Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 600: Chapter 604: 9-Heaven Green Falling Bell King

The King’s Weapon—each one would consume an endless amount of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Even the full resources of a major sect would not suffice to forge one. Only the Sacred Lands, Divine Dynasties, and the most elite powers could possess them.

Imagine, the weapon that the peerless Divine King Jiang Taixu spent his entire life refining—how many people could possibly obtain and wield it?

Anyone holding such a weapon could sweep through a group of cultivators of the same rank, utterly invincible and without rival!

The bell itself was only the size of an infant’s fist. It was a lustrous, emerald green, and as clear as crystal. Clearly a treasure, it made one eager to hold and admire it.

“The Green Falling Bell…”

In the Jiuli Heaven Palace, the elderly man hosting the auction had just uttered this name. Even before he could announce the starting price, the people in the hall erupted.

“It’s actually the legendary Bell King!”

The entire hall buzzed with noise. Many people were visibly shaken and began discussing it fervently, while quite a few pressed forward, eager to get a closer look.

The mere mention of the “Green Falling Bell” threw the auction hall into chaos. Everyone’s expression was alight with excitement, and many prominent figures even stepped out of their private rooms, using their Divine Eyes to inspect the item.

The Green Falling Bell, once renowned throughout the world, was a miraculous and powerful weapon. When the bell rang, it was said that heaven and earth would fall silent, heroes would perish, and all things would shatter.

Twenty thousand years ago, in the Central States, a Green Falling King emerged. He was akin to today’s Divine King Jiang Taixu from the Eastern Wastelands—an unbeatable king. The weapon he spent his lifetime refining is, needless to say, incomparably precious!

Green Falling is the First Heaven in Daoist lore, a realm suffused with green mist, hence its name. For someone to dare call themselves a King with such a title, they naturally possessed unparalleled qualities.

The Green Falling Bell, hailed as the Bell King, was as famous as the Nine Divine Weapons refined over a lifetime by the Transformation King fifteen thousand years ago. It is documented precisely in many Ancient Books of the Central States.

“The Green Falling King and the Transformation King were powerful King Bodies from the Central States. The weapons they left behind are exceedingly rare and hold immeasurable value!”

“This Green Falling Bell King… probably few can afford it. Back then, no one knew how much precious material was consumed before it was finally forged with Nine Heavens Green Falling Divine Jade.”

“Its most critical aspect is its mighty power. If held by a Saint Lord-level character, in an age without Ancient Saints and during eras lacking Great Success King Bodies, it can be unrivaled throughout the world.”

Everyone pondered this, deeply moved. They knew it must fetch a sky-high price. Unless the Ancient Divine Dynasties and Sacred Lands made a move, likely no one else could afford it; it was simply too precious.

“Starting bid at seven hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!”

As people calmed down slightly, the old auctioneer loudly announced the starting price. At his words, there was a brief silence, followed by an uproar of astonishment.

“How is that possible? Only seven hundred thousand jin of Pure Source?!”

Almost no one could believe it. This was the legendary Green Falling Bell, a treasure refined with the lifeblood of an invincible king. How could it be so cheap?

“It must be fake! This definitely isn’t the real Green Falling Bell!”

“Could it be a replica, not the Bell King recorded in the Ancient Books?”

Many voiced their doubts, unable to believe a divine bell would have such a low starting price. They suspected a trick, that it wasn’t a genuine treasure.

“Everyone, please be patient.” In the Jiuli Treasure Palace, the old auctioneer gently tapped the bell. It instantly emitted a clear, crisp chime that seemed to cleanse one’s very soul.

“It is indeed the Bell King, but… a stain has appeared on it.”

The Green Falling Bell, the size of an infant’s fist, was turned over. People then noticed a bloodstain on its inner wall, like a smudge, dull and without luster.

“What’s going on?”

“Not long ago, someone discovered the remains of the Green Falling King in a perilous land, lying within a blood cavern…”

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately understood. The Ancestor Root not only generates Dragon Marrow but can also produce corrupting filth. Even a War Treasure would be corroded and eventually dissolve if immersed in it for an extended period.

To think that after being immersed in a terrestrial source of corrupting blood for twenty thousand years, the Green Falling Bell hadn’t been completely destroyed was already a miracle.

“What a pity! Such a divine item, ruined just like this. Who would have thought the Green Falling King met his end in a blood cavern.”

“This is truly an immeasurable loss. The legendary Green Falling Bell, worn away like this.”

Everyone shook their heads; their initial enthusiasm instantly waned.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is no ordinary weapon. It is forged from Nine Heavens Green Falling Divine Jade. You must understand, this is a Divine Material suitable for crafting Saint Weapons, something that even ancient Saints struggled to find! If supreme Earth Milk or top-tier Dragon Marrow could be found, the bloodstain could be entirely washed away, allowing the Green Falling Bell to recover. Moreover, if continually nurtured, it would become impervious to all evils and last for eternity!”

Many people’s interest was piqued anew, their minds becoming active, yet a significant number still shook their heads.

“Forget it. The cost is too high. Earth Milk and Dragon Marrow are themselves worth a fortune, and it requires the absolute finest quality. Who could afford such an expenditure?”

“Eight hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!”

“Eight hundred fifty thousand jin of Pure Source!”

…

Although many lamented the excessive cost, when the bidding began, they still made their moves, and quite aggressively at that.

“One million two hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!” Ye Fan also spoke up. This Green Falling Bell is extraordinary, he thought. The stain should be removable. After all, it’s forged from Nine Heavens Green Falling Divine Jade. With proper nurturing, it should not only be restored but also continuously grow stronger.

He suddenly raised the bid by hundreds of thousands of jin of Pure Source, drawing the gaze of many and causing them to hesitate about whether to continue bidding.

“One million five hundred thousand jin of Pure Source,” another voice declared, remarkably calm and serene. It was Jin Chixiao of the Golden Clan, in whose veins flowed the blood of an Ancient King.

“One million five hundred fifty thousand jin of Pure Source,” yet another person chimed in.

“One million eight hundred thousand jin of Pure Source,” Ye Fan continued to bid.

“Two million jin of Pure Source.” Jin Chixiao’s expression remained unchanged, appearing determined to secure it.

“Are they crazy? The Green Falling Bell is already stained, yet they’re still fighting over it like this! Such wealth, such audacity!” The crowd was amazed.

One million eight hundred thousand jin of Pure Source is my limit, Ye Fan mused. But since Jin Chixiao is competing, I feel it’s necessary to fan the flames a bit. I’m not deliberately trying to set him up. However, the Dragon Marrow will be auctioned later. It’s best if he spends more now, so he’ll be less of a competitor for me then.

“Two million one hundred thousand jin of Pure Source,” Ye Fan called out, his tone lacking conviction, as if he had to grit his teeth to name the price.

“Two million three hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!” Jin Chixiao was very assertive, increasing the bid by two hundred thousand jin in one go.

“Two million… four hundred thousand jin of Pure Source.” Ye Fan seemed even more hesitant, faltering slightly as he quoted the price.

“Two million six hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!” Jin Chixiao declared crisply.

“Brother Jin, you’re going too far! The Green Falling Bell has severe stains; it’s a far cry from its former divine glory. Its power is less than a tenth of what it once was. One million eight hundred thousand jin of Source should be the absolute limit,” the man in Purple Clothes standing nearby advised. Other disciples from the Qi Shi Mansion also agreed it wasn’t worth it and tried to dissuade him.

“I am determined to have it. Our Golden Clan possesses Earth Divine Milk, which can completely cleanse the stain and restore this Bell King,” Jin Chixiao secretly transmitted to his companions.

“What?” Several of them were shocked and extremely envious. If it could be restored, then any amount of Source spent would be worthwhile, as it could once again display the majesty of an invincible king.

In the end, the people in the hall grew numb. Ye Fan continued to increase the bid bit by bit, relentlessly pushing the price of the Green Falling Bell up to the sky-high sum of three million jin of Source. He didn’t dare go further, fearing he might scare off his competitor.

Hmm, that’s not right. He’s absolutely determined to win this. He can still bid higher, Ye Fan perceived using his Source Heaven Divine Sense, sensing the emotional fluctuations from Jin Chixiao.

“Three million one hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!”

“Three million two hundred thousand jin of Pure Source!”

Ye Fan slowly turned up the heat, pushing the price to three million five hundred thousand jin of Pure Source, then ceased his bidding.

Finally, even Jin Chixiao showed signs of urgency. He didn’t possess that much Source himself. After communicating with the person in charge of the Jiuli Heaven Palace and gaining permission for deferred payment, he decisively pushed the price to three million seven hundred thousand jin of Source, becoming the final winner.

“That son of a bitch!” Jin Chixiao gritted his teeth; this price was far too high. He stared at the private suite where Ye Fan was, his heart filled with endless killing intent, and then he let out a cold sneer.

The auction hall erupted in an uproar. It was an astronomical price, so outrageously high it felt unreal to many.

Afterward, another rare artifact was auctioned: a scroll of handwritten notes by the Ancient Twin Kings, recording part of their process of enlightenment. Even though it was only a fragment, it held immeasurable value.

Ye Fan paused in thought before joining the bidding again. He once more played the role of a “stooge” faithfully, feigning reluctance with each bid while continuously pushing the price higher.

“Damn stooge, your acting is terrible!”

“Despicable! The way you’re hiking the price is too obvious!”

Eventually, this incomplete scroll of enlightenment notes was also pushed to an astronomical price, drawing widespread fury.

“Next time, you can play by yourself!”

“Die, you vile stooge!”

Many people cursed, their rage uncontrollable.

This was intentional, Ye Fan thought. I’ll play the stooge to the very end. Let these people understand my usefulness. This will pave the way for bidding on the Dragon Marrow.

Then, true to form, he continued his “despicable” behavior, “stooging” for two more rare treasures, driving their prices to astronomical heights.

“The final rare treasure: one bottle of Purple Dragon Marrow, containing twelve drops in total. The starting price is one million two hundred thousand jin of Pure Source. However, bids must be made with an equivalent value in Divine Sources.”

Once again, the hall was in an uproar. The grand finale, the Dragon Marrow, was finally presented. This was an unparalleled divine item, capable not only of extending one’s lifespan but also of aiding in enlightenment.

A transparent jade bottle revealed its contents clearly: twelve drops of Dragon Marrow. They radiated Divine Radiance, casting a purple glow across the hall, and emitted an intoxicatingly rich fragrance.

Each drop was the size of a thumb tip, distinct and separate from the others. They were crystal clear and flickered with Purple Mist, reminiscent of the auspicious Purple Qi from the East. The hall became shrouded in a fragrant haze, the aroma seeming to penetrate directly into one’s very soul.

Twelve drops, each with a reserve price of one hundred thousand jin of Source—a frighteningly astronomical sum that would make even the wealthiest feel the pinch.

“Only twelve drops, and the starting price is already one million two hundred thousand jin of Source? That’s highway robbery!” many people exclaimed. More importantly, the requirement to trade with Divine Sources barred too many participants.

“One million three hundred thousand jin of Source,” Ye Fan said at this moment, his tone still lacking any firmness.

The hall instantly fell silent, followed by a chorus of curses.

“That damn stooge is acting again!”

“Too shameless! You guys can play by yourselves; we’re not bidding!”

…

“One million three hundred thousand jin of Pure Source, going once! One million three hundred thousand jin of Pure Source, going twice…”

BANG!

The wooden gavel fell. Everyone had been too preoccupied with cursing, and no one else had competed. Ye Fan secured the Dragon Marrow for one million three hundred thousand jin of Source, becoming its owner.

The hall fell into utter silence, then erupted once more into a cacophony of curses. People were convinced he was just a stooge who had failed to entrap anyone this time.

“You greedy stooges! If you didn’t want to actually sell it, you should have just said so! Why go to such lengths?”

Nearby, the manager of the Auction House was speechless, tears welling in his eyes. Just moments ago, he had been full of “admiration” for Ye Fan; now, he wanted nothing more than to smack him with the sole of a shoe.

Damn it! This was a bottle of Dragon Marrow, a treasure sought after across the world! It was supposed to be the grand finale, fetching a frighteningly astronomical price. Instead, this seemingly respectable ‘stooge’ managed to snag it at the floor price!

“Stooge!”

Curses filled the auction hall.

The Auction House manager wanted to cry but had no tears, feeling an overwhelming urge to strangle Ye Fan.

The original conservative estimate for the selling price had been over four million jin of Source. This was because this particular Dragon Marrow was not of low quality; its value was immeasurable, and it certainly couldn’t be won for a mere one million-plus jin of Source.

Amidst the furious shouts of many, the Auction House manager beat his chest and stamped his feet, nearly suffocating from suppressed rage.

Once everyone had dispersed from the hall, leaving it cold and empty, Ye Fan went to the VIP suite. There, he paid with Divine Sources and slipped the bottle of Purple Dragon Marrow into his robes.

“A pleasure doing business with you. I’ll be sure to patronize your establishment often in the future.”

“Have you no shame? That wasn’t ordinary Dragon Marrow! You nailed it to the floor price with just one million three hundred thousand jin of Source?” the Auction House manager fumed, his face flushed with anger.

“Why else would I say our cooperation was pleasant? For the previous rare items, I pushed the prices sky-high for you, so you didn’t really lose out. Just consider this last one my compensation.”

“Our business is honest and fair to all; we never hire stooges, as that would ruin our reputation!” the Auction House manager fumed.

“It’s just one bottle, not a whole cauldron’s worth,” Ye Fan retorted nonchalantly.

“Do you even know what kind of Dragon Marrow that was? It was excavated from the Purple Dragon Ancestor Root! Do you have any idea how many people died for those twelve drops of divine liquid? That place is an absolute death trap, guarded by fearsome creatures. Experts suffered heavy casualties there!”

A thought struck Ye Fan. Where was it excavated? Guarded by ancient creatures in an underground dragon vein? he mused. Then he said aloud, “Perhaps we could cooperate on this. Tell me more about it.”

“Tell you what? It’s none of your business! Hurry up and leave! I don’t want to see you again!”

“Old Sir, please don’t be upset. It costs nothing to tell me. I have considerable knowledge of terrain and geography. Perhaps I could be of great assistance to you.”

“Just leave!”

Ultimately, Ye Fan was chased out by a group of old men. Several veteran auctioneers glared at him, their beards bristling, and blacklisted him as their most unwelcome guest.

“Old Sirs, you’ll be inviting me in the future,” Ye Fan persisted. “Throughout this world, only I can help the great powers backing you.”

“Go, go, go! Don’t let us see you again!”

“Princess Moon Spirit of the Jiuli Divine Dynasty has gone to invite experts! You little swindler, hurry up and leave!”

Ye Fan was inwardly surprised. Princess Moon Spirit of the Jiuli Divine Dynasty was renowned as the second beauty of the Central States, her fame widespread. Virtually everyone in the younger generation knew of her.

I wonder which experts she’ll manage to invite? He rubbed his nose. It was the first time he had been driven out so ignominiously. He turned and departed.

Soon after, Ye Fan departed from West Dam City, planning to find a suitable place to enter seclusion and face his tribulation.

Damn that Yin Yang Sect! If they dare show their faces before me again, I’ll undergo my tribulation right in their main headquarters and blast their ancestral graves to smithereens!

Ye Fan journeyed far from West Dam City, heading into a mountain range. He intended to select an uninhabited area for his closed-door cultivation.

“You finally arrived. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time,” a carefree voice called out, brimming with the confidence of one who had everything under control.

“Did you bring our Purple Dragon Marrow?” another person jeered, laughing heartily.

Seven figures appeared around him—it was Jin Chixiao and his entourage, surrounding him from a distance.

“I believe you’re here to deliver the Green Falling Bell to me. I’ve been yearning for that Bell King, you know. How very thoughtful of you,” Ye Fan said.

Jin Chixiao chuckled and slowly wagged his finger. “You don’t stand a chance,” he said.

Silently, an old man appeared in each of the four cardinal directions, sealing off the sky and trapping Ye Fan in the center.

“It’s a pity you only managed to secure one bottle of Dragon Marrow. Had you also won the handwritten notes of the Twin Kings, that would have been two heaven-shaking gifts for us.”

“One should learn to be content. The Dragon Marrow from the grand finale of the auction is a priceless divine treasure. We should be satisfied with this.”