“Yes,” Fu Lingchuan smiled pleasantly. “This is Queen Changle of New Xia. We have a treasure we wish to auction on short notice.”

What was he up to? Feng Miaojun improvised: “There are appraisal rooms on the first floor. Please follow me.” Fortunately, she had explored the Fishing Lodge thoroughly, passing several appraisal rooms along the way and observing them. The appraisal rooms were categorized by specialties, open to all guests, with two appraisers in each room ready to evaluate treasures at any time.

Many sea visitors were just passing through Spiral Float Island, and wanting to sell something on a whim was perfectly normal.

“No,” Fu Lingchuan shook his head. “This item is valuable. We would like to request a Heaven-rank appraiser.”

The Spiral Float Fishing Lodge’s appraisers were divided into several ranks, from top to bottom: Heaven, Earth, Mystery, and Yellow. These two had such audacity—did they have a Heaven-rank treasure to auction? Feng Miaojun’s interest was immediately piqued: “May I see it, young master? So I can report to my superiors.”

Fu Lingchuan took out a jade slip from his bosom and waved it before her: “This contains a Celestial Demon Secret Technique. Would you like to take a look?”

Yes, she especially wanted to! This was a Celestial Demon Secret Technique—she was dying of curiosity!

Of course, no matter how Feng Miaojun might be roaring inside, on the surface she could only show slight surprise before waving her hand: “Please wait here, you two. I’ll report to my superiors and invite an appraiser to come.”

Feng Miaojun was currently disguised as a maid, and logically shouldn’t have the right to view the secret technique in the jade slip. If she had casually reached out her hand, Fu Lingchuan would have been suspicious.

Fu Lingchuan smiled slightly: “Lord Yangshan is preparing to bid on tonight’s final treasure. It’s inconvenient for us to stay here. Please take us to find an appraiser.”

What else could Feng Miaojun do? She could only respond with a “Yes.”

Could someone please tell her where that damned Heaven-rank appraiser was!

She had only walked a few steps when Princess Changle asked curiously: “Huh, isn’t the Mystery Chamber in a different direction?”

These two not only knew the name of the high-level appraisal room but also knew its location. Feng Miaojun immediately realized they had other intentions, otherwise, why would they be so anxious?

She turned her head and smiled: “I need to report to the manager first, who will then introduce you two.”

Fu Lingchuan also smiled at Princess Changle: “No rush, let’s follow the proper procedures.”

Princess Changle pouted slightly: “Tonight’s final act is about to begin.”

At this moment, the three were walking through a crystal corridor, from which they could directly see the scene in the main hall. Feng Miaojun looked down and saw that the auctioneer from the Ancient Treasures hall had left, and now standing on the stage was a merman with an imposing appearance, standing two zhang tall.

He wore a gold crown adorned with jewels, leading Feng Miaojun to guess that this must be the Merman King.

Every night, the Merman King personally auctioned off a final treasure.

Feng Miaojun appreciated such marketing tactics. The Merman King’s appearance was a major selling point. Given his status, the treasure he presented would certainly be substantial, and its authenticity beyond question.

Sure enough, as soon as he appeared, thunderous applause erupted from below.

Just then, a short, plump monster walked over from the front of the crystal corridor. Seeing the three of them, he frowned and said: “Bai Lei, what are you doing here?”

“Bai Lei” was the name of this clam woman, also engraved on the token. Feng Miaojun heard the reproach in his voice, knowing he was questioning her area of responsibility. She quickly said: “These two distinguished guests from New Xia are also honored guests of Lord Yangshan. They have a Celestial Demon treasure to auction and wish to have it appraised by a Heaven-rank appraiser first.”

“Heaven-rank?” Bombarded by terms like Lord Yangshan and Celestial Demon treasure, even the plump monster was moved. “You two are from An Xia?”

New Xia was established by Princess An Xia, and with this remark, all three present knew he was familiar with current events on land. Princess Changle smiled: “What shall we call you?”

When she smiled, she naturally exuded an air of dignity. The plump monster quickly replied: “Just call me Manager Niu.”

What kind of Niu? A water buffalo? Indeed, his neck was somewhat thick and short. Feng Miaojun stole a few glances at him and suddenly realized: wasn’t he just a sea snail? He certainly knew how to flatter himself!

Princess Changle continued: “I am the Queen of New Xia. Happening upon the famous Spiral Float Fishing Lodge, I thought I’d join in the fun.”

Now this sea snail—no, Manager Niu—let out a long “Oh”: “Distinguished guests, distinguished guests! Please follow me.” He enthusiastically beckoned the two, heading in a different direction.

Feng Miaojun blinked and followed behind the three.

By now, the final treasure had been displayed on the stage in the main hall for people to view. She saw a small hourglass standing in a brocade box, small enough to be held in one hand. The upper and lower hemispheres of the hourglass were made of transparent colored glass, allowing everyone to see the golden sand grains inside.

The sound was cut off by the crystal corridor. Princess Changle asked curiously: “What treasure is that?”

“That is the Sand of Time,” Manager Niu explained to the two while leading the way. “Originally, such a treasure should have appeared two days later, but the bidding for the Golden Branch and Jade Dew was so intense earlier that my King decided to present it tonight instead.”

Intense? Earlier when Lord Yangshan single-handedly dominated the entire venue, almost monopolizing all the Golden Branch and Jade Dew—how was that intense? It was deadly dull! Feng Miaojun didn’t know if Fu Lingchuan and his companion were also criticizing this in their minds, but it did indicate one thing: the “Sand of Time” was indeed the most valued treasure at the Spiral Float Fishing Lodge, otherwise they wouldn’t have planned to use it as the final item on the last day. It was just that tonight’s auction was too heated, and the Merman King was willing to bring it out for good fortune.

Princess Changle asked on her behalf: “What use does this treasure have to warrant being the grand finale?”

“When the hourglass is turned upside down, time within a hundred zhang radius will stop.”

At this, not only did Fu Lingchuan and Princess Changle exchange glances, but Feng Miaojun was also secretly astonished.

Time stop! This unassuming little hourglass had such miraculous power!

This time Fu Lingchuan couldn’t help but ask: “How long can it stop time?”

Seeing the amazement on their faces, the plump manager proudly said: “When the sand runs out, the barrier ends.”

Princess Changle let out a surprised sound: “There don’t seem to be many grains of sand in that hourglass. Wouldn’t they run out in the blink of an eye?”

Before Manager Niu could respond, Fu Lingchuan was already smiling: “This property is already incredibly divine. If it lasted any longer, would others even have a chance to survive?”

Princess Changle was merely a mortal and didn’t understand that battles between masters often came down to the slightest margin. With this hourglass assisting, the odds of victory would be more than doubled.

Princess Changle was right—there were less than ten fine grains of sand left in the hourglass, which could run out in an instant.

But for cultivators, that instant could be the difference between life and death!

Manager Niu gave a thumbs-up: “Young master truly has good insight!” This item’s effect was far more useful than any other attribute. “Each time it’s used, one grain of sand disappears from the hourglass.”