Chapter Nine: Auctioning the Spirit Ascension Technique

“This Wind Sweep Technique may not be a top-tier profound art, but for fighters who cultivate wind-elemental battle qi, it is undoubtedly an excellent choice. I’m sure many will be interested.”

“Very well, let the auction begin! Starting bid: fifty thousand!”

“Sixty thousand!”

“Seventy thousand! Kid, I’ve got my eye on this technique. If you know what’s good for you, don’t compete with me!”

“Eighty thousand! Let’s see how deep your pockets really are!”

The bidding voices rose one after another; the price soared rapidly.

Galeb sat in the VIP section with a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth, greed flickering in his eyes. Slowly, he raised his bidding paddle: “Two hundred thousand!”

At his words, the room fell silent for a moment; many wore hesitant expressions.

However, after a brief pause, Xiao Zhan spoke in a deep voice, “Three hundred thousand!”

Galeb hadn’t expected Xiao Zhan to compete with him. His expression shifted slightly, and gritting his teeth, he shouted, “Four hundred thousand! Xiao Zhan, don’t go against me!”

Xiao Zhan snorted coldly, “Galeb, this auction is fair competition. How is it going against you? The Xiao family doesn’t back down easily! Five hundred thousand!”

The two men faced off fiercely, neither yielding, pushing the price ever higher.

A ruthless gleam flashed in Galeb’s eyes as he snarled, “Five hundred and fifty thousand! Xiao Zhan, if you keep contesting me, don’t blame the Galeb family for being ruthless!”

Xiao Zhan’s voice turned teasing, “You win.”

“You—!”

“Consider yourself clever. Remember this!”

He looked up at Yafei. “Miss Yafei, I believe it’s time to conclude!”

In the end, the “Wind Sweep Technique” was won by Galeb for five hundred and fifty thousand.

“But today’s excitement is far from over. Next, we shall present an even more exquisite profound art, one that surpasses the ‘Wind Sweep Technique’ in subtlety. Everyone, don’t miss it.”

With Yafei’s words, the atmosphere ignited once again, and the crowd eagerly anticipated the next auction.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan and Ning Jiuyou waited nearby. Ning Jiuyou felt nervous, unsure how much her “Lingxiao Technique” would fetch…

Xiao Yan glanced at the anxious Ning Jiuyou beside him: “Don’t worry. Yours is even better than that last profound art; the price will only be higher!”

“I know. I’m just excited. Suddenly having this big sum of money is overwhelming!”

Xiao Yan opened his mouth, looking at Ning Jiuyou: “...As long as you’re happy.”

Yafei then took up the “Lingxiao Technique” and announced, “Next up for auction is a profound art—the ‘Lingxiao Technique.’”

“This technique’s movements are exquisite, its internal energy flow unique, making it a rare and precious profound art.”

Ning Jiuyou did not expect the first bid to come from Xiao Yan himself.

“Five hundred and fifty thousand!”

Ning Jiuyou stared at Xiao Yan in surprise.

“I’m just setting the base price for you. You just wait to collect the money.”

After several rounds of bidding, the final price rose to seven hundred thousand!

Xiao Yan and Ning Jiuyou collected the auction proceeds in the appraisal room.

Holding the coins, Ning Jiuyou smiled brightly: “Xiao Yan, thank you.”

Xiao Yan looked at Ning Jiuyou for a long moment before saying, “No... no need to thank me. We’re friends; helping each other is only right.”

Back in the room, Ning Jiuyou unhesitatingly took out two hundred thousand gold coins and placed them before Xiao Yan.

“Xiao Yan, please accept these two hundred thousand coins. Without your help, I never could have won the auction.”

“Besides, I’ve been staying at the Xiao residence these past few days, and all my meals and expenses have been covered by the family. Consider this payment for lodging and my thanks for your care.”

Xiao Yan looked at the coins Ning Jiuyou offered and quickly waved his hand.

“Jiuyou, what are you saying? We’re friends; friends help each other. I can’t just take your money.”

“Besides, the Xiao family isn’t lacking in covering your expenses. Keep the money. You’ll need it for your cultivation later.”

Seeing Xiao Yan refuse, Ning Jiuyou frowned slightly, her eyes shining with determination.

“Xiao Yan, please don’t refuse. This money isn’t just lodging fees—it’s my gratitude. Without you, I’d probably still be worrying about being penniless.”

“And I know you have your own cultivation plans. This money might help you. If you refuse again, it’ll be too distant.”

‘Little Yan, she’s right,’ the voice of Yao Lao echoed inside his mind.

‘You really need this money now. Think about Nalan Yanran—she’s at a higher realm than you and belongs to the Yunlan Sect, which has abundant resources. Naturally, her cultivation is easier.’

‘But you—if you have this money, you can buy more pills and resources, which will greatly benefit your cultivation.’

Xiao Yan pondered Yao Lao’s words but still didn’t intend to accept the money.

Just as he prepared to refuse again, Ning Jiuyou spoke first: “I think I just heard Uncle Xiao Zhan calling me. I’ll go ahead. We can talk more later.”

With that, she swiftly departed using her fighter’s speed, leaving Xiao Yan standing there dazed.

Xiao Yan watched Ning Jiuyou’s departing figure, then looked down at the card in his hand, his face showing a helpless expression.

At this moment, Yao Lao’s voice rang out again, tinged with teasing: ‘Little Yan, the girl left the money and left. What are you standing there for?’

Xiao Yan cleared his throat and said, “Teacher, Jiuyou and I are just friends. She left the money; I’ll find a chance to return it someday.”

As if afraid Yao Lao didn’t hear, he repeated: “We’re just friends!”

Yao Lao rolled his eyes inside the ring and grumbled, “I heard you the first time! No need to repeat!”

“You little rascal, I know what you’re thinking. Use this money well to strengthen yourself—that’s the priority. As for paying her back, that can wait.”

Xiao Yan nodded. “You’re right, Teacher. I will use the money wisely. But since it belongs to Jiuyou, I can’t just spend it recklessly.”

Yao Lao snorted. “Alright, I know you’re loyal and honorable, but don’t be too stubborn. Once you improve your strength, there will be plenty of opportunities to repay her.”

“Focus on your training now. Strive to surpass Nalan Yanran soon and make her regret breaking the engagement!”

Determination flashed in Xiao Yan’s eyes as he clenched his fist.

“Teacher, don’t worry. I will train hard and make Nalan Yanran regret what she did!”

Then, Xiao Yan carefully put the card away and began contemplating how best to use the money to enhance his power.

Ning Jiuyou’s image lingered in his mind from time to time...

After leaving Xiao Yan, Ning Jiuyou had intended to find an excuse to slip away, but since she said she would look for Xiao Zhan, she truly headed in his direction.

When she arrived at the Xiao family’s main hall, she saw many gathered there, including Xiao Zhan and several elders.

Ning Jiuyou was slightly taken aback and greeted politely, “Hello, uncles.”