Chapter Sixty-Two: Competing for the Heavenly Pepper Blossom

Junyang frowned; indeed, the power of bloodline was a problem. In the Upper Realm, one could obtain the bloodline of the Immortal Clan simply by ascending the Heavenly Tribulation Staircase. But for those in the Divine Realm to acquire the bloodline of the Sacred Clan, they had to undergo the 'Sacred Inquiry.' If one’s mind wavered even slightly during this trial, their soul might be stripped away; it was far more daunting than the Heavenly Tribulation Staircase. Moreover, it seemed no one had ever endured the 'Sacred Inquiry.'

Junyang let out a bitter laugh. "This bloodline truly is a troublesome matter," he said, casting a despondent glance at You Xiyue. "I fear that in time, there will be less and less I can do to help you, perhaps even—"

Perhaps even become a burden.

Junyang did not voice this thought aloud.

"Then you should return to the island and focus on your cultivation. If your bloodline is lacking, make up for it with cultivation. Surpass five realms, and you can disregard the power of bloodline," You Xiyue said.

Hearing this, Junyang grew indignant. "That junior, his cultivation is so high—he’s only four realms below me! How hateful!"

"Whose fault is that? You never cultivate properly," You Xiyue retorted for once. "You have Starry resources at your disposal, yet you spend your days eating. You’re only four realms above a mere junior—aren’t you ashamed? Your old friends are probably far ahead of you by now."

Junyang pouted in defiance. "Once you find Snow Jade, I'll return to Starry Island and train alongside Yan Qingye."

"Mm," You Xiyue replied softly.

Downstairs, the auctioneer finally finished the opening announcements and moved on to the main event.

The first lot was a Thunder Sound Bracelet of Immortal grade.

The auctioneer promoted it with fervor. "This item is truly extraordinary!"

Junyang chimed in, "How extraordinary?"

The auctioneer kept up the suspense. "This Thunder Sound Bracelet is an Immortal-grade artifact, exquisite in appearance. Once activated, it unleashes a powerful thunder attack upon enemies, accompanied by a deafening roar. This roar isn’t mere noise—it causes ringing and dizziness in anyone below the Immortal Emperor realm."

"Sounds convincing," Junyang said, tossing a peanut into his mouth, listening intently.

A sudden clatter rang out.

A dish had fallen to the ground.

Only then did You Xiyue and Junyang recall that Lutan and the two female slaves still had their senses sealed.

Lutan had endured for too long; with his senses blocked, he felt unsafe, and in his restless twisting, knocked a dish to the floor.

You Xiyue felt a touch embarrassed for having forgotten about Lutan and promptly released the restraints on him and the two female slaves.

"Don’t speak carelessly," Junyang warned the slaves.

"Yes," they replied, shrinking into the corner, aware they could not defy someone who could so easily seal their senses and movement.

Lutan, too, refrained from asking questions—if they intended to tell him, they wouldn’t have sealed his senses in the first place. Feigning ease, he said, "Finally, things are back to normal," and sensibly did nothing more than pour himself some tea.

The auction continued.

The auctioneer introduced the next item. "Before us now is the Pangu Banner, a Sacred-grade artifact capable of breaking any formation below the Sacred level."

Junyang was surprised. "It seems Immortal Treasure Pavilion has prospered these past years—they’re offering Sacred-grade treasures now?"

Lutan was equally amazed. "Immortal Treasure Pavilion presents Sacred-grade artifacts at almost every auction; it’s commonplace. Aside from the Glass House of the Sacred Realm, Immortal Treasure Pavilion is probably the second largest auction in the world."

"Is that so?" Junyang laughed lightly. "I suppose I’ve been secluded too long; the world’s affairs grow increasingly unfamiliar to me."

"Have you always lived in seclusion, senior?" Lutan blurted out, then, seeing Junyang’s disdainful look, dared not press further. "I’ll just focus on the auction," he mumbled.

Many vied for the Pangu Banner, but so far, the three ancient beast clans had not made a move.

As the auction neared its end, Qingmo grew more tense.

"Father, that master next door hasn’t done anything yet—do you think they want the same items as us?"

Qing Yide shared his anxiety. Though he believed no one could rival the Azure Dragon Clan’s heritage, he still felt uneasy.

Fortunately, when the auctioneer finally presented the Heavenly Pepper Flower, You Xiyue made her move.

The auctioneer lifted the box, displaying it with excitement. "I need hardly introduce the Heavenly Pepper Flower—a must-have for alchemists, a life-saving immortal herb, its fragrance unique. Three plants are available, starting at three hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones."

"I bid five hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones."

"I bid eight hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones."

"I bid one Immortal-grade Spirit Stone."

The bidding slowed only when the price reached ten Immortal-grade Spirit Stones.

The auctioneer pressed on. "Ten Immortal-grade Spirit Stones—any higher offers?"

Junyang rubbed his hands in excitement. "Little Ancestor, three Heavenly Pepper Flowers—though not many, they’re enough for two or three meals!"

Lutan tilted his head, puzzled by Junyang and You Xiyue. Meals? Did they eat Heavenly Pepper Flowers? Before he could unravel this, he saw You Xiyue pick up the badge marked ‘Elegant Seven.’

"Fifty Immortal-grade Spirit Stones."

"Elegant Seven offers fif—fifty Immortal-grade Spirit Stones?" The auctioneer’s voice pitched high, nearly faltering. He coughed, regaining composure. "Any… any higher offers?"

Lutan grew more confused. Three Heavenly Pepper Flowers for ten Immortal-grade Spirit Stones was reasonable, but suddenly it jumped to fifty...

The previous bidder hesitated, head bowed, debating whether to continue.

Then, from behind, a deep, resonant voice sounded. "One hundred Immortal-grade Spirit Stones."

The newcomer wore the attire reserved for advanced alchemists—only those of Fifth-tier or above could possess such garments. Naturally, he was at least of Immortal-grade, or he wouldn’t be so intent on acquiring Heavenly Pepper Flowers.

An attendant hurried over, handing the alchemist a number badge.

The alchemist raised his badge. "Number 233—one hundred Immortal-grade Spirit Stones."

The auctioneer snapped back to attention, thrilled. "Number 233 bids one hundred Immortal-grade Spirit Stones! Any higher—"

"Five hundred Immortal-grade Spirit Stones," You Xiyue’s voice rang out again.

The crowd began to stir. Were Immortal-grade Spirit Stones being treated as cabbages? The price jumped so dramatically!

The alchemist was undeterred, snorting disdainfully as he countered, "One Divine-grade Spirit Stone."

"Divine-grade Spirit Stone?!"

"Is he mad? Divine-grade?"

"They’re bidding on Heavenly Pepper Flowers, right?"

Many could hardly believe their ears.

The auctioneer’s hand trembled with excitement—he’d expected the hottest items to come at the end, yet the atmosphere was already ablaze.

"One Divine-grade Spirit Stone—any higher offers?"