There was no other way; the higher-ups had gone to great lengths to retrieve this item from a dilapidated ruin, along with several others.
Unable to discover anything useful through research, they had no choice but to put it up for auction to recoup some of their losses.
Ye Qiu, seated in the VIP area, hadn't expected this situation either. Finding a bargain was somewhat risky, but at least he could save some gold soul coins.
"Distinguished guests, although we have not yet figured out the nature of this item, perhaps it is destined for someone present today?"
"You're joking!"
"Didn't someone buy it before and then return it?"
…Another wave of shouting and curses erupted.
The host dared not say anything more. Everyone present was either rich or powerful, while he was merely an employee who couldn't afford to offend anyone.
He quickly raised the hammer in his hand.
Snap!
"Starting bid: one thousand gold soul coins! Bidding begins now!"
...
The atmosphere suddenly turned cold, and disappointment appeared on the host's face.
A long time passed…
Ding!
Suddenly, a voice rang out, and the words 'One thousand gold soul coins' appeared on the bidding panel!
The host's face lit up with joy.
Without any hesitation, he began shouting, afraid the buyer might change their mind.
"One thousand gold soul coins, once! One thousand gold soul coins, twice! One thousand gold soul coins, three times!"
Smack!
Before anyone could react, the hammer fell.
"Congratulations to the VIP in the Red Zone for winning this item!"
The auction was finally over. The host wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved that the task assigned from above was finally completed.
"Hey! There really are idiots who would buy this…" someone laughed.
"Hehe…" Ye Qiu chuckled, surprised by how easy it was.
"Hmph! You're wasting your money on junk!" Ning Rongrong's mocking voice came from the side.
Ye Qiu simply smiled and ignored her.
With the auction of rare items concluded, the host left, and the crowd began to disperse.
"Brother, let's go get that seed!" Xiao Lan, in his arms, couldn't wait any longer.
"Seniors, this junior will take his leave now!" Ye Qiu said, bowing to Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
"Hey! What about me?" Ning Rongrong stood up with her hands on her hips, annoyed by Ye Qiu's disregard.
"Brother, ignore that bad sister. Let's go…" Xiao Lan tugged at Ye Qiu's sleeve, preparing to leave.
"You brat!"
"Rongrong!"
Ning Fengzhi raised his voice, signaling her to stop, then looked at Ye Qiu and Xiao Lan, who had just taken a step forward.
"Young man, why don't you come with me to the VIP room and wait for a bit? What do you say?"
After calming the anxious Xiao Lan, Ye Qiu didn't refuse.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, senior."
Ning Fengzhi gestured to a waiter and instructed them to deliver all the purchased items to the VIP room.
...
The VIP room featured a gilded chandelier on the ceiling, thick carpets on the floor, several leather sofas, and a fine rosewood coffee table in the center. The overall style was simple yet grand.
Sword Douluo crossed his arms and leaned against the wall by the door.
Xiao Lan had already removed her mask and was bouncing around on the sofa. When Ning Rongrong sat down beside her, she became a little scared and obediently sat next to Ye Qiu.
"Pfft~" Ning Rongrong covered her mouth. "Am I really that scary?"
As she spoke, she reached out her hands toward Xiao Lan. She hadn't expected the little girl to be so adorable, like a porcelain doll.
The two started pulling at each other. Xiao Lan, who had initially resisted, glanced at Ye Qiu beside her and suddenly threw herself into his arms.
On the other side, Ye Qiu and Ning Fengzhi were chatting.
"May I ask how I should address you, young man?" Ning Fengzhi asked with a gentle smile that naturally put people at ease.
…After a brief exchange…
During this short conversation, Ning Fengzhi revealed his identity and extended an olive branch. Ye Qiu was almost swayed by the benefits offered.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Leader Ning, but I don't have that intention yet…" Ye Qiu politely declined, though he didn't completely rule it out.
He also accepted a token engraved with the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda.
"Brother~" At that moment, Xiao Lan rushed into Ye Qiu's arms, tears welling up as her cheeks flushed red.
"That naughty sister pinched me really hard!"
"Hey! You clearly offered yourself willingly!" Ning Rongrong hurriedly explained when she noticed the looks from Ye Qiu and Ning Fengzhi.
Hearing this, Ye Qiu cast a curious glance at Xiao Lan.
She lowered her head guiltily and covered her face with her hands.
"It's… it's because that bad sister said she has lots of delicious food at home and would share it with Xiao Lan…"
Ye Qiu covered his face in despair. He never imagined that she would sell herself for food.
"Hahaha! If you want to come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, little lady, you're welcome anytime. I'll make sure you're well taken care of!" Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily.
"That's right! As long as you let me rub you a few more times, I'll take you home right now!" Ning Rongrong rubbed her hands together with a mischievous grin.
Xiao Lan's watery eyes hesitated. But when she noticed Ye Qiu's serious expression, she shook her head despite the pain.
"No, no… Brother will buy me something to eat… glug!"
Whether she was heartbroken or embarrassed was unclear.
"Brother, don't be angry…" She hugged Ye Qiu's neck and rubbed her face against his.
"Alright, you're basically wiping your tears on my face. I'll take you to visit someday." Ye Qiu pulled her away helplessly.
"Then it's settled!" Ning Fengzhi said promptly, finalizing the matter.
Knock knock!
A knock sounded at the door.
Several attendants entered, carrying trays with the auction items Ye Qiu's group had purchased.
Ye Qiu also received a savings card containing more than four million gold soul coins.
A ten percent commission? That's outrageous!
He began to grow curious about the background of this auction house.
Upon seeing the brocade box containing the jet-black seed, Xiao Lan rushed over and hugged it tightly to her chest.
As if she had forgotten her earlier embarrassment, she grabbed Ye Qiu's hand and urged him to leave.
Though he found her behavior strange, Ye Qiu still held her hand and bid farewell.
"Sect Leader Ning, Senior Sword Douluo…"
"Hm?" Ning Rongrong glanced over and glared at Ye Qiu.
"Uh… Miss Ning, I'll take my leave now."
"Hmph! At least you know what's good for you!" She withdrew her threatening gaze.
"Little sister, remember to come visit me sometime!"
"Alright," Ning Fengzhi said. "I'll be waiting for you at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."
"If I get the chance, I'll definitely pay a visit," Ye Qiu replied.
Ye Qiu wanted to maintain a good relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—it might become Tang San's ally in the future. After all, they were just hidden weapons.
As long as there was a physical object, Ye Qiu could draw a blueprint.
After Ye Qiu left, Sword Douluo, who had been pretending to sleep, slowly opened his eyes.
"Fengzhi, that kid is no simple character."
"Oh? Uncle Jian thinks so too?" Ning Fengzhi picked up his cup and took a small sip.
"Tch! He's only a Great Soul Master! What's so special about him? He doesn't even look that young!" Ning Rongrong snorted.
She didn't know that Ye Qiu was actually about the same age as her—he merely appeared more mature due to his development.
"Hehe… Rongrong, don't underestimate him. Although his cultivation is only at the Great Soul Master level, his spiritual power is probably stronger than most Soul Masters, or even higher!"
"Really?"
"Would Grandpa Jian lie to you?"
"Rongrong, you still have much to learn." Ning Fengzhi smiled calmly, confident in his judgment.
-----------
Every 100 power stone= 1+chapter
Hi guys if you like this fanfic please add it to you library and please give me some stones.