The atmosphere on Xue Yu Island today was distinctly different, as the people from various powers had visibly settled down, with no one clashing with each other. Meanwhile, inside the Central Manor on Xue Yu Island, some decorations had been made, and Independent Immortals from Chaotic Star Sea could be found throughout the manor.

"Let’s go."

Leading the way was Sword Immortal Hua Yan, followed by True Master Ming Liang, True Master Ming Shan, True Master Lan Bing, True Master Chi Yang, and Xue Yuyang; they headed straight to the ’Four Directions Courtyard’ where the auction was to be held.

At the same time.

Dragon Clan Envoy Ao Feng, alongside Fang Tian, moved forward, followed by the three Great Elders Ao Yan, Ao Xu, and Yan Shan.

Demon World Envoy—Purple-eyed Bull Demon King ’Man Qian’, leading Yu Liang, Kong Cao, Xing Shou, and Wushan behind him.

Blood Demon ’Du Zhongjun’, leading Wu Kongxue, Lady Lian Yue, Fire Demon, and Wu Hei.

People from all four parties left their residences and headed towards the courtyard where the auction was to be held—the Four Directions Courtyard. Regardless of the tensions and frustrations between the different powers in the previous days, today everyone wore a smile.

Inside the Four Directions Courtyard.

The layout of the Four Directions Courtyard was simple, featuring four round stone tables arranged in a straight line on one side. Across from them was a rectangular stone table. Next to the rectangular stone table, there were three chairs lined up.

And at each of the four round tables, there were eight chairs surrounding each table.

Inside the courtyard, there were also two rows of people standing, all from the Chaotic Star Sea.

The three chairs next to the rectangular stone table were now occupied by three people—Zong Jue, Lan Feng, and Qin Yu.

Qin Yu sat in the center, with Zong Jue and Lan Feng seated to his left and right, respectively. Qin Yu was the host of the auction for the Sky-breaking Map and naturally sat in the center.

"Brother Lan Feng, these past few days the factions have been quite chaotic among each other, but now it has finally come to the last moment. It’s still uncertain who will end up with the Sky-breaking Map," Zong Jue said with a slight smile, already assured by Qin Yu of a spot for Chaotic Star Sea to enter the Ni Yang Realm.

The Sky-breaking Map?

So this time, Zong Jue was just watching the spectacle.

And of course, Qin Yu and Lan Feng were watching as well.

"It’s just uncertain how many Top-grade Primordial Spirit Stones the Sky-breaking Map will finally be auctioned for." Lan Feng said with a slight smile, then looked towards Qin Yu, "Qin Yu, what do you think, who will ultimately get this Sky-breaking Map?"

"It belongs to me!"

A light and floating voice sounded, and immediately Sword Immortal Hua Yan led five experts as they entered from the West Gate, Sword Immortal Hua Yan brimming with confidence, "Brother Lan Feng, since you don’t want the Sky-breaking Map, it’s only right for me to take it. You are a Sword Immortal, and I am also a Sword Immortal, so it’s natural for me to obtain it."

As he spoke, Sword Immortal Hua Yan and his followers took their seats.

"Everyone can talk big, but the reality often proves otherwise."

An indifferent yet absolutely domineering voice echoed through the Four Directions Courtyard, as Man Qian and his group entered from the East Gate. Man Qian’s purple eyes lightly swept over Hua Yan, containing a hint of arrogant aura.

Hua Yan, on the other hand, smiled and nodded at Man Qian, showing no anger at all.

The reason why this courtyard is called the Four Directions Courtyard is that it was built for this auction, hence it has four gates respectively named the East Gate, the West Gate, the South Gate, and the North Gate.

Following that, Blood Demon Du Zhongjun’s group and Dragon Clan Ao Feng’s group entered from the South Gate and North Gate respectively, and took their seats.

Four round tables stood in the room, each surrounded by parties representing the four corners, each emitting their own distinct aura, with none willing to appear weaker than the others.

Suddenly—

"Ladies and gentlemen, today I am here to auction off the Sky-breaking Map, and my nephew, Qin Yu, will be presiding over this auction. Everyone must adhere to the auction process and requirements as explained by my nephew. Those unwilling to comply may leave."

The voice of Sword Immortal Lan Feng resonated, as his gaze swept over the attendees.

Zong Jue also smiled as he looked at everyone.

Sitting on either side of Qin Yu, it was clear that they were there to support him.

"Yes, those attending this auction of the Sky-breaking Map must adhere to the rules. Anyone who doesn’t, will be crossing me first," said Man Qian, his tiger eyes briefly scanning the other three before smiling slightly at Qin Yu, "Brother Qin Yu, proceed with the auction as you please."

Sword Immortal Hua Yan and Blood Demon Du Zhongjun, including the Dragon Clan’s Ao Feng and Fang Tian all understood that Man Qian seemed to have a special relationship with Qin Yu.

Qin Yu smiled and stood up, "Ladies and gentlemen, as commanded by my uncle, I am here to ensure that this auction of the Sky-breaking Map is conducted fairly and justly. Let me briefly state the rules: the bidding will be in terms of Top-Grade Primordial Spirit Stones only, no other treasures will be accepted. In other words, the highest bidder in terms of Top-Grade Primordial Spirit Stones will win. Moreover, once the auction concludes, the winner must immediately exchange the Stones for the Map. If someone does not have enough Top-Grade Primordial Spirit Stones but claims otherwise, then..."

"Anyone who falsifies such a claim will face a collective attack!" Man Qian grunted coldly.

"Yes, anyone who dares to falsify information will be attacked by all," said Blood Demon Du Zhongjun, his face full of murderous intent.

Sword Immortal Hua Yan chuckled lightly, "Merely saying so won’t do; it is better to vow. I shall lead— if anyone during the auction falsifies the number of Top-Grade Primordial Spirit Stones, they shall be attacked by all and shall perish without a chance for reincarnation. Ladies and gentlemen, do you dare?"

Having said this, Hua Yan swept his gaze across the crowd.

"Who wouldn’t dare?" Blood Demon Du Zhongjun sneered as well, and made the same vow.

Under the smiles of Qin Yu, Lan Feng, and Zong Jue, all parties took the pledge.

"Very well, since all the seniors have shown such sincerity, I should display some as well," Qin Yu said, waving his hand, as a scroll appeared before everyone, instantly catching their attention.

Qin Yu slowly unfurled the scroll.

"As Senior Blood Demon, and seniors from the Dragon Clan—Ao Feng and Fang Tian—have previously seen the Sky-breaking Map, they indeed are familiar with its appearance and aura. Please feel free to verify it," Qin Yu said with a smile to the crowd.

"The Sky-breaking Map," Blood Demon Du Zhongjun’s eyes sparkled.

The Dragon Clan Envoy ’Ao Feng’ also spoke up, "Yes, this is indeed the Sky-breaking Map, I am absolutely certain of it."

Hua Yan also looked towards True Master Ming Liang at his side.

Since True Master Ming Liang had once obtained the Sky-breaking Map, he naturally knew what the map looked like and what aura it had. After careful observation, True Master Ming Liang nodded to Hua Yan, who then relaxed and smiled.

"Well, does anyone have any doubts?" Qin Yu asked jovially.

Everyone shook their heads indicating they had no doubts.

"Let’s start the auction then; no need to waste more time," said Blood Demon Du Zhongjun.

"Alright, since everyone is impatient, let’s begin the auction," Qin Yu’s voice rose, "The Sky-breaking Map, the key to entering the Ni Yang Realm, is immensely precious. The starting bid for the Sky-breaking Map is one Top-Grade Primordial Spirit Stone, and whoever bids the most will obtain the map. Please now place your bids!"

Qin Yu announced this loudly.

While speaking, Qin Yu closely watched the Four Great Ambassadors.

"It seems that the ones who are determined to get the Sky-breaking Map are Man Qian and Hua Yan," Qin Yu noted as he discerned their intentions from their gazes, "However, the expression of Dragon Clan Envoy Ao Feng is all smiles, no one knows what he’s really thinking, and that is a variable."

Qin Yu made his judgment in his mind.

In fact, now both the Dragon Clan and Blood Demon had the Sky-breaking Map, so the competition was really between the other two. Of course... it was also possible that the Dragon Clan and Blood Demon wanted to prevent others from intervening and thus join the auction battle for the Sky-breaking Map.

"I bid two Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones."

The first bid resonated.

Qin Yu looked towards the direction of the voice; it was the Blood Demon ’Du Zhongjun’.

Hearing Blood Demon ’Du Zhongjun’s’ bid, Sword Immortal Hua Yan chuckled, "Du Zhongjun, you really dare to bid. Aren’t you afraid of the oath you just made? I bid three Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones."

"Hua Yan, I know you are determined to get it, so I was just stirring up some excitement," Blood Demon Du Zhongjun said with a laugh.

Others might not know, but Sword Immortal Hua Yan was aware that among those present, the one who likely had the fewest Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones was probably Blood Demon Du Zhongjun. Sword Immortal Hua Yan speculated that Blood Demon Du Zhongjun probably didn’t even have two.

That was because almost all of Blood Demon Du Zhongjun’s Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones had ended up in Sword Immortal Hua Yan’s hands.

Naturally, Sword Immortal Hua Yan had paid a hefty price for them.

"I bid four Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones," Man Qian said with a smile, "Alright, Hua Yan, stop wasting time. This auction battle is just between you and me. Whatever Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones you have, just say it outright."

Qin Yu, standing on the stage, was secretly delighted.

"Keep the competition going, bring out as many Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones as you have, the more the better... I won’t ever complain about having too many."

Qin Yu watched the competition below with a smiling gaze.

The more Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones there were, the stronger his Sword Immortal Puppet would become.

"Why should I reveal how many Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones I have?" Sword Immortal Hua Yan said with a light smile.

Sword Immortal Hua Yan was clever; if he had far more Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones than Man Qian and he reported a high price all at once, Man Qian wouldn’t be able to compete. Wouldn’t Hua Yan be just handing over more Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones to Qin Yu for nothing?

Therefore, each time he made a bid, Sword Immortal Hua Yan would only increase it by one Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stone.

"Five Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones," Hua Yan bid again.

"Hmph, I bid seven Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones," Man Qian raised again and then looked at Hua Yan with a laugh, "Hua Yan, I want to see just how many Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones you really have."

Hua Yan suddenly turned with a smile to Dragon Clan Envoy ’Ao Feng’ and said, "I’ve heard the Dragon Clan is rich and splendid, surely Brother Ao Feng has a lot of Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones too. What is it? Are you not placing any bids, waiting to strike suddenly at the end?"

"Rich and splendid? Haha... My Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones are not nearly as numerous as yours, Hua Yan," Ao Feng always wore a smile.

"Hua Yan, stop wasting time, Ao Feng isn’t going to participate," Man Qian said evenly.

"Oh... So the Dragon Clan’s Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones ended up in your hands?" Hua Yan frowned.

"Clever. Tell me, I just bid seven Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones, do you have more?" Man Qian’s eyes shone with an intense light, a sense of pressure directed at Hua Yan.

Qin Yu on the stage continued to listen to each of their bids.

"Seven more? With the one I originally had, after the auction ends, my Sword Immortal Puppet will be able to exert the strength of an Eighth Level Golden Immortal. An Eighth Level Golden Immortal!" Qin Yu thought and felt a surge of excitement, but he understood one thing.

This Eighth Level Golden Immortal had limitations.

Once the energy of the eight Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones was exhausted, the Sword Immortal Puppet would be nothing but scrap metal, so... he needed more Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones.

"Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones, even in the Immortal Realm and Demon World they are extremely valuable. The cost of using the Sword Immortal Puppet is indeed high," Qin Yu felt the pain deeply.

But after all, the Sword Immortal Puppet was formidable, and no matter the cost, Qin Yu was determined to use it.

At this moment, the competition between the forces of the Primordial Wilderness Demon Clan and the Independent Immortals had reached its final stage.

"Ten Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones, I don’t believe you have many more!" Man Qian said coldly.

The Four Great Ambassadors, each time they descended into the Mortal World, did not ask for Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones from their backups because they never thought that anything in the Mortal World would require Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones; even for replenishing their powers, they each had their own Spirit Pills.

These Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones were their own, a regular First Level Golden Immortal probably couldn’t produce even one Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stone, but since these people were elite figures of their respective forces, they had a few Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones.

Sword Immortal Hua Yan was taken aback.

"Haha, are you out of them? If you’re out, just admit defeat," Man Qian sneered.

"I bid eleven Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones!" Sword Immortal Hua Yan’s eyes were nearly red.

Man Qian’s expression changed, "Good, good, I didn’t expect you to have so many Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones!"

Thinking of the eleven Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones by his side made Sword Immortal Hua Yan ache; to get these stones from Blood Demon Du Zhongjun, he had been brutally extorted. This was how he had barely managed to gather the eleven stones.

He had a total of only eleven Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones by his side, and if Man Qian bid just one more, he would have no hope left.

"Alright, I don’t have many Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones, just twelve in total, I bid all twelve Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones—let’s see if you can bid any higher." Man Qian exuded a terrifying air, as it was the end, and they both sensed that the other had reached their limit.

Sword Immortal Hua Yan’s face turned ashen.

Twelve stones?

Just one more than him.

On the stage, ever since the bids exceeded eight Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones, Qin Yu, who had been happily observing, finally spoke up.

"Now that the Demon World Envoy Man Qian has bid twelve Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones, does anyone have a higher offer?" Qin Yu looked around at everyone, his attention mostly on Sword Immortal Hua Yan, while he watched him with an ’encouraging and expectant’ gaze.

Sword Immortal Hua Yan, however, was utterly pale and said nothing.

Qin Yu knew in his heart...this Hua Yan indeed had no more Top-Grade Elemental Spirit Stones.

"If there’s no higher bid, then the Sky-breaking Map will go to Brother Man Qian," Qin Yu’s voice started to rise with excitement.

"Wait!"

Dragon Clan Envoy Ao Feng stood up and smiled, "Brother Qin Yu, please don’t rush. The matter is not concluded yet."

(To be continued. For more, please visit WWW.CMFU.COM, where the Chapters are more abundant, to support the author and for legitimate reading!)