"So that is only one of the reasons. You're saying your Alliance has other motivations as well?" the elderly Mahayana cultivator of the Mayfly Clan asked slowly.
"Indeed. The other reason is that although this drop of spirit blood appears to have an extraordinary origin, our Alliance has been completely in the dark about its specific effects. We simply cannot find any method to utilize it. After extensive research, the only thing we discovered is that ordinary water soaked in this spirit blood for a period of time can transform into a restorative spirit liquid similar to ten-thousand-year spirit milk — capable of replenishing Magical Power. However, the terrifying energy contained within the blood's true essence is utterly impossible to extract. We have not been able to find even the slightest method of refining it," Hu Yushuang said solemnly.
"This spirit blood cannot be refined?" one of the Mahayana monsters asked in surprise.
"Heh heh — since this thing may well be the blood of the Ancestral Dragon, its wondrous uses must be virtually limitless. If it could be easily refined, would our Alliance truly be willing to put it up for auction? However, all you fellow Daoists are individuals of great powers and extraordinary fortunes. What our Alliance cannot accomplish does not necessarily mean all of you are equally unable. If someone were truly capable of refining this spirit blood, it is not impossible that they could ascend directly to the Immortal Realm. Of course, if anyone lacks confidence, they need simply refrain from bidding on this item," Hu Yushuang explained briskly.
"Even if it is not the Ancestral Dragon's blood, the fact that this spirit blood contains such terrifying energy within it means it is absolutely the vital blood of some existence beyond our imagination. This treasure — this old man must have it!" A calm voice drifted from within one of the floating pavilions.
"Ha ha ha! When did a fellow Daoist's mere desire make a treasure his? One must also see whether others agree. Girl Hu, begin the auction for this item!" Another Mahayana monster let out a boisterous laugh.
Though no voices emerged from the remaining floating pavilions, the eerie auras seeping between them made it abundantly clear that those Mahayana cultivators were equally moved by this golden drop of spirit blood.
As for the multitude of ordinary alien race members in the plaza, their eyes were wide as lanterns, fixed upon that golden blood drop — they did not even dare to breathe too loudly.
To encounter such an inconceivable treasure at this auction, even knowing it was impossible for it to fall into their hands, made every single one of them feel the trip had been more than worthwhile.
"The reserve price for this spirit blood is one billion spirit stones. The bidding now comm—"
"Wait. Esteemed Elders, I believe I have a vague impression of this item, but I cannot immediately recall the specifics. Would it be possible to come closer for a more careful examination?" A gloomy male voice rang out from the front rows of the plaza. A man of unremarkable features, clad in a black robe, rose to his feet.
"You recognize this spirit blood?" Hu Yushuang's expression shifted, and her beautiful eyes locked onto the man.
Everyone else was equally startled, their gazes snapping toward him in unison.
Even the four seated Elders of the Commerce Alliance, who had been meditating with closed eyes around the stone platform, opened their eyes with visible interest.
"Does this spirit blood produce a five-colored rainbow that shoots outward from within it once every twelve double-hours?" the black-robed man asked slowly after a brief pause.
"How do you know that?" The woman, who had been harboring a degree of suspicion, was now seized with mingled surprise and elation.
"I must verify it first before I can confirm whether I have correctly identified the origin of this spirit blood." The black-robed man did not answer directly, offering only the most ambiguous of replies.
"Elders, what do you think?" Hu Yushuang hesitated for a moment, then bowed toward the four Commerce Alliance Elders.
"Elder Ming, what is your opinion?" The gaunt elder raised his head and called upward into the sky.
"Since he did not err in his earlier description, let him come forward and take a look. Heh heh — with the few of us old fellows personally presiding over this, are we going to fear some mere Integration-stage whelp making some sort of move?" Elder Ming's droning voice descended from high above.
"If Elder Ming is agreeable, then let him come up and have a look. However, he must not make physical contact with the spirit blood — he may only identify it from a close distance." The gaunt elder was clearly extremely cautious, and issued these instructions accordingly.
"Junior understands." Hu Yushuang naturally nodded repeatedly. "Fellow Daoist, you heard that — you may come and take a look."
At this, every gaze in the plaza — both the alien race members and the Mahayana cultivators in the floating pavilions — settled upon the black-robed man.
He was already making his way toward the stone platform. In a short while, he stood before the beautiful woman and leaned in to observe the translucent bowl at close range.
"Just as I thought — it appears I have not misidentified it. However, to be absolutely certain, might I take a small amount of the spirit liquid inside for a final assessment?" the man murmured to himself several times, then suddenly turned his head to address the woman beside him.
"You may, but not too much." Hu Yushuang's brow furrowed slightly, but she nodded in agreement nonetheless.
"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist — I will be judicious. Please release the restriction first," the black-robed man said with a smile.
"Naturally." Hu Yushuang formed a series of hand seals with one hand, then slapped them toward the bowl.
With a muffled boom, a layer of radiant light swept across the bowl's surface, and an invisible field of restriction immediately dissolved and dissipated.
Seeing this, the black-robled man stepped forward, raised one arm, and pointed a single finger at the bowl from a distance.
The transparent bowl trembled faintly, and the liquid within instantly began to swirl. A single droplet the size of a thumbnail flew out from within.
Hu Yushuang, seeing clearly the volume of that spirit liquid, felt a small measure of relief. Such a minuscule amount — it was truly of no consequence.
Just as the woman was thinking this, the black-robled man casually reached out toward the floating droplet, seemingly intending to catch it in his palm.
Hu Yushuang saw this and her fingertips flickered with spiritual light as she prepared to re-establish the restriction on the bowl.
But at that precise moment, the gaunt elder's face suddenly changed, and he let out a furious roar: