At this moment, the old man in the purple robe closed his eyes momentarily, then nodded, as if acknowledging a speaker only he could hear. A flicker of difficulty crossed his face before vanishing, and he spoke, "Fen Jing He! Young Master Tang Yuan has bid five hundred taels. Is there anyone who can exceed the price of five million taels?" Jun Mo Xie immediately stumbled, his eyes wide. "Old sir, you are being excessively difficult, aren't you? This matter clearly involves Li Zhen maliciously driving up the price; how is it related to my friend? Why force the price up to five million taels?" "Those not participating in the bidding shall not speak to disrupt the auction!" The purple-robed elder ignored Jun Mo Xie, focusing solely on Fatty Tang. "Young Master Tang, do you have any objections!" Tang Yuan, contrary to his usual arrogance, whispered quietly, "I hadn't even finished saying how much I was bidding..." Jun Mo Xie thought to himself how this Fatty Tang had suddenly shrunk in stature, lacking his former brazenness—a true oddity.

But how could he stomach letting the man purchase the Fen Jing He for such an astronomical price of five million taels? That was utter nonsense! Furthermore, it seemed that Sheng Bao Tang was deliberately making trouble for them! Jun Mo Xie’s innate, wicked pride could not tolerate such unfairness. He couldn't help but coldly scoff, "Are you saying Sheng Bao Tang intends to strong-arm a sale? If Fatty Tang's earlier words stand, then the price is merely five hundred taels. When did anyone mention five million taels? If Sheng Bao Tang deems it acceptable, then let's conclude the deal at five hundred silver taels!" Indeed, Tang Yuan had only managed to call out the words "Five hundred" before Jun Mo Xie clamped a hand over his mouth, stopping the utterance of the subsequent ten thousand taels.

The two sides reached an impasse, while Li Zhen and his cronies all wore looks of delight, clearly relishing the impending humiliation of Jun and Tang. Everyone else in the hall remained silent, caught between the power of Sheng Bao Tang and that of the Jun family—neither side could they afford to offend. Suddenly, amidst the profound silence, another ethereal voice echoed: "The rules of Sheng Bao Tang must not be broken! Once a bid is placed, it stands!" The voice was spectral and ubiquitous, low yet exceptionally clear, penetrating the ears of everyone present! The purple-robed elder’s expression hardened upon hearing it: "Sheng Bao Tang never forces sales. Regardless of whether the Jun or Tang families choose to step back, this auction is concluded today. It is recorded that Young Master Tang Yuan bid five million taels!" As the mysterious figure spoke, the purple-robed elder’s attitude shifted instantly to one of hardened resolve. Even the steady composure of the great assassin Jun suffered a slight change.

He wasn't overly surprised by the elder's rigidity; five million taels, though exorbitant, wasn't something he couldn't handle. What truly astonished him was that sudden, intangible voice—the cultivation level of the speaker rivaled that of Ye Gu Han, the initial Sky-Tier master he had encountered! But why would such a master deliberately make trouble for Fatty? Or perhaps, for himself? Strength was one thing, but Jun Mo Xie's arrogance forbade him from swallowing such an insult in silence! It was a joke—five million silver taels! Although the five-hundred-year-old Fen Jing He was of immense value and the optimal medicine for treating Jun Wu Yi, making it well worth the price—even double that—the intent to acquire it based on its true worth was separate from being forced into becoming a complete fool. Under the current circumstances, being coerced into finalizing the transaction at five million silver taels, regardless of the deal's fairness, the sheer indignity of it could suffocate him!

Moreover, Sheng Bao Tang was clearly twisting logic here! Jun Mo Xie despised those who used power to bully others above all else! This matter was certainly no exception. "What rules must not be broken? Hahahaha..." If Jun Mo Xie had been feigning anger before, he was genuinely irritated now. He sneered, "If that's the case, I might as well sit here every day raising the bidding price and let your Sheng Bao Tang profit to your heart's content!" "What does Young Master Jun mean by that? I do not interpret this as the Jun family, famed throughout the Tianxiang Nation, intending to oppose my Sheng Bao Tang?" The ethereal voice, devoid of anger or joy, resonated overhead, yet the heavy pressure within the words was suffocating. Everyone present watched Jun Mo Xie with pity.

If this prodigal young man dared to affirm that sentiment, he would invite utter catastrophe upon the Jun family of Tianxiang Nation. This Jun Mo Xie truly knew no fear, daring to provoke Sheng Bao Tang itself! Li Zhen, Hai Zhou, and the others, however, were ecstatic. Although they spent a bit too much silver today, if they could successfully sow deep discord between the Jun family and Sheng Bao Tang over this matter, spending ten times the price would still be worthwhile! Across the hall, Gu Du Xiao Yi stamped her feet anxiously: "That blockhead! How could he openly defy Sheng Bao Tang? Wh-what is to be done?" Her anxiety was obvious, while Princess Ling Meng beside her watched thoughtfully, her own worry deepening. Jun Mo Xie's vigilance grew stronger.

The speaker was clearly trying to incite conflict between the two major powers, the Jun family and Sheng Bao Tang. Did Sheng Bao Tang and the Jun family harbor enmity? Realizing this, Jun Mo Xie became even more cautious about what he said. "Anyone can make empty claims! You say Tang Yuan offered five million taels—did anyone present actually hear that? Because what I heard was only 'five hundred' taels! Furthermore, Li Zhen bid three million silver taels; has Sheng Bao Tang considered whether he actually possesses the funds or not? If he can’t produce it, isn’t that just an empty bluff to raise the price?

You ask if my Jun family opposes Sheng Bao Tang? Then I, this young master, must ask: is this entire affair a scheme orchestrated by Sheng Bao Tang for illicit wealth accumulation?" When Jun Mo Xie uttered these words, the entire assembly gasped! This statement implied that Sheng Bao Tang and Li Zhen were colluding to undermine Tang Yuan’s funds! This was a severe blow to Sheng Bao Tang's reputation! Yet, Sheng Bao Tang had indeed been careless on this specific point today, allowing Jun Mo Xie to seize the flaw! Under the deliberate and obvious unfair pressure from Sheng Bao Tang, Jun Mo Xie, fearless and unbridled, openly stepped forward to accuse them! The hall fell utterly silent. No one in several centuries had dared to question Sheng Bao Tang in such a manner!

Today, everyone had witnessed something remarkable and gained invaluable insight! After a long pause, the mysterious figure stated calmly, "This matter does involve an oversight. This seat shall investigate." Although the voice remained level, it betrayed clear unwillingness, yet everyone could easily picture a person shaking with suppressed rage while speaking with feigned composure. Jun Mo Xie paused again. Sheng Bao Tang had clearly intended to make things difficult moments ago, but now they were visibly seeking an exit strategy. What was truly happening? First antagonism, then retracting their own words, going back on their stance—how could such bizarre events unfold? There must be a hidden agenda he was unaware of!

Shortly after, the ethereal voice sounded again: "Young Master Li Zhen of the Li family, you just bid three million silver taels. Can you present the silver now?" Li Zhen, who had been enjoying the spectacle of the Jun and Tang confrontation, suddenly heard the voice address him while basking in malicious glee. Quick-witted as ever, he bowed immediately: "Junior was previously indignant that Tang Yuan repeatedly disrupted the order of the Sheng Bao Tang auction; thus, I stepped forward to stop him and expose his despicable nature..." The voice interrupted, sounding somewhat impatient: "This seat did not ask about your motives! This seat only asks if you possess the three million silver taels you bid!" Li Zhen instantly felt awkward. "Junior does not currently have three million silver taels. However, my intention was merely to rebuke Tang Yuan for disrupting the hall, not to derail the bidding!" "Insolent!" The voice seemed unable to tolerate it any longer and harshly rebuked him. "Since you lack sufficient funds, why bid! The one disrupting the assembly is not the Tang family's Tang Yuan, but clearly you!

You have violated this Hall's rules; how can you be allowed to pass? Guards! Immediately escort this person out of Sheng Bao Tang! The Li family private room is canceled immediately, and the Li family of Tianxiang City is permanently banned from entering Sheng Bao Tang!" As the words fell, several attendants rushed forward and physically hauled Li Zhen away. Li Zhen, accustomed to being an arrogant young dandy, offered no resistance and didn't even manage a plea for mercy; his face was ashen, and his body collapsed into a limp heap. Jun Mo Xie watched coldly, feeling increasingly that something was profoundly wrong! This behavior clearly smacked of anger born from embarrassment. Even if Li Zhen was at fault, the penalty of stripping the Li family of their access to Sheng Bao Tang was far too severe!

He thought that after dealing with the chaotic bidder Li Zhen, the focus would shift to him and Tang Yuan. But he was determined to see how Sheng Bao Tang would justify itself next; he would ignore any ingenious scheme they devised! At worst, the Jun family might be banned, but what of it? Hmph, if that happened, the first thing he would do upon achieving mastery of his Heaven-Creation Genesis Art would be to burn Sheng Bao Tang to ashes. And as for saving face, Li Zhen was clearly sabotaging things deliberately—surely Sheng Bao Tang wasn't blind to that. Yet, after deliberately tormenting him, their attitude suddenly reversed. Dealing with Li Zhen now clearly seemed like an excuse to retreat gracefully! Suddenly, a realization dawned upon Jun Mo Xie: this bizarre situation must be due to external interference, which caused Sheng Bao Tang to change its original intent!

But who could this interferer be? Who possessed such immense power? As he pondered this, he heard the mysterious, faint voice declare: 'Jun Mo Xie, although Li Zhen was indeed the one causing trouble, you still insulted my Sheng Bao Tang. You must still provide Sheng Bao Tang with an explanation!" The tone was quite severe, clearly still harboring lingering anger. Having reached that epiphany, Jun Mo Xie felt his mind settle. He knew the other party merely needed a dignified way out, and he had found the perfect person for the job. While he was still weak, he would certainly give them a splendid exit platform. But once his profound arts matured, the first thing he’d do was charge in and crush that scoundrel who spoke!

Jun Mo Xie burst into loud laughter: "When did this young master insult Sheng Bao Tang? Indeed! Li Zhen maliciously disrupted the proceedings, and this young master was inadvertently deceived by him. But Sheng Bao Tang possesses keen insight and discerning judgment, finally rescuing and punishing this black sheep, standing firm against power—Sheng Bao Tang truly lives up to its name; this young master is utterly convinced!" He spun around abruptly and declared loudly to the crowd: "Ladies and gentlemen, have you seen? The Sheng Bao Tang Auction House is truly the fairest establishment in the world! Prices are fair, honest dealings with all ages, utterly impartial! How can such a mercantile organization not command our admiration? How can it not make us feel shame?

This young master is immensely proud to have such a justly run, respected commercial entity situated in Tianxiang City! Come, come, let us all applaud together and celebrate Sheng Bao Tang!" With that, the Young Master Jun began clapping earnestly, his face radiating genuine admiration and reverence, simultaneously shouting: "Why aren't you applauding? Do you have an issue with Sheng Bao Tang? If so, this young master will be the first to stand up and defend Sheng Bao Tang's honor!" Instantly, the entire hall erupted in thunderous applause! Everyone clapped while cursing inwardly: Shameless! Truly shameless! The shamelessness of Young Master Jun Mo Xie, the thickness of his skin, made them feel deeply inferior, utterly incapable of matching it! Only Gu Du Xiao Yi looked excited, her face bright with a joyful smile as she clapped her little hands vigorously, finally relieved.

The mysterious voice also quieted down, never speaking again. In Sheng Bao Tang’s private reception room, two middle-aged men in white robes sat opposite each other. One of them gritted his teeth fiercely, his face contorted with frustration. He slammed a hand down, shattering the table before him, and hissed fiercely, "Jun Mo Xie! What a cunning little devil! This seat will not let you go!" The other white-robed man closed his eyes, appearing deeply disapproving, and frowned, "This matter was your fault to begin with! How can you blame that brat?" The first white-robed man snorted in dissatisfaction, "But that Fen Jing He, it's probably crucial for that Jun Wu Yi...." He stopped abruptly. "Jun Wu Yi?" The other white-robed man shot to his feet: "What do you mean by that?" The first white-robed man simply snorted, closed his eyes, and refused to speak further.

The second white-robed man stared at him for a long moment, his voice chillingly severe: "I don't care what history you have with Jun Wu Yi, but he is crippled now, his life ruined! If you still intend to harm him, I will kill you!" This declaration was absolute and unforgiving, showing a firm resolve to act on his words. The white-robed man coldly snorted twice, turned his head away, and fell silent. The other man watched him coldly for a moment, then suddenly demanded: "The Fen Jing He was not originally scheduled for this auction! Why the sudden appearance of an astronomical price for an item of this nature? Who gave you the Fen Jing He? And why did it specifically have to be auctioned in Tianxiang City?" The first white-robed man lazily rolled his eyelids: "If you want to know, perhaps you should go ask the Elder Council. Don't give me that interrogating look!

Do you truly think I fear you?" "Could it be..." The other white-robed man's face grew sterner: "Could it be... she... had you specifically send it to Jun Wu Yi? Otherwise, why would the Ninth Elder come along this time?" The first white-robed man flinched violently and snapped: "What nonsense are you spouting? Does a mere Jun Wu Yi warrant us sacrificing half of the Ninth Elder’s cultivation?" "I never said the Ninth Elder was sacrificed! What do you mean by that?" The other white-robed man’s eyes glinted with murderous intent: "You are plotting something?" "So what if I am? The flower of the Jun family bought it back for three hundred thousand silver taels, yet didn't it still end up in Jun Wu Yi’s hands?" The first white-robed man coldly snorted. "Nonsense!

What use is the Fen Jing He alone? Without a Divine Profound master to dredge his meridians, under the deadly poison of the Fen Jing He, Jun Wu Yi will only die faster!" The other white-robed man trembled, his gaze sharp: "You despicable villain! I will kill you!" "Enough!" A voice, ancient yet stern, echoed from the distant void: "Neither of you need say another word!" The two white-robed men stared at each other for a moment, their gazes fierce, like two swords clashing in the air! Finally, they each gave a cold snort, turned their backs to each other, sat down cross-legged, and ignored one another completely.