Led by a maidservant, Xiao Yan entered the ongoing auction. As he stepped in, the bright surroundings dimmed, and a cacophony of voices filled his ears, causing him, who preferred tranquility, to frown deeply. The auction hall was vast, easily accommodating hundreds of people. At the center, under the spotlight, stood a beautiful woman in a red dress, her voice sweet and alluring as she explained the functions of the items she held. Her captivating voice caused the price of an item that wasn’t particularly rare to skyrocket at a rapid pace.
Xiao Yan found a secluded spot and quietly sat down, his gaze sweeping over the woman. With his keen eye, he could see that many were here for her. The chief auctioneer of the Mi Tuo Er Auction House, Yaphira, was a well-known beauty in Utarn. Her mature and enchanting allure had many men falling for her.
As Xiao Yan sat quietly, his brows furrowed again. He turned his head slightly, noticing a man not far from him, hidden in the darkness. The man’s eyes were fixed on Yaphira, and his hands moved in a disturbing manner with each of her words. “Damn it!” he muttered, rolling his eyes. This guy was too strong.
Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Xiao Yan shifted his position. He glanced at the stage, noting the woman’s attractive figure, and muttered, “Siren.”
His interest waned as he scanned the item in Yaphira’s hand. He didn’t have enough money to buy something useless, even if it was presented by a beautiful woman. His gaze moved away from her, scanning the auction hall.
“Father?” His eyes suddenly stopped, and he saw a middle-aged man in the front row. He was shocked and puzzled, “Is Father interested in this woman too?”
The strange thought quickly vanished as he noticed his father’s calm demeanor, as if he was waiting for something. “What is Father doing here?” he wondered. His gaze swept again, and he was surprised to see the heads of the two other prominent families, the Galley and Aubba, also present. “There must be something attracting them here!”
Yaphira was indeed a master of setting the mood. Her smiles and laughter would send the prices soaring, and those who bid higher, despite their reluctance, would feel invigorated by her smiles. The atmosphere in the hall remained at a high pitch due to her charming presence.
“Ha ha, everyone, we just received a new auction item. I’m sure you’ll be interested,” Yaphira announced, smiling. She waved her hand, and a servant brought a jade plate with a small white jade bottle on it. “This is a second-grade elixir.”
She carefully picked up the bottle, and the crowd quieted, only to erupt in chatter moments later. Elixirs, crafted by alchemists, were highly sought after in the Dou Qi continent.
“This is the Foundation Strengthening Spirit Liquid, effective only for those below the Dou Shi level. Soaking in this spirit liquid can accelerate the cultivation speed of those below the Dou Shi level. If you want your descendants to become prodigies, don’t miss this,” she said, her voice sweet and alluring.
“Foundation Strengthening Spirit Liquid? It can increase the cultivation speed of Dou Qi? Miss Yaphira, isn’t that level too fragile for elixirs?” Despite her charm, there were still rational people in the crowd, and one of them asked.
“Ha ha, this spirit liquid has been personally appraised by our auction house’s Master Gunny. It’s a second-grade elixir, so there’s no issue. You can rest assured,” Yaphira reassured them.
Mentioning Master Gunny, a second-grade alchemist respected even by the heads of the three major families, quieted the hall. Xiao Yan relaxed, seeing the potential benefit of the spirit liquid. He noticed his father’s face seemed more animated.
A moment of realization touched Xiao Yan, and he felt moved. “Ha ha, the starting price for the spirit liquid is 8000 gold coins. Let’s start the bidding,” Yaphira said, her gaze lingering on the three family heads.
“8500!” a voice called out immediately.
“9000!” another followed.
The bidding continued, and within moments, the price reached 13,000 gold coins. Though his father looked excited, he didn’t bid immediately, waiting for the smaller players to finish.
The bidding slowed, and an old man sitting next to Xiao Zhan said, “20,000!”
The hall fell silent. Some people, realizing they couldn’t compete with the Galley family, sat back in disappointment.
“Hey, Gally Bi, your son is already a Dou Shi. Why are you still after this spirit liquid?” a middle-aged man sneered.
“Aubba Pa, can’t I buy it for my future grandson?” Gally Bi retorted coldly.
“That depends on your luck. Maybe your son will be castrated someday…” Aubba Pa cursed inwardly and bid, “23,000!”
“25,000!” Gally Bi countered.
In less than ten minutes, the price soared to 31,000 gold coins. Suddenly, Xiao Zhan spoke, “40,000!”
The hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to him. Even Aubba Pa and Gally Bi were taken aback by the sudden high bid.
“Ha ha, Chief Xiao seems determined to get this spirit liquid,” Gally Bi laughed.
Xiao Zhan gave him a cold look, “If you want it, bid higher. I won’t budge.”
Gally Bi hesitated, realizing his main goal was not the spirit liquid, but another item. Spending recklessly now would be unwise. Aubba Pa also withdrew, knowing the spirit liquid was not his target.
“Since no one is bidding, the spirit liquid goes to Chief Xiao for 40,000 gold coins,” Yaphira declared, striking the table with her hammer.
In his secluded spot, Xiao Yan chuckled, realizing the high price had come at his father’s expense.
“Ha ha, next, we have our final, most valuable item for the auction!” Yaphira announced, waving her hand. The lights dimmed, and she bent to retrieve a silver tray with an ancient, blue scroll.
The scroll, glowing faintly blue, was very mysterious. “High-grade Xuan level technique: Wind Scroll Technique!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage