Morning mist lingered between the jungle trees outside Night Fire City. The rising sun cast golden spears of light through the canopy. I stood beside a quietly snoring Yang Kai, his tiny form curled beneath a blanket of leaves and robes.
I gave him a soft nudge with my foot. "Hey, kiddo. Wake up. We've got training to do."
Yang Kai stirred, eyes barely open. "M-Master… it's still night."
I snorted. "Fool. That's the morning sun. Get up and follow me."
Rubbing his eyes, he got to his feet and followed me deeper into the jungle clearing, where the air was rich with spiritual essence.
"Sit," I ordered.
He dropped into a meditative position without question.
"You remember the scripture I gave you yesterday?"
Yang Kai nodded. "Yes, Master. The Five Elements Art Scripture."
"Then begin."
He closed his eyes and started to circulate his spiritual energy as instructed by the scripture. The air around him shimmered. A soft glow spread from his body—five-colored light, representing the elemental harmony of his art body.
Within moments—
Boom!
He advanced to Foundation Establishment – 1st Layer.
Then—another burst of energy.
Foundation Establishment – 2nd Layer.
Then again.
Foundation Establishment – 3rd Layer.
And yet again.
Foundation Establishment – 4th Layer.
He exhaled deeply, steam rising off his body as the final surge of power settled.
"I'm done, Master."
I stared, speechless for a breath, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha! My disciple is a monster! Look at you—four breakthroughs in one morning!"
Yang Kai looked down at his hands, eyes wide with awe at his own strength.
Just then, Feng Xuan came sprinting toward us, panting.
"What happened?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Feng Xuan caught his breath. "Nothing dangerous. I just saw a poster—there's an auction today. Starts in forty minutes. Want to go?"
I grinned. "Perfect. I need to get something for my disciple anyway."
"Mu Lingyao's already waiting outside the auction house," Feng Xuan added.
We returned to Night Fire City and arrived at the grand auction hall, where Mu Lingyao stood with arms crossed and an annoyed look.
"You're late," she said flatly.
I shrugged. "Greatness takes time."
We stepped inside and found our seats among the crowd of cultivators. The room was buzzing with energy and the scent of spirit incense. Moments later, the auctioneer stepped onto the stage, dressed in flowing robes, his voice amplified by a talisman.
"Welcome, esteemed guests. The Night Fire Auction now begins!"
The first item was brought out—a crimson orb that pulsed with violent heat.
"Our first item: a Rank 4 Fire Beast Core. Starting price: 70 mid-tier spiritual stones. Minimum increase: 3 stones."
Bids immediately erupted from the left side.
"Seventy-six!"
"Seventy-nine!"
"Eighty-two!"
From a private VIP booth above: "Eighty-seven!"
I leaned over and asked Feng Xuan and Mu Lingyao, "Do either of you want that core?"
They both shook their heads.
The auctioneer's gavel rose.
"Eighty-seven, once… twice… thrice… sold!"
Applause broke out and the core was whisked away to the VIP room.
The next item was unveiled—a set of shimmering red robes, clearly enchanted.
"Our next item: Anti-Fire Robes for Female Cultivators. Rank 3 defensive treasure, ideal for lava valleys or fire-based training. Starting price: 45 mid-tier spiritual stones. Minimum increase: 2 stones."
I smirked. "I want that?"
"are you going to wear," she said.