C8 Straight Knife!

Lin Yih entered a new shopping emporium and, without a word, dropped 40,000 yuan on the store's only 80 white crystals.

Ignoring the store manager's puzzled gaze, Lin Yih strode out, converting all the crystals into energy points in a secluded corner.

With 20 newly exchanged Mega Strength Pills in hand, he made his way back to the first store.

Before long, he found himself back in private room number three, tallying his assets with a thrill.

Energy points: 60

Cash: 260,000 yuan

The rapid influx of cash had Lin Yih hooked.

The fat store manager couldn't get enough of these potent, explosive pills, promising to buy as many as Lin Yih could supply.

But Lin Yih wasn't born yesterday.

"I'll need to lay low for a bit. That bulk sale probably got the manager thinking," he mused, reflecting on the day's events and lessons learned. "Good thing I kept my mask on when I went back to the auction house."

The auction was already underway.

...

Direct Sale: Items are sold directly to the auction house at a set price, with no further connection to the auction outcome.

Consignment: Consignors set a price with the auction house to sell their items. Regardless of a sale, the auction house takes a cut.

In essence: Direct Sale is a safe bet, Consignment is a gamble!

...

As the auction commenced, Mike didn't bother with theatrics.

He simply illuminated the display, revealing the first lot.

In private room number three, Lin Yih peered at the silver-gleaming item.

"Scan!"

"Beep! Scanning..."

Name: Straight Knife

Type: Offensive

Materials: Fire Essence Stone, Hundred Refined Iron, Peak of Bronze Blood Essence...

Effects: Flame Burn (1), Hardness (2), Blood Devouring (1)

Evaluation: Low-grade Blood Essence, impure Fire Essence Stone, rough craftsmanship. (Details...)

Total Score: 63!

Lin Yih was astounded by the detailed data that seemed to unearth the knife maker's lineage.

Good grief! With just this scan, he could easily become a master weapon smith or a Pet Beast trainer.

That sure beats peddling pills!

"As you can see, this straight knife is incredibly sharp," Mike announced, rotating the knife to showcase every angle to the audience.

"It consists of a blade, handle, and ring, all forged in one go. The blade, a blend of Hundred Refined Iron and Fire Essence Stone powder, was repeatedly tempered with Peak of Bronze Blood Essence, making it a voraciously bloodthirsty weapon."

Mike confidently hoisted the knife with one hand, executing a sleek stabbing motion, as a subtle scent of blood wafted through the air.

Satisfied, Mike set the knife down. "We'll start the bidding at 30,000, with increments of no less than 5,000!"

No sooner had Mike spoken than a masked figure leapt up. "Forty thousand!"

"Fifty thousand!" came another masked bidder's voice.

"Sixty thousand!"

"Sixty-five thousand!"

"Really? Just adding 5,000? That's tight-fisted."

The crowd's bids flew thick and fast, eager for the weapon that appealed to the daily blood-lickers.

The knife's true value was around 100,000 yuan, but to turn a profit after the auction house's 10% cut, bids needed to exceed 110,000 yuan.

Yet, reality often falls short of expectations.

The bidding stalled at 95,000 yuan.

"95,000 for the second time!" Mike called out cheerfully, though inwardly anxious. "Any higher bids?"

Was the first consigned item going to be a loss?

Each of Mike's calls stirred some interest, but hesitation prevailed, and the bids ceased.

Such is the plight of a small town; knowing the value of what's before them, yet lacking the resolve to stake it all.

Poverty and chaos, the twin scourges of modest communities.

Despite Red Leaf Town's decent security, the pervasive poverty was a tougher nut to crack.

Mike's gavel hovered. "Ninety-five thousand for the third..."

"One hundred thousand!" A voice, smooth and pleasing, cut through the tension.

"The bid is at one hundred thousand! Any further bids?"

The crowd turned to private room number three, which was lit up for the first time, in surprise.

"Oh!" Kong Lingyue in private room number one cast a curious glance.

But the auction house's privacy was impeccable; the owner of that magnetic voice remained a mystery.

Lin Yih, in private room number three, allowed himself a smile. He knew his greatest assets: beyond his looks, it was his voice—magnetic, gentle, an irresistible force that drew others in like gravity itself.

Seeing the crowd's blank faces and receiving no response, Mike let out a resigned sigh. "That's a shame."

As the crowd snapped back to reality,

"Since there are no further objections, I hereby declare that the sharp straight knife has been purchased by the guest in private room number three!"

...

Room No. 3

Lin Yih was no stranger to the stir he often caused.

From a young age, he had the ability to alter his voice at will. Whenever he used his magnetic tone, it would leave even the most talkative person speechless.

Thankfully, except for certain special occasions, Lin Yih could use his regular voice for everyday conversations.

Yet, this magnetic and soothing voice proved to be quite advantageous in certain situations. For instance, it worked wonders when flirting...

The auction house operated with efficiency. Before the second item had even concluded its bidding, the straight knife had been delivered to Lin Yih's private room.

"A blade with a fire attribute's searing heat? I just hope it doesn't conflict with the water attribute of the Mutant Water Snake."

Lin Yih drew the blade from its scabbard, and a flash of white light dazzled his eyes under the lamp. "Ah!"

The straight knife, characterized by its ringed hilt, was also known as a "ring-pommel knife." Its straight, unbent blade was the reason behind its name.

Comprising a blade, hilt, and ring, the straight knife boasted a pristine, snow-white blade, a meter in length.

The hilt featured intricate black engravings.

And the hilt was adorned with a white tassel.

Lin Yih knew that the straight knife had a storied history. It was designed for one-handed use, serving as a melee weapon! The tassel on the hilt was intended to provide a non-slip grip.

Lin Yih was quite pleased with the design and the feel of the knife.

He intended to carry it on his back, both for self-defense and a bit of show (to impress).