The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 43: The Astonishing Dan Beads

The Astonishing Dan Beads . . .

Guan Wan-Shan, an experienced figure in the world of auctions, stood on the stage, addressing the assembled crowd with an air of confidence. "Throughout my entire life in the field of auctioneering, I've had the privilege of striking the gavel thousands of times," he began. "However, today marks a special occasion. It's the first time I'm introducing a dan of this nature in an auction. While it may be classified as a middle-class dan, its quality is truly beyond belief."

As Guan Wan-Shan shared these words, particularly emphasizing the astonishing quality of the middle-tier dan, a collective smile seemed to ripple through the audience. It was indeed an unprecedented moment.

The item in question was none other than the Pei Yuan Dan. As an editorial note clarified, "Pei Yuan" referred to the cultivation of the chakra core. For the average person, this dan was a marvel – a single piece could remedy numerous ailments and fortify one's physical health. However, this was a view from the perspective of ordinary individuals.

For cultivators, the Pei-Yuan dan held a different status. While not the lowest tier of dan, it was relatively close to that level. Strictly speaking, classifying it as a 'middle-class' medicine was a rather generous assessment. For cultivators who had already established a solid foundation, these lower-level medicines held little value.

In essence, the Pei-Yuan dan was a valuable treasure for ordinary people but amounted to little more than refuse for cultivators. Yet, this seemingly unremarkable medicine had been elevated to an extraordinary level, radiating the legendary dan clouds, a phenomenon previously unseen.

Guan Wan-Shan proceeded to invite three prominent figures onto the stage, including the Patriarch of the Ling-Yun Sect, Xiao Mo-Yan, the presbyter of the Cang-Shan Sect, Li Chang-Qing, and the presbyter of the Qing-Yun Sect, Meng Wu-Fei. These esteemed individuals represented the pinnacle of power in the room and were called upon to assess this legendary item.

Without hesitation, the three experts made their way to the stage, eager for a close examination of the extraordinary treasure.

A purple jade bottle, glowing with a soft radiance, was delicately placed on an ornate platform. Guan Wan-Shan proceeded with great care as he opened the bottle, allowing a white mist to surge forth. The purple jade, initially opaque, transformed into a nearly transparent vessel, revealing the single dan bead contained within. This dan bead emitted a warm and brilliant light, piercing through the once-opaque walls of the bottle. The spectacle captured the rapt attention of everyone present.

Although ordinary logic dictated that light should be unable to escape or enter the bottle, the mystical glow of this supreme dan bead defied conventional understanding. The white mist that had escaped the bottle gathered above it, forming a thin but expanding fog. Rather than dissipating, the fog thickened and grew, gradually forming a cloud measuring approximately two meters in diameter. It displayed no intention of dispersing, even as more mist continued to pour out.

As the delicate fragrance wafted through the auction hall, its subtle but invigorating scent enveloped the attendees. Inhaling this fragrance induced a sense of rejuvenation and relaxation, uplifting their spirits. Within moments, the enchanting fragrance had enchanted the entire audience.

"This aroma... it can only be from a celestial-grade dan!" an onlooker exclaimed, capturing the collective sentiment of awe that swept through the room.

The atmosphere in the auction hall crackled with excitement as the prime dan-maker of the Ling-Yun Sect, Shi Yue, fixated his gaze on the platform where the bottle containing the precious dan bead was placed. His eyes burned with an intensity that turned his face a deep shade of crimson. It was as if he longed to rush onto the stage, cradle the bottle close to his chest, and never release it. This dan bead, adorned with a dan cloud of such magnificence, was the embodiment of his lifelong dream.

To possess the ability to refine a dan bead to such an extent was a testament to the zenith of the dan-making field. It represented an achievement that no one could hope to surpass. Standing nearby, Li Chang-Qing, Xiao Mo-Yan, and Meng Wu-Fei, equally close to the dan bead, shared Shi Yue's astonishment.

The mystical dan cloud, unseen for nearly ten millennia, now materialized before their very eyes. The depths of their greed-filled gazes spoke volumes. Guan Wan-Shan, acknowledging their awe, sealed the bottle, causing the cloud above to gradually disperse into a drifting white mist that filled the surroundings.

A collective gasp of disbelief swept through the audience as Guan Wan-Shan unexpectedly uncapped the bottle once more, allowing pristine dan energy to surge forth and form a dan cloud once again. This audacious act left those in the dan-making profession seething with outrage, glaring at him as if they could tear him apart.

Was he deliberately sabotaging the dan bead?

In response to the growing unrest, Guan Wan-Shan attempted to calm the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, please, let me clarify. I have no intention of harming this supreme dan bead. I merely wanted to verify the existence of the dan cloud. This dan bead is a true wonder. Typically, the efficacy of dan beads diminishes when exposed to light. However, this dan bead can actually absorb natural energy from its surroundings, maintaining its full efficiency at all times, so long as it remains unconsumed. In other words, this supreme dan bead has established its own self-sustaining circulation system within the world."

Guan Wan-Shan paused, his tone filled with wonder. "I doubt anyone could have anticipated such a capability from a dan bead. It has never been recorded in any dan-making manuals. This, my friends, is the world's first mystical dan with a dan cloud!"

The room erupted into a cacophony of exclamations and wonder, its previous hush now transformed into a bustling marketplace of excitement. The desire to obtain this bead had multiplied exponentially.

Guan Wan-Shan, a seasoned expert in the art of auctioneering, had masterfully elevated the room's energy with a few well-chosen words. Yet, his statements were undeniably true. This property of the dan bead had never been known or imagined, a revelation that left those present in awe.

On the stage, the three dan-makers nodded slowly, their expressions a mix of curiosity and professional intrigue. In the audience, the eyes of fellow dan-makers gleamed with a covetous intensity, akin to starved individuals suddenly presented with a sumptuous feast.

Guan Wan-Shan, still speaking, ventured further into speculation. "If someone were to extract this unique refining technique and apply it to higher-level dan..." He paused to stroke his mustache. "It would be a monumental achievement. It could not only increase our chances of avoiding death but also greatly enhance our profits."

As Guan Wan-Shan continued to share his musings, some in the audience found themselves simmering with anger. They were not fools; they saw through his intentions. Was he attempting to inflate the price of the dan bead to astronomical heights?

Among the audience, the dan-makers found themselves struggling to control their excitement, their eyes ablaze with determination. This was unquestionably a peerless treasure, the kind they had dedicated their entire lives to pursue.

After resealing the bottle, Guan Wan-Shan's lips curled into a modest smile. "Thank you, our esteemed guests. Please exit the stage and return to your seats. Our auction for the supreme dan beads will commence shortly."

Suddenly, from balcony No. 2, Shi Yue's voice rang out, breaking the silence. "Pray tell, Master Guan. Regarding this supreme dan, how many beads will be auctioned today?"

It was a question that had weighed heavily on everyone's minds, and they waited with bated breath for the answer. The supreme dan bead was undoubtedly a treasure, but knowing the quantity available was crucial information.

If there was only one, it would pose an immense challenge for most to acquire it, possibly prompting many to withdraw from the auction before it began.

Guan Wan-Shan chuckled and replied, "In truth, it would be a stroke of great fortune for us all to witness even this one bead, given its extraordinary nature."

Upon hearing his words, anxiety coursed through the audience. Some smaller sects contemplated leaving the auction prematurely, while even individuals from powerful groups grew pale at the prospect of fierce competition for a single bead.

Unexpectedly, Guan Wan-Shan continued, "Fortunately, we have more than one supreme dan bead available today. You won't be disappointed."

Hope surged within the spectators. Did this mean there were multiple beads? If that were the case, competition might be less fierce, and the financial burden lighter.

However, Guan Wan-Shan swiftly added, "...But still, they are not numerous."

Instantly, it felt as if a thousand alpacas had trampled on the hearts of everyone in the hall. Their anticipation turned to frustration, and they longed to drag the wily auctioneer down from the stage and give him a piece of their minds.

The way he toyed with their suspense was undeniably exasperating.

"...You all desire one, but that's certainly not going to happen," Guan Wan-Shan said with a sly grin, "After all, rarity commands its price."

The audience struggled to suppress their vexation and the urge to resort to violence. Was this man trying to drive them to their limits?

"Master Guan, please, can you provide the exact number of supreme dan beads?" Xiao Mo-Yan furrowed his brow and inquired. As a Patriarch, he had to maintain a composed demeanor, but the supreme dan held special significance for the Ling-Yun Sect, and he couldn't let this crucial detail remain vague.

Guan Wan-Shan, knowing the importance of answering a query from someone of Xiao Mo-Yan's status, complied. "Of course, if Patriarch Xiao wishes to know, I will provide an answer. The supreme dan with dan clouds... This time, we have spared no effort, yet we have only managed to obtain ten beads."

The crowd erupted into a cacophony of astonishment.

Ten supreme dan beads!

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