As Liu Xi and Qing Lin approached, the two guards showed no reaction until Liu Xi tossed out a crimson jade invitation. Only then did the dull eyes of the guards sharpen, their attention becoming focused.
With a casual motion, one of them caught the invitation, examined it carefully, then glanced briefly at Liu Xi before stepping aside to clear the path. There was no small talk — strict and efficient. The Spatial Trade Fair, organized by the three great sects, had a notoriously high threshold. Without sufficient strength or standing, entry was impossible.
To enter, one needed an official invitation from the three sects. These invitations were distributed only to the elite of the Central Plains — those with status, wealth, and power. Each invitation was anonymous; if stolen, the thief could still attend, for the Spatial Trade Fair recognized invitations, not identities.
However, combat was forbidden anywhere near the site. Anyone who caused trouble would be deemed to have challenged the authority of the three sects — and would immediately face their united pursuit.
Naturally, Liu Xi's invitation came from the Pill Tower. As one of the top forces in the Central Plains, the Pill Tower received many such invitations. After all, within the Small Pill Tower were numerous semi-retired elders — all immensely wealthy and well-connected.
Passing the two Dou Zun guards, Liu Xi and Qing Lin entered a long passageway lined with hanging night pearls that emitted a soft glow, illuminating the corridor brightly.
Before long, they reached the end — a massive bronze door engraved with ancient runes that exuded an air of age and mystery.
"The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Map fragment… I'm truly looking forward to it," Liu Xi murmured under his breath. Beneath his black robe, his eyes gleamed with anticipation. Even he couldn't remain calm when it came to the 3rd Heavenly Flame on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
Creak.
He pressed his palm against the door, pushing it open. A gentle light spilled out from within — tranquil, mysterious, and serene.
As his vision adjusted, a spacious ancient hall about half the size of a plaza came into view. Inside were rows of stone seats, already occupied by numerous black-robed figures.
Just like Liu Xi, each person had completely concealed their identity beneath a dark cloak. No one knew who sat beside them. When Liu Xi and Qing Lin entered, a few curious gazes flickered toward them — but quickly shifted away.
Yet within those fleeting glances, shock stirred. Regardless of cultivation, anyone who tried to probe Liu Xi's aura felt as though they were staring into a bottomless abyss — a devouring void.
Liu Xi ignored the stares and calmly made his way to a more secluded corner before sitting down. With a flick of his sleeve, space around them subtly distorted, forming a private barrier — both to block prying eyes and to prevent eavesdropping.
Since reaching the Dou Saint realm, Liu Xi's mentality had changed. Those he once viewed as strong now seemed like mere insects. Even if they had nine fingers' worth of strength, his single finger would suffice to crush them like ants.
Qing Lin soon approached and sat quietly beside him, her voice soft. "Young Master, while we came through the corridor, I sensed more than a dozen probing gazes. Should we—"
"It doesn't matter," Liu Xi replied calmly. "They're just a few Dou Zuns — I could erase them with a flick. Hm… remind me later to refine a Bodhisattva Enhancement Pill for you — stronger than six Bodhisattva Pills combined. You'll reach Half Saint soon enough."
Qing Lin's eyes shimmered, her voice gentle. "Mm."
The two waited quietly. Time passed, and more black-robed figures entered one after another. By the time the flow ceased, nearly eighty participants had gathered.
Dong!
A clear bell tone rang through the hall. In the next instant, the space at the center of the hall rippled, and an elderly man with snow-white hair appeared within the distorted light. His aura was powerful yet calm — a 9-Turn Dou Zun at the very peak.
Liu Xi's gaze flickered slightly. "A peak 9-Turn Dou Zun… not bad." The old man had one foot in the Half Saint realm, though given his age, breaking through would be difficult without external aid.
"Ha ha, another year, another Spatial Trade Fair. I trust everyone has been well," the old man said with a genial smile, his eyes sweeping over the room.
His appearance drew a hush. No one responded, but that silence was respectful. This was Elder Bao Shan — the master of Reflecting Treasure Mountain. Known across the Central Plains for his discerning eye, he had seen countless treasures in his lifetime. As a veteran expert who had stood at the peak for centuries, he was one of the top figures beneath the ancient clans.
He chuckled softly at the silence, then waved his sleeve. The surrounding space twisted once more, forming a faint spatial barrier around himself — a protective habit rather than a show of power.
"The old rules still apply. I hope no one minds."
Once the barrier was complete, he stood upon the elevated dais. Seeing that attendance was smaller than in previous years, he sighed faintly. "Many familiar faces didn't come this time… likely because they never made it back. The Bodhisattva Ancient Tree — such a storm of bloodshed. Well, enough chatter. Let us begin this year's Spatial Trade Fair."
At the mention of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, the room grew subtly tense. But as his final words echoed, all eyes turned toward him, their gazes burning with anticipation.
Everyone knew — anything traded here would be beyond extraordinary.
"Now then, the first item of this session — please take a look."
Elder Bao Shan extended his hand, and space rippled before him. A scroll materialized in his grasp, glowing faintly. His aged fingers brushed across it lovingly.
"This is a Tian Class Fire-Type Qi Method — the Yanming Infernal Scripture. Once mastered, it can transform ordinary Fire Dou Qi into an infernal variant with power rivaling that of a Heavenly Flame."
"Its owner seeks to exchange it for a Tian Class Wind-Type Dou Technique or Qi Method. Pills of equal value are also acceptable. Let the bidding begin!"
The hall fell silent. Behind their hoods, most participants were weighing the value of such a trade.
Elder Bao Shan smiled patiently. He didn't rush them; the silence was normal here. This wasn't some common auction — impatience was for amateurs.
Moments passed before three people finally made their offers simultaneously, tossing scrolls toward the stage for Elder Baoshan to inspect.
Four Tian Class techniques — all laid bare before the crowd. Even Liu Xi couldn't help but feel a flicker of interest.
(End of Chapter)
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