004: The Auction
Zemirah has decided to find a disciple after much deliberation. She had been thinking of this for days and only decided on it now.
Her system can only show her its potential when the right condition is reached, and that condition is to have someone with a close relationship. In the world of cultivation, a disciple is as close as family.
As for where to find a disciple, she believes that fate will bring her one. Just like how fate brought her to this world.
And right now, she's preparing to attend the monthly auction in Teal Treasure House. The auction will start this morning, so she woke up early.
After making sure her clothes are neat, her hair is flowing gracefully with the flower hairpin artifact holding it, and her face is covered with the veil. The only lacking is her shoes, which are still a mortal-grade artifact. Zemirah decided to see if she could find a good Grade 1 foot wear artifact.
She was tempted to gift her current shoes, but they had been frequently used by her, so she decided against it. Anyway, at least buy a new one to give.
'Sia, do I look good?' She asked her cute system in her mind.
[Ding! The Host is the most good-looking!]
Zemirah giggled happily. It feels like she's the witch in Mirror Mirror.
The auction house is quite large and elegantly decorated, capable of holding a thousand people without being cramp.
There are many people, most of whom are Energy Refinement Realm cultivators, while the Foundation Building Realm cultivators sat in the private room upstairs. There are at least three Foundation Building cultivators that were seen to arrive.
One is the Town Lord and the Commander, and the other one seems to be a guest from outside the town.
Zemirah found herself a seat in a corner near the front, she wanted to have a good look at the podium. Besides, she's a Mid-stage Energy Refinement cultivator who's on the verge of breaking through Late-Stage, so it's not excessive as long as it's not the front seat.
She long noticed that the seating arrangement depends on the cultivation realm and background. The Peak-stage Energy Refinement cultivators are all in front. The early-stage are on the back while mortals that have some status are scattered depending on their identities, most are companions of cultivators.
Many eyes followed the beautiful figure in a pink robe and a white veil, her robe was embroidered with plum and butterflies, and her hairpin had a beautiful hundred flowers looking realistic. Some knowledgeable people noticed her attire, and their look changed slightly.
A Supreme-quality set of clothing. This young lady has a distinguished identity.
Some who didn't know much felt her noble temperament, so they just watched quietly and didn't dare have other intentions.
Of course, this lady is Zemirah.
She quietly sat in her seat, only nodding politely to the other cultivators near her as a greeting. After that, she closed her eyes as she waited for the start of the auction.
'I mastered the pretentiousness of cultivators,' She sighed inwardly.
It didn't take long for the auction house to be packed, and the awaited time came, so they closed the door.
A spotlight pointed to the podium, and a pretty lady with a polite smile on her face appeared. She wore a fiery red cheongsam that made her beauty more apparent. Zemirah can feel the aura of an Early-stage Energy Refinement Cultivator.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Teal Treasure House for our monthly auction. The auction house rules are still the same as the previous auctions. We hope that everyone can have a pleasant experience." She said those words politely as she smiled at the crowd.
"Now, let's start this Auction-Trade with our Teal Treasure House as an opening." Then she took out a box from the tray stand and opened it to show the crowd.
"This is an Uncommon-quality Late-stage Grade 1 Defensive Accessory Artifact called [Weeping Clam Pearl]. It can release a water shield and a strong rebounding effect. A Late-stage Energy Refinement Cultivator will not be able to break it even for a day of constant attack as long as the energy is sufficient."
The auction house was in an uproar after hearing the artifact's function and name. Especially hearing that it is from a Weeping Clam, who doesn't know that there's a Weeping Clam clan inside the Teal River Forest.
Did that Weeping Clam clan angered the Town Lord? Otherwise, why would their precious pearl be blatantly sold here?
Every Weeping Clam can only have and nurture a pearl in its lifetime. When given away, the Weeping Clam will slowly lose its life and become a Weeping Shell.
Remembering the rumors that Demonic Cultivators and Demonic Beasts have joined hands in destroying 2 villages under the jurisdiction of Teal River Town, they seem to understand something.
Zemirah also thought the same as others, but most of her focus was on the beautiful pearl. She thought that this pearl could be given to her future disciple. The reward Sia will give her will surely be satisfactory.
The lady continued, "This [Weeping Clam Pearl] will be given to the highest bidder."
The bidding immediately started.
"1,000 Gold Coins!" Someone shouted.
"2,000 Gold Coins!"
"5,000 Gold Coins!"
"10,000 Gold Coins!" A young lady shouted.
If Gold Coins are used to buy that Defensive Artifact, it will not be satisfactory to the Town Lord.
Zemirah smiled as she bid too, "Two Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 Talisman!"
The bidding stopped as they stared at the lady who spoke the outrageous price.
Although the talisman she spoke is one stage lower, it is a quality higher.
Its market price is at least 15,000 Gold Coins, though finding an Outstanding-quality item on the market is nearly impossible.
The lady on the podium spoke with a smile, "Can I ask this young lady to show me the talisman?"
Zemirah nodded and took out a [Frost Wave Talisman].
It looked newly made and many people noticed. The young lady on the podium nodded and said, "Trade."
Zemirah handed the two talismans to the staff, who then gave her the [Weeping Clam Pearl] Artifact.
Many people took glances at her after that. Zemirah pretended not to notice and focused on the podium.
"Now, the auction-trade officially begins." Then the lady stepped aside, clearly showing that she was just going to be an assistant to whoever stood at the podium.
An old man from the front row, where late-stage cultivators sat, stood and went to the podium.
The old man took out a wooden box and showed it to the crowd, "This is an Uncommon-quality Grade 1 spiritual herb called [Gentle Beer Root]."
The alchemist around the auction house perked up.
"I don't need to explain the preciousness of this spiritual herb to Fellow Daoists, I want to exchange this spiritual herb for any Grade 1 Pill Recipe or Spiritual Plant with similar value."
The old man must be an alchemist who needed a new Pill Recipe. Zemirah observed the crowd and didn't make a move. She's a talisman master, what can she do to a spiritual herb?
"I have an Uncommon-quality Grade 1 [Blood-Soiled Flower]." An old thin man spoke.
The old man on the podium smiled but didn't confirm. The old thin man sighed annoyedly and sat down. [Blood-Soiled Flower] is abundant in the Soak Blood Forest unique to the Golden Light Dynasty, the [Gentle Beer Root] is more precious for its rarity.
Another spoke, "I have a Pill Recipe here."
Many eyes turned to that person. The old man was quite excited, "Can I ask the details?"
The masked lady who spoke nodded and wrote the details on a jade slip and gave it to the staff, who passed it to the old man. The old man read the jade slip and nodded, "Trade."
People are curious about the Pill Recipe since knowledge like this is rarely traded, but Zemirah's eyes are on the lady who just finished trading. The familiar alchemist who almost scammed Zemirah made her pay attention.
She also saw the thin Old Man's gaze, the one who failed to exchange earlier, to the Masked Lady, looking wrong.
Zemirah's complexion turned dark. She will remind the masked lady before leaving the auction house. This should be the usual killing and looting kind of cultivator.
Another Late-stage Energy Refinement Cultivator went to the podium.
"This is a fur of Late-stage Grade 1 [Crimson Fire Two-Tailed Fox]." He didn't say the quality, it depends on the eyes of the one who bought it.
It's enough to tell the origin of the fur.
Zemirah's eyes were stuck to the beautiful red fur, already thinking of how beautiful the clothing would be made using it.
She wanted it.
The man continued to speak, "I want to exchange this fur for a Defensive Artifact or Talisman, a healing Pill is also good."
'Defensive Talisman, she has that.' Zemirah happily thought.
Someone started to bid, "An Uncommon-but-near-Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [White Spring Pill]." The masked lady spoke.
The man on the podium pondered.
Zemirah hurriedly followed, "An Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Earth Guard Talisman]!"
The pondering man paused at her offer.
The masked lady stared at her before speaking, "2 pieces of [White Spring Pill]."
"3 [Earth Guard Talisman]!" Zemirah added calmly. She has many talismans, so she's not in a hurry.
"2 Outstanding-quality [White Spring Pill]." The masked lady gritted her teeth.
Zemirah paused. This alchemist actually had an Outstanding-quality pill, yet she didn't sell it last time.
"Rare-quality [Earth Guard Talisman]!" That's right, Zemirah has already succeeded in making rare-quality talisman, but the success rate was still low. However, she has enough in her hand for trade.
The auction house was in an uproar. These two ladies actually like that fur so much that they actually wanted to give away those rarely seen on the market high-quality items.
The man on the podium was stunned as he watched the two ladies offering something that exceeded his expectations.
The alchemist was about to speak when Zemirah gritted her teeth and said, "This lady, how about let me have this fur and I'll give you a rare-quality talisman of your choice."
This is not against the auction house's rules since it's not a threat.
The Alchemist's eyes blinked rapidly as she stared at Zemirah. Zemirah smiled to show her sincerity.
The Alchemist nodded, making Zemirah smile.
Zemirah happily exchanged the Rare-quality [Earth Guard Talisman] and even gifted an Outstanding-quality Talisman to the man.
"Let me give you this as a gift because the fur made me happy."
The man then nodded and accepted the extra talisman with a smile. They even exchanged names and became acquainted with each other. The man was named Axel, a hunter residing in a nearby village.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for gifting a talisman to an acquaintance and being rewarded with an Outstanding-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 [Earth Guard Talisman]*7.
As expected, as long as they exchange names, they can be considered acquaintances by her system, Sia. Zemirah was excited about what she would receive when she gave gifts to friends, close friends, and disciples that have a closer relationship.
Then, after that, she wrote a list on a jade slip about the talisman she had and handed it to the Masked Alchemist. She even changed her seat beside the Alchemist with the intent of making friends.
The Alchemist didn't expect her list to be quite complete. There are talismans for attack, defense, stealth, and some auxiliary talismans like [Dust Cleansing Talisman] and even a small amount of curse-expelling talismans.
Zemirah saw from the mark on the jade slip that she chose the [Frost Wave Talisman]. So, she gave her one.
"What's your name? We met on River Street last time." Zemirah spoke and blinked her brown fox eyes at the alchemist beside her.
The Alchemist seemed to be hesitant to speak at first before saying, "You can call me Riya."
"Then call me Mirah," Zemirah felt that she had made a friend, so she was pretty happy, adding to the reward she got.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for gifting a talisman to an acquaintance and being rewarded with an Outstanding-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 [Snow Wave Talisman]*9.
Her eyes lit up hearing the system's notification on her head.
Riyah looked at the lady beside her and saw her eyes smiling happily. Her eyes then went back to the platform.
The auction proceeded as usual while Zemirah got more and more eyes on her, together with the alchemist beside her.
Zemirah sent a voice transmission to Riya while not taking her eyes off the podium, "Riya, that old thin man from earlier doesn't look like a good person."
Riya, the alchemist, paused slightly before understanding that it must be this talisman master who spoke, "I know, you should be careful too."
Zemirah said with a smile, "Just some small fries dare to target me, heh."
'I'm not even afraid of Foundation Building now,' Mirah happily thought of her array disk and stacks of talismans.
Riya narrowed her eyes slightly after hearing the haughty tone of this Talisman Master named Mirah. She obviously looks like a young miss from a prominent family, so she must have some life-saving card on her.
Thinking of that list of talismans she had been given earlier, Riya knew that she didn't need to worry. She should worry more about herself.
A middle-aged lady appeared on the stage, she was the last Late-stage cultivator from the front row.
"A golden silk made from the thread of a Mid-stage Grade 1 spiritual beast, the [SunRay Spider]. Besides its beauty, it has functions like warming the body and toughness that can rival late-stage attack."
Zemirah was almost blinded by the golden silk. It deserves the name of SunRay Spider, as the silk looks like it came from the bright golden sun.
Riya saw the person beside her perk up at the sight of the golden silk. She sighed as she seemed to figure out the hobby of Mirah.
A beauty-loving lady, ah.
"I want to exchange this golden sun ray silk for any pill, talisman, or artifact of similar value."
"An Uncommon-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Fire Wall Talisman]!" A young lady offered. The lady looks like someone from a wealthy background.
Zemirah thought dazedly that she did not have that [Fire Wall Talisman] in her collection and watched as the lady on the podium did not respond to the bid from that young lady. She also decided to say her bid after some offer sounded, "An Outstanding-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 [Earth Guard Talisman]!"
The lady on the podium waited for a bit more before nodding at Zemirah, "Trade."
Zemirah did not forget exchanging names and adding one [Water Shielf Talisman] of Uncommon-quality talismans, earning her a better impression with the middle-aged lady named Lorna. She was a spirit weaver, a profession similar to an alchemist.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for gifting a talisman to an acquaintance and being rewarded with an Outstanding-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 [Water Shield Talisman]*10.
Zemirah happily got her golden silk and reward from Sia, ignoring the glare from the other girl. Who made her talisman better than her, hmphed?
"Congratulations," Riya said quietly.
Mirah happily accepted her words.
When it was Zemirah's turn, she steadily made her way to the podium. The people waited for this lady's items in anticipation since she looked like the wealthy kind. From the Rare-quality to the Outstanding-quality Talismans, she kept exchanging.
They guessed that she was a talisman master. Only someone who can continuously make one will keep exchanging them like her.
Zemirah stood on the podium and took out three wooden boxes.
One held a fruit, a pill, and a stack of talismans.
She called the lady waiting aside, "Hello, Fellow Daoist, would you please help me show this to our Fellow Daoists here?"
The lady from the auction house had a good impression of this rich lady as the auction added more color because of her, and smiled, "Sure thing, Fellow Daoist."
Then she held the wooden box that Zemirah pointed to first and opened it to the crowd.
"These are three Rare-quality Mid-stage Grade 1 talismans. One is a [Frost Wave Talisman], an [Earth Guard Talisman], and a [Curse Cleaning Talisman]."
The crowd wowed at how many Rare-quality talismans she already showed. She even has a quite rare [Curse Cleaning Talisman] that is the bane of Demonic Cultivators who practice unorthodox ways like curses.
"I wish to exchange this talisman for any artifact that looks beautiful to my Fellow Daoists."
Riya closed her eyes after hearing her words.
Sure enough, this lady really doesn't care about her Rare-quality talisman, only beauty can catch her attention.
The crowd went silent because they couldn't figure out her intention, before someone bid in an uncertain voice, "I have a common-quality low-stage grade 1 [Thousand Step Voice Mirror]."
Zemirah didn't have a bad expression when she heard Common-quality and Low-stage and asked, "May I see the mirror, Fellow Daoist?"
The young girl took out a mirror, and the mirror really did look beautiful. It's crystalline white and has some pearls. Though the pearls are only normal ones.
The crowd was uncertain if she'd trade since the talisman and the mirror were so far apart when a clear voice sounded, "Let's trade, pick one you like here."
The owner of the mirror was stunned before happily choosing, "The [Earth Guard Talisman], please."
The staff assisted with the trade. Everyone was stunned at how Zemirah really took the seemingly useless mirror and gave out such a precious talisman.
The crowd only woke up after someone shouted, "I have a common-quality mid-stage grade 1 [Moon Tear Necklace] here." A young man shouted and showed the necklace.
The necklace is beautiful, like the most expensive sapphire on Earth.
Zemirah nodded, "Trade."
Only the [Frost Wave Talisman] is left.
The crowd hurriedly shouted their bid, and Zemirah chose an old woman who showed a mortal-grade [Flower Embroidered Space Pouch]. The pouch is embroidered with a beautiful purple butterfly and some small blue flowers. The space pouch is the cheapest since the space inside is very small, only worthy of a Common-quality talisman.
But for Zemirah, it was the most beautiful one. She has the system, so she just wants something beautiful. The quality and level can be discussed after she has gifted them.
To the crowd, they are shocked at this prodigal lady who happily kept the embroidered pouch. Some sighed at how lucky the old lady was, while others set their eyes on this seemingly weak Old Lady who managed to exchange.
After the first box was empty, Mirah gestured to the second box. The crowd was anticipating the next items inside the boxes.
The crowd saw a pill and knew it was a Supreme-quality pill at first sight.
The crowd was in an uproar, and even the people in the VIP rooms sat up straight.
"A Supreme-quality Grade 1 [Life-Pulling Pill], my Fellow Daoists." A smiling voice sounded from Zemirah.
Zemirah smiled, "I want to exchange this pill for any spiritual flower or plant you have that looks pleasing to the eyes."
Riya, the Masked Alchemist, sighed, 'There she was again.'
The crowd fell silent for a moment, not quite understanding her words. When someone made a bid, "I have an Uncommon-quality Grade 1 [Rose Smile Flower]."
Other people quickly said their bid when they saw Zemirah's pondering look.
"I have…"
"I have..."
A voice from the VIP suddenly spoke, "I have an Outstanding-quality Grade 1 [Dutch Whisper Plant]."
'It's a small plant with leaves that have a pleasant whisper,' Zemirah vaguely knew it
"[Dutch Whisper Plant]?" Zemirah wanted to ask to take a look when someone opened the window of the VIP room.
In the window, a small adorable plant with leaves curled in different shapes appeared.
"This plant-" The voice was about to continue telling its details when Zemirah shouted excitedly.
"Add something and trade!"
The male voice paused, surprised, before humming.
The Supreme-quality [Life Pulling Pill] went to that VIP, while Zemirah got her pot of [Dutch Whisper Plant] and a surprising plant called [Glowing Marigold].
She held the two pots in her hand with a smile as she let her assistant open the last box. She teased the small [Glowing Marigold] before putting them back in her storage bag.
Zemirah was unaware that someone was observing her actions with interest, the ice blue eyes glinting at her direction.
"This is an Outstanding-quality Grade 1 Spiritual Fruit called [Azure Berry Fruit]. It is one of the main ingredients for a Grade 1 Special Pill called [Aqua Ring Pill]."
The crowd sighed in relief when the next item was not another supreme quality or rare one. Though an Outstanding-Quality, this one is even more amazing as it is useful even for Foundation Building Realm cultivators.
Special Pill's effect is not restricted by realm. Some Grade 1 Special Pill can even have an effect on Mind Activation Realm cultivators.
The crowd waited for her next words, "I want to exchange this spiritual fruit for any musical artifact."
Zemirah spoke in a serious tone, wanting to tell the people that she treated this matter as important.
Someone spoke in the crowd, "I have a Common-quality Low-stage Grade 1 [Purple Bamboo Flute]."
Zemirah smiled without saying a word.
Someone whispered, "That guy must be dreaming."
"Well, it's not bad to try his luck."
Other people also bid, the highest is an Uncommon-quality Late-stage Grade 1 [Glass White Guqin].
When Zemirah was thinking of choosing the most beautiful one, a voice from the VIP room sounded again.
"I have an Uncommon-quality Low-stage grade 2 [Starlight Sea Piano]."
Zemirah perked up and nodded, "Trade."
Zemirah only knew how to play a guitar and a piano. As for ancient musical instruments, she didn't know how to use them, which is why she was hesitant to trade them earlier.
Fortunately, someone finally took out something she wanted.
The spiritual fruit was delivered to the room while staff handed her a storage bag where the musical artifact lay. Seeing the starry black piano that shimmered like the starry night, she nodded and transferred the piano to her storage bag before giving the other back.
After that, she went down the podium and went to her seat beside Riya. Riya saw her satisfied look and inwardly shook her head helplessly. 'Anyway, she's rich and willful.'
It was Riya's turn.
She traded her own refined pills, there were good things like the Outstanding-quality pills and near Outstanding-quality Uncommon-quality Pills.
Zemirah didn't exchange any pills, as she decided to trade in private with Riyah next time. There are no more items that caught Zemirah's eyes. Only when the auction was about to end did she remember something.
She forgot to trade for any Talisman Books.
To avoid regret, she started consoling herself that she could just go to the auction next month or the one in Wintea City in six months.
After this auction, she should go and buy a courtyard. Staying in an inn isn't the best choice right now. She thought she'd only stay in this town for a few days, but she quite liked it here, so she might stay for a few months before going to Wintea City for the big auction.
Seeing that all the cultivators in the hall were finished, Zemirah wondered why everyone looked like they were waiting.
She then asked Riya about her doubts.
"Last are the people in the VIP rooms," Riya patiently said, she's also looking forward to things from Foundation Building big shots.
A bearded middle-aged man went to the podium, and the lady from the auction house bowed at him.
Riya introduced, "This is Teal River Town commander, a mid-stage Foundation Building body cultivator."
Zemirah nodded, looking at the man's burly body. He's really someone who cultivates the body. She can feel the power in that body, like a beast that can kill with just its bare hands.
A faint Foundation Building aura emitted from him, confirming her thoughts.
"Fellow Daoists, I have twelve drops of Rare-Quality Grade 1 [Teal Water Drop] I want to exchange."
Riya immediately sat straight as she stared unblinkingly at the small bottle that held teal-colored water. It looked magical with the light on it. Zemirah wondered what the use of this water was for Riya's reaction to be so enthusiastic.
The woman was languid and silent most of the time.
"I want to exchange this for any healing pill." The commander said his requirements for the trade. Zemirah remembered that this person seemed to have bid on her pill once but failed to secure it.
Riya clenched her hands as she went through the healing pills she could use to trade.
Someone already made a bid, but the commander just smiled.
When Zemirah was wondering if Riya had no more pills to trade, she then made a bid.
"5 pills of outstanding-quality grade 1 White Spring Pill," Riya said with gritted teeth.
The commander paused but didn't agree immediately.
"5 pills of outstanding and 10 uncommon-quality White Spring Pills," Riya added when she saw the somewhat tempted yet reluctant look of the commander.
The commander then agreed, "Trade."
Zemirah felt the commander was happy, the kind of joy where he got the better deal.
Riya pouted and took the bottle, seeing that the goods were right. She hid it in her storage bag.
"Is that a good thing? That commander looks like he got a good deal." Zemirah asked in a voice transmission.
Riya harrumphed and said, "That old man, he must've pretended to be reluctant earlier."
Riya also realized this at the end, yet she had already said her bid, so she couldn't take it back anymore.
"This should be the end, let's go," Riya said, and Zemirah nodded, yet before they stood up, someone went to the podium.
A young man looking like a scholar, wearing a pure white robe with some embroidery of an unknown divine beast using a blue thread.
Zemirah stared at the handsome young man and said to Riya, "There's one more. He should be from the VIP room."
Riya nodded, "So young and already at Foundation Building?"
"And handsome too," Zemirah said with a giggle.
Riya rolled her eyes. She didn't care much for beauty, unlike Mirah.