Chapter 238: Auction Competition
Translator: Tim; Editor: Chrissy
Ye Mo placed a bid, but scoffed at the elderly auctioneer. He mused that a more attractive woman, perhaps in revealing attire, would significantly improve the atmosphere and encourage higher bids. The old man's presence was, in his opinion, rather underwhelming.
However, Ye Mo quickly remembered the venue: a temple. He realized the absurdity of his own thoughts.
"1.1 million," a voice countered, much to Ye Mo's relief. He glanced back to see the attractive nun from the Lian Hang Jin Mosque. Amused that even a nun appreciated beauty, he nonetheless felt grateful for her intervention. It seemed modern wealth wasn't solely concentrated among commercial tycoons, but also among monastic orders.
"1.5 million," another female voice bid. Ye Mo didn't bother looking this time, noting that all bids thus far had come from women. He concluded that everyone, especially women, appreciated beauty.
"1.7 million." "2 million..."
The bidding escalated dramatically, attracting more participants while reducing suspicion. Soon, the price soared to 8 million.
These members of hidden sects were incredibly wealthy. While Ye Mo was uncertain of their source of wealth, the enthusiastic bidding, despite some uncertainty regarding the Face Preserving Pill's authenticity, was clear. He was thankful that Xi Wushang had avoided explicitly guaranteeing the pill's genuineness; otherwise, the bidding might have stalled completely.
Suddenly, someone stood up. "Mr. Xi, will the auction house guarantee the pill's authenticity? If so, I'll bid 50 million immediately."
Ye Mo cursed inwardly. This individual was clearly stirring trouble. Xi Wushan's earlier evasion of the question had been shrewd, but this challenge forced a response.
Xi Wushan's face fell. After a moment's hesitation, he stated, "This pill was consigned by a third party, who bears full responsibility. If it's counterfeit, we will immediately hand over that individual. We accept no liability for the pill's authenticity."
Xi Wushan's carefully worded disclaimer halted the bidding; it stalled at 9 million. Despite their wealth, the bidders were hesitant to be the first to purchase an item of questionable authenticity. Testing the pill on-site would disrupt the auction, while post-auction testing risked the seller absconding with the funds.
Most importantly, no one wished to antagonize the auction house; such actions could result in exclusion from future events.
Ye Mo was frustrated. He believed Xi Wushan should have simply offered a full refund if the pill proved counterfeit. Though annoyed, he couldn't intervene directly.
"May I ask, Mr. Xi, if the pill is counterfeit, will a refund be issued?" A voice posed the very question Ye Mo had been thinking. He almost leaped to embrace the speaker.
Xi Wushan immediately responded, "A 95% refund will be provided."
"In that case, I bid 10 million." A woman in a green skirt, her face partially obscured by a black silk scarf, revealing discolored skin, placed the bid.
Ye Mo's elation was short-lived. The bidding ceased. He soon understood the reason: a five-yearly auction was a rare event. No one wanted to risk time testing a single pill and missing other desirable items. Furthermore, most attendees were not purchasing for personal use.
A failed test would not only offend the auction house but also invite ridicule.
Xi Wushan announced, "Lot 46, 10 million, going once..." His disappointment was palpable, but he wanted to expedite the process.
With no further bids, Ye Mo was irritated. While he believed the pill could fetch 100 million, the lack of bidding was frustrating.
"10 million, twice..."
"10 million, thrice... Sold!" The rapid succession of pronouncements left Ye Mo powerless.
The winning bidder stood to speak, but Xi Wushan interrupted, "Madam, there's no need to rise. We will deliver the pill."
The woman shook her head. "I require a beauty pill; I will test it immediately."
Xi Wushan was momentarily surprised. Ten million was insignificant to the attendees, but he quickly recovered. "Very well. We'll arrange for the transaction and testing."
Calm returned to the auction hall.
"Our next item is another pill, the Body Refining Pill. It offers a 40% chance of advancing ancient martial arts cultivators to the Yellow Level elementary stage. Bidding starts at 400,000, with minimum increments of 50,000..." Xi Wushan produced a porcelain bottle. Ye Mo nearly choked. This was the pill he'd sold to Wu Guang at the artifact social night.
The old monk was unscrupulous, selling the pill so quickly despite Ye Mo's instructions to the contrary. The Body Refining Pill quickly reached 6 million, nearing the Face Preserving Pill's price. Ye Mo, depressed, ceased watching. While many masters resided within the hidden sects, few achieved Yellow Level.
A man ultimately purchased the pill for 6.5 million. Ye Mo knew its true value was insignificant compared to the Face Preserving Pill, yet the price was nearly identical.
Xi Wushan, visibly pleased, presented another item. "This ore contains unknown energy, its uses yet to be determined. Starting price: 100,000; minimum increments: 10,000."
Ye Mo recognized it instantly: an Essence Chi Stone. A valuable resource for cultivators lacking access to spirit stones.
"100,000," a bid was placed before Ye Mo could react. The absence of further bids suggested limited interest.
"110,000," Ye Mo countered, determined to acquire the stone.
"150,000," the other bidder responded.
"160,000," Ye Mo followed.
"300,000," the other bidder countered aggressively.
Angered, Ye Mo identified his opponent as an Earth Level master, his weathered face suggesting a formidable personality. Undeterred, Ye Mo bid "310,000."
The master sneered, "500,000. I, Lone Wolf, claim this ore." His increased bid implied Ye Mo was deliberately obstructing him.
Ye Mo, unfazed, responded calmly, "510,000. I'll take it."
"It seems you're looking for trouble, friend," Lone Wolf glared menacingly.
Ignoring the threat, Ye Mo addressed Xi Wushan, "Mr. Xi, if no further bids, may we conclude the sale?"