“The core martial techniques of the Cao and Xu families?” The elderly man with white hair and beard couldn’t help but exclaim. He had assumed they were ordinary techniques or obscure ones rarely practiced, hence brought for auction.
He never imagined they would be the most core techniques of the Cao and Xu families.
“Are these truly the Cao family’s Sky-Splitting Fist and the Xu family’s Void Blade Art?” the elderly man asked in astonishment.
“The pavilion master can appraise them; we don’t mind,” Lin Xiao said with a smile, unconcerned.
“Uh…” The elderly man hesitated. Appraising martial techniques involved glimpsing a client’s private matters, but to prevent fraud, a brief check was necessary.
Of course, this didn’t mean fully reviewing the entire technique, just skimming a page to verify authenticity.
After confirming they were indeed the two families’ complete techniques, the elderly man took a deep breath.
Core techniques of both families were so closely guarded that only Martial Lords or the most exceptional genius disciples were allowed to carry complete versions.
For this young man to possess both families’ complete techniques… Well, Wanxiang Pavilion’s rules meant they wouldn’t dwell on such matters.
The elderly man gave Lin Xiao a deep look and said, “This will be a tricky auction. Wanxiang Pavilion will face significant pressure afterward, but our principles never waver. Rest assured, I’ll arrange for these two techniques to be included in this auction, and I’ll personally oversee it.”
Lin Xiao was slightly surprised. The pavilion master personally handling the auction was unexpected.
Even the middle-aged man nearby was taken aback, realizing the pavilion master was likely stepping in to ensure control and prevent any incidents.
“The base price for each technique will be one hundred azure spirit stones. Is that acceptable?” the elderly man asked.
“One hundred azure spirit stones!” Lin Xiao’s heart skipped a beat.
Azure spirit stones were simply another name for fifth-grade spirit stones, named for their azure crystal appearance.
He hadn’t expected these two techniques to fetch such a high price. Twenty fifth-grade spirit stones alone could help Mei Tianmo, a Second-Tier Martial Lord, advance a tier.
To think one technique could sell for a hundred azure spirit stones shocked Lin Xiao. Back when Mei Tianmo looted twenty spirit stones from five people, it seemed significant, but these techniques were worth far more.
“Absolutely, that’s fine,” Lin Xiao nodded eagerly to the elderly man.
“This is just the base price. The final sale price will likely be higher,” the elderly man added.
Imagining the reactions of those old foxes at the auction, a trace of anticipation crossed his face.
“However, as per our rules, Wanxiang Pavilion will take a ten percent commission from the final sale price,” he continued.
“No problem,” Lin Xiao nodded immediately. Auction house rules were standard, though commission rates varied.
A ten percent commission wasn’t small, but nor was it excessive, depending on the item. For these techniques, it would mean at least twenty azure spirit stones, a substantial amount.
But without Wanxiang Pavilion, there’d be no place to sell them or achieve such high prices.
Moreover, Wanxiang Pavilion would bear significant pressure and trouble, making the commission reasonable.
The elderly man nodded, saying, “Rest assured, I’ll auction these two techniques separately, placing them just before the Dragon Saliva Mid-Heaven Pill as the finale. They’ll surely fetch a handsome sum.”
“Thank you, pavilion master,” Lin Xiao said with a smile.
“Haha, you’re too polite, young friend. These techniques will also boost our auction’s revenue. As it happens, we’ve reserved a VIP box for this auction,” the elderly man said, glancing at the middle-aged man. “Fei Ding, escort our distinguished guests to VIP Box No. 1.”
Originally, VIP Box No. 1 was reserved for himself, as he was curious about the Dragon Saliva Mid-Heaven Pill’s final price and which family would claim it.
But since he was now hosting, the box was free, perfect for hosting Lin Xiao and Mei Tianmo.
“Yes!” The middle-aged man nodded promptly, leading Lin Xiao and Mei Tianmo to VIP Box No. 1 in the auction hall.
The auction hall’s boxes were on the second floor, with windows veiled by curtains, making it hard to see inside.
Lin Xiao’s Box No. 1 faced the main auction platform directly, while below, the main hall was packed with ordinary seats, buzzing with noise and excitement.
After a while, the elderly man’s figure appeared, slowly walking to the main platform.
Facing the crowd, he announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am Shi Jindou, pavilion master of this Wanxiang Pavilion branch. I’ll personally host today’s auction.”
“What? He’s Shi Jindou, the pavilion master? He’s hosting this auction himself?”
“Rumor has it his strength is unfathomable. Even the Cao family patriarch shows him respect. He rarely hosts auctions, yet he’s making an exception today.”
“The Dragon Saliva Mid-Heaven Pill is too alluring. He’s probably here to deter any Martial Lords from causing trouble.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and those in the VIP boxes frowned slightly at Shi Jindou’s appearance.
Shi Jindou was a high-ranking figure in Wanxiang Pavilion, not to be trifled with, even by the patriarchs of the three great families. His strength was enigmatic.
With him present, using their status to pressure or influence the bidding would be impossible.
Sweeping his gaze across the room, silencing the crowd, Shi Jindou gave a sly smile and said, “Everyone, you know Wanxiang Pavilion’s rules: we don’t ask about origins, don’t leak client secrets, don’t engage in disputes, and don’t allow trouble inside…”
True to his businessman nature, Shi Jindou took the opportunity to promote Wanxiang Pavilion extensively.
Lin Xiao could now understand why Wanxiang Pavilion was so renowned. At every auction’s start, they tirelessly promoted themselves, even with a figure as esteemed as the pavilion master.
“Ahem.” After a lengthy spiel, Shi Jindou cleared his throat and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, today’s auction officially begins.”
“As you know, in just over a month, the Yuan Spirit Pool Secret Realm, which opens every five years, will begin. It’s filled with spirit beasts and great danger, so preparation is key. Otherwise, forget opportunities—you might not make it out alive. Our first item today is a defensive armor set.”
As he spoke, an elegant woman presented a golden armor set on the main platform.
“Yuan Spirit Pool Secret Realm?” Lin Xiao was taken aback. A secret realm opening in this region in a month?
What was this Yuan Spirit Pool Secret Realm that opened every five years?
