NOVEL WEB Chapter 57: Toying with Prices!
Inside Room Number 13…
Dong Xian raised a hand to silence them both.
His gaze narrowed, eyes still staring toward the sealed wooden box where the Firebolt Spear was now resting, being delicately packaged by a servant.
"This spear may still serve its purpose. But what angers me…" —he leaned forward, his voice deepening— "is that a nameless rat dared to bleed our Dong Family in public."
There was a loud crack as Dong Ming slammed his fist onto the table. "Let me teach him a lesson, Grandfather! Let me go now!"
"Silence." Dong Xian's voice thundered with ancient might, and Dong Ming immediately stepped back, swallowing his words.
Dong Lianhua folded her arms, eyes half-closed in thought. "To manipulate a high-profile bid like this without flinching or overextending… that person is no fool. Either he's rich beyond sense, or he has powerful backing."
"Find out which one," Dong Xian ordered.
He turned to the tall, masked servant standing quietly in the corner of the room—Shadow Fang, the Dong Family's most trusted scout.
"I want a complete report on the one in Room Number Seven. Real name. Clan ties. Power ranking. Enemies. Allies. Even his dog's name, if he has one."
"Yes, Patriarch." Shadow Fang bowed without emotion and vanished into the darkness like mist—his black robes trailing behind him like smoke.
Dong Xian took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Tonight, they mocked the Dong Family's purse. That may be forgivable…"
He turned toward the auction ground, then slowly narrowed his eyes.
"But if he dares to cross us again—Dong blood will answer."
Dong Lianhua nodded silently, her fingers brushing the hilt of her frost-forged blade. Meanwhile, Dong Ming's eyes glowed with suppressed fury.
The Firebolt Spear now belonged to him… but the vengence had only just begun.
Inside Khan Family's Grand Auction..
The servants moved swiftly, refilling wine goblets and adjusting the glowing jade lamps that hovered near each private room window. Nobles, clan heirs, sect emissaries, and powerful rogue cultivators leaned forward in their seats, some with hungry smiles, others with cautious eyes.
On stage, Soya Khan's presence dominated like a queen under spotlight. Her hands rose gracefully, and with a practiced smile, she called out:
"And now… our auction nears its end."
Two servants took a step forward, each carrying an item wrapped in thick spirit-restraining silk, covered in golden seal talismans. The crowd murmured, and even in the private rooms, the rustling of robes and shifting silhouettes signaled renewed attention.
Soya stepped to the center of the stage, her voice clear as starlight.
"The first of our final two treasures… is a rare Fighting Technique Scroll, retrieved from the Crimson Mountain Abyss!"
With a flick of her fingers, the seal talismans dissolved, and the silk unraveled mid-air, revealing a jade scroll encased in shimmering crystal. The crowd gasped as red and silver runes began glowing along its surface, dancing like live flame.
"This scroll bears an unknown name, but according to our experts, it holds a close-combat art that enhances internal energy flow by 40% during battle. It is compatible with most elemental cultivators and body cultivators alike. A true weapon for the ambitious!"
The audience stirred like a rising tide.
"Starting bid—1,000 spirit stones."
Almost immediately—
"1,500!"
"2,200!"
"3,100!"
The numbers surged, voices overlapping from every direction.
In Room Number Eight, a composed male voice echoed:
"8,000."
Gasps filled the air. All eyes turned to Room Eight's window, but the curtain remained drawn.
Mo Han, reclining in Room Number Seven, chuckled and raised his wine glass. "Let's tease them a little."
He raised two fingers toward the attendant.
"8,500," the servant announced.
"Crazy… You are really Crazy, We will die like this…" Fatty Lambu muttered with a frustated grin. "You're just raising prices for fun."
Jia Kai sighed. "He must be a natural-born villain in an auction house."
From Room Eight, the reply came immediately.
"10,000."
Soya smiled brightly, her voice sharp with excitement.
"Ten thousand spirit stones! Sold to Room Number Eight!"
A wave of applause surged as the crystal-encased scroll was respectfully carried off stage by two elders.
Soya's gaze then turned serious.
"And now… the final item of the Khan Family Auction."
The second silk-wrapped item was brought forth by 3 servants with great effort. The talismans were far more complicated—glowing, humming, vibrating slightly.
With an elegant wave, Soya released the seals.
"This—" Soya said, her voice dropping an octave, "—is a rare Flying Treasure, capable of carrying two people. A personal aerial vessel, created by the famed artisans of the Cloud Forge Sect. It runs on spirit stones and has defensive glyphs etched across its surface. Perfect for travel, scouting, or escape."
An audible gasp swept the room. A treasure like this was practical—not just powerful.
"Starting price—3,000 spirit-stones!"
"3,500!"
"4,000!"
"5,600!"
Mo Han swirled his drink lazily and nodded toward his attendant.
"6,000," came the call from Room Seven.
In Room Number Six, an anxious merchant leader bit his thumb. "It's him again! That guy in Room Seven is toying with us!"
"6,800!" another called out.
"7,500!"
"8,500," came Mo Han's voice again, loud and confident.
The crowd was at the edge of their seats.
Finally, a deep voice from Room Number Six thundered:
"9,000!"
Silence.
Soya looked around, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Going once…"
"Going twice…"
"Sold! To Room Number Six, for 9,000 spirit-stones!"
She clapped her hands, the gavel struck, and cheers rang-out across the entire auction hall.
A storm of applause followed. Some clapped in awe, others in envy. The Khan family elders watching from the upper chambers nodded proudly. Servants began recording final transactions and preparing delivery of the items.
Soya bowed once more.
"With that, this grand auction concludes. May fortune favor you, and your new treasures lead you to glory. The Khan Family thanks all participants and honored guests. For the comfort of our distinguished guests, we've also arranged refreshments and hearty delicacies in the adjoining courtyard. Please enjoy them freely as a token of our gratitude."
As the curtains began to close, and the spiritual light dimmed, Mo Han leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smirk.
Fatty Lambu whistled. "Brother Han, you raised the price of half the hall and didn't spend a single stone."
Jia Kai smirked, "Truly a merchant's nightmare."
Mo Han grinned wide.
"Auctions are like battlefields. One doesn't always need to kill to win… just make the enemies bleed spirit stones."
As the hall emptied and the crowd murmured their goodbyes, the legend of the night—the mysterious guest in Room Number Seven—had already begun spreading like wildfire.
And in the shadows… others had started to investigate.