On the crystal platform, the white-haired auctioneer, spittle flying, introduced the ancient and tattered cloth with great enthusiasm, trying his best to elevate its value. Alas, his efforts seemed in vain. As he continued his tedious introduction, some in the audience were growing impatient, and a few with fiery tempers even began to curse. Hearing the lackluster response from the crowd, the auctioneer sighed and shook his head, swallowing to moisten his dry throat. “According to the set price, this tattered cloth starts at one hundred thousand gold coins. Now, let’s begin the auction.”
With the fall of the auctioneer’s voice, the vast auction hall fell silent. Some people cast derisive glances at the stage, wondering who would be foolish enough to spend such an exorbitant amount on something so uncertain. Even if they had the wealth, it wasn’t wise to squander it so recklessly.
Under the shadow of the black robe, eyes fixed intently on the ancient tattered cloth. If not for the hood, anyone could have seen the excitement on his face. Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan suppressed his inner turmoil, knowing that now was not the best time to bid. Any action from him might draw the attention of the powerful factions, and the item might slip into another’s hands. At least, Xiao Yan knew that with his current resources, he could not compete with those forces.
Seeing the silence and the mocking gazes, the white-haired auctioneer sighed again, inwardly cursing the appraisers. Though the cloth was old, it was still just a tattered piece, and the information it held was insufficient to discern its true value. In such an unknown state, even he lacked confidence that it could fetch one hundred thousand gold coins.
After nearly five minutes of silence, the auctioneer finally gave up, about to declare the auction failed when a voice unexpectedly called out, “One hundred and ten thousand…”
The soft voice broke the silence, and countless eyes followed the sound to a black-robed figure near the front. Mutterings of disbelief filled the air. “This guy must be crazy! Spending one hundred and ten thousand on a useless tattered thing?”
Even the powerful factions in the front row turned their curious gazes towards Xiao Yan, wrapped in his black cloak. Fan Ling, the young master of the Blood Sect, furrowed his brow as he observed Xiao Yan, feeling a strange, sensitive awareness towards this mysterious figure.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s first bid, the auctioneer let out a sigh of relief. “The gentleman bids one hundred and ten thousand. Is there anyone willing to increase the bid?”
Hearing the auctioneer’s words, many rolled their eyes. Just then, a cold voice interrupted, “Wait.” The auctioneer froze, looking to see the young master of the Blood Sect, Fan Ling, slowly standing up. He laughed, “Young Master, do you…?”
Ignoring the auctioneer, Fan Ling turned, his cold gaze fixing on the motionless black-robed figure. “Nothing, just a sudden interest. One hundred and thirty thousand.”
Under the black robe, Xiao Yan’s eyes sharpened, his fists clenching under his sleeves. His gaze, through the brim of his hat, fixed on the pale-faced youth, his qi surging like a roaring river in his veins. “Don’t get worked up. Losing your cool will only hurt you,” the voice of the Pharmacist Elder, like a spring thunder, pulled Xiao Yan back from his anger.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan leaned lazily back in his chair, his voice calm. “One hundred and fifty thousand.”
Xiao Yan’s bid caught Fan Ling off guard. Among the solo bidders, Xiao Yan was the first to dare challenge him directly. “Two hundred thousand.”
Fan Ling’s bid drew a concerned look from the elder beside him. While the previous high bid on a flying technique could be understood, this reckless spending was out of character. “Sit down!” Fan Ling snapped, his harsh tone making the elder shiver and retreat.
The sudden bidding war drew confused looks from the audience. No one could fathom why the young master was engaging in such a senseless competition. The auctioneer, however, was grinning, delighted that the seemingly useless item had sparked a bidding war, especially with the wealthy young master of the Blood Sect.
Xiao Yan’s hand trembled slightly as he tried to regain his composure. “Stop competing with him. This will only attract unwanted attention. Fan Ling is likely just testing the waters, but if you persist, the value of the map might be revealed. Other factions might get involved, and with your current resources, you cannot compete with them.”
“What should I do? Let the map slip away?” Xiao Yan gritted his teeth.
“We must obtain the ‘Purifying Lotus Demon Flame.’ These maps are essential, but we must keep it a secret. Public attention on the map could lead to recognition by knowledgeable individuals, which would be disastrous.”
“Let Fan Ling take the map for now, but… that map must eventually be ours,” the Pharmacist Elder said coldly.
“Teacher means to seize it secretly afterward?”
“Indeed. We must obtain that map at any cost, even if it means dealing with the young master of the Blood Sect. For now, don’t show too much interest, or it will raise suspicion.”
Xiao Yan nodded, suppressing his emotions. His cold gaze lingered on Fan Ling, who frowned, unsure if he had misjudged the situation. As the auctioneer closed the deal, Xiao Yan’s twisted smile grew wider. Fan Ling believed he had won, but he was unknowingly signing his own death warrant. Xiao Yan was determined to retrieve the map, no matter the cost, and Fan Ling would pay the price, no matter where he fled.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage