As the jade pendant was placed on the stage by an elegant attendant, every gaze in the Immortal Terrace Auction hall locked onto it. Its origins were unknown, and speculation filled the room.
Elder Wan, the auctioneer, stood tall on the stage, his expression flushed with excitement. The previous auctions had been remarkably successful, and each sale added a hefty commission to his pocket. This time, he felt particularly pleased with himself.
"This item," Elder Wan began, lifting the ornate box slightly, "is a mysterious jade pendant said to be left behind by a powerful, enigmatic figure. While its exact purpose remains unclear, our appraisers have confirmed that it is no ordinary artifact."
His voice carried a hint of embarrassment, as presenting an item without a known function was a rare misstep for an auction of this caliber. The unknown nature of the pendant would undoubtedly harm its value.
As expected, whispers of disinterest swept through the crowd.
"What's the point of buying something even the Immortal Terrace can't identify?" someone murmured.
"Exactly! If they don't know what it does, how are we supposed to know? Waste of spirit stones," another chimed in.
Elder Wan pressed on despite the lukewarm reception. "The starting bid for this pendant is 2,000 spirit stones. Bidding is now open."
His tone betrayed his lack of confidence. He only hoped to avoid the humiliation of a failed auction.
The room remained mostly silent, with only a few curious onlookers debating whether to bid for the novelty of it.
From his vantage point in the top-tier suite, Qin Tian observed the disguised Ye Chen with a faint smile. Despite Ye Chen's outward calm, the subtle tension in his expression revealed his inner struggle.
This pendant clearly meant a great deal to him. The idea of acquiring such a valuable artifact at a bargain price was undoubtedly exhilarating for the reborn protagonist.
Qin Tian, however, had already discerned the pendant's true nature.
It was a Heavenly Sovereign Jade, an artifact crafted by a Heavenly Sovereign using their own blood essence and rare materials. The pendant held traces of the Heavenly Sovereign's vitality, making it an exceptional treasure for body refinement cultivators. With prolonged use, it could greatly enhance one's life force and physical strength.
"Lingxian," Qin Tian said with an effortless smile, "bid on that pendant for me. Consider it a gift."
Ji Lingxian froze momentarily, her cheeks flushing. Qin Tian, the enigmatic and unattainable figure she admired, wanted her to bid on something for him?
Her mind raced. Was this a sign that he held some affection for her?
The thought made her heart flutter wildly, but she quickly composed herself under Qin Tian's serene gaze.
Blushing furiously, she raised her voice, startling the auction hall. "10,000 spirit stones!"
The entire room fell silent.
Elder Wan's eyes lit up with delight. The pendant, which he had feared might sell for its base price or not at all, had suddenly received a substantial bid.
Downstairs, Ye Chen's expression darkened.
"Lingxian?" he muttered under his breath.
Her bid didn't surprise him too much—after all, in his past life, Ji Lingxian had also purchased the pendant. But back then, she had paid a modest amount, claiming she bought it simply because she found it aesthetically pleasing.
Why, then, was she bidding so aggressively this time?
Ye Chen's brows furrowed in confusion. Something about this situation felt off.
"12,000 spirit stones!" Ye Chen called out, his voice disguised to match his rugged appearance.
Elder Wan, hearing the bid, beamed with excitement. "12,000 spirit stones! Do I hear any higher bids?"
"30,000," Ji Lingxian's soft yet firm voice rang out again.
The crowd gasped at the sudden leap in price. Ji Lingxian's confidence in bidding such a high amount without hesitation left many in awe.
For Ji Lingxian, the price didn't matter. If Qin Tian wanted it, she would ensure he had it, no matter the cost.
Ye Chen's face darkened further. He hadn't expected the bidding to escalate so quickly.
"This doesn't make sense," he thought. "In my past life, Lingxian barely showed any interest in this pendant. Why is she suddenly so intent on acquiring it?"
Was it possible she had lied to him in the past about her reasons for buying it? No, that didn't align with her character—or at least the character he remembered.
Still, the pendant was too crucial for Ye Chen to let go. It was the key to awakening his War God Physique, the foundation of his rise to power.
"35,000 spirit stones," Ye Chen called out, his voice tight.
Though he had over 100,000 spirit stones at his disposal, they were allocated for various critical purposes. Spending too much on a single item would throw his plans into disarray.
He gritted his teeth. "I can't lose this pendant, no matter the cost. But I must tread carefully."
From above, Qin Tian watched the escalating drama with an amused expression.
"Ah, the struggles of a protagonist," he thought.
Ji Lingxian's unwavering determination and Ye Chen's growing frustration painted a scene that Qin Tian thoroughly enjoyed.
The pendant itself was of no real value to him, but as a tool to disrupt Ye Chen's plans and weaken his resolve, it was priceless.