Soon, others began to arrive.
Gu Qingfeng watched the auction table silently, waiting for it to begin.
Before long, a middle-aged man in luxurious attire appeared. Gu Qingfeng recognized him—it was Ji Ping, a manager at Yun Pavilion. Ji Ping was also a martial artist who had reached the "half-step Blood Refining" realm.
This half-step Blood Refining realm was something Gu Qingfeng had only learned about after arriving in Baishidao. Technically, it still belonged to the Skin Refining realm, but it represented the cusp of a breakthrough, just shy of entering the true Blood Refining realm. The main difference between the Blood Refining and Skin Refining realms is the transformation of one's qi and blood. In the Skin Refining realm, a warrior's qi and blood are similar to those of an ordinary person. However, upon reaching the Blood Refining realm, their qi and blood become a powerful, transformative force, greatly enhancing their strength.
Even in Baishidao, a warrior on the cusp of Blood Refining was held in high regard. The fact that a manager of Yun Pavilion had reached this stage indicated the strength of the establishment.
The auction began.
A maid brought out a brocade box, and Ji Ping opened it to reveal a long sword. The hilt was carved with dragon patterns, and the white blade gleamed coldly—a remarkable piece.
"The Cold Moon Sword is a top-tier divine weapon, crafted from refined iron and blood copper. It's incredibly sharp. The starting price is one thousand taels of silver, with each bid no less than fifty taels," Ji Ping announced.
Bidding began quickly. A top-tier weapon like this was desirable even for Blood Refining realm warriors. The price rapidly climbed to one thousand five hundred taels, but Gu Qingfeng didn't join the fray.
He didn't practice swordsmanship, and even if he acquired the Cold Moon Sword, it wouldn't be of much use. His physical defense was already comparable to a Blood Refining realm warrior, and his hands, hardened by the indestructible nature of Gu family boxing, were as strong as divine weapons.
In short, the Cold Moon Sword wasn't as useful to him as his own fists.
Qiu Shui, the maid standing nearby, whispered softly, "I heard that the Cold Moon Sword came from Mingjian Villa. Does Master Gu have any interest in this treasure?"
"If it were a mid-grade divine weapon, perhaps. But as it's only a lower-grade weapon, it's lacking," Gu Qingfeng replied, shaking his head.
At this, the maid's eyes dimmed slightly. She had hoped he might purchase the sword since her commission depended on customer trades. But she knew better than to press a man of Gu Qingfeng's stature. A noble family leader like him wouldn't be swayed by a mere maid.
She wisely remained silent after that, serving tea and water as the auction continued. The price for the Cold Moon Sword reached two thousand taels, and it was ultimately sold for two thousand two hundred taels to a Blood Refining realm warrior.
With the successful auction of the Cold Moon Sword, the energy in the room heightened. Several other items were auctioned next, including divine weapons and elixirs, some of which were beneficial to Blood Refining realm warriors.
One such item was the "Blood Nourishing Pill," which enhanced the qi and blood of Blood Refining realm warriors, aiding their cultivation. This attracted fierce bidding, though Gu Qingfeng showed little interest. He had taken similar pills before and knew the difference between them and the more powerful Blood Refining Pill.
Still, Gu Qingfeng didn't remain idle. He purchased a few elixirs and spiritual herbs useful for Skin Refining realm cultivation, not for himself, but for Gu Yang.
As time passed, the auction neared its climax.
Ji Ping presented a gold-plated brocade box, and everyone's eyes were drawn to it with unmasked anticipation.
"I believe this is the item many of you have been waiting for, so I'll spare the preamble," Ji Ping declared. "Fiery Sun Palm! A top-tier mid-grade martial art. Master it, and you can reach the peak of the Blood Refining realm."
"The starting price for this martial art is ten thousand taels of silver, with each bid increasing by at least one hundred taels."
"I'll offer twenty thousand taels!"
"Thirty thousand taels!"
"Forty thousand..."
As soon as Ji Ping finished speaking, the price surged to fifty thousand taels.
Everyone knew the value of a top-tier mid-grade martial art. The most powerful forces in Baishidao owed much of their strength to techniques like this. Whoever acquired the Fiery Sun Palm would have the opportunity to dominate Baishidao or significantly improve their own cultivation.
In no time, the price exceeded one hundred thousand taels. Gu Qingfeng frowned slightly and asked Meng Peng, "How much silver did we bring this time?"
"We brought one hundred and twenty thousand taels in total. You've already spent ten thousand in the auction, so we have about one hundred and ten thousand left," Meng Peng replied promptly.
Gu Qingfeng gazed at the auction table. With only one hundred and ten thousand taels left, it seemed unlikely that he would win the Fiery Sun Palm.
Although the Gu family had developed rapidly over the last few years, their financial foundation was still limited.
Nonetheless, Gu Qingfeng made a bid. But it wasn't long before someone outbid him.
Seeing the futility of competing further, Gu Qingfeng signaled to Meng Peng and whispered instructions. Meng Peng nodded and left the room.
Meanwhile, Gu Qingfeng continued to watch the auction.
In the end, the Fiery Sun Palm sold for two hundred thousand taels of silver.