Ikasa's announcement immediately received an explosive response from the audience.
"Did I hear it right? He is auctioning those manuals now?"
"Tsk! If I had known about it earlier, I wouldn't have splurged all my earnings."
These were the reactions of the commoners who would not be able to compete with the big-name merchants present here. They either left dejectedly or stayed to watch the show.
On the other hand, the merchants were frantically asking their subordinates to collect all the funds left in their accounts while Mercenary group leaders were pooling together their earnings to get one more member of their group into the Path Forging Realm.
Ikasa didn't wait for them to gather their funds. He was not doing this auction to earn more from the rich. Rather he wanted to spread the word of his astonishing manuals amongst the commoners.
"Let me introduce these wondrous Cultivation Manuals to you..."
He was controlling the public with his words. The mere mention of the grade of manual drew gasps from the crowd. The name drew a few suspicious gazes.
Ikasa tried to be objective by mentioning both the pros and cons of the manual. But how could it lower people's enthusiasm when the demonstration was so shocking!
After giving a few minutes for the whispers to die down, Ikasa raised the book in his hand high.
"I have set the base price for this book at 100 Silvers. Those who want to own this treasure, state your price!"
"1000 Silvers"
"1200 Silvers!"
"2000 Silvers!"
These were the prices most commoners could afford. Once the prices started to go above 3000 Silvers, Merchants began to call their bids.
"5000 Silver!"
"8000 Silver!"
"10000 Silver!"
When this bid was called upon, silence reigned. Even Ikasa forgot to countdown. Regaining his senses he excitedly awarded the book to the winning bid of 10000 Silver.
'Really Auctioning is the way to go. What I was going to sell for 100 Gold sold for 1000 Gold!'
His second manual also sold for 860 Gold. These two manuals had earned him more than what he had earned from auctioning one fake manual. And it was even an impromptu auction!
But now that his urgent financial needs were fulfilled, he no longer wanted to cater only to those with money. He wanted to sell more of his manuals so he could earn CP and raise his cultivation level.
"In the next week's Bazaar, I will sell one cultivation manual to one lucky person for 100 Silver on the condition he or she uses it immediately. I hope you show your support next week!"
With a polite bow, Ikasa dispersed the crowd.
Soon Ikasa and company were back on their way home. The Kids who were under intense scrutiny had relaxed and went back to being their boisterous selves.
Even Xin Ruo was nervous as it was her first time on stage but she managed to pull through.
Xin Ruo was amazed at the speed Ikasa had gathered the crowd. And he didn't even give any time for kids to prepare themselves. It was a miracle that things turned out so well.
"So how was your first experience being on stage?"
Ikasa asked as they entered through the gates of their mansion.
After spending their entire trip in silence, the sudden question caught Xin Ruo off guard.
"Huh?... It was terrifying… but nice."
Ikasa looked at her with appreciative eyes.
"I am glad you liked it. Starting next week, I hope you will look after the lucky draw winner announcements."
Xin Ruo immediately panicked. Her face scrunched.
"Did you not hear the part where I said I was terrified?"
"I did. But didn't you like all the attention from being on stage? Focus on that. Fear will leave you after a few times on stage."
Ikasa replied nonchalantly. He paced forward to catch up with the rowdy kids who were celebrating their debut.
"...You saw that right? I was awesome!" Luo Qiqi exclaimed proudly.
"Not just you, We were all awesome!" Chu Qing corrected her jovially.
"Okay Okay! We were all awesome! Did you see the old man's gaping mouth? It was wide enough to fit a whole Watermelon!" Luo Qiqi continued with her story.
Even Pei Yuan and Yan Xiao who were a step behind the two were smiling ear to ear. Ikasa was gratified to see such a happy scene.
He purposefully stayed a step behind so as to not disturb their harmony. But the next words from Chu Qing turned his complexion dark.
"Say we performed so well today. Should we ask for some gold from Brother Ikasa?" Chu Qing's proposition caused Luo Qiqi's eyes to shine while Pei Yuan and Yan Xiao's smiles froze.
'Not copper, not silver but straight to Gold! This guy has a big appetite!'
Even though Ikasa had earned quite a sum of gold it was not for these guys to squander. He still had to train them in battle techniques and set up a shop and this meager amount of about 2000 Gold was nowhere enough for that.
He immediately moved to place his hands on Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi's shoulders to make them aware of his presence. The grotesque smile on his face scared the plotting kids.
"You kids did so well today! I am impressed! How about I leave the auctioning process of manuals to you kids starting next week? You can even get some gold as commission."
Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi's faces turned ashen. They were scared stiff on the stage. If not for the presence of Xin Ruo and Ikasa they might've even fled from the scene. How could they accept Ikasa's proposal?
"N-No Brother Ikasa. How could we? You were the star of the show!"
Chu Qing praised freely.
"Yes, yes you were awesome Brother Ikasa! You even sold those cheap manuals for 10000 Silvers!" Luo Qiqi chimed in.
Ikasa flicked Luo Qiqi's head.
"Stop spouting nonsense. Just because you guys got those cultivation manuals for free doesn't mean they are cheap."
Then he looked all the kids in the eye and solemnly advised, "Remember, I have given you a chance worth 1000 gold! So make sure to train hard and grow stronger, okay?"
As Ikasa looked at the subtle worshipping looks of the kids, he couldn't help but smile.
'Feelings of Gratitude? Sold!'
After giving the kids a pep talk, Ikasa brought Hei Ying and Xin Ruo to his Study. It was about time he learned firsthand how the user of his manual feels.
"Hei Ying, even though I discovered and brought back these manuals, I can't use them. So can you recount how you felt when you first broke through?"
Hei Ying looked at Xin Ruo and seeing Xin Ruo give her a nod of encouragement, she recited her experience.
"When I used the manual, it was as if I was in a different space. My body performed the movements depicted in the manual rapidly and before I knew it, I could sense the energy circulate in my body."
Ikasa had conjectured a scenario very similar to this about the breakthrough in his mind. He was glad to have it verified.
"Do you feel it is easier to advance your cultivation?"
"Yes, as long as I can complete the exercise in a certain period of time, I will be able to advance. Since I already have the postures embedded in my muscle memory, it is easier for me to advance."
Ikasa nodded while smiling. His steepled fingers touched his chin while his elbows rested on the table. He looked just like a Principal who was interrogating a topper.
"And what about the Gazelle Punch? How did it feel to use the battle technique?"
Hei Ying closed her eyes as if to remember that feeling. When she opened it again there was a glow in her eyes. Ikasa noticed this anomaly but didn't comment on it.
"When I used the Battle Technique, I was in the body of someone else. I shared his experience when he used the technique. I was able to learn the energy utilization method but if I want to master it, I have to experience the technique on my own."
"Thank You, Hei Ying. You can go now"
Ikasa then turned to Xin Ruo. He had realized that the key to controlling the kids lay with Xin Ruo.
"Xin Ruo, I am grateful for all you have done for the kids. I have another huge favor to ask of you today."
Xin Ruo looked like she wanted to interrupt but he didn't give her a chance. He then presented to her the Cultivation Manual and all the other battle techniques.
"Please learn all of these and keep on guiding the kids to the correct path."
Xin Ruo's lips quivered. Her raw emotion was visible in her eyes. She didn't say anything but accepted Ikasa's praise and gifts and left the room.
When the door clicked shut, a smile formed on Ikasa's face.
"'I value and care for you' card? Sold!"