Chapter 236: Auction by Request

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

Ye Mo was unaware that the two nuns considered him malicious. His priority was securing funding. He possessed only the magic artifacts and pills he'd crafted the previous night.

Xi Shuang Temple was expansive, covering fifty acres of scenic land with numerous pavilions. Ye Mo understood why the auction was held there.

After confirming the auction's location, Ye Mo instructed Xu Ping to wait while he sought an appraisal of his goods.

As Ye Mo entered the main hall, Zi Xu immediately whispered to a nun, "Master, I recognize him. He…"

"Shut up," the nun sharply rebuked, scanning her surroundings.

Frightened, Zi Xu fell silent. She resented Ye Mo for severing her arm, yet feared his brutality; he'd already killed three men, each stronger than her master.

…

A monk in his thirties stopped Ye Mo at the main hall entrance. "Friend, the auction begins in two hours. Please wait."

Ye Mo almost scoffed. Monks typically addressed patrons formally, not as "friend." However, having encountered monks who consumed meat and alcohol, he replied, "I wish to have some items auctioned. Is that possible?"

"Of course. Come with me." The monk showed no surprise; such requests were common.

Ye Mo was led to a third-floor room containing two individuals: a thin, bespectacled old man with a goatee (resembling Dongfang Xi) and a middle-aged woman of average appearance but regal bearing.

"You wish to auction items?" the goateed old man inquired slowly, his brow slightly furrowed, a detail Ye Mo noted.

Ye Mo, sensing the old man underestimated him due to his youth, presented five artifacts. "These are magic artifacts; each can withstand three full-powered attacks from a primary Yellow Stage warrior."

"Oh…" The goatee's surprise was evident as he examined the artifacts. "While valuable in the mortal world, their worth here is limited. I could attempt to sell them; if genuine, I'd offer one million at most."

Ye Mo acknowledged the goatee's assessment. These artifacts held little value within the hidden sects. One million was reasonable, though they might fetch ten million each in the outside world. He’d previously sold similar artifacts for 200,000 each, sufficient for his needs. A million was insignificant at this auction; he decided to sell them elsewhere. He retrieved the artifacts.

The goatee remained silent, understanding the price discrepancy. He stroked his beard. "However, the method of creating such artifacts would command a heavenly price."

Ye Mo sneered. He wouldn't sell the method; even skilled cultivators couldn't replicate them without spirit sense, which ancient martial arts didn't provide. This old man was calculating; mass production would yield immense wealth.

Despite his sneer, Ye Mo calmly stated, "They aren't mine; I'm acting on behalf of someone else."

Ye Mo then produced a vase. "This contains a Lotus Life Pill. What is its worth?"

The goatee examined the round, fragrant purple pill (the size of a longan). Its unusual appearance was clear, yet even the goatee was unfamiliar with it.

Seeing the goatee's shock, Ye Mo explained, "The Lotus Life Pill is crafted from a Thousand Year Snow Lotus Seed and eighty-one other precious herbs. While not resurrecting the dead, it cures any injury provided the patient still breathes."

Ye Mo exaggerated the pill's ingredients—it contained only five or six herbs. He also overstated the Snow Lotus Seed's efficacy; it mainly addressed severe internal and external injuries and cultivation-related issues, not all ailments. Nevertheless, its power was considerable.

"The Thousand Year Snow Lotus Seed can be used in pill form? You created this? Such a master exists?" The goatee and the woman were astounded by the pill's described potency.

Ye Mo smiled, replacing the pill in the vase. "What I said is true. Can this pill be auctioned?"

"Yes! But you must guarantee its authenticity. If it's fake…"

Ye Mo interjected, "If you doubt its authenticity, attribute it to a guest; you bear no responsibility." He reasoned that if the goatee refused to auction a possibly genuine pill, he'd lose significantly. He was confident that someone amongst the assembled masters would verify its authenticity.

"We'll auction it, taking a 5% commission," the goatee agreed.

"Agreed," Ye Mo responded; 5% was far better than external taxes.

"Anything else?" the goatee asked, his expectations heightened.

Ye Mo presented another bottle. "Examine this."

The bottle contained a crystal-clear pill with a pleasant aroma; its extraordinary nature was apparent. However, the goatee was again stumped.

Recognizing the goatee's ignorance, Ye Mo explained, "This is a Face Preserving Pill. The consumer gains eternal youth."

"What…" The goatee and the woman were incredulous. The Face Preserving Pill existed only in legend.

Seeing the goatee's trembling hand, Ye Mo quickly secured the pill. He feared the goatee might drop it.

The goatee recovered, staring at Ye Mo. "Brother, you can't lie. If this is real, do you understand the implications? This pill is invaluable; its appearance will cause an uproar."

The woman anxiously watched Ye Mo, uncertain of his veracity.

Ye Mo smiled. "Of course, it's real. I'll be at the auction; the buyer can test it. If it's fake, you can expose me."

However, Ye Mo felt a twinge of regret; selling the pill impulsively might attract unwanted attention. He needed power, and currently lacked it. A Foundation Establishment Cultivator commanded respect; but he was far from that level. He hoped the auction would yield the spirit herbs or ores needed for his breakthrough.