The Ancient Gods' Whisper

Gu Jianlin turned around in astonishment, looking at the young woman surrounded by bodyguards.

"You don't know me, but you can call me Miss Lan. I'm the alchemist invited by the Third Master."

Miss Lan sat in the back row. The guests who originally came for the auction had been ushered out. Her face was hidden behind a black curtain by the bodyguards, and her voice was ethereal: "I'm on the Divination Master path. This is my unique ability for spiritual communication. You can directly imagine your voice in your mind to communicate with me; no one else will hear it. But please don't misunderstand—I'm not here to cover for you in front of that red-haired woman."

She spoke with restrained indifference: "I simply don't want to expose Sister Moon Princess's identity."

Her gaze lingered on the pair of despicable lovers before her.

Tang Ling clearly sensed hostility. A flash of strange color crossed her vermilion eyes, but she said nothing more.

Despite her claim that she had been sold to work in the Sword Tomb, both the President and the Silver King treated her as a direct successor. Her strength and talent were unquestionable, which had fostered her unapologetic arrogance.

She looked down equally on ninety-nine percent of people in the world, never caring about the hostility of outsiders.

As long as they didn't bark in her presence, that would suffice.

Gu Jianlin frowned and said: "Are you Moon Princess's friend?"

Being able to recognize his identity suggested she might be trustworthy.

This judgment sprung from his trust in Youzhu.

"Yes, I'm very close friends with her. I know most of what she has been through."

Miss Lan sat upright in her seat and said calmly: "How are her injuries?"

Gu Jianlin replied, "She's recovering quite well. No danger for now."

Miss Lan nodded slightly, then suddenly changed the subject: "In the Dark World, auctions are highly ritualistic events. You must have seen it just now. It's out of respect and tribute for the King. When the King was alive, he enjoyed traveling the world for auctions, collecting interesting items."

Gu Jianlin couldn't understand her meaning.

"Compared to the Ether Association's merit system, the transactions in the Dark World are much bolder, much freer."

Miss Lan added: "It's also an opportunity for the candidates to advance their positions."

Gu Jianlin vaguely caught a trace of something in her tone.

"Originally, Sister Moon Princess should have attended today as well."

Miss Lan's next words explained it to some extent: "But she was injured."

Gu Jianlin fell silent for a moment.

"The auction is about to start. Turn around and don't look at me."

Miss Lan spoke softly.

Gu Jianlin turned around, gazing at the screen lighting up in front of him.

Tang Ling glanced at him.

Gu Jianlin shook his head, indicating nothing had occurred.

At the forefront of the Holy Temple was a platform ascending and displaying today's auction items.

Meanwhile, information about the items appeared on the screen behind for guests to reference.

"Mythical Weapon: Whale Swallow."

"Appraisal Report: This is a Mythical Weapon unearthed from the Wilderness Sea on the first level of Qilin Immortal Palace. It has been buried for over two thousand years. Its form is a bronze sword. When drawn, it evokes whale songs with immense destructive power."

"Condition: Spiritual Deficiency."

"Starting Price: Fifty Million."

The screen displayed an azure bronze ancient sword, along with the faint, rippling shadow of a massive whale vibrating through the void.

The faint whispers of whale songs echoed within the Holy Temple, as if in a dream.

As for the genuine article, it rested sealed inside an archaic golden sword box, wrapped in dense layers of talismans.

This was a Mythical Weapon needing restoration, yet owing to its rarity, it immediately stirred a massive commotion among the guests, pushing its price to a shocking two hundred million.

The individual who ultimately won the bidding for this Mythical Weapon did not rise to receive any adulation from others.

Instead, they left the venue discreetly to claim their purchase.

Then, a crisp bell rang out.

It came from one of the six private boxes at the top of the Holy Temple—the box belonging to Second Master.

The person who had won the Mythical Weapon suddenly froze their steps, their expression darkened considerably.

"No wonder they left in such a hurry—there hadn't been anyone begrudging the result earlier."

Tang Ling remarked indifferently.

Gu Jianlin also noticed that everyone around them bore mocking, amused expressions, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"This too is tradition in the Dark World. Having the wealth to win an auction item isn't enough. If someone wants to forcefully buy it from you, then you must stay and duel for it. You can fight yourself or have someone substitute for you, but ultimately you need to win to secure your bid. Otherwise, your bid becomes invalid."

Miss Lan spoke faintly: "This, too, is one of the King's traditions. According to legend, in the early years when the King was young and short of funds, he often couldn't afford his desired items. So he carried a handbell, using its ring to summon challengers for 'cordial and friendly negotiations,' persuading them to forgo their offers."

"Cordial and friendly negotiations, indeed."

Gu Jianlin suddenly noticed ancient bells placed outside the six private boxes.

"Those bells work in the same way. If there's any auction item you must acquire, you can try ringing one of them. But once the bell tolls, it determines victory and defeat—and life and death."

Miss Lan explained: "The King loved dueling. He often clashed with others at auctions, leading him to create a Mythical Weapon named Prison. It could generate a sealed barrier, allowing grievances to be settled within that space. The property of Prison was this: once the barrier formed, only one person would walk out alive."