Chapter 57 + 58: Heroes Rise

As the shroud of night began to descend, Elder Yang finally drew forth a crystalline, transparent jade box from his storage pouch.

This jade box, one must admit, was truly a treasure of no small worth. Crafted from spirit jade, it shimmered with an inner radiance, adorned with intricate runes. Three seals were etched upon it, yet despite these restraints, one could still discern a solitary, violet pill resting within.

"A Heaven Seclusion Pill."

"It is a Heaven Seclusion Pill!"

"We have finally waited for it."

The moment the jade box appeared, the eyes of all present brightened. Each figure straightened in their seat, their gazes fixated upon the box, burning with intensity. The breaths of many grew shallow, for they understood that the pill within this jade box held the potential to reshape the future landscape of Great Chu.

"Quick, quick, the Heaven Seclusion Pill!" In a corner, Bear Two, his eyes glued to the jade box, nudged Ye Chen.

"It's here?" Ye Chen, startled from his slumber, lifted his head, not even pausing to rub the sleep from his eyes. He peered towards the jade box held by Elder Yang, still clearly able to discern the violet spirit pill nestled within.

"That's the Heaven Seclusion Pill?" Ye Chen licked his lips.

"Impressive, isn't it!"

"Doesn't seem to have the slightest bit to do with us, though. Even if they tried to sell it to you, you couldn't afford it."

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled multitude, Elder Yang suspended the jade box containing the Heaven Seclusion Pill in mid-air.

"The Heaven Seclusion Pill *may* assist those in the Quasi-Heaven Realm to break through to the Heaven Realm. Of course, I emphasize *may*. Whether one can truly attain the Heaven Seclusion Realm depends entirely on their own fortune."

With this brief introduction, Elder Yang spoke in a measured tone. "The Heaven Seclusion Pill, the base price is fifty thousand spirit stones. Each subsequent bid shall not be less than a thousand spirit stones. Now, let the bidding commence."

"F-fifty thousand spirit stones?" Hearing this staggering figure, an audible gulp echoed through the hall.

Unless one belonged to a major sect or family, who possessed such a vast sum of spirit stones? Many instantly realized that this Heaven Seclusion Pill held no connection to them from the outset. The mere base price had already crushed the hopes of a vast majority.

"Fifty-five thousand." However, masters of wealth were not in short supply. Immediately, someone placed a bid. There was no need to introduce this individual, for they were already disguised, and it went without saying they possessed a deep background.

"Sixty thousand."

"Eighty thousand."

"Eighty thousand is all you offer for the Heaven Seclusion Pill? I bid one hundred thousand."

"One hundred ten thousand."

"One hundred thirty thousand."

The moment the first person called out their bid, it triggered a chain reaction. The entire Hidden Dragon Pavilion seemed to erupt. With every subsequent bid, the hearts of those present pounded within their chests.

In less than a minute, the price of the Heaven Seclusion Pill had surged from the base price of fifty thousand to over two hundred thousand.

"Two hundred thousand spirit stones, enough to pile into a small mountain." Someone muttered, still unable to resist looking upwards, as if they could truly envision the mountain of spirit stones they had conjured in their minds.

"Without eight hundred thousand spirit stones, one cannot hope to bid for this Heaven Seclusion Pill." In the corner, Ye Chen mused to himself.

Although the bidders were disguised, he had a distinct feeling that the true powerhouses from the great families and sects had yet to fully engage in the bidding. After all, they were the primary contenders.

As Bear Two had said, the Heaven Seclusion Pill was an item of immense consequence, capable of bolstering a sect, yet also potent enough to bring calamity upon one.

"Two hundred thirty thousand."

"Two hundred fifty thousand."

Below, the bidding for the Heaven Seclusion Pill remained fervent, its price steadily climbing.

After several rounds of bidding, most of the participants had been weeded out. Their precious hundreds of thousands of spirit stones, in the face of this auction, were woefully insufficient. This signified that the true struggle for the Heaven Seclusion Pill had just begun.

"Five hundred thousand." As expected, from the shadows, a great force boldly raised the price directly to five hundred thousand. The previously fierce bidders abruptly fell silent.

This hidden great force seemed to have a clear understanding that the value of the Heaven Seclusion Pill was simply too immense, beyond the reach of three or four hundred thousand spirit stones. They had simply brought the decisive battle forward. As for which faction had made the bid, it remained unknown.

"Five hundred thousand, that's five hundred thousand!" Bear Two, this fellow, clutched Ye Chen's hand, trembling with excitement.

"Perhaps the one who bid is from your Bear family." As he spoke, Ye Chen's hand instinctively settled on Bear Two's leg, pinching a generous portion of flesh before twisting with considerable force. Perhaps Bear Two was too consumed by excitement, for he evidently did not register the pain.

With the sky-high price of five hundred thousand, nearly everyone was forced to withdraw. The stage was now set for the main act: the contention of heroes.

"Five hundred fifty thousand." Below, someone bid once more.

"Six hundred thousand."

"Six hundred fifty thousand."

Just as Ye Chen had predicted, without eight hundred thousand spirit stones, it was a struggle to bid for the Heaven Seclusion Pill. The price soaring to six hundred fifty thousand clearly exceeded the endurance of most great families. It went without saying that the majority of these families had also withdrawn.

"That's it, my Bear family has no chance." Bear Two's head drooped.

"Six hundred fifty thousand, surely your Bear family can afford that?" Ye Chen couldn't help but turn his head.

"Of course we can afford it," Bear Two replied without evasion. "But that would mean nearly emptying my Bear family's coffers. The Heaven Seclusion Pill is precious, but one must act within their means. Even if we won the bid, there's no guarantee we could safely transport it back. And even if we did, my family ancestor might still find it difficult to break through to the Heaven Seclusion Realm. Didn't that old man Yang say so? The Heaven Seclusion Pill doesn't guarantee a breakthrough. Whether one advances is entirely uncertain, dependent on fortune."

At this point, Bear Two shook his head helplessly. "To potentially empty the family for a single pill, this is a massive gamble. My Bear family cannot afford to take that gamble."

"Indeed." Ye Chen pondered. One does not know the cost of rice and tea until they are managing the household. Bear Two's father's considerations were quite thorough. This formidable gamble was one they could not afford. Losing the bet would have unimaginable consequences.

"Seven hundred thousand." The bidding for the Heaven Seclusion Pill did not cease. The sects seemed to have joined the fray, with the figures of the Three Sects and the Bloodthirsty Hall becoming apparent.

"Seven hundred fifty thousand."

"Eight hundred thousand."

Yet, the price of the Heaven Seclusion Pill continued its ascent, climbing higher than Ye Chen had anticipated. As the auction neared its conclusion, the price of the Heaven Seclusion Pill had clearly surpassed the million spirit stone mark.

"Nine hundred fifty thousand. Are there any further bids?"

A hush fell over the Hidden Dragon Pavilion. After a long silence, Elder Yang surveyed the crowd below, his gaze sharp. He seemed capable of piercing through their disguises, directly bypassing the loose cultivators, his gaze pausing slightly on a few individuals.

"One million." Soon, a voice emanated from a corner, causing both Ye Chen and Bear Two to involuntarily turn their heads. The one who had called out the price was the black-haired elder seated beside them.

Similarly, the entire hall turned their gazes towards him.

To dare bid one million, this was a level of wealth that loose cultivators and families simply did not possess. Besides the Bloodthirsty Hall and the Three Sects, who else would dare to bid one million?

"One Hall, Three Sects... which faction does he belong to?" Ye Chen glanced at the black-haired elder.

With his current abilities, he naturally could not discern the man's true identity. The only certainty was that he belonged to one of the One Hall Three Sects forces.

He and Bear Two both hoped at this moment that the black-haired elder beside them was Feng Wuhen from Heng Yue Sect's Royal Sword Peak. If that were the case, and the Heaven Seclusion Pill was safely brought back and remained undetected, the Heng Yue Sect truly might produce a Heaven Seclusion Realm cultivator.

Should this come to pass, their reliance on the Heng Yue Sect would be akin to clinging to a thousand-year-old, indestructible tree.

But Bear Two and Ye Chen also knew that this black-haired elder could very well be from the Qing Yun Sect, the Zheng Yang Sect, or the Bloodthirsty Hall. If that were the case, it would not be a good omen for their Heng Yue Sect.

The black-haired elder's bid of one million naturally drew everyone's attention. Already, powerful individuals were secretly observing him.

"One million spirit stones. Are there any higher bids?" Elder Yang's voice broke the silence in the Hidden Dragon Pavilion.

However, for a long moment, no one spoke.

*Bang!*

With Elder Yang's final strike of the gavel, the bidding for the Heaven Seclusion Pill concluded, and the Nether Black Market's triennial auction reached its end.

Below, the crowd remained somewhat unsatisfied.

Soon, a few figures began to rise and depart.

It wasn't until the black-haired elder in the corner stood up that the entire Hidden Dragon Pavilion was truly stirred. In the shadows, more than one person's gaze was fixed upon the elder, all seeking to ascertain his identity, and even more, contemplating the act of killing and seizing the Heaven Seclusion Pill.

"Judging by the situation, it will be somewhat difficult for him to safely take the Heaven Seclusion Pill away!" Observing the steady stream of departing figures, Ye Chen silently mused.

"There must be someone outside coordinating with him," Bear Two whispered. "I'd say there's an eight out of ten chance he's from the Bloodthirsty Hall. In this Great Chu, only the Bloodthirsty Hall can suppress the Three Sects."

"It doesn't matter who it is anymore. Let's go!"

Having exited the Hidden Dragon Pavilion, Ye Chen and Xiong Er, with remarkable synchronicity, followed the throng of cultivators surging outwards.

"Here, take these." Xiong Er handed Ye Chen two sheets of the Thousand Row Talisman. "Should danger arise, first activate the Heavenly Walk Curse, then employ the Thousand Row Talisman to make your escape. Those ruthless cultivators are all vying for the Heavenly Silence Pill; under normal circumstances, few will bother with us."

"Why do I feel a sense of unease?" Ye Chen remarked, accepting the talismans.

"Fear not, fear not! Just follow me, and I guarantee your safety." Xiong Er, brimming with confidence, pulled Ye Chen towards the exit.

Ahead lay the exit of the Underworld Black Market, with the crowd pouring out like a surging tide.

Moreover, it seemed all who had attended the auction had come prepared, most utilizing talismans akin to the Thousand Row Talisman. As soon as they emerged from the Underworld Black Market, they were off, their legs churning, their speed truly astonishing.

Truth be told, these lower-cultivation cultivators indeed faced little trouble as they fled.

And rightly so. The Heavenly Silence Pill had already been auctioned off. The powerful cultivators were all eager to test their luck in seizing it; at this moment, who would have the leisure to concern themselves with their paltry possessions, akin to three walnuts and two dates?

Go!

No sooner had they exited the Underworld Black Market than Ye Chen and Xiong Er affixed the Thousand Row Talismans to themselves, their path a straight line towards the Hengyue Sect.

In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, they had already sprinted more than ten *li*.

"See? Didn't I tell you? Nothing to fear!" Xiong Er, even as he ran, didn't forget to pull a chicken leg from his trousers.

"I hope we can return safely!" Ye Chen, however, remained vigilant, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.

Boom!

Rumble!

Soon, roaring sounds erupted behind them.

A hurried glance revealed a small mountain peak being flattened by a single palm strike.

"They've begun fighting." The two controlled their speed and direction, stealing glances back.

This sight, however, brought a sigh from Ye Chen.

Looking back, in the direction of the Underworld Black Market, shadowy figures flickered through the void, profound arts blossomed with dazzling brilliance, and light filled the sky – a truly vibrant spectacle.

"Shall we go witness the excitement?" Xiong Er turned to Ye Chen.

"Cease your foolishness!" Ye Chen retorted. "Those are ruthless cultivators locked in battle. Go back and become cannon fodder, would you?"

"I was merely suggesting."

Boom!

Rumble!

No sooner had Xiong Er spoken than another small mountain collapsed in the distance, the sound even more resounding than before.

The two exchanged a look – this did not bode well.

A group of battling ruthless cultivators, engaged in a chaotic melee in the void, were fighting their way towards them. Their numbers were not small, and as they fought closer, thunder continuously rumbled through the void. In their wake, numerous large mountains crumbled, and fresh blood splattered, staining the bright moonlight sky with a crimson veil.

"Truly, what you fear, comes to pass," Xiong Er cried out, tossing aside his chicken leg, his speed dramatically increasing.

Ye Chen was no slouch either. Though the Thousand Row Talisman granted speed, the group of ruthless cultivators behind them were in the Void Nether Realm. In terms of speed, they were tenfold faster. If they were truly targeted, it would be utterly absurd.

Indeed, in the blink of an eye, a divine rainbow streaked across the sky, its occupant blood-drenched and clearly injured.

"Run quickly!" Seeing the situation, Ye Chen and Xiong Er unleashed their full power, fleeing madly.

"Where do you think you're escaping to?" A cold shout echoed from behind. More than a dozen figures were in pursuit, the leader wielding a purple killing sword. With a single cleave, a sword light erupted, splitting the fleeing figure in two.

Blood stained the starry sky, and a storage bag drifted down from the void, immediately snatched up by the cultivator who had delivered the fatal blow.

"What? Do you intend to hoard it all?" A cold laugh suddenly rang out. The cultivator who had just slain the other instantly became the target of attack. Spirit tools filled the sky, and profound arts instantly submerged him.

Ah...!

A hysterical roar of fury erupted. Despite his strength, he was hard-pressed to withstand the continuous onslaught of over a dozen Void Nether Realm cultivators.

Boom!

Rumble!

This patch of land instantly became a chaotic mess.

As for Ye Chen and Xiong Er, they were shaken and flung outwards by the impact of the melee.

Xiong Er was sent flying eastward, his corpulent body crashing through more than ten large trees before landing heavily on the ground. Ye Chen's fate was even more grim; his airborne body directly shattered a massive stone, nearly dying on the spot.

Puff!

Having just struggled to his feet, Ye Chen immediately coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood.

The battle was chaotic, his vision blurred, and perhaps due to the distance, he could no longer discern Xiong Er's figure.

"Damn it." Cursing under his breath, Ye Chen stumbled and concealed himself behind a giant stone, his face pale, watching the void.

In the void, over a dozen Void Nether Realm cultivators were locked in fierce combat over a single storage bag.

Not only that, but perhaps the treasures within the storage bag were extraordinary, for divine rainbows flew in from all directions. Without a word, they all joined the fray, escalating the grand battle to one that shook the heavens and the earth.

"Truly a pack of beasts." Ye Chen coughed up blood again, yet he dared not expose himself. He focused on rapidly recovering his injuries.

Puff!

Puff!

Consecutive blood flowers bloomed in the void. The melee was too fierce; two Void Nether Realm cultivators perished in the chaos.

Boom!

Rumble!

Thunder continuously rumbled through the void. Not only here, but from several other directions, sounds of fierce battles also echoed. Not long ago, they were all seated within the Hidden Dragon Pavilion, calmly participating in the auction. Now, they were engaged in a heated conflict, figures locked in battle visible everywhere. The entire heaven and earth had descended into chaos.

"Boy, are you still alive?" From behind the giant stone, the transmission talisman hanging at Ye Chen's waist flashed, and Xiong Er's voice rang out from within.

Hearing Xiong Er's voice, Ye Chen felt a slight sense of relief. The ability to transmit to him indicated that Xiong Er was also still alive.

"Your grandmother's, you almost got me killed!" Ye Chen cursed into the transmission talisman.

"Accident, it was all an accident," Xiong Er coughed dryly from within the talisman. "Quickly, let's get out of here! This place is not suitable to linger. You head west, I'll head east, and we'll rendezvous at the Hengyue Sect. Be careful."

"You too." With one last glance at the void, Ye Chen, dragging his injured body, stumbled westward in escape.

He affixed the second Thousand Row Talisman to his leg, and his speed suddenly soared.

However, heaven seemed not to favor him. He had only run three or five *li* when a buzzing sound emanated from the void.

Looking into the distance, he saw an Eight Trigrams Plate, undeniably a powerful killing tool. Its entire body glowed with dazzling divine light, and a formidable pressure enveloped the surrounding heaven and earth. Ye Chen, who had just used the Thousand Row Talisman, was directly forced to a halt.

"This is bad," Ye Chen struggled to his feet, stumbling into a mountain range.

Boom!

No sooner had he entered than a roar came from the void. A blood-drenched figure stumbled through the air.

"It's the black-haired elder who auctioned off the Heavenly Silence Pill!" Ye Chen recognized the person instantly, his expression growing exceptionally grim.

The black-haired elder had auctioned off the Heavenly Silence Pill, and was undoubtedly being targeted by numerous powerful cultivators. This was not good news; it meant this mountain range would soon become the battlefield for a multitude of powerful cultivators.

Indeed, no sooner had the black-haired elder flown into the sky above the mountain range than divine rainbows filled the sky in pursuit.

Roar!

From the east, the roars of spirit beasts immediately echoed. More than ten cultivators, riding spirit beasts, approached.

Zheng!

From the west, flying swords pierced the void one after another. Upon each flying sword stood a human figure, their target clearly the black-haired elder.

Boom!

From the south, clouds rolled, and a rumbling sound shook the heavens, as if thousands of troops and horses were galloping closer, their killing intent reaching the sky.

Buzz!

From the north, divine rainbows continuously appeared, their speed astonishing. Each possessed great divine abilities, and above their heads, terrifying killing tools were suspended.

Splendid! From the east, south, west, and north, numerous powerful cultivators were converging. Needless to say, they were all coming for the Heavenly Silence Pill.