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Chapter 224: The Auction 1
The hall began to fill with people, most of whom knew that if the Association truly managed to create something like six-stripe pills, the auction’s conclusion would ignite a frenzy capable of shaking the cultivation world. Many of the "small fry" realized they had no chance of obtaining the pills, as the behemoths would clash over them.
The hall capable of accommodating five thousand people and was designed in a half-circular shape to provide all bidders with an unobstructed view of the auctioned goods. Along the walls, numerous private rooms catered to those who valued privacy and had deeper pockets. Among them, the most luxurious and elevated room was now occupied by Aldrian, with another equally prestigious room situated right beside his.
From there, he could see several representatives of noble families and major sects. Some of them wore alchemist robes distinct from those of the Alchemist Association, leading him to surmise they belonged to other alchemist organizations. This event, naturally, would draw the attention of alchemists from across the continent, so it was no surprise that some had come to attend.
He even noticed representatives from the church and the Rivas family, but as none of them were familiar or known to him, he chose to ignore them. Moments later, he suddenly sensed someone entering the room beside him. Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible for Aldrian to peek inside the another room due to the formations designed to block any attempts to observe its interior from the outside.
However, the entire hall was enveloped within his domain, extending from the Alchemist Association building, so there was nothing that could escape his sense and sight. He directed his attention to the room beside him and observed a handsome young man with a cultivation level at the Middle King stage. The man’s sharp features and black hair gave him an allure that would captivate any woman. His regal attire and elegant demeanor further complemented his striking appearance, enhancing the impression of a flawless visage and physique.
"So, he is the second prince of the Doria Empire, Alderia Doria," Aldrian thought.
This was the first time he had seen a member of the imperial family here, but that was all. He then turned his attention back to the front. It seemed the auction was finally about to begin, as the lights in the hall dimmed, leaving only the platform in the center illuminated, with a path leading backstage.
Suddenly, a figure appeared standing on the platform, dressed in butler attire with a smiling face. Many had not noticed his arrival, but they all knew who he was—the auctioneer of the event.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Alchemist Association Auction Hall. I’m Dave Gallard, acting as the auctioneer and representative of the Alchemist Association. We welcome and appreciate your presence here for yet another round of auction. However, this time will be different from any auction we’ve held before. This is a special event that will be engraved in the history of the continent, and all of you here will witness it firsthand—witness history in the making!"
After Dave finished his opening speech, the crowd erupted into applause.
"I know, ladies and gentlemen, you’re all here because of the announcement we made about the star of tonight’s show. But before we dive into the main event, let’s take a look at the side dishes—whoops, I’m sorry to the one who concocted these side dishes. Your creations are excellent, but not quite on par with the main course. Apologies, master, I’m just joking."
"Hahaha."
"Anyway, let’s get started. Normally, we would present the pills created by our great grandmasters as the main attraction, but tonight, to make way for the true star of the show, these pills will serve as the side dishes to kick things off for all of you. The first pill of tonight’s event is the Enlightenment Pill, concocted by the esteemed Grandmaster Aberin."
The crowd gasped in surprise. They had never expected the opening pill to be one concocted by one of the grandmasters of the association. It was hard to believe that the time had come when such pills were no longer the main attraction but only a complement to the true star of the auction.
The auctioneer then picked up the box that had been brought from backstage by a woman and opened it. As soon as he did, the fragrance of a four-stripe pill filled the entire hall and only after a few seconds, he closed the box again to keep the pill secure.
"I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors about the Enlightenment Pill concocted by Grandmaster Aberin. It has the ability to help those at the Emperor stage increase their comprehension or even reach enlightenment in the elements they’ve mastered. For those at the Emperor stage, you must understand the significance of this—if your comprehension increases, or even reaches enlightenment, by swallowing this pill, it can drastically improve your cultivation! This pill is of an excellent grade, with a potency no less than 80%!"
The crowd erupted in uproar, as many present were at the Emperor stage themselves or came from factions with Emperor stage cultivators. At the Emperor stage, breakthroughs were much more difficult, being a lengthy process that required immense energy and a high level of comprehension. It was not uncommon for an Emperor stage cultivator to remain stuck at the same level for the rest of their lives.
The prospect of using the Enlightenment Pill to aid their elders in breaking through to the next level was incredibly enticing. Such a breakthrough would significantly enhance their faction’s strength, making the pill even more valuable.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I will open the bidding for this wonderful pill at 10,000 peak-level energy stones. Each increase must be no less than 5,000 peak-level energy stones, starting now!"
"20,000!"
"30,000!"
As soon as the auctioneer started the bidding, many representatives immediately raised their number planks, shouting their bids. This pill, concocted by one of the grandmasters of the Alchemist Association, was one of the rumored treasures that had circulated among Emperor stage cultivators for some time. They knew they had to bring it home!
Aldrian watched the bidding war with interest. These people certainly didn’t hesitate to squander their wealth for the chance to obtain the pill. He understood that this pill would greatly enhance their power, but he was still amazed by how desperately they sought it, to the point of draining their resources. It was only one pill, and this was just the opening item. Yet, they were bidding as if it were the last and most precious item they would ever have a chance to acquire.
Fortunately for him, Aldrian didn’t need any kind of pill, but then he looked at his group. There was someone who would benefit from a pill like that. He could buy it for him to help with his cultivation, and in the end, it would increase his group’s strength.
"Do you want this pill?" Aldrian asked, directing his gaze towards Xin Haotian.
Xin Haotian glanced at Aldrian for a moment before turning his attention back to the platform.
"I appreciate your good intentions, but thank you. I doubt that pill will increase my comprehension whatsoever. My light laws are a bit special, I must say. The light laws I comprehend are an inheritance given to me by ’them’—you know what I mean. It will not increase with the help of a pill like this. Even if there were a pill that could increase my comprehension, it would have to have light properties that align with my unique characteristics," Xin Haotian explained.
Aldrian nodded in understanding. Xin Haotian’s cultivation technique and comprehension of light laws came from the inheritance bestowed upon his family by the dragon and phoenix in the Everlasting Silent Forest. These beings, powerful beyond measure, were figures Aldrian assumed came from another world entirely, given their overwhelming strength and presence.
The name of his cultivation technique, The Illumination of The God of Light, also indicated its connection to the God of Light. With ’God’ in its name, it was undoubtedly an extraordinary technique, possibly even the inheritance of this very god. If there were any, there were not many pills on this continent that could help Xin Haotian increase his comprehension.
There was no other Emperor stage cultivator in his group. If he bought it and gave it to someone below the Emperor stage, like Sylphia or the others, it could actually harm them. The energy contained in the pill would be far too overwhelming for them to absorb, causing it to be wasted. In the worst case, their dantian or meridians could explode from the excessive energy. If he wanted to help them, he would need to find or concoct a pill more suited to their cultivation level.
"Congratulations to Room Number 12 for bringing home the Enlightenment Pill, concocted by Grandmaster Aberin, for 200,000 peak-level energy stones. The pill will be delivered to your room shortly, and payment can be made at the same time."
The crowd could see the number displayed above the window of the room. This was the method used by bidders inside the private rooms to place their bids, ensuring their secrecy throughout the auction.
Hearing the final bid, Aldrian widened his eyes. To think this single pill could fetch such a price. It was just one pill, and the grandmasters likely had other kinds of pills they could present at any moment. No wonder all the alchemists were such a wealthy bunch. However, he also knew that gathering the ingredients for such pills was an expensive endeavor in itself. Still, this was already a huge profit for them.
After a while, the next pill was brought out, concocted by Grandmaster Maria. This pill also benefited Emperor stage cultivators, but it didn’t hold any particular value for Aldrian’s group, so he passed on it. The pill was quickly bought by Room 3. Aldrian saw who placed the bid, but he didn’t delve deeper into their identity.
Finally, the next pill was revealed, and this one caught Aldrian’s attention.
