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Chapter 227: The Auction 4
"How is that possible?" the alchemist murmured, his voice trembling.
Noticing the alchemist’s reaction, the crowd gasped, assuming the result was just as the auctioneer had claimed. 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝖕𝖚𝖇.𝖈𝔬𝔪
"His energy is fully recovered, and his cultivation has even improved slightly—how is that possible?!" the alchemist exclaimed, turning to the auctioneer. "How did the energy replenishment pill turn out like this?!"
Hearing the alchemist’s words, the crowd trembled. If the pill could completely replenish an entire cultivator’s energy, it essentially gave them a second chance at survival.
This pill is typically consumed when cultivators need rapid energy replenishment, such as during emergencies like a fight. Battles between cultivators of the same level often take time to conclude due to their equal strength. The only factor that differentiates them is their energy management. The first person to run out of energy is usually the first to fall.
The issue with energy replenishment pills is that they only restore a small percentage of the energy within the dantian. They can never fully replenish the dantian’s entire energy capacity.
This limitation exists because alchemists cannot fully purify the ingredients used to concoct the pills. Even the most "excellent" energy replenishment pills can only restore up to 50% of the dantian’s energy at best, and not all pills can achieve that level. Only those crafted by the most skilled grandmasters can reach such quality. Most pills available on the market typically replenish between 5% and 50% of energy.
That is the case for common energy replenishment pills. However, if there were a pill capable of fully replenishing a cultivator’s energy, it would likely belong to the legendary Unblemished tier—a level of alchemy that has been lost to time. This remains only a theory, as no one has ever successfully concocted an Unblemished pill.
Now that a pill capable of fully replenishing energy has appeared—and with six stripes, something never seen before—they understood the significant implications it could have. For King-stage cultivators, this pill essentially allows them to fight indefinitely, as long as their bodies can endure. In the pill market, its introduction would revolutionize the energy replenishment segment for King-stage cultivators. The Alchemist Association would solidify its dominance in this market, leaving no room for competitors.
Seeing the expressions on everyone’s faces, the auctioneer grinned, knowing they had finally grasped the potential of this pill.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this extraordinary pill will start at the same price as the earlier ones! The bidding begins at 10,000 peak-level energy stones, with each increment no less than 5,000 peak-level energy stones. Let the bidding start now!"
The price was outrageous. If this were a normal King-stage energy replenishment pill, it would typically cost only 1,000 peak-level energy stones in the market. For King-stage cultivators, that price wasn’t exactly cheap but also not overly expensive. However, the existence of this pill could mean the difference between life and death, so they didn’t mind the cost.
With this new pill, the tide of any battle could be completely reversed! As long as they had this pill and their bodies could endure, they could continue fighting indefinitely. While this pill might not be as complex as those concocted by grandmasters, it provides a more immediate and powerful effect, making it accessible to all King-stage cultivators.
"50,000."
"60,000."
The situation instantly turned chaotic as bidders shouted one after another.
Ting!
"100,000." Even the private rooms began placing their bids. Some of the people present, who knew the nobles in the private rooms, gritted their teeth in frustration. Yet, they didn’t give up and continued raising the bid.
When the price finally spiked to 300,000 peak-level energy stones, there were no more bids. In the end, it was still just an energy replenishment pill, and the price was truly mind-boggling. Everyone also knew who had won the bid, and they could only sigh in frustration.
"Congratulations to the VVIP room number 1 for winning the bid for this pill. It will be delivered shortly," the auctioneer said, slightly bowing toward the room.
Aldrian glanced at the second prince, the one who had bought the pill. To think that his concocted pill would be purchased by this prince. He merely nodded in appreciation for the prince’s generosity in spending such a large amount of money on "just" an energy replenishment pill. Aldrian didn’t care much about the price of the pill, but it amazed him that his creation could fetch such a staggering amount. If he didn’t have Emperor Thonias’ inheritance, he could have become rich overnight in this way.
"Aldrian, you will never fall into poverty with this ability of yours," Sylphia said, then sighed. "But you’re truly extraordinary. To think that your pills have such an effect. No wonder, even though it’s just an energy replenishment pill, the final bid was so outrageous."
"Well, I’m surprised myself," Aldrian said, showing a bitter smile.
After a few moments, the auctioneer’s voice resounded again.
"Now that we know the six-stripes pill is real and its effect is extraordinary, I hope you’re ready for the next few pills that will be presented to you."
The people’s eyes widened upon hearing this. Was the auctioneer implying that there were more six-stripes pills? The people’s eyes widened upon hearing this. Was the auctioneer implying that there were more six-stripes pills? When the association had announced the auction, they had only explained that the appearance of the six-stripes pill would change the cultivation world and that it would be auctioned. They had never mentioned there would be another six-stripes pill!
Their question was quickly answered when another pill, crafted by Aldrian, was brought to the platform. This one was an energy replenishment pill for Emperor-stage cultivators. The hall erupted in excitement, for this pill was even more precious than the King-stage one. If it had the same effect, they would have to have it!
After a round of chaotic bidding, a winner was finally decided. The final bid was even more outrageous, reaching 700,000 peak-level energy stones!
"Congratulations to room 20 for winning this pill. The pill will be delivered shortly," the auctioneer announced.
Aldrian looked toward room 20. He glanced inside and saw a middle-aged man with a mustache, adorned with luxurious jewelry. The man was slightly overweight and radiated the aura of a low Emperor-stage cultivator. A few of his guards were also present in the room.
"Rubelo De Lumeria, from the Lumeria family, one of the grand dukes of this empire," Aldrian thought.
There are four grand dukes in the Doria Empire: Rivas in the northwest, Gouvard in the northeast, Lumeria in the southwest, and Herlion in the southeast . These families wield immense power and are crucial to the strength of the empire. If the Rivas family is famous for their unmatched battle prowess, then Lumeria is renowned for their immense wealth.
The Lumeria family is a business-oriented family, known for managing the Diamond Spirit Commerce, a vast commercial group with significant connections and influence, much like the Golden Swan Commerce. Although it may be slightly outpaced by the Golden Swan Commerce or the Golden Phoenix Commerce, it remains one of the top three behemoths in the continent’s business associations. The Diamond Inn, where Aldrian and his group are staying, is also one of their establishments.
"Lumeria is also part of the neutral faction in the succession race, just like the Rivas family. They seem to be staying clear of taking sides, still weighing which faction they will support," Aldrian thought.
The mind of a businessman is driven by profit and benefit. That’s why Aldrian thought Rubelo remained neutral. At this time, no one is certain who will secure the throne. However, once there is a clear sign of who the winner will be, Aldrian was sure this family would instantly throw their support behind that figure.
"Maybe I can approach them to make a few deals?" Aldrian thought, before turning his attention back to the platform. Another pill he had concocted had made its appearance, and the bidding war began once again. No one harbored any doubts this time; after what had happened earlier, no one held back. The situation became even more hectic than before, as everyone, from the lowest noble to the highest, scrambled to acquire these pills.
All the common pills, which are usually cheaper and accessible to most cultivators, had now become rare treasures here. On top of that, every pill that followed was a six-stripes tier pill, amplifying their effects. As a result, everyone in the hall was eager to get their hands on them.
After a few more pills were auctioned off over the next hour, the final product was sold to one of the noble families. This pill was called the Breakthrough Pill, which in this auction was for Marquess-stage cultivators to help them break through to the Duke stage. Normally, these pills are used to increase the chances of a breakthrough, but the pill concocted by Aldrian didn’t just raise the chances—it guaranteed a breakthrough!
Unfortunately, only one Breakthrough Pill was sold tonight, and it was the only one of its kind, leaving most of the attendees a little disappointed. After the final pill was delivered to its new owner, the auctioneer swept his gaze across the entire hall.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I know you’re all wondering who is the one that concocted these amazing pills that have never appeared on the continent, right? Well, I’d like to address that on this occasion."
Hearing the auctioneer’s words, the people’s expressions turned solemn yet curious, all focusing on who the person behind these extraordinary pills could be.
