Chapter 141 Seven Hundred Thousand

As soon as Chen Yihan announced the price, a wave of commotion rippled through the crowd. Three hundred thousand gold coins—it was an astronomical sum. Yet for a rare and powerful spirit technique, such a cost was only to be expected.

The vast auction hall was ablaze with fervor. Nearly every gaze burned with longing, fixed on the scroll, even Elder Shui's eyes gleamed with desire.

Gu Qingli couldn't help but sigh in admiration—this final item was indeed worthy of its place as the highlight of the event. Even she felt her heart stir with longing.

"Three hundred and ten thousand gold coins!"

The first bid came from one of the independent guests. Everyone present understood the value of such a treasure.

Gu Qingli offered a helpless smile. She was still little more than a country bumpkin, unfamiliar with worldly matters. Her strength had only just reached the level of a Great Warrior—still leagues away from the true powerhouses of this world.

All she knew was that combat techniques could be cultivated only by those of King-rank and above. Beyond that, she was completely in the dark. She had never even laid eyes on a spirit technique scroll before.

She had once thought that combat techniques were mere concepts tossed around casually. Only now did she realize just how precious they were. For those without wealth or backing, obtaining such scrolls—even after reaching King-rank—was nearly impossible.

The more she considered it, the more acutely aware she became of her own ignorance. No wonder Sikong Ran had teased her earlier.

Elder Shui cleared his throat and began to explain.

"In most noble families, young heirs are taught such fundamentals early in their cultivation journey. That you, Sixth Miss, were unaware of these things is, in a way, our Gu family's failing."

"Spirit techniques are divided into four tiers: Low, Intermediate, High, and Supreme. The higher the grade, the rarer and more coveted the technique. The scroll being auctioned today—even if it isn't of the highest tier—is certainly at least a high-grade martial art."

"No wonder this place is packed—turns out everyone's here for this treasure!"

Sikong Ran finally came to a sudden realization, his voice laced with amusement.

"Young Master, should we inform the City Lord?"

He Zhongyi hadn't expected such a rare item to appear today. Knowing the City Lord had not attended, he hesitated.

"No need," Sikong Ran replied calmly. "The presence of so many from various powers means the auction house must've discreetly spread the word. Without enough attendees, how could such a treasure fetch a high price? The auction house is no fool. My father likely already knows. If he chose not to come, then he must have his reasons."

A flicker of contemplation passed through Sikong Ran's narrow, foxlike eyes. He was clearly weighing the implications of this scroll falling into the wrong hands.

Gu Qingli stared at him, surprised. Who would have thought the normally flippant Sikong Ran could be so composed and calculating?

"You're right. The City Lord surely has his own considerations."

He Zhongyi exhaled in relief.

"Three hundred and fifty thousand gold coins!"

The hall erupted once more. Despite knowing they had little chance of winning, many still watched the bidding with blazing eyes, as if clinging to a dream.

So far, only individual bidders from the main floor had spoken up. Though some were powerful wanderers, none of the distinguished guests in the upper-level private rooms had yet made a move.

Clearly, the current prices had yet to catch their interest.

"Did the head of the Gu family not know a spirit scroll would be auctioned today?"

Gu Qingli was puzzled. The Gu family hadn't sent anyone to bid, which struck her as strange.

Weren't they concerned about the scroll falling into the hands of the Li family or another rival clan?

The Gu family was reputed to be the foremost household in Loulan City—surely they had received word.

"The family head said that the Li family wouldn't be able to claim it either, so there's no need to worry."

Elder Shui chuckled.

So confident?

Gu Qingli raised an eyebrow, her gaze drifting to the private box that supposedly housed an unknown outsider. It appeared both the Gu family and the City Lord's mansion had received advance notice. Neither had chosen to compete, leaving the Li family slightly outmatched.

But who exactly was this mysterious figure?

"Four hundred thousand gold coins!"

The bidding surged forward. Chen Yihan remained calm, a faint smile on his lips, seemingly unfazed by the rising numbers.

"Five hundred thousand gold coins!"

At last, the Li family made their move. From their box on the second floor, their voice rang out, raising the bid by an entire hundred thousand—an extravagant show of wealth.

The outcry was like a dousing of cold water. The scattered guests below quickly realized that this treasure was beyond their reach. Such a powerful scroll was coveted even by the great families.

Silence fell over the main hall. The Li family's bid signaled the beginning of a more serious battle—one waged by the elites.

"Five hundred and fifty thousand gold coins!"

Another major clan from Loulan City promptly entered the fray, confirming that the true contenders had awakened.

"Six hundred and fifty thousand!"

The Li family, unrelenting, raised the bid by another hundred thousand, silencing the competing clan instantly.

The Li patriarch's tone held a subtle arrogance, a clear testament to the family's immense financial power—undeniably among the top in Loulan.

"We can't let the Li family win this."

Gu Qingli remained composed, but Sikong Ran was growing uneasy. The Li family's momentum was formidable.

"Don't worry. They won't walk away with it. Trust your father's judgment. If he chose not to show, then he's not concerned about the Li family winning it either."

Sikong Ran nodded. That was true enough.

Despite their wealth, the Li family was nearing their limit.

Just then, a voice finally emerged from the private box of the mysterious guest.

"Seven hundred thousand."

The voice was steady and calm, hinting that it was far from their upper limit.

The Li patriarch slammed his fist on the table—bang!—a sound that echoed throughout the hall.

Dozens of eyes turned toward the Li family's box, many wearing gleeful smirks.

Weren't you smug just moments ago? How do you feel now?

"Seven hundred and fifty thousand!"

The Li patriarch drew a deep breath. He had managed to stay composed when it came to the earlier elixir, but this spirit scroll was of utmost importance to him.

With it, he was confident he could break through to a higher realm—strong enough to crush the Gu family beneath his feet.

But the Li family's resources were not infinite. While he could outbid any clan in Loulan, this mysterious outsider from beyond the city was another matter entirely.

Many could tell—this was likely the Li family's limit.

"Seven hundred and seventy thousand."

The opponent didn't escalate dramatically this time. Seventy thousand was already a staggering sum for any faction.