Grandma's Wisdom Wasn't So Useless After All.

A hush fell over the room, broken only by the occasional cough or rustling of clothes. The price, while hefty, wasn't outrageous for cultivators of this caliber. But the Chilly Dragon Fruit was a rare find, and its power was undeniable.

The first bid would set the tone, and everyone waited with bated breath.

From a secluded balcony overlooking the stage, a wizened old man with a flowing white beard stroked his chin thoughtfully. He was Master Li, a renowned alchemist famous for his unconventional methods and potent concoctions. A glint flickered in his eyes as he discreetly tapped a hidden button on his armrest. Moments later, a booming voice echoed through the hall.

"Eight hundred medium spirit stones!" The voice came from a shadowed corner of the main floor, making the bidder impossible to identify.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. The opening bid was higher than some expected, but it was a calculated move – a statement of intent.