Chapter 640: The Auction Begins
Amid the whispers filling the auction hall, the white-robed elder named Mo Qing looked around, his gaze pausing briefly on the small pavilions. He then cupped his fists and announced, "I bid my greetings. Let us now officially begin today's auction."
"You may have heard of my reputation and know my rules. The auctions I host feature only twenty items. However, I believe the quality of each will satisfy everyone."
Although Mo Qing's tone was a little arrogant, no one disagreed with his words. It seemed that many were indeed aware of his rules.
"Interesting," Xiao Ming smiled. He was eager to see how valuable these twenty items were, especially since even an elite force like the Fire Spirit Clan had sent representatives to participate.
Under the gaze of many expectant eyes, Mo Qing clenched his hand, and a bloody light ball appeared. When he opened his palm, a bloody glow spread out, revealing a chunk of soil about the size of a fist. The soil was a deep red color as if stained with blood. Vaguely, there was an extremely dense stench of blood emanating from it.
When those sitting closer to the front row sniffed this scent, they felt their own aura and blood boiling, and an indescribable feeling surged in their hearts, filling them with the desire to devour this blood-soaked soil.
"Spiritual Blood Paste, originating from the Divine Beast Origin, contains a trace of divine beast essence within its flesh and blood. This Spiritual Blood Paste can be consumed directly, and after consumption, it will greatly benefit the physical body. For those skilled in alchemy, it can even be used to refine Spiritual Blood Pellets, which can help one shed the body and exchange the bones." Master Mo Qing explained with a light smile.
"The starting bid for this item is two million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids!"
A commotion broke out in the entire field.
They had heard of this Spiritual Blood Paste before. It was known as a divine substance for tempering the physical body. It was usually only accessible when the Divine Beast Origin was opened, and the Divine Beast Clans would organize expeditions to collect it. The Spiritual Blood Paste they collected would be used to enhance their own physical bodies, so it was rarely circulated outside.
Currently, it wasn't the time for the Divine Beast Origin to open, so such a large piece of Spiritual Blood Paste was an extremely rare sight. It was estimated to at least double the physical strength of an ordinary expert!
"Two million, one hundred thousand!"
There were many in the crowd interested in the Spiritual Blood Paste, as many experts in this world were keen on forging powerful bodies. Having a strong physique offered advantages in various aspects.
"Two million, two hundred thousand!"
"Two million, three hundred thousand!"
In just a minute, the price of the Spiritual Blood Paste had skyrocketed from two million to three million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids. After that figure was reached, the bidding gradually began to decrease. After all, three million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids was not a small sum, and it was not something an ordinary Sovereign could afford without the backing of a major power.
Finally, the Spiritual Blood Paste was sold for three million two hundred thousand Sovereign Spiritual Liquids to a fierce-looking middle-aged man.
"The second auction item..."
After the bidding ended, another ball of light rose from the white-robed elder's hand Inside the ball of light was a red fiery liquid that looked like magma. Flames flickered within it, emitting an unusually high temperature that raised the entire auction house's temperature!
"This is a Divine Flame Associated Chalcedony. As everyone knows, various powerful flames are naturally born in the world, and this Associated Chalcedony is a treasure that was formed next to these mighty flames after absorbing countless energies. For those who practice fire-based Spiritual Arts, this is a priceless treasure that can enhance their offensive capabilities."
"The starting bid is one million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids."
Countless glances were directed at it. This Divine Flame Associated Chalcedony contained a considerable amount of fire attribute energy, and even absorbing its energy could be of great benefit to one.
Xiao Ming was also somewhat interested in this item, as it could be used to refine medicine.
Inside a luxurious pavilion in the front row, the haughty young man from the Fire Spirit Clan's eyes burned with intensity. When he saw that there was indeed a Divine Flame Associated Chalcedony, he was reassured that the rumors about the Divine Flame were true. He had indeed not come in vain!
"Brother Huo Mo, should we bid for this Associated Chalcedony?" asked a young man of similar age sitting next to him.
The bidding for the Associated Chalcedony had already begun as they spoke.
"One million, one hundred and fifteen thousand!"
"One million, one hundred and thirty-one thousand!"
"..."
The Associated Chalcedony could also be used to enhance one's strength. Therefore, it attracted many bidders and its price quickly rose to about one million five hundred thousand.
At that price, fewer participants were willing to continue bidding.
Upon noticing that the remaining bidders were not from major powers, the haughty young man sneered, "Typical of small factions, they are oblivious to the fact that the Associated Chalcedony enhances the chances of absorbing Divine Flames. It's worth much more than 1.5 million. Bid 3 million for me!"
The white-robed elder watched as the bidding seemed to conclude and was about to declare the winner when he paused.
"Three million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids!"
Surprised glances were cast. They hadn't expected someone from the Fire Spirit Clan to take an interest in such an item.
There were also mocking and sympathetic glances directed at Xiao Ming, who had been the last to bid just before.
These glances seemed to say, "You were outbidding everyone earlier, but now that the Fire Spirit Clan has made their move, the duck that was almost in your hand has flown away, hasn't it?"
Such glances had no effect on Xiao Ming. He could afford three million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids, but spending that much on a chalcedony simply wasn't worth it. Just as he was about to give up, Qing Yanjing's gentle voice rose from beside him.
"Six million Sovereign Spiritual Liquids!"
A gasp filled the room, and everyone was stunned.
Some of them looked at Qing Yanjing as if they were looking at a squanderer.
Spending six million on a piece of Associated Chalcedony just to curry favor with your pretty boy? That's not how money should be spent, right?
Envious, jealous, and resentful glances filled with loathing were directed at Xiao Ming. Damn it, just because he's a bit handsome, why does he get to be with such a wealthy lady?
"This is unnecessary, isn't it? It's too much of a waste of money and it's likely to cause unnecessary trouble," the surrounding stares caused Xiao Ming to stifle a slight cough.
"Don't worry, this lady is not short of Sovereign Spiritual Liquids! As for the trouble, that's for you to deal with, since my strength hasn't recovered yet," Qing Yanjing covered her mouth and giggled.
Huo Mo felt his anger rise as he watched Xiao Ming and Qing Yan Jing's cheerful interaction. He had directly doubled the bid as a clear declaration of his intention to secure the item, yet this couple nonchalantly raised their bid in response, clearly not putting him in their eyes!
When had his Fire Spirit Clan ever been so disregarded?
"Brother Huo Mo, shall we raise the bid again?"
"Hmph, no need! A mere Associated Chalcedony isn't worth the effort. The real prize is the Divine Flame later on. As long as we obtain that, we have plenty of methods to control it within our clan."
Although Huo Mo was angry, he did not let his emotions cloud his judgment.
Following Huo Mo's decision to withdraw, no one else in the auction house made a bid.
When the white-robed elder saw this, he waved his sleeve, and a bell rang throughout the auction house, signaling that the Associated Chalcedony had been successfully sold.