Absolute Cheater

Appraiser's Analysis

Name: Abyssfang Reaper

Type: Cursed Weapon (Scythe)

Effects:

Devours the life force of those it strikes, converting their vitality into strength for the wielder.

Can cut through most known defensive formations and spiritual barriers.

Gains intelligence over time, forming a connection with its master.

Defect:

The weapon is sentient and will reject the weak.

If the wielder is not strong enough to control it, the blade will consume them instead.

A cold hush fell over the crowd.

The weight of the weapon's existence alone was enough to make even seasoned warriors hesitate.

A cursed blade that devoured life… and chose its own master?

This wasn't just a weapon.

It was a predator.

The auctioneer's voice broke the tense silence.

"Starting bid: 30,000 High-Quality Astral Stones!"

Unlike previous items, there was a pause.

A weapon like this wasn't something one simply purchased—it was a gamble.

Yet, the allure was undeniable.

The first bid came from a cloaked figure in the upper seats. His voice was deep, calculated.

"35,000."

A warrior with scarred arms and a heavy saber leaned forward, his eyes hungry.

"40,000."

The next was a young heir from the Bloodshade Clan, a sect infamous for their assassins. His lips curled into a smirk.

"50,000."

A battle-hardened elder, his aura filled with death energy, raised his hand.

"75,000."

The numbers kept climbing.

Yet, through it all, Asher remained silent.

Valeris leaned closer, eyeing him curiously.

"Not interested?" she whispered.

Asher smirked but said nothing.

Truthfully—

The Abyssfang Reaper was powerful, but he had no use for it.

His Eternal Creation ability allowed him to forge weapons far beyond this scythe's limits.

If he wanted, he could create a weapon with the same abilities—without the flaws.

This blade was desperate for a master to wield it.

Asher had no need for a blade that sought control.

As the price neared 200,000, only two bidders remained—the cloaked figure from the upper seats and the Bloodshade Clan heir.

The heir scoffed, his confidence unshaken.

"250,000."

The cloaked figure hesitated. A long silence stretched between them.

The heir smirked. Victory was his.

But then—

A chilling chuckle echoed from the cloaked man's seat.

He slowly raised a single finger.

"500,000."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

The heir's smirk vanished. His jaw clenched, his hand twitching as if struggling to make a decision.

But in the end—

He sat back down.

The auctioneer's voice rang out.

"500,000 going once… twice… SOLD!"

As the attendants sealed the Abyssfang Reaper back into its case, all eyes turned toward the cloaked man.

Even the auctioneer regarded him with interest.

A mere 500,000 for such a weapon was insanity—unless the buyer was truly worthy of it.

But the man said nothing.

He simply leaned back into the shadows, as if the outcome had already been decided from the start.

Valeris chuckled, shaking her head.

"That guy's got guts."

Asher only smiled.

He wasn't sure if the cloaked bidder would be able to control the Abyssfang Reaper—or if the weapon would end up consuming him instead.

Either way—

It wasn't his problem.

The auction moved on.

As the bidding frenzy over the Abyssfang Reaper died down, the auctioneer gave a knowing smile.

"If that last item was a weapon for the body, then this one…" He gestured toward the stage, where a new pedestal was brought forward, covered by a cloth of woven silver threads.

"…is a treasure for the soul."

A hush fell over the hall.

With a dramatic sweep, the cloth was removed—revealing a small, crimson lotus floating above a bed of spiritual mist.

It pulsed gently, each petal shimmering as if made from condensed light. A faint, soothing hum filled the air, and for a brief moment, the weight of exhaustion lifted from everyone present.

Even the most battle-hardened cultivators felt their minds clear, their spirits refreshed.

Appraiser's Analysis

Name: Soulforged Lotus

Type: Divine Medicine (Soul Strengthening)

Effects:

Enhances soul resilience and clarity, allowing cultivators to withstand spiritual attacks more easily.

Aids in recovering fractured souls or damage from forbidden techniques.

Boosts mental focus, improving comprehension of cultivation techniques.

Defect:

Extremely rare; only blooms once every thousand years.

If consumed improperly, excess energy could cause soul instability.

The weight of the item's true value sank into the audience.

For most cultivators, strengthening the body was simple—through training, body refinement, or external treasures.

But the soul?

That was different.

Only a few rare materials could refine one's spiritual essence, and the Soulforged Lotus was among the most sought-after.

Even among Sect Masters, Ancient Clans, and Forbidden Cultivators, soul cultivation techniques were scarce.

This wasn't just a rare item.

It was an opportunity.

The auctioneer's voice rang through the chamber.

"Starting bid: 80,000 High-Quality Astral Stones!"

Unlike the previous items, there was no hesitation.

A noblewoman draped in robes of flowing violet silk raised her hand immediately.

"100,000."

A tall, gray-haired elder from the Silent Spirit Monastery responded without a pause.

"150,000."

A sect master in a crimson and gold robe—his aura heavy with divine energy—spoke next.

"250,000."

The numbers kept rising.

300,000…

450,000…

600,000…

And with each increase, the tension grew.

This wasn't about wealth anymore—this was a fight for power.

Valeris exhaled, watching the battle unfold.

"Well?" she whispered. "Are you just going to sit there?"

Asher smirked.

Then—

He raised a single hand.

"1,500,000."

The effect was instant.

Silence crashed over the room.

Every gaze snapped toward him.

The sect master in crimson and gold clenched his jaw. The noblewoman's fingers tightened around her chair. The Silent Spirit Monastery elder furrowed his brows.

The bid had doubled in a single instant.

It wasn't just about the number—it was the message.

Step aside.

Some hesitated, calculating their chances. Others looked at Asher with a hint of fear.

A minute passed.

Then two.

But no one spoke.

The auctioneer let the silence stretch before raising his hand.

"1,500,000 going once… twice… SOLD!"

A final thud of the gavel sealed the deal.