C15 The Auction Began!
Bai Piao felt a surge of surprise. Judging by the energy ripples he had just sensed, the old man's strength was at least a major grade above his own!
"This is the head auctioneer of Treasure House, Ma Dequan, a Martial Grand Master of Three Stars," Lee Yanran explained to Bai Piao.
Bai Piao nodded in acknowledgment, though internally he mused that Yanran certainly knew her stuff.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Treasure House Auction. Our monthly grand auction event begins now!" The elder's voice boomed, resonating throughout every corner of the auction hall.
"Let's skip the small talk. Here is the first item up for bid!" A graceful maid approached, presenting a tray.
"Our opening item today is a Grade 3 magic treasure: the Mountain Split Sword! Forged by our city's renowned blacksmith, Master Fu, over the course of a full month, it represents the finest of its kind within the Grade 3 magic treasures."
"The bidding starts at 900 gold coins."
Ma Dequan's announcement was met with a burst of enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
"It's a creation of Master Fu; I must have it! My bid is 950 gold coins!"
"I've been in need of a suitable weapon. The Mountain Split Sword will be mine! 980 gold coins!"
While the bidding war raged below, Bai Piao was busy doing the math in his head. A Grade 3 magic treasure typically went for around 1,200 gold coins, but a Grade 5 could fetch up to 180,000 gold coins? That's more than a hundredfold increase.
Perhaps it's similar to the system's synthesis effect. With each increase in weapon grade, the price seems to multiply by ten. And since the Thunder Blade is a system-produced item, it's understandably pricier.
"Young Master Bai, are you considering a bid on the Mountain Split Sword?" Lee Yanran inquired, noticing Bai Piao's intense gaze on the auction below and assuming he was interested in entering the fray.
Bai Piao shook his head. He had no use for a Grade 3 magic treasure. To be frank, it was beneath his interest. After all, he had nine Grade 5 magic treasures waiting for him in the system's inventory.
Lee Yanran was merely making conversation. She didn't actually believe Bai Piao had the means to drop over a thousand gold coins.
Her monthly allowance was a mere 10 gold coins, which was considered the most generous among the rich second generation.
Naturally, if she desired a magic treasure, she wouldn't have to spend a dime; her father would gladly foot the bill.
"I bet he can't even produce a single gold coin!"
Wang Shiqi, still smarting from Bai Piao's injury to her Third Brother and with Doggie by her side, couldn't resist taking a jab at him.
"Qiqi, tone it down, will you?"
Lee Yanran sighed in exasperation.
"It's fine."
Bai Piao shrugged it off.
Truth be told, he wasn't one to strike a woman, nor was he inclined to get into a spat with one.
He'd let her have her moment of arrogance.
The Mountain Split Sword was swiftly auctioned off for 1230 gold coins.
"Kicking off with such a significant magic treasure suggests this auction is going to be anything but ordinary."
Lee Yanran's eyes sparkled as she observed the second item being presented.
"Miss Lee, is there a particular treasure you're eyeing today?"
Bai Piao caught Lee Yanran's intent gaze and followed it to the plate held by the maid, understanding her interest.
Lee Yanran simply nodded, her focus remaining on the plate.
At its center lay a delicately crafted jade pendant.
"The second item of the day, contributed by an enigmatic figure, is the Grade 3 magic treasure: the Calming Heart Jade!"
"The Calming Heart Jade enables its wearer to cultivate with a more focused mind, greatly reducing the risk of cultivation deviation and optimizing their training efficacy. As a result, the cultivator's speed of advancement is unparalleled, and breaking through barriers becomes significantly easier than for the average person!"
"While it's classified as a Grade 3 magic treasure, it rivals even the standard Grade 4 magic treasures!"
"The opening bid is set at 5000 gold coins!"
