Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 559 Mu Clan's Auction

"How many Grade-7 pills are anticipated?"

"With only a single Grandmaster in the Mu Clan... even three would be quite exceptional."

"They likely won't make them all available. Two... perhaps three at most."

"If something like the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill makes an appearance... then this journey alone will prove its worth."

For a substantial number of attendees, this occasion transcended mere celebration—it presented a significant opportunity.

Furthermore, it served as a means to evaluate the capabilities of Mu Tianxuan. While the Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill had already signaled a shift in the pill market dynamics, a single product was insufficient to cement their standing.

For the Mu Clan to truly revolutionize the pill market, the introduction of at least five distinct pill types was imperative.

Before long, the grand hall underwent a swift transformation.

A raised platform took shape at the central area, exuding an aura of refined elegance and commanding presence.

A representative from the Mu Clan then stepped forward, assuming the role of the auctioneer.

Her voice, clear and resonant, carried throughout the entire hall.

"Esteemed guests, the auction is now officially commencing. Let us begin!"

The auctioneer made a graceful sweep of her sleeve.

A jade tray then emerged, floating forward with an air of delicate precision before settling gently in the center of the platform.

"We present to you a Grade-6 pill."

The auctioneer announced with practiced composure.

"It is the Heavenly Void Transformation Pill!"

"Its effects are designed to assist cultivators at the Void Refinement stage in achieving breakthroughs."

Despite its Grade-6 classification, its efficacy was far from ordinary. While the disparity between this and the Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill was akin to the difference between earth and sky, its intrinsic value remained considerable.

Moreover, as an introductory item for the auction, it served admirably.

A subtle smile graced the auctioneer's lips.

"The opening bid is set at one hundred thousand gold coins!"

"Each subsequent bid must increase by no less than ten thousand."

Almost instantaneously—

"Two hundred thousand!"

"Three hundred thousand!"

"Three hundred fifty thousand!"

The bidding prices escalated with remarkable speed.

For many in attendance, sums in the hundreds of thousands were readily manageable, particularly for elixirs of such significant quality.

The price continued its upward trajectory.

Until—

"Five hundred thousand!"

A composed voice pierced through the rising clamor.

All gazes immediately converged.

The delegation from the Tianyu Empire was the source—and the realization dawned on many instantly.

"This bid must surely be for Feng Xuanye."

"Naturally! He is currently at the Mid Void Refinement Realm... this pill is perfectly suited for his advancement."

...

Even with the recent, overwhelming setback he had endured, this fact remained undisputed.

Feng Xuanye's innate talent was undeniable.

His future potential still held significant value.

And from the perspective of the Tianyu Empire, he represented a worthy investment.

The auctioneer's voice echoed, initiating the final call.

"Going once... going twice..."

A brief, pregnant pause followed.

"Sold!"

The auctioneer's gavel struck decisively.

The first lot was successfully acquired by the Tianyu Empire.

A subtle smile played on the lips of the Tianyu elder.

Irrespective of prior events, this acquisition alone justified their presence.

And for Feng Xuanye—

Perhaps this would indeed serve as the crucial stepping stone for his eventual comeback.

The residual excitement had barely begun to dissipate when the auctioneer raised her hand once

more.

"Let us now turn our attention to the second item for auction."

The moment these words were uttered, the collective focus of everyone in the hall intensified once again.

This time, the item presented was not a pill, but a formidable weapon.

Specifically, a spear.

Its shaft was crafted from a deep, obsidian-like material, intricately adorned with subtle, flowing patterns that seemed to writhe and shift, mimicking living streams of Qi.

The spearhead shimmered with a frigid, silvery luminescence, and surrounding it, a faint vortex of Qi perpetually spun.

Even in its dormant state, the weapon exuded an undeniable aura of power and pressure.

The auctioneer's voice resonated with clarity.

"We proudly present a Low Heaven-Grade Artifact—the Soul Devouring Abyss Spear!"

An immediate wave of astonishment rippled through the assembled crowd.

"Heaven-Grade?!"

"And this is merely the second item on offer?!"

Disbelief flickered across numerous countenances.

If the initial offering was considered a strong opening move—

This was an audacious leap forward.

A monumental one.

The auctioneer proceeded with her explanation, her tone remaining unhurried.

"This spear possesses a truly singular and potent ability."

Her gaze swept deliberately across the hushed assembly.

"It is capable of absorbing the Qi from those it strikes... subsequently converting it to replenish the wielder."

A profound silence descended upon the hall.

Followed swiftly by exclamations—

"Absorb Qi?!"

"That implies virtually unending sustainment in combat!"

"Incredible! The effect is simply too overpowering. How could anyone possibly contend against an opponent wielding such a weapon?"

Expressions of intense interest ignited in many eyes.

This was not merely a Heaven-Grade weapon; it was a game-changing artifact, especially capable of dominating prolonged engagements.

Its perceived value within everyone's estimation surged exponentially in that instant.

The auctioneer deliberately delayed her next words, allowing the palpable tension to build.

She then announced the bidding parameters.

"The starting price is one million gold coins. Each subsequent bid must not be less than one hundred thousand."

The instant she concluded her statement—

"Two million!"

"Three million!"

"Three point five million!"

The bids erupted collectively, soaring upwards with unrestrained fervor.

There was no sign of hesitation from any party.

It was universally understood that this was an item worth fiercely competing for.

Within mere moments, the price had already escalated to four million.

"Five million five hundred thousand!"

The voice was steady and firm.

Carrying an unmistakable undertone of absolute conviction.

A hush fell over the hall as the collective attention shifted.

Li Jianhong!

His eyes gleamed with palpable excitement.

To him, this weapon was not merely valuable.

It was absolutely perfect.

Silence immediately filled the room.

The bidding had climbed to a point where even the most prominent factions began to ponder.

After all, this was merely the second item presented.

Many more treasures were slated to appear.

The auctioneer surveyed the crowd. "Five million, five hundred thousand..."

"Going once..."

A brief pause. Nobody spoke. "Going twice..."

Still, silence prevailed. "Sold!"

The final word reverberated through the hall.

The Soul Devouring Abyss Spear was now the property of Li Jianhong-

A subtle grin graced his features.

Although the final price had surpassed his initial expectations, he felt no trace of regret.

With this spear in his possession, his power in combat would undoubtedly ascend to unprecedented heights, especially during prolonged engagements.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere throughout the rest of the hall grew increasingly tense.

If the second item was already a Heaven-Grade weapon of such immense caliber-

Then what marvels awaited them with the subsequent offerings?

And what about the highly anticipated Grade-7 pills that were yet to be revealed?

The auction's momentum showed no signs of abating.

On the contrary, it intensified with each passing moment.

The auctioneer raised her hand once more, expertly maintaining the perfect rhythm of the event.

"The third item."

A fresh tray was brought forward.

"This is a Peak Earth-Grade defensive artifact - the Golden Earth Barrier."

A delicate golden talisman floated serenely above the tray, emanating a stable and grounding energy.

"It possesses the capability to withstand numerous strikes from Void Refinement cultivators and can even endure a singular, full-powered assault from a Great Ascension expert."

A commendable item, certainly, but in comparison to the Soul Devouring Abyss Spear, it lacked that same overwhelming, irresistible allure. Nevertheless, the bidding commenced at a steady pace.

The fourth item followed swiftly thereafter.

Another pill made its appearance.

"This is a Grade-6 pill - the Seven Meridian Cleansing Pill."

"Its function is to purify internal impurities, fortify the meridians, and enhance the probability of future breakthroughs."

Once again-

A valuable item, yet not substantial enough to create the same stir as the spear presented earlier. It was promptly contended for and sold, garnering interest from several factions focused on cultivating their younger generation.

Yet, an undeniable feeling permeated the air.

These were merely... transitions.

A deliberate build-up.

Because the true highlight was still on the horizon.

And then-

The auctioneer paused momentarily.

A subtle smile played on her lips.

"The fifth item..."

Her voice decelerated, drawing out the suspense.

"This-"

A new jade box was presented.

The instant it was opened-

A potent, almost suffocating medicinal aroma permeated the entire hall.

Even the act of breathing felt heavier. Eyes widened instantaneously. "This is a Grade-7 pill - the Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill."

Boom!

The hall erupted in a frenzy.

"It's actually here!"

"The Mu Clan is truly auctioning this?!"

The auctioneer raised her hand slightly, quieting the clamor.

"The effects of this pill..."

She spoke with distinct clarity, each word carefully chosen.

"Are comparable to the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill."

A pause ensued.

And then-

"It is over thirty percent more potent."

Silence!

Followed by pandemonium. "What?!"

"Thirty percent?!"

Shock spread like wildfire through the gathered crowd.

This was not a marginal improvement. This represented a complete paradigm shift in value.

A thirty percent increase at this level was sufficient to redefine current standards.

At the side, the delegation from the Vermillion Pill Empire visibly stiffened.

Their expressions darkened considerably.

One of their members stepped forward.

"Are those words... truthful?"

The hall quieted once more, all attention fixed on the auctioneer.

She offered a calm nod without hesitation.

"You are welcome to verify it for yourselves."

Her statement was simple yet exuded unwavering confidence.

Not a hint of doubt could be detected. A moment of silence followed-

Then, Huo Zhouchen stepped forward.

As one of the leading representatives of the Vermillion Pill Empire, his very presence commanded significant respect.

He slowly approached the platform holding the item.

The pill was carefully handed over to him.

The instant it settled into his palm, his expression underwent a subtle transformation.

His eyes narrowed slightly as his spiritual sense meticulously examined the pill.

Time itself seemed to slow to a crawl.

The entire assembly held its collective breath.

Then-

He exhaled softly.

And returned the pill.

"It... bears comparison to our Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill."

His tone remained steady and neutral.

Yet, anyone with insight could discern the underlying surprise and shock in his gaze.

Because those who truly understood the nuances could perceive it.

That fleeting alteration in his demeanor just moments before.

That almost imperceptible tightening of his focus.

He had not outright denied the claim.

And that, in itself, was a powerful admission.

A wave of understanding rippled through the hall.

"So it is true..."

"It's actually superior..."

"The Mu Clan is poised to reshape the pill market."

...

Even without his explicit confirmation, everyone present grasped the implication.

The auctioneer's description had not been an exaggeration. Had the pill merely been comparable, Huo Zhouchen would likely have stated it was slightly inferior.

However, his choice of the word "comparable" signaled its superiority, though he could not openly acknowledge it, as that would imply the Vermillion Pill Empire was outmatched.