Chapter 225: The Auction 2
"The next pill is concocted by Grandmaster Marco and is one of his finest creations, second only to the Four Elements Pill. While the Four Elements Pill helps a cultivator comprehend the four basic elements, this pill offers a similar effect by focusing on the combination of elements. The special thing about this pill is that it is the Ice Properties Pill."
"With this pill, you can enhance your potential to comprehend Ice Laws, Blazing Ice Laws—the combination of fire and ice—and Freezing Wind Laws, the combination of ice and wind. For those who have already comprehended Ice, Fire, or Wind Laws, this pill will significantly boost their comprehension. The most remarkable feature is that as long as your cultivation is above the Earl stage, you can benefit from consuming this pill," the auctioneer said with a grin after explaining its properties.
The crowd’s excitement grew as they heard about the pill’s effects. It seemed Grandmaster Marco had once again succeeded in creating another masterpiece. This pill essentially carried the properties of Ice Laws, with Grandmaster Marco using mostly ice-element ingredients to concoct it. Although ice cultivators were rare on the continent, there was one prominent example who stood out and was widely renowned.
The Blizzard Witch
Irene Rivas was an exceptionally powerful ice cultivator, showcasing the immense potential of Ice Laws, which could become a formidable technique in the hands of the right person. Although there were no ice cultivators present in the hall, attendees could still purchase the pill for their kin who had comprehended Water Laws, the foundational form of Ice Laws. They hoped it might help evolve those laws into Ice Laws. As for the pill’s other effects, they regarded those as a bonus, knowing how difficult it was to comprehend the complexities of Ice Laws derivatives.
If it is for water element cultivators, they have many in this hall or across the entire continent. This pill is a precious treasure, although not all cultivators here can consume it!
"This pill is of Excellent grade, and Grandmaster Marco has named it Ice Dominion, 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!"
After that, the bidding began, with the price steadily rising. Aldrian was actually interested in this pill, as it would greatly benefit his mother. Although his mother didn’t seem to comprehend Fire Laws, it could help her increase her comprehension of Ice Laws and assist her in working with Freezing Wind Laws.
He knew that his mother was already on the edge of comprehending a small part of Freezing Wind Laws, as she had also comprehended Wind Laws. When he saw her technique against the Lust Devil, he realized that she only needed a small push to touch the Freezing Wind Laws. After thinking for a moment, he decided to join the bid for her sake.
Aldrian looked at the people still bidding. Due to the pill’s unique properties and effects, it seemed to attract fewer bidders compared to the earlier pills. However, for those with compatibility to Water Laws or anyone who had already comprehended Water, Fire, or Wind Laws, it could be their chance to increase their strength.
The bidding price was not far behind the earlier pills, and it became even fiercer because for some, this pill was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As expected, the Rivas family had already placed their bid. They hadn’t been as aggressive with the earlier pill, but after learning about the pill’s effects, they knew they had to secure it for Irene. With her already high strength and talent, if she consumed this pill, she would experience another breakthrough!
"500,000!" The representative from the Rivas family bid from their room.
Once the price spiked so high, and with some of them realizing it was from the Rivas family, all the other bidders fell silent. The price had already become excessive for most of them, and seeing the behemoth-like Rivas family so determined to secure the pill, they decided to step back.
Ting!
Suddenly, a sound resonated from the highest point, where the two most special private rooms were located. The crowd looked up, shocked to see the number displayed on one of the room’s mirror.
1,000,000.
They were shocked that the price had already reached a point usually reserved as the starting bid for a low Divine Grade artifact! No low Divine Grade artifact was ever sold for less than 1,000,000 peak-level energy stones, and now this pill had just touched that mark. Could this be the most expensive pill ever sold?
The Rivas family’s representative was also shocked by the number displayed on the mirror. They gritted their teeth at the sudden bid and the special position of the bidder, which made them hesitate. In the end, they could only sigh and let go of the pill. Although it was a pity, there was still the star of tonight’s auction to look forward to. They needed to preserve their resources if what the Alchemist Association had announced aligned with their speculation.
The crowd began to wonder who was inside one of the two most special rooms, as these were usually reserved for the imperial family or those worthy of such status.
Inside the room, Sylphia and the others stared at Aldrian in shock. They had never seen him squander his wealth or even flaunt it before. They were aware of some of his fortune, as Aldrian had once told them about an inheritance he received from Emperor Thonias, which included a significant amount of wealth. This was the first time they had seen him spend such a large sum at once.
From the pill’s properties, they quickly realized who Aldrian had bought it for.
"It must be for his mother," they thought.
Aldrian smiled as the auctioneer finally announced that he had won the pill. However, just then, the door to the room opened, and Grandmaster Marco rushed in.
"If you want the pill, I’ll gladly give it to you," he said to Aldrian. "To be honest, I actually created two of these pills. I feel bad that you bought it from me for such a high price. Even that amount far exceeds the cost of creating this pill."
But Aldrian shook his head.
"No, it’s not right for me to simply take your precious pill. I will buy it. You’ve put in your best effort to concoct it, so I will show my appreciation by purchasing it."
"But I can—"
"I insist," Aldrian said, locking eyes with Marco. Seeing Aldrian’s resolve, Marco sighed and smiled.
"Alright, you must have someone dear to you for you to spend so much wealth on a pill. I still believe that price is more appropriate for the pill you’ll buy later, so I feel honored that my pill was purchased by you at such a price. This will be the most expensive pill I’ve ever had auctioned."
Aldrian smiled. "Yes, someone dear to me," he murmured.
After a moment of waiting, a woman approached to deliver the pill. Once Aldrian received the special box containing the pill, he transferred the payment through the storage ring. After confirming everything was in order, the woman went on her way.
Inside the room, Aldrian opened the box and looked inside. As soon as the box was opened, the fragrance of the herbs filled the room. However, one distinct sensation stood out: a cold chill spread across their skin, and even the temperature in the room dropped slightly. Aldrian was truly amazed by Grandmaster Marco’s skill in creating such a pill. But then, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
"Can my Eyes of the Heaven tell what ingredients were used to make this pill or the method behind its concoction?" He didn’t hesitate for long before trying it. Using his intent for, "How is this pill made?" Suddenly, a screen appeared before him, displaying complete information about the pill and the process to make it to perfection!
"Good."
Aldrian was truly satisfied. His Eyes of the Heaven had never disappointed him and always worked according to his will—well, except when he encountered the Heavenly Demon and his wife. But he understood that their existence was beyond comprehension, and their information was not something easily obtained. He had simply lacked the strength. Therefore, he didn’t feel disappointed.
After admiring the pill, he closed the box and turned his attention back to the platform outside. This time, the number of items being auctioned was fewer than usual, but all of them were of exceptional quality, each concocted by grandmasters. It was the first time the Alchemist Association had held such an auction.
As the Alchemist Association continued with the auction, the crowd’s doubts began to fade, replaced by growing excitement. They were eager to see what the association had claimed to be the Six Stripes Pill.
They didn’t have to wait long, as the main event had finally arrived!
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, prepare your pockets, for we’ve reached one of the highlights of tonight’s auction! Open your eyes and witness the history!" the auctioneer announced, as a woman brought a box onto the platform.