Chapter 55

As Yao Nianqian moved, the center of the stage slowly rose, opening like petals, revealing a small stone platform.

This was a mechanism, not very intricate, but the entire mechanism was made of ivory, as white and smooth as jade, which indeed stunned many people. This was a grand gesture.

On that small stone platform, a golden armor floated in the air, and Long Chen couldn't help but be startled when he saw this.

The armor was thick and heavy, with a golden luster, and it was clear that it weighed at least a hundred pounds. Such a weight, let alone Long Chen, even Master Yun Qi couldn't make it float with his soul power.

When Long Chen scanned the inside of the armor with his soul, he couldn't help but shake his head, cursing himself for being fooled.

It turned out that there was a very thin pillar underneath the armor, supporting the entire piece. However, due to the length of the armor, it perfectly concealed the angle of the pillar, making Long Chen overthink.

Yao Nianqian's soft and alluring voice came, "This gilded armor is made of gilded metal mixed with a small amount of wind copper, crafted by a famous artisan, with astonishing defensive capabilities."

"Clang"

Suddenly, Yao Nianqian had a long sword in her hand. With a graceful wave, a sharp sword wind rose. By the time everyone reacted, her sword had already struck the gilded armor with a crisp sound.

Yao Nianqian's move made everyone present feel a chill. Huayun Pavilion was indeed powerful, even an auctioneer was a Blood Condensation Realm expert.

Moreover, her speed was so fast and precise, she was undoubtedly a top-tier Blood Condensation Realm expert.

Those who originally planned to take this alluring woman into their chambers after the auction began to reconsider.

"Everyone, please look. With my full strength, I couldn't leave even the slightest scratch on this gilded armor, showing its hardness is truly astonishing," Yao Nianqian said, looking at the crowd.

However, many people couldn't help but feel a stir in their hearts when they heard the word "hardness." Seeing the waves caused by her sword strike and her soul-piercing gaze, many people were already "shocked by the hardness."

"The gilded armor, as the first item of this auction, has a starting bid of 100,000 gold coins. Each bid must be at least 10,000 gold coins higher. The auction—begins."

Yao Nianqian smiled slightly, and a small wooden hammer in her hand lightly struck the table, making a crisp sound.

"150,000"

"180,000"

"200,000"

As soon as Yao Nianqian finished speaking, numerous bidders began to raise their paddles, shouting out their prices.

However, since the auction had just started, everyone was still very cautious, only adding a few tens of thousands each time.

But with so many people, the price quickly soared, and even Shi Feng couldn't resist the temptation, bidding twice, but was quickly drowned out.

Long Chen couldn't help but shake his head. Truly, a merchant is a merchant, and Yao Nianqian's name was not given in vain.

Since she is called "Want Your Money," she definitely has the ability to make you willingly hand over your money. The value of this gilded armor is definitely over a million.

Yao Nianqian's low starting price was to gradually hook everyone's interest, slowly building up the excitement.

This is a classic "boiling frog" strategy. At first, Yao Nianqian's overly alluring performance made many people wary, though most men think with their lower halves, not everyone is a fool.

At this moment, Yao Nianqian appeared very calm, only occasionally adding a few words, her eyes slowly scanning the crowd. Every time someone bid a high price, her beautiful eyes would "light up" and linger on that person for a moment.

"Shi Feng, give up. That thing won't be cheap. Don't be fooled by the low starting price," Long Chen advised.

The gilded armor, though impressive and with excellent defense, is not very practical. Except on the battlefield, wearing such heavy armor is asking for death.

Moreover, even on the battlefield, wearing such a shiny armor without powerful martial skills is no different from asking for death.

In battle, the most desired target is the enemy's commander. Wearing such armor is purely inviting hatred.

In short, this is a show-off item with little practical use. If it were truly valuable, Huayun Pavilion wouldn't be so foolish as to put it up first.

The first item at an auction is the hardest to choose. First, it must attract attention, and second, it cannot be too expensive, otherwise it will affect the attention on the following items.

This impressive but impractical gilded armor became today's opening act, indeed captivating many people with its appearance.

Hearing Long Chen's words, Shi Feng also gave up on competing for the gilded armor. He originally thought that with a starting price of 100,000, 300,000 should be enough, but he didn't expect the hidden tricks.

In just a few breaths, the price of the gilded armor had soared to 800,000, and the bidding continued, making Shi Feng completely give up.

"Damn, are these guys even human? It feels like they're buying cabbages. How can they have so much money?" Monkey swallowed hard, speaking with difficulty.

"Those invited to the auction are indeed rich. The first item is already like this, I can't imagine how intense the competition will be for the next items," Yu Fatso sighed.

Though they were also princes with the status of marquises, the idea of spending hundreds of thousands of gold coins in one go still made them feel a bit overwhelmed.

After all, when Long Chen and Li Hao had their duel, Yu Fatso, the richest among them, had only 80,000 gold coins saved up from his entire life.

Just as everyone was marveling, the price indeed surpassed a million, as Long Chen had predicted.

"1,050,000"

"1,080,000"

"1,100,000"

After surpassing a million, there were still over a dozen people bidding, clearly captivated by the gilded armor's impressive appearance, their eyes red with excitement.

"1,500,000"

At this moment, Xia Changfeng's voice came from a private box, making the entire scene quiet down.

"Truly worthy of being a prince of the Xia Dynasty, your keen eye has recognized the value of the gilded armor. Prince Xia has bid 1,500,000. Is there anyone willing to bid higher?" Yao Nianqian praised with a sweet voice.

"1,510,000" a middle-aged man said.

"1,800,000"

Xia Changfeng's voice remained calm, making it seem like he was just playing around, which made people uncomfortable.

The middle-aged man's face turned slightly unpleasant, but he shook his head and didn't continue bidding, clearly 1,800,000 was far beyond his means.

"1,800,000 once"

"1,800,000 twice"

"1,800,000—three times. Congratulations, Prince Xia, for acquiring the gilded armor, becoming the first winner of this auction. Congratulations."

Yao Nianqian's words were very appropriate, making people feel comfortable. Long Chen had to admit, she was a qualified merchant.

"Haha, it's just a small amount. I wonder if I have the honor to share a meal with you, Miss?" Xia Changfeng suddenly walked out of the private box, looking at Yao Nianqian and smiling.

"Thank you, Prince Xia, for your kind words. I am honored, but now is not the time to discuss personal matters," Yao Nianqian smiled mysteriously.

"I was too abrupt. Please continue, Miss," Xia Changfeng smiled faintly, flicked his sleeves, and turned back into the private box with a graceful gesture.

Long Chen looked at Xia Changfeng's back, a hint of disdain on his lips. With your level of intelligence, you dare to compete with the cunning Yao Nianqian? She won't stop until she drains your entire country, and that would be your ancestors' virtue.

While Long Chen was deep in thought, the second item came up. As expected, the first gilded armor was impressive but impractical.

The second item, however, was practical but not showy. It was a land deed. Though Long Chen wasn't very knowledgeable, the announcement of the deed caused a stir.

It seemed the deed was highly attractive to some, a testament to Huayun Pavilion's ingenuity.

Their auction items catered to a wide audience, ensuring that almost everyone who came here would find something of interest.

The diversity of items was the reason Huayun Pavilion's auctions grew larger each year, though it required immense resources to prepare.

After a round of bidding, the deed was acquired by a wealthy merchant for 800,000 gold coins, making him extremely excited, likely a good deal.

With two rounds of bidding completed, three more items were auctioned. Though they were all very unique, none interested Long Chen.

However, the sixth item surprised Long Chen. It was a living creature.

In a square cage, there was a small tiger cub, about five feet long, with fresh fur, clearly just born, its eyes just opened, looking very cute.

"Second-stage magical beast, the Golden Spotted Tiger, with unique golden spots. Its color will become even more vibrant when it grows up.

Moreover, it is well-known that the Golden Spotted Tiger is the easiest second-stage magical beast to tame. Even someone with no cultivation can control it.

The Golden Spotted Tiger only mates five times in its life, making this cub very precious. Please cherish this opportunity.

The starting bid for the Golden Spotted Tiger cub is 500,000 gold coins. The auction—begins."

As Yao Nianqian finished speaking, the entire hall erupted in excitement, with bids flying back and forth.

"600,000"

"800,000"

"1,100,000"

This was a second-stage magical beast cub. Once grown, it would be equivalent to a Blood Condensation Realm expert, and even more powerful than a typical Blood Condensation Realm expert. Who could resist?

"Damn, I really want one, but it will definitely be a sky-high price," Shi Feng, who rarely swore, couldn't help but curse. The Golden Spotted Tiger was truly tempting.

Not just Shi Feng, even Long Chen couldn't help but be moved. He had always envied Meng Qi's magical beast.

Though he wasn't a beast tamer, he could still control a magical beast by earning its trust.

Seeing the price break 1,500,000, Long Chen suddenly shouted:

"3,000,000"

Long Chen doubled the price, stunning many. The 3,000,000 price made many hesitate, and the hall fell silent.

Long Chen was delighted. If this continued, 3,000,000 might not be enough. By raising the price so quickly, he should be able to secure it.

"3,100,000"

Just as Long Chen thought he could secure the Golden Spotted Tiger cub, a woman's voice filled with hatred came.