C13 Jin Qiaoyan!

These soft tickets were supplementary passes for Red Card members, meant for when they were accompanied by servants and maids. Their primary role was to attend to their masters, and as such, they were not allocated seats, only number plates to identify their standing.

Chen Xing's gaze sharpened suddenly, a heavy oppressive force threatening to burst forth from his eyes. Everyone around involuntarily shuddered, sensing the brewing tension like the calm before a storm.

Just as the pressure seemed ready to explode, Luo Shuining, who was next to him, tugged at his sleeve. "Stop being stubborn. It's just a seat. You can take mine shortly."

Upon hearing her words, Chen Xing blinked, and the surrounding tension instantly vanished.

Seizing the moment, Qin Fei quickly assured the crowd, "Please, everyone, rest assured. Shortly, we will provide an additional chair. It may be somewhat small, but it will certainly accommodate everyone."

Chen Xing gave a nod of approval. Out of respect for the class monitor and Qin Fei, he chose not to stir up further trouble.

With that resolved, they proceeded towards the auction hall.

"Fei, you're usually so clever. What went wrong this time? Clearly, Young Master Ma has an issue with that guy. Why would you defend him?" a manager chided, patting Qin Fei on the shoulder.

Qin Fei offered a smile in response. "I was simply trying to avoid putting Miss Luo in a difficult position," she explained, casting a lingering glance in the direction the group had departed.

Why did that boy's voice sound so familiar to her?

...

Chen Xing's delay meant the auction was about to commence. The hall was bustling, packed to the rafters with attendees. Thankfully, Mao Yinghao was a Red Card Member, granting access to the exclusive viewing platform on the second tier, complete with a private entrance. They bypassed the crowded auction floor and quickly located their seats.

Red Card members had the luxury of privacy curtains, which could be drawn to create a secluded space or to conceal their identities. Blue Card holders were limited to single seats, while White Card members didn't even have that privilege. To remain incognito, they had to cover their faces, either with disguises or masks, leading to a spectacle of eccentric attire that broadened Chen Xing's horizons.

This event was far more vibrant than any of the community activities I'd been involved with before!

"No matter how many times I attend, the Golden Ruyi Auction at Traessey never fails to impress. However, today it seems a country bumpkin who doesn't belong has slipped in," Pang Qing said with a smile.

Chen Xing chuckled, making a mental note of the slight.

It's been an eternity, and now everyone thinks they can mess with this dragon?

"Sir, here is your seat."

An usher approached with a chair and placed it next to Luo Shuining.

"Chen Xing, please sit here."

Luo Shuining rose and graciously moved to the smaller chair that was brought over, offering the larger one she had been sitting in to Chen Xing.

Chen Xing hesitated for a moment, then nodded and took the seat.

Luo Shuining was always so thoughtful. Whenever he felt a surge of anger, she had a way of soothing it discreetly.

She was a stark contrast to those female dragons, making him feel slightly guilty.

Mao Yinghao's frown deepened at the sight.

The auction commenced.

A woman in a silver dress ascended the central stage. Her silhouette was striking, and she was undeniably a rare beauty.

Bathed in the auction hall's lights, her charming face and a glimpse of her fair calves captured the audience's attention. Her silver dress lent her an air of elegance, and her smile alone could captivate a city.

"Jin Qiaoyan, the star auctioneer of the Jin Ruyi Auction House, is hosting? This auction is going to be a windfall!" Pang Qing's face lit up with excitement. He wasn't alone; as soon as the woman stepped onto the stage, the entire auction's atmosphere electrified, with people craning their necks, eager not to miss a moment.

Chen Xing had been casually observing the surroundings when suddenly he was surrounded by a throng of overzealous attendees, prompting him to quickly draw the curtain behind him.

"The garden can't contain the fools; heads pop out as if on cue."

This madness was enough to startle a dragon!

Luo Shuining, standing nearby, couldn't suppress a giggle. "Using the term 'fool' is quite apt. It's not often I see you dabble in poetry."

She had always been the subject of such stares. The term 'creep' couldn't be more apt!

"Still, you can't deny that her legs are indeed quite fair."

Luo Shuining: "..."

She had nearly forgotten that she was sitting next to a creep herself!

"Welcome, everyone. The auction will now officially begin. Let's introduce the first item up for bid..."

Chen Xing's eyes widened as he turned his attention to the stage. This was his first time experiencing an auction firsthand.

However, his interest soon waned.

The auction items were mostly trinkets, some crafted from slightly precious materials, along with commemorative calligraphy, paintings, and jewelry. To someone like Long, who had once been at the pinnacle, these items were mere trash, not even worth the time it took to hand them out to servants, let alone auction them off.

Yet, the auctioneer Jin Qiaoyan had a real knack for her craft. Despite the low quality of the items, she managed to create a lively atmosphere and fetched impressive prices. Chen Xing couldn't help but think that the final bids were several times the actual value of the items—far more than a mere 1.3 times!

"Jin Qiaoyan is an inner disciple of the Thousand Charm Sect. It's odd for her to return and suddenly host such a modest auction without any promotion. Quite peculiar indeed."

Mao Yinghao spoke up, his gaze narrowing as he observed the stage.

The Verdant Empire was a sect spread across the Purple Wind Empire, the Verdant Empire, and the Great Qing Empire. Unlike sects such as Charstand, this sect prioritized business acumen alongside cultivation in its teachings. They owned a multitude of shops and amassed a formidable fortune, commanding respect from all quarters.

"Our next lot is somewhat unique. It may not be exceedingly valuable, but it is quite rare."

Jin Qiaoyan paused, casting a glance around the room before revealing a box.

"It's a pill box. The pills have arrived—these are pills!" Luo Shuining, seated beside Chen Xing, tugged at his arm, her attention sharpening. This was precisely why she had brought him here!

Chen Xing: "..."

"I understand, I understand."

Why did it seem like she was even more thrilled than he was?

"This is a Green Forest Pill."

Jin Qiaoyan unveiled the box with a smile.

A Green Forest Pill?

Though the third-grade pill had sparked some interest, it wasn't particularly alluring.

But the auctioneer was Jin Qiaoyan! Her suspenseful demeanor alone was enough to elicit a wave of cheers!

Amidst the roaring applause, Jin Qiaoyan squinted her eyes and flashed a seductive smile. "This is a Green Forest Pill with 55% effectiveness."

"55% effectiveness? A Green Forest Pill?"

This time, even Mao Yinghao was taken aback.

"Is 55% effectiveness considered valuable?"

Chen Xing asked nonchalantly. After all, it was his pill, and he was eager to find out how much it would fetch.

Mao Yinghao scoffed and shot him a derisive look. "Ignorant!"

"The Green Forest Pill is a popular choice among third-grade pills, greatly aiding in cultivation. Yet, a third-grade alchemist can only refine a pill with 30% effectiveness. A Green Forest Pill with 55% effectiveness has double the potency of a regular one! Plus, it has fewer side effects. Most importantly, it might be a masterpiece crafted by a fifth-grade alchemist! Its value is immense, even as a collectible alone!"

Chen Xing: "..."

That did make a lot of sense!

He had indeed been meticulous. It had taken him an entire night to 'carve' a pill with such modest potency.

"Exactly," Luo Shuining added, "The accumulated side effects of pills can be horrifying, potentially ruining one's innate potential! That's why cultivators must not depend solely on pills for strength enhancement. And if they do, they should opt for high-efficacy pills like this one."

"So, if it were up to you, class monitor, would you go for the pill with 55% efficacy?"

Luo Shuining paused, "Why ask me..." But she firmly nodded. She was determined to quash any notion he had of relying on pills.

"Absolutely! A pill with 55% efficacy is far superior to one with just 30%! I definitely want it!"

"Understood," Chen Xing said, rubbing his hands together with anticipation. "If Luo Shuining wants it, it seems I must secure this pill at all costs!"

Luo Shuining was about to interject when Jin Qiaoyan's melodious voice filled the room.

"This pill is one of those rare treasures that money can't buy. I'm sure everyone here is aware of its immense value, so I'll spare you the details. The starting bid for this pill is 5,000 gold coins!"

At that moment, Luo Shuining caught Chen Xing's bewildered and crestfallen look – it was clear he didn't bring enough money. She didn't even need to say anything to dissuade him. She couldn't help but giggle behind her hand.

Now he would understand just how significant the disparity in a pill's value can be based on its potency.

Meanwhile, Mao Yinghao felt a surge of inspiration.

Chen Xing's words had sparked an idea.

Luo Shuining was his woman! How could he not fulfill her desires? This was the perfect chance to make an impression!

He confidently raised his hand, lifting the bidding sign.

"8,000 gold coins."

At those words, Chen Xing's face was a picture of shock. His own strategy had been turned against him! He buried his face in his hands in anguish, yet he couldn't suppress a joyful chuckle.

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