“It turns out to be Mr. Bloomer. I haven’t heard your name in Langstel before. I suppose this is your first time attending such a large auction. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons,” Antony said politely, but his words were unsettling to the ears.
After speaking, Antony glanced deeply at Coral and left with his bodyguards. The announcement was already playing through the speakers, indicating that the auction was about to begin.
The front of the hall was neatly arranged with hundreds of tables and chairs. According to the seat numbers on the back of the cards, everyone found their designated seats and sat down, while service staff brought them beverages.
Leo and Coral sat in the middle of the second row, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Kipling sat on the right side of the first row, and Antony sat on the left side of the third row.
After a crisp bell rang, the auction officially began!
“Enjoy a healthy lifestyle with Star Cloud beverages. I am the auctioneer and host for this event, Jeffrey Gilbert. On behalf of the organizers, I warmly welcome all distinguished guests to the 19th Star Cloud Gemstone Gambling Festival. The theme of this festival is jade. Please watch the large screen to admire the treasures bestowed upon us by nature!”
As the auctioneer’s voice fell, the lights in the venue dimmed, and the large screen in front lit up.
Various gems, jade, and jadeite appeared in succession on the screen. Some were exquisitely crafted, some were magnificent, and some had a dreamlike beauty that took one’s breath away.
After the exhibition on the big screen, the lights in the hall came back on, and the auctioneer exclaimed, “Now, please welcome our lovely hostess to present the first auction item!”
As the auctioneer finished speaking, a beautiful lady pushed a cart from the corner of the stage.
The items on the cart were covered with a red cloth, and the audience speculated in their minds about what the first auction item could be.
The hostess walked to the side of the auction platform and stood there with a professional smile on her face. She reached out and uncovered the red cloth.
At the same time, a large photograph of the item appeared on the giant screen behind the auctioneer, showcasing the item from all angles.
The first auction item was a jade carved Pixiu (a mythical creature considered to be a very powerful and resembling a winged lion.), about the size of a baby’s fist. From the large screen, one could see that it was exquisitely crafted, lifelike in appearance.
“An interesting jade carved Pixiu,” Mr. Tyler murmured to himself.
The auctioneer held the microphone and loudly declared, “The first auction item is a jade carved Pixiu from 1800 years ago. Pixiu is a ferocious auspicious beast recorded in ancient Chinese texts and folklore.”
“In ancient Chinese tales, Pixiu is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. From ancient times to the present, both emperors and common people have attached great importance to collecting and wearing Pixiu. It is said that apart from its ability to bring good fortune and ward off evil, Pixiu also has functions such as guarding the home, avoiding misfortunes, and promoting marriage. Additionally, Pixiu is believed to bring joy and good luck.”
“This jade carved Pixiu is exquisitely crafted, with superior jade quality. The carving technique used is the Yin-Yang knife method, making it a masterpiece among jade carvings.”
The auctioneer’s voice was strong and confident as he extolled the virtues of this jade carved Pixiu.
“Miss Wilde, are there any counterfeit items in the auction?” Leo asked Coral beside him.
Coral replied, “Counterfeit items are extremely rare in auctions, especially in large-scale ones like this. These antique items on the auction stage have been authenticated by professional institutions in the country. Generally, before the auction, each item undergoes appraisal by at least three experts. It’s only when all three experts make a mistake that the possibility of counterfeit items is minimized.”
Listening to Coral’s explanation, Leo realized that the likelihood of encountering a counterfeit item here was indeed close to zero.
“The Pixiu’s eyes are vibrant and powerful, with a unique and exquisite overall shape. The carving lines on its abdomen are clear and precise, and the attention to detail is remarkable, truly showcasing the renowned Yin-Yang knife carving technique.”
“This Pixiu gives me the feeling that it was kept in a coffin,” Leo murmured to himself.
Leo had already used his spiritual power to observe the Pixiu, but he couldn’t detect any trace of spiritual energy. There was even a slight hint of Yin energy, leading to his speculation.
Mr. Kipling heard Leo’s words and turned his head to give him an approving look. “Leo is right. This Pixiu was indeed kept in a coffin. Specifically, it was held in the left hand of the tomb’s occupant.”
Coral overheard their conversation and felt a bit embarrassed. She had originally planned to participate in the bidding but reconsidered since it was something associated with the deceased.
“Old Kipling, do you know the story behind the Pixiu?” Mr. Tyler also wanted to show off in front of Mr. Kipling.
“What story?” Mr. Kipling asked.
“When a political counsellor assisted his King in overthrowing another king, they encountered a Pixiu during one of their marches. However, nobody recognized it at the time. The counsellor felt that it had an extraordinarily fierce appearance, so he found a way to tame it and used it as his mount. Together, they achieved numerous victories in battle.”
“Upon witnessing the Pixiu’s bravery and extraordinary abilities, King granted it an official position with the title ‘Cloud.’ The counsellor discovered that the Pixiu had an enormous appetite but never excreted waste. Instead, it secreted a unique and incredibly fragrant sweat from its fur. Animals from all directions would flock to it, enticed by the scent, only to be devoured by the Pixiu,” Mr. Tyler explained the legend.
Mr. Kipling didn’t believe it. “What legend is that? I’ve never heard of it. Are you making it up?”
“Believe it or not, you should read more books when you have the chance,” Mr. Tyler retorted.
“The starting bid for the jade carved Pixiu is 600, 000, with a minimum increment of 10, 000 RMB. Let the auction begin!” The auctioneer struck the gavel.
“650, 000!”
“700, 000!”
“750, 000!”
…
“Lot 37 bids 900, 000. Is there a higher bid? Lot 18 bids 950, 000! Lot 46 bids 1 million…”
The bidding was intense, and soon the price of the first auction item surpassed 1 million.
The world of the wealthy is indeed crazy.
It should be noted that those who understand the field know that the jade carved Pixiu came from a tomb. While it may be suitable for display in a shop, carrying it or keeping it at home would affect Feng Shui.
Most antique enthusiasts generally believe in Feng Shui (the practice of arranging pieces in living spaces to create balance with the natural world).
“I bid 1. 15 million!”
“1. 25 million!”
Mr. Tyler raised his bidding card and called out, “1. 4 million!”
Increasing the bid by 150, 000, he thought it would make most people give up.
However, to his surprise, someone suddenly shouted, “1. 8 million!”
Directly raising it by 400, 000!