As Isshin walked through the area, he found himself surrounded by many artifacts on display. None of them were actually for sale. They were simply there to show everyone the influence and power that the auction house had. Just by looking around, it was clear that this place had access to treasures most cultivators would never see in their lifetime.
There were ancient weapons placed inside glass displays, strange minerals that still had faint qi flowing through them, and even some broken relics that probably came from ancient ruins. Isshin didn't really recognize most of them, but it was obvious they were valuable.
After looking around for a bit, Isshin eventually found the section where people could auction their own items.
One of the workers approached him and asked what he needed. After a short conversation, the worker led Isshin to a private room where he could meet one of the hosts responsible for preparing items for auction.
The room was quiet and simple.
Once they sat down, the host looked at Isshin and spoke in a polite tone.
"So, what item would you like to auction?"
Isshin didn't say much. Instead, he slowly took out the Dark Jade Crystal that Raijin had given him.
The moment the host saw it, his expression changed slightly. He tried to stay calm, but it was clear that he understood the value of the item.
The crystal had a deep dark glow inside it, almost like energy was moving slowly within the stone.
"I am assuming you are new in this area," the host said with a small smile. "Well, it's a pleasure to have you here."
Isshin wasn't really sure how to respond, but Raijin quickly helped him again.
"Repeat what I say," Raijin told him.
"I would like to speak with whoever is in charge here, if that is possible," Isshin said.
The host paused for a moment. Normally a request like that wouldn't be taken seriously. A single item usually wasn't enough to bother the owner of a place like this.
Before the host could reply though, Isshin added something else.
"I have other things to show later too."
Now the host understood that Isshin might not be an ordinary customer.
"Please wait here for a moment," the host said before standing up.
Even though he kept a calm expression during the entire conversation, he was actually a bit nervous inside. Someone casually bringing a treasure like that and asking to meet the owner wasn't something that happened often.
The host left the room and went to find the owner of the auction house.
The man he needed to meet was someone very powerful.
His cultivation had already reached the Spirit Peak Realm, which was above both the True Soul Realm and the Spirit Refinement Realm. People at that level were already considered major figures. The only thing left for someone like him was the chance of becoming an immortal.
His name was Felix.
The host quickly made his way to the top of The Florentines building. The top floor was very different from the rest of the building. It was mostly open space with only a large shade above it.
Felix was cultivating there.
It almost looked like he had chosen that exact spot because the natural energy there was perfect for cultivation.
Before the host could even reach the top of the stairs, he suddenly felt a heavy pressure.
Felix's qi was spreading through the entire area.
It was so strong that the host couldn't even move forward properly. Getting close to Felix while he was cultivating like that was nearly impossible for someone at his level.
That was exactly why there was always a guard stationed below the top floor.
The host walked over to the guard and explained the situation.
The guard listened carefully. This man was Felix's right sword, someone who handled matters whenever Felix was cultivating. His cultivation had already reached the early stage of the Spirit Refinement Realm.
After hearing everything, the guard went up the stairs to inform Felix.
A few moments later, he came back down.
"Bring him up," the guard said.
Felix had agreed to meet Isshin.
The host quickly returned to the private room where Isshin was waiting.
"The owner will see you now," he said.
Isshin stood up and followed him through the building, climbing several floors until they finally reached the top.
When Isshin arrived, he saw Felix sitting on the ground with his legs crossed, still cultivating.
His eyes were closed.
However, the aura from before was no longer spreading around. Felix had clearly suppressed it so the others wouldn't have trouble approaching him.
Isshin walked closer and then stopped a few steps away.
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
Isshin didn't know if he should speak or wait. It looked like Felix was still cultivating, so he decided to just stand there quietly.
Then suddenly Felix spoke.
His eyes were still closed.
"which celestial being gave you that crystal?"