Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

"Ladies and Gentlemen! All tables have been filled, let's start the banquet! We will begin with the presentation and introduction of the auction items. Then, we will proceed with the banquet after. So, please hold on to your seat and focus on the stage."

As the voice rang out, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd. A beautiful girl clad in a slightly revealing dress walked onto the stage and began her presentation.

"This year's auction has a lot of extraordinary items. As a special event, we have gathered the most rare and unique things from all over the world." She said, enticing a loud cheer from the crowd. "So, without further ado, let's get started."

She signaled the servant, and the curtain hiding a large table behind her opened, revealing a huge item.

"For the first item, we have a large sword created by the famous blacksmith, Wang Qian. This sword is able to handle Qi and has a cutting edge that can slice a tree in half. It is a weapon worthy of a great warrior."

The beautiful woman continued to introduce the first item with vigor, using her charm to draw the crowd's attention.

Soon, the auction started.

"800 Golds! 800 Golds!"

"1200 Golds! 1200 Golds! Do I hear 1300 Golds? 1300 Golds!"

"1600 Golds! 1600 Golds! Going once, going twice, sold!"

The auction was a lively affair. Many people shouted and raised their hands to bid.

Unlike a modern auction, the bidding process was not a silent one. It was a full-blown war, with the highest bidder winning the item.

As the auction went on, more and more rare and unique items were presented, causing the crowd's excitement to rise to new heights. After a while, the item Leo put up for the auction came out.

"The next item is... Wait, this is surprising!" The presenting girl shouted, "It's the Raging Tiger's martial art method scroll, the one that has been lost for centuries! It's authenticity has been verified by Wu Jian himself and us! The highest bidder will receive a legendary skill that has the potential to shake the whole Murim world!"

Murmurs erupted from the crowd, and a lot of people stood up to get a closer look.

The scroll was indeed an extraordinary item. Not only was it rare, but it was also a legend among martial artists.

However, the auctioneer didn't stop at that.

"This scroll is presented by Young Lord Yang Ji from Yang Trading. As a fellow merchant, Young Lord has the utmost confidence in this item and its authenticity."

Extraordinary items received different treatment. They actually had their own presentation and introduction, with the presenting girl giving a short speech on their history and importance.

Leo stood up and cupped his hands toward the other merchants, greeting them and showing his face. He had to use this opportunity to get their attention and expand his network.

"This is my token of my generosity. May the richest win."

After he said that, he sat down, his expression solemn and unreadable.

Many people looked at him with curiosity and awe. The scroll was a rare and unique item, and Leo's action just added fuel to the fire. He was actually humble and presented this scroll to the banquet for goodwill!

Everyone present wanted to know who this Young Master Yang Ji was and what his intentions were. And more than that, they wanted this scroll.

Why?

"This is not just a mere piece of paper, but a legendary skill that can take you to the top. Your guards can all learn this method and make a name for themselves, creating a powerful force for your merchant group. Or, you can sell it and earn a fortune, gaining a lot of fame and influence in Murim."

The presenter explained.

The crowd was enamored.

They all knew that the scroll was worth a fortune.

A single scroll could allow them to train guards with the highest grade technique. Even though most of them wouldn't even pass 4 Stars and make name for themselves, it was still something that would elevate their safety.

In the long run, it could become an important asset for a group.

That was why...

"The bid will start at 8,000 Gold!"

It had a crazily high starting bid.

"10,000 Gold! 10,000 Gold! Don't let the chance slip away, everyone! The scroll is a rare treasure!"

"15,000 Golds! The Red Rose Merchant will bid 15,000 Golds! Don't waste the effort!"

"20,000 Golds! 20,000 Golds! Stay put, old man. Our group can afford this."

"25,000 Gold! 25,000 Gold!"

"30,000 Golds!"

No one wanted to let go of the scroll.

Everyone was desperate to get their hands on it.

"40,000 Golds! 40,000 Golds!"

The bidding war was like a battle, with people yelling and waving their hands to bid.

And then...

"100,000 Golds!"

Someone yelled out. All attention turned to the source.

Some merchants wanted to yell out the unreasonable price the person shouted, but they immediately shut their mouths upon seeing who that figure was.

A man with a calm and dignified aura stood up.

"Our Four Wind Merchant will buy the scroll for 100,000 Gold." He announced, his tone cold and confident.

His presence was enough to silence the entire room.

Even though the man didn't shout or yell, his aura was oppressive and domineering.

Slowly, he walked toward a certain table and looked at the occupants. He stopped right next to it and looked at the young man sitting with his wife.

"Young Master Yang Ji, would you mind having a chat with me later? I believe there are many things we can discuss."

The man was Ming Yuchan, the CEO of Four Wind Merchant. His request was not a request but an order.

At least, no one in their right mind would refuse his invitation. He presented a pretty generous amount of 100,000 Gold for the scroll to show his good will. And, the aura and power he was giving off was not something that could be ignored.

Leo had been waiting for this moment.

"It's my honor, Lord Ming Yuchan." He stood up and bowed slightly, his expression unchanged.

"Good. Then, I will have a servant lead you to the VIP lounge after the auction is over. You may enjoy it here."

With that, the CEO left, and the auction continued.

But, the impact of his action was not lost. Everyone knew that the scroll belonged to the CEO, and they couldn't do anything about it.

Now, Leo's presence became even more noticeable.

Everyone was curious about him and his relationship with the CEO.

'What a surprise. Looks like Four Wind Merchant's owner, Ming Yuchan, is quite interested in me. It seems my gift gave him a good impression of me.'

Leo kept his thoughts to himself and didn't let anything show on his face. He sat back and nodded at Jessica, signaling that he would leave the auction to her. He had to secure Twin Spirit Artifacts for his plan.

While he was doing that, Jessica was busy bidding for a few items that could help establish their new trading group.

And after a few items, the Twin Spirit Artifact finally came out.

"This artifact's effect is sharing a little bit of progress to other people. This is useful for a master to teach their disciple or a leader to train their subordinates. With this artifact, one can have an easier time managing a group or training warriors. It also increases your strength and speed a little."

The presenter explained and waited for the bid to start. The explanation wasn't complete because they didn't know the true effect of this artifact yet.

Hence, the price was pretty low.

"5,000 Golds!" Jessica shouted, raising her hand.

Since earlier, people gave her a pass. The favor given to them by Four Wind Merchant's CEO earlier was still embedded in their mind, making them hesitate to bid against her, resulting in them getting the artifact pretty easily.

"Sold to Lady Yang!"

Jessica received the artifact and nodded at Leo, who had been eyeing what happened for a while.

"Now that the auction is over..."

Leo stood up and followed the servant who approached him, ready to have a nice talk with the CEO.

After all, this was his goal all along.

Time to reap the seed he planted.