Daqian Martial Saint

The rest were either from the great Noble Families of Canglong State City or major powers that spanned several counties. People from places like the State Garrison Command and the Qiankun Bureau might also be able to occupy a private box.

Then there were the master Loose Cultivators who had entered the town discreetly, unknown to the public. Perhaps there were even other Pseudo Grandmasters and experts from the Dragon and Tiger Chart among them.

Chen Ping'an sat in his private box, not wasting any time. He was cultivating the Soul-Breaking Blade Heart Method, guiding his energy through its Circulations. He was now close to reaching the Minor Achievement of Soul-breaking Blade!

If he could reach Minor Achievement with the Soul-Severing Saber, his combat prowess would rise by another notch!

As time passed, the last remaining seats finally filled up. It wasn't long before an old man in a magnificent robe appeared on the central, elevated stage. The man had a kindly face and appeared vigorous despite his age. Though his features were old, his eyes shone brilliantly, flashing with a keen light from time to time.

After the old man ascended the central, circular stage, a Profound Light flashed between his eyebrows as he unleashed the full aura of his Cultivation. The overwhelming Martial Dao presence gradually silenced the once-noisy auction hall.

The old man on the stage was, incredibly, an Absolute Master of the Martial Dao!

"Celestial Deformed Leg, Li Dongshan!"

Someone among the auction attendees recognized the old man.

"To think he's the one hosting this auction!"

"They invited a top-tier Absolute Master to host. This auction is putting on quite a show!"

"No kidding! This auction has Quasi-Divine Weapons and Divine Skills up for grabs. Of course it's a big deal!"

"I'm suddenly feeling a little honored to be here!"

"Oh, give me a break. He's here for the auction, not for you. What's there to feel honored about?"

"..."

In the auction hall, things were relatively quiet in the private boxes above, but down in the main seating area, the crowd was abuzz, with everyone murmuring and discussing amongst themselves.

From his private box, Chen Ping'an had a commanding, bird's-eye view of the entire central stage. While those on the lower floors had to look up, he looked down upon it all.

No wonder so many people scrambled desperately for a private box. This perspective alone was enough to give anyone a sense of accomplishment.

However, such feelings had no effect on Chen Ping'an's state of mind. He watched the old man on the stage with keen interest.

Celestial Deformed Leg, Li Dongshan! A top-tier Absolute Master! His name was renowned throughout Beicang Town.

He was among the most elite Martial Arts Masters, just a tier below the likes of Xue Kunsheng.

'A master of this level is hosting the auction... It makes sense. The Beicang Auction is enormous and prestigious. The bidders are a motley bunch. Without real power, a host wouldn't be able to keep the situation under control.'

As Chen Ping'an was lost in thought, four more figures leaped onto the stage, taking positions to guard its four corners. He looked closer and saw they were, astoundingly, four Absolute Masters who had reached the Profound Light High Realm!

'Are they here to provide security for the auction?' Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered.

Although the hall had been temporarily sealed, the auction items were priceless. No accidents could be afforded. Comprehensive security was a must.

Including the auction's host, Li Dongshan, there were now five Absolute Masters on the central stage.

In addition to the five Absolute Masters on stage, a ring of elites from the Garrison Commandant's Office—all masters of the Inner Qi Realm—had formed a perimeter around it.

These elites from the Garrison Commandant's Office stood guard, their expressions solemn and dignified.

Such a number of experts already surpassed the resources of an ordinary Noble Family in the County City. This show of force was enough to deter any troublemakers and prevent people from getting ideas they shouldn't have.

"Distinguished guests, welcome to this session of the Beicang Auction! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Li Dongshan, and it is my honor to be your host for this event."

Li Dongshan's voice was loud and clear, resonating throughout the entire auction hall under the amplification of his True Qi.

"Once again, I welcome all our distinguished guests! Now, allow me to explain the bidding rules for this Beicang Auction... The auction will last for three days, with a total of seven hundred twenty-eight items..."

"Alright, without further ado, let us officially present the first item of this auction."

As Li Dongshan's voice rang out, the excitement in the auction hall was thoroughly ignited, reaching a fever pitch.

At the same time, an item shrouded in red cloth was brought onto the stage.

"It's starting!"

Chen Ping'an's eyes lit up, and he watched with great interest as the item was brought onto the stage.