C28 Dispersed Treasure

As soon as the bid was called out, a hush fell over the crowd.

Three hundred thousand? A bid doubled outright? Who was this wealthy scion?

Points were at stake here. Typically, no matter how abundant one's points were, such a steep increase was uncommon—it was clear someone was intent on securing the prize.

All eyes turned toward Zhang Lieh, but to their disappointment, they were met with nothing more than the sight of a black cloak.

Those who had been bidding fell quiet as well. A peak-level martial skill normally went for about 200,000, so with the bid now at 300,000, they were naturally disinclined to compete.

After all, for them, this fist technique was not irreplaceable.

The auctioneer, a vision in her white dress, paused for a few seconds before bringing her palm down decisively. "Well spotted, young man. Three hundred thousand! The Wave Fist is yours!"

The transaction was swift; Zhang Lieh's points card was charged, and within about 15 seconds of entering his hotel room number, he received the gene martial skill via the room's teleporter.

The peak-level martial skill came in two parts: a secret manual and a robot demonstration video.

Zhang Lieh casually checked the items, and upon confirming receipt, the points were duly transferred into the auctioneer's account.

The auction continued, but nothing else piqued Zhang Lieh's interest.

He was about to withdraw when he spotted several types of spiritual herbs and a Water Attribute gene martial skill set to be the auction's grand finale.

Among them, the Ink Spirit Flower was a crucial component for concocting the second batch of Limit Medicine.

Such a potion was typically not available until the second release, so finding it here was an unexpected delight.

With this find, Zhang Lieh was in no hurry to leave.

And since the value of spiritual herbs wasn't high until their true potential was unlocked, he managed to secure the Ink Spirit Flower for a mere 10,000 points.

Now, all Zhang Lieh could do was wait. After more than an hour, the moment for the final gene martial skill arrived.

At the heart of the auction stage, the auctioneer, still clad in her white dress, adopted a grave demeanor. "Ladies and gentlemen, we now come to the final lot of our auction: the Tremendous Sword."

On the display, an ancient-looking tome materialized before the crowd.

"The Tremendous Sword, a Supreme Grade sword technique. Unleash a sword that overflows with power. Starting bid: 1.5 million points. Let the bidding begin!"

"A Supreme Grade sword technique? Are you sure you're not just pulling our leg?"

Zhang Lieh was skeptical too, but before he could voice his doubts, someone else had already stepped up.

Mastering a Supreme Grade martial skill could bolster the reputation of a martial arts dojo. Take, for instance, the premier gene martial arts dojo in Ning City—the Snow Wind Martial Arts Club—founded on the Snow Wind Sword technique.

Zhang Lieh had never imagined that in the Void Realm, someone would offer a Supreme Grade cultivation method in exchange for points.

Undisturbed by the skepticism, the Water Immortal Flower got straight to the point.

A martial arts robot, with the highest authorization level in the Void Realm, materialized at the center of the stage like an apparition.

This robot was indistinguishable from a human in appearance.

He rested one hand on the sword's hilt and made no further movement, seemingly entering a state of energy accumulation.

Yet, this simple gesture unleashed a wave of Tremendous Sword Force that permeated the light screen and touched every prospective buyer.

Zhang Lieh even saw an overwhelming oceanic vista materialize behind the robot.

This was indeed a Supreme Grade cultivation technique, perfectly aligned with his Water Attribute.

As serene as a maiden, yet as it moved, it stirred a tempest! He knew he had to secure this martial art!

Zhang Lieh's heart was ablaze with desire, but he maintained an impassive facade.

"Well, does anyone still doubt the authenticity of the technique?" the lady in the white dress, Daffodil, asked once more. This time, there were no challengers.

"What you've just witnessed was merely a Holo-Brain simulation, basic entry-level. How far you advance is entirely up to your personal training."

With these words, someone who had previously remained silent in the crowd now stood up.

"A Supreme Grade martial art for 1.5 million? Why don't you just rob us? If it were a cultivation manual, I might consider it, but gene martial arts are not the same as cultivation techniques."

"I'll go as high as 1.2 million. If you think that'll fly, then let's keep talking."

"Get lost! Save your breath if you don't have the points, and stop embarrassing yourself. I bid 1.6 million!"

"Thinking you can snag Supreme Grade martial arts for just 1.6 million? Dream on. I bid 1.8 million, and nobody better challenge me. This technique is as good as mine, Sun Mu of Qinglin Base!"

"Qinglin Base? The Sun Family? Who cares who you are? This is an online anonymous auction. Why bother dropping names? You must be out of your mind!"

"I, the wildflower from the roadside, am going to outbid you, kiddo. Two million!"

Announcing your name in such a place was hardly a clever move. It lacked any real impact and only served to draw unwanted attention.

"Alright, tough guy, do you dare to reveal your name? Just try me..."

"Are you brain-dead? I'm just a nobody from Bronze-Fang Base. What are you going to do about it? Bid or shut up, idiot!"

Qinglin Sun Mu was not pleased, but his opponent simply ignored him, putting him at a disadvantage once again.

"Kid, you've got nerve. Just wait until I find out who you really are. I bid 2.5 million. Let's see if you dare to raise it!"

"Wow, this fool. Bidding like a complete buffoon. I'm actually impressed. What am I going to do about it? 2.6 million!"

The passerby from Bronze-Fang Base was unfazed by Qinglin Sun Mu, confidently raising the bid by another 100,000.

Qinglin Sun Mu hadn't expected the other party to be so bold, both in action and in words.

His budget maxed out at 2.5 million; he had no room to increase his bid. All he could do was glare resentfully at his rival and grudgingly accept defeat.

2.6 million was no small sum, especially considering the event wasn't that grand.

Among the attendees, there might have been a few wealthy heirs, but none were extraordinarily affluent.

At this price point, even those with ample points had to think twice.

"Three million!"

Just when everyone assumed the Water Attribute Technique would be secured for 2.6 million, the man in blue at the front row, who had earlier expressed his intention to purchase a martial skill for his sister, raised the stakes.

He confidently added another 400,000 to the bid, clearly showing his determination to win.

Three million was already a considerable sum. In today's terms, that would equate to 300 million federal dollars.

Investing 300 million in a Supreme Grade martial skill wasn't a bad deal, considering the benefits for gene evolution.

Even more so, a peak gene martial skill that matched one's own attributes could be worth a billion without any regrets.

But the real question was, who could be certain of compatibility before practicing the skill?

Moreover, the Water Attribute wasn't exactly in high demand among the various gene attributes; it was rather niche.

For a brief moment, the auction hall was enveloped in silence, as if all was settled.

Yet, just when the dust seemed to have settled, Zhang Lieh hit the auction button and calmly announced, "Four million!"

His bid immediately recaptured the attention of the entire room.

To the crowd's disappointment, all they saw was a figure shrouded in a black robe.

The man in blue, witnessing this turn of events, refrained from bidding further, only muttering under his breath, "So secretive, it's really irritating!"

Zhang Lieh, observing the overly handsome man, let out a light chuckle and said, "I appreciate the gesture!"

With a jump to four million points, an increase of a full million, the price had likely hit its ceiling.

Three million had already deterred other competitors, and four million was enough to silence them completely.

The woman in the white dress, after a few seconds of quiet, decisively announced, "Four million points! Sold! Buyer number 333, the Tremendous Sword is now yours!"

A smile spread across Zhang Lieh's face upon hearing the final verdict.

After all, four million points was pretty much the extent of his resources.

Had the bidding continued, Zhang Lieh might have had to part with some of his fire-attribute techniques to cover the cost.

He proceeded to the transaction interface to finalize the deal.

With a single beep, four million points were deducted from his card, prompting Zhang Lieh to reflect on how swiftly points could come and go.

At this moment, Zhang Lieh had spared no expense.

Zhang Lieh wasn't the least bit heartbroken; instead, he eagerly anticipated the arrival of the Tremendous Sword he had set his heart on.

His wait was brief. In under thirty seconds, much like with the Wave Fist, the Teleportation Device delivered the Tremendous Sword straight to his room.

After the auction concluded, Zhang Lieh didn't disperse with the crowd. He chose to linger until the very end.

The Water Attribute host on the stage took notice of him.

Once the last attendee had departed, the auction mode was deactivated, and the Water Attribute host switched to a private meeting mode.

"Hello, congratulations on becoming the thirtieth million-level customer at Hundred Treasure Pavilion. How may I assist you today?" The host's voice, crisp and tinged with happiness, reached Zhang Lieh's ears.

Zhang Lieh responded with a light laugh, "Actually, I have a couple of questions."

"Firstly, could you inform me about the origin of this Supreme Grade cultivation technique? I'd rather not have to practice it in secrecy."

"Secondly, I'm curious to know if you handle commissions in addition to auctions?"

The Water Attribute host smiled warmly at his inquiries. "Regarding your first question, I can assure you that the provenance of the cultivation technique is impeccable."

"You can practice it freely, whether in the Void Realm or in the real world, without fear of any repercussions. It's a freshly unearthed treasure!"

Reassured by her words, Zhang Lieh felt a wave of relief wash over him. The term 'unearthed' was merchant jargon, implying the item hadn't yet been exposed to the wider world.

"As to your second question, let me be clear: at your customer level with Hundred Treasure Pavilion, your needs become our needs. We will spare no effort to fulfill all your requirements."

Hearing the host's assurances, Zhang Lieh, even with his wealth of experience from two lifetimes, felt a profound sense of satisfaction.

He promptly expressed his delight, "I must commend Hundred Treasure Pavilion for its exceptional business model. With that said, I'll take you up on your offer without reservation."

At that moment, he conjured a list of rare spiritual medicines that, although recently discovered, were still considered valuable. The list materialized before the host, detailing the grades, prices, and quantities of the spiritual medicines required.

Daffodil Daydream swiftly took the list and spoke with earnest, "Alright, your commission has been noted. Once we've received the items, I'll contact you directly via your ID. If I may ask, what should I call you?"

Zhang Lieh responded with a light laugh, "You can call me Explosive Pepper!"

"Very well, Mr. Explosive Pepper. We appreciate your support of the Hundred Treasure Pavilion and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!"

"Great, I'm looking forward to hearing from you!"

With that brief exchange, Zhang Lieh exited the private meeting mode, concluding their interaction.