Leo had considered buying the Frost Dragon Staff, ideal for people with a fire attribute martial foundation, to gift to Violet. However, the young girl didn’t fancy weapons like staffs, so Leo abandoned that plan.
The following three auction items had starting prices of at least two thousand Essence-Building Pills. This high starting point deterred many martial cultivators, leaving only a few from the front rows engaged in a bidding war.
Even the proud Henry participated, spending thousands of Essence-Building Pills to acquire a martial art technique and a secret martial skill for the family’s heritage.
Joe from the Hundred Flowers Sect also secured some spiritual herbs and two spiritual fruits during her bidding. Leo couldn’t resist meddling during Joe’s bidding by pushing up the price to annoy her.
Ghost Carving Sect and Flying Dragon Gang remained observant. Leo sensed they were waiting for something.
As the auction approached its end, Ghost Carving Sect splurged eight thousand Essence-Building Pills on a dragon bone sword. The Flying Dragon Gang, however, remained passive, showing no interest in participating.
Leo had a vague feeling that both the Ghost Carving Sect and Flying Dragon Gang were anticipating something.
Finally, the closing moments of the auction arrived. Oliver East gestured for attention and declared, “The exciting moments always pass too quickly. Esteemed guests, what follows will be the last three items of this auction and the grand finale. Now, let our lovely hostess present the first spectacular item!”
The elegant woman approached the auction platform with a tray in hand. She placed the tray in front of Oliver East, and with a graceful motion, removed the yellow cloth covering it.
Revealed on the tray was a fist-sized translucent white Elemental Core. A chilling aura emanated from the Elemental Core, quickly enveloping the entire auction platform in frost.
Oliver East introduced, “This is the Elemental Core of the Ice Demon Lizard from the extreme northern wastelands. When fully grown, the Ice Demon Lizard’s combat power rivals that of an advanced-tier martial general, making it incredibly formidable. This Elemental Core comes from a mature Ice Demon Lizard and was obtained by a martial monarch-level expert after defeating the creature. It is a rare and unparalleled treasure.”
Upon hearing it was an Elemental Core from the Ice Demon Lizard, many martial cultivators’ eyes gleamed with excitement. Even Henry and Lance Eliot were no exception.
The old woman couldn’t help but say to Joe, “Miss Joe, this Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Core is perfect for enhancing the strength and cultivation of your snow leopard.”
Joe nodded, her eyes shining with a crystalline light.
Ursula’s suggestion made sense. If her snow leopard consumed this Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Core, it should be able to advance to become a spirit beast.
Almost instinctively, Joe turned her head to look at Leo, catching him looking back with a mischievous smile on his face.
This made Joe suddenly have a bad premonition.
“Ursula, look at that brat’s smug face. He’ll definitely drive up the price of the Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Core later,” Joe said to the old woman beside her.
The old woman glanced at Leo, nodding in agreement.
At this moment, Joe felt a bit of regret. If she had known, she wouldn’t have intentionally raised the price of the Snowspirit Flower earlier. After all, Leo was just too wealthy, and attempting to compete with him using Essence-Building Pills was like trying to fight a losing battle.
During Joe’s previous bidding for spiritual herbs and fruits, Leo’s intervention caused her to lose several thousand Essence-Building Pills for nothing.
The old woman withdrew her gaze from Leo’s face, contemplating for a moment before saying softly, “Miss Joe, if that guy interferes and raises the price too much, we can give up. Let him win the bid, and after leaving East Town, we can take it from him.”
“Ursula, we’ll go with your plan,” Joe said, nodding.
Oliver East scanned the front three rows, then announced loudly, “Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Dan, starting at seven thousand Essence-Building Pills. Each bid must increase by no less than one hundred Essence-Building Pills. Bidding starts now!”
As Oliver East’s words fell, an oddly quiet atmosphere enveloped the venue. No one rushed to announce a price.
Seven thousand Essence-Building Pills was a substantial amount, a sum that most third-rate martial sects wouldn’t be able to afford even if they sold the kitchen sink.
The best use for the Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Dan was to feed it to a beast mount. It not only elevated the creature to a higher level but also had the potential to transform it into a spiritual beast.
Because of its incredible power, the Elemental Dan had strict requirements. Beasts lacking martial master-level strength would perish if they consumed it, making it less appealing to those without such formidable mounts.
Moreover, among the martial cultivators attending the auction, only a few had beast mounts. Hence, there was a moment of silence with no one placing a bid.
Though Joe desired the Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Dan, she decided to bide her time and let others bid first before making her move.
Oliver East disliked the silent atmosphere. This Elemental Dan was one of the three main attractions he had prepared for this auction, and he didn’t expect it to result in an awkward pause.
Leo decided to break the silence and declared, “Eight thousand Essence-Building Pills!”
“Mr. 668 bids eight thousand Essence-Building Pills. Any higher bids?” Leo’s announcement brought a smile back to Oliver East’s face.
Leo’s bid was expected by Joe. She gave him a cold glance and chose to stay put, refusing to get into a bidding war with him.
Unexpectedly, after Leo’s bid, no one else followed. This…
“The Ice Demon Lizard Elemental Dan is a rare opportunity, everyone. Opportunities don’t knock on your door every day. If you miss this chance, you’ll have to kick yourself later.” Oliver East, speaking with occasional glances towards Joe, who he knew had a snow leopard, highlighted the suitability of the Elemental Dan for enhancing a beast’s strength.
However, to Oliver East’s disappointment, Joe remained composed, showing no intention to bid.
Continuing in this awkward silence was not an option. Oliver East began the countdown: “It seems there’s no bid higher than eight thousand Essence-Building Pills. Going once…”
“Nine thousand Essence-Building Pills!” Joe couldn’t hold back any longer, gritting her teeth as she called out a number.
Leo’s lips curled into a slight smile as he raised his sign, “Ten thousand Essence-Building Pills!”
“Ten thousand two hundred Essence-Building Pills!” Joe’s face turned icy, glaring fiercely at Leo, as if telling him, “Raise the bid again, and I won’t play with you anymore.”
“Number 28 bids ten thousand two hundred Essence-Building Pills. Any higher bids?” Oliver East felt some relief at the late-breaking bidding.