Ascension of the Immortal Asura

As the false floor in the center of the stage gave way, a platform raised up from beneath the stage, revealing the first item. The item rested on top of an exquisite looking pedestal, trimmed with precious metals and lined with eye-catching gems.

Thunderous applause boomed out within the auction theater, resonating and shaking it from within. Even John was surprised at how loud it got within, as just the volume would be enough to shatter the ear drums of a non-cultivator.

"Its tradition that thunderous applause welcomes the start of the auction," Caz explained to John as he noticed his expression.

"Thunderous indeed," John nodded as he felt his blood heat up from the mood, which was a rare occasion. Only combat was normally able to stir his blood, but the atmosphere in the auction theater was quite intense, and he couldn't help but be caught up in it as well.

"The first item of the Annual Five-River Freeport Auction is a pot of Three-Vein Spirit Grass," the auctioneer called out to the crowd as she stood next to the first auctioned item.

It was a pot roughly six inches in height and width, and the top was unsealed, revealing the sparkling grass within. Even from the distance John was seated at, he could feel the refreshing aura emanating from the grass, indicating it was quite a spectacular item. However, as he was not an expert on plants and herbs, he didn't know exactly what it did.

"Three-Vein Spirit Grass is used to concoct soul-enhancing pills," Caz explained, "its quite a rare plant, but not extremely rare, hence it being the first item auctioned off."

"Soul-enhancing treasures are few and far between. No wonder it's being auctioned here," John nodded, thankful for Caz's explanation. However, he had no need for soul-enhancing items thanks to his palace realm holy gate, and so he felt no need to bid on it.

Beep!

A soft beeping sound rang out, catching the attention of John. He glanced over towards the sound, and saw a hologram formation hovering above one of the auction participants, in the general seating area.

The formation hologram, which was visible from all directions, merely displayed a number above the man's head.

"Three hundred thousand."

"That's the bid amount," Caz explained to John. "As soon as another higher bid comes in, it will be displayed elsewh-"

Beep!

Another soft beep sounded out, and a hologram formation appeared above someone else a short distance away.

"Four Hundred Thousand.'

Beep!

Beep!

Beep!

Shortly afterwards, dozens of beeps sounded out as many additional bids were placed, each higher in value than the previous. The auction theater became a buzz of beeps and excited discussions, as a frenzy of bidding quickly broke out.

Hundreds and hundreds of bids were quickly placed, and hundreds of beeps sounded out, while a thoughtful expression appeared on John's face as he focused on the bidding. A small smile appeared on Caz's face as he noticed John's expression, as if he could see through his thoughts.

"The beeps caught your attention, huh?" Caz asked John.

"How did you know?" John replied as he turned to look at Caz.

"Everyone has the same reaction every time they see this auction for the first time," Caz replied. "Hearing the same sound over and over in quick succession would normally become irritating and annoy all those hearing it, but you're surprised to discover you don't mind the constant beeping, right?" Caz asked, while John nodded his head.

"That's because the beeping sounds were designed by some of the most gifted musicians on this continent, who study the Dao of Sound and Dao of Music. They spent quite some time researching, and came to this sound as the most pleasurable short duration sound they could find. That's why you're not annoyed by it, nor will you be even after hearing it a million times by the end of this auction," Caz explained.

"This auction even has such a thing? It seems like no expense was spared at all," John replied, shocked to hear that even such a trivial thing had been given so much thought.

Beep!

Beep!

Beep

The beeps continued to ring out, seeming to resonate and form a melodious harmony, which was incredibly pleasurable for John to listen to. His attention focused on the betting, which was mostly focused on the seats lower in the theater, in the general admission area.

"Make yourself comfortable for now," Caz said to John as he reclined back in his seat. "This auction starts with the lowest grade items, and works its way up to the heavenly treasures. The first day or two will be bids that the lower area of the theater bids for. The items will continue to grow in value and rarity until it will be us and those above us bidding on the items exclusively, but that won't happen for a few days," Caz explained the auction process to John, who nodded his head in acknowledgement.

'Seems like it's going to be a while until something that interests me shows up,' John mused while the bidding continued to increase in intensity.

However, he remained focused on the bidding taking place, as learning more about what was for sale on the Divine Martial Continent was quite interesting to him.

"Sold! To seat number 45038, for one million three hundred thousand spirit crystals!" the auctioneer exclaimed as the bidding for the first item has concluded.

An excited smile appeared on the middle-aged man who had purchased the item, who quickly presented a spatial ring to an attendant that appeared behind him. The attendant inspected the ring for a moment and nodded his head at the auctioneer, verifying the proof of funds.

The alluring auctioneer nodded and waved her hand, at which point the pedestal lowered, returning the item just sold beneath the stage, while a new item was raised up on the stage shortly afterwards.

"The next item we have is an exotic weapon, forged by Daoist Myriad Illusions himself! It's the Myriad Illusion Battle Disc!" the auctioneer explained as a bizarre looking formation disk appeared on the stage, while melodious beeps once again drifted through the auction theater.