As the guests observed their surroundings, they became more and more in awe of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. Both its architectural style and atmosphere could be regarded as the best on the continent. Even the experienced Dou Emperor couldn't hide their astonishment.
The part that grabbed the most attention was, of course, the auction stage standing proudly in the center of the hall. Made entirely of natural crystal, it was the epitome of luxury and prestige; this Heaven Ascending Pavilion really knew how to flaunt its wealth.
Pill King Gu He turned to Linglong and asked respectfully, "Senior, what's the seat arrangement here?"
As the only sixth-rank alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire, his status was second only to Dou Emperor experts. Some Dou Emperors even owed him favors. He thought it would be below his league to sit with people of low status.
Linglong answered indifferently, "Anyone can sit on the first floor, but to enter the second floor, your assets must reach 20 million. As for the third floor, you need at least 300 million gold worth of wealth."
Listening to her explanation, Pill King Gu He frowned slightly. He initially thought that the seat arrangement would be assigned based on status, but it turned out to be based on wealth. Compared to imperial families and big sects, his total assets were significantly lower, only barely amounting to 60 million gold.
However, he just complained silently in his heart, not daring to show it outwardly. Eventually, he obediently followed the rule set by Heaven Ascending Pavilion.
But to his surprise, as soon as he stepped into the room on the second floor, he was welcomed by an interior as luxurious as a royal palace. Not only that, but a dense wave of Dou Qi also washed over him from every direction. Just by his rough guess, cultivating in this room might increase his cultivation speed by at least five times that of the outside world!
Then, how about the third floor? It might be thirty times more effective!
Gu He's eyes shone with passionate light as realization dawned upon him. No wonder the Heaven Ascending Pavilion could entice mighty figures at the Dou Ancestor realm and make a rank six magical beast their gatekeeper.
Other experts had also arrived and used their spiritual power to probe their surroundings. However, the moment their spiritual senses touched the walls, they felt as if their heads had been struck by a hammer, instantly feeling dizzy and disoriented.
"I didn't expect each item here to have a unique individual imprint. What a terrifying ability," Yan Shi was extremely shocked. "This entity might be capable of more than we originally guessed. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter. Let's see what they can offer." Gu He waved the bone fan in his hand gently, showing a faint smile.
Not long after, the grand hall was finally packed. Those at the Dou Ling realm with only small wealth could only sit on the first floor. There were also Dou Masters who flocked in after hearing the news of a new auction house at Mountain Beast Range but decisively gave up joining the fun after witnessing a group of magical beasts gathering nearby.
After a bout of silence, a golden light flickered above the auction stage, and Linglong suddenly appeared before everyone. With a delicate raise of her slender jade-like fingers, an exquisite box slowly appeared on the display shelf. When the box was opened, a fist-sized, irregularly shaped sharp purple spirit stone was revealed.
Upon seeing what seemed to be an ordinary crystal, everyone started to complain. Such a grand auction house was auctioning off just a piece of purple crystal? "What a joke."
Those who didn't know the world naturally didn't recognize the identity of the item, but the experienced experts in the second-floor box revealed a hint of surprise. The crystal hanging on Yun Yun's chest was getting hotter and hotter, causing her delicate face to flush slightly. She could only press it down gently with her hand.
Staring at the strange crystal in the box with amazement, as a Dou Emperor, she naturally knew what the purple crystal was. Not only her, but Jia Xingtian, President Fa Ma, and others also instantly recognized its identity.
"It's actually the Purple Spirit Crystal that the Amethyst Winged Lion King sheds once every twenty years?!"
This Purple Spirit Crystal could be used to concoct strength-boosting elixirs and was a precious medicinal ingredient. Besides the Amethyst Winged Lion King, no other magical beast in the world could produce the Purple Spirit Crystal. This was why so few people possessed a Purple Spirit Crystal.
"What a great find!" Pill King Gu He licked his lips, eyeing the crystal with a feverish gaze. "This seems to belong to the Amethyst Winged Lion King outside. So, the Heaven Ascending Pavilion also got their hands on this treasure, huh?"
"Old He, are you interested too?" Yan Shi said boisterously.
"Of course." Gu He nodded, a graceful smile adorning his lips. "The Purple Spirit Crystal is something you don't easily stumble upon. Only the Amethyst Winged Lion King can produce it; its preciousness can't be measured in gold coins."
"If no one else bids, this Purple Spirit Crystal should be mine. Those people should know better than to offend a sixth-rank alchemist."
Yan Shi and Feng Li exchanged glances and laughed heartily. Indeed, the influence of a sixth-rank alchemist isn't something an ordinary person can withstand. Even a Dou Emperor had to give him some face.
Linglong carried on, "I believe some of you already know what this is. Yes, this is the Purple Spirit Crystal that the Amethyst Winged Lion King sheds once every twenty years. Carrying it can enhance your training speed. It can also be made into elixirs. It's an indispensable ingredient in certain elixir recipes."
Upon hearing this, the hall suddenly became much quieter, followed by exclamations of surprise. So this is the Purple Spirit Crystal. No wonder it seemed somewhat familiar at first glance. They couldn't help but feel shocked that the first auction item was such a treasure. This was getting interesting. What would the next items be like if the first one was already of such high quality?
Seeing the crowd discussing, Linglong spoke again: "Since everyone knows the value of this Purple Spirit Crystal, the starting bid is 200,000 gold coins."
As soon as this was said, the experts on the first floor waved their hands dismissively. They clearly didn't expect the starting bid for this Purple Spirit Crystal to be so high. If the bidding continued, wouldn't it surpass a million?
"300,000." Pill King Gu He was the first to raise his right hand and bid. Gu He naturally knew that no one would dare to compete with him for something he wanted.
Sure enough, except for the Dou Huang experts, the others chose to withdraw after the sixth-rank alchemist's bid. They didn't want to offend Pill King Gu He over a piece of Purple Spirit Crystal.
Just when Pill King Gu He thought he had it in the bag, President Fa Ma of the Alchemist Association suddenly raised his corresponding number card. "350,000."
Hearing this, Gu He immediately turned to stare at President Fa Ma, his eyes filled with anger. How dare a mere fifth-rank alchemist compete with him? This was like a moth to a flame!
The old master of the Nalan family, Nalan Jie, had a smile on his lips. As expected, alchemists are highly interested in rare treasures and don't want to miss out.
"400,000!" Gu He waved his hand, directly outbidding President Fa Ma.
Jia Xingtian adjusted his glasses and pressed down on President Fa Ma beside him, frowning. "There's no need to continue bidding. The Alchemist Association doesn't need to offend a sixth-rank alchemist."
President Fa Ma sighed and said, "Alright, I'll follow your advice."
Although he really wanted this Purple Spirit Crystal, it wasn't worth offending Pill King Gu He, a sixth-rank alchemist, for a treasure of this level. Besides, Gu He was also backed by the powerful Misty Cloud Sect.