Immortal Sword Master

Chapter 508: Chapter 504: Bloodline Evolution Technique, Heaven and Earth Stone

Inside the quiet, antique-laden Treasure Appraisal Hall, the tranquil atmosphere was a world apart from the clamor outside.

Ning Jiang was currently in a private room. An Array had been set up inside, completely soundproofing it from the outside world and preventing any unwanted eavesdropping.

A middle-aged man sat across from Ning Jiang, smiling. ”Sir, are you here to have something appraised?”

”Indeed. I have a Secret Technique I’d like to submit to the Celestial Treasure Auction.”

Getting straight to the point, Ning Jiang took out a Spiritual Sense Jade Scroll.

Spiritual Sense Jade Scrolls were items specifically used to record Cultivation and Martial Techniques. By using one’s Divine Sense, one could imprint words within them. As such, important Cultivation and Martial Techniques were often recorded on these scrolls.

”A Secret Technique? May I appraise it?”

”You can.”

Ning Jiang didn’t hesitate, handing the Jade Scroll to the middle-aged man. Upon receiving it, the man closed his eyes and sent a wisp of his Spiritual Power into the scroll.

As his Divine Sense entered the Jade Scroll, he was met with the sight of densely packed characters.

”Bloodline Evolution Technique.”

The first thing he saw was the name of the Secret Technique.

He was secretly stunned. The fact that this Secret Technique involved the word ”bloodline” made it extraordinary.

About the time it takes to burn an incense stick later, his Divine Sense withdrew from the scroll. He opened his eyes, which were filled with profound shock.

”The profundity of this technique is something I have rarely seen in my life. Please wait here, honored guest. I must ask my superior to come and set the price.”

”Very well.”

Ning Jiang nodded. At his assent, the middle-aged man quickly left the room.

After waiting quietly in the room for about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears, accompanied by a faint, pleasant fragrance.

”Are you the guest who wishes to auction this Bloodline Evolution Technique?”

An elegant and melodic voice suddenly rang out.

Ning Jiang looked up to see a woman in a pale green dress. She was tall with an alluring figure and an oval face lightly touched with makeup. Most notably, there was a faint mole beneath the corner of her left eye.

This mole added a hint of bewitching allure to her appearance.

Ning Jiang’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, not because of her beauty, but because of the powerful aura emanating from her.

’This Celestial Treasure City is certainly full of hidden masters,’ Ning Jiang thought.

”You must be Ning Jiang,” the woman said suddenly, revealing his identity.

”Oh? You know me?”

”It would be difficult not to. Over the past month in the Chaotic Sea Region, you’ve fought against geniuses from every race and killed countless talents from the Demon Race. The name of Ning Jiang on the Hidden Dragon List is famous. It’s not hard to get a hold of your portrait.”

The green-dressed woman smiled faintly. ”Right, I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Gu Huaying.”

”Gu Huaying of the Hidden Dragon List, daughter of the Celestial Treasure King.”

Ning Jiang’s eyes narrowed slightly. He had heard Zhou Rong mention Gu Huaying’s name before.

”I’m surprised. Even with a price on your head from the Other Shore’s Bounty List, you still dare to walk around so openly.”

Gu Huaying looked at Ning Jiang with surprise. The Other Shore’s Bounty List had made him a target for everyone; after all, the reward was simply too generous.

Given the chance, someone would absolutely make a move against him.

”So, does Miss Gu want to claim my bounty?” Ning Jiang asked with a half-smile.

Gu Huaying smiled faintly. ”The Celestial Treasure Auction has always been a neutral party, and that won’t change. But let’s not talk about that. I wonder, Young Master Ning, where did you get this Bloodline Evolution Technique?”

”I happened to find it in some Ancient Ruins,” Ning Jiang lied casually.

”I see.” Gu Huaying didn’t press the issue. ”This Bloodline Evolution Technique can evolve the bloodlines of the Demon Race. An effect like that is enough to drive countless Demon Race powers into a frenzy. This technique is worthy of being one of the finale items. We can set the starting bid at ten million Upper Grade Spirit Stones, and the Celestial Treasure Auction will take five percent of the final selling price as our commission.”

”No problem.”

Ning Jiang had no objections. While a starting bid of ten million Upper Grade Spirit Stones was high enough to scare away many Loose Cultivators, the major powers of the Demon Race would certainly not pass it up.

For the Demon Race, bloodline was paramount. The stronger the bloodline, the greater the power.

Of course, this Bloodline Evolution Technique was only effective for cultivators in the Earth Martial Realm; it was useless for those in the Heaven-Reaching Realm.

”This Bloodline Evolution Technique should fetch a heavenly price.”

Ning Jiang was quite looking forward to it.

”Young Master Ning, besides the Bloodline Evolution Technique, is there anything else you wish to auction?” Gu Huaying asked.

”No.”

Ning Jiang shook his head. He actually had other items he could auction, like the Qingtian Roc’s Heart Blood, but it would be a waste to auction off such a priceless treasure.

”Very well. This is your VIP Card. When the Celestial Treasure Auction begins, Young Master Ning can use it to enter one of the VIP rooms.”

Gu Huaying took out a Jade Token and handed it to Ning Jiang.

Ning Jiang accepted it. A thought then crossed his mind, and he asked, ”By the way, do you know if there will be any Heaven and Earth Stones at this Celestial Treasure Auction?”

”Heaven and Earth Stone? That rare material has appeared a few times in the past, but it’s always bought up by the major powers. There are no Heaven and Earth Stones in this upcoming auction.”

Hearing this, Ning Jiang’s brow furrowed slightly.

Heaven and Earth Stones were indeed rare; even the White Dragon Hall didn’t have any.

A major reason he had come to the Celestial Treasure Auction was for the Heaven and Earth Stone.

”Young Master Ning seems to be in great need of it?”

Seeing his expression, a glint flashed in Gu Huaying’s beautiful eyes. ”My father discovered some Heaven and Earth Stones while exploring an Ancient Ruin in his younger years. He still has some remaining. If Young Master Ning truly wants them, I could speak with my father about giving you some.”

”Giving?” A light flashed in Ning Jiang’s eyes. ”Just say what’s on your mind.”

There was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Gu Huaying smiled. ”To be honest, I also have a favor to ask of you, Young Master Ning.”

”Oh? What kind of matter would require you to ask an outsider like me for help?”

”Young Master Ning, you must know that the Vast East Sea is filled with all sorts of Ancient Ruins. My father loves exploring them.”

Gu Huaying got straight to the point. ”This time, my father has discovered another Ancient Ruin. However, the site is protected by a restriction that only allows those at the Earth Martial Realm to enter. Therefore, I would like to invite you, Young Master Ning, to accompany me. Anything we find, we’ll split fifty-fifty.”

After hearing her proposal, Ning Jiang pondered for a moment before agreeing. ”Alright.”

”Excellent. We have a deal. If you would wait here a moment, Young Master Ning, I will have the Heaven and Earth Stones brought to you as soon as possible.”