Like the Bai Family, although it is a First Heaven power, it should theoretically be on par with the 'Holy Heaven Sect' or the 'Immortal Sword Sect.' However, if a true comparison were to be made, the Bai Family is like an ant before these sect powers.
The reason the Bai Family can be considered a First Heaven power is mainly due to the family head's extraordinary divine skills and unparalleled talent. In his early years, he opened the first Heavenly Gate and ascended to the 'Heavenly Spirit' level. According to the power structure, any force with a 'Heavenly Spirit' level powerhouse can be called a First Heaven power.
However, whether it's the 'Holy Heaven Sect' or the 'Immortal Sword Sect,' these sects have at least seven or eight 'Heavenly Spirit' level powerhouses. The Bai Family has only one, and even worse, the family head is now in his seventies and may soon pass away.
Even at its peak, the Bai Family could not be compared to the sect powers, let alone now when the family head is nearing the end of his life.
The Bai Family's only advantage is the successful business it has operated over the years, with substantial capital. Even some sect powers have to admit they do not have the financial strength of the Bai Family.
Otherwise, the disciples of the sect powers would never have come here in person.
About half an hour later, many more major family forces arrived, with the strongest among them having opened the fifth Earth Gate. Although they cannot be compared to First Heaven powers, for ordinary families, they are already considered giants.
For example, in the Four Major Families of Flowing Cloud City, the number of those who have opened the fourth Earth Gate can be counted on one hand. Most of these powerhouses left the Four Major Families early on, unwilling to spend their entire lives in this small place, and most left Flowing Cloud City to seek other opportunities.
The Ruo Lin Family is a case in point. Seven years ago, they had a powerhouse who opened the fifth Earth Gate. It was a joyous occasion, but this powerhouse was unwilling to spend his life in Flowing Cloud City and eventually left the Ruo Lin Family, reportedly to seek a way out in a sect family. However, he eventually disappeared without a trace.
If this fifth Earth Gate powerhouse had stayed in the Ruo Lin Family, Flowing Cloud City would have had a different landscape. The other three major families might have been swallowed up by the Ruo Lin Family, which would have become the sole dominant family in Flowing Cloud City. In a few more years, it might even have become a First Heaven power.
Of course, all of this has become history, and even the higher-ups in the Ruo Lin Family rarely mention it, only sighing each time.
As time passed, the disciples of the sect powers and major families had all entered the auction house. It was now the turn for the Four Major Families of Flowing Cloud City, which were considered ordinary small families, to enter.
"Junior Lin Xiurui, a disciple of the Lin Family, one of the Four Major Families of Flowing Cloud City, has been ordered by my elders to come for the appointment," Lin Xiurui said respectfully, bowing and taking out the invitation.
Lin Xiurui took out eleven invitations, two for himself and Lin Nan Gong, and nine for visiting invitations.
Originally, there were ten visiting invitations, but Lin Xiurui had revoked Lin Hao's qualification, so he only took out nine.
"Hmm... Let me see," the middle-aged man said, nodding and examining the invitations. He then asked curiously, "I remember that the Four Major Families of Flowing Cloud City have ten visiting slots. Why are there only nine here?"
"Senior, some disciples were disobedient and might cause trouble, so one slot was reduced," Lin Xiurui said with a light laugh.
The middle-aged man nodded, not paying much attention.
They were only responsible for issuing and collecting invitations. The distribution of personnel among the Four Major Families was not something the auction house would interfere with. Even if the Four Major Families did not send anyone, the auction house would not care.
Then, Lin Xiurui turned and looked at Lin Hao, saying coldly, "Lin Hao, your qualification has been revoked. This is not a place for someone like you. Leave quickly, don't disgrace our Lin Family. If you cause any trouble, no one can help you."
Hearing this, Lin Yan'er, Lin Caiyi, and others sneered, even showing disgust and disdain. Lin Hao was disgracing the Lin Family at the auction house...
"Ha ha... Lin Hao, you should go back to the Lin Family. Your visiting qualification has been revoked. Why continue to follow us?" Lin Yan'er said coldly, looking at Lin Hao.
She had been waiting for Lin Hao to embarrass himself, but he showed no concern and even walked up carelessly.
"Brother Luo Feng, your auction fair this year is truly remarkable. It is an honor for me to be here today," Lin Hao said, taking a few steps forward and looking at the man in front of him. This man was Luo Feng, the internal appraiser who had authenticated the original 'Wind Thunder Palm' for Lin Hao. Lin Hao naturally recognized him.
Luo Feng's eyes lit up the moment he saw Lin Hao. This young man had come to the auction house a month ago with the original 'Wind Thunder Palm,' which caught the attention of Miss Bai Xiaoxiao.
The original 'Wind Thunder Palm' was presented to the Bai Family by Bai Xiaoxiao and received great praise from the family head. Even Luo Feng and his colleagues received many rewards, which left a deep impression on him.
They later learned that Lin Hao's identity was not as simple as it seemed, and he had a significant connection with Bai Zhanchen.
In the Bai Family, even the powerful eldest son, Bai Zhen, now has great reservations about Bai Zhanchen, though the reason is unknown. However, Bai Zhanchen has gained significant influence, which is undeniable.
The young man in front of him is said to have a close connection with Bai Zhanchen, and the reason for Bai Zhen's reservations is intriguing.
Moreover, they received word that Lin Hao had once visited the Alchemy Pavilion managed by Bai Qiu and successfully refined a high-grade pill. Combined with Bai Zhanchen's shift from a weak to a strong position, it can be inferred that this young man is not ordinary.
Bai Qiu and Bai Xiaoxiao had both analyzed that before Lin Hao's appearance, Bai Zhanchen had been very cautious, fearing that Bai Zhen would see through his plans. After Lin Hao's appearance, everything changed. Bai Zhanchen no longer held back and became much stronger, while Bai Zhen turned a blind eye. It is hard to believe this is a coincidence.
Luo Feng is not a fool and naturally recognized the unusual situation. He greeted Lin Hao warmly, his enthusiasm not inferior to that shown to the disciples of the 'Holy Heaven Sect' and the 'Immortal Sword Sect.'
...
The Lin Family members looked puzzled as Lin Hao approached the auction house's internal appraiser, Luo Feng, and struck up a conversation.
Then, to the shock and surprise of Lin Yan'er, Lin Caiyi, and others, Lin Hao took out a token from his chest and handed it to Luo Feng.
"That's... a VIP token?!" Lin Xin was greatly surprised. The sect disciples who arrived earlier seemed to have handed in such tokens, and the guests were treated with great respect and courtesy, hence the term VIP token.
"Brother Lin Hao, why did you appear so late? Please come in quickly. I will find you later to chat," Luo Feng said with a smile, taking the VIP token and letting Lin Hao in.
At that moment, the Lin Family members were stunned. Not only did Lin Hao have a VIP token, but he also knew Luo Feng!