Chapter 556 Auction In Devil Settlement
Chapter 556 Auction In Devil Settlement
Chapter 556 Auction In Devil Settlement
Dong Aigou's mind raced. His cultivation, currently at the peak of the Divine Tribulation Realm, needed a boost to activate the core formations at full power. He needed high-grade pellets specifically designed for cultivators of his level.
"Actually," he began cautiously. "Perhaps some... cultivation resources? Specific pellets or elixirs would be ideal."
Feng Xiaoyu's smile faltered for a fleeting moment, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
Invest her precious resources in boosting Dong Aigou's cultivation??Fat chance. The power he wielded now paled in comparison to what Wang Jian could offer. No, she wouldn't waste a single coin on this endeavor.
However, maintaining the facade was paramount.
"Cultivation resources for the Divine Tribulation Realm, huh?" she drawled, her voice dripping with a feigned sympathy. "Those are incredibly rare and expensive, you know. They only come up for auction every few years."
Dong Aigou's face fell. He hadn't anticipated such a hurdle. "An auction, you say?"
"Yes," Feng Xiaoyu confirmed, her eyes gleaming with something akin to amusement. "There's one happening later this month. I'll see if I can secure some for you then."
Dong Aigou felt a growing sense of unease. Stealing a glance at her aloof demeanor, a radical idea took root in his mind.
"An auction, huh?" he mused, feigning nonchalance. "Interesting. Where exactly is this taking place?"
Feng Xiaoyu, caught off guard by his question, hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Oh, it's a rather discreet affair, held in the Northern District," she replied, attempting to recover quickly.
But the hesitation was enough for Dong Aigou. A seed of suspicion bloomed into a full-fledged plan. He wouldn't rely solely on Feng Xiaoyu to acquire these resources. He'd attend the auction himself.
And if she failed to procure the necessary elixirs, well... he might just have to resort to less conventional methods.
After all, stealing from an auction wouldn't be the most honorable act, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
He thanked Feng Xiaoyu with a forced smile, masking his newfound resolve.
Four days later, the air crackled with anticipation in the opulent Auction Hall of the Northern District. Devils from all walks of life swarmed the venue, their brightly colored robes and horns creating a vibrant spectacle. Among them, Wang Jian strolled in, his usual air of confidence amplified by the presence of Yin Lian and Mu Xuanyin on each arm. Both devilesses, their faces flushed a delicate crimson, leaned into him, their whispers punctuated by soft giggles.
Silence descended. The elixirs were some of the rarest and most valuable items on the market. Dong Aigou held his breath, waiting for the first bid. However, the only sounds were murmurs amongst the ordinary attendees. No bids emerged from the VIP sections either.
A pang of realization washed over Dong Aigou – Feng Xiaoyu had no intention of acquiring the elixirs for him. The seed of suspicion that had sprouted in his mind had blossomed into a chilling truth. He was alone.
As Dong Aigou contemplated his dwindling hope, the auctioneer unveiled another intriguing item - a seemingly unremarkable stone, its surface smooth and devoid of any discernible markings.
"This," she announced, her voice laced with a hint of intrigue, "is an enigma even to our esteemed appraisers. It emanates a faint energy signature, but its purpose or origin remains shrouded in mystery. Legends whisper of similar stones unearthed centuries ago, rumored to hold secrets ripe for the discerning cultivator."
The crowd stirred with murmurs. Such obscure objects, shrouded in myth and legend, often held immense value. However, the lack of concrete details dampened the enthusiasm.
But something deep within Dong Aigou stirred. His Destiny Jade, nestled within his dantian, thrummed with a strange energy as if resonating with the stone. It was a barely perceptible vibration, but to him, it was a clarion call. This seemingly mundane stone held a secret, an opportunity waiting to be grasped.
He glanced at the price board displayed beside the stage. The starting bid was surprisingly low, a testament to the uncertainty surrounding the item. Without hesitation, he raised his hand.
"Five thousand spirit stones!" he called out, his voice surprisingly firm.
A hush fell over the ordinary seating area. Such a paltry bid for an unknown object caused many to scoff. But the VIP sections remained silent.
Suddenly, a voice, smooth and arrogant, echoed from the curtained room number one, "Ten thousand spirit stones!"
Dong Aigou's blood ran cold. He whipped his head towards the source of the voice, but the VIP section remained shrouded behind the enchanted curtains. Fury bubbled within him. Why hadn't this bidder made a move earlier? They were clearly waiting to steal his opportunity!
"Fifteen thousand!" he retorted, his voice laced with desperation. He knew he was pushing his limits, but the stone's significance far outweighed its current price.
From within the VIP room, a familiar chuckle echoed. It was Wang Jian. He had recognized Dong Aigou, despite the transformation technique, thanks to his keen senses. Amused by the sight of his rival bidding against him, he decided to stir the pot.
"Twenty thousand," he called out nonchalantly.
Feng Xiaoyu, caught off guard by Wang Jian's sudden interest in the stone, arched an eyebrow. "Wang Jian," she began, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Why do you even want that... thing?"
Wang Jian merely smirked. "Intuition," he replied, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "Besides, wouldn't it be a shame to let a potential treasure slip through your fingers?"
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