67: Chapter 67 Appraisal Master, Black Gold Sword Embryo

The day before the auction, Heavenly Court base.

Inside the underground secret room, three open jade boxes were placed before Lin Ye. The jade box on the left contained ten High-Grade Spirit Stones, their faint golden spiritual light weaving into a hazy halo that illuminated the entire secret room like broad daylight. The middle jade box held the Spirit Crystal Dust; even through the specially sealed jade bottle, the terrifying energy fluctuations contained within could still be felt. The jade box on the right contained three epic Materials: purple thunder essence gold, cold marrow crystal, and starlight dew.

These would be the grand finale auction items for tomorrow's auction, each one being priceless.

But Lin Ye's attention was not entirely on these treasures. His gaze fell on a corner of the secret room, where there was an unremarkable iron box, its surface rusted and devoid of any spiritual power fluctuations. This was brought out from the Bronze Ancient Palace, and inside was that piece of unknown metal that had remained unidentified.

For half a year, Lin Ye had tried various methods to identify this metal: infusing spiritual power, Divine Sense probing, flame burning, and even blood refinement, but there was no reaction at all. It was like a piece of the most ordinary stubborn iron, with no special characteristics other than being exceptionally heavy and hard.

But Lin Ye knew that something stored in the second-floor secret room of the Bronze Ancient Palace, placed alongside the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo, could never be an ordinary item.

"Before the auction, I must figure out exactly what this is," Lin Ye murmured to himself.

He remembered a legendary Master Appraiser in God City, known as "Gold-Stone Eye" Master Appraiser. This person was said to have an Ancient Appraiser Legacy and could identify all the world's rare treasures; even many Holy Land Elders had come seeking his appraisal. However, Master Appraiser had an eccentric personality, appraising entirely based on his mood, and his fees were extremely high, starting at five thousand Spirit Stones per appraisal.

Five thousand Spirit Stones was nothing to the current Lin Ye. But if he could uncover the true face of this metal, it would be worth it.

"Zhao Wuji," Lin Ye sent a voice transmission.

A moment later, Zhao Wuji arrived at the secret room: "Brother Lin, what are your orders?"

"Can you contact Master Appraiser in God City?" Lin Ye asked.

"Gold-Stone Eye Master Appraiser?" Zhao Wuji was startled. "I can, my father once asked him to identify a family heirloom ancient jade. But this man has a strange temper and three rules for not appraising: he won't appraise if he's in a bad mood, if he doesn't like the person, or if the item is too ordinary. And the fee..."

"Money is not an issue," Lin Ye interrupted. "I need him to identify something, and I want results today. Can you arrange it?"

Zhao Wuji pondered for a moment: "I'll try. Master Appraiser lives in 'Bogu Alley' in the East District and rarely goes out, but he opens his door for one hour every day at noon to receive three visitors. If we go now, we might be able to get in line."

"Then let's set out now."

Lin Ye placed the unknown metal into a specially made insulating cloth bag—this was to prevent its aura from leaking before the appraisal. Then, he left the base with Zhao Wuji and headed toward the East District.

The East District of God City was a gathering place for scholars, antique dealers, and appraisers. Unlike the bustle of the West District, the streets here were quiet, the shop fronts were elegant and ancient, mostly selling calligraphy, paintings, ancient books, curios, and rare stones. A faint scent of ink and sandalwood floated in the air, and pedestrians walked calmly, speaking in low voices.

Bogu Alley was the most secluded alley in the East District, no more than ten feet wide, with high walls and deep courtyards on both sides and few pedestrians. At the end of the alley was a mottled mahogany door with no plaque or couplets, only a palm-sized wooden sign hanging on it with the ancient Seal character for "Appraise."

It was already 9:45 AM, fifteen minutes before noon. Seven people were already lined up in front of the mahogany door, including disciples of noble families in fine clothes, Elders with deep auras, and a mysterious woman wearing a veil. Everyone waited quietly; no one was noisy.

Lin Ye and Zhao Wuji joined the end of the queue.

"The rule is only three items are appraised daily, first come, first served," Zhao Wuji whispered. "It looks like there are many people today; we might not get a turn."

Lin Ye's gaze swept over the seven people in front, finally landing on the third one—it was an old farmer dressed in coarse sackcloth, holding a jar wrapped in tattered cloth, looking nervous. Behind the farmer was a young man in fine clothes, holding a folding fan with an arrogant expression, followed by two guards.

"Not necessarily," Lin Ye said.

Exactly at noon, the mahogany door opened with a "creak."

The one who opened the door was a boy, about twelve or thirteen years old, with two hair buns, wearing a green Daoist robe and an expressionless face: "Today's appraisal begins. First person, please."

The first in line was a middle-aged merchant who stepped forward holding a jade Buddha: "Little master, this jade Buddha is a family heirloom. I would like to ask Master Appraiser to identify..."

"Enter," the boy stepped aside.

The middle-aged merchant entered the door, which then closed.

The crowd outside continued to wait. About the time it takes to burn an incense stick later, the door opened again, and the middle-aged merchant walked out dejectedly, the jade Buddha in his hand already shattered—this was a sign of a failed appraisal or being judged as a fake; according to the rules, an appraiser had the right to destroy fakes.

"Next," the boy said.

The second was the masked woman; she handed over an ancient painting scroll, and the boy allowed her through after checking. This time took longer, about half an hour later, the woman walked out, the corners of her mouth under the veil slightly upturned, clearly satisfied with the appraisal result.

"Third person," the boy looked at the old farmer.

Just as the old farmer was about to step forward with his jar, the noble youth behind him suddenly took a step forward and blocked him: "Wait, this Young Master has urgent business. Let me go first."

The old farmer backed away in fear: "Young Master, this... this is a queue..."

"What queue? Do you know who I am?" the noble youth said proudly. "My father is the Divine City Defense Lieutenant General. If you delay my business, can you take responsibility?"

The boy frowned: "Master Appraiser's rule is first come, first served."

"Rules?" The noble youth sneered, taking a bag of Spirit Stones from his robe and throwing it to the boy. "Here are a thousand Spirit Stones. Make an exception."

The boy didn't even look at the bag of Spirit Stones: "Please follow the rules, otherwise, please leave."

"You!" The noble youth's face darkened, and the two guards behind him took a step forward, their auras released—both were at the Wheel Sea Peak!

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Just then, Lin Ye walked forward slowly.

"My friend, it's not very nice to bully an old man, is it?" Lin Ye's voice was calm.

The noble youth turned around and, seeing Lin Ye's ordinary clothes and cultivation level of only Dao Palace First Layer (Lin Ye had hidden part of his aura), immediately sneered: "Where did this bumpkin come from, daring to meddle in my business? Get lost!"

He reached out to push Lin Ye, his hand coated with faint golden spiritual power, clearly using a Martial Skill.

Lin Ye did not dodge, letting the hand push against his chest.

"Bang!"

With a dull thud, the noble youth's face changed drastically. He felt that he hadn't pushed a body of flesh and blood, but a mountain! A counter-shock force came, and he staggered back three steps, his arm going numb.

"You..." The noble youth was startled and uncertain.

Lin Ye didn't even look at him and said to the old farmer, "Old man, please."

The old farmer gave Lin Ye a grateful look and entered the door holding his jar.

The noble youth's face turned pale and green, but having seen Lin Ye's strength, he didn't dare to cause any more trouble. He could only glare fiercely at Lin Ye and retreat to his original spot.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the old farmer walked out with a joyful face, bowing repeatedly to Lin Ye: "Thank you, Young Master, thank you! Master Appraiser said my jar is a Tang Dynasty Blue and White Ice-Crackle Pattern, worth five hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Congratulations," Lin Ye smiled.

The old farmer left with a thousand thanks.

The boy looked at Lin Ye: "You are the fourth, but only three items are appraised today. Please come back tomorrow."

"Wait." Zhao Wuji stepped forward and handed over a jade token. "Please hand this to Master Appraiser and say the son of an old friend seeks an audience."

The boy took the jade token, which had the character "Zhao" carved on it and golden patterns around the edges. He took a look and nodded: "Wait a moment."

The boy took the jade token inside. A moment later, he returned and said to Lin Ye and Zhao Wuji, "The Master invites you both in."

The noble youth was immediately dissatisfied: "Why can they go in? I'm fifth in line!"

The boy said coldly, "The Master sees whoever he wants to see. If you're not satisfied, you can leave."

The noble youth's face turned purple with rage, but he didn't dare to be insolent in front of Master Appraiser's door. He could only grit his teeth and leave.

Lin Ye and Zhao Wuji followed the boy inside.

Beyond the door was a courtyard, not large but elegantly arranged. There were rockeries, flowing water, emerald bamboo, and a secluded stone path. The air was filled with a faint mixture of medicinal and scholarly scents.

At the end of the courtyard was an open hall with simple furnishings: a long desk, two rows of bookshelves, and a few chairs. An old man sat behind the long desk.

The old man's hair and beard were all white, but his face was ruddy and his eyes were bright. He wore a gray cloth robe and held a magnifying glass, carefully examining an Ore on the table. Hearing footsteps, he didn't even look up: "Kid from the Zhao family? When will you make up for that jar of Century-old Monkey Wine your father owed me last time?"

Zhao Wuji smiled awkwardly: "Master Appraiser, my father has been keeping it in mind, but that monkey wine is not easy to brew and will still take some time."

"Hmph, always delaying." Master Appraiser put down the magnifying glass and looked up, his gaze like lightning, sweeping over Zhao Wuji and finally landing on Lin Ye. "Are you the one who wants something appraised?"

"Indeed." Lin Ye cupped his hands. "Junior Lin Ye greets Master Appraiser."

"Bring the item out." Master Appraiser was straightforward. "Let's be clear: the appraisal fee starts at five thousand Spirit Stones and may increase depending on the item's value. If it's junk, it will be destroyed as usual."

Lin Ye took the unknown metal from the cloth bag and placed it on the long desk.

The metal was an irregular block, about the size of an adult's fist, pitch black all over with a rough surface and no luster. When placed on the table, it made a dull thud, clearly extremely dense.

Master Appraiser glanced at it, frowning slightly: "This is it? A piece of Black Iron? Kid, are you sure you want to spend five thousand Spirit Stones to identify a piece of Black Iron?"

"Please look closely, Master," Lin Ye said.

Master Appraiser snorted but still picked up the magnifying glass and leaned in to observe. The lens of the magnifying glass was specially made, capable of magnifying the details of an object a hundredfold and revealing the flow of spiritual power.

At first glance, his expression was impatient. But after watching for over ten seconds, his brow gradually tightened.

"Interesting..." Master Appraiser put down the magnifying glass, took out a jade plate from under the table, and placed the metal block in the center. Then he took out three silver needles and pierced the metal in three different spots.

The tips of the silver needles lit up with a faint glow, but the metal showed no reaction.

"Not a living thing, not a spiritual material, not a sealed object..." Master Appraiser muttered to himself, then took a thick ancient book from the bookshelf and flipped through it quickly.

Lin Ye and Zhao Wuji waited quietly.

Fifteen minutes later, Master Appraiser closed the ancient book with a solemn expression. He stood up and walked to a corner of the hall, where there was a bronze furnace about half the height of a person. The bronze furnace was ancient in design, its surface covered with complex patterns.

"This is the 'Nine Orifices Appraisal Furnace' passed down from my sect. It can trigger nine different attributes of spiritual power to impact the tested item and stimulate its essence," Master Appraiser said. "But using it once requires three Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, and there is wear and tear on the furnace. If the appraisal result isn't worth this price, you pay the cost."

"I can do that," Lin Ye said without hesitation.

Master Appraiser nodded and placed the metal block into the groove in the center of the bronze furnace. Then he took out three Mid-Grade Spirit Stones from his robe and embedded them into the three slots on the furnace wall.

"Step back three paces," he said.

Lin Ye and Zhao Wuji stepped back as told.

Master Appraiser formed hand Seals and chanted. The patterns on the surface of the bronze furnace lit up one by one, and nine-colored lights of red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, black, and white flashed in sequence. A low hum came from inside the furnace, and nine different attributes of spiritual power began to weave and rotate, forming a small spiritual power storm that impacted the metal block in the center.

At first, the metal block still had no reaction.

But as the spiritual power storm grew stronger, subtle changes began to appear on the surface of the metal block—those rough protrusions began to peel off, revealing a deeper black beneath. The peeled debris turned into powder in the spiritual power storm, but the metal body itself was not damaged in the slightest.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the light of the bronze furnace gradually dimmed. The spiritual power of the three Mid-Grade Spirit Stones was exhausted.

Master Appraiser opened the furnace door and took out the metal block.

At this time, the metal block had completely changed!

The original fist-sized irregular block had now shrunk by a circle and was only the size of a baby's fist. The surface was no longer rough black, but a dark gold as smooth as a mirror, with dragon-shaped patterns vaguely visible swimming inside! Even more miraculously, it was no longer a piece of stubborn iron, but presented the prototype of a sword—though still very rough, it already had the outline of a hilt, crossguard, and blade!

"This is..." Master Appraiser's pupils contracted.

He took a deep breath and took out a uniquely shaped monocle from his robe, wearing it on his right eye. The lens was amber, with silver runes flowing around the edges.

"Heavenly Eye Vision: Appraise!"

The lens shot out an amber light beam that shone on the metal block.

The moment the light beam touched the metal, a sudden change occurred!

"Roar—!!!"

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

A faint dragon roar emanated from within the metal!

The dark golden surface suddenly lit up, and those moving dragon-shaped patterns seemed to come alive, winding and slithering across the surface of the Sword Embryo.

The temperature of the entire hall rose sharply, and an ancient, majestic, and domineering aura permeated the air!

Master Appraiser retreated three steps, and his monocle cracked with a "click."

His face turned pale, but his eyes were filled with shock and ecstasy.

"Dragon Pattern... Black Gold... Sword Embryo..." He enunciated each word, his voice trembling.

Lin Ye's heart pounded wildly: "Great Master, what is this?"

Master Appraiser removed his broken monocle, carefully placed the Sword Embryo back onto the jade tray, and then took out a specially made talisman paper and stuck it onto the Sword Embryo.

The talisman paper burned, turning into a layer of transparent film that covered the Sword Embryo, only then was the dragon might and high temperature isolated.

"You brat..." Master Appraiser looked at Lin Ye, his eyes complex, "You've had incredible luck!"

He sat back in his chair, calmed his breathing, and then slowly said: "This object is called the 'Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sword Embryo,' it is a legendary Artifact Refining material, ranked at Legendary Grade!"

Legendary Grade!

Lin Ye and Zhao Wuji simultaneously gasped.

In the equipment system of the covering the heavens era, Legendary Grade is second only to Immortal Artifacts and Emperor Weapons!

In the entire Eastern Wasteland, there are fewer than ten known Legendary Grade Materials, and the appearance of any one of them would cause a bloodbath!

"Tell me in detail." Lin Ye said in a deep voice.

Master Appraiser took a sip of tea and began to explain: "Dragon Pattern Black Gold is formed when the blood of an ancient true dragon soaks into ten-thousand-year black iron, is tempered by geothermal lava for a thousand years, and finally naturally takes shape under the illumination of starlight."

"The formation conditions are extremely harsh; one might not appear in ten thousand years. And this piece you have is not only Dragon Pattern Black Gold, but also a 'Sword Embryo' that has already initially taken shape!"

"This means it was once refined by someone, but for some reason, it stopped halfway, turning into a semi-finished product."

"It is precisely because it is a semi-finished product that its spirituality is contained within, and its appearance looks like a piece of stubborn iron. If not for my Nine Orifice Treasure Appraisal Furnace and Heavenly Eye, I would not have been able to see through its essence."

He pointed to the dragon-shaped patterns on the surface of the Sword Embryo: "Do you see these patterns? They are not carved on, but are naturally formed 'Dao patterns'."

"Every pattern contains the power of a true dragon and the Laws of the stars. If this Sword Embryo is used to refine a Natal Artifact Flying Sword, the day it is successfully refined, it will be at least Legendary Grade, and it even has a chance to advance to an Immortal Artifact!"

"More importantly..." Master Appraiser lowered his voice, "The Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sword Embryo has a characteristic—'Growth'."

"It can evolve as the owner's cultivation level increases, can devour other metal Materials to strengthen itself, and even... can inherit a portion of the power and characteristics of the strong beings it kills."

Lin Ye's heart accelerated as he listened.

A growth-type Legendary Grade Sword Embryo that can evolve into an Immortal Artifact and inherit the characteristics of slain strong beings... this is simply the dream sword for a Sword Cultivator!

"Great Master, if this Sword Embryo were auctioned now, what would its value be?" Zhao Wuji asked with a trembling voice.

Master Appraiser glanced at him: "Auction? Are you crazy? Once this thing appears, let alone the God City, the entire Eastern Wasteland will be shaken!"

"The four great Holy Lands, ancient aristocratic families, and even those reclusive old monsters will jump out to fight for it! At that time, your Heavenly Court will instantly become the target of public criticism and will die without a burial place!"

He paused and added: "However, if you really want to estimate a price... it would start at at least five million Low-Grade Spirit Stones, and it is priceless with no market. Because Legendary Grade Materials are usually only bartered between major powers and will never enter the market."

Five million!

Zhao Wuji felt his legs go a bit weak. The total assets of the Heavenly Court now only add up to a little over two hundred thousand Spirit Stones; the value of this Sword Embryo is more than twenty times the total assets of the Heavenly Court!

Lin Ye, however, was much calmer: "Great Master, how should this Sword Embryo be used? I am not a pure Sword Cultivator, and I already have a Natal Artifact."

With a thought, the phantom of the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo in his Dantian appeared behind him, emitting a heavy and ancient aura.

When Master Appraiser saw the phantom of the cauldron embryo, his eyes lit up again: "A myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo? Good fellow, you brat really have quite a few treasures on you!"

He looked carefully at the cauldron embryo, then at the sword embryo, and mused: "You have two choices. First, use the sword embryo to refine a Natal Artifact Flying Sword and walk the path of a Sword Cultivator. But you have a Chaos Body and a myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo; cultivating the Sword Dao as well will distract your energy."

"Second, integrate the sword embryo into your myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo to improve the quality of the cauldron embryo. Dragon Pattern Black Gold is extremely rigid and Yang, while myriad mother qi is extremely soft and Yin; with Yin and Yang complementing each other, and hardness and softness balancing each other, perhaps you can refine an unprecedented Natal Artifact."

"However, I must warn you, the risk of Fusion is very high. Dragon Pattern Black Gold is incomparably domineering, while myriad mother qi is heavy and enduring; their attributes conflict, and if you are not careful, it may lead to the cauldron embryo being damaged, or even both being destroyed."

Lin Ye fell into deep thought.

The value of the sword embryo is undoubted, but how to maximize its use requires careful consideration.

Purely refining a Flying Sword would indeed add a powerful weapon, but as Master Appraiser said, it would distract his energy. The cultivation of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body is already difficult, and added to that are the Big Dipper True Scripture, the Nine Secrets, and the Void Scripture... he already has enough legacies to study.

Integrating it into the cauldron embryo has high risks, but also high rewards. Once successful, the quality of the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo will leap forward, and it might even directly advance to Legendary Grade! Moreover, a Natal Artifact is refined together with one's own life; if the artifact is strong, the person is strong, which is the most fundamental improvement.

"I choose to integrate it." Lin Ye made his decision.

"You have courage," Master Appraiser praised, "But Fusion requires meeting several conditions. First, you need to reach at least the Four Extremities Realm to have enough cultivation to suppress the conflict between the two powers. Second, you need to find medium Materials for 'Yin and Yang harmonization,' such as 'Taiji Stone,' 'Yin and Yang Jade,' or 'Chaos Soil.' Third, you need an Artifact Refining Grandmaster who can at least refine Legendary Grade Magic Treasures to preside over it."

He paused: "You can slowly prepare for the first two conditions, but the third... in the entire Eastern Wasteland, there are no more than five Artifact Refining Grandmasters who can refine Legendary Grade Magic Treasures, and they are all honored guests of the major Holy Lands; trying to hire them is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

Lin Ye nodded: "I understand, thank you for your guidance, Great Master."

He took out a Storage Pouch containing ten thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones: "This is the appraisal fee, please accept it, Great Master."

Master Appraiser waved his hand: "Forget it, being able to see the Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sword Embryo today is already a feast for the eyes. I will only collect the cost; five thousand Spirit Stones will suffice. However..." He changed the subject, "I have a request."

"Please speak, Great Master."

"One day, if you find an Artifact Refining Grandmaster to fuse these, please allow me to observe from the side." A fanatic look flashed in Master Appraiser's eyes, "The Fusion of Dragon Pattern Black Gold and myriad mother qi will be a pioneering achievement in the history of Artifact Refining! If I can witness it with my own eyes, I will have no regrets even in death!"

Lin Ye smiled: "If that day really comes, I will definitely invite you to observe, Great Master."

"Good! Good!" Master Appraiser laughed loudly, returned the Sword Embryo to Lin Ye, and took out a Jade Slip, "These are some of my research notes on Dragon Pattern Black Gold, as well as the precautions to take during Fusion; take them."

Lin Ye solemnly accepted the Jade Slip.

When he left Master Appraiser's residence, it was already evening.

On the way back to the West District, Zhao Wuji still couldn't hide his excitement: "Brother Lin, a Legendary Grade Sword Embryo! If this gets out..."

"That's why it cannot get out." Lin Ye said in a deep voice, "Only you and I know about today's matter, and it must never be known by a third person. Do not even tell Su Qingyue and the others for now."

"I understand." Zhao Wuji nodded, "Possessing a treasure is a crime. But Brother Lin, are you really determined to fuse it? Don't you think it's a pity? A Legendary Grade Flying Sword..."

"The Natal Artifact is the foundation." Lin Ye said, "No matter how strong a sword is, it is an external object. The cauldron embryo shares glory and disgrace with me; if it is strong, I am strong."

Zhao Wuji looked thoughtful.

Returning to the stronghold, Lin Ye went straight into the secret chamber.

He took out the Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sword Embryo, placed it on the table, and examined it carefully.

The dark golden Sword Embryo flowed with a mysterious luster under the light, and the dragon patterns inside moved slowly like living things. Lin Ye could feel that the Sword Embryo contained terrifying power, but it was imprisoned by some kind of Seal.

He tried to inject a trace of Chaos Divine Power into the Sword Embryo.

"Hum—"

The Sword Embryo trembled slightly, the speed of the dragon patterns moving increased a bit, and a scorching aura was transmitted through the sealing film. Lin Ye's Divine Power was like a clay ox entering the sea, completely absorbed by the Sword Embryo, but the Sword Embryo had no other reaction.

"As expected, without reaching the Four Extremities Realm, it is impossible to drive it at all." Lin Ye withdrew his Divine Power.

He picked up the Jade Slip given by Master Appraiser and pressed it against his forehead. A large amount of information flooded into his mind:

Dragon Pattern Black Gold, produced in the land where dragons fall, is formed by gathering the essence of dragon blood, the fire of geothermal flames, and the light of stars. Characteristics: Extremely rigid and Yang, incomparably domineering, possesses true dragon might, and has absolute restraint against Yin and evil things.

myriad mother qi, the Innate Qi born when heaven and earth were created, is heavy and enduring, nourishes all things, and is immune to all Laws.

To fuse the two, one must use "Taiji Stone" or "Chaos Soil" as a medium to balance Yin and Yang. The Fusion process is divided into three steps: First, use your own essence blood to refine both simultaneously to establish a connection; second, use the medium material to build a bridge to guide the slow Fusion of the two energies; third, continuously refine with Natal True Fire (which can only be condensed at at least the Four Extremities Realm) until complete Fusion.

Fusion success rate: about 30%. Consequences of failure: Cauldron embryo damaged (50% probability), Sword Embryo destroyed (30% probability), both destroyed (20% probability).

"Thirty percent success rate..." Lin Ye put down the Jade Slip.

This probability is not high, but there are ways to improve it. For example, looking for higher-grade medium Materials, improving one's own cultivation, or hiring a more formidable Artifact Refining Grandmaster.

"Four Extremities Realm, medium Materials, Artifact Refining Grandmaster..." Lin Ye noted these three conditions.

The Four Extremities Realm requires time to Cultivate and cannot be rushed. Medium Materials can be searched for slowly, or information can be gathered through auctions. Artifact Refining Grandmaster... perhaps he could utilize the relationship with Yaoguang Holy Land?

Lin Ye put away the Sword Embryo and the Jade Slip and walked out of the secret chamber.

In the courtyard, Zhao Wuji was directing his subordinates to arrange the final details for tomorrow's auction. Seeing Lin Ye, he walked over: "Brother Lin, just received news that at least ten major powers will be present tomorrow. The Ji Family, Jiang Family, Ten Thousand Treasures Tower, Olympus, and Zongheng Alliance have all confirmed VIP boxes."

"As expected." Lin Ye said, "How are the security arrangements?"

"The Iron Blood Mercenary Group is already in place, and the leader is personally sitting in command. In addition, through my connections, I have hired a Commander of the God City Guard, who will bring a team of guards to patrol nearby tomorrow. Our own people are also ready, with thirty plainclothes officers and twenty visible sentries, and the underground secret passage has been checked and is ready for evacuation at any time."

Zhao Wuji paused and lowered his voice: "But there is also bad news. Information from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion indicates that the remnants of the Shadow Kill Tower might make a move tomorrow. In addition, the Alliance Master of Henghe Alliance of the Zongheng Alliance has assembled fifty experts, lying in ambush at three strongholds around the Treasure Gathering Pavilion."

A cold light flashed in Lin Ye's eyes: "Just clowns. Proceed with the plan tomorrow; if they dare to make a move, make sure they don't return."

"Yes."

The night deepened, and the lights of the God City lit up one after another.

Countless eyes were watching the West District, watching the building named "Treasure Gathering Pavilion."

At this moment, Lin Ye returned to his room and sat cross-legged on the bed.

He did not Cultivate but instead took out the spirit-sealing jade box containing the blood sacrifice crystal.

The jade box was still vibrating slightly.

Lin Ye did not open it, just watched it quietly.

Sword Embryo, crystal, Five Elements Secret Realm, auction... threads of clues intertwined in his mind.

He always felt that there seemed to be some kind of connection behind these seemingly unrelated events.

But there were too few clues, and they couldn't be connected yet.

"Tomorrow..." Lin Ye looked out the window, the moonlight like water.

Tomorrow, the auction will begin.

And after the auction, it will be the Five Elements Secret Realm.

Before that, he needs power, resources, and... the key to breaking the situation.

The Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sword Embryo is an opportunity, but it is not enough.

"Perhaps, I should go and see that place." Lin Ye thought of another place marked on the map.

Chenxing Mountain Range, deep in the mine, that sealed area.

The blood sacrifice crystal came from there, and the female consciousness fragment in the crystal seemed to be calling out for something.

After the auction ends, and after returning from the Five Elements Secret Realm, he must go there again.

But for now, first deal with the challenge at hand.

Lin Ye closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing.

Tomorrow, it will be a tough battle.

And he was already prepared.