Chapter 307 – Treasure Auction

Since Blue Star’s fusion, the Elven Courtyard Realm has become much livelier. Even outside trading gathering periods, many people could be seen here drinking tea and chatting.

However, Tianyuan Bro was nowhere to be seen.

Some lords had vaguely heard that Tianyuan Bro seemed to have encountered an accident. During the cataclysm fusion phase, his entire territory was spatially displaced and thrown into the deep wilderness.

But now, the “long-unseen” Tianyuan Bro had appeared!

Only about half a month had passed since Blue Star’s fusion – not long at all – yet the entire world, or at least the entire Taixuan Alliance, had undergone earth-shaking changes. These changes varied between good and bad, and trading realms like this “high-end gathering place” were the easiest places to obtain information from around the world.

Every lord during this period would visit the secret realm whenever they had free time. Thanks to the secret realm’s existence form, visiting it was as simple as going to a neighbor’s house for lords.

Lords visited the secret realm daily, sometimes multiple times a day.

Even when too busy to go personally, they would send their heroes instead.

It was no secret that Tianyuan Territory was connected to this realm. After half a month with no sign of Tianyuan Lord, it was hard not to speculate.

“Tianyuan Giant!”

A lord couldn’t help exclaiming.

Instantly, over half the lords in the realm turned their gazes over. Even those currently competing for treasures couldn’t resist glancing over while making bids.

Tianyuan was truly a ‘star figure’.

Tianyuan Lord’s only publicly known achievements were the ‘Lord Trials’ and ‘Hero Festival’. Even the news of him representing the Taixuan Alliance in the Dragon Court competition was only circulated in small circles. Despite this, the ‘Hero Festival’ battle alone was enough to make Tianyuan famous.

Tianyuan was said to have the potential of Cold Moon City Lord, nicknamed Little Han Yue. And since Tianyuan Lord was always elusive, rarely encountered by other lords, everyone wanted to get a good look at him now, to see if he was different from ordinary people.

Upon inspection, he didn’t seem particularly different – just quite handsome, worthy of being Tianyuan.

…

As soon as Mu Yuan stepped into the Elven Courtyard Realm, he was surprised by the lively atmosphere.

When had this realm ever been so bustling? Even during trading meetings, there were usually only a dozen or so lords. Sometimes when Cold Moon City Lord appeared, it would attract a group of ‘star-chasing’ lords, but she wasn’t here today.

He felt like a handsome guy under the spotlight, making Mu Someone, skilled in the Deadbone path, slightly uncomfortable.

He quickly figured it out.

The other lords didn’t stare for long either. They were all great masters ruling their own territories, with thousands or tens of thousands of subjects and numerous elite troops. They weren’t star-chasing – everyone was just curious, just watching the spectacle.

Some lords came up to chat and get acquainted.

— Even though Tianyuan was still a relatively new lord now, given his talent, surpassing them was only a matter of time. Getting familiar with a future big shot in advance was necessary.

So several lords thought.

But they probably hadn’t considered that ‘relatively new’ Tianyuan was already several versions ago.

After chatting briefly, Mu Yuan asked Jiang Luoxing and Liu Miumiu about the general world situation.

“The Alliance started preparing long ago. This Blue Star fusion has been quite stable. There have been minor accidents, but basically no major ones.”

Jiang Luoxing said this.

Before the cataclysm, accidents were unavoidable. Taixuan Liangyi and the Player Association’s rescues weren’t always timely. Sacrifices, falls, and deaths occurred frequently.

This was already the result of official departments and most local lords doing their best to rescue.

Compared to Taixuan, although the neighboring Starlight Empire also loudly proclaimed “won’t abandon any citizen,” in reality, only a few lords and some civilian rescue organizations were actually rescuing ordinary people.

Under the cataclysm, surviving Taixuan people could only live in relatively simple temporary housing, far from home, full of uncertainty about the future. They couldn’t be considered happy, but when comparing their situation to that of neighboring Divine Radiance countrymen, didn’t happiness come?

“Some peripheral territories of the Alliance shifted outward a bit, but none were as extreme as yours, Tianyuan Bro, moving to a place where even communication tools can’t connect.”

Jiang Luoxing asked, “Tianyuan Giant, have you figured out your territory coordinates?”

Mu Yuan shook his head.

The area he was in was truly peculiar. The Winged-People Kingdom had survived here for so long without ever encountering passing Taixuan pioneers.

Without reference points, he couldn’t determine his location.

“Currently, I can only slowly explore outward while ensuring safety, hoping to find reliable clues someday.”

Mu Yuan sighed.

Some lords thought Tianyuan Lord was in crisis, but Jiang Luoxing didn’t agree. With Tianyuan Giant’s capabilities, how could the mere deep wilderness threaten him at all? Tianyuan Giant was the super-super-super big shot who topped the selection battles for the Dragon Court competition, already on a completely different level from them, probably stronger than many veteran lords.

“I always said Tianyuan Giant would be fine.”

Jiang Luoxing said, “Like me, my territory was also forcibly shifted outward and attracted the attention of several monster tribes. But just the day before yesterday, I united with several nearby lords to form an expedition army that wiped out three monster tribes. We even killed three third-order warlord-tier great tribal chiefs.”

Sss—

Someone gasped sharply.

Among fellow newer lords, mediocre ones might not even have a single elite-level commander under them now; while excellent lords like them had usually cultivated one or two elite squads. They had high-grade elite commanders guarding them.

Even so, they wouldn’t dare besiege a third-order warlord-tier BOSS, let alone attack a great tribe with a third-order chief.

Just thinking about such tribes was terrifying.

The gap between lords indeed widened infinitely over time.

This actually related to the era and opportunities too.

Their batch of lords bore pressure far exceeding previous periods, while also gaining more opportunities.

At the Hero Festival, Jiang Luoxing, Liu Miumiu, and others all recruited extraordinary heroes. These heroes started at high elite rank upon recruitment, each possessing high potential. After several months, they had naturally advanced to third order, possessing power to directly suppress tribal chiefs.

Some lords also obtained upgrade shards, allowing their strong commanders to progress further.

The average level of their batch was at least double that of previous batches. Top talents like Liu Miumiu and Jiang Luoxing were gradually catching up to outstanding lords from earlier batches.

Their performance, without exaggeration, was inseparable from his example as Lord Mu.

It was precisely because of his existence that Jiang Someone and others broadened their thinking, having a goal to chase, their motivation instantly maxed out. Their batch’s ability to advance courageously indeed couldn’t be separated from his contributions.

Lord Mu was quite pleased.

In the distance, the trading meeting was halfway through, currently in intermission—something previously nonexistent. Past treasure exchanges and sales weren’t numerous, entire gatherings ending quickly, with remaining time just lords eating, drinking, and boasting.

This time was countless times livelier. Many lords also suffered from being unable to buy desired treasures or lacking channels to sell their treasures at high prices.

The famous great lord ‘Shen Linglong·Linglong Lord’ served as host and manager for this gathering.

Mu Yuan approached her after she finished busy work.

Linglong Lord also strode over, looking him up and down twice, “Sis always said you’d be fine. How could mere accidents defeat our little brother Tianyuan?”

She patted Mu Yuan’s shoulder with an old-fashioned air, though her petite stature made the gesture seem like a child reaching up for a hug from an adult.

Of course, no one present dared think this.

This was a great lord, with considerable probability of stepping into the legendary realm, commanding strong armies and horses, able to field one or two teams of fourth-order commanders.

In situations without legendaries present, Linglong Lord was undeniably invincible.

She even had achievements leading the Army Soul Legion to expedition and slay legendary realm monsters. Not only was she a great lord, she was a powerful person with glorious military exploits, fought all the way up.

Mu Yuan hadn’t met Shen Linglong many times, but they were old acquaintances.

Fighting was the best way to communicate. And he had fought Linglong Lord with full strength.

“Back then, I never expected to lose to you. Since you could defeat sis, how could little brother be crushed by mere monster forces? I truly believe in you.”

After Shen Linglong finished speaking, Jiang Luoxing nearby showed a !!!∑(Дノ)ノ what the hell expression.

Did he mishear?

Other nearby lords also struggled to maintain expressions, leaning in to listen.

Instantly, countless gazes converged again.

Mu Yuan: “…”

Could you please not say things that cause misunderstandings? He was someone who wanted to keep a low profile.

He added, “Balanced mode. I only barely won by half a move in balanced mode.”

Oh

That was still outrageous! Rather, nobody believed the previous statement because it was completely unrealistic. No matter how prodigious Tianyuan Lord was or how rapid his progress, he couldn’t possibly defeat a Dragon Gate List powerhouse like Shen Linglong with just over half a year’s time.

Completely unrealistic.

But defeating Linglong Lord in balanced mode—such possibility theoretically existed, making this account instantly believable. Yet even with balanced ranks, a great lord’s skills, foundation, experience, and concepts far surpassed a new lord’s.

Tianyuan Bro was indeed…Terrifying!! (dreadful as if)

But many hadn’t engaged in balanced mode combat with a great lord. The only person who truly understood how powerful Tianyuan was remained Shen Linglong.

“With your ability, you might defeat me in regular mode before long?””

She pondered, glancing at Mu Yuan twice more, “Wait, you couldn’t possibly defeat sis now, could you? That can’t be…”

Mu Someone smiled without speaking.

Compared to several months ago, if Linglong Lord hadn’t made huge progress, then he could most likely defeat her.

But what could he say?

Saying yes would be too boastful—he, Mu Someone, was a low-key person detached from vulgar tastes.

Saying no would be lying—he, Mu Someone, was an honest young gentleman.

This topic couldn’t continue, but the trading meeting’s second half soon began.

Shen Linglong said, “You should take a look too. There might be something you want. Or, do you have any treasures to sell?”

“Indeed some. I’m having them delivered now.”

Mu Yuan also moved forward.

Over a hundred outstanding lords were in the realm, though more than half were merely spectators. In the past, Mu Yuan was also a spectator. Back then, his pockets were empty, and there really wasn’t anything at gatherings that caught his eye.

Today was different.

Shen Linglong walked to the front, cleared her throat and said, “This gathering adopts free trading mode. As long as both parties agree and exchange treasures, the transaction is complete, no returns or exchanges. Trading isn’t limited to physical objects; high-value intelligence and information can also be traded. If multiple buyers want the same item simultaneously, highest bidder wins.

“Additionally, lords can post purchase commissions here if interested.”

“Alright, my script recitation is complete. Trading begins now, starting with this lord…”

She took out three crescent-shaped items, placing them on the display stand before her.

“Here are three secret realm keys for our ‘Elven Courtyard,’ auctioned separately. Interested lords can bid.”

After lively competition, two lords won these three keys.

Soon, the second lord came forward.

This lord’s title was ‘Great Dragon,’ a very powerful veteran lord, also a terminal dragon cancer lord.

As soon as he appeared he said, “Old rules, old dragon indefinitely and unlimitedly purchases dragon remnant souls, but only outstanding one-star grade or higher.””

Seeing no response, he wasn’t disappointed. As long as he could buy a desired remnant soul every month or two, he profited. He didn’t dare hope for more.

“Next item I’m selling is outstanding grade material ‘Starlight Stone.’ This material has many uses. Besides being main construction material for some miracle buildings, it’s also suitable for astrology, celestial phenomena, and other fields.”

“For this Starlight Stone, I require exchange only with outstanding grade items. If value is insufficient, can make up difference with soul crystals. Similarly, if any lord offers higher-value treasure, I can also make up difference with soul crystals or add other treasures.”

After Great Dragon Lord finished speaking, a few seconds later, a lord spoke up.

“How about I exchange with outstanding material ‘Azure Bamboo’? I can add 100 soul crystals difference.”

Starlight Stone among outstanding materials could be called ‘luxury goods’ because it could be used in astrology, celestial phenomena, etc., while production was extremely scarce, far less common than elemental materials.

Tianlong Lord remained silent.

Because often it wasn’t about money, but whether the treasure a lord offered for trade was useful to oneself. If the treasure wasn’t needed, no matter how high its value, it was meaningless.

Azure Bamboo seemed meaningless to Great Dragon Lord.

Soon, another lord spoke up, offering an outstanding grade equipment blank. This was universal treasure, and Great Dragon Lord seemed somewhat tempted.

Mu Yuan spoke up, “I also need this treasure. I’ll use outstanding material ‘Pure Crystal’ plus 100 soul crystals. I wonder Great Dragon Lord’s intention?”

Great Dragon Lord hesitated slightly.

Clearly, he needed this Pure Crystal, but the equipment blank next door was also good treasure.

Mu Yuan spoke again, “Pure Crystal plus 200 soul crystals.”

The neighboring lord’s mouth twitched slightly.

Two hundred soul crystals—most people present could easily produce them, but nobody increased bids like this. These lords earned much but spent heavily too, with tens of thousands of mouths to feed at home. Without saving money, they wouldn’t have enough for milk powder.

But young, heaven-defying lords didn’t understand this yet. Forget it, no more competing.

Mu Yuan happily obtained the Starlight Stone.

Next, over a dozen lords came forward consecutively. Most offered outstanding grade treasures, the lowest being rare grade precious items.

Most lords exchanged for satisfactory goods.

Don’t think there were only a hundred-plus people here, but each person ruled a territory, possessing numerous treasures, with countless needed items.

This wasn’t a small trade among a hundred-plus people, but major trade among a hundred-plus territories.

If not for treasures traded through the realm being subject to higher taxes than cross-border taxes, lords would have long started trading vigorously.

After over a dozen people, it was Mu Yuan’s turn.

He was the last one.

Great Dragon Lord’s gaze closely followed the youth slowly walking forward, “Is Tianyuan Lord as outstanding as Tyrant Dragon praises?”

He expressed doubt.

He and Tyrant Dragon Lord were old friends, exchanging insights on dragon troop cultivation. Now Tyrant Dragon had advanced ahead of him, recruiting an epic dragon ‘Burning Steel Giant Dragon,’ already soaring ninety thousand miles, not far from legendary realm soon.

He acknowledged and even admired Tyrant Dragon.

But his admired Tyrant Dragon brother actually highly praised Tianyuan Lord, even claiming Tianyuan Lord was the future dragon sect leader.

This was simply outrageous!

Tianyuan Tianyuan—the territory name didn’t even contain the character ‘dragon’—how could he be a dragon lover? He, Great Dragon Lord, is not convinced!

Besides, Tianyuan was a mere rookie. No matter how talented with unlimited potential, he was still a rookie. Before truly growing up, remained a little brother.

Mu Yuan walked before the display stand, holding the storage ring Dolai just delivered.

After brief contemplation.

During this period, Tianyuan Territory hadn’t done much exploration and expansion, lacking outdoor income. However, he previously bought a large pile of treasures from the mystery merchant. Among them, a few he could use himself, but using them personally would be somewhat wasteful. Better to exchange for items he needed more.

Thinking this, he first said,

“I’m purchasing intelligence here—intelligence regarding the Winged-People Kingdom, and., if any lord has relevant intelligence can privately message me. I can pay up to 2000 soul crystal coins reward.”

Two thousand!

Purchase commissions couldn’t be made casually—sufficient property proof was required.

So Mu Yuan reached into the storage ring again, pulling out a large bag of dazzlingly bright soul crystals.

The lords fell silent.

Even if you have money, you can’t spend so recklessly! Doesn’t it hurt?

Mu Yuan indeed didn’t feel much pain, since it was the Goblin Prince’s selfless contribution. Oh, couldn’t call it contribution—this was the harvest from their own hunting, the result of their hard work.

“Besides this, I’m also purchasing epic grade monster remains. Remains don’t need to be complete, can exclude high-value parts. Starting at 300 soul crystals per remnant, limited purchase, can discuss in person.”

“Finally, I brought these treasures today for sale. Interested lords can bid.”

Lord Mu took out the treasures he wanted to sell from the storage ring, presenting them one by one before the lords’ eyes.

Finally struggled to finish coding this chapter, continuing to save some for tomorrow. Can’t procrastinate tomorrow anymore, crying loudly!

(End of chapter)