While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Chapter 387 Sixteen Hundred and Forty Million

The Mall, the main city of the Commercial Continent, is also the unshakeable central hub of the entire continent. Its magnificence and grandeur are unparalleled in the world.

Chen Xiao stood ten thousand feet away from the city, looking up at the magnificent city that seemed to have been forged by the gods, his eyes filled with undisguised amazement.

Compared to this colossal city, the magnificent and prosperous cities of the Dou Qi Continent all appear dim and lackluster, hardly worthy of being mentioned.

Even from a distance of thousands of feet, one can still clearly see the towering city walls of the mall, hundreds of feet high, their dark surfaces gleaming with a chilling light, stretching towards the horizon without end.

On the wall, huge light patterns and runes flickered, and powerful spiritual energy rippled silently, causing one's soul to tremble.

Above the city, several towering pillars of light converged, forming a massive light shield that completely enveloped the entire shopping mall.

This city only recognizes its gates. Anyone who dares to intrude from the sky, whether human or object, will trigger the city's protective array, be regarded as a mortal enemy, and be executed by lightning.

"With my current cultivation level, it would probably take me a quarter of an hour to break through such a spiritual array—I wonder what level my array mastery is equivalent to in this vast world?"

Five days ago, Chen Xiao had already arrived at the Shang Continent through a teleportation array.

However, he did not rush to the mall. Instead, he found a secluded valley and refined and absorbed all of the more than 20 million drops of Supreme Spirit Liquid given to him by Luo Tianshen.

In addition, the natural absorption and recovery over these days have allowed Chen Xiao's cultivation to recover to the Upper Earthly Supreme Realm!

Although there is only a one-word difference between the Upper Earthly Sovereign and the Lower Earthly Sovereign, the difference is as vast as heaven and earth.

The most direct result is that when a high-ranking Earthly Sovereign achieves the Great Perfection of Heaven and Earth, he can resonate more deeply with the spiritual power of heaven and earth. Even if he only borrows the power of heaven and earth, he can easily suppress 99% of the lower-ranking Earthly Sovereigns. The remaining 0.1% is for the respect due to the Chosen One.

In addition, their status and influence are also completely different.

Among those powerful forces with deep foundations, the lower-level Earthly Sovereigns are mostly core members, capable of guarding a region, but unlikely to dominate the continental-level landscape.

For example, the four great divine races of the Little Western Heaven Realm.

For example, the Great Luo Heaven Domain of the original trajectory, etc.

The Upper Earthly Sovereigns are qualified to become the ruler of a region or the leader of a powerful force, enough to dominate a continent. In the entire Great Thousand World, Upper Earthly Sovereigns are all well-known figures!

Even so, Chen Xiao still felt that the city's protective array was somewhat troublesome, which shows how much effort the builders had put into protecting the city.

Looking at the light of the spirit array, Chen Xiao couldn't help but think of the spirit array master inheritance he had once received.

That inheritance was modified by the Array Master to conform to the Dou Qi Continent, becoming a variant of the Spirit Array Master, such as changing the Spirit Seal into a Talisman Seal.

But at its core, it is still the path of a spirit array master.

"When I have free time in the future, I can try out all the different professions in the world."

Chen Xiao smiled, an idea forming in his mind.

For others, energy is limited, and being proficient in one or two methods is already commendable.

But Chen Xiao is slightly different. He can use the false world and the true world to deduce the truth. As long as he has enough patience and perseverance, he can stay in the false world for thousands of years without any problem.

Anyway, up until now, Chen Xiao has not discovered that the fake world has a time limit.

Suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, Chen Xiao walked unhurriedly toward the main entrance of the mall.

Along the way, the faint but powerful aura of a supreme being emanated from him, making the wide road so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only occasional gasps of cold air.

For most people, the Earthly Sovereign is already a legendary being.

Moreover, this is a supreme being of high rank!

Despite the mall's prestigious reputation, it rarely attracts such a prominent figure to visit in person.

After all, anyone who reaches this realm is a local overlord.

If one truly takes a liking to a particular item up for auction in the city, one need only send one of one's men over.

That is why Chen Xiao's appearance was so eye-catching, and even before entering the city, he had already stirred up a great uproar in the hearts of the crowd.

"This senior looks so young, yet he's a high-ranking Earthly Sovereign? I've never heard of him before!"

"Are you stupid? He must have just broken through recently, otherwise, with your level of cultivation, how could you be qualified to feel such pressure?"

"I'm more curious about what kind of treasure could possibly warrant such a personal trip from a high-ranking Earthly Sovereign?"

"No, we must send a message back to the sect immediately. This is such an important matter, we can't miss it!"

It wasn't until Chen Xiao stepped through the city gate that the long-suppressed discussions around him suddenly erupted.

..

Inside the city.

As soon as Chen Xiao crossed the city gate, he saw a group of people coming towards him, led by a man and a woman.

Both of them had calm and composed auras, and their spiritual energy flowed around them subtly, clearly indicating that they were not ordinary people.

The old man walking on the left had white hair and beard, each strand of silver hair woven like moonlight, yet he showed no signs of old age.

He wore a black brocade robe with intricate cloud patterns embroidered on the hem. A palm-sized bronze token hung at his waist, bearing the character "Shang". His eyes were deep and unfathomable, like an ancient well. When he glanced at Chen Xiao, his eyes held a hint of apprehension and confusion.

Clearly, he, like the others along the way, was quite puzzled about Chen Xiao's purpose in coming.

Outsiders might think that something good had appeared in the mall, but as one of the people in charge here, he knew very well that there was no such thing recently.

The woman on the right looked completely different from the old man. She wore a long scarlet dress that trailed on the ground, with delicate red spider lilies embroidered on the hem. Her every step was graceful, like a flickering flame.

Her eyes were full of spring, with slightly upturned corners, and she naturally possessed a captivating charm. Her skin was as white as snow, and her red lips were as fiery as fire. With each glance, her eyes sparkled, displaying both the cunning and agility of a fox spirit and the alluring nobility of someone who had long held a high position.

Upon seeing this woman, Chen Xiao couldn't help but think of Cai Lin and Cao Ying.

If Cai Lin is alluring but not seductive, and Cao Ying is seductive but not alluring, then the woman before us is both alluring and seductive, as if the person standing before us is not a person, but a real fox demon, with a pungent, insect-like aura emanating from her.

The old and the young, the cold and the charming, stood together in stark contrast.

The only thing they had in common was that they were all at the lower level of Earthly Sovereign!

"I am Mo Hai, the manager of the largest auction house in the mall for the time being. This is Fairy Fei Hu. I was a little rushed when I heard of your arrival and was unable to greet you properly. I hope you will forgive me."

The group stopped a few feet in front of Chen Xiao, and the old man bowed first and said.

Businessmen are extremely polite in their speech; it's just a habit.

But Chen Xiao could sense that he was wary and doubtful of him, but not very afraid.

This stems from the profound heritage of the Shang Dynasty.

Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, a powerful Heavenly Sovereign from a top-tier force coveted a divine artifact. However, he failed to win the auction, so he directly snatched it from the auction house, killing the auction house manager and his competitors on the spot before leaving with the treasure.

This incident shocked the Shang Continent at the time. Immediately, the Shang Continent responded. The top power that the giant belonged to was besieged by many powerful forces in just over ten days, suffering heavy casualties. Even the giant was severely injured and had to return the divine object in a sorry state. Moreover, he was given an extremely large amount of compensation in order to settle the matter.

From then on, no one dared to disregard the rules of the Commercial Continent and steal treasures and kill people in the auction house.

This incident proves that the Shang Continent possesses a foundation that even Heavenly Sovereigns fear!

Regardless of whether they pay for the service or not, the fact that they can offer benefits that would entice many powerful forces is itself a demonstration of strength.

If this is the case when facing a Heavenly Sovereign, then Chen Xiao, who has only recently ascended to the Earthly Sovereign level, must be even more formidable.

Therefore, the old man showed great respect, but he was not being insincere.

Don't cause trouble, but don't be afraid of trouble either, it's that simple.

"Fellow Daoist Mo, you're too kind. My visit to the mall today was purely on a whim," Chen Xiao replied with a smile.

Some things are ingrained and cannot be changed. Chen Xiao has always been relatively reasonable, unlike a certain notorious bandit from Qingyang Town who would unleash the Great Wilderness Imprisoning Heaven Finger at the slightest provocation.

That's why Chen Xiao hadn't made things too difficult for the two Blood God Clan members before.

After all, the events in the simulations haven't actually happened yet; in reality, the Blood God Clan doesn't have much of a entanglement with him.

"Then I may take the liberty of addressing you as a fellow Daoist. May I ask if you have business to do at the mall today? — I apologize for my impetuousness, this is not the place to talk. Please follow us."

The Scarlet Fox Fairy's voice was so soft and alluring it could almost drip water. Her eyes sparkled with a captivating charm, and with every smile and frown, she caused passersby in the distance to stiffen slightly in respect before quickly lowering their heads, afraid of being noticed.

Chen Xiao nodded calmly, his expression unchanged, and followed the two towards the city's largest auction house.

This test, which can only be observed from afar and not touched, is one that no supreme being could withstand.

Recalling the information about the Shang Continent in his mind, and combining it with the woman's title of Scarlet Fox Fairy, Chen Xiao had a pretty good idea of ​​the woman's origins.

On the continent of Shang, there is a top-tier power called the Fox Immortal Sect.

This sect is extremely powerful, and they have a presence in almost every auction house on this continent!

As for the people of the Fox Immortal Sect, their name speaks for itself, so there's no need to elaborate.

They traveled in silence, and soon the three arrived at the largest auction house in the city center.

Mo Hai and Fairy Scarlet Fox dismissed the people behind them and led Chen Xiao into a magnificent room.

After the maid served the spirit tea, the two waved and closed the door.

"I haven't yet had the pleasure of asking your name, fellow Daoist," the Scarlet Fox Fairy asked with a smile after sitting down again.

"Chen Xiao, in my world, others also call me the True Emperor, or the True Emperor Di Yin."

Those who can cultivate to this level are all exceptionally shrewd and capable.

Just like the Goddess Luo, many details suggest that Chen Xiao is someone who ascended from a lower plane.

Chen Xiao came to the mall this time to get the Supreme Spirit Liquid. This behavior is obviously very strange. Once others investigate his past and find that it is a blank, they will easily make connections.

Therefore, ascending from a lower plane is not a secret and does not need to be deliberately guarded.

On the contrary, this identity can often bring convenience.

Because those who ascend to immortality possess undeniable potential, and their strength increases extremely rapidly.

Moreover, most of them are single and have no ties. Before provoking them, one must carefully consider whether one can withstand their unbridled retaliation.

Unless you can find the path to his ascension and have the power to erase that lower plane, you can't truly ignore this identity.

Upon hearing Chen Xiao's words, both Mo Hai and Fairy Fei Hu were slightly taken aback. As they looked at each other, the importance they placed on each other deepened.

"So the True Emperor was an ascension from a lower plane. No wonder he rose to the position of Supreme Being at such a young age. Indeed, those who ascend are all outstanding individuals."

Mo Hai clasped his hands in a fist salute, looking quite wistful.

Chen Xiao smiled and stopped engaging in their polite small talk, directly stating his purpose.

"I'm coming to the mall this time with 1.5 billion Supreme Spirit Liquid. As for the items to be traded—"

As he spoke, Chen Xiao flipped his hand, and a jade slip was taken out, which he then handed to Fairy Scarlet Fox.

"Heavenly Frost Palm?"

Fairy Scarlet Fox took the document and examined it. She quickly made a judgment: "Although the True Emperor's Heavenly Frost Palm does not specify its level, in my opinion, it should belong to the Great Perfection Divine Power level. Based on the mall's past auction experience, I am willing to accept it for five million Supreme Spirit Liquids."

Having given her price, Fairy Scarlet Fox handed the jade slip to Mo Hai.

After a brief inspection, the latter nodded, "This is the price for me too."

Hearing their offers, Chen Xiao nodded slightly.

He had done his research before coming. A fairly standard Great Perfection Divine Power would typically fetch between three and five million Supreme Spirit Liquid at auction.

The price quoted by these two is already based on the top-of-the-line model.

As for the reason—

It's simple; they also wanted to take this opportunity to gain more favor with Chen Xiao.

This is especially true for a continent like the Commercial Continent, which is centered on commerce.

A good deed done today could very well be a get-out-of-jail-free card in the future.

When it comes to investing, no one knows better than them.

Of course, they had considered trying to win over Chen Xiao, just as they had done with Luo Tianshen before.

But they knew even better that every person who ascended from a lower plane had great ambitions and would never be content to be subordinate to anyone.

Therefore, I simply don't mention it at all.

"Yes, I have quite a few things here. Could you two please give me an estimate?"

Without hesitation, Chen Xiao raised his hand and waved it, and a dense array of wooden boxes appeared, along with many jade slips floating in mid-air. These were all supernatural abilities that Chen Xiao had modified from combat techniques in his spare time.

For example, Ice Condensation Sword Technique, Thousand Illusions Ice Spike, Three Thousand Thunderclaps, etc.

Once you understand one method, you understand all methods. With Chen Xiao's foundation and strength, modifying these fighting techniques that are only at the Earth Rank is a piece of cake.

This is also one of the important reasons why he is not worried about the Supreme Elixir. If he wanted to, he would have plenty of ways to get enough of the Supreme Elixir.

"The Ice Condensation Sword Technique, a perfected divine power, will still be calculated based on five million Supreme Spirit Liquids."

"Blood-cold extreme cold—"

"Three Thousand Thunderclaps, eh, this divine power is truly profound. It has already reached the threshold of a near-peerless divine power and is worth fifteen million."

"————"

It took the two of them fifteen minutes to finish reading the large pile of jade slips that Chen Xiao had taken out. In the end, they gave the same price, totaling exactly one billion.

"These spiritual herbs must be from the plane where the True Emperor resides. We can only recognize a few of them, and most of them require the True Emperor to explain before Mo Hai and I can offer a price."

When it came time to talk about the medicinal herbs, Fairy Scarlet Fox said somewhat awkwardly.

Chen Xiao was not surprised by this result.

The other party could recognize some of them, perhaps because of those Dou Di who ascended to the Dou Qi Continent in the past.

"Aren't you afraid I'm just making this up?"

"I believe that the True Emperor is the strongest being in a plane, and would not stoop to doing such a thing."

Little vixen, and she's got a sweet tongue.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly, casually grabbed a wooden box, opened it, and introduced, "This is Thunder Marrow Vine, which can be used as medicine. It can help people break through cultivation bottlenecks. In this vast world, it should be able to replace some items for cultivating the Supreme Dharma Body."

"This is the Azure Water Lotus—"

Each time Chen Xiao introduced a new herb, Mo Hai and Fairy Fei Hu would quickly compare it to similar spiritual herbs in their minds, and then place their bids one after another, with each bid being extremely close.

An hour later, Chen Xiao finally finished his story.

With all the medicinal herbs and jade slips combined, Mo Hai's offer reached 1.6 billion Supreme Spirit Liquid, while Fairy Scarlet Fox's offer was slightly higher at 80 million. In the end, the two of them asked Chen Xiao if he was willing to trade at a price of 1.64 billion.

This result was 140 million more than Chen Xiao had expected, so naturally he had no objections and nodded in agreement.

""

The transaction was completed, and the money and goods were settled. Chen Xiao suddenly remembered something, and with a flick of his hand, he took out a black stone the size of a palm. It was the very stone that Hai Bodong had picked up back then, the one that could easily cut the fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame Diagram.

"You two are very knowledgeable; can you recognize what this is?"

The Scarlet Fox Fairy took it and examined it closely, a hint of uncertainty flashing in her eyes, before handing it back to Mo Hai.

The latter pondered for several minutes, looking at it again and again, before nodding and saying, "If I'm not mistaken, this should be a fragment, a fragment of a sacred artifact that has been shattered. I'm 90% sure. Unfortunately, this sacred artifact is shattered too thoroughly. This fragment alone has no power left. At most, it can be used to cut things with its sharpness."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao glanced at the old man in surprise.

And you know what? He was right.

Back in the Dou Qi Continent, didn't he and Hai Bodong rely on this black stone's angular cutting fragment?

Having resolved a small doubt that had been buried in his heart for many years, Chen Xiao felt no regret. He hadn't had high expectations for this anyway, and resolving one doubt was enough.