C16 Compete for the Calming Heart Jade

As the words were uttered, a chorus of astonishment rippled through the crowd.

"Is the Calming Heart Jade truly that remarkable?"

Bai Piao eyed the auctioneer, who was speaking with poise and conviction on the stage, his skepticism growing.

It's like a cultivation accelerator, isn't it?

"Not quite," Lee Yanran countered, shaking her head.

"The Calming Heart Jade certainly helps to calm and attune the spirit, but it's not as miraculous as he's making it out to be. At best, it helps you maintain focus during cultivation, free from distractions."

Despite her words, Lee Yanran's gaze remained fixed on the Calming Heart Jade.

"Miss Lee, are you interested in this Calming Heart Jade?"

Clearly, Lee Yanran was eager to possess it.

Perhaps he should lend her a hand.

The idea seemed rather appealing.

"Yes, Young Master Bai, I've hit a plateau in my cultivation, and my father sent me here specifically to acquire this Calming Heart Jade."

As Lee Yanran offered her explanation, she noticed an excited glint in Bai Piao's eyes, which left her feeling oddly unsettled.

Was Bai Piao subtly encouraging her?

Bai Piao signaled to Lee Yanran with his eyes for quite some time, yet she showed no signs of engaging in a bidding war, prompting him to sigh inwardly.

"5,500 gold coins!"

"6,000 gold coins!"

Despite the auctioneer's claims being met with skepticism, his words had successfully ignited their passion and buying fervor. The price of the Calming Heart Jade soared.

Before long, even the occupants of the other private boxes had thrown their hats into the ring.

Lee Yanran wasn't the only one intent on purchasing the jade.

While Bai Piao's box was a haven of tranquility, the adjacent one buzzed with activity.

Zhang Zuiqiang was encircled by a bevy of women, his hands wandering without restraint.

"Red, you've really blossomed recently!"

"And Flower, I'm eager to see how your studies have been coming along."

These women, hailing from Grace House in City L, reveled in Zhang Zuiqiang's attentions.

They were earning their keep, and the more effort they put in, the better their pay.

"Young Master Zhang, you're such a tease!"

"I've been studying very diligently lately!"

"Young Master Zhang, do you truly intend to purchase the Calming Heart Jade? The price has already reached 9,000 gold coins!"

Zhang Zuiqiang gulped down the banana Blue handed him and swiftly turned his attention to the audience below.

"I'll bid 10,000 gold coins!"

With those words, the room gradually fell silent.

Zhang Zuiqiang, the Second Young Master of the Zhang family, was known for his lecherous ways and his ruthless disposition.

Once he made a bid, it was almost certain no one would dare to challenge him, and even the occupants of the neighboring private rooms ceased their bidding.

For starters, they likely couldn't outbid him. The Zhang family was one of the three most powerful families in City L, with considerable wealth.

Moreover, crossing Zhang Zuiqiang could lead to dire consequences they'd rather avoid.

"Wow, Young Master Zhang, you're incredible! No one dares to utter a word after you bid."

Admiration sparkled in the eyes of the young women. Ten thousand gold coins could fund a lifetime of extravagance.

"How do you know my mouth is that impressive?"

"Young Master Zhang!"

Ma Dequan, surveying the now-quiet auction hall, silently cursed: Zhang Zuiqiang, you scoundrel, nothing good ever follows when you speak!

He had a stake in the sales, earning a commission on the final price—the higher it went, the more he made. Zhang Zuiqiang's interference was a blow to his earnings.

"Calming Heart Jade, 10,000 gold coins, going once!"

With no other choice, he reluctantly called out the bid.

"I bid 11,000 gold coins!"

Lee Yanran, seizing the opportunity, decided it was her time to enter the fray.