The auction hall's atmosphere thickened as the bidding for the Beast Soul Crystal Fragment surged to staggering heights. What started as a modest 1,500 spirit stones had now climbed to a dizzying 7,000, a testament to the desperation and ambition that filled the room.
"7,000 spirit stones!" a sharp voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs like a whip.
Lin Feng's eyes locked onto the black orb resting on the pedestal. It pulsed softly with a mysterious energy, alive in its own right. This wasn't just a trinket; it was likely a key to a long-lost tomb or vault nestled deep within the treacherous Beast Mountain. Whispers among cultivators spoke of ancient King-Rank beasts whose souls held power strong enough to shift the very fabric of fate. The fragment in question was a remnant, a spark of that dormant power, coveted by beast tamers, soul cultivators, and dark arts practitioners alike.
Fei Lanyue, the auctioneer, flashed a wicked smile, her ruby lips parting with calculated allure. "7,000 spirit stones! Do I hear 8,000?"
Bids flew like arrows.
"8,000!"
"8,500!"
"9,000!"
"9,800!"
The price climbed relentlessly.
Chu Xiao sat on his VIP seat, fingers lightly drumming the armrest, his emerald eyes flicking repeatedly toward the green-clad woman from the Serpent Heart Sect. The woman sat distant, legs crossed with languid elegance, her snake-shaped earrings shimmering in the dim light. There was an intoxicating danger in her aura—a lethal grace that made even seasoned veterans wary.
Chu Xiao whispered to his guardian, a shadowy figure that hovered at her side, barely visible. "Master, she's clearly invested much in this fragment. I sense it holds secrets beyond its surface."
The guardian's voice was calm but firm. "Observe. Do not interfere recklessly. Your strength lies in patience and wisdom."
Lin Feng, sitting opposite, remained composed. He understood Chu Xiao's instincts but knew this was a game of power and subtlety. He watched silently as the bids soared.
Suddenly, Chu Xiao broke the tension, his voice steady and clear. "10,000 spirit stones."
Gasps echoed. His declaration sent a ripple through the hall. Fei Lanyue's eyes glittered with excitement, savoring the drama.
"10,000 spirit stones!" she announced, her tone dripping with seduction. "Who will answer?"
The green woman's voice was cool, almost teasing. "11,500 spirit stones."
Lin Feng's gaze sharpened. The green woman's bid was not just money—it was a challenge, a calculated move to unsettle her rivals.
Wang Tianhu, silent until now, shifted slightly. His crimson eyes gleamed with cold amusement. "15,000 spirit stones," he said, his voice low but commanding.
The room fell into tense silence. No one dared outbid the Blood Devil Sect's warrior.
Fei Lanyue's voice took on a teasing edge. "15,000 spirit stones! Do I hear more?"
The green woman leaned forward, a sly smile curling her lips. "16,500 spirit stones. This is my final bid."
The auctioneer's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Sold. To the lady from the Serpent Heart Sect."
As the black orb was handed over, Lin Feng noted the subtle glint of triumph in the woman's eyes. She had outbid some of the most dangerous players in the region tonight.
Chu Xiao's gaze hardened. Rising from his seat, he began weaving through the crowd, intent on trailing the mysterious green woman. Lin Feng remained seated, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
"Let her chase," Lin Feng murmured to his guardian. "This is exactly what I wanted—to see their true intentions unfold."
His guardian nodded silently, dissipating into a mist that wrapped protectively around Lin Feng.
Outside, the shadows deepened. Wang Tianhu was no ordinary rival. His father, a legendary Soul Foundation Warrior, lurked somewhere in the dense Black Corner forest, waiting to unleash fury on anyone foolish enough to cross their path. Both Green women and Chu Xiao knew better than to provoke such forces openly.
As Chu Xiao followed the green woman's trail into the night, Lin Feng remained behind, eyes sharp and calculating. Tonight's auction had revealed more than just treasures—it had unveiled alliances, rivalries, and the first moves in a dangerous game that stretched far beyond the walls of the auction hall.
Lin Feng's lips curled into a confident smile. "This game is just beginning."
....
The forest canopy thickened as the green-clad woman, known as Yan Qingshui of the Serpent Heart Sect, slipped deeper into its silent embrace. Moonlight filtered through the twisted branches, casting shifting patterns on the mossy ground as she moved with snake-like grace. The Beast Mountain range loomed ahead, but she knew this part of the forest well. A hidden path veered west, where her sect's outpost lay, cloaked by ancient formations.
Suddenly, the air turned heavy—oppressive, she halted. A slow, deliberate clap echoed through the trees.
From the shadows emerged Wang Tianhu, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. Behind him, a towering figure stepped out—a man with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a blood-red robe adorned with faded runes. His presence distorted the air, making the trees seem to bow in his direction.
Wang Tianhu smirked. "Going somewhere, snake?"
Yan Qingshui's eyes flicked toward the older man. "Wang Kuang. The Blood Devil himself."
Wang Kuang's voice was like grinding stone. "You carry something old. Something sealed. That fragment belongs to us."
Yan Qingshui's lips curved into a mocking smile. "It belongs to the one who claimed it."
With no further words, spiritual energy erupted.
Yan's aura flared emerald green, taking the shape of a massive phantom serpent that coiled protectively around her. Its fangs dripped poison, and its eyes burned with ancient cunning. Her robe fluttered as power surged from her foundation—dense, elegant, and laced with lethal precision.
Wang Kuang responded in kind. A blood-red aura exploded around him, forming a monstrous silhouette of a devil hound with multiple eyes and serrated fangs. Its growl warped the forest air.
The two Soul Foundation warriors clashed.
The ground cracked beneath them as their spiritual manifestations collided—serpent and hound, venom and bloodlust. Shockwaves rippled out, flattening trees and shattering stones.
Wang Tianhu stepped back, grinning wildly. "So this is the might of the Serpent Heart Sect. Show me more!"
Yan's fingers traced a quick seal in the air. "Emerald Binding Coil!"
The phantom serpent hissed and lunged, its body stretching impossibly long as it wrapped around Wang Kuang's devil hound, tightening with crushing force.
But Wang Kuang bellowed, biting his thumb and drawing blood. "Blood Surge Devour!"
His aura flared violently. Blood-red chains burst from the hound's mouth, snapping the serpent's hold and forcing it back. The forest floor was now littered with glowing cracks, and trees ignited from residual energy.
Hidden high among the trees, Chu Xiao watched silently, his eyes reflecting the raging battle below.
"So… that's her true strength," he murmured.
His guardian's voice came softly. "She holds back. She doesn't want to destroy the fragment in the fight."
Chu nodded slowly. "And Wang Kuang… if he's acting openly, this tomb must be more important than anyone guessed."
Back on the ground, Yan's left sleeve was torn, blood trailing down her arm. But her gaze burned with fury.
"I warned you, devil. This isn't your prey."
Wang Kuang sneered. "Then die with it."
Their auras flared again, brighter than before—two titanic forces prepared to clash once more.
And above them, in the black sky, distant thunder rumbled. As if the heavens, too, sensed that this was only the beginning.