The Qingxuan auction hall was extremely spacious. At the very front, there was a gigantic blue stone platform, with a stone table covered in red silk on top.
Arranged in order throughout the hall were thousands of seats. Those in the forefront naturally belonged to the Loose Cultivators and Qi Cultivation families.
Further back was the area for the Foundation Establishment families, elevated half a meter higher than the Loose Cultivator's area and separated by a special screen. The tables there were also adorned with some Spirit Fruits.
Some Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators were also seated in this area.
The luxurious chambers on the second floor were reserved for the Purple Mansion Cultivators or the Purple Mansion families.
This time, the Qingxuan auction was naturally not limited to Foundation Establishment Pills; there were also Fourth Rank treasures as the finale, attracting quite a number of Purple Mansion Cultivators.
This was precisely why the Qingxuan auction was one of the most significant events within the Qingxuan Sect.
The third-floor rooms were specially prepared for the Golden Core True Persons, but nearly all big events saw no Golden Core True Persons attending. Yet, even with their absence, the rooms remained reserved for them all the same, as a sign of respect for Golden Core True Persons.
After a little less than half an hour, the hall was packed. Even though most cultivators restrained themselves, there were still whispers and quiet conversations, creating a somewhat noisy atmosphere.
Lin Shiming sat at the back, easily observing the actions of some Loose Cultivators in front.
To prevent identity leaks, many Loose Cultivators wore veils that blocked Divine Sense, and even some Qi Cultivation families and Foundation Establishment families who deemed themselves not powerful enough did the same.
What caused the Lin Family members to frown slightly was that not far behind their screen was the Huang Family, with Huangyun Qi's fierce eyes once again glaring at Lin Xianzhi.
Lin Xianzhi simply closed his eyes slightly, ignoring him completely, which made Huangyun Qi's face from the Huang Family even uglier, as his eyes nearly shot out flames.
As a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he would not lose his temper so easily, but with the potential demise of two of his family's later-stage Foundation Establishment youths, as well as numerous upper echelon Qi Cultivators, and their Alchemist's Illusionary Heart Grass being pilfered by the Lin Family, he couldn't calm down at all.
With the entrance of a Foundation Establishment elder clad in a blue Taoist robe, the sharp bell tolled, and the scene immediately started to quiet down, signaling the official start of the auction:
"I thank all Daoist friends and seniors for attending. This humble one is He Xuan, the auction house manager, responsible for today's auction. The rules are the same as before: the highest bidder wins. If one's Spirit Stones are insufficient, treasures are acceptable as collateral, or can be auctioned on the spot!"
His voice wasn't particularly loud but was clearly enhanced by a spell, making it exceptionally audible to everyone.
"I won't say much more; we shall begin the auction directly!"
"The first item of today is a Second Rank Supreme Grade Ice Silk Spirit Armor!"
"The starting bid for the Purple Flame Fruit is eight hundred Spirit Stones, with each increase no less than one hundred!"
As the auction for the Purple Flame Fruit began, Lin Shiming clearly noticed Lin Shijie's breathing becoming rapid. With the Barrier-Breaking Pill made from the Purple Flame Fruit, his elder brother's chances of achieving Foundation Establishment could greatly increase, even hoping to do so before the age of forty!
How could he not be excited?
"One thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!" Lin Xianzhi, obviously noting Lin Shijie's condition, finally made a bid.
And he directly added four hundred Spirit Stones.
Almost simultaneously with Lin Xianzhi's bid, Huangyun Qi of the Huang Family behind the screen also spoke up:
"One thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"
"One thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones!" Lin Xianzhi once again announced his bid, which was also the maximum auction price for the Purple Flame Fruit.
"Two thousand Spirit Stones!" However, Huangyun Qi continued to bid, and after finishing, he turned his head, apparently wanting to see Lin Xianzhi's reaction.
But he was obviously disappointed.
Lin Xianzhi remained calm and casually raised his bid to two thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!
"Two thousand six hundred!" Huangyun Qi bid again.
This time, Lin Xianzhi simply chose to sit down in his chair, slightly closed his eyes, and did not make another bid. He never even glanced at Huangyun Qi from beginning to end.
In the end, the Purple Flame Fruit was won by Huangyun Qi, but his face showed not a hint of joy. Instead, it turned even more purple. He only felt that every Foundation Establishment cultivator present was laughing at him.
As a late-stage Foundation Establishment great cultivator, Lin Xianzhi had the insolence to not even look at him— the audacity was boundless!
At the same time, Huangyun Qi realized he had also paid too much for the Purple Flame Fruit.
After the Purple Flame Fruit was bought by the Huang Family, Lin Shijie was visibly disheartened. It was then that, to Lin Shiming's surprise, Lin Xianzhi turned to him and said:
"Shiming, you will handle the bidding for all the items to come!"
"Remember to call out on every item!" Lin Shiming hadn't reacted yet, only to hear Lin Xianzhi add that.