Following a Hundred Years of Cultivation, I'm dying Before I Got Cheats - Chapter 1951: The Mysterious Elder, the Nine Mystical Sects (Part 2)
Chapter 1951: The Mysterious Elder, the Nine Mystical Sects (Part 2)
Even the rarest of treasures—those deemed unattainable by fate—might one day appear at the Nine Mystical Auction House!
One could say that the auction house had become synonymous with opportunity. Since its founding, the Nine Mystical Sects had cemented their position as a uniquely untouchable force within the Ancient Domain.
Anyone daring to act against them would find themselves entangled in countless webs of interest. This had firmly established their transcendent status.
“So this is the Nine Mystical Auction House…”
At this moment, Jiang Chengxuan stood before the legendary auction house.
A massive projection of light bathed him. Looking up, he saw an architectural marvel suspended in the clouds—nine palace-like structures, each one vast as a mountain range, nestled among radiant clouds, shining with boundless immortal brilliance.
Nine-colored rivers of starlight flowed upward against the heavens, winding their way toward the nine structures.
Immortal carriages and celestial vessels moved through the skies, casting dazzling auras that lit up the firmament, a scene of unparalleled splendor.
The Thousand Treasure Domain wasn’t particularly large, but this building—grander than any immortal city—could be seen from nearly anywhere. It was, without question, the true heart of the Nine Mystical Sects.
Treading upon one of the starry rivers, Jiang Chengxuan ascended, surrounded by murmurs from immortals of all origins.
“Did you hear? One of the Nine Mystical Treasures up for auction this time is a Golden Immortal treasure!”
“Hiss—! A Golden Immortal treasure? That’s a bold move. Only the Nine Mystical Auction House could offer something like that!”
“Haha, every grand auction they host features nine mystical treasures, each one a legendary artifact.”
“There was once a time when one of those treasures was part of a Great Luo Golden Immortal’s inheritance. Ever heard of that?”
“You mean that fragment of a Great Luo scripture?”
“Exactly! That auction even drew actual Great Luo Golden Immortals to attend!”
“Heavens… That’s beyond comprehension.”
Their voices were filled with excitement, discussing past auctions and the legendary items that had once appeared. Their eyes sparkled with longing and anticipation.
Even Jiang Chengxuan had to admit, hearing these stories gave him a new level of respect for the Nine Mystical Auction House.
But for him, the goal this time was simpler—the unassuming Mixed Primordial Stone.
Though undoubtedly valuable, it wasn’t something others would regard as a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. It almost certainly wouldn’t be one of the Nine Mystical Treasures.
After all, aside from the Great Luo Dao Canon in Jiang Chengxuan’s possession, no other text had ever recorded that this stone could aid in breaking through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.
As he was swept into the colorful lightstreams, Jiang Chengxuan finally arrived at the gates of the Nine Mystical Auction House.
Just then, a figure emerged from within the grand structure. Clad in ornate armor of glazed crystal, he asked respectfully:
“Esteemed guest, it appears this is your first visit to the Nine Mystical Auction House. Might we have your name?”
This was a servant of the auction house. The formation enveloping the entire structure allowed them to discern the origins of every visitor.
For first-timers like Jiang Chengxuan, such inquiries were standard protocol. Refusal was an option—but it meant being barred from the auction’s core events.
“An elder of the Haoran Sect…”
Jiang Chengxuan casually replied, using an internal sect title rather than giving his real name.
But even so, the servant’s eyes lit up in surprise and respect.
“Welcome, honored guest! This is a Heaven Token of the Nine Mystical Auction House. Please accept it.”
“With this, you may participate in any of the current auction sessions.”
It was clear that the name of the Haoran Profound Sect carried considerable weight in the Ancient Domain. Even someone claiming to be a mere elder could receive priority treatment.
“Heh! Just a lowly elder, and he gets a Heaven Token? What’s the big deal?”
Suddenly, a sarcastic and mocking voice rang out from nearby, catching Jiang Chengxuan off guard.
Turning around, he saw a slouching figure reclining against a stone pillar beside the gate.
Dressed in ragged grey-black robes, unkempt and disheveled, the man held an enormous gourd of wine in one hand and looked thoroughly disinterested in the world around him.
Such a sight wasn’t rare—but for someone like this to appear at the entrance of the Nine Mystical Auction House? And to openly mock it?
Now that caught Jiang Chengxuan’s attention.
“Please pay him no mind,” the attendant said smoothly, as if used to the situation. “That man is just a drunken vagrant who enjoys spouting nonsense.”
But Jiang Chengxuan was unconvinced. He continued to study the slovenly cultivator, waiting for some kind of rebuttal.
Yet, instead of responding, the man simply took another large swig from his gourd and lay back down, chuckling to himself without further comment.
Seeing this, Jiang Chengxuan smiled faintly and chose not to press the matter.
He stepped into the auction house.
Inside, the space was vast—brilliant with golden light, filled with shelves and displays of rare and exotic treasures.
It was like stepping into another world. Above, the dome of the hall glowed with concentrated immortal light, as if replicating the heavens themselves.
Beneath that sky, the many immortals gathered were adorned in dazzling robes, their auras profound. Each of them was a peerless genius, a dragon among men, or a figure of noble heritage, surrounded by entourages and attendants.
Blending in with the crowd, Jiang Chengxuan did not draw attention. His focus was clear—to obtain the Mixed Primordial Stone.
Soon, the entire flow of people funneled toward a single area—an enigmatic space accessed through a mystical gateway, leading to what resembled a miniature universe.
In this deep starry domain, starlike buildings surrounded a central platform, arranged like constellations. These seats were refined from meteoric iron, radiating starlight.
Immortals walked through the void, alighting upon their designated seats.
At the center of it all stood a robed immortal on a raised platform. With stars at his back and a staff in his hand, he wore a calm smile.
“Honored guests, welcome to the Nine Mystical Auction House! Today’s event is a grand gathering!”
“We’ve assembled secret treasures that have been prepared over millennia. I assure you, there will be something here for everyone.”
“All items will be traded through barter only. Their worth shall be evaluated on the spot by yours truly, in consultation with the seller.”
“Ah—allow me to introduce myself. I am one of the Nine Mystical Sects’ elders—Elder Tiansuo.”
The moment the robed elder revealed his identity, the auction hall erupted in a buzz of astonishment.
Indeed, every grand auction hosted by the Nine Mystical Sects required one of the Nine Mystical Elders to preside—elders of the highest rank within the sect.
For cultivators like Jiang Chengxuan and the other attendees, the treasures being auctioned could no longer be measured in spirit crystals.
Transactions were possible only through bartering with other immortal artifacts.
Thus, a qualified authority was needed to determine the value and authenticity of each item—and none were more suited than the Nine Mystical Elders.
Their inherited arts and secret techniques allowed them to appraise an item’s worth, and with a lifetime of experience, they were regarded as the most authoritative treasure appraisers in the Ancient Domain.
“Enough talk. Let us begin. Please focus your minds—our first immortal treasure is now ready to be unveiled!”
With that, the hall fell silent. No one questioned the rules.
Elder Tiansuo wasted no words and began the auction immediately.
In an instant, the place erupted with commotion. One rare treasure after another was brought to the platform, each one drawing gasps and awe.
This was Jiang Chengxuan’s first time attending such a grand auction, and he couldn’t help but be dazzled.
Treasures didn’t just appear on the auction platform—shouts came from within the crowd, each bidder calling out the names of their own immortal artifacts in exchange.
Elder Tiansuo, with immense expertise, could determine the value of each offer the moment he heard it.
If a bid was worthy, he would raise his hand, causing the seat of the bidder to glow brilliantly. If the offer fell short, that person’s location would remain dim.
And so, this strange but magnificent auction unfolded, its offerings overwhelming in quantity and extraordinary in value.
