"You say you come from Qingfeng Village?"

Ao San squinted his eyes, a peculiar expression on his face, while an indistinct Earth Level Martial Artist's aura quietly emanated.

Old Qiu, standing to the side, suddenly felt cold sweat running down his back, his aged hands trembling slightly.

The oppression of an Earth Level Martial Artist made it difficult for him to maintain his composure.

However, Wang Xu seemed unaffected by this intimidating aura, his face as calm as still water, his gaze cold yet observant.

"Master Ao, the auction is about to begin, it's important to put everything else aside and enter quickly."

Seeing this, Old Qiu hastily said.

The Earth Level Martial Artist's aura was fully retracted, and Ao San revealed a smile.

"Old Qiu is right, once the auction is over, I will have a good chat with this young friend."

Giving Wang Xu a meaningful glance, Ao San turned and left.

"Find out this kid's background for me, the more detailed the better."

Ao San lowered his voice, speaking to the attendant behind him.

"Yes!"

"From Qingfeng Village, Mortal Level Seventh Layer... such a figure emerging from a small village, Iron Blood Horse Thieves, Ao Tian, they likely cannot be unrelated to him."

In Ao San's mind, everything was as clear as a crystal. With a slight turn of thoughts, the cause and effect of the matters became completely understood.

Old Qiu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and sighed in relief.

He glanced slightly surprised at Wang Xu, not knowing what relationship this young sir Wang had with Ao San, but his ability to remain so composed before an Earth Level Martial Artist was certainly not ordinary.

"Young Sir Wang, shall we also head in?"

Wang Xu and Old Qiu entered the auction. The auction was not large, with less than two hundred people present.

But the venue was arranged very grandly; from the bricks and tiles to the decorations, it was evident that just setting up this auction venue was costly.

Shortly after Wang Xu and Old Qiu took their seats, a middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows and clear eyes appeared on stage.

He seemed about forty years old, with graying temples, and his formidable aura was only stronger than Ao San's.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's been a while since we last met."

The middle-aged man laughed heartily, his voice magnetic.

The people in the audience responded with smiles.

From their greetings, Wang Xu also understood the true identity of this middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows and clear eyes.

The City Lord of Flame Fire Main City, Yan Xi.

"This time, since Wind God Hall is holding an auction in my Flame Fire Main City, I, Yan, feel extremely honored. To express my regard as the City Lord of Flame Fire Main City, I have taken on the role of the host. I hope everyone here will show some consideration for me!"

Yan Xi's words were calm yet pleasant to hear.

"Alright, without further ado, let the auction officially begin!"

As Yan Xi spoke, he clapped his hands, and a beautiful woman from below the stage came forward holding a wooden tray, covered with a red cloth that isolated any aura.

"The first item is an advanced martial technique 'Smoke Cloud Palm,' with a starting bid of one hundred thousand taels, and each subsequent bid not less than five thousand taels."

The red cloth was lifted, revealing a slightly yellowed blue leather book to everyone's eyes.

Immediately, many individuals from prominent families lit up with interest.

Advanced martial techniques are exceptionally powerful and rare techniques.

Martial skills are divided into low-level, intermediate, and advanced.

Low-level martial skills, valued at thousands of taels, are mostly cultivated by Fifth Layer or Sixth Layer martial artists.

Intermediate martial skills, valued at tens of thousands of taels, are mostly cultivated by Seventh Layer or Eighth Layer martial artists.

Advanced martial skills, valued at over a hundred thousand taels, are mostly cultivated by Ninth Layer or Earth Level martial artists.

Among these prominent families, advanced martial techniques are by no means lacking. As prominent families, how could they not have some heritage?

However, within prominent families, advanced martial techniques are passed down through direct lineage, and ordinary clan members are not qualified to practice them.

This indicates that even in prominent families, advanced martial techniques are precious and rare treasures.

Such treasures appearing naturally led the dignitaries present to place their bids.

A hundred thousand and five thousand taels!

A hundred and ten thousand taels!

A hundred and twenty thousand taels!

The price soared, quickly reaching a hundred and eighty thousand taels, ultimately being won by a man seated with a Ninth Layer martial artist by his side.

"An advanced martial technique for over a hundred thousand taels?"

Wang Xu frowned.

The silver banknotes he had on him totaled less than two hundred thousand taels, barely enough for one advanced martial technique.

If a primordial power weapon appeared, wouldn't the price be even more outrageous?

"Old Qiu, how much would a primordial power weapon cost?"

Wang Xu whispered in a voice only Old Qiu could hear.

"The price of primordial power weapons varies greatly. Generally, a junior primordial power weapon can be obtained for ten thousand taels, but some junior weapons can be valued at over twenty thousand taels."

Old Qiu also responded in a whisper.

"What about intermediate primordial power weapons?"

"The price multiplies by five. Even the poorest quality, flawed intermediate primordial power weapons would start at a minimum of forty thousand taels, flawless ones at fifty thousand taels, and if they are exceptional intermediate primordial power weapons, the price can peak at eighty thousand taels."

Old Qiu explained in great detail.

Wang Xu's frown deepened.

According to his amount of silver taels, he could only purchase one junior primordial power weapon.

But if an intermediate saber-type primordial power weapon appeared, Wang Xu could only watch.

Wang Xu remained silent.

The auction continued.

"Wind Essence Pill, eighth-grade elixir, contains abundant Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi. After consumption, the probability of breaking through the realm can increase by at least 30%!"

Unlike Wang Xu, every martial artist faces certain risks when breaking through realms.

The higher the realm, the lower the chance of advancement. For instance, from the Sixth Layer to the Seventh Layer, perhaps only five out of ten martial artists succeed, and from the Seventh Layer to the Eighth Layer, there might not even be one out of ten.

This is the probability of breakthrough success.

Wind Essence Pill can increase the breakthrough probability by at least 30%, which is a tremendous boon for many martial artists!

"The starting bid for the Wind Essence Pill is 80,000 taels, with a minimum increment of 5,000 taels per bid!"

As soon as the words were spoken, martial artists eagerly started bidding.

Although the starting price for the Wind Essence Pill was low, its effects were more enticing than the previous advanced martial techniques, drawing many members of large families into the competition, unwilling to relent.

In the end, a Wind Essence Pill was won by an elder for 190,000 taels.

The treasures on display at the auction were indeed rare gems hard to see in the outside world, with the lowest starting price over 50,000 taels.

The highest bid reached as much as 700,000 taels!

This 700,000-tael treasure, which stunned everyone, was a piece of intermediate Primordial Power weaponry.

Primordial Power weapons are used by Earth Level martial artists. Spending such an enormous sum to acquire a Primordial Power weapon clearly indicates that there is an Earth Level martial artist within this force!

Everyone secretly noted this faction, intending to warn their clansmen not to offend them lightly once they return.

"Alright! Next, please look at this treasure!"

A large red cloth was lifted, and a silvery long saber unexpectedly appeared before everyone's eyes.

The saber emitted a faint glow, radiating a thick Primordial Power, making everyone's eyes light up immediately.

Primordial Power weapon!

Moreover, the Primordial Power emitted by this weapon was more formidable than all the previous Primordial Power weapons.

"This is the 'Dragon Carved Saber', an advanced Primordial Power weapon. I don't need to elaborate on its power. Its starting bid is one million taels, with each increment no less than ten thousand taels!"

The crowd was astounded. An advanced Primordial Power weapon valued at one million taels was not overpriced, but who here would spend such a sum to buy it?

It's known that the use of Primordial Power weapons depends not only on whether the user is an Earth Level martial artist but also on the strength of that Earth Level martial artist.

Earth Level martial artists are divided into first class, second class, and third class.

To perfectly wield an advanced Primordial Power weapon, one must at least be a second class Earth Level martial artist!

If it's a first class Earth Level martial artist, they might run out of Primordial Power after just a few martial techniques.

With weapons, one must be prudent.

But among those present, apart from Yan Xi, who has reached the second class Earth Level, who else can afford to wield it?

"One million one hundred thousand!"

Unexpectedly, someone immediately called out a price.

Tax Collector, Ao San!

Everyone was surprised and their thoughts turned active.

Ao San is currently still a third class Earth Level martial artist, but many of the same level are no match for him.

The reason he would spend such a large sum to buy an advanced Primordial Power weapon could only be one thing—

He's about to advance to the second class Earth Level martial artist!

Upon realizing this, many who were initially planning to bid immediately chose to withdraw.

A second class Earth Level martial artist, a peer of Yan Xi, the City Lord, must not be offended lightly.

Moreover, they wouldn't have much use for an advanced Primordial Power weapon.

Thus, very unusually, a moment of silence descended upon the auction hall.

Ao San wore a confident and proud smile, slowly rotating the golden ring in his hand.

"Is there no one else bidding?"

Yan Xi smiled, his gaze sweeping the room, as if he had anticipated this outcome.

But no one noticed the faint trace of killing intent that flashed in his eyes as he looked at Ao San!

Ao San is the only person in Flame Fire Main City who poses a threat to Yan Xi's position as City Lord.

Ao San's strength is at the pinnacle among third class martial artists.

Back then, Yan Xi recruited him out of appreciation for his talent, making him his Tax Collector.

But over the years, Yan Xi discovered Ao San's ambitions, which are slowly encroaching on his power.

Take Ao Tian for example; the arena is a major source of competition for Flame Fire Main City, involving a complex situation, and has always been managed by Yan Xi's family.

However, Ao San forcibly placed Ao Tian there.

This blatant provocation has long made Yan Xi determined to kill Ao San.

If he let Ao San secure an advanced Primordial Power weapon this time, the day Ao San ascends to second class Earth Level martial artist might coincide with Yan Xi's downfall!

"One million two hundred thousand taels."

Just when everyone was waiting for the announcement of the result, suddenly, a calm voice broke the silence.

Everyone was stunned at first and then turned their gaze to where the voice came from.

Mortal Level Seventh Layer?

Ridiculous, what is someone of this level doing here causing trouble?

Hearing the bid, Ao San's face immediately turned grim, directing a piercing gaze towards the bidder, instantly identifying him.

"Wang Xu..."

Ao San's teeth were grinding audibly. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.