While Isolde Stonebridge and Commander Damion continued their quiet exchange above, Lana's clear voice echoed across the hall below.

"Three top-grade Mahayana pills, two thousand one hundred spiritual marrows—does anyone offer a higher price?"

Her gaze swept toward the private box where Isolde sat, waiting to see if the Saintess would push once more.

Damion folded his arms and spoke calmly, his tone steady and analytical.

"This Ethan doesn't look like someone cultivated by the Azure Origin Dao Sect. He can take out so much spiritual marrow. His background may not be simple."

Then he added with a note of practicality.

"If the Saint is in urgent need of the best Mahayana Pill, you can buy one. The price is too high—it is a bit of a waste of spiritual marrow."

Isolde lifted her chin slightly and smiled.

"Commander Damion is right. I am not in a hurry to break through, and I already have a few Mahayana Pills stored. Continuing to bid will only inflate the price. Let these five go to Ethan."

She tapped a finger lightly against her armrest.

"After today's appraisal meeting ends, we will go find Ethan and buy a Mahayana Pill directly from him. That will save far more spiritual marrow."

Damion nodded approvingly.

"This method is feasible. I think Ethan would be happy to trade with Her Highness the Saint."

So Isolde Stonebridge projected her voice outward, calm and dignified:

"Ethan, I must say—you are very rich. These Mahayana Pills belong to you."

Ethan paused, tapping the table lightly with one finger.

The Saintess giving up now?

Unexpected.

Her retreat meant that even after purchasing, he still retained a significant amount of spiritual marrows, allowing him to continue bidding later. A strategic advantage.

As her voice faded, all eyes turned toward her box.

"The eldest lady of the Stonebridge family has given up?"

"What if… the meaning of her words wasn't obvious enough!?"

"I didn't expect Ethan to be so wealthy that even the Saintess cannot compete!"

"Five top-grade Mahayana Pills—enough to endure five Mahayana Tribulations!"

But not everyone was impressed.

"If you think Ethan made a profit, you're wrong."

"The Treasure Appraisal Conference has just begun! Many treasures are still ahead!"

"He wasted so much spiritual marrow now—later he can only watch others buy!"

Mocking tones rippled among those with limited vision.

Ethan ignored them and replied lightly.

"Then thank you very much, Miss Isolde, for your noble hand."

He waved his sleeve casually—

A storage bag fluttered downward, landing before Lana. Inside, all remaining spiritual marrows were neatly settled.

Lana picked it up, along with the three Spiritual Heart Stones. Even she couldn't hide her curiosity.

"Is this guy truly just a casual cultivator…?"

No Azure Origin Dao Sect disciple could possess this level of wealth, ability, or calmness. Even more puzzling—he had never appeared in any major rankings, never been seen in any famous sect gatherings.

"Could he be a direct descendant of a hidden family?" Lana wondered silently.

But she dismissed the thought—for now—and declared openly.

"Since no further bids have been made, I announce that these five top-grade Mahayana Pills belong to Young Master Ethan."

Applause, murmurs, and envy washed through the hall.

The Ashenvale brothers stared with dark expressions. They had not expected the Saintess to withdraw. This was the perfect opportunity to suppress Ethan—yet she let it slip away.

"Lord Saint, is this…?"

Karl Ashenvale replied coolly, though a trace of doubt flickered in his eyes.

"There is no need to speculate on the Saintess thoughts. She likely didn't want to waste too much spiritual marrow. After all, seven hundred per pill is excessive, and this is only the first auction item."

Noel clenched his jaw.

"After all, the Saintess surname is Stonebridge, not Ashenvale. We must rely on ourselves."

Karl's tone sharpened.

"When this treasure appraisal conference ends, the three of us—plus the Mahayana experts from our clan—will strike. Even if Ethan has advanced to the Nirvana Realm, he will still die."

"Even if his combat power soars, he will be doomed."

Meanwhile, the maid arrived at Ethan's box and presented five jade bottles.

"Mr. Ethan, your items have arrived. Please check them."

Ethan uncorked one, examining the pill within. The medicinal fragrance was thick, the color pure. Yet to his senses, it was still slightly inferior.

"Sure enough, the products produced by the system are always high-quality."

He stored the pills away with a nod.

The Treasure Appraisal Conference continued for two more hours. Many treasures appeared—rare artifacts, ancient talismans, cultivation manuals—but none were things Ethan needed, so he stayed silent while others competed fiercely.

When Lana finally announced the close of the first day, Ethan, Althea, and Solara rose and departed.

At the entrance, the Ashenvale group passed him.

Noel leaned close, whispering with ice in his tone.

"Ethan, put away your top-grade Mahayana Pills. It's best to stay in the Blood Tavern and not leave the city. Otherwise… haha."

Killing intent seeped openly from their eyes.

Ethan smiled faintly.

"Why? Have you forgotten what happened to Alissa and Cain?"

"Or do you think you are much better than Alissa?"

The words pierced like knives.

"You—!"

Noel and North stopped dead, faces flushing with rage.

"Calm," Karl Ashenvale ordered sharply.

He stepped forward, eyes cold as winter steel.

"Ethan, right? You're fine."

The threat beneath the words was unmistakable.

Then they left.

Ethan watched them go, sensing the man's aura.

"Stronger than Skyler from the City Lord's Mansion. He came specifically for me."

But Ethan's expression remained composed.

If they had not stepped into the Supreme Realm—there was nothing to fear.

Althea's gentle voice sounded in his mind.

"Junior brother, I heard that the Ashenvale family is one of the five major families in the Holy land of Endless Mountains."

"Sister, don't worry," Ethan replied, tone calm and unwavering. "They can't do anything to me."

Althea smiled softly, her heart settling.

"Junior brother is so confident, then I can rest assured. It's getting late, we should go back and rest." Althea said softly.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.