Chapter 1764: Auctioning Spots

"That's true..."

The other ancient sages of the Master Teacher Hall fell silent.

Zhang Hongtian's words were blunt, but they were indeed the truth.

What rules, what agreements—they worked for minor squabbles, but when it came to the Spring and Autumn Ceremony, who could care about so much?

The Spirit Clan and the Sacred Beasts only had one spot each and didn't argue much. Did they really think they had given up on this treasure?

As long as someone entered, they would know the situation inside. Then, whoever held the Spring and Autumn Ceremony would be clear. Once they left the hall, the ancient sages guarding outside would strike!

At that point, it was no longer something the Immortal Realm could interfere with. The final outcome would depend on the strength of the ancient sages!

"Let's distribute the spots first!"

These words, fearing they might cause panic, were transmitted telepathically among the ancient sages.

"These spots were all obtained by Zhang Xuan's own efforts. How to distribute them, we will respect his decision!"

"Indeed."

Everyone nodded in unison.

As ancient sages, having made no contribution to these spots, they were too embarrassed to insist.

...

"Teacher, Zheng Yang and the others can't be reached for now. But I sent messages to friends who have seen them, and it seems they have also obtained some opportunities, trapped in small worlds and unable to leave. They might not have a chance to enter the main hall."

Ignoring the ancient sages' discussion, Zhao Ya approached Zhang Xuan.

She had already sent inquiries. As the Icefield Palace Lord, even if she couldn't contact Zheng Yang and the others, she had some sources of information.

After all, her junior brothers and sisters were no longer unknown figures; they were all major powers in their own right.

"Can't come?" Frowning, Zhang Xuan waved his hand. "Never mind. If there's truly good fortune, it won't be lacking for them. Whether they enter or not doesn't matter..."

For instance, with the Bodhi Fruit, Yuan Tao hadn't entered the bedchamber, but when the opportunity to elevate his mind came, it was still given to him.

So, whether his disciples could enter or not didn't matter. As long as he obtained something, they would surely get their share.

"Teacher, I won't enter either. My physical body has already reached the ancient sage level. I just tested it secretly, and even with the Mother Talisman covering me, I'm still repelled by the seal..."

Yuan Tao approached.

"This..." Zhang Xuan frowned.

This student, though he hadn't successfully broken through to ancient sage, had a true ancient sage body and possessed the abilities of a half-step ancient sage. It was understandable that he couldn't enter.

"Me, Luo Ruoxi, Zhao Ya, Wei Ruyan, Luo Qiqi... plus two from the Master Teacher Hall, that's seven..."

Zhang Xuan calculated in his mind. "That leaves four spots..."

Rubbing his forehead, he glanced at the Master Teacher Hall members and then shook his head.

It wasn't that he looked down on these geniuses, but giving them the spots would be of little use. Any more would be a waste.

"Well? Have you decided on the candidates?"

Seeing him ponder for a long time without selecting anyone, Yan Qing frowned and asked.

"I've chosen... but I think having so many spots would be a waste for us. I propose auctioning off four spots! All three of your factions can buy them. Highest bidder wins. How about it?"

Zhang Xuan smiled and looked up.

"Auction the spots?"

"Has this guy lost his mind? Everyone's fighting for them, and he thinks he has too many?"

"Really?"

A commotion erupted around.

Everyone was stunned.

Not only the ancient sages of the three major powers, but even those from the Master Teacher Hall, like Zhang Hongtian, felt dizzy.

They had barely obtained so many spots, such a great opportunity, and now auctioning...

Was this really a good idea?

"He's doing this..."

An ancient sage couldn't hold back and wanted to dissuade him.

"Senior Brother must have his own plans..." Yang Shi spoke up. "Let's just trust him!"

"Senior Brother?"

Several ancient sages looked over in unison.

This Yang Xuan, they had seen him before when they were awake. He was the most talented figure in recent centuries, and now he had advanced to ancient sage. Yet he called this little fellow in the Golden Body realm 'Senior Brother'...

"Yes..."

Nodding, Yang Shi used his mind to isolate the surroundings and transmitted telepathically: "To be honest, his identity is somewhat special! Being able to become his junior brother, even as an ancient sage, is an honor! However, I can't go into detail about this yet. After the Confucian Temple matter ends, I will explain to the seniors in detail."

"Special?"

The ancient sages were all puzzled.

What kind of specialness could make an ancient sage feel honored?

But seeing that he didn't want to talk now, they suppressed their curiosity, chose to trust Yang Xuan, and said nothing more.

"You want to auction?"

At this moment, Yan Qing and the others recovered from the shocking news.

"That's right. Too many spots aren't good for us either; it easily invites jealousy and resentment from others. So, I plan to auction four spots. Whoever offers the highest price can have them!"

Zhang Xuan smiled.

"Name your price!"

"Our Sacred Beast Clan is determined to get the spots!"

Hearing that an auction was possible, the ancient sages of the three major powers exchanged glances and nodded.

Although the final contest was in their hands, having one more person inside meant one more layer of insurance.

What if the Spring and Autumn Ceremony was obtained by their descendants? They could turn and flee as soon as they came out.

With the strength of an ancient sage, killing an opponent was difficult, but escaping was easy enough.

So, the more juniors entered, the greater the chance—this was beyond doubt.

"Now I'm auctioning the first spot. The price... 20, 30, oh, 50 drops of ancient sage blood..."

Zhang Xuan extended his hand and said.

Great Sage treasures were of little use to him; ancient sage treasures, the other side had few, and whether they could produce them was uncertain. Even if they did, with his current strength, he couldn't refine them.

The Abstruse Azure Saber had only been fully subdued because he was at the half-step ancient sage level when he refined it.

Truly reaching this level, each treasure was unruly and untamable; no matter how strong his abilities, he couldn't succeed.

So, rather than wanting these flashy things, it was better to ask for ancient sage blood, which was most useful to him!

It would also be very helpful for his future breakthrough to ancient sage.

"Zhang Xuan, ancient sage blood is just a general term. It's also graded; the higher the grade, the greater the value..."

Before Zhang Xuan finished speaking, a telepathic message sounded in his ear.

It was Ancestor Zhang Hongtian.

"Ancient sage blood has grades?"

Zhang Xuan was startled.

He was still far from ancient sage and didn't know this.

"That's right. Ancient sages, like Great Sages, are also divided into levels, four levels in total. The higher the level, the more precious the blood. The difference between each level is more than a hundredfold! You must specify the grade, or else... you'll suffer a great loss."

Zhang Hongtian said.

"I see." Responding, Zhang Xuan couldn't help asking, "May I ask... what are the four levels of ancient sages?"