Chapter 240: The Wealthy

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

Ye Mo finally understood why Xi Wushan hadn't detailed the properties of the Blue Flowered Blue Leafed Grass. It was incredibly valuable to Dao cultivators, let alone ancient martial arts practitioners.

"I hear the Liu Blue Carrot is extremely useful for ascending to Earth Level. There are three flowers here; I wonder how effective it will be?" someone remarked.

Another person chimed in, "The last time this appeared was over fifty years ago. I heard there were five flowers then, but an Earth Level tertiary stage master bought them and still didn't progress. So, while it's famous, its effects are apparently mediocre."

Ye Mo was shocked. Five Blue Flowered Blue Leafed Grass plants were nearing maturity; a fully mature plant had seven flowers.

He scoffed at their assessment. A five-flowered plant shouldn't fail to produce results. These people only knew to consume it directly; they didn't understand its potential as a pill ingredient. While direct consumption wasn't ineffective, its potency was far inferior to its refined form.

If he acquired the herb, he could immediately refine it into a pill, increasing its effectiveness more than a hundredfold. Their ignorance was fortunate, though; if they truly knew its value, they wouldn't be selling it.

Bidding commenced:

"Twenty million." "Thirty million." "Fifty million..."

The price escalated rapidly. Although they didn't know it could be refined into a pill enabling Earth Level or higher breakthroughs, the raw herb could still help a Black Level cultivator reach Earth Level, or even enhance an existing Earth Level cultivator's strength. This was incentive enough.

By the time Ye Mo reacted, the price had soared to 200 million—far exceeding his 100 million asset limit.

"Three hundred million!" An old man casually added 100 million. Ye Mo thought, "So, this is what wealthy people are like."

"Five hundred million!" The price jumped another 200 million.

Ye Mo finally grasped the concept of true wealth. His Lotus Life Pill only sold for 100 million, and this auction was only halfway through; the most precious items hadn't even appeared yet. He couldn't fathom the source of their wealth, but he knew this was far from their limit.

The bidding paused briefly at 500 million. Ye Mo calculated: his current assets (100 million) plus the expected sale of his remaining Lotus Life Pills (at least 200 million, potentially 500 million) totaled 300 million to 600 million.

"Eight hundred million!" Ye Mo bid, based on his calculations.

"Eight hundred million, first time," Xi Wushan announced. Eight hundred million was significant, but far from the final price.

A sneer echoed. Ye Mo knew it was directed at him. This person was powerful, but Ye Mo was reluctant to concede. However, offending this individual, in addition to others already antagonized, would be dangerous. He could handle one lone wolf, but not a pack.

"One billion!" The old man, undeterred, continued bidding.

Ye Mo felt disheartened. Where did these secluded sect members obtain such wealth? One billion—who in China could casually produce that sum in cash? Even Bill Gates's wealth was primarily in stocks. While a billion was insignificant to him, how many Bill Gates existed globally, let alone in China?

"One point two billion." Another bid; Ye Mo conceded.

"One point five billion." The old man added 300 million, his tone strained.

"Two billion!" The opposing bidder was relentless.

"Old Bastard Xia, you're really going to fight me over this?" The price far exceeded the herb's intrinsic value.

The other bidder, identified as Zhang Zhihui, recognized the voice. He removed his face covering and sneered, "Xia Jiazhi, I need this Liu Blue Carrot. Please give me some face."

Zhang Zhihui, realizing he couldn't compete with the Xia Family's power, reluctantly withdrew. The Xia Family secured the herb for two billion. Ye Mo was dissatisfied but helpless.

He wondered if this "Old Bastard Xia" was from the Xia Family Mo Kang had mentioned. If so, he'd find them and retrieve the herb, if necessary.

The next item redefined "precious." An Earth Level cultivation method sold for five billion; a Tai Yi God Sword, supposedly wielded by the ancient deity Lu Dongbin, fetched four billion; even luminous pearls sold for over two billion.

Ye Mo sighed. His 100 million was pocket change to these individuals. He realized he was among the poorest attendees, even the nuns possessing more wealth. He learned these billions represented years of accumulated savings for these sects; money was inconsequential as long as it acquired valuable assets. Hidden sects earned easily, but acquiring rare herbs and artifacts relied on luck.

"Hahahaha, my internal injuries are gone! Magnificent pill! Magnificent pill!" Miao Quan exclaimed excitedly, standing up.

Silence descended. Many were aware of Miao Quan's injuries; the Lotus Life Pill's curative power astonished them. Regret swept the room—they'd missed their chance to acquire both pills, which had proven their worth.

"The next item is the most precious—the Face Preserving Pill. This is the second one offered. The starting bid is 100 million..." Before Xi Wushan finished, chaos erupted.

Witnessing the first two pills' incredible effects, everyone was eager to obtain this final chance. The auction reached its climax.

Many, however, were penniless, having spent their fortunes. While aware of the pill's unparalleled value, they couldn't compete.

Ye Mo, however, was uninterested. Even if it fetched an astronomical price, he didn't care; he wanted the Blue Flowered Blue Leafed Grass.

"Two hundred million," Old Bastard Xia bid first. An idea struck Ye Mo; he stood.

Everyone's attention turned to him; confusion filled the room. Ye Mo attempted to re-enter the auction area, but guards stopped him. "Sir, you are not allowed inside during the auction."

"Let him in," a voice commanded. The goateed old man had seen Ye Mo and allowed his entry.

Upon entering, the goateed man offered Ye Mo tea, his demeanor remarkably polite. Ye Mo knew why: interest in his pills. However, Ye Mo didn't have time for pleasantries. "Mr. Huang, I wish to auction my Face Preserving Pill. Tell me your conditions." He figured he could offer another pill.

The goateed man responded calmly, "Mr. Mo, you're here for the Liu Blue Carrot?"

Ye Mo, realizing the old man had been observing him, was frank. "Indeed. Is this possible? I have more pills to offer. If not, forget it."