The annual auction in the Blazing City was to be held within two or three days of rest. According to Wu Ji's introduction, it was an ordinary event—not particularly grand. The items on sale were mostly fire-element treasures suitable for Nascent Soul stage cultivators. Yet even with these limitations, hundreds of such cultivators had already gathered in the city by now.

This demonstrated just how densely populated Daqian Continent really was. Even at a remote location with a relatively modest event offering limited merchandise, so many Nascent Soul level experts could still congregate. The Nine Continents likely saw this kind of phenomenon only on Daqian Continent.

Leaving together for the auction with Wu Ji, arranging an assembly accommodating thousands or even ten thousand cultivators wasn't particularly challenging for expert-level techniques. Around four to five hundred Nascent Soul stage cultivators each masked their distinctive auras behind visors while making minimal surface efforts at discretion.

Participating in auctions could be perilous—once wealth became visible, targets often invited banditry. Even without obvious displays of riches, these events attracted roving groups eager for opportunistic raids.

Ding Liang had experienced this scenario countless times both as victim and bait-layer, intimately familiar with all the unspoken rules of such gatherings.

"Brother Ding," Wu Ji transmitted in a cheerful tone after masking his features, "please sit at some distance from me during the auction. I intend to spend freely on spirit stones—better not have rumors link us together."

"Certainly," Ding Liang responded telepathically with equal casualness, "I'm no troublemaker but neither am I timid." His thoughts churned however—the Fire Lord's Essence had inexplicably entered this auction, drawing in experts from the Infernal Region. He remained puzzled about Cuiwei's motives behind manipulating Chen Yun of Sword Sect to participate.

Wu Ji's initial surprise at Ding Liang's response quickly morphed into amusement as he transmitted again: "So you're a capable and self-assured cultivator—excellent! I've found myself an excellent brother in you."

Each receiving numbered tokens, the pair entered just as two or three hundred cultivators had already gathered. Finding adjacent seats assigned according to their numbers, they noticed performers dancing on stage while the auction house provided entertainment during delays.

Graceful young women with late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation danced elegantly. The lead dancer possessed early Nascent Soul level power—an indicator of Daqian Continent's formidable resources even at such a minor event.

Observing Ding Liang's scrutiny of the performance, Wu Ji explained telepathically: "These girls mostly come from financially struggling families in Western Alliance. The Foundation Establishment beauties usually sell for one million spirit stones while the Nascent Soul dancer commands about five million."

Ding Liang remained silent.

Assuming his silence signified disdain for the performers, Wu Ji added earnestly: "Don't look down on them—these aren't war slaves but real family members or independent cultivators. Many are willing to become concubines of Nascent Soul masters to elevate their siblings' status in their poverty-stricken families. If fortunate enough to attach themselves to a benevolent master, entire lineages can ascend socially."

Ding Li257

："。。"

Wu Ji fixed his gaze on the veiled woman with enchanting curves and sighed: "A pity I only brought enough spirit stones for the prime fire essence crystal. Otherwise I'd certainly bring one back." Transmitting to Ding, he added, "You're a decent person—why not help these poor girls? Imagine what suffering awaits those who end up in cruel hands."

Ding Liang chuckled wryly: "Didn't know you had such gentlemanly inclinations toward beauty. But I'm just a wandering cultivator with no fixed abode—the women would suffer under my care." Suddenly decisive, he offered: "Since we've found camaraderie, why not pick one? I'll cover the cost now and you repay me later when convenient."

"Impossible!" Wu Ji's expression softened toward the alluring performer.

"Remember your own words about potential fire pits?" Ding Liang relaxed visibly. "And don't forget many Nascent Soul experts have questionable character traits..."

Wu Ji shuddered at the implication before reluctantly agreeing: "Then please accept my intermediate-grade fire sword as collateral."

"Nonsense," Ding countered, already summoning a Foundation Establishment level attendant through his spiritual awareness. "Bring the eighth performer—my bid is one million spirit stones."

The young attendant hesitated anxiously: "Respectfully, several masters have already expressed interest in her..."

Ding Liang's gaze casually swept over the delicate, pitiable figure at position eight—the girl indeed outshined others with captivating vulnerability. He shrugged indifferently: "Then follow standard procedures for resolving such conflicts."

"Usually these cases are added to the auction list," the attendant stammered nervously. Though there were high-level overseers including an Immortal expert behind this event, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would quake at confronting a Nascent Soul master's potential outbursts.

"That will do then." Ding had long since grown accustomed to trivializing such matters. To him, spending one million versus ten million spirit stones was meaningless—his wealth far exceeded all present Nascent Souls and even many Immortal experts. Only ancient demon kings possessed comparable riches when factoring in his otherworldly artifacts and endless prime-grade spiritual treasures.

The relieved attendant retreated respectfully as Wu Ji anxiously transmitted: "Has the eighth girl drawn multiple buyers?"

"Leave it to me," Ding said airily, exuding effortless confidence that made Wu Ji contemplate how he'd repay this kindness. Their brief conversation concluded just as attendees surpassed five hundred and the auction commenced.

A gaunt elder ascended the stage like a living corpse. No one dared underestimate him despite his zombie-like appearance—his suffocating aura alone could paralyze Nascent Soul cultivators.

Immortal expert, indeed. As expected of an event catering mainly to Nascent Souls—the auction master naturally needed Immortal level presence to command respect. After brief introductions identifying himself as Master Yang, he began the auction with assistants handling logistics. The first item—a fire-patterned thunder panther cub yet to open its eyes—already drew gasps from the crowd.