yī bō sān zhé ， méi xiǎng dào qū qū yī méi yǒu xiá cī de pán táo shèng guǒ ， jū rán yǐn qǐ le zhè yàng jī liè de zhēng duó ， shèn zhì lián fēi tiān dòng fǔ zhōng de lǐng yù qiáng zhě ， yě bù gān jì mò de lái còu rè nào le 。
一波三折，没想到区区一枚有瑕疵的蟠桃圣果，居然引起了这样激烈的争夺，甚至连飞天洞府中的领域强者，也不甘寂寞的来凑热闹了。
The bidding process was full of twists and turns. Who would have thought that a mere flawed peach fruit, the Holy Peach Fruit, could cause such intense competition? Even domain-level experts from the Flying Sky Caverns were unwilling to miss out on the spectacle.
zhòng xiū shì chà yì zhī yú ， hào qí xīn yě suí zhī ér qǐ 。
众修士诧异之余，好奇心也随之而起。
The other cultivators were surprised but also curious about the situation.
zhào zhè ge jú miàn zhēng duó xià qù ， zhè dì yī jiàn yā zhòu bǎo wù de guī shǔ hái zhēn shì bù hǎo yù cè 。
照这个局面争夺下去，这第一件压轴宝物的归属还真是不好预测。
Predicting the outcome of this fierce bidding was difficult. The sudden increase in bid by twenty million crystal stones demonstrated a remarkablecourage, either because he desperately needed the item or had an extraordinary wealth.
ér yī xià zi jiā jià èr shí wàn jīng shí ， cǐ rén de pò lì yě lìng rén tàn wéi guān zhǐ ， bú shì zhēn de fēi cháng xū yào cǐ wù ， jiù shì yuǎn chāo cháng rén de cái dà qì cū 。
而一下子加价二十万晶石，此人的魄力也令人叹为观止，不是真的非常需要此物，就是远超常人的财大气粗。
As for the bidders being domain-level experts, the second possibility seemed more likely.
ér duì fāng shēn wèi lǐng yù jí bié de lǎo guài wù ， dì èr zhǒng kě néng xìng ， xiǎn rán yào dà shàng yì diǎn de 。
而对方身为领域级别的老怪物，第二种可能性，显然要大上一点的。
"Previously, it was Fairy Shen from the Flame Cloud Realm who called out the price. This Holy Peach Fruit is of great use to me; please do not compete with me, Fairy. If you are willing to part with it, I will certainly reward you handsomely."
“ gāng cái jiào jià de ， kě shì lái zì huǒ yún jiè de shěn xiān zi ， cǐ méi shèng guǒ duì yú mǒu dà yǒu yòng tú ， hái qǐng xiān zi bú yào yǔ wǒ zhēng duó ， xiān zi ruò shì gē ài yú wǒ ， zài xià dìng yǒu hòu bào de 。”
“刚才叫价的，可是来自火云界的沈仙子，此枚圣果对余某大有用途，还请仙子不要与我争夺，仙子若是割爱于我，在下定有厚报的。”
The first voice remained silent for a moment before speaking unexpectedly.
dì yí gè shēng yīn chén mò piàn kè ， chū rén yì liào de kāi kǒu le 。
第一个声音沉默片刻，出人意料的开口了。
It was reasonable that the prohibitions attached to the Flying Sky Caverns were formidable enough to prevent even domain-level experts from perceiving through them. This would effectively hide their identities.
àn lǐ shuō ， fēi tiān dòng fǔ suǒ fù dài de jìn zhì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， jiù suàn shì lǐng yù jí bié de lǎo guài wù ， shén shí yě wú fǎ chuān guò 。
按理说，飞天洞府所附带的禁制非同小可，就算是领域级别的老怪物，神识也无法穿过。
However, considering the limited number of domain experts in all three realms, it wasn't surprising that they could recognize each other's voices without any disguise.
zhè yàng ， duì yú jìng pāi zhě de shēn fèn ， kě yǐ qǐ dào zuì hǎo de yǐn cáng xiào guǒ 。
这样，对于竞拍者的身份，可以起到最好的隐藏效果。
"Ha! It’s Old Monster Yu. The Holy Peach Fruit is also very useful to me. Although we have a good relationship, this auction follows the rule of highest bidder wins; I can’t let anyone else have it," said the old woman’s voice.
huà shì zhè yàng méi cuò ， kě fàng yǎn sān jiè ， zòng héng jīn gǔ ， lǐng yù qiáng zhě yòu cái jǐ gè ， bǐ cǐ zhī jiān ， dōu shì fēi cháng shú xī de 。
话是这样没错，可放眼三界，纵横今古，领域强者又才几个，彼此之间，都是非常熟悉的。
"Very well, very well. Friend, you show no regard for our friendship. Do you think your wealth will surely triumph over mine? One hundred and twenty-five million crystal stones."
ér jìng pāi de zhè liǎng wèi ， dōu méi yǒu duì zì jǐ de shēng yīn ， zuò yǐn cáng chǔ lǐ ， suǒ yǐ néng gòu bǐ cǐ rèn chū lái ， nà shì sī háo yě bù zú guài de 。
而竞拍的这两位，都没有对自己的声音，做隐藏处理，所以能够彼此认出来，那是丝毫也不足怪的。
The named Old Monster Yu was angered and added another five million crystal stones to the bid.
“ hēng ， yuán lái shì yú lǎo mó ， zhè pán táo shèng guǒ ， duì lǎo shēn lái shuō yì dà yǒu yòng chǔ ， nǐ wǒ suī yǒu jiāo qíng ， dàn pāi mài huì shàng què shì jià gāo zhě dé ， lǎo shēn bù kě néng xiǎng ràng shén me 。” nà cāng lǎo nǚ zǐ de shēng yīn yì kāi kǒu le 。
“哼，原来是余老魔，这蟠桃圣果，对老身来说亦大有用处，你我虽有交情，但拍卖会上却是价高者得，老身不可能想让什么。”那苍老女子的声音亦开口了。
"Hmph! I never said I am more wealthy than you; I only desire this peach fruit. One hundred thirty-five million crystal stones," replied Fairy Shen coldly, increasing her bid by ten million crystal stones. This not only showed her wealth but also her determination to win the auction.
“ hǎo ， hǎo ， dào yǒu jìng yì diǎn qíng miàn yě bù jiǎng ， mò fēi nǐ yǐ wéi zì jǐ de shēn jiā ， zhēn néng wěn shèng yú wǒ ， yì bǎi èr shí wǔ 。”
“好，好，道友竟一点情面也不讲，莫非你以为自己的身家，真能稳胜于我，一百二十五。”
"Y-You..."
nà xìng yú de lǎo guài wù bèi jī nù 。 fèn ér yòu jiā le wǔ wàn jīng shí 。
那姓余的老怪物被激怒。愤而又加了五万晶石。
Old Monster Yu was so infuriated that he could barely speak. He had indeed mastered the domain technique, but this peach fruit still held significant value for him.
“ hēng ， lǎo shēn kě méi yǒu shuō guò ， bǐ yú dào yǒu fù zú 。 zhǐ shì duì zhè pán táo ， zhì zài bì děi bà le 。 yì bǎi sān shí wǔ 。”
“哼，老身可没有说过，比余道友富足。只是对这蟠桃，志在必得罢了。一百三十五。”
Because it was flawed, he initially thought it would be easily obtained, only to find a new bidder in the middle of the process. Ignoring any favoritism, the current price far exceeded his expectations. Further competition seemed unwise.
nà shěn xìng nǚ zǐ bù wèi suǒ dòng ， lěng lěng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， jiā jià de fú dù gèng lí pǔ ， shí wàn jīng shí ， jì biǎo xiàn le tā cái dà qì cū ， tóng shí yòu shuō míng le tā duì cǐ cì pāi mài de zhì zài bì děi 。
那沈姓女子不为所动，冷冷的声音传入耳朵，加价的幅度更离谱，十万晶石，既表现了她财大气粗，同时又说明了她对此次拍卖的志在必得。
Giving up appeared to be the sensible choice.
“ nǐ ……”
“你……”
However, with his identity already revealed, bowing out now would lose face.
nà yú lǎo guài yǐ qì dé shuō bù chū huà le ， tā què shí yǐ jīng cān wù le lǐng yù méi cuò 。 dàn zhè pán táo duì tā lái shuō ， què yī jiù yǒu zhe jí dà de yòng tú 。
那余老怪已气得说不出话了，他确实已经参悟了领域没错。但这蟠桃对他来说，却依旧有着极大的用途。
One must maintain dignity, just as trees have bark.
yīn wèi shì xiá cī zhī wù ， běn yǐ wéi hěn qīng yì jiù néng dào shǒu de ， méi xiǎng dào bàn lù què shā chū gè chéng yǎo jīn lái le 。 yì diǎn qíng miàn yě bù gù ， rú jīn de jià gé ， yǐ yuǎn chāo tā de yù qī xǔ duō ， zài zhēng duó xià qù ， kě jiù yǒu xiē bù huá suàn le 。
因为是瑕疵之物，本以为很轻易就能到手的，没想到半路却杀出个程咬金来了。一点情面也不顾，如今的价格，已远超他的预期许多，再争夺下去，可就有些不划算了。
"Four hundred million crystal stones!"
fàng qì sì hū shì míng zhì de xuǎn zé 。
放弃似乎是明智的选择。
The bid was so high that it surprised everyone present. The voice came from a Flying Sky Cavern in the southern direction.
kě tā de shēn fèn 。 yǐ bèi dà jiā rèn chū 。
可他的身份。已被大家认出。
It seemed incomprehensible; could this bidder be mentally unstable? Adding such a large sum was like treating crystal stones as worthless dirt.
zhè shí hòu ruò shì dī tóu rèn shū ， miàn zi shàng wǎng nǎ ér gē ？
这时候若是低头认输，面子上往哪儿搁？
Lin Xuan wasn’t impulsive. He had carefully considered his decision.
rén huó liǎn ， shù huó pí ， qǐ néng rèn yóu duì fāng xiāo zhāng xià qù ？
人活脸，树活皮，岂能任由对方嚣张下去？
While he didn't know if flawed peach fruits and failed pills could be refined, based on his speculation, the probability of success was at least fifty percent. This chance was worth trying.
nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou zhuǎn guò ， tā de jué pí qì yě shàng lái le ：“ yì bǎi sì shí wàn ！”
脑海中念头转过，他的倔脾气也上来了：“一百四十万！”
Four hundred million crystal stones might seem a large sum, but to Lin Xuan, it wasn’t significant. He aimed to secure this Holy Peach Fruit with flaws.
“ yì bǎi sì shí wǔ ！”
“一百四十五！”
The two old monsters were clearly competing for dominance, which explained why he bid so high. Without decisive action, the final price would likely be much higher.
xiàn zài de jià gé yǐ hěn lí pǔ 。 nà shěn xìng nǚ zǐ yě bù gǎn zài dà fú de wǎng shàng hǎn jià le 。
现在的价格已很离谱。那沈姓女子也不敢再大幅的往上喊价了。
Lin Xuan had also subtly adjusted his voice to avoid becoming a target of ridicule.
xiàn zài jiù kàn shuí xiān jiān chí bú zhù 。
现在就看谁先坚持不住。
"Four hundred million crystal stones, Fairy Shen and Old Monster Yu, are you still interested in bidding at an even higher price?"
rán ér jiù zài zhè shí ， chū rén yì liào de yí mù fā shēng le 。
然而就在这时，出人意料的一幕发生了。
Venerable Tianshen was visibly delighted.
“ liǎng bǎi wàn jīng shí ！”
“两百万晶石！”
If it were genuine Holy Peach Fruit, such a high bid would be justified. However, as a flawed item with potential risks of dropping one’s cultivation level, the value was hard to determine.
jū rán yòu lái le yī wèi jiǎo jú de rén wù ， bàn suí zhe cāng lǎo de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， zài chǎng de xiū shì dōu rěn bú zhù tái qǐ tóu lú ， nà shì nán biān de yī zuò fēi tiān dòng fǔ 。
居然又来了一位搅局的人物，伴随着苍老的声音传入耳朵，在场的修士都忍不住抬起头颅，那是南边的一座飞天洞府。
While a failed auction wasn’t likely, he estimated that the highest bid wouldn’t exceed one hundred million crystal stones.
biǎo miàn shàng méi yǒu shén me chū qí zhī chù ， zhè lǐ miàn de rén jiū jìng zài xiǎng shén me ， mò fēi nǎo dài xiù dòu le ， yī xià zi jiā jià zhè me lí pǔ ， zhēn dāng jīng shí shì bù zhí qián de fèn tǔ ？
表面上没有什么出奇之处，这里面的人究竟在想什么，莫非脑袋秀逗了，一下子加价这么离谱，真当晶石是不值钱的粪土？
The current price had nearly doubled, making him extremely happy.
lín xuān dāng rán bú shì yī shí tóu nǎo fā rè 。
林轩当然不是一时头脑发热。
"Hmph! Four hundred million crystal stones; although I desire this item, I have no interest in being a fool. Since you are so generous, let this flawed Holy Peach Fruit go to you," said Old Monster Yu coldly.
zuò chū zhè ge jué zé shì jīng guò shēn sī shú lǜ hòu de 。
做出这个抉择是经过深思熟虑后的。
He was conflicted, relieved that someone offered a compromise but disappointed that his cherished treasure had become another’s possession.
chéng rán ， yǒu xiá cī de pán táo yǔ liàn zhì shī bài hòu de dān yào shì bú shì dōu kě yǐ tí chún ， lín xuān bìng bù xiǎo de ， dàn jiù tā tuī cè ， zhè ge kě néng xìng zhì shǎo zài bǎi fēn zhī wǔ shí yǐ shàng de 。
诚然，有瑕疵的蟠桃与炼制失败后的丹药是不是都可以提纯，林轩并不晓得，但就他推测，这个可能性至少在百分之五十以上的。
Thus, he spoke rudely and called Lin Xuan a fool.
zhè yàng de jī lǜ yǐ jīng bù dī ， wán quán zhí de yī shì 。
这样的几率已经不低，完全值得一试。
If he encountered an avaricious cultivator, it might lead to enmity.
liǎng bǎi wàn jīng shí bú shì yí gè xiǎo shù mù ， dàn duì lín xuān lái shuō ， yě suàn bù liǎo shén me ， yǒu xiá cī de pán táo shèng guǒ ， tā zhì zài bì děi 。
两百万晶石不是一个小数目，但对林轩来说，也算不了什么，有瑕疵的蟠桃圣果，他志在必得。
Lin Xuan remained calm, waiting for the outcome.
yǎn qián nà liǎng gè lǎo guài wù míng xiǎn zài dòu qì ， suǒ yǐ lín xuān cái jiā jià zhè me lí pǔ 。
眼前那两个老怪物明显在斗气，所以林轩才加价这么离谱。
The old woman’s voice also joined: "I have no interest in being so wealthy; I will let this treasure go."
bù kuài dāo zhǎn luàn má ， yòu zěn me jiāng tā men gěi zhèn zhù ， yì diǎn yì diǎn jiā jià ， zuì hòu de chéng jiāo jià ， kǒng pà jiù yuǎn yuǎn bù zhǐ zhè diǎn le 。
不快刀斩乱麻，又怎么将他们给震住，一点一点加价，最后的成交价，恐怕就远远不止这点了。
Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan was relieved that the matter had been resolved.
ér lín xuān zài jiào jià de shí hòu ， yì tè yì duì shēng yīn zuò le chǔ lǐ ， tā kě bù xiǎng chéng wéi zhòng shǐ zhī dì 。
而林轩在叫价的时候，亦特意对声音做了处理，他可不想成为众矢之的。
He didn’t doubt Old Monster Yu's ability to come up with four hundred million crystal stones. They simply didn't want to spend it, unlike him who possessed the Blue Star Sea. Even if they obtained a flawed Holy Peach Fruit, its outcome remained uncertain.
……
……
"Very well, four hundred million crystal stones; this first auction item will go to this mysterious friend. Do you wish to settle now or wait until the end of the auction?"
“ liǎng bǎi wàn jīng shí ， shěn xiān zi ， yú dào yǒu ， liǎng wèi hái yǒu méi yǒu xìng qù ， chū gèng gāo de jià gé ？”
“两百万晶石，沈仙子，余道友，两位还有没有兴趣，出更高的价格？”
"I naturally want to settle now."
tiān xuán zūn zhě yǐ shì xǐ xíng yú sè 。
天璇尊者已是喜形于色。
Lin Xuan responded without hesitation.
kě bú shì me ？
可不是么？
Although the reputation of the Peach Festival was excellent, he needed to ensure that the item was in his possession before proceeding. Otherwise, any unforeseen events could leave him in a difficult situation.
ruò shì zhēn zhèng de pán táo shèng guǒ ， chū zài gāo de jīng shí dōu shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de ， rán ér jǐn jǐn shì xiá cī zhī wù ， fú yòng hòu yǒu kě néng jìng jiè diào luò 。
若是真正的蟠桃圣果，出再高的晶石都是理所当然的，然而仅仅是瑕疵之物，服用后有可能境界掉落。
"Very well; please pay with your crystal stones!"
zhè jià gé gāi zěn me suàn ， kě jiù bù tài hǎo shuō 。
这价格该怎么算，可就不太好说。
Without further ado, Lin Xuan waved his sleeve and a faint blue light appeared on the magical platform before him—a storage bag.
liú pāi suī rán bù zhì yú ， dàn jù tā gū jì ， zuì gāo yě bú huì chāo guò yì bǎi wàn jīng shí 。
流拍虽然不至于，但据他估计，最高也不会超过一百万晶石。
The intricate magical array had been studied by Lin Xuan, revealing it to be a teleportation array.
rú jīn zhěng zhěng fān le bèi xǔ hái duō ， nǐ ràng tā zěn me bù xīn xǐ ruò kuáng ne ？
如今整整翻了倍许还多，你让他怎么不欣喜若狂呢？
As soon as he placed the crystal stones, a milky white glow emitted, and when the light faded, the crystal stones were gone.
“ hēng ， liǎng bǎi wàn jīng shí ， lǎo fū suī rán xiǎng yào cǐ wù ， dàn yě méi yǒu xìng qù qù dāng yuān dà tóu de ， zhè wèi dào yǒu jì rán rú cǐ kuò chuò ， nà zhè yǒu xiá cī de pán táo shèng guǒ ， jiù ràng gěi tā hǎo le 。” yú lǎo guài lěng lěng de shuō 。
“哼，两百万晶石，老夫虽然想要此物，但也没有兴趣去当冤大头的，这位道友既然如此阔绰，那这有瑕疵的蟠桃圣果，就让给他好了。”余老怪冷冷的说。
Lin Xuan waited patiently until the array activated again, this time revealing the Holy Peach Fruit before his eyes.
The bidding process was full of twists and turns. Who would have thought that a mere flawed peach fruit, the Holy Peach Fruit, could cause such intense competition? Even domain-level experts from the Flying Sky Caverns were unwilling to miss out on the spectacle.
The other cultivators were surprised but also curious about the situation.
Predicting the outcome of this fierce bidding was difficult. The sudden increase in bid by twenty million crystal stones demonstrated a remarkablecourage, either because he desperately needed the item or had an extraordinary wealth.
As for the bidders being domain-level experts, the second possibility seemed more likely.
"Previously, it was Fairy Shen from the Flame Cloud Realm who called out the price. This Holy Peach Fruit is of great use to me; please do not compete with me, Fairy. If you are willing to part with it, I will certainly reward you handsomely."
The first voice remained silent for a moment before speaking unexpectedly.
It was reasonable that the prohibitions attached to the Flying Sky Caverns were formidable enough to prevent even domain-level experts from perceiving through them. This would effectively hide their identities.
However, considering the limited number of domain experts in all three realms, it wasn't surprising that they could recognize each other's voices without any disguise.
"Ha! It’s Old Monster Yu. The Holy Peach Fruit is also very useful to me. Although we have a good relationship, this auction follows the rule of highest bidder wins; I can’t let anyone else have it," said the old woman’s voice.
"Very well, very well. Friend, you show no regard for our friendship. Do you think your wealth will surely triumph over mine? One hundred and twenty-five million crystal stones."
The named Old Monster Yu was angered and added another five million crystal stones to the bid.
"Hmph! I never said I am more wealthy than you; I only desire this peach fruit. One hundred thirty-five million crystal stones," replied Fairy Shen coldly, increasing her bid by ten million crystal stones. This not only showed her wealth but also her determination to win the auction.
"Y-You..."
Old Monster Yu was so infuriated that he could barely speak. He had indeed mastered the domain technique, but this peach fruit still held significant value for him.
Because it was flawed, he initially thought it would be easily obtained, only to find a new bidder in the middle of the process. Ignoring any favoritism, the current price far exceeded his expectations. Further competition seemed unwise.
Giving up appeared to be the sensible choice.
However, with his identity already revealed, bowing out now would lose face.
One must maintain dignity, just as trees have bark.
"Four hundred million crystal stones!"
The bid was so high that it surprised everyone present. The voice came from a Flying Sky Cavern in the southern direction.
It seemed incomprehensible; could this bidder be mentally unstable? Adding such a large sum was like treating crystal stones as worthless dirt.
Lin Xuan wasn’t impulsive. He had carefully considered his decision.
While he didn't know if flawed peach fruits and failed pills could be refined, based on his speculation, the probability of success was at least fifty percent. This chance was worth trying.
Four hundred million crystal stones might seem a large sum, but to Lin Xuan, it wasn’t significant. He aimed to secure this Holy Peach Fruit with flaws.
The two old monsters were clearly competing for dominance, which explained why he bid so high. Without decisive action, the final price would likely be much higher.
Lin Xuan had also subtly adjusted his voice to avoid becoming a target of ridicule.
"Four hundred million crystal stones, Fairy Shen and Old Monster Yu, are you still interested in bidding at an even higher price?"
Venerable Tianshen was visibly delighted.
If it were genuine Holy Peach Fruit, such a high bid would be justified. However, as a flawed item with potential risks of dropping one’s cultivation level, the value was hard to determine.
While a failed auction wasn’t likely, he estimated that the highest bid wouldn’t exceed one hundred million crystal stones.
The current price had nearly doubled, making him extremely happy.
"Hmph! Four hundred million crystal stones; although I desire this item, I have no interest in being a fool. Since you are so generous, let this flawed Holy Peach Fruit go to you," said Old Monster Yu coldly.
He was conflicted, relieved that someone offered a compromise but disappointed that his cherished treasure had become another’s possession.
Thus, he spoke rudely and called Lin Xuan a fool.
If he encountered an avaricious cultivator, it might lead to enmity.
Lin Xuan remained calm, waiting for the outcome.
The old woman’s voice also joined: "I have no interest in being so wealthy; I will let this treasure go."
Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan was relieved that the matter had been resolved.
He didn’t doubt Old Monster Yu's ability to come up with four hundred million crystal stones. They simply didn't want to spend it, unlike him who possessed the Blue Star Sea. Even if they obtained a flawed Holy Peach Fruit, its outcome remained uncertain.
"Very well, four hundred million crystal stones; this first auction item will go to this mysterious friend. Do you wish to settle now or wait until the end of the auction?"
"I naturally want to settle now."
Lin Xuan responded without hesitation.
Although the reputation of the Peach Festival was excellent, he needed to ensure that the item was in his possession before proceeding. Otherwise, any unforeseen events could leave him in a difficult situation.
"Very well; please pay with your crystal stones!"
Without further ado, Lin Xuan waved his sleeve and a faint blue light appeared on the magical platform before him—a storage bag.
The intricate magical array had been studied by Lin Xuan, revealing it to be a teleportation array.
As soon as he placed the crystal stones, a milky white glow emitted, and when the light faded, the crystal stones were gone.
Lin Xuan waited patiently until the array activated again, this time revealing the Holy Peach Fruit before his eyes.