Myriad Refinements Heavenly Art

As the two chatted, Manager Li brought over the auction catalog for Gu Qingfeng to review.

Gu Qingfeng took it and immediately felt his eyes light up.

As expected of the Upper Realm—the treasures here were extraordinary, many of which he couldn’t even recognize.

The lowest-tier items on the list were at least thousand-year-old heavenly treasures or Heaven-grade Spirit Weapons.

(Above Heaven-grade Spirit Weapons were Sky-piercing Spirit Weapons, which still fell under the category of spirit weapons. Beyond Supreme Divine Weapons were Peerless Divine Weapons, also within the divine weapon category.)

The most exceptional items included ten-thousand-year spiritual herbs and divine weapons.

Though Gu Qingfeng was tempted, he knew these weren’t his most pressing needs. His priority was finding a reliable cultivation technique.

His eyes swept swiftly across the list until he spotted three techniques:

[Blazing Heaven Flame Art], [Nine Revolutions Star Extreme Art], and [Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art].

All three were top-tier techniques—otherwise, they wouldn’t be up for auction.

The Blazing Heaven Flame Art was a fire-attribute technique; mastering it allowed one to scorch the heavens and boil the seas.

The Nine Revolutions Star Extreme Art harnessed the power of the stars; at its peak, one could suppress all enemies with the radiance of the cosmos.

The Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art had no specific attribute. Its sole advantage was the ability to repeatedly temper one’s true essence, refining it to a terrifying degree. Once reaching the "Ten Thousand Refinements" level, even a wisp of true essence could split mountains apart.

After reading the descriptions, Gu Qingfeng immediately settled on the Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art.

With his Innate Sacred Body, he had no need for techniques with additional attributes—he lacked nothing in that regard. What he truly needed was power refined to its absolute limit.

The Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art was perfect for him.

Pointing at the technique on the list, Gu Qingfeng said, "I’m quite fond of this Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art. Elder Zhao, would it be possible to arrange a private purchase in advance?"

Zhao Shilong hesitated, feigning reluctance. "These items are already listed for auction, so a private purchase would be troublesome. However..."

He then shifted his tone. "Since you’re a distinguished guest of our Myriad Treasures Trading House, I’ll make an exception this once. Manager Li, fetch the Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art."

Gu Qingfeng saw through the act. He knew Zhao Shilong wasn’t truly hesitant—techniques could be copied, unlike consumable treasures. The display was merely to make him feel indebted.

But some things were better left unsaid.

"Many thanks, Elder. Deduct the cost from my remaining balance."

"Ah, Young Friend, you’re being too formal! We’ve hit it off splendidly, and you’ve just brought our trading house such a lucrative deal. Though the Ten Thousand Refinements Heavenly Art is valuable, it pales in comparison to our esteemed guest. Please, take it without payment."

"How could I possibly accept? Friendship is one thing, but business is another."

Gu Qingfeng had no intention of paying but played along with the polite back-and-forth. After much insistence, he "reluctantly" pocketed the technique.

Now that he had the technique, his mind was at ease.

He smirked inwardly. This was the privilege of being an SVIP!

Auction? Only paupers fought tooth and nail in bidding wars. A distinguished SVIP like him got things for free!

What was so great about auctions anyway?

Not only could someone drive up the price maliciously, but there was also the risk of being targeted afterward—ambushed and robbed.

Gu Qingfeng had read enough web novels to know this trope. Cliché as it was, it reflected reality. Carrying rare treasures inevitably attracted trouble.

To avoid such scenarios, he’d specifically requested the private purchase.

After all, one couldn’t be too careful in a world of treacherous hearts.

"Young Friend Gu, the auction is about to begin. As the host, I must prepare. Manager Li will escort you shortly."

"Please don’t let me keep you, Elder."

Zhao Shilong nodded and took his leave.

Soon after, Manager Li presented Gu Qingfeng with a black robe.

"Young Master Gu, this robe is specially prepared by our Myriad Treasures Pavilion for auction attendees. It conceals one’s appearance and physique while blocking soul-based detection."

Gu Qingfeng mused that the Myriad Treasures Trading House’s success was no accident—they truly thought of everything. The robe ensured no one could identify buyers, reducing the risk of being targeted.

He donned the robe, immediately sensing a faint isolating energy woven into the fabric—clearly embedded with formations.

Then, he followed Manager Li to the auction.

Though he’d already achieved his goal by obtaining the divine condensation method, there was no harm in staying to broaden his horizons. Who knew? He might stumble upon an unexpected opportunity.

A short while later, Gu Qingfeng was led into a grand hall.

Several Human Yuan Realm experts guarded the entrance, with an Earth Yuan Realm expert leading them. Layers of defensive formations enveloped the hall, making it heavily fortified.

Most attendees wore identical black robes, rendering them anonymous.

A few, however, didn’t bother—either powerful experts or arrogant young masters from prestigious families who believed no one would dare cross them.

As an SVIP, Gu Qingfeng bypassed the common seating area and was escorted to a private booth on the second floor.

Inside, two lovely, slender maidens attended to him—one burning incense, the other brewing tea.

Seated in a lavish chair upholstered with exotic beast hide, Gu Qingfeng accepted a teacup, "accidentally" brushing the maiden’s delicate hand.

He grinned. "No need to fuss. You’ve worked hard—come, rest on my lap."

The maidens giggled, feigning shyness before obliging.

The three chatted idly as they waited for the auction to begin.

At one point, one of the maidens fumbled while serving tea, spilling it onto Gu Qingfeng’s robe.

Both gasped in alarm, quickly kneeling to wipe it clean.

.........