Chapter One Hundred And Seventy One - We attend the Grand Auction

"And for our next lot..."

The Grand Auction was held within the Dome of Prosperity, a building shaped as ostentatiously as its name. This was naturally located in New Julip. One who wished to enter would walk up ten stone steps and walk through two gilded columns just to reach the heavy wood doors that were as tall as three great men were they to be standing upon the shoulders of their fellows. These heavy wood doors were naturally guarded by such men, who could intimidate most of those wishing to sell or to purchase or who simply came for a little entertainment.

The employees within the reception area were arrogant, but not offensively so. There was a balance finely pointed, allowing cliental to know that while they welcomed their business, they did not welcome any trouble from them. They were employed by the influential and highly prosperous Elysium Night Trading Company, thus they should be respected as such, for only those with excellent qualities could seek work beneath this towering umbrella. In addition, the guards outside and within were not just for show.

"...this intermediate grade scimitar named Silver Flame, by its creator. Many of you know, I am sure, of Blacksmith Dalis Cam Lo...

The large hall in which the Grand Auction was taking place was segregated into the common seats, in which those with ordinary and bronze invitations could sit (the latter gaining the front seats, while everyone else was forced to make the best of it behind). Then there was the balcony seats in which those blessed with silver invitations could enjoy the show and then there were those with gold invitations who claimed the V.I.P boxes. They naturally had the best views and could see each treasure in detail, as well as be served with drinks and maintain some anonymity by having employees speak for them. In addition, their seats were the most comfortable being cushioned sofas with plush padding for their noble bottoms.

Leon, Jin Li and Ursam were not in these very exclusive seats.

"...this weapon is one forged by one of his finest apprentices."

Leon couldn't really see the weapon in question very well, Ursam's invitation was an ordinary one. So to him, the auctioneer was simply displaying a curved sword, not very interesting. Jin Li's eye's were sharper and his height gave him an advantage over his small lover, so he could see the sword in more detail. That saying, while it was attractive, he felt that it was a kin to a flower vase; not very useful in reality.

"Do I have bid of 500 silver?"

Ursam yawned beneath his hand. He'd experienced many auctions over the years, although it had been a long time since he'd been buying things from one. He understood the score, though. In a good atmosphere, one could be swept away by the tides and bid way more than the item for sale was worth. However, that did not mean that there was not a bargain to be had on occasion. Regardless, he'd lost a lot of money in his youth to clever auctioneers. He was older and wiser now (and also had a wife with a strong grip and discerning eye) so he knew better than to throw away his money on a whim.

"Sold to the young gentleman for 750 silver!"

Opening one eye, Ursam inwardly congratulated the savvy purchaser. Although the sword was really just an ornate piece, its quality was still equal to an average scimitar and those could sell for roughly 800 to 900 silver. The boy got himself a deal here.

"And next we have..."

"How many lots before the pills," Jin Li asked, testily. He'd been dragged here thanks to his small alchemist's enthusiasm. Leon had never been to an auction and wanted to attend one. Jin Li had been to a few with his father. Certain auctions seconded as social gatherings, wonderful places to make connections or exchange insults with those families who had feuds with their own. He felt that they interfered with the time he could spend cultivating or practicing martial arts. And now they interfered with the time his small alchemist should be paying him attention!

"Ah, the first pills should be in the next lot. The auctioneers decided to sell a few of both Smouldering and Bursting Energy Pills in the first lot, to gauge enthusiasm," Ursam told him. He'd been the one to approach the Trading company with the pills, allowing Leon to remain behind the scenes. This, at least, met with Jin Li's approval.

Sure enough, after the hammer fell and the jade bracelets were removed ready to be later given to their new owner, the auctioneer introduced the pills; "This lot consists of two jade bottles, each containing five pills. However, these pills are no ordinary pills. We are greatly excited to introduce the first new pills to be discovered in nearly two hundred years!"

Immediately, the hushed whispers amongst the crowd rose in volume to a roar and many even rose from their seats, trying to get a better look at the two bottles. Leon, in contrast, shyly sank deeper into his seat, his face reddening. Was his discovery really that great? Jin Li caught sight of his small alchemist's retreating form and a smug grin once more appeared upon his face. As he gazed over the enthusiastic reactions of the crowd, he grabbed Leon's hand and entwined their fingers. Leon's blush deepened further, coupled with a sweet smile, his jet eyes lighting up with tiny stars.

No one noticed, with the exception of one lewdly grinning individual, as everyone was too intent on finding out more about these pills.

"In addition, unlike the last handful of newly discovered pills, which were all made of very rare and difficult to purchase ingredients, these pills are likely to become much more accessible in the future. Now while we do not know the recipe or techniques used to make these pills, this auctioneer has been informed that they were developed when studying the simple Burning Energy Pill." The enthusiastic whispers began to dim; the Burning Energy Pill was common after all and only effective for those on the initial steps of cultivation. The auctioneer was not concerned, however and explained instead the abilities of the Smouldering Energy Pills and Bursting Energy Pills.

Leon had never expected the initial fervour, so felt a bit relieved when calm began to descend once more, although there was a tiny bit of disappointment which was quickly followed by resignation. Jin Li tutted beneath his breath and squeezed Leon's hand warmly. As long as he knew of Leon's excellence, what did these peons matter?

Ursam was more aware that while indeed there were many who were dismissive of the new pills, there were several eyes still keenly trained on the two jade bottles. These eyes likely belonged to collectors (for who wouldn't want to claim to own the first ever produced pills of a new vein, even if they were variations of a common pill... alas they wouldn't know that the prototypes were actually in Ursam's hands) but also to alchemists who would want to break down the components of these pills, discover their secrets and reproduce them. There could also be sect representatives, who would consider these pills a good thing for their talented, fresh Cultivators.

An ordinary Burning Energy Pill sold for just 250 brass coins, thus ten should never sell more than 3 silver.

"Who will give me an initial bid of say 5 silver?"