Chapter 27: The Auction House

«Lingling, can I ask you something? Do you know where in the city they often sell plant-type spirit seeds?»

After saving money for over two months, it was all about making money to buy resources and then improve his strength. To enhance his power, the first thing he thought of was plant-type spirit seeds.

«There's an auction house on the top floor of the International Trade Center where many spirit seeds and similar items are auctioned. There's actually an auction happening today. I can take you there,» Lingling said as she stood up, gathered her things, and prepared to go out with Qin Chen.

«Hey Lingling, it's not like I don't know where the International Trade Center is. I can go by myself. You've been working hard for two months without a break; you should rest at home,» Qin Chen said sympathetically. Lingling had been with him on every mission for the past two months without any rest, which was tough for a girl under ten years old. He couldn't justify having her take him for something as simple as shopping.

«Hmph, do you think it's that easy to get into the auction house? Without me, you wouldn't even get past the front door,» Lingling said, glancing at Qin Chen while continuing to pack up her computer.

«Auction houses have their rules. Without a certain status, position, or amount of money, they won't let you in. You barely have a billion, and your status and position are lacking. Without me, a master hunter, taking you in, you can forget about entering and bidding,» Lingling said as she slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed for the door.

«So that's how it is!» Qin Chen thought for a moment and then understood, feeling relieved at the same time.

Although his father was the mayor of Lanyang City, he had never used his father's status and never thought of relying on it. So he had no status or position, and his money was even less significant, with savings below a billion.

This world is realistic: those without money and status are not taken seriously. Resources are limited, and with so many magicians vying for them, it's challenging for those without power or background to obtain scarce resources.

That's why many people want to join powerful organizations. Once inside, they gain status and more ways to acquire scarce resources. Not everyone can find resources in the wild like prospectors. Those who can't find resources in the wild and can't get them in the city are the most unfortunate.

«So, you need to take on more missions and complete more bounties to raise your hunter level. Then you won't need me to take you to auctions every time,» Lingling advised earnestly, clearly hinting that doing more bounties during the week would be ideal so she wouldn't have to attend school every day.

Qin Chen also wanted to raise his hunter title, but it wasn't something he could achieve just by wanting to. Over the past two and a half months, Lingling had given all the hunter points to Qin Chen without keeping any for herself. Despite this, he had only just reached the advanced hunter level, far from the master hunter title.

The International Trade Center is one of the most prosperous trade markets in the city. Here, you can find all kinds of scarce resources. Even if the market doesn't have what you need, the top-floor auctions often do. The lower levels mainly deal in common resources, while most true spirit-level resources are controlled and traded on the top floor.

Lingling and Qin Chen arrived at the top floor of the International Trade Center. Compared to the lower floors, this place was much quieter and had fewer people. But everyone who came here was either wealthy or held significant positions; none were ordinary.

«Please show your credentials.»

At the entrance to the auction house, two mid-level magician security guards politely requested.

«We're here for the auction,» Lingling said confidently, showing her master hunter badge. Despite her young and clear voice, she carried an air of authority.

«Please, come in!»

Seeing the master hunter badge, the two guards opened the door politely. As professional security guards, they recognized various types of identity proofs, and the master hunter badge was one of them.

The auction house had many seats but not many people. They found a spot and sat down. The auction had been going on for a while, and the auctioneer was in the middle of auctioning an item.

«This is an exquisite mortal-grade magic item, Swift Boots. Wearing them will make you run as fast as if you were using a level three wind magic spell. It's a rare item that can help you escape danger, catch up with enemies, or leave gracefully. Don't miss this opportunity. The starting price is three million, with each bid not less than one hundred thousand.»

«Three million.»

«Three and a half million.»

«Three point six million.»

«.»

Even though it was just a mortal-grade item, many people were bidding. Most of the attendees came from influential families. Even if they didn't need the item, they could bring it back for their family members. That's why many family members frequently attended various auctions, using extra money to bolster their family's resources.

«Five point six million, sold to number thirty-eight for the Swift Boots.»

«Next, we have a rare spirit seed, Wind Spirit — Light Spirit. It doubles the power of wind magic when used and makes you as light as a swallow, reducing gravity's effect on you and increasing your speed. You all know the value of a wind spirit seed, so I won't elaborate. The starting price is ten million, with each bid not less than fifty thousand.»

«Eleven million.»

«Twelve million.»

«Thirteen million.»

«.»

Compared to mortal-grade items, spirit seeds are much more tempting. Elemental spirit seeds are always in high demand. Whenever they appear, many people compete to buy them. They never fail to sell.

«Twenty million, sold to number one hundred and eight for the wind spirit seed, Light Spirit.»

Although this spirit seed was ordinary, it still sold for above the normal price.

(End of Chapter)