“But say it without hesitation,” Leo responded.
Elliana spoke directly, “The Ascension Pill is extremely precious. I dare to ask if you could auction just one and sell the other to our Everlasting Trade Association.”
“I promise that no matter the final auction price of the other Ascension Pill, I will add an additional twenty thousand Low-Quality Spirit Stones on top of that price for you.”
Hearing Elliana’s words, Master Rodrigo couldn’t help but nod. Miss Turner was indeed quick-witted.
An Ascension Pill could potentially create a Spirit Saint, making it a rare treasure for the Everlasting Trade Association as well.
Leo remained silent for a moment, contemplating.
Initially, Leo had intended to auction three Ascension Pills to obtain enough Low-Quality Spirit Stones. However, following the principle of rarity increasing value, he decided to auction only two.
Quickly, Leo made up his mind and looked at Elliana. “I have one last Ascension Pill. This third one can be sold to the Everlasting Trade Association.”
With that, Leo waved his sleeve, and another white jade pill bottle appeared on the mahogany table.
Upon hearing that there was another Ascension Pill, Elliana and Master Rodrigo were stunned for two seconds before becoming even more excited.
Taking out three Ascension Pills at once was such a lavish act that even the well-informed Master Rodrigo couldn’t help but be amazed.
It was known that his master spent a vast amount of resources each year to produce just one Ascension Pill.
“Sir, my previous promise remains. I will add an additional twenty thousand Low-Quality Spirit Stones on top of the highest auction price for the two Ascension Pills.”
“Additionally, the Everlasting Trade Association will waive the five percent commission fee for the auction.”
Looking at the three Ascension Pills, Elliana suppressed her excitement and spoke generously.
“Thank you very much, Miss Turner.”
After leaving the Everlasting Trade Association, Leo removed his black cloak in a deserted alley and returned to his courtyard in the Watts Mansion.
Sitting cross-legged on a clean bed, Leo began cultivating using the Nine Heavens Star Chart.
Next, he would wait for the auction to start and then sense the Thunder Tribulation to break through to Spirit Saint!
In no time, it was the day of the auction.
The sun shone brightly, and Zratol Street was bustling with activity.
Today was destined to be a lively day in Zratol.
The Everlasting Trade Association and Marquis Manor were jointly hosting a large-scale auction today.
Before the auction began, two pieces of news spread.
The first was that the position of Lord of Clearwind Town would be auctioned.
This position was highly attractive to powerful rogue cultivators. Obtaining it meant having one’s own territory and the ability to recruit soldiers and become a local ruler.
The second piece of news was even more sensational: two high-quality Ascension Pills would be auctioned!
Breaking through from Spirit King to Spirit Saint was a crucial step in spiritual cultivation. Many cultivators spent their entire lives stuck at this bottleneck until their lifespan ended without ever stepping into Spirit Saint.
Therefore, an Ascension Pill that could help a cultivator break through from Spirit King to Spirit Saint was extremely valuable.
A Spirit King would be willing to exchange all their wealth for an Ascension Pill.
Because of these two significant pieces of news, even before the auction began, Zratol was buzzing with excitement. The number of cultivators arriving in Zratol today far exceeded usual numbers.
The auction was held in the back garden of Marquis Manor.
The back garden of Marquis Manor was vast enough to accommodate thousands of people without any issues.
Outside the main gate of Marquis Manor, rows of Gold Guards in golden armor stood on display, along with many white-robed maids.
The white-robed maids’ job was to verify the qualifications of cultivators attending the auction.
Such a grand auction was not open to just anyone; entry required proof of at least five thousand Low-Quality Spirit Stones.
Leo also arrived, still wearing his black cloak that covered his head. He queued up behind other cultivators for verification before entering Marquis Manor.
Members of the Watts family were also present, led by Wade. Accompanying him were Grand Elder Ramon Watts, Punishment Elder Catalina, Alchemy Patron Keith Conway, and juniors Amber, Arthur, and Jon Conway.
“Fellow cultivators, please show proof of at least five thousand Low-Quality Spirit Stones,” a white-robed maid politely requested when it was Leo’s turn.
Without speaking, Leo flipped his right hand to reveal a golden token.
Seeing the golden token, the maid turned respectful. She bowed slightly to Leo.
“Sir, you are an honored VIP of our Everlasting Trade Association. Please follow me,” she said softly.
The maid’s attitude change was due to the rarity of golden VIP tokens issued by the Everlasting Trade Association. Only major families, powerful factions, or esteemed individuals possessed them.
Led by the maid, Leo entered Marquis Manor.
Inside Marquis Manor were pavilions, rockeries with flowing water, and lush trees, creating a picturesque garden scene.
After walking for about ten minutes, they reached the back garden of Marquis Manor.
As soon as they entered, a delightful floral fragrance greeted them.
The garden was filled with various exotic flowers emitting pleasant aromas that refreshed the mind.
Leo quickly noticed that these flowers were spirit flowers, though mostly low-grade ones.
A clear river meandered through the garden, with spirit fish swimming in it, adding vitality to the scene.
The environment in the back garden was indeed beautiful and picturesque.
“Sir, please follow me,” said the maid again.
After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at a spacious area resembling a plaza within the garden. The ground was paved with green jade stones. Thousands of wooden chairs were arranged in a fan shape around a central stage.
It was evident that today’s auction would be held here.
Many people were already seated on the chairs. Leo estimated that there would be at least a thousand attendees.
“Sir, please come to the VIP seating area,” said the maid again.
The VIP seating area consisted of small pavilions outside the fan-shaped seating arrangement.
Led by the maid, Leo arrived at Pavilion No. 9 in the VIP section.
After sitting down, Leo noticed that members of the Watts family were seated in Pavilion No. 7, just one pavilion away from him.
Soon enough, Wade and his group also noticed Leo in his black cloak.