The Bold Feng Monarch . . .
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but grin as he observed the frenzied bidding at the auction. His expression reflected a mixture of delight and disbelief, mirroring the sentiments of many others in attendance.
Wan Zhenghao, the auctioneer, was gripping his own leg so tightly that he felt the pain, but his joy was overwhelming. He was on the verge of shouting out in sheer exhilaration.
He thought to himself, "My god! This is the easiest money I've ever made! It's even easier than robbing someone!"
Meanwhile, Bing Xinyue, who typically regarded money in the Land of Han-Yang with indifference, couldn't help but be amazed by the astronomical figures being thrown around. She couldn't contain her astonishment and remarked, "Money really doesn't mean much to me, but these prices are mind-boggling."
Wenren Chuchu, on the other hand, had a more complex perspective. She bit her lip, her pretty teeth sinking into the soft flesh, and let out a sigh. "You're absolutely right. This is incredibly easy money. It almost makes me want to curse Feng Zhiling."
Bing Xinyue was initially taken aback but quickly grasped the underlying issue. Ling-Bao Hall had pledged its support to the Kingdom of Chen, and a significant portion of the auction's proceeds would benefit the kingdom. This windfall would provide the Kingdom of Chen with billions of taels for military purposes.
Most importantly, these funds would be directed towards the ongoing war, particularly in the conflict against the Kingdom of Lan-Feng, Wenren Chuchu's homeland. Money was the lifeblood of warfare, essential for maintaining soldiers, weapons, supplies, and more.
Wenren Chuchu understood the critical role of finances in determining the outcome of a war. She knew that the side with more resources and funding had a substantial advantage. Soldiers needed to be fed, clothed, and provided for, and weapons required constant maintenance and repair—expenses that were all covered by money.
In the Kingdom of Chen, Ling-Bao Hall had become a formidable money-making machine, and Wenren Chuchu was convinced that, with the proceeds from this auction, the Kingdom of Chen could easily sustain its war effort for at least a decade. They might even implement tax exemptions to garner support from their citizens.
However, the situation was different for the Kingdom of Lan-Feng. The financial gap between the two kingdoms was becoming increasingly apparent, and it posed a significant challenge in their ongoing conflict.
Cha Eun Xiao and his allies had already depleted more than half of their treasury when they sought support from potential allies. Now, as they watched the mind-boggling success of the auction, they realized that their financial situation was becoming increasingly dire.
Eun Xiao estimated that the money generated from this auction alone would exceed 120 billion taels, with the Kingdom of Chen claiming 60 billion in accordance with Ling-Bao Hall's declaration. The enormity of this figure weighed heavily on their minds, as it had the potential to disrupt the balance of power.
Wenren Chuchu, a disciple of Bing Xinyue and the princess of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng, couldn't help but close her eyes in despair. She visualized the money not as currency but as weapons of war—knives, swords, and spears that would ultimately be used against their people.
Bing Xinyue sighed deeply, understanding the grave implications of this financial windfall.
As Lady Wan-Er and Master Bai discreetly departed the scene, they left behind an auction that had achieved unparalleled success, solidifying its place as a legendary event in the Land of Han-Yang.
Cha Eun Xiao was shocked when Wan Zhenghao excitedly delivered the news that the auction had yielded a staggering 145.08 billion taels. He couldn't fathom how the figure had such an unusual "eighty million" ending, but the reality was undeniable. It was a historic and astonishing achievement.
Realizing the magnitude of their success, Cha Eun Xiao exclaimed, "Oh my god..."
Wan Zhenghao, jubilant with the outcome, declared proudly, "I swear, in history, no other auction has ever made more money than this one! And none ever will! This auction is a unique historical event!"
Cha Eun Xiao, while acknowledging the significance of their accomplishment, couldn't help but recall another matter. He inquired about the five billion taels from the Sunlight Sect, wondering if Master Bai had left it for them.
To Eun Xiao's surprise, Wan Zhenghao responded, "No."
Furious, Cha Eun Xiao vented his anger, "Bastard! He took our money, five billion taels! That's too much! I won't forget this. Just wait and see! How dare you take my money!"
Wan Zhenghao stood stunned, unsure of how to respond to Eun Xiao's outburst.
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback by the notion that the five billion taels might belong to them. He couldn't comprehend the idea and found it rather absurd.
Nonetheless, he recognized that the overwhelming success of the auction was primarily due to Master Bai's support and presence. Master Bai's involvement had transformed the event into a remarkable and highly profitable occasion. Without him, Cha Eun Xiao believed that they would have been fortunate to make half the amount they had earned.
Cha Eun Xiao also acknowledged Master Bai's generosity in not claiming a share of the auction proceeds. The thought of coveting Master Bai's earnings seemed preposterous to him.
Wan Zhenghao, struck by a sudden realization, couldn't help but gasp. He marveled at Eun Xiao's boldness and audacity, comparing it to the enormity of his own physique.
As the auction concluded, Cha Eun Xiao departed with a substantial sum of money, leaving behind a crowd of attendees who had never expected the prices to soar so dramatically. Many of them had not brought enough money to cover their purchases, but Ling-Bao Hall provided a solution by accepting pledges of special medical materials, treasures, and unique metal materials in exchange for funds. While the terms were not entirely favorable, as the pledged items were valued at slightly below their market worth, Ling-Bao Hall's willingness to accept these assets was seen as a generous gesture. This arrangement proved beneficial for both the guests making pledges and Ling-Bao Hall itself, which earned a significant profit despite a relatively modest profit margin.