Chapter 249: Ascendant Eagle General!

The auction was about to begin.

Ling Feng's goal was crystal clear: to acquire the Sword Enlightenment Stone so that he could enhance his understanding of swordsmanship.

The first ten or so items in the auction consisted of various weapons and armor, and there were even some precious martial art manuals.

Most astounding of all, however, was the tenth item, graded as superior. It turned out to be none other than a living, breathing individual!

Describing her merely as human would be inaccurate; she was a woman, stark naked. Setting her apart from typical human females were her pointed ears and a furry tail that concealed crucial parts of her body.

Yet, this alone was sufficient to quicken the pulses of many male martial artists.

She was a fox-lady, a crossbreed of human and demon lineage, raised from childhood as a servant. Such occurrences were not uncommon within the red-light districts of the Imperial Capital.

Before long, the fox-lady was auctioned off at a high price of six thousand high-grade elemental stones. A mere slave rivaled that of an ancient medicinal pill. It must be said, human desire was indeed scary.

At last, a solemn demeanor overtook the auctioneer as he chuckled, "The upcoming item for auction is the true treasures of tonight, its value is undoubtedly exceptional."

Upon hearing this, the crowd's expressions shifted to seriousness, the genuine treasure was about to be revealed.

"I won't keep everyone in suspense any longer, the next item for auction is..."

Drawing out his words, the auctioneer then clapped his hands, and swiftly, a muscular man strode onto the platform bearing a tray.

On the tray rested a piece of red cloth concealing what lay beneath, stirring anticipation and leaving the audience restless.

"Hey, kid, pay attention. This is the Sword Enlightenment Stone you've been looking for," Yan Cangtian remarked with a wry smile while smoothing his beard.

With his insight, a mere scrap of red cloth couldn't obstruct his perception.

"The Sword Enlightenment Stone?" Ling Feng held his breath, determined to claim this treasure.

"

Haha...

" With a hearty laugh, the auctioneer on the platform waved his hand, taking the red cloth off the tray. "Indeed, as many might have guessed, this is none other than a renowned Sword Enlightenment Stone!"

"Known to all within the Tianbai Empire, there exists only one treacherous terrain that has been named Tianjian Valley. This name was bestowed due to an ancient sword-wielding king who, in antiquity, cleaved open a vast gorge with a single sword stroke. Since then, for millennia, the sword will of that king has persisted within Tianjian Valley, never dissipating. These Sword Enlightenment Stones are collected from within Tianjian Valley itself. For martial artists skilled in the way of the sword, they are unquestionably invaluable treasures!"

The auctioneer then raised the tray high, extending his hand and laughing heartily. "Look, everyone! This Sword Enlightenment Stone measures a full seven inches in length. It's undoubtedly the largest we've collected at the Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce in nearly a decade. I believe I need not say more about the value of this Sword Enlightenment Stone, correct?"

Hardly had the words faded when a stir erupted in the audience.

"I, Luo Shaozhi from the south of our city, must obtain this Sword Enlightenment Stone!"

"As a native of the Imperial Capital, I, Ye Tianchen, will not hesitate to compete till the end!"

"..."

A group of people clamored loudly, but their positions weren't worthy of their arrogance. None of them even had a regular VIP box; they were all just a bunch of clownish characters!

However, the seven-inch Sword Enlightenment Stone was certainly enough to catch the attention of those true big shots.

"Kid, looks like this competition is going to be quite fierce," Yan Cangtian remarked. He hadn't anticipated that this Sword Enlightenment Stone up for auction would break records at seven inches. If Ling Feng could absorb it, he would undoubtedly be able to transform his sword embryo into sword will with ease.

"Will one hundred and twenty thousand high-grade elemental stones suffice?" Ling Feng asked solemnly.

"We will see," Yan Cangtian raised an eyebrow and responded calmly, "If no one decides to challenge you head-on, one hundred and twenty thousand should be more than sufficient. However, there are always exceptions; if someone intends to purchase it as a gift for their descendants, then it might become a bit tight."

"I hope luck is on my side."

Ling Feng took a deep breath. No matter what, the Sword Enlightenment Stone was something he was determined to obtain.

On the platform, the auctioneer, noticing the lively atmosphere in the audience, promptly spoke with a smile, "The value of the Sword Enlightenment Stone should be well understood by everyone here, so I won't dwell on it. This seven-inch-long Sword Enlightenment Stone will start at a bid of five thousand high-grade elemental stones, and each subsequent bid must increase by no less than one hundred high-grade elemental stones!"

Before he could finish speaking, people had already gathered their bidding plaques, shouting, "I bid six thousand high-grade elemental stones!"

"You think you can snag this Sword Enlightenment Stone for six thousand? I'll offer eight thousand!"

"Eight thousand five hundred!"

"Eight thousand six hundred!"

...

The bidding voices rose in a continuous wave, swiftly breaking through the ten thousand mark.

The seven-inch-long Sword Enlightenment Stone contained sword insights far surpassing those found in typical three-inch stones, which more than tripled its value. For swordsmen on the brink of grasping or breaking through to sword will, it was a coveted treasure worth fighting for.

"Eighteen thousand! Give some respect to me, Luo Shao from the south city!"

"Luo Shao from the south of my ass! I, Ye Tianchen, bid nineteen thousand!"

The price continued to soar to nineteen thousand. Eventually, the dignitaries in the VIP boxes couldn't remain passive any longer and also joined in the bidding frenzy.

"Thirty thousand!" declared an elder from the top-tier VIP box, his voice resonating with a commanding presence.

This individual's cultivation level was undeniably formidable!

Glancing up at the box, the auctioneer quickly fist-and-palm saluted. "So it's General Deng," he chuckled. "It seems that the Ascendant Eagle General's residence will produce another sword genius this year!"

The one who had just spoken was none other than the veteran general, Deng Xian himself!

General Deng had dedicated over a decade to the battlefield, where he successfully suppressed enemies and safeguarded the borders. His presence was a deterrent to both enemy nations and demon races, ensuring that none could breach imperial borders. This earned him widespread renown throughout the empire, culminating in his title as the Ascendant Eagle General.

Deng Xian's desire to bid for this Sword Enlightenment Stone wasn't for personal use, the auctioneer reasoned. Hence, it was logical to assume that the Deng family reared yet another sword prodigy. While there was a hint of flattery involved, it was not entirely unwarranted.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Deng Xian. I humbly request your favor, and I assure you, your kindness will not be forgotten."

General Deng's words were directed towards the other esteemed guests occupying the top-tier VIP seats. Given his esteemed military career and influential status, it was customary for even the most distinguished individuals to extend him respect. Thus, even if others wanted to participate in the bidding, they had no choice but to yield.

"General Deng has accomplished much on the battlefield. Well then, I, Luo Shao from the south city, will give you some face. I won't bid anymore!"

"Certainly. While I, Ye Tianchen, may not acknowledge anyone else, I hold General Deng in high esteem alone. I won't bid anymore!"

The guests around couldn't help but twitch at the corners of their mouths, casting sympathetic glances at the two individuals.

In their hearts, they couldn't help but wonder:

how had these two fools managed to survive to such an age with their shamelessness and unwarranted self-confidence?

However, with just one word from General Deng, the room fell into silence, and no one dared to continue bidding.

Just as everyone assumed that this Sword Enlightenment Stone would undoubtedly go to the Ascendant Eagle General's residence, a discordant voice suddenly echoed.

"I bid forty thousand!"