The Five Great Clan's of the Xue Empire

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the first treasure of the evening," he announced.

"This is a low-grade 4th Rank pill known as the Ocean Forming Pill, capable of aiding those at the late stage of the Spirit Foundation Realm in achieving the Spirit Ocean Realm. We'll start the bidding at 5,000 mid-rank spiritual stones."

As Fang Han's words hung in the air, the auction hall came alive with activity. Numerous individuals, primarily loose cultivators unaffiliated with any faction, immediately began placing their bids.

Zhou Yuan couldn't help but wear a sly grin, and even Yang Jin found the unfolding spectacle amusing.

In the vast expanse of the Xue Empire, one of the most influential mortal empires in the Central Region, a significant portion of the population consisted of cultivators at the Qi Refinement and Spirit Lake Realm. However, Spirit Ocean Realm cultivators typically belonged to noble families, who held sway over the resources required for cultivation beyond the Spirit Lake Realm.

In this dominion of the Xue Empire, where the Royal Family ruled with the support of the Five Great Clans—Zhou, Ling, Mu, Yang, and Wu—each clan was positioned in the upper echelons of the empire, led by a venerable Soul Origin Realm expert.

For a Rank 4 pill to surface outside of these noble clans was a rarity. Occasionally, fourth-level alchemists would clandestinely offer such treasures, seeking anonymity and deliberately obscuring their identities, providing only an address for payment.

As Zhou Yuan's gaze remained fixed on the box containing the coveted pill, curiosity overwhelmed him. He leaned towards Yang Jin and inquired, "Brother Jin, what could explain a Rank 4 pill appearing in this auction?"

Yang Jin, seated beside him, answered with a wry smile, "You see, there are occasions when fourth-level alchemists prefer to remain in the shadows. They sell such pills anonymously to maintain their secrecy, offering only an address for the delivery of payment."

Zhou Yuan nodded in comprehension. "Ah, I see. It's a discreet way for skilled alchemists to turn a profit without exposing their identities. Truly intriguing, Brother Jin."

As the bidding continued to escalate, Zhou Yuan couldn't help but ponder the enigmatic alchemist behind this auction. Neither he nor Yang Jin intended to participate in the bidding. As descendants of two of the Five Great Clans, a Rank 4 pill held limited appeal for them. Their access to higher-tier resources and clan support rendered such auctions less enticing. Instead, they observed the proceedings with casual interest, awaiting the climax of the spirited bidding war.

"6,000."

"7,500."

"10,000."

"12,000."

The fervor in the auction hall intensified, making it abundantly clear that the Core Forming Pill was a highly sought-after treasure, especially among Foundation Establishment stage cultivators yearning for advancement.

With the bids soaring past 12,000 mid-rank spiritual stones, Zhou Yuan couldn't help but be impressed by the fervent competition. He leaned in towards Yang Jin once more and whispered, "Brother Jin, it appears this Rank 4 pill is in great demand. Do you think it justifies the escalating price?"

Yang Jin nodded contemplatively. "Indeed, for those in the Spirit Lake Realm, this is a valuable treasure. The Spirit Ocean Realm is a momentous milestone in a cultivator's path, and pills like this are in high demand. However, for us, the investment might not be justified. After all its just a low-grade 4th Rank Pill."

Zhou Yuan concurred. As scions of the prestigious Zhou and Yang clans, they had access to resources that surpassed what most cultivators could attain through auctions. Their ambitions lay in even loftier realms of cultivation, rendering a low-grade 4th Rank Pill less enticing to them.

The bidding continued its ascent:

"15,000!"

"18,000!"

"20,000!"

The competition left no doubt that the anonymous alchemist behind this auction was about to reap a substantial reward. Zhou Yuan couldn't help but be intrigued by the hidden identity of this talented alchemist who had chosen to remain in the shadows.

"Sold, for the staggering sum of 20,000 mid-rank spiritual stones!" Fang Han's proclamation reverberated through the hall.

The fortunate bidder who secured the Ocean Forming Pill beamed with satisfaction, well aware that their hard-earned wealth was well spent.

"Our next item," Master Fang Han declared, as a group of people carried a wooden case to the platform.

When he opened the case, a powerful and extraordinary energy began to emanate from it, catching everyone's attention and interest in the room.