MC's POV
I was taking deep breaths in the center of a room in my palace, with my foxes by my side.
A large formation was active, channeling Qi and elemental energy into me and my two companions.
The elemental energies being sent were ice, water, and darkness, thanks to the powerful elemental crystals I had placed in the formation.
My cultivation base was steadily increasing along with my comprehension of the water and darkness elements. I could also feel traces of shadow and ice elements merging with my Dantian's energy and expanding my understanding.
In particular, my water element began undergoing several transformations.
For humans, using other elements is much more difficult, especially in the early stages of cultivation.
It becomes more practical during the Golden Core stage, though that doesn't mean it's impossible before then.
Cultivators with special physiques or those who reach a sufficient level of comprehension can wield other elements.
Likewise, cultivators of certain weapons or professions can access and understand Daos regardless of their cultivation stage.
I continued cultivating until suddenly, I opened my eyes and looked at the two fluffy balls a short distance away from me.
I saw elemental energies and Qi enveloping their bodies.
Until finally, they broke through—reaching a strength equivalent to the 9th stage of Qi Condensation, which in beast cultivation is known as the peak of the Spiritual Beast realm.
In reality, beasts at this level are not inferior to Foundation Establishment cultivators, even if they haven't yet undergone the transformation to become Great Spiritual Beasts.
The stages of spiritual beast cultivation are divided into:
Early Spiritual Beast
Mid-stage Spiritual Beast
Peak Spiritual Beast
These stages fall within the Qi Condensation realm, and at the peak, a beast's power can rival Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially when using special elements, racial abilities, and their natural physical strength.
In the Great Spiritual Beast realm, a more significant transformation occurs.
After they advanced and stabilized their bases, the two of them leaped into my arms.
I petted them affectionately.
"Congratulations on your breakthroughs."
In response to my praise, they licked my face.
"Well, it's great that you've both advanced. Tomorrow we have an important event, so we'll need to prepare a few things."
Thinking of typical auction events, I headed to my alchemy lab, then to the formation workshop.
I planned to review the resources I already had and prepare new ones to complement them.
As for alchemical resources, I intended to make healing and energy-restoration pills, as well as strength-enhancement pills.
I also wanted to craft various kinds of poisons—gases, powders, liquids, and pills with different effects and properties.
I would also prepare defense, attack, and illusion formations, among others. Some would be infused with elemental energy, while others wouldn't have a specific focus.
I spent several hours ensuring everything was functioning properly, and once it was all ready, I finally went to rest.
After all, tomorrow would be a busy day.
...
3rd Person POV
The Night of the Auction
As a relatively famous auction in the capital of the kingdom, many people were arriving.There were nobles, merchant families, mercenaries, and even individuals of unknown origin.In truth, it was more crowded than usual, with possible guests from other kingdoms and distant lands, drawn in by the recent promotion of a Rebirth Pill and rumors of other intriguing resources.
One particular guest drew a great deal of attention.He had golden hair, shining like an angel's halo or the midday sun. His appearance resembled that of a great heir—or perhaps even a king.As he walked, it seemed as though light followed him, despite the darkness of night.He was speaking with the person beside him.
"Do you think it's real? A Rebirth Pill shouldn't exist in a kingdom like this. Even in stronger powers, it's not exactly common."
His guard replied after a moment of thought."Maybe. It's possible someone discovered a secret realm or an ancient ruin. Or perhaps a powerful alchemist passed through and decided to have some fun by giving the pills away.""Of course, there's also the chance that a local alchemist discovered the recipe and started crafting them to sell... but that seems less likely."
The young man nodded in agreement and continued inside.But at that moment, he turned to the side and frowned.He sensed the energy of a being that did not belong to the laws of this world—in other words, one of the so-called demonic or taboo cultivators.Those who practice such arts sacrifice the lives of their own kind, of innocent beings, and do so in the cruelest ways imaginable.
He looked ready to strike immediately, but his guard stopped him."No, young master. That could cause unnecessary trouble."Though the young man did not seem to agree, his expression showed clear opposition to the very existence of such groups.
"I understand your feelings, young master. But we can deal with it later."Reluctantly, the young man agreed, but deep in his eyes, there was a flicker of a powerful and destructive light.
Aside from this iconic figure, several other young masters and ladies entered the grand auction hall, including the second prince and his apparent lover, Yana.The flow of arrivals continued, and rumors about the treasures being auctioned only grew louder.
...
Inside One of the VIP Rooms
A mysterious individual entered, cloaked in a mist formed by a special artifact and a fusion of dark and shadow energy, completely concealing his identity.
"Please, make yourself comfortable. To place a bid, simply channel a small amount of Qi into the artifact above your chair.""I'll bring refreshments and sweets shortly."
The figure nodded and sat down.A fox emerged from his shadow and settled comfortably in his lap.She moved her tiny paw and dispelled some of the shadows around his body—suggesting that the disguise wasn't solely created through the artifact or his own abilities, but also with the help of this little fox, who wielded a darkness element evolved into shadow.
The food arrived a few seconds later...And soon, the auction began.