Chapter 101 Shopping
Just then, a clear phoenix cry rang out.
Golden-red flames suddenly erupted from Ma Hongjun, shooting into the sky. Thankfully, Ye Chen hadn't brought Ma Hongjun into his home, otherwise, the house would definitely have been burnt to a crisp.
After consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Ma Hongjun still looked a bit chubby, but the fat on his body had clearly shrunk a size, and he seemed much more energetic.
Moreover, the mohawk-style red hair on his head had grown several times longer, now reaching his back. Flames swirled all over his body, and a phoenix pattern faintly appeared behind him, as if he had been reborn through nirvana.
At this moment, Ma Hongjun no longer had a trace of his usual lewdness. He cried out to the sky, exuding a grandeur that seemed to swallow mountains and rivers.
The pressure from the Phoenix, the king of birds, made the surrounding air noticeably heavier.
"Not bad, not bad. This is a Fire Phoenix! The previous Evil Fire Phoenix was just like a common chicken; what kind of Phoenix was that?!"
Looking at the noble Fire Phoenix Spirit radiating from Ma Hongjun's back, Ye Chen nodded in satisfaction.
Ma Hongjun was already a Level 29 Spirit Grandmaster, not far from breaking through to Level 30. After consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, due to the lack of a third spirit ring, his spirit power level was stuck at Level 30, a quasi-Spirit Elder.
However, once he attached his third spirit ring, the spirit power level increase from the Immortal Herb's medicinal effects would still manifest.
"So hot, but so good!"
Ma Hongjun shouted, taking a deep breath. The golden-red flames around his body immediately converged into threads towards his mouth, disappearing in a moment.
"Brother Chen, Little Ao, my fire seems to have changed. It feels much purer than before. Did you two feel the domineering aura in my flames?"
Feeling his transformative change, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but become smug.
"Pfft~, Fatty, you call that a domineering aura? Isn't it a turtle's aura?!"
Oscar couldn't help but laugh, mocking Ma Hongjun.
"Damn it, Little Ao, if I don't give you a lesson, you won't know how many eyes Grandpa Ma has!"
Ma Hongjun said to Oscar with a displeased expression.
"Fatty, go wash up quickly. You stink terribly."
Ye Chen pointed at the stains on Ma Hongjun's body.
Under the powerful medicinal effects of the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, a lot of black impurities seeped out of Ma Hongjun's body. Baked by the high temperature, they had now turned into caked mud, and it emitted a foul odor.
Hearing this, Ma Hongjun looked down and only then noticed his body covered in grime, which was extremely uncomfortable and sticky. He quickly ran out to clean himself.
...
After sending the two away, Ye Chen returned to the house, preparing to cultivate.
"Brother, I'm so bored. I haven't gone shopping in a long time. We've been in Heaven Dou City for a while, let's go for a stroll, okay?"
Xiao Wu pulled Ye Chen's arm, shaking it vigorously.
"Alright, you call Zhuqing, and we'll go together."
After thinking for a moment, Ye Chen agreed.
Since coming to Heaven Dou City, Ye Chen had been staying at Shrek Academy, cultivating. He had only gone out once before when he took a liking to Dugu Bo's Immortal Herbs in his medicinal garden.
Thinking that there was nothing important today, taking Xiao Wu out for a stroll wouldn't hurt.
However, Xiao Wu was his girlfriend, and Zhu Zhuqing was also his girlfriend. He had to treat them equally and couldn't show favoritism.
"Yay~!"
Hearing Ye Chen agree, Xiao Wu jumped three feet high, skipping and hopping to find Zhu Zhuqing.
Watching Xiao Wu freely express herself, Ye Chen shook his head helplessly.
Don't let Xiao Wu's maidenly appearance fool you; her temperament was much like a child's, very mischievous.
On the Douluo Continent, there was a type of rabbit Spirit Beast, scientifically known as the Mischievous Rabbit, the most mischievous type of rabbit. Ye Chen secretly wondered if Xiao Wu might have Mischievous Rabbit genes.
...
Shrek Academy itself was located within Heaven Dou City. Not far from the academy was the busiest central street in Heaven Dou City.
The dazzling array of goods in the shops along both sides of the street greatly stimulated Xiao Wu's desire to buy. She bought everything she liked.
Zhu Zhuqing, on the other hand, had a more aloof personality. Although she enjoyed shopping, she bought far fewer things than Xiao Wu, showing the demeanor of a virtuous wife and good mother.
Fortunately, all three had storage spirit tools; otherwise, they definitely wouldn't have been able to carry everything.
However, despite buying many things, they were all inexpensive trinkets. For Ye Chen, who was not short on money, it was just a drop in the bucket.
On the Douluo Continent, as long as an item was not related to a Spirit Master, its price was generally not high.
"Brother, what is that place over there?"
Suddenly, Xiao Wu pointed to a dome-shaped building ahead and asked.
The building looked very peculiar, perfectly round, like half a sphere placed on the ground.
There was no nameplate on it, only a hammer symbol.
This half-sphere on the ground was entirely milky white, with an estimated diameter of nearly five hundred meters and a maximum height exceeding eighty meters. Its architectural scale was almost comparable to the Great Spirit Arena in some large cities.
"This should be the Tian Dou Great Auction House, right?"
Looking at the hammer symbol on the top of the building, Ye Chen knew that it wasn't a forging hammer, but an auction hammer.
This was the central area of Heaven Dou City, where land prices were extremely high. If it were in a later era with advanced spirit tool technology, this might be possible, but now, which blacksmith's shop could have such a large scale?
"Auction house? Brother, Zhuqing, shall we go take a look?"
Hearing it was a grand auction house, Xiao Wu, who loved to join in on the fun, immediately wanted to go in and investigate.
"As you wish, but it's getting late. Let's have dinner first and then go."
Ye Chen stroked the rabbit ears on Xiao Wu's head.
"Hmph, don't touch my ears in public~"
Xiao Wu slapped away Ye Chen's 'wolf's paw'.
"Alright, alright, I'll touch them when we get back!"
Ye Chen indicated that this was fine.
Zhu Zhuqing, hearing Ye Chen's words and recalling how much Ye Chen also liked to stroke her tail, couldn't help but blush.
"Huh? Zhuqing, why are you blushing?"
Ye Chen looked at Zhu Zhuqing with a curious expression.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't say anything, just rolled her eyes at Ye Chen.
...
After finding a restaurant for dinner, Ye Chen took Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing to the Tian Dou Great Auction House.
By then, night had fallen. As they got closer, Ye Chen saw four tall young women standing at the main entrance of the Tian Dou Great Auction House, serving as greeters.
These four young women were clearly carefully selected. Not only were they all around 1.75 meters tall, but their figures were also extremely well-proportioned. Although they couldn't be called stunning beauties, they were quite attractive, and they looked no older than twenty.
Seeing Ye Chen and the two women walk straight towards them, one of them came forward and bowed slightly to the three: "Sirs and madam, is there anything we can help you with?"
"Take us inside to look around!"
Ye Chen said.Chapter 102 I am a man of principles!
"Excuse me, three guests, may I ask if you have auction qualification certification?"
The young girl asked with a smile. Although Ye Chen and the two looked well-dressed, the auction house had its rules and thresholds. Those who didn't meet the threshold weren't qualified to enter.
If you have money, you are a guest. No money? Then go die!
"Auction qualification certification? What is that?"
Xiao Wu was stunned. This broken rule had quite a lot of requirements?
"Only guests with auction qualification certification can enter the auction house to participate in bidding.
The qualification certification is divided into several different levels, and the entry threshold is ten thousand gold coins.
That is to say, you need to have proof of assets of ten thousand gold coins to participate in the auction. This is set to prevent malicious bidding, and we ask for your understanding.
Additionally, at this time, the auction house is holding a premium auction, which requires buyers with a deposit of over one million gold coins to participate."
The young girl bowed slightly and explained to Xiao Wu.
"You have no discernment at all. Do I look like someone who is short on money?"
Being doubted about his 'cash' ability, Ye Chen was a bit displeased, but he also understood that the auction house indeed needed an entry threshold. He immediately pulled out a large stack of gold coin cards, each with a face value of one hundred thousand gold coins, from his spirit tool.
This stack of gold coin cards easily exceeded a million.
Although his system's favored son did not provide the function of converting gold coins into gold coin cards, this did not mean that Ye Chen had no way of obtaining them.
These gold coin cards were all exchanged by Ye Chen at the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce in Soto City, precisely for the convenience of large transactions in the future.
"Excuse me, please forgive the esteemed guests!"
Looking at the gold coin cards in Ye Chen's hand, the Server understood that this young man was definitely not short on money!
"Alright, lead the way ~"
Ye Chen nodded and put the gold coin cards back into his spirit tool.
The first-floor hall of the Tian Dou Great Auction House, although huge in area, did not have auction functions. The auction venue was located on the second floor.
Before going upstairs, the Server explained many of the Tian Dou Great Auction House's rules to the three and, for the safety of the distinguished guests, provided three masks.
Originally, Ye Chen and the two had disguise necklaces that could change their appearance at will, so they didn't need to wear masks. However, with so many people around, it was inconvenient for the three to directly change their appearances.
The Server accompanied the three all the way to the entrance of the auction center before turning to leave. There were other Servers at the auction.
However, compared to the Server who led the way earlier, the Servers at the auction were dressed a bit more 'scantily clad'.
They also wore white clothing and dresses, but the feeling they conveyed was completely different.
These Servers were also about the same height as the previous Server, but their figures were much more voluptuous.
A white dress, open at the chest, sleeveless, with a short skirt just seven inches above the waist, revealing a pair of long legs, coupled with white high heels, was even more alluring.
The deep cleavage and the raised buttocks beneath the short skirt made people's imaginations run wild.
However, Ye Chen was a 'veteran' who had undergone long-term tests. He glanced at them and then shifted his attention elsewhere.
No way, in terms of looks, how could these Servers compare to Xiao Wu and Zhuqing? In terms of figure, they still couldn't compare to his Da Mao Mi, and since Ye Chen wasn't a vulgar person, they naturally couldn't catch his eye.
"Brother, aren't all you men very lustful? Why didn't you look more?"
Following behind the Server, Xiao Wu looked at the swaying buttocks of the Server walking ahead and whispered to Ye Chen.
"Xiao Wu, in your eyes, am I that kind of vulgar person?"
Ye Chen widened his eyes and put on a sad and hurt expression, as if Xiao Wu's words had caused him immense damage.
"Aren't you?"
Xiao Wu blinked, and Zhu Zhuqing, beside her, also nodded in agreement.
"Alright, how could these common beauties compare to you and Zhuqing?"
Ye Chen spoke the truth.
After learning the truth, the two rolled their eyes.
The second floor of the Tian Dou Great Auction House, compared to ordinary auction houses, felt more like a grand auditorium.
The layout was similar to the main Great Spirit Arena in Soto City, with a circular stage in the center and rows of seats arranged in a fan shape around it.
It was divided into five sections. The three rows of seats closest to the stage were red, followed by black, purple, yellow, and white.
Similar to the colors of a Spirit Beast's spirit ring, these were clearly set up according to different levels of bidders.
The innermost red VIP seats were the so-called million-level VIP area, and only people with status and position could obtain red VIP qualifications.
The next circle was the black VIP seats, belonging to the ordinary million-level VIP area. As long as one had money, they could enter, and Ye Chen and the two were at this level.
Further out were the five-hundred-thousand-level purple VIPs, the one-hundred-thousand-level yellow VIPs, and the outermost white, which was also the largest seating area, only requiring assets of ten thousand gold coins.
Because the Tian Dou Great Auction House's daily evening premium auction was about to be held, those present were all red VIPs and black VIPs.
However, even so, the red and black VIP seats were almost full at this time.
'It seems there are still many rich people in Heaven Dou City ~'
Ye Chen thought to himself.
One million gold coins was equivalent to a small goal of copper coins, and because the social background of Douluo Continent was similar to ancient society, the value of a billionaire was much higher than in Ye Chen's previous life.
The 'scantily clad' Server did not leave immediately after leading the three to the black VIP area, but instead greeted Ye Chen warmly.
After all, those who could participate in the premium auction were all big spenders, worth over a million, and definitely not short on money. If she could hook one, she wouldn't have to worry for the rest of her life.
Moreover, although Ye Chen wore a mask, she could still tell that Ye Chen was not very old.
Young and rich, wasn't this the best choice for a partner?
Ye Chen knew that if he was interested and beckoned, something more than friendship might happen very quickly. However, Ye Chen kept a straight face and sternly refused.
Boys need to be careful and protect themselves when they are out and about, and not let some vixen hook them.
"Damn it, brother, that vixen dared to seduce you!"
Xiao Wu watched the voluptuous and alluring Server sway away and complained to Ye Chen.
Clearly, she was somewhat displeased.
"Xiao Wu, don't worry, I am a man of principle!"
Ye Chen patted his chest and promised.
Of course, what Ye Chen didn't say was that when he had no principles, he wouldn't be human anymore!Chapter 103 What to do? Waiting online, urgent!!!
Just as Ye Chen and the two girls were chatting in their seats, waiting for the evening's premium auction to begin, a middle-aged man and an old man sat down next to Ye Chen's seat.
The middle-aged man leaned on an ornate walking stick, his face as fair as jade, with a straight nose and well-defined mouth, an elegant and gentle appearance that easily inspired goodwill. He looked to be in his early forties.
The old man wore an immaculate, snow-white long robe, his silver hair neatly combed back. His appearance was ancient and simple, his face as tender as a baby's, and his expression was very aloof, giving off an aura of 'I am a master, not to be trifled with'.
Seeing these two, Ye Chen's pupils slightly contracted.
What should I do when my father-in-law sees his future son-in-law picking up girls? Waiting online, urgent!!!
That's right, the moment he saw the two, Ye Chen recognized them: it was Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin.
Although Ye Chen had never met them before, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin's appearances were very similar to those in the anime of his previous life. Furthermore, with Ye Chen's powerful mental force, he vaguely discerned that the middle-aged man was a Soul Sage, so he was definitely his father-in-law.
However, the fact that Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin could still appear here probably meant they didn't know that Ning Rongrong had already returned home. Otherwise, Ning Fengzhi would definitely not be in the mood to attend an auction right now.
"Oh? Little brother, do you know me?"
Ning Fengzhi was indeed an old fox. Even though Ye Chen wore a mask, obscuring his face, Ning Fengzhi saw his nervousness through his eyes and immediately realized that the young man in front of him must have recognized him.
"Uh, can I say I don't know you?"
Chen Xin: "..."
"Haha, little brother, you're quite amusing~"
Ning Fengzhi instantly chuckled. This young man was somewhat interesting.
"Brother, who is this uncle? Do you know him?"
Xiao Wu asked Ye Chen curiously, and Zhu Zhuqing also looked over with an inquiring gaze.
"Greetings, School Master Ning and Crown Elder Chen Xin. Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, these two are Rongrong's father and grandfather."
Ye Chen first greeted Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin, then introduced them to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Rongrong's father and grandfather? Brother, so this is the 'dog-rich man' you used to complain about?"
Xiao Wu asked Ye Chen with an innocent look.
Instantly, Ye Chen felt completely flustered.
"Xiao Wu, how could you say that so directly?"
Ye Chen said to Xiao Wu with a resentful look. He figured his first impression in his father-in-law's eyes had just dropped significantly.
'Dog-rich man?'
Ning Fengzhi was stunned. Although he was a bit extravagant normally, this was the first time anyone had called him a 'dog-rich man'!
And Chen Xin, whose usually aloof expression couldn't be maintained, revealed an amused smile.
"Ahem, you are Rongrong's classmates, so you must be Ye Chen, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing, right?"
Ning Fengzhi, having seen many grand occasions, quickly recovered and changed the subject.
When his precious daughter went to Shrek Academy to enroll, Ning Fengzhi had naturally sent people to investigate and had some impression of the three.
"Mhm mhm, hello, School Master Ning, hello, Crown Elder!"
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing greeted the two.
"No need to be so polite. You are all Rongrong's classmates, just call me Uncle Ning. Rongrong can be a bit mischievous, I hope you can look after her and be patient."
Ning Fengzhi said with a gentle expression.
"Mhm mhm."
Xiao Wu and the other girl nodded, but then looked at Ye Chen with teasing eyes.
Look after Rongrong? Ye Chen had taken extremely good care of Rongrong, they'd even become 'good' friends! How could he not look after her?!
"Uncle Ning, are you also interested in the auction held at the Tian Dou Great Auction House?"
Meeting the teasing gazes of Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Chen felt his scalp tingle a bit and quickly changed the subject.
"Indeed, I heard that some good items will appear at tonight's auction, so I came to take a look."
Actually, when Ning Fengzhi said this, he felt a little awkward.
The auction house staff had told him earlier that a pair of fox-tailed twins would appear at this auction. As a pervert, Ning Fengzhi was very excited, and so he immediately brought Chen Xin along.
But now that he had run into his precious daughter's classmates, should he buy those fox-tailed twins or not?
After all, from Xiao Wu's comment about the 'dog-rich man', Ning Fengzhi knew that Ye Chen was definitely sharp-tongued. If he bought those fox-tailed twins, who knew how Ye Chen would mock him!
"Good items? Are there any Spirit Bones?"
Hearing 'good items', Ye Chen's eyes lit up.
Ye Chen was a single Spirit Spirit Master, so he would definitely not be able to gather a complete set of Spirit Bones of 100,000 years or more by acquiring spirit rings in the future.
Only when attaching the seventh, eighth, and ninth spirit rings would he have the possibility of absorbing 100,000-year spirit rings.
A 100,000-year Spirit Beast was guaranteed to drop a 100,000-year Spirit Bone, but there were only three of these. Adding his existing external Spirit Bone, he was still short at least three Spirit Bones to complete a set, which meant Ye Chen would need to find them elsewhere.
Moreover, the earlier he obtained Spirit Bones, the sooner Ye Chen's spirit power level could increase. And for every major level his spirit power increased, the more his 'dear son' would contribute each time, forming a virtuous cycle that was more cost-effective for Ye Chen.
However, Spirit Bones whose years were improved later, just like the external Spirit Bone: Creation Green Lotus, could only possess one Soul Bone Skill, even if their age was raised to 100,000 years.
But apart from hunting 100,000-year Spirit Beasts, Ye Chen didn't believe he had any other chance of obtaining 100,000-year Spirit Bones.
After all, no one would ever sell a 100,000-year Spirit Bone, no matter what.
So, the only way to obtain Spirit Bones was to buy low-year Spirit Bones and then improve their age later.
As for Soul Bone Skills, if there was one less, so be it, as long as the quality was sufficient.
In Ye Chen's plan, he could obtain three 100,000-year Spirit Bones by hunting 100,000-year Spirit Beasts, which would provide six Soul Bone Skills.
Adding 'Emerging from Mud, Yet Untainted' from the Creation Green Lotus, and the three Soul Bone Skills produced by the other three Spirit Bones improved later, that would be a total of ten Soul Bone Skills, which was already enough.
"I wouldn't know about that, but while Spirit Bones are precious, the Tian Dou Great Auction House has auctioned them before. However, the prices are always very expensive, and their years are not high. Do you intend to buy a Spirit Bone?"
Ning Fengzhi looked at Ye Chen with a gaze full of inquiry.
Although the drop rate of Spirit Bones was very low, the sheer number of Spirit Masters on the continent who needed to hunt Spirit Beasts meant that Spirit Bones would inevitably appear.
High-year Spirit Bones were almost never traded, but many Spirit Masters who obtained low-year Spirit Bones would put them up for trade.
After all, low-year Spirit Bones provided only a minimal increase in strength after refining and were not of much help to high-level Spirit Masters.
Furthermore, the Soul Bone Skills produced by low-year Spirit Bones were not very effective due to their low years, making them somewhat useless. It was better to sell them for a large sum of money.Chapter 104 The reason why Ning Fengzhi uses a cane
"I do have that idea."
Ye Chen nodded.
"I didn't realize it, but it seems my virtuous nephew comes from a good family background~"
Ning Fengzhi was a bit surprised. Spirit Bones were treasures in the Spirit Master's world. Even a hundred-year Spirit Bone would start at a million gold coins at auction. How could Ye Chen, at such a young age, be so wealthy?
'Virtuous nephew? Sooner or later, I'll make you call me son-in-law!'
Ye Chen thought to himself.
Just then, a middle-aged auctioneer in a tuxedo walked onto the stage, and the auction officially began.
Originally, Ye Chen had thought that the auctioneer for this auction would also be 'shabbily dressed' like the Servers! He didn't expect he was mistaken; it was a rather formal auction.
"Welcome, esteemed guests, to the premium auction held at the Tian Dou Great Auction House.
Without further ado, let's present the first item for auction!"
As soon as the auctioneer finished speaking, a 'shabbily dressed' Miss holding a tray walked over.
"The first item for auction is a storage spirit tool with an internal space of ten cubic meters. The starting bid is ten thousand gold coins, and each increment must not be less than one thousand!"
...
Ye Chen wasn't very interested in the ordinary items at the auction.
For example, similar storage spirit tools were available in the System Shop, and for the same internal space, they were even more cost-effective than those sold at the auction.
Ye Chen had considered reselling items from the System Shop to earn a profit.
However, selling a few items at auction wouldn't earn much, so that wasn't a big deal.
But if the quantity was large, it would not only be troublesome but also attract attention. If the auction house decided to play dirty, that would be bad.
Not everyone was as principled as Ye Chen; playing dirty was something these auction houses had likely done.
Even if the auction house didn't personally act maliciously, they could hire others to do it, or simply leak the news that Ye Chen was a big fat sheep.
Small quantities didn't earn much, while large quantities carried significant risk. So, after careful consideration, Ye Chen dismissed the idea.
Moreover, compared to Ye Chen's future deficit of tens of billions of gold coins, reselling these items would only be a drop in the bucket. It was better to honestly rely on his own filial children for quick gains.
Occasionally, when Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing liked something, Ye Chen bought it.
Nearly two hours passed, and the auction was nearing its end, with the second-to-last main auction item about to be presented.
On the auction stage, an iron cage appeared, and inside the cage were two timid, shabbily dressed Misses with pink hair.
The shabbily dressed Misses weren't the main point. The main point was that these two Misses looked very similar, clearly a pair of twins, and behind them, there was a fluffy fox tail, adding a unique charm.
"Esteemed guests, these are rare Fox Maidens.
During Spirit awakening, their bodies underwent a mutation, acquiring some fox-like features. That tail, in particular, is exceptionally charming.
The appearance of one is already extremely rare, let alone two, and they are even twins—double the joy!
Imagine, what happiness it would be to own two beautiful Fox Maidens as pets?
Ladies and gentlemen, this pair of Fox Maidens has a starting bid of two hundred thousand gold coins, and each increment must not be less than ten thousand!"
As he spoke, the auctioneer's face showed an ambiguous expression.
Rare Fox Maidens, and twins at that, this really hit the sweet spot for everyone. The entire auction entered a climax, and bids started pouring in.
"These bastards, selling people as pets."
Xiao Wu couldn't help but say angrily.
"Tsk~, decadent nobles~"
Ye Chen shook his head, sighing. To be honest, it was his first time seeing slave trading.
Zhu Zhuqing, however, showed little change in her expression.
Coming from an aristocratic family in the Star Luo Empire, she clearly knew that slave trading was a common occurrence within noble circles.
Although the laws of the Heaven Dou Empire stipulated that slave trading was not allowed, those nobles had many ways to circumvent this restriction.
For example, if the slaves were not from within the Heaven Dou Empire, then they could be traded, right?
Or, even if they were from within the Heaven Dou Empire, as long as their origins were falsified, the restrictions could be bypassed.
This was the Tian Dou Great Auction House; to say that the imperial Xue Family wasn't a beneficiary would be impossible.
Openly violating the law showed the decadence of the Heaven Dou Empire, no wonder it couldn't defeat Spirit Hall.
Just then, Ning Fengzhi pressed the one-thousand bid button in front of him.
Originally, Ning Fengzhi was still debating whether or not to buy them, but upon seeing the beauty of this pair of Fox Maidens, he immediately couldn't suppress his restless LSP soul.
This action immediately drew disdainful glances from Ye Chen and the two girls.
"Ahem, I'm saving them from a life of misery. After all, as slaves, their fate wouldn't be very good."
Ning Fengzhi explained awkwardly.
"Uncle Ning, is this why you're using a cane?"
Ye Chen pointed to the cane Ning Fengzhi was holding and said quietly.
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
My back isn't good, what's it to you?!
If it weren't for Ye Chen being his daughter's classmate, he would have definitely hit him with the cane.
"I didn't expect Rongrong's father to be this kind of person."
Xiao Wu whispered quietly into Zhu Zhuqing's ear.
Although Xiao Wu's voice was very soft, Ning Fengzhi was, after all, a Soul Sage, and his hearing was still very good, so he naturally heard her.
"Xiao Wu, it's not like that. I saw that they still had souls, and it was caused by Spirit mutation. Since I encountered them, how could I not save them?"
Ning Fengzhi argued righteously.
'Save? Wouldn't it be saving them to his bed?'
Ye Chen silently complained, but he didn't say it out loud. After all, he was his future father-in-law, so he should give him some face.
Listening to Ning Fengzhi's explanation, Xiao Wu blinked, clearly not entirely convinced.
Helpless, Ning Fengzhi had no choice but to turn his head and press the bid button again.
At this point, the bidding price had already risen to five hundred ninety thousand gold coins, and it still showed a continuous upward trend.
The auctioneer said excitedly, "Five hundred ninety thousand! A red VIP has bid five hundred ninety thousand gold coins! Is there anyone else who wants to bid higher?"
"Six hundred thousand! Good, a black VIP has bid six hundred thousand!"
"Six hundred thousand gold coins for the second time, six hundred thousand gold coins for the third time, sold! This pair of Fox Maidens belongs to this black VIP!"
When Ning Fengzhi bid six hundred thousand gold coins, no one else increased their bid, and this auction was successfully concluded.
"Tsk tsk, Uncle Ning, is your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School that rich?"
Six hundred thousand gold coins was sixty million copper coins, just for two playthings. It seems Ning Fengzhi's reputation as a tycoon was not exaggerated.Chapter 105: Soul Bone Auction
"Heh heh, I saved two poor souls. A mere gold coin is nothing!"
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi stood on the moral high ground, full of righteousness.
Hearing this, Ye Chen once again gave him a look of disdain. He figured that after today, Ning Rongrong would have two more stepmothers.
He just wondered how many stepmothers Ning Rongrong actually had? She probably couldn't even keep track of them all, could she?
After the fox women, it was time for the grand finale of tonight's premium auction.
"Next, please welcome the main event of this auction!
As everyone knows, Spirit Bones are the ultimate treasures of the Spirit Master's world, and this auction item is precisely the Spirit Bone that all Spirit Masters dream of!
This Left Arm Spirit Bone comes from a Thorn Iron Tree that is just over a thousand years old. The specific Soul Bone Skill is unknown.
The starting bid is one million gold coin, and each increment must not be less than one hundred thousand gold coin. Bidding starts now!"
The Server on stage, holding a microphone, said excitedly.
"Hmm? A Spirit Bone?"
As soon as he heard there was a Spirit Bone, and one that came from a plant-type Spirit Beast, Ye Chen immediately became interested.
Ye Chen had some knowledge of the Thorn Iron Tree Spirit Beast. It had two innate Spirit Abilities: Thorn Iron Whip and Thorn Guardian.
Thorn Iron Whip was a strong attack-type Spirit Ability, which involved lashing out with thorny branches. It was a common offensive skill.
Thorn Guardian was a support-type Spirit Ability with excellent auxiliary effects. It could grant immunity and reflect a certain percentage of physical melee damage. Although it couldn't reflect energy and mental damage, it was still considered powerful.
After some thought, Ye Chen decided to buy this Thorn Iron Tree Left Arm Bone.
One reason was that he would definitely not be able to gather a complete set of 100,000-year Spirit Bones by attaching spirit rings in the future. He would have to specifically hunt 100,000-year or older Spirit Beasts.
Secondly, if he bought it now and raised its age to 100,000 years early, after refining it, it could significantly increase his spirit power level. The spirit power provided by a 100,000-year Spirit Bone could save him at least a year of cultivation time.
Currently, Ye Chen was a Five-Ring Soul King. In one year, he could receive over three small targets worth of filial piety from his 'dear son'. He imagined that after he advanced to Titled Douluo, it would be at least a double-digit number of small targets.
The earlier he advanced to higher ranks, the more cost-effective it would be for Ye Chen.
Although raising the Spirit Bone's age later on, compared to a natural 100,000-year Spirit Bone, would mean missing one 100,000-year Soul Bone Skill, Ye Chen felt that trading one Soul Bone Skill for a year, or even more time, was still quite a good deal for him.
In the future, he would be able to obtain three 100,000-year Spirit Bones through attaching 100,000-year spirit rings, plus four Spirit Bones enhanced later, giving him ten Soul Bone Skills.
From the first to the seventh spirit ring, each would grant one Spirit Ability, and the eighth and ninth spirit rings would each grant two Spirit Abilities, making a total of eleven Spirit Abilities.
In total, he would have ten Soul Bone Skills and eleven Spirit Abilities, which would be sufficient for Ye Chen to face his enemies. Missing one Soul Bone Skill wouldn't be a big deal, so Ye Chen decided to buy this Thorn Iron Tree Left Arm Bone.
While Ye Chen was contemplating, this Thorn Iron Tree Left Arm Bone had already soared to a high price of over two million gold coin.
However, Ye Chen knew that two million would definitely not be enough to buy this Spirit Bone, even if its age was only just over a thousand years.
Spirit Bone auctions in the outside world were not like in the System Shop, where each year of age only cost one thousand gold coin; the price would definitely exceed that ratio by a lot.
For example, for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, if a 100,000-year Spirit Bone could be bought for one hundred million gold coin, wouldn't Ning Fengzhi go bankrupt to buy it? Even if such a 100,000-year Spirit Bone only had one Soul Bone Skill, it would still be the case.
Immediately, Ye Chen pressed the one-million-gold coin single-bid button in front of his seat.
"Two million four hundred thousand gold coin, good! A black VIP has raised the bid by one million gold coin, offering three million four hundred thousand gold coin! Is there any higher bid?"
On stage, the auctioneer said with great excitement.
"Nephew, are you interested in this Spirit Bone?"
Ning Fengzhi turned to Ye Chen and asked.
"Indeed. I hope Uncle Ning will be lenient~"
Although with Ye Chen's strength, buying this Thorn Iron Tree Left Arm Bone would be more than enough.
But he also didn't want to spend an exorbitant price, as the subsequent cost of upgrading this thousand-year Spirit Bone to 100,000 years would not be small. He wanted to save as much as he could.
"Since my nephew likes it, then I won't contend for it."
Originally, Ning Fengzhi had also intended to acquire this Spirit Bone to strengthen the foundation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, but since Ye Chen wanted it, he decided not to participate. He considered it taking care of a junior, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was not lacking this one thousand-year Spirit Bone anyway.
"Thank you, Uncle Ning!"
Ye Chen nodded in thanks. Without Uncle Ning, the big spendthrift, participating in the bidding, he would definitely spend less gold coin.
At this time, the VIPs at the auction were not deterred by Ye Chen's one-million-gold coin increment, and the auction price continued to climb.
However, they would not add one million by one million like Ye Chen, but rather added the minimum of one hundred thousand gold coin each time.
When the auction price reached four million, Ye Chen decisively made his move, adding another one million gold coin.
"It's that black VIP again, raising the bid by another one million! This thousand-year Spirit Bone is now at five million gold coin! Is there any higher bid?!"
The auctioneer's voice rose considerably as he saw this unfamiliar rich man, Ye Chen, once again adding one million gold coin.
This time, no one else made a bid. After all, for this thousand-year Spirit Bone to fetch five million gold coin was already considered a high price. Bidding further would be somewhat unwarranted.
Moreover, seeing Ye Chen's posture, it was clear he was determined to win, so they gave up the idea of continuing to bid.
"Five million gold coin, first call! Five million gold coin, second call! Five million gold coin, third call! Sold!"
When the auctioneer's hammer fell, this Thorn Iron Tree Left Arm Bone, as long as Ye Chen paid for it later, would be in Ye Chen's pocket.
"Congratulations, nephew!"
Seeing Ye Chen successfully win the bid, Ning Fengzhi congratulated him.
"Oh, it's nothing. I imagine that in Uncle Ning's eyes, a mere thousand-year Spirit Bone is no different from trash, right?"
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
This young man really knows how to talk! But although I make money fast, I'm not at that point yet!
After Ye Chen bought the Spirit Bone, the evening's premium auction had ended. However, ordinary auctions at the Tian Dou Great Auction House were held all day, so the auction house hadn't closed.
Before Ye Chen and the others could leave the second-floor auction center, two Miss Servers immediately arrived.
These two Miss Servers were different from the scantily clad Misses at the auction; they were neatly dressed and were proper Servers.
"Distinguished guests, please follow me!"
The two Miss Servers bowed slightly to Ning Fengzhi and Ye Chen respectively.