117: auction

Soon, time drew near to noon, and it was time for the auction. This was the segment everyone looked forward to the most today. Gu Yuchuan saw many Demon Generals at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, and even a few at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. Low Grade Spiritual Artifacts were already useless to these Late Stage Cultivators, so they had come specifically for the taiji purple gauze smoke.

Today's auction was hosted by Bai Ming, who had been called in at the last minute and received some training. The reality was that Song Chuan had not yet transformed into human form, so it would look a bit informal for him to do it. Bai Ming was different; she was glamorous, elegant, and knew how to handle things, so her hosting was for the best. She was already standing in the third-floor hall ahead of time.

By now, the six private rooms were filled with Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators. Those at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage didn't even have the qualifications to enter. These few were the most powerful competitors today; after all, their status and cultivation were right there, and their wealth would be the greatest. It would be difficult for others to compete. Seeing that the time had finally arrived, Bai Ming took the stage.

She was poised and graceful. After taking the stage, she gave everyone a bow: "First of all, on behalf of Linlang Pavilion, I welcome you all. I announce that today's auction officially begins."

The monsters below were very cooperative and applauded. Only after the applause stopped did Bai Ming continue speaking.

"I believe everyone already has some understanding of the taiji purple gauze smoke, but I must explain it to you all once more. This taiji purple gauze smoke is the painstaking work of our Linlang Pavilion's master, the Artifact Refining Master Master Gu. It is a Medium Grade defensive Spiritual Artifact. It's not like a shield or anything of that sort; instead, it can be activated for a long duration, forming a purple mist around one's body. When not under attack, its consumption is very low. A Foundation Establishment Cultivator can keep it activated at all times. One could say that with this Spiritual Artifact, you will have a layer of defense on your body at any moment."

No one could call this ability weak. Many Demon Generals were tempted, but they also knew that a common Medium Grade defensive Spiritual Artifact would cost over two thousand Spirit Stones, let alone this taiji purple gauze smoke which could be maintained passively. Its value was bound to rise, and auctions naturally involved premiums. This price was not something an ordinary Cultivator could afford.

From behind a private room, the voice of a middle-aged man rang out. He was the Snapping Turtle Demon General at the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment.

"This treasure is indeed good, but if we buy it at a high price today and Linlang Pavilion sells it at a normal price in the future, won't we all be suckers?"

This question required Gu Yuchuan to explain. However, he had actually thought of this issue; it was something that should be explained, as no one wanted to be a sucker. It was a reasonable concern.

"Fellow Daoists, you need not worry about this point. One of the Materials used to refine the taiji purple gauze smoke has already gone extinct in the Qingyun Realm. I can guarantee that I only have three pieces of taiji purple gauze smoke in my hands. On this day next year and the year after, they will be auctioned. The starting bid will be today's closing price. I guarantee the price will only go higher and higher; it will not decrease. You can buy with confidence."

Now everyone was at ease. The Snapping Turtle Demon General spoke again: "Good, with those words from Master Gu, I am at peace."

Gu Yuchuan gave Bai Ming a look and then stepped down. The process still needed Bai Ming to continue hosting. Bai Ming brought out the taiji purple gauze smoke. When not activated, it looked like a cluster of purple crystals, full of a dreamlike quality that made anyone who saw it know it was worth a fortune.

"Everyone, let our auction begin. The starting price is 1500 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, with each bid increase being no less than 100. Fellow Daoists who like it, please start bidding."

For a moment, no one placed a bid. A starting price of 1500 was not exactly cheap. However, someone in the hall soon bid: "I offer 1600."

Inside a private booth, a Demon General began to call out: "Fellow Daoists, our time is very precious, so there's no need for such testing. I bid 2000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones."

The Snapping Turtle Demon General laughed directly: "What big talk. I thought you were going to offer a price worthy of such a grand tone. A treasure like this, if sold over the counter, you couldn't even take it for 2000."

The one who just spoke was the Swan Goose Demon General. He and the Snapping Turtle Demon General had some private disagreements, which was why the two of them were so confrontational.

Seeing himself being mocked, the Swan Goose Demon General couldn't bear it either: "Then you go ahead and bid. I want to see just how big your move will be."

The Snapping Turtle Demon General laughed outright: "Then let this feathered little bird see my strength. 3000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones!"

After he shouted this, many people's expressions changed. No matter how powerful the taiji purple gauze smoke was or how much of a premium it commanded, to put it plainly, it was still just a Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact. 3000 was still a bit beyond its inherent value. However, the Snapping Turtle Demon General was personally powerful and had accumulated many military merits on the front lines, so he had plenty of assets. Naturally, he wanted to convert them into combat power, which was why he bid so high.

Many people turned their gazes toward the Swan Goose Demon General's private room. Although they couldn't see him, he could see them. He was now turning a bit red in the Face from these scrutinizing gazes. If he increased the bid, it would indeed exceed his psychological expectations. But if he didn't, losing Face in front of his old rival was something he truly couldn't do. He took a few deep breaths and decided he couldn't lose his Face here; otherwise, who knew how long he would be ridiculed.

"Fine, you have assets, and I am not a man of empty reputation either. 3200 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. If you increase the bid again, I'm out. This is already too much of a premium. Although I'm not short on Spirit Stones, I'm no sucker either."

With this bid increase, he made things clear, giving himself a graceful way out later.

Others gave up directly. Although many of them could produce 3000, being able to produce it didn't mean they wouldn't feel the sting, nor did it mean they felt it was worth it. They remained silent simply because the premium was a bit severe and had exceeded their psychological expectations.

In fact, this price had also exceeded the Snapping Turtle Demon General's psychological expectations. However, he followed the path of a Body Cultivator, with all his strength in his Physical Body, so he could only use this kind of passive Spiritual Artifact. The taiji purple gauze smoke's compatibility with his Dao was too high; he had ten thousand reasons to take it. Otherwise, he would regret it.

"Since that's the case, I'll just make do. 3500 Spirit Stones. Is there any Fellow Daoist who wants to compete with me?"

Bai Ming also began the countdown: "3500 Spirit Stones once. 3500 Spirit Stones twice. 3500 Spirit Stones thrice, sold! Let us congratulate the Snapping Turtle Demon General for purchasing the Medium Grade defensive Spiritual Artifact, the taiji purple gauze smoke!"

With this, the grand ceremony of the first day of opening had passed its most glorious moment. The rest was somewhat mundane. The day quickly passed, and after the sky darkened, it was time to close the doors.