Chapter 35 Blackmail with Strength

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In the premium box of the auction house, Liu Huabai looked at Xiao Yan, who was soundly asleep with his eyes closed. There was an expression of deep gratitude in his eyes. He smiled softly and whispered to Xiao Yan, "Senior Xiao Yan, thank you so much!" "Mm." Liu Huabai's eyes narrowed slightly but he smiled again, choosing to remain silent as he quietly watched the auction continue.

After a brief interruption, everyone's interest in the auction grew. Although the senior's words were a little harsh, the items being auctioned were of great value, so most attendees remained focused and willing to engage. Following the rules was important; the senior had only asked them to follow the rules. As long as they bid responsibly and did not disrupt the event, they were unlikely to attract unwarranted attention. This was the proper way to run an auction. With the interlude over, Xiong Man resumed the auction, his hearty laugh echoing across the hall.

He smiled widely, his face jolly, and announced, "Alright! That was just a minor incident. Don't worry about it too much. Now, let me introduce this next technique to you."

Raising an unopened scroll high in the air, Xiong Man began speaking again. "This is an advanced earth-level technique, the 'Thunder Dragon Roaring Sky Technique'. It's a thunder-attributed technique. Once mastered, it allows the practitioner to transform heavenly thunder into a dragon and contain it in their body. This thunder dragon can summon thunder for cultivation and boost one's strength. It can even be used in battle to attack the enemy. Its power is immense, making it a valuable trump card for any practitioner."

After explaining the technique, Xiong Man withdrew the scroll from his hand and, holding the opened one, continued, "This is a set of complementary fighting skills that pair with the Thunder Dragon Roaring Sky Technique. It's also a high-level earth-level skill, called 'Thunder Dragon Breaking the Sky Style'."

The crowd below erupted in surprise. Not only was the martial technique powerful, but when combined with the fighting skills, it promised immense strength. Outside, most people were struck with awe. Some even felt resentment, lamenting how they had no access to thunder-based techniques and that it was their fate to miss out. Xiong Man, seeing the reactions, slammed the auction table forcefully multiple times, causing it to break in pieces. The loud sound startled the room into silence.

He stepped forward, surveyed the audience, and said, "'Thunder Dragon Roaring Sky Technique', including the fighting skill set, starts at one thousand spirit coins. Each bid must be at least one hundred spirit coins. Now, the bidding begins!" At this, the eager bidders suddenly fell quiet and slumped in their seats, discouraged. Only the first few rows hesitated before starting their bids. "One thousand five hundred spirit coins!" "Three thousand spirit coins!" "I'll offer 4,000 spirit coins!" After a pause, another voice broke through: "Hmph! Senior, you're so skilled, but you're hesitant to bid for it? I, Mo Bei, offer 10,000 spirit coins for this set of techniques! Surely, no one else has a better offer?" Mo Bei smiled slyly at those sitting in the front rows. His words sparked both frustration and hesitation in them. Xiong Man frowned slightly, but was about to speak when a sharp sound interrupted. "Snort!" "Swish!" The entire audience was suddenly chilled.

Everyone was transfixed by the cold aura emanating from Xiao Yan. Mo Bei, standing nearby, felt an overwhelming pressure as though a great mountain was pressing down on him. His pupils dilated, cold sweats profusely dripped down, and his teeth clenched tight. Gasping for air, he spoke hoarsely, "Senior... I... I realize I was wrong. I'm willing to forfeit all my spirit coins... please show mercy..." Although Xiao Yan's eyelids twitched with the slightest movement, he remained lying down and said coldly: "Hmph! For the sake of your youth, get out of here!" "Bang!" With a loud crash that reverberated across the hall, Mo Bei's slender form was thrown forcefully toward the beams, hitting them with tremendous force. A mouthful of blood spilled from his lips as he slumped. Mo Bei's face turned pale as he struggled to rise, still trembling. He half-knelt and humbly said, "Thank you, Senior, for not killing me. I will abide by the rules without fail." Supported by his men, Mo Bei slowly returned to his seat, though he looked at the scrolls with burning eyes. The nearby figures from other forces glanced at the scene with gloating smiles before the bidding quickly resumed. Xiong Man watched Mo Bei quietly with a sarcastic smile, then asked those observing the auction: "Now that Young Master Mo's bid has received recognition, does anyone else wish to continue bidding for this Thunder Dragon Roaring Sky Technique? If not, the set will go to Young Master Mo Bei." Xiong Man looked around the room, focusing particularly on the children from prominent families sitting in the first rows.

The entire room was silent. Everyone turned their attention back to Mo Bei with scorn, then settled back into their seats, letting the farce fade out without speaking a word. With a smile, Xiong Man finalized the deal: "Since no one else has beaten Young Master Mo's bid, the set of treaties is his! Remember—you are dealing with a senior who is not easily deceived."

Mo Bei's pallid face turned crimson as the words sunk in. Blood gushed from his mouth again, and his weakened body swayed. Despite the torment, he remained seated, glaring at Xiong Man with pure resentment—though he knew better than to take further action. Through gritted teeth, Mo Bei handed Xiong Man all his spirit coins. Xiong Man, indifferent to Mo Bei's glare, smiled broadly upon counting the coins.

"Twenty-eight thousand spirit coins!

A generous offer from Young Master Mo. It's been years since we've seen such an amount in this auction hall!" The room broke into whispers of surprise, though many secretly mocked the poor fellow involved—proving once again that, in the world of cultivation, wealth often goes to the strongest.

Xiong Man waved his hand again, bidding farewell to the room with a smile. He announced, "Today's auction has come to an end, thanks to the senior who granted us such an opportunity. I, Xiong Man, speak on behalf of Qingyang City's Tianyun Auction House in gratitude!"

As he bowed to the senior in the high-end box, he ended with: "Now, I declare the Tianyun Auction House auction officially closed!" The room erupted in applause as the audience dispersed.

Xiao Yan returned to Liu Mansion with a smile on his face. Back in his private quarters, he eagerly counted his success. After reaching out with his soul power, he smiled upon feeling the result: 280,000 spirit coins. Excited but calm, he tidied up before settling down to sleep.