Chapter 18

“Eleven thousand lower-grade Yuanshi.”

“Eleven thousand one hundred lower-grade Yuanshi.”

“Thirteen thousand lower-grade Yuanshi.”

“Fifteen thousand lower-grade Yuanshi.”

“…..”

The prices in the auction hall kept climbing, and even some prominent figures were stepping up to bid. Soon, the price reached seventy thousand lower-grade Yuanshi, leaving Lin Yan astonished.

“Master, why can such a second-grade treasure garment sell for such a high price?” Lin Yan expressed his confusion, wondering what made this piece of clothing worth so much.

It was merely a bit more visually appealing than average.

In terms of defensive capabilities, it was even inferior to a first-grade peak defense weapon—flashy but impractical, and yet it was priced higher than a second-grade defense weapon.

“Little Yan, you must remember that in this world, the easiest money to earn is always from women and children,” an elderly voice echoed in Lin Yan’s mind, offering a profound lesson: “Only these two types of people can elevate items that do not originally belong to such a value to another level.”

Although Lin Yan didn’t fully understand, he nodded in agreement.

“Hundred thousand lower-grade Yuanshi.”

A calm voice emerged from the VIP room. The voice was not loud but exuded a powerful presence, instantly overshadowing the many competitors.

“Who is this strong person? With one hundred thousand lower-grade Yuanshi, one could buy some decent third-grade treasure garments.”

“It’s a guest from the VIP room; we can’t fathom the thoughts of such a significant figure.”

“I thought seventy thousand was already the limit; I didn’t expect someone to be even more audacious.”

“Just a fool with more money than sense; who would normally spend so much on a piece of clothing?”

“Haha, I won’t let you insult my prince charming. Just because you’re incapable and poor doesn’t mean you can touch my prince charming!”

“You don’t even know if he’s a man or a woman, old or young, ugly or handsome. How is he your prince charming?”

“No, you don’t understand. Actually, none of that matters to me; what’s important is that I’ll be here waiting for him…”

Lin Xuan’s bid of one hundred thousand lower-grade Yuanshi completely crushed the hopes of the competitors below. However, they only felt a sense of regret; the garment was indeed beautiful, but it was just a second-grade item. If they managed to win the bid, they might regret it within days.

“The guest from VIP room five has bid one hundred thousand lower-grade Yuanshi. Is there anyone willing to raise the bid?”

Looking at the now-calm auction hall, a satisfied smile graced the enchanting host’s face. Her alluring red lips parted and closed, but unfortunately, everyone had regained their rationality this time.

“Then congratulations to the guest from VIP room five,” she said, giving a charming smile and casting a flirtatious glance in Lin Xuan’s direction, igniting excitement among all the men in the auction hall.

“What a beauty, a remarkable beauty,” at this moment, in VIP room one, a young man dressed in purple brocade gazed at the enchanting figure on stage, his face revealing a lustful expression. Such a beauty was rarely seen even in the royal capital.

“Little prince, if you want her, I can have the head of the Wanbao Merchants’ Association in Tai’an City send this woman to you,” a white-bearded elder stood beside the young man, holding a cane, his eyes squinting. A colorful little snake coiled around his shoulder, flicking its tongue.

The young man showed a moment of interest but quickly shook his head: “Forget it; this is the territory of the third young lady of the Wanbao Merchants’ Association; I can’t just take her.”

“Didn’t my little junior brother say that there’s a stunning woman in a small family in Tai’an City?” The young man licked his lips, his face slightly flushed as he smiled sickly: “I hope my little junior brother won’t disappoint me.”

Seeing this, the white-bearded elder smiled and quickly flattered him: “I am willing to serve the prince with utmost devotion.”

He couldn’t help but sigh for the woman he had never met; the fate of any woman chosen by this sickly little prince was invariably tragic.

But, if one were to blame, it could only be their lack of strength while possessing a beautiful face.

……..

Inside VIP room five

“This is the item you bid for, the Flowing Immortal Skirt,” Meier respectfully handed the garment to Lin Xuan, her eyes betraying her undeniable desire. She couldn’t imagine what kind of woman could be favored by such a prominent figure.

Lin Xuan casually accepted the Flowing Immortal Skirt, then handed Meier a storage ring without saying much.

Inside the storage ring were exactly one hundred thousand lower-grade Yuanshi.

Meier respectfully accepted the storage ring, her gaze briefly glancing at the mysterious figure in the white cloak and mask, summoning her courage to ask, “Is this garment for your wife, my lord?”

If it were another VIP, Meier would never have dared to speak so boldly, but she felt that this mysterious figure, though not very talkative, was far more approachable than those who were always smiling, showing no disdain for her status.

Though Meier was only twenty, she had been working in this auction house for six years and had encountered many prominent figures during this time. This was her first time meeting such a special guest.

“Wife…” A beautiful silhouette appeared in Lin Xuan’s mind. A smile crept onto his face beneath the mask as he nodded, “Mm.”

A wife… I suppose that counts.

Meier’s eyes revealed a hint of envy as she noticed how the man’s usually calm gaze softened slightly when mentioning his wife, like billions of stars twinkling.

“Then I wish you and your wife everlasting happiness,” she bowed slightly, sincerely blessing him.

“Mm.” Lin Xuan produced another storage ring and handed it to Meier.

“My lord, what is this?” Meier asked in confusion.

“For you,” Lin Xuan said seriously.

“For me?” Meier was taken aback.

“Mm.” Lin Xuan nodded.

Meier took the storage ring and discovered it contained one thousand lower-grade Yuanshi; this ring was no ordinary item.

She felt a sense of surrealism at that moment, repeatedly expressing her gratitude: “Thank you, my lord.”

Lin Xuan waved his hand, and Meier indicated with a bite of her lip before complexly exiting the private room.

“A wife?”

Lin Xuan’s gaze drifted far away, and his heartbeat quickened slightly at this moment.

…….

At this moment, the auction continued.

The fifth item was a weapon, but unfortunately, it wasn’t a sword, so Lin Xuan showed no interest.

The sixth item was a rare medicinal herb, the fourth-grade spirit fruit, the Zhu Yuan fruit, which is a main ingredient for many fourth-grade pills and can directly increase cultivation when consumed. Lin Xuan eventually won it for one hundred thirty thousand lower-grade Yuanshi.

The seventh item was a low-grade Xuan-tier martial technique. Although it was somewhat incomplete, it still sold for a sky-high price of one hundred seventy thousand lower-grade Yuanshi, snatched up by the head of another major family, the Mu family, in Tai’an City.