would have been unimaginable—let alone 450,000. She could only watch, powerless, and drool.
"For you, Qing Lin, no sum matters," Xiao Jietian said, smiling warmly at the two of them. "You're priceless."
The Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin blushed, leaning close to him. Money couldn't buy love, but having it certainly made life easier.
The remaining finale items appeared one by one, but Xiao Jietian ignored them—until the very last item.
The Auctioneer clapped, and a maidservant appeared, carrying a silver tray covered with a red cloth. She lifted the cloth, revealing a gray, ancient scroll.
Xiao Jietian's eyes sharpened instantly. Even from a distance, he could sense the subtle aura of poisons and refined techniques emanating from the scroll.
A young man in Heaven-Class Room Number 5 also straightened in anticipation.
"This is a special secret technique: Poison Burst Art," the Auctioneer explained with a gentle smile. "It was discovered in a secluded mountain cave, and its use is safe when properly controlled. This Dou Technique can detonate all poisons—whether in the environment or inside a cultivator's body. The stronger the poison, the greater the explosive effect."
She emphasized the advantages, leaving the dangers—such as backfiring on the unprepared—unmentioned.
The crowd murmured in excitement. "Starting bid: 300,000 gold coins!"
Instantly, the hall grew tense. Few dared to hesitate; most had come for items just like this.
"320,000!"
The bids escalated quickly.
"600,000!" called out Heaven-Class Room Number 1.
"650,000," Xiao Jietian said, joining the fray.
"660,000," came a young man's voice from Room Number 5, dark and brooding.
"700,000," Xiao Jietian responded smoothly.
"710,000," the young man followed immediately.
"750,000!"
The bidding war intensified, soaring past a million in moments.
The young man finally revealed himself. "Friend, I am Tang Ming, Young Sect Leader of the Absolute Poison Sect. This item is vital to me."
The hall buzzed with whispers. The Absolute Poison Sect was the dominant force in Poison Spirit City, and its leader, a Dou Huang, was a top-tier expert.
Xiao Jietian smirked. "Even if you are the Young Sect Leader, without money, you cannot take what you want."
With a faint laugh, he called out, "1,100,000 gold coins."
Inside Heaven-Class Room Number 5, Tang Ming crushed his teacup, his face dark with rage.
"Who are these people? Where do they come from?"
"They have no records in the Izumo Empire," a gray-robed elder answered. "Their attire doesn't match any local family or sect."
Tang Ming gritted his teeth. "To show such disrespect… then let them be buried in Poison Spirit City. There's more than one way to get what I want."
His eyes glittered with malice. I want the scroll, and I want their lives too.
Xiao Jietian sensed the threat and quietly whispered to the Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin:
"Xian'er, Qing Lin, I'll send you back to the Eternal Heaven World first."
The two looked worried. "Is he planning to attack us?"
Xiao Jietian's eyes narrowed, a faint murderous glint flashing across his face. "Not just him. Many here would like to steal from us. Don't worry—I'll handle them."
Hai Bodong's voice reminded him, "Tang Ming intends to act after the auction ends."
Xiao Jietian nodded, glancing at the Soul Control Talismans in his system space.
The Auctioneer struck her gavel. "Congratulations to the distinguished guest in Heaven-Class Room Number 9 for acquiring the final item at 1,100,000 gold coins. The auction concludes. Thank you for participating."
Xiao Jietian stood and gently placed the Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin into his embrace. "Be careful. I'll wait for you back in the Eternal Heaven World."
They nodded, concern etched on their faces, and he sent them off safely.
Turning to Hai Bodong, Xiao Jietian said, "Let's go. Many people won't survive today."
Outside, Tang Ming and the gray-robed elder emerged from Room Number 5, glaring at him.
Tang Ming's expression was deadly, but Xiao Jietian ignored him. After completing the transaction for the scroll, he calmly exited the auction house.
On the street outside, a dozen hostile figures blocked his path.
"Kid, hand over the Dou Technique and your gold. Or leave here as a corpse," the leading Da Dou Shi sneered, his eyes full of greed and malice.
Sizzle!
Electric arcs danced around Xiao Jietian. He raised his right hand, sending streaks of red lightning toward the dozen aggressors.
In an instant, their movements froze. Screams choked in their throats.
Bodies were incinerated, leaving charred blackened husks. A gentle wind blew, reducing them to a pile of scorched ash.
"Thank you for offering to leave me a complete corpse," Xiao Jietian said lightly, a faint smile tugging his lips. "But I never leave unfinished business."
He scanned the remaining onlookers. "Anyone else want some electrotherapy?"
The street fell silent. Fear was more powerful than any sword.