The atmosphere inside the grand auction hall buzzed with anticipation as the next item was about to be unveiled. Xiao lin'er the elegant host of the auction, stood on the stage, holding a delicate glass case containing the yin-yang harmonic petal. Her voice resonated through the hall as she introduced the herb to the eager crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed cultivators, I present to you the extremely rare and miraculous yin-yang harmonic petal." Xiao lin'er announced, her voice carrying a note of reverence. "This extraordinary herb possesses the power to aid in the comprehension of dao. It is said that by refining it's essence, one's spiritual energy can be purified and brought into perfect harmony. With this help you have no fear for Qi deviation. I believe there are some here who have heard of it, right?"
Gasp of awe rippled through the crowd as they recognised the significance of such a precious herb. Cultivators yearned for any opportunity to transcend their current level of cultivation, talk less of doing so safely and achieving enlightenment in the process. This was a rare opportunity that no one seated here could afford to loose.
"The bidding will start at 10000 spirit stones and every increase should not be less than 2000" Xiao lin'er declared, her eyes scanning the room.
Li Tian sitting in VIP room 2 observed the proceedings with a calm demeanor. He knew that acquiring this herb was crucial for his cultivation, but he didn't immediately join the bidding war. All he had to do was make sure he had the final bid.
"20000" "25000" "35000"
The bid went up at a terrifying rate as every capable person here wanted the herb. It didn't take long to involve other VIPs
"40000" "45000" "50000"
When the bid reached this level only VIPs were left in the contest.
Those that were sorted amongst the general audience were a little sad as they wanted it but could not afford it.
Only one of them was still in the running.
Dressed in black and seated with quietly among the people. The atmosphere around her was serene and she looked as though she didn't belong to this world. The lower part of her face was converted but even with this you could still see she was a rare beauty. She was known as lady Xia, a powerful core realm expert, known for her mastery over powerful illusion techniques. Her background was quite mysterious as no one knew where she comes from. All anyone knew is that there were some scions of powerful clans who converted her beauty and made moves against her, however they all had mysteriously disappeared and even their clans had not dared to call for revenge. Her background was mysterious and powerful, adding to her talent and beauty, one would feel inferior just talking to her.
During this auction she herself had not spoken a word but bids have been made on her behalf by her handmaid sitting beside her. She too was quite an enchanting woman.
"60000 spirit stones" said her maid as she called out another bid infuriating lord Zhao in the process.
Lord Zhao is the head of one the powerful families in city E. Although not the strongest person in his clan, he was already at the peak of the foundation realm and already had one step into the core realm. With this herb he could at least increase his chances for breakthrough. He was another person desperate to possess this herb however he knew he could not afford to provoke lady Xia, so despite his anger, he could only swallow it. Nevertheless he was intent on getting it as he called out another bid.
"65000" "70000" 72000" the bids kept on increasing as both the maid and lord Zhao kept increasing the bid.
Soon lady Xia signalled for the maid to stop. She smiled saying
"It seems lord Zhao really wants this herb, my lady has decided to let it go on your behalf"
As she said this, lord Zhao opened his window and bowed in their direction
"I thank lady Xia for the favour, this Zhao will remember it"
Even though he knew what the maid said was just empty talk he had no other option but to go along with it. First of all lady Xia's cultivation was stronger than his and if she wanted to kill him it would be very easy and she would suffer no consequence. So why would she care about his face or favour.
He didn't know why she stopped but he had no complaints.
"Lord Zhao has offered 72000 spirit stones...any higher bid?" Said Xiao lin'er as she surveyed the crowd with a smile on her face.
Zhao Yumin opened his windows for the second time to survey the crowed and throw his eyes at the windows of the other VIP rooms. This action was an unspoken threat and even though everyone knew this no one could fault him.
Just when he was satisfied with the reaction of the crowd and he came to the conclusion that no one is going to bid and Xiao lin'er was feeling dissatisfied about the situation, they both heard a voice call out "80000"
They turned and saw that the voice came from VIP room 2. Everyone was excited when they heard this voice as they knew the show will continue. Especially Xiao lin'er as from her observation of the people in room 2, she knew they would not bid for something unless they were interested in it. Since the auction started, they had bid on only 3 items and each of them was bought at a ridiculous price. They had not lost any bid so far.
The items were bought by Shi Ruo as per Li Tian's instructions. They weren't for him though. He wanted her to be well equipped.
Zhao Yumin naturally came to the same conclusion as Xiao lin'er and this made him very angry.
'this people are deliberately going against me' he thought then without even closing the window he shouted "82000" and then turned to look at VIP room 2.
He was hoping they would stop but this was not going to happen as he heard another bid
"100000 spirit stones"
Hearing this bid, he knew this people had money to spend so he too gave up.
He closed his window in anger before taking out his phone and sending a message to ask for the details of whoever is in room 2.
"I hope you have a truly powerful background to ignore me this way... otherwise...hehe" as he spoke a light of ruthlessness shone pass his eyes. He was truly enraged over this.