Chapter 146: Who Could Possibly Fall for It Twice in a Row? No Way, Right?
Once they entered the corridor, the light dimmed slightly. After walking all the way to the end and turning a corner, the space suddenly opened up—an enormous auction hall appeared before Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan.
With orderly tiers of seating and a dazzling auction platform constructed almost entirely of sparkling crystal, the sight was truly mesmerizing.
"Miss, may I have your seat number?" asked a graceful young attendant, hurrying over as Xiao Yuan stood there momentarily dazed.
Without answering, Xiao Yuan handed her the black card. When the maid saw the card's color, a flicker of surprise flashed through her eyes, and her demeanor grew even more respectful. She bowed slightly and said softly, "You hold a First-Class VIP card. Please follow me."
With that, she quickly led the way, and Xiao Yuan followed behind with graceful steps.
They weaved through the vast auction hall for nearly ten minutes before arriving at the seats closest to the crystal platform. The attendant gestured with a gentle smile, then bowed and took her leave.
Though the chair looked more luxurious than any high-end sofa, Xiao Yuan wasn't particularly impressed. She walked over and sat down elegantly, placing her hands neatly in her lap.
Xiao Yan stood not far behind her.
Moments later, Xiao Yuan casually turned her head—right in time to meet the gaze of Fan Ling, the Blood Sect's young master.
In response, a flicker of black and white flame danced deep within Xiao Yuan's eyes.
Fan Ling immediately turned his head away and involuntarily shivered, his eyes now filled with fear.
Xiao Yuan calmly retracted her gaze, withdrawing the auto-defensive Heavenly Flame back into her spiritual core. But in her mind, she was already planning how to rob Fan Ling blind.
Why spend your own gold when you can let others buy things for you—then kill and loot?
Nothing beats free profit.
About half an hour later, the sound of a bell chimed crisply through the venue. Xiao Yuan lifted her gaze toward the crystal stage, where an elderly man with white hair—likely the auctioneer—was smiling as he stood on the platform.
"Hehe, I'm sure everyone here has been waiting quite a while. So, let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to business," he said with practiced cheer. His eyes swept subtly across the front rows where the major factions sat. As a seasoned auctioneer, he knew exactly what his audience wanted—and what they didn't.
The straightforward approach earned cheers across the hall—even Fan Ling, typically cold as ice, nodded slightly in approval.
"As one of the biggest annual auctions, our 'Eight Gates' promises this event won't disappoint," the elder continued with a smile. "Let the Black Seal City Auction officially begin!"
At his announcement, the crystal platform burst into dazzling light. Once the glow dimmed, a long, ice-blue sword was displayed on the stand. Under the lighting, its blade shimmered with a cold gleam. Judging by the flowing energy patterns, it was clearly a well-crafted magic core weapon.
"This sword is called 'Cold Edge,' forged from Cold Iron and inlaid with a perfectly embedded tier-3 ice-element magic core. For those who cultivate water or ice elements, this blade will significantly boost their combat strength. A fine weapon is a traveler's best friend—so don't be stingy, folks. Gold's only useful if you live to enjoy it!"
With a flick of the sword, a faint chill rose from the blade, forming wisps of white mist. The old man grinned, "Starting price: 100,000 gold. Bidding is open."
"A magic core weapon…" Xiao Yuan yawned slightly.
Though it matched her element, with her current cultivation speed, she'd outgrow it in a few months. Once she reached Dou Spirit, she could manifest her own weapon from Dou Qi—tougher and more efficient.
Also, a tier-3 ice core? Not impressive.
Of course, her disinterest didn't extend to everyone else. For Dou Zhe, a good weapon was as vital as a cauldron to an alchemist. Bidding erupted across the hall.
After a few minutes of competitive offers, the sword was sold to a skinny man for 150,000 gold. He looked ecstatic.
Following that, a steady stream of armor, Dou Techniques, cultivation methods, and rare ingredients were auctioned—some of which had been consigned by Xiao Yuan.
At one point, even a young girl—probably only twelve or thirteen—was brought onstage. Though young, she was shockingly developed. Her timid expression immediately inflamed the lust of the rough crowd.
With an initial price of 30,000 gold, the bidding quickly soared past 130,000.
Beneath her veil, Xiao Yuan's gaze lowered briefly. After a moment of hesitation, she bid 150,000, ending the auction.
Though it felt like snatching the prize from someone's mouth, when others noted Xiao Yuan's unfathomable aura as a First-Class VIP, they backed off.
No one wanted to offend a mysterious powerhouse over a girl.
Xiao Yan wasn't fazed—he knew his brother wasn't the kind to buy a girl for base reasons. He'd seen how well he treated Qinglian, after all.
Another bell rang. The auctioneer received a silver tray from a maid. On it sat two clear jade bottles, each holding a pale green pill.
Their appearance immediately drew countless gazes. On the Dou Qi continent, pills rivaled techniques in importance—especially those that boosted cultivation.
"Hehe, these are 'Qingling Pills,' well-known for helping peak Dou Shi break through their bottlenecks. These two are tier-two patterned pills—if you're lucky, you might even jump two stars!" the auctioneer announced cheerfully.
Excited murmurs rippled through the hall.
Xiao Yuan wasn't surprised. These pills were dream treasures for peak Dou Shi.
Eventually, Fan Ling bought them for 600,000 gold total—paying through the nose like a proper sucker.
Next came Xiao Yuan's Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pills.
This time Fan Ling held back. A strongman from the Black Skeleton Sect bought them for 480,000 gold.
The auction then slumped. Several items were barely contested, sold after just one bid. The auctioneer winced at his shrinking commission.
But after ten minutes of stagnation, things picked up again. Xiao Yuan straightened in her seat.
On stage, the auctioneer reverently held a scroll made of ancient jade and announced:
"Next, a rare Dou Technique—its production method has been lost to time. A flying Dou Technique: Thunder Bat Sky Wings!"
He unrolled the scroll, revealing miniature black bat wings tinged with faint purple lightning—eerie and arcane.
The room went quiet.
Many didn't understand the value, but members of powerful sects like the Blood Sect and Black Skeleton Sect immediately perked up.
This could give non-Dou Wang the power of flight—a game-changing ability.
The auctioneer explained its value in detail. Even those who had been puzzled now eyed it with burning greed.
"This is a low-level Xuan-rank flying Dou Technique. Starting bid: 1,000,000 gold."
As soon as he finished, Fan Ling stood, his cold eyes scanning the room. Most looked away, intimidated.
"1.3 million!" he barked.
The room buzzed with tension.
A seductive laugh followed. "Such big spending, Young Master Fan Ling. But our Heavenly Snake Mansion is also quite interested. 1.4 million."
Fan Ling's face darkened. He turned to spot several curvy women lounging in fur-lined chairs.
"So, Elder Qing from Heavenly Snake Mansion is here too," Fan Ling said coldly.
"Heavenly Snake Mansion…" Xiao Yuan muttered, remembering the little maid who always called him 'young master.' If there was time, he should ask Elder Qing about Qinglian's current situation.
As the bidding intensified, numbers soared—soon reaching 1.7 million.
"1.9 million!" Fan Ling shouted, his pale face flushed red.
Elder Qing chuckled, then gave up. "Such wealth, Young Master. I hope you have enough left for the finale."
"Hmph."
Fan Ling sneered and turned back to the stage. The auctioneer, dazed by the drama, almost forgot to continue.
Just as he raised the hammer…
"Two million," a cool, commanding voice said.
Fan Ling's head snapped toward Xiao Yuan, eyes brimming with killing intent—as if trying to burn through her veil with his glare.
Xiao Yuan didn't even flinch.
Heh. Just a shadowy, cold-attribute Dou Spirit. She wouldn't even need her sealed power to beat him into the ground.
"2.1 million!" Fan Ling growled.
Xiao Yuan stayed silent.
And then it hit Fan Ling.
Damn it—he got baited into bidding again!?
With the hammer's fall, the Thunder Bat Sky Wings were his—but Fan Ling's face was pitch-black with fury.
He had spent 3.3 million gold before the finale had even started.
Now, he was basically out of the game.
(END CHAPTER)
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