Chapter 63: The Beautiful Jade Coffin

The Purple Cloud Banner contained unfathomable power. However, the auctioneer, with his late-stage Soul Martial cultivation level, couldn’t activate it due to its weak aura.

“A high-grade spirit artifact is nearly impossible to find—the entire Tianyang Empire has only a handful. The starting bid for the Purple Cloud Banner is one million.”

This price surprised Cheng Lingyu. He whispered, “It’s pricier than the Sacred Bone.”

Caiyun replied, “The Sacred Bone is valuable, but merging with it carries immense risks. The slightest mistake could result in death and the destruction of one’s cultivation. The Purple Cloud Banner, however, is a renowned defensive spirit artifact, a treasure countless cultivators desire.”

“One million two hundred thousand!”

“One million five hundred thousand!”

“One million eight hundred thousand!”

The bidding for the high-grade spirit artifact grew fiercely competitive, quickly surpassing two million five hundred thousand. Only a few bidders remained.

The Xuanhuo Sect relentlessly pushed the price higher, determined to secure it.

Cheng Lingyu suddenly turned to Caiyun and asked quietly, “All treasures from the Lanling Holy Palace are extraordinary. Why did the three major auction houses choose Yunyang City—a place with just a million people—instead of a major city in the Tianyang Empire?”

Caiyun explained, “It’s simple. News of these treasures leaked early. The auction houses lacked the strength to transport them safely out of Yunyang City. They had no choice but to auction everything here, rushing to offload them.”

Cheng Lingyu nodded. “Senior Sister, that makes sense. This must be why the three joined forces. Divided, they’re weak; united, they’re stronger. They’re gambling on this.”

“Three million!”

The bid, placed by the Leader of the Xuanhuo Sect, matched the Sacred Bone’s earlier record.

“Three million one hundred thousand!”

Outside forces refused to yield, fueling the rivalry.

“Three million two hundred thousand!”

The Leader of the Xuanhuo Sect growled angrily, “Three million three hundred thousand!”

“Three million five hundred thousand!”

Silence swept the room at this final bid.

The Xuanhuo Sect secured the high-grade spirit artifact, the Purple Cloud Banner, for three million five hundred thousand, becoming the highest bidder so far.

Only Jubao Studio’s final treasure remained in the eighth round.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation as Jubao Studio’s representative stepped forward.

The auctioneer moved calmly, carrying a jade plate veiled in black cloth. The last item appeared small, but its significance was unclear.

Onstage, he lifted the cloth to reveal a jade coffin—less than six inches long, three inches tall, translucent and seamless. Its lid bore the carving of an unparalleled beauty, radiating subtle temptation.

Unlike previous spirit artifacts, this coffin emitted no dazzling light or visible spiritual patterns.

The auctioneer circled the stage, displaying the coffin on the jade plate.

“This jade coffin originates from the Lanling Holy Palace. Though none alive have seen the Orchid Saintess, who lived ten millennia ago, Jubao Studio believes the figure carved here is none other than the legendary Orchid Saintess herself.”

“So beautiful.”

A cultivator exclaimed. The jade coffin indeed possessed unparalleled grace, stirring hearts.

“This jade coffin remains a profound mystery. We’ve yet to determine its exact rank as a treasure. Our analysis suggests it holds the greatest secret of the Orchid Saintess—possibly her legendary legacy or the key to locating the true Lanling Holy Palace.”

Cheng Lingyu studied the coffin, sensing something odd.

His Magic Eyes technique detected nothing unusual, yet the Fang Tian Bao Yin in his palm pulsed rhythmically.

This proved the coffin was extraordinary, though its secrets remained elusive.

Caiyun’s beautiful face tightened as she gazed at the artifact.

“This coffin radiates dark allure. Secrets lurk within.”

“Can Senior Sister discern anything?”

She shook her head. “Not visually. But my Spirit Chart’s Heavenly Resonance resonates fiercely with it. This coffin’s significance cannot be overstated.”

Blood Martial Realm experts in the crowd extended probing thoughts toward the coffin.

Ordinary cultivators saw only beauty, finding nothing remarkable.

The auctioneer waited until everyone had looked their fill before announcing a starting price: five hundred thousand.

Though lower than bids for the Sacred Bone or high-grade spirit artifacts like the Purple Cloud Banner, frenzied bidding quickly surpassed one million.

“Two million!”

An outsider cultivator’s shout silenced ordinary bidders.

“Two million four hundred thousand!”

The Nangong family patriarch’s bid fell swiftly.

“Two million six!”

“Three million!”

The Baifo Sect’s thunderous offer from Yunyang City’s five major gangs shook the hall.

“Three million two!”

Outsider forces countered stubbornly.

“Three million five!”

The Baifo Sect matched the Purple Cloud Banner’s final price.

After weighted silence, the sect claimed the coffin at the day’s highest bid.

With seven treasures auctioned—two taken by outsiders, five by Yunyang factions—the event concluded.

Though most hadn’t bid, witnessing such stakes proved rewarding.

Winners collected the Sacred Bone, Purple Cloud Banner, and jade coffin, departing swiftly under watchful gazes.

Outsider experts drew particular scrutiny, these “river-crossing dragons” facing local suspicion.

Powerful Yunyang groups without spoils now eyed the outsiders, plotting investigations and thefts.

Cheng Lingyu left with his Monster Spirit Flower and newfound knowledge of the Lanling Holy Palace—intelligence more precious than any bid.

Back at the chess academy, Caiyun summarized the matters from the auction.

“We currently know the Lanling Holy Palace unearthed fifteen treasures this time. Three remain missing with unclear origins. Among the remaining twelve, Ouyang Lie obtained one, we secured five, and others claimed the rest.”

“Senior Sister, do our five treasures compare to those from today’s auction?”

Caiyun replied, “The Sun and Moon Divine Bow and Life and Death Arrow rank highly. The spirit blood’s origin remains unknown, making its value uncertain. Your mud bowl still puzzles us, while the celestial cat needs more observation.”

Cheng Lingyu said, “Yunyang City might face turbulent times ahead. Should we act during this chaos?”

Caiyun pondered, “Given our position, we shouldn’t get involved yet. We’ll monitor Yunyang City’s developments closely.”

Caiyun placed the celestial cat in a gathering formation brimming with spiritual energy.

The formerly lethargic creature now lounged energetically on a stone table, its snow-white fur gleaming.

Cheng Lingyu studied the petite feline, surprised by the ancient wisdom in its eyes.

“Senior Sister, this celestial cat doesn’t seem young. More like a spirit beast imprisoned for years, its energy drained.”

Caiyun nodded approval. “Sharp observation. Its strangeness made me choose the gathering formation. The recovery progresses well.”

Cheng Lingyu produced the Monster Spirit Flower. “Little White, want this?”

The cat’s eyes lit up, recognizing the prize, yet showed restraint.

Caiyun took the flower, prompting the feline to leap into her arms.

Cheng Lingyu grumbled, “Flirtatious tomcat!”

Caiyun brushed his cheek, teasing, “Jealous, junior brother?”

His face reddened.

The celestial cat devoured the flower, its fur shimmering with awakening power. Cheng Lingyu detected swirling energy reviving within.

“Your perception astounds me,” Caiyun noted. “This flower accelerates its healing.”

“I wonder about its combat power. It seems too docile.”

“Underestimate it at your peril. Let’s focus – chaos in Yunyang City may disrupt our cultivation soon.”

Caiyun released the cat, taking Cheng Lingyu’s hand with playful charm.

The youth flushed, teenage thoughts swirling.

Love comes in forms – searing memories or gradual bonds, fleeting moments or lifelong vows.

At eighteen, Cheng Lingyu remained inexperienced in such complexities.

Post-auction Yunyang City buzzed with tension.

Ouyang Lie, the city’s foremost talent, faced mounting troubles. His ghost market bamboo plate from Lanling Holy Palace became common knowledge, drawing unwanted attention.

Local cultivators respected his prowess, but mysterious outsiders showed no such caution. Even City Lord Yun Ao faced surveillance over the unearthed treasures.

Local forces claimed five auction prizes:

– City Lord Yun Ao: Scale Armor

– Situ family: mid-grade spirit artifact Red Lily

– Shenhuo Sect: Ruyun Treasure Bottle

– Xuanhuo Sect: high-grade spirit artifact Purple Cloud Banner

– Baifo Sect: beautiful jade coffin