The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 38: The Crystal Lotus

The Crystal Lotus . . .

With Guan Wan-Shan taking center stage, he promptly declared the commencement of the auction. As anticipated, the audience responded with pleasure, casting appreciative glances in his direction. This was a salesroom that had a deep understanding of the art of conducting business.

"The first item up for auction," Guan Wan-Shan announced with a wave of his hand, "is a Jade Ruyi!" His gesture prompted a girl to step forward, bearing the Jade Ruyi on a cushion.

Guan Wan-Shan continued, "This is a top-quality Jade Ruyi, with a starting price set at 400 gold bars and a bid increment of 50 gold bars."

However, despite his efforts to maintain a composed demeanor, Guan Wan-Shan couldn't help but sound somewhat disheartened.

In truth, a Jade Ruyi was hardly considered a significant item in a high-caliber auction such as this. Guan Wan-Shan hadn't initially planned to include it, but Feng Zhi-Ling had insisted upon its inclusion. The reasons behind Feng Zhi-Ling's request remained a mystery to Guan Wan-Shan.

As the Jade Ruyi made its appearance on stage, the audience responded precisely as expected. A silence descended over the crowd, and it seemed as though many had chosen to avert their gaze or momentarily close their eyes. The consensus was unanimous – no one was interested in bidding for this item, and they didn't even want to waste their time showing disdain for it.

In the eyes of these individuals, the Jade Ruyi held no intrinsic value. They were all esteemed experts, and their interests lay in far more profound matters than such a mundane object.

Guan Wan-Shan couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over him. He began to doubt Feng Zhi-Ling's decision, believing that it had put him in a rather precarious position. This Jade Ruyi was proving to be an inauspicious start to the auction.

Just when it appeared that the item might go unsold, a voice broke the silence, bidding confidently, "Four hundred gold bars!"

It was Zuo Wu-Ji who had made the bid.

Guan Wan-Shan felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. To him, Zuo Wu-Ji's voice was akin to a heavenly melody. Zuo Wu-Ji's bid provided a lifeline for the auctioneer, pulling him out of an awkward predicament.

Zuo Wu-Ji had made the first and, as it turned out, the only bid for the Jade Ruyi. He looked around nervously but soon realized that no other bidder had stepped forward. His delight was palpable.

However, Zuo Wu-Ji remained oblivious to the true reason behind the lack of competition. Unbeknownst to him, the others were reserving their funds for the highly coveted supreme dan beads. They couldn't fathom parting with even a fraction of the 400 gold bars, as those funds might prove vital in securing the dan beads.

Guan Wan-Shan, sensing that there was no further interest in the Jade Ruyi, wasted no time and swiftly concluded the auction. The item was sold to Zuo Wu-Ji at its initial asking price.

Though it had been a relatively low-price transaction, Guan Wan-Shan couldn't help but feel a measure of gratitude toward Zuo Wu-Ji. In his mind, Zuo Wu-Ji had come to his rescue, preventing what could have been a disastrous start to the auction.

With the Jade Ruyi now in his possession, Zuo Wu-Ji marveled at how easily he had acquired it. He muttered to himself, "That was too effortless. Did no one else even consider bidding?"

Meanwhile, Lan Lang-Lang's eyes widened in astonishment as he exclaimed, "What just happened? It seemed too simple, didn't it?"

On the other hand, Zuo Wu-Yi held the Jade Ruyi but felt a subtle undercurrent of disappointment. He had once believed that his family was exceptional and that he was superior to most individuals in this world. However, the item he had so ardently desired turned out to be something that genuine cultivators held in contempt.

Zuo Wu-Ji clutched the Jade Ruyi close to his chest, his head lowered in a gesture that betrayed the turmoil within him. He couldn't help but feel a pang of humiliation as he observed the esteemed experts in the room. "The Jade Ruyi is nothing but garbage to them," he thought bitterly, "Why did I desire it so fervently? Is this world solely about cultivation?"

Lan Lang-Lang, on the other hand, found himself lost in contemplation. He had once believed that amassing millions of gold bars would elevate him to greatness. However, a stark realization now dawned upon him – wealth alone meant nothing in the face of true power. "Even if I had an endless stream of riches," he mused, "how could I safeguard my wealth without the strength possessed by these masters?"

Meanwhile, Cha-Eun Xiao watched his two closest friends with a mixture of empathy and regret from the balcony. He couldn't suppress a sigh, his gaze fixed on Zuo Wu-Ji and Lan Lang-Lang. "At last, it seems both of you are beginning to grasp the truth," he remarked softly to himself. "But it may already be too late. You've passed your prime, and embarking on the path of cultivation now might prove futile. How can either of you hope to reach the pinnacle of cultivation in your lifetimes?"

As Cha-Eun Xiao mulled over these thoughts, the voice of Guan Wan-Shan rang out once more, capturing his attention. "The next item," Guan Wan-Shan announced, "is a Crystal Lotus. This Crystal Lotus boasts an age of 1500 years, and its petals have begun to exhibit red streaks. It is on the cusp of transforming into a Bloodshot Lotus. This extraordinary specimen holds immense value in the realm of medicine. We will commence bidding with a starting price of 5000 silver bars, with increments of 500 silver bars for each bid."

Cha-Eun Xiao's eyes gleamed with intrigue at the mention of the Crystal Lotus. This rare botanical wonder held significance beyond measure in the world of cultivation. It served as the perfect foundation for young children to embark on their cultivation journey. In the early stages of life, when a baby is born, the innate pure qi they possess gradually diminishes. However, the Crystal Lotus had the unique ability to preserve this natural-born purity within the infant, seamlessly integrating it with the qi they would later cultivate as they grew older. The result was nothing short of remarkable – those who had partaken of the Crystal Lotus could progress in their cultivation at a pace three times faster than their peers.

Yet, there was a caveat. To benefit from the Crystal Lotus, a child needed to be a natural-born cultivator, and they required the guidance of a cultivator of the Grade of Tianyuan.

As the auction progressed, Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but marvel at the dynamics of the mortal world – the intricate interplay between the noble clans, martial sects, and royal families. It was a puzzle he had been piecing together bit by bit. The noble clans, though weaker in cultivation, wielded significant influence within the mortal society. The martial sects, on the other hand, showed little interest in political power, preferring to operate discreetly and acquire resources for their ultimate goals through covert means. And the royal families held sway over political matters but often struggled with social issues, hence the need for the noble clans' involvement.

Cha-Eun Xiao likened this complex balance to a lock with three keyholes. Each of the three major factions possessed a key, and the lock would only open when all three keys were inserted. However, the challenge lay in the fact that none of these factions would willingly relinquish their key. Cooperation was elusive, as it would ultimately grant one faction dominance, rendering the others obsolete.

"I should be the lock," Cha-Eun Xiao contemplated, his gaze sharpening with determination. "I must leverage their strengths while ensuring they never use their keys, keeping the lock sealed indefinitely."

With this resolve in mind, Cha-Eun Xiao refocused his attention on the ongoing auction, ready to take his next step in this intricate dance of power, influence, and cultivation.

As Cha-Eun Xiao observed the unfolding events in the bustling auction house, he couldn't help but engage in introspection. His thoughts, like the currents of the river of life, flowed with a profound understanding of the power dynamics at play in the world.

"I once believed that the martial sects held a humble position in the grand tapestry of our world," he mused, his eyes alight with newfound wisdom. "But my perception was fundamentally flawed. These sects, it seems, occupy a remarkable and commanding position. They eschew the allure of political power, preferring to operate in the shadows, manipulating events and amassing resources in pursuit of their ultimate goals. Their influence may be subtle, but it is a potent force born from the wellspring of cultivation."

His voice, though soft, held the resonance of a man who had uncovered a hidden truth. He continued his analysis, a sense of enlightenment coloring his words. "Conversely, the noble clans, while lacking in martial prowess compared to the sects, wield a different kind of strength – societal influence. They navigate the intricacies of mortal society with finesse, amassing power that transcends their cultivation levels. In a world where political clout holds significance, the noble clans shine. They are the bridge, connecting the realms of cultivation and politics."

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Cha-Eun Xiao's lips as he delved deeper into his revelations. "And there are those from the noble clans who tread a different path, joining the ranks of the sects or serving the royal families. They may not match the sects in cultivation or the royal families in political might, but they are resilient and adaptable, thriving in any circumstance. Even if the day comes when the royal families falter and the martial sects face annihilation, the noble clans will endure."

With a measured gaze, he contemplated the intricate dance of power, pride, and ambition that defined the three major pillars of their world. "The royal families, by contrast, rule with a political iron fist. They hold dominion over the political realm but grapple with challenges in the social sphere. In this regard, the noble clans become indispensable. The eight noble clans, seated in the three most potent kingdoms, form a delicate equilibrium – a balance between imperial authority and noble influence."

As his thoughts coalesced into a resolute conclusion, Cha-Eun Xiao's frown deepened. He recognized that his deductions were incontrovertible, akin to a lock with three keyholes. Each faction possessed a key, and only by relinquishing their keys could the lock be opened. Yet, the very essence of their existence depended on retaining their keys – control and supremacy. The impasse was inescapable.

A fire of determination flickered in Cha-Eun Xiao's eyes, illuminating his path forward. "I shall be the lock," he declared with quiet resolve. "I will harness the strengths of these factions and secure my place in the world. I need not be a key; I need only ensure they never use their keys, preserving the intricate balance in perpetuity."

Having solidified his purpose, Cha-Eun Xiao refocused his attention on the auction proceedings. The bids for the Crystal Lotus had reached their zenith. The Mu Clan clung tenaciously to their bid, outlasting their competitors. With the Long Clan's withdrawal due to their inability to offer a higher price, the stage was set.

With a mixture of confidence and disdain, Cha-Eun Xiao, the master of the Cha Clan, let his voice ring out through the grand hall. "50,000 silver bars!" His proclamation was both a declaration of intent and a testament to the unwavering determination that drove him forward on his chosen path.

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