Five thousand mid-grade Primal Stones wasn't a small sum by any asure. It was worth five million low-grade Primal Stones. A sum that would be considered massive wealth in any low-tier faction.
Many cultivators in the crowd turned away disappointed, angry even. But they were unable to pay. They'd co hoping to get in with the normal fee. Now they were priced out completely.
"Young Master, this way..."
An attendant appeared at Kael's elbow. The sa woman who'd helped him earlier when he sold items. She revealed a professional smile and gestured toward a side entrance, leading him away from the main crowd.
Due to the number and quality of goods sold today, Kael had received an Esteed Guest card. A jade slip that marked him as special. It allowed him to enter the Esteed Guest stands and skip the entrance fee entirely. He'd enter through the private doors.
The Esteed Guest stands were positioned high up in the building, in an elevated and private section. And if the guests were willing, they could activate formations that made it so those outside couldn't see their appearance, to keep complete anonymity.
This was perfect for wanted cultivators. Or powerful figures who didn't want to be identified.
"If it were during ordinary tis, you would be able to receive at least a 4-Star or higher Esteed Guest stand," the attendant explained as they walked through quiet corridors. "But because the situation this ti is different, with so many VIPs attending, you'll only be able to enter the 3-Star stands."
She smiled apologetically. But her tone suggested this was still quite good. An honor even.
Soon, Kael was arranged to enter an Esteed Guest stand that could fit a dozen people inside comfortably. The space was larger than he expected. It was luxuriously looking, with comfortable chairs, refreshnts on a side table, and good visibility of the stage below.
The number of Esteed Guest stands were limited. And the higher the star rating, the lower the number of available boxes.
There were several dozen 3-Star stands scattered throughout the upper levels. Only a dozen 4-Star stands positioned higher still. And only four 5-Star stands at the very peak of the building.
The arrangent was hierarchical, like how old factions were organized. The higher the position, the greater the status. The more important the occupant.
"3-Stars. Not bad," Kael said quietly. He faintly smiled and glanced around his assigned box. "My stand is number 50."
He moved to the viewing window and looked outside, down at the auction floor below.
Because Kael chose to be concealed, there was transparent glass around his viewing area. A kind of special glass with formations woven into it. It allowed those inside to see outside perfectly, crystal clear. But those outside couldn't see in at all. They just saw a reflective surface.
Perfect privacy.
As ti passed, the auction hall beca more and more packed as hundreds of cultivators filled the main floor seats. More arrived every minute and the noise level rose steadily.
Over half of the Esteed Guest stands chose to hide themselves by activating their privacy formations and becoming opaque boxes. Anonymity was important for them.
But there were also those who remained visible and kept high profiles, letting everyone see them. They considered that as displaying their power and confidence. As if they had victory in hand, or as if they feared no one.
Kael's sharp eyes picked out specific boxes and identified important figures.
"The three ducal families," he muttered. "Clearstar, Brightsun, and Redmoon. They're all here."
He could see representatives from each family as he recognized so faces from descriptions he'd heard. The Heads of both Brightsun and Redmoon families were present personally. That spoke to the importance of tonight's auction.
"I heard that even the Royals are here in stand number 3," soone in the main hall below said. Their voice carried up. "Due to the appearance of broken Soul grade items, at least one person between Queen Ruxi and King i Zhen had to co."
"Number 4 is the Moonfall Sect," another voice added. "But who would be in stands number 1 and 2? Those are even higher than the Royals!"
The crowd had already started discussing before the auction even began and speculations ran wild. Everyone wanted to know who the most important figures were.
There were only four 5-Star stands total. The Royals took number 3. The Moonfall Sect occupied number 4.
The Moonfall Sect was ranked 17th in the top fifty list of factions under the Aurelian Empire's influence. i Kingdom was ranked 26th. There was a huge power difference between them. The sect was clearly more important and more powerful.
Stands 1 and 2 remained mysteriously opaque, hidden. Whoever occupied them was even more important than Royalty. More powerful than a peak mid-tier faction.
This ti the major figures of every force had arrived. Everyone who mattered and held wealth and power.
Kael's eyes scanned across the visible Esteed Guest stands carefully. Using his Enhanced Predator's Instinct to read cultivation levels.
The number of cultivators at mid to peak stages of Primal Master Realm reached almost one hundred, scattered throughout the boxes and main floor. Their auras were substantial and intimidating.
But the number of Primal Grandmaster Realm experts could be counted on one hand. Maybe five or six, from those he detected. They were the true powerhouses tonight. The ones who could destroy cities if they wanted.
After an hour of waiting, of more people arriving, of the hall filling completely, sothing finally changed.
The lights dimd slightly and the noise level dropped. Conversations faded to the background.
A figure appeared on the central stage. An old man. His robes were elaborate with gold and red patterns. His presence commanded attention imdiately.
"Welco," his voice bood. Amplified by his primal energy, it reached every corner of the massive hall. "Welco to the Rising Dragon Auction. Tonight, we offer treasures beyond imagination. Items of legend. Fragnts of history. Techniques that could change your fate."
He paused dramatically to let anticipation build.
"Let the auction begin."
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