Chapter 54: The Auction Gambit

Light had always been intrigued by the allure of high society, but he had never imagined himself being part of it. That all changed when Zhao Manyan, a friend from Pearl Institute, casually mentioned the idea of attending an auction at the National Trade Center. Light knew this wasn't just any auction — it was a chance to explore the world of high-stakes trading, where the rarest magical items and tools were exchanged for astronomical sums of money. So, when the weekend arrived, Light and Zhao Manyan set off to the National Trade Center together.

The National Trade Center was an imposing building, shimmering under the sunlight with its towering structure. Its design was sleek and modern, making it one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Light could feel a sense of excitement bubbling in him as they approached the grand entrance.

They took an elevator up to the top floor, where the auction hall was located. It was exclusive and shrouded in mystery, a place few could access without the right credentials. Light wasn't the kind of person who usually hung out in such circles, but Zhao Manyan, being the son of a wealthy family, easily secured a pass for both of them.

"This auction hall is very exclusive," Zhao Manyan explained as they stepped out of the elevator and into the ornate lobby. The walls were lined with velvet and gold, and the air smelled faintly of jasmine. "Either you spend a lot of money for a membership here, or you have to obtain a certain level of background. You need to be the rank of a Hunter Master to have the qualifications to come here. Other powers, or families, require a certain position for it."

Light nodded as they walked towards the main auction room. He could already feel the wealth and power dripping from the very air around him. There were no ordinary people here, only the elite, those who had money to spend or rare items to sell. Zhao Manyan continued, his voice dropping a bit as they approached the entrance.

"According to what I've heard, the prices of all the things at the auction today will exceed 5 million RMB!" Zhao Manyan whispered, his tone betraying a hint of excitement.

Light smirked, unfazed by the figure. He had something far more valuable in mind. "If I have something I want to sell, where do I go?" he asked casually.

Zhao Manyan raised an eyebrow. "What do you want to sell?"

"Warrior-level Soul Essence," Light replied, not bothering to hide his intentions. He needed Zhao Manyan's connections to get his item onto the auction list, and there was no point in beating around the bush.

Zhao Manyan's eyes widened in shock. "Damn, you sure have some freaking luck. You even have a Warrior-level Soul Essence?"

Light shrugged nonchalantly, but inside he was proud. He had acquired the essence after a particularly dangerous encounter with a Scale Skin Phantom Mother, a rare and powerful beast. The battle had been fierce, but the reward had been worth it.

"Let's go," Zhao Manyan said, a grin spreading across his face. "I'll help you add your Soul Essence onto the auction list. It'll definitely be sold for a good price!"

Light followed Zhao Manyan, his heart racing a bit. He had never sold something this valuable before, and he was curious to see just how much it would go for. They headed towards the Appraisal Hall, where items were verified and added to the auction list. The hall was filled with various items, all neatly arranged on pedestals for inspection. Zhao Manyan disappeared inside, while Light waited outside, anticipation building in his chest.

After a short while, Zhao Manyan emerged with a smug look on his face. "Normally, once the auction list is made, it can't be altered. But the bidding for a Warrior-level Soul Essence is even more ferocious than a Spirit Seed. The organizing party instantly added your item to the list."

Light felt a surge of excitement. This was really happening.

"I let the old master appraise it," Zhao Manyan continued. "He said that this kind of parasitic Soul Essence is very special. The Scale Skin Phantom Mother's Soul Essence that you're auctioning will be worth 20 million or more for sure. If it generates a fight between large forces, then it wouldn't be a problem for it to reach even 25 million."

Light's heart skipped a beat. 25 million! That was a fortune, even by the standards of the magic world. He had struck gold, and now he just had to wait for the bidding to begin.

Inside the auction hall, the atmosphere was tense with excitement. The attendees were all dressed in luxurious outfits, their faces calm but their eyes sharp, like hawks scanning for prey. Many of the items being auctioned were things Light had never even heard of, but each seemed more intriguing than the last. Magical Equipment and Magic Tools were displayed on the stage, their intricate designs shining under the spotlights.

Magic Equipment and Magic Tools were fundamentally different, as Zhao Manyan explained in a whisper. "Magic Equipment can link itself to the soul. Once activated, it can transform into battle equipment, while Magic Tools are mostly supplementary, providing nourishing effects or passive enhancements. They can't be activated like Magic Equipment."

One of the items that particularly caught Light's eye was the Poison Fire Ring. It was a Magic Tool that added a poisonous effect to all of the caster's Fire Magic. The potential it held was enormous. Light's Fire Element was already formidable, but with the ring's enhancement, it would become truly deadly. He decided he had to have it.

When the Poison Fire Ring came up for auction, the bidding started at 20 million RMB. The room buzzed with energy as the bids quickly rose, with various wealthy individuals vying for the powerful item. Light remained calm, biding his time until the bidding slowed. When the price reached 30 million, he raised his paddle.

"35 million RMB," Light said firmly.

There was a brief pause as the room turned to look at him. Clearly, they hadn't expected someone his age to bid so aggressively. After a moment, the auctioneer's hammer came down.

"Sold! The Poison Fire Ring goes to the young gentleman for 35 million RMB!"

Light smiled. It was a hefty sum, but he knew it was worth it. With the Poison Fire Ring in his possession, his Fire Magic would become a force to be reckoned with.

As the auction continued, the next item caught everyone's attention. The auctioneer, an elegant woman with a commanding presence, waved her hand, signaling for the next treasure to be brought to the stage.

"The next item being sold is one that cut the lines. Don't be anxious everyone, this line cutting item will definitely be something you will need," she announced, her voice smooth and confident.

A girl stepped onto the stage, carrying a small container. The auctioneer smiled knowingly. "Look at this container. I believe everyone should already know what we're auctioning off this time?"

The crowd murmured in anticipation.

"Soul Essence!" someone shouted from the back.

"What level of Soul Essence?" another voice called out. "If it's the Servant level, then it's too unsuitable for this place!"

The auctioneer chuckled, enjoying the suspense. She waited for a few moments before continuing. "This is a Warrior-level Soul Essence! It came from a Parasitic-type Magical Beast. The starting price is 15 million RMB!"

Light watched with bated breath as the bidding began. He knew this was his item on the stage, and now it was just a matter of how high the price would go.

The bids rose quickly, with several powerful individuals eager to get their hands on the rare Soul Essence. 20 million… 25 million… The numbers kept climbing, and Light felt a rush of exhilaration. The crowd was hungry for the Soul Essence, and it seemed like they were willing to pay almost any price for it.

In the end, the Soul Essence was sold for a staggering 30 million RMB.

Light could hardly believe it. In a matter of minutes, he had earned a fortune. But as the excitement washed over him, he realized that he had spent 35 million RMB on the Poison Fire Ring. It was a bittersweet victory — he had gained an incredible item but had also parted with more money than he had expected.

After the auction ended, Light and Zhao Manyan left the National Trade Center, their pockets lighter but their spirits high. Light couldn't stop thinking about his plans for the future. With the Poison Fire Ring and the money from the auction, he was in a good position to strengthen himself further.

"In the next semester, I think I'll move out," Light said as they walked. He didn't want to stay in the dorms anymore. With all the secrets he held, it was too risky to remain in such a public place. He needed a more independent space where he could cultivate without fear of being discovered.

The semester was drawing to a close, and there were no examinations this time. The real challenge would come next semester, when the Main Campus examination took place. It was said to be a straight-up Magic War, where the students would have to fight each other to prove their strength.

Light knew he had made enemies during his time at Pearl Institute. Whispers of an Anti-Light Society had reached his ears, a group of students who resented his rapid rise in power and influence. When the time came for the examination, they would undoubtedly target him. But Light wasn't worried. He had faced worse threats before, and he was more than ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they returned to the school, Light couldn't help but smile. His future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: he was on the path to greatness, and nothing would stand in his way.