CHAPTER 542: CHAPTER 540 SWORD SPIRIT GRASS_1

The silver hammer struck the auction platform lightly three times, and then the Heaven Collapse Finger, a peak-tier Earth Grade Finger Technique, was successfully auctioned off.

Following this booming start, the atmosphere within the auction house gradually heated up. Capitalizing on this fervor, the white-haired elder sequentially presented other auction items. Thanks to their excellent quality and the elder’s highly effective and persuasive endorsements, all items sold for good prices. It seemed this auction was going to allow the Black Market to rake in a fortune.

It was noteworthy that the Black Market’s auction attracting so many people was no coincidence. Judging by the quality of the items, it was definitely the rarest auction Ling Chen had witnessed in years. Of course, this rarity was from the perspective of the general public; items that could truly move powerhouses of Ling Chen’s caliber had yet to appear.

As time passed, the auction continued in this heated atmosphere for over an hour. With the increasing quality of the items presented, the atmosphere within the auction house grew even more intense.

When about two hours had passed, some items appearing were finally able to prompt those seated in the VIP sections to compete. Some even tempted Ling Chen to bid. However, after weighing his options, he refrained. When purchasing items, it was best to choose what suited him most.

With the heavyweights in the VIP sections now competing, the auction house’s atmosphere became even more fiery. The numerous factions attending came from all directions, and most did not see eye to eye. Whenever rival forces clashed, they would desperately raise their bids. Their sheer wealth and domineering presence, and their determination to overwhelm opponents, caused many onlookers to click their tongues in amazement—far beyond what ordinary people in the Martial World could match.

Ling Chen couldn’t help but smile wryly at those who were flushed and straining their necks in fierce bidding. He leaned back lazily in his chair, gently swirling the tea in his cup, creating ripples on its surface.

Under Ling Chen’s gaze, as if he were watching a play, the white-haired elder on the auction stage opened the Brocade Box in his hand. Inside was a container of black soil, from which grew a medicinal herb resembling a sharp sword, its cold gleam radiating in all directions.

"Heh heh, everyone," the elder began, "many of you may find this herb unfamiliar. However, any Swordsman will recognize it, for its name is Sword Spirit Grass. Although somewhat obscure, it is a Fourth Grade Medicinal Herb. It is said that this herb sprouted where a Sword Saint, during Cultivation, experienced an epiphany regarding their Sword Intent and cleaved a great river in two with a single strike. The Sword Spirit Grass grew upon the scar left by that cut."

Hearing the white-haired elder mention Sword Spirit Grass, Ling Chen, who had been slouching lazily, stirred. For the first time, he cast an interested gaze toward the auction stage.

The old fellow tells a good story, but I wonder if it’s true?

Ling Chen was slightly taken aback; the white-haired elder’s claims were so fantastical, he wasn’t sure what to believe.

"Rest assured, that old fellow isn’t lying to you."

At this moment, the Human Emperor’s voice suddenly resonated in Ling Chen’s mind.

"Master? Are you alright?"

This was the first time Ling Chen had heard the Human Emperor speak since leaving Sky Void Palace. At Sky Void Palace, the Human Emperor had lent Ling Chen his power and then seemingly vanished completely. It was surprising to hear him now, as if he had suddenly returned to life.

"Alright? How could I possibly be alright?"

The Human Emperor’s voice was tinged with considerable resentment. "This projection of my will was nearly destroyed completely in the process of saving you, kid. I’ve only just recovered a sliver of my strength, barely enough to converse with you."

So that’s how it is.

Ling Chen could only manage a forced laugh. It was indeed his fault back at Sky Void Palace. If not for his insistence on going there, the Human Emperor wouldn’t have ended up in this state.

But those events were in the past. Since there was nothing Ling Chen could do about them now, he decided not to dwell on it.

"You said just now that the old man wasn’t lying to me?" Ling Chen couldn’t help but ask.

"Mm, he indeed didn’t lie to you. This Sword Spirit Grass can only be generated by experts at the Sword Saint realm or higher in their Cultivation. A Sword Saint integrates their own Sword Intent into an ordinary Spirit Grass, thereby creating Sword Spirit Grass. So, what the old fellow said is credible," the Human Emperor replied nonchalantly.

Just as the Human Emperor’s voice faded, the white-haired elder on the auction stage carefully held out the Sword Spirit Grass, raised it slightly towards the auction hall, and announced with a smile, "Sword Spirit Grass is exceptionally valuable, particularly for friends who cultivate the Sword Way. Its ability to enhance the intensity of your Sword Intent and your control over it makes it a Treasure many Swordsmen dream of acquiring."

Hearing the title "Sword Saint" mentioned, a wave of astonished gasps rippled through the auction house. The realm of a Sword Saint was a level vastly distant from everyone present. Anything associated with that realm would undoubtedly see its value skyrocket. Therefore, even though this was merely a medicinal herb that appeared in connection with a Sword Saint powerhouse, it still piqued the interest of many.

"What? Tempted?" Liu Feiyue, beside him, couldn’t help but smile faintly as she asked, noticing Ling Chen suddenly sit upright. She naturally knew that Ling Chen’s accomplishments in Sword Intent were not insignificant. This so-called Sword Spirit Grass, with its considerable effect on Sword Intent and extraordinary origin, would understandably tempt him.

Ling Chen locked his gaze onto the Sword Spirit Grass and nodded with a smile. His current Sword Intent encompassed many attributes, but it was somewhat chaotic. This Sword Spirit Grass could enhance control over Sword Intent, undoubtedly something he desperately needed.

Therefore, this Sword Spirit Grass that had just appeared was extremely to Ling Chen’s liking. He just wondered what kind of effect it would have after he refined it.

"Heh heh, the starting bid for this Sword Spirit Grass is one million, with each increment being no less than One Hundred Thousand." The white-haired elder smiled at the auction house, now abuzz with whispers, and said, "Now then... esteemed guests, please begin your bidding."

A brief silence fell over the auction house after the white-haired elder spoke. One million was not a small sum for some of the smaller factions, while some larger factions preferred to wait and make a decisive bid at the very end, which contributed to the momentary quiet.

The white-haired elder’s expression remained unchanged by the lack of immediate response. A warm smile still graced his face as his gaze slowly swept across the attendees.

"One million one hundred thousand!" A shout from the back finally broke the silence, which had lasted for about half a minute.

This initial bid was like a spark, setting off a chain reaction. Calls for bids rang out one after another. In less than five minutes, the price soared directly to two million.

"Two million five hundred thousand!"

The sudden, sharp increase in price caused a stir throughout the entire auction house. All eyes followed the sound of the voice, eventually settling on a youth dressed as a scholar, seated in the VIP area at the front.