C13 An Auction

Han Fei felt a surge of excitement; he recognized it as the Silver Soul Spear Technique. Being the final item, it was bound to stir up a frenzy.

The woman on stage, with a slight parting of her crimson lips, began, "The Silver Soul Spear Technique, a mid-grade Profound level cultivation method, is exceptionally domineering and unstoppable. Its might rivals that of a high-grade Profound technique, and it is incredibly powerful. The opening bid is 500,000 gold coins."

At the mention of such a coveted technique, the warriors in the audience were electrified. Securing a mid-grade Profound level technique could significantly enhance one's abilities. It was an opportunity not to be missed!

Han Fei glanced toward the Chief Elder at the front of the auction house. The Chief Elder's son was fixated on the stage, his eyes ablaze with desire as he fervently whispered to his father. The Chief Elder, however, was deep in thought, his brow furrowed. Han Fei let out a cold laugh, anticipating the technique's price would skyrocket to an eye-watering sum, posing a substantial expense even for the Chief Elder of the Cloudmist Order.

"One million!" The man in white from before declared, his eagerness for the technique evident.

"One and a half million," countered an elder in a black robe.

"One million eight hundred thousand."

"Two million three hundred thousand!"

The bidding war escalated quickly until the price hit the five million mark, an immense fortune by any standard. It was then that the Chief Elder confidently rose to his feet and announced, "Five million one hundred thousand."

The surrounding bidders bowed their heads in resignation, the price now beyond their reach.

The Chief Elder offered a knowing smile and proclaimed, "Should anyone wish to offer a higher bid, I shall gracefully bow out."

His words were a thinly veiled taunt, an overt display of bravado.

Eventually, the black-robed elder stood once more, stating, "Six million."

"Then... six million it is," the Chief Elder responded, unfazed. The rest of the crowd ceased their bids, recognizing the futility of competing with the Cloudmist Order. To challenge such a powerful sect was to invite not only financial ruin but also the prospect of their formidable retribution—a risk no ordinary individual could afford to take.

The Chief Elder was brimming with confidence, eagerly awaiting the countdown's end to claim the coveted cultivation technique for his beloved son.

"Alright, then this cultivation technique shall go to the Cloudmist Order."

Just then, a voice emerged from a corner.

"Seven million gold coins."

Upon hearing this, the Chief Elder's complexion turned stormy. Seven million meant he had to shell out an extra million.

Indeed, the voice belonged to Han Fei, who was intent on causing the Chief Elder some discomfort. The Elder's previous treatment of his father had left Han Fei feeling quite aggrieved. While he lacked the power to outright overpower the Chief Elder, Han Fei relished the opportunity to trip him up behind the scenes.

"Seven million one hundred thousand!" the Chief Elder declared through clenched teeth.

"Eight million," Han Fei responded coolly. The Chief Elder's face grew so dark it seemed it might start to rain. He spoke slowly, "Do you realize who I am?

Han Fei remained silent, letting the Chief Elder continue.

"I am the Chief Elder of the Cloudmist Order. You're aware of what happens to those who oppose me. I suggest you think twice before making things difficult for me."

The Chief Elder addressed Han Fei directly.

Unfazed, Han Fei knew the Chief Elder was unaware of his identity, and with the auction's strict ban on private duels, how could the Chief Elder lay a finger on him?

"Eight million one hundred thousand!" the Chief Elder bid once more, staking his entire net worth. If he were to bid higher, he feared he might no longer be able to compete.

"Nine million!" Han Fei's tone remained detached, nearly driving the Chief Elder to the brink of madness.

"Cur, you'd best spend your life hiding in this auction house, for once I discover your identity, I'll make your life a living hell." The Chief Elder, unable to contain himself any longer, was red-faced and on the verge of collapse.

A hush fell over the room.

The Chief Elder's son gently pulled at his sleeve.

"Ten million!" The Chief Elder was all in, ready to mortgage his magical treasures to secure the technique.

During the silence, Han Fei began to worry. If his taunting caused the Chief Elder to withdraw his bid, wouldn't he be sabotaging himself?

Fortunately, the Chief Elder's deep love for his son led him to purchase the cultivation technique for an exorbitant ten million. This sum was well beyond the technique's worth, and Han Fei was elated.

Once the auction concluded, the Chief Elder finally got his hands on the technique he had coveted. He used his powers to track Han Fei, who was cloaked in black, determined to find out where he was headed and ensure he paid for his actions.

Han Fei made his way to the back of the auction house. As he turned a corner, an old man dressed in green emerged, effectively cutting off the Chief Elder's pursuit.

The Chief Elder, realizing his senses were blocked, was overwhelmed with frustration, almost to the point of feeling physically ill. With the crowd so dense and Han Fei's face unseen, he was at a complete loss.

"If I ever find out who you are, you'll regret it," the Chief Elder vowed silently, seething with anger.

Afterward, he left the auction house with his son, while Han Fei returned to his room, ready to purchase some Pulse Essence Powder from the old man in green. His goal was to solidify his cultivation and broaden his realm as quickly as possible.

Upon entering the room, the old man in green informed him, "The auction yielded a total of ten million gold coins, with eight million going to you. Is there anything else you require?"

"I'm looking for some Pulse Essence Powder," Han Fei replied.

"The Pulse Essence Powder is quite affordable. How much do you need?" inquired the old man in green.

After a moment's thought, considering there was only a month until the Cloudmist Order's competition and he would need a daily dose, Han Fei calculated he needed thirty kilograms. He also required a weapon and thus stated, "I'll need thirty kilograms of Pulse Essence Powder and a weapon, please."

"Very well. The Powder will cost five hundred thousand gold coins in total. We've recently received a new shipment of weapons; feel free to pick one out," the old man in green offered.

"Thank you," Han Fei responded, his tone even.

The old man led Han Fei to another room filled with an array of weapons. "Take your pick from these. Once you've made your selection, just let me know."

Surveying the storeroom brimming with various weapons, Han Fei took his time choosing the right one for himself.

In this world, weapons and martial techniques were categorized into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow, each with three subgrades of Upper, Middle, and Lower. Beyond these, there were the exceedingly rare divine-level weapons and techniques, which Han Fei, despite his previous life's achievements, had never come across.