Dual Cultivation God Returns Chapter 1082: Water Ink Painting

"Rest assured, Your Highness. While we can’t directly interfere with the 9th prince’s acquisitions, he will face you directly for the 3rd-tier Heaven Turning Pill, and that’s all that truly matters," one of the advisors stated reassuringly.

"Indeed, whoever secures that pill will determine which of the three Sects triumphs in the competition for the World Stone. This grants immense power, ensuring you emerge victorious, as that Sect will naturally recognize you as the one who brought this continent under the Dynasty’s dominion," another chimed in agreement.

"I do agree with your assessment... however, doesn't this seem a touch too obvious, perhaps?", the 5th prince sighed, a sense of disquiet stirring within him whenever this subject arose.

"Have no worries, Your Highness," the advisor replied with a smile. "It is exceedingly obvious, but sometimes the truth lies in its apparent simplicity – it’s straightforward and uncomplicated. You only become lost when you seek a more complex answer."

"Precisely! In truth, it is the 9th Prince’s desire that you harbor doubts. That’s why he’s attempted to obfuscate matters. At times, he feigns disinterest in the Heaven Turning Pill, while at others, he displays keen interest. By acting unpredictably, he aims to make you question your judgment, diverting your attention from the obvious answer directly before you," another advisor elaborated.

"By mutual accord, mutually agreed upon and overseen by the Martial Alliance, the three Sects have dispatched limited forces. This arrangement confines the conflict locally, preventing escalation into a full-scale war amongst them. The swift and quiet conclusion of this conflict, free from complaints or contention from any of the three Sects, hinges upon a fair, unequivocal, undeniable, and above-board victory for one side, on terms all three have accepted," a third advisor explained. "Within such a constrained theatre, where reinforcements from their main Sects are unavailable and all hinges upon the dispatched forces bearing full authority and responsibility for this conflict’s resolution, it’s natural that the side possessing the most potent Elders will prevail. A single expert from the Essence Ignition Realm can entirely shift the power dynamics between them."

Wei Liheng nodded in understanding, grasping the logic presented, yet a persistent feeling lingered – a sensation that something crucial eluded him, though he couldn’t pinpoint it despite his best efforts.

The primary reason he found himself partially convinced of this strategic scenario was the peculiar behavior exhibited by Wei Yuanjie.

While the 9th Prince had indeed transformed significantly since their last encounter at Emerald Falls City, this transformation didn't render Wei Liheng entirely oblivious to his younger brother’s ingrained habits – subtle behavioral cues that remained unchanged, signs he couldn't entirely suppress.

Despite all efforts to conceal it, the 5th prince felt certain that Wei Yuanjie’s sole, unwavering focus remained fixed on that 3rd-tier Heaven Turning Pill – a prize indeed worth the effort to seize.

---

As an increasing number of valuable treasures graced the auction stage, the entire hall, including the exclusive private balconies, finally commenced their bidding.

By this juncture, everyone recognized their diminished prospects of contending for the 3rd-tier Heaven Turning Pill. Consequently, they directed their efforts toward acquiring items that caught their eye, while the two princes fell silent, conserving their resources for the impending final contest.

Occasionally, accompanying experts would provide further insights into a treasure's value, enriching the audience's understanding.

Amidst them, another masked figure appeared, distinct from Kwon Qianhong. This individual, however, evoked a different response from the attendees, identified as the renowned Talisman Master, who emerged several times to elaborate on treasures related to Formations or rare talismans.

The moment he first appeared, the atmosphere within the room shifted palpably, sparking considerable interest among many. Most notably, the Elders of the Ember Palm Pavilion fixed their gazes upon him with exceptional intensity.

Yet, he seemed oblivious to the attention he commanded, delivering his explanations of the items on display with a rather commonplace demeanor before exiting the auction stage’s rear.

Meanwhile, all observing major players, including the three prominent Sects and even the Silverleaf Trade Hall, had already secured a few successful bids, primarily to maintain appearances.

Ko Furen and Ko Wenlu also achieved two successful purchases, upholding the dignity of the City Lord's Manor. These items, while not intensely contested, provided them with a respectable showing, avoiding the impression of acquiring just anything.

The auction steadily progressed towards its conclusion, nearing the point where the Heaven Turning Pills would be presented. Only the most valuable treasures remained on display.

"Hmm, this is peculiar," Ko Furen murmured, his gaze fixed on the stage, a look of bewilderment on his face as he stroked his chin.

"Mm? What is it?" Ko Wenlu, whose mind had been wandering in thought, snapped to attention and looked toward the stage. He saw a precious treasure he had no hope of acquiring given the high bids already made, and with the auction nearing its end, he grew puzzled. "Is there something wrong with that particular treasure?"

"No, it’s just... the treasures Father sent to the auction..." Ko Furen shook his head, retrieving a list from his spatial ring.

"Eh? They’ve all been sold, haven’t they? Quite some time ago, I believe?" Ko Wenlu replied absently, not entirely certain as he hadn’t paid close attention. He added, "We didn’t submit anything that would be displayed so late, not with all these amazing treasures..."

"They are all sold... except one item that never even made an appearance," Ko Furen showed his brother the scroll, indicating a specific entry.

At that precise moment, the next treasure was brought onto the stage. The cloth covering it was removed, unveiling an ink wash painting that seemed to captivate everyone who laid eyes upon it.