“Ten thousand Essence Stones!”
The moment the bid was announced, a hush fell over the auction hall.
Everyone knew that ten thousand Essence Stones marked the highest price offered so far in this auction. Many bidders hesitated, opting instead to withdraw from the competition.
Ultimately, the Jungle Python’s Heartstone was sold for the astonishing price of ten thousand Essence Stones.
Chris was elated. The final price far exceeded his expectations, as he had initially anticipated a maximum bid of eight thousand Essence Stones.
After the successful sale of the Jungle Python’s Heartstone, several other rare and valuable items went up for auction. With each item, the prices continued to soar.
Finally, it was time for the last auction item. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the stage.
Jolin smiled at the crowd and announced, “The next item is the final one of the night, the crown jewel of this auction-The Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill!”
At her words, a staff member carefully brought out an ornate box. When the box was opened, it revealed a single white pill inside.
The pill’s fragrance immediately filled the room, its potent aroma refreshing everyone present. Upon catching a whiff of it, Chris felt an immediate sense of clarity and vitality wash over him, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Chris’s expression shifted to one of awe. He hadn’t expected the Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill to be so extraordinary. It made sense now why it was the centerpiece of the auction.
Jolin began her explanation: “As you all know, for Aetherbinding practitioners, spiritual energy is everything. Without it, one is no different from an ordinary person. This Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill, when consumed, instantly replenishes spiritual energy to its peak.”
She paused, letting her words sink in, then continued, “But that’s not all. The pill also greatly enhances physical conditioning. For practitioners, it can immediately elevate your cultivation level by an entire rank.”
These words sent waves of greed rippling through the crowd. Everyone’s gaze turned toward the pill with burning desire.
For someone like Chris, who was desperate to strengthen himself, the pill was irresistible. His breathing quickened as he stared at it.
In that moment, everything clicked for Chris. He now understood why Jolin had been so determined to protect the caravan. The true cargo they had been escorting was this Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill.
No wonder Jolin was willing to risk her life for it. This pill was priceless.
“The starting bid for this Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill is five thousand Essence Stones,” Jolin announced. “Each subsequent bid must be no less than one thousand Essence Stones. The auction begins now!”
The starting price of five thousand Essence Stones made Chris catch his breath. It was a staggering amount, underscoring the immense value of the pill.
“Five thousand Essence Stones!”
“Six thousand Essence Stones!”
“Eight thousand Essence Stones!”
The bidding escalated rapidly. From the very start, the competition was fierce.
“Ten thousand Essence Stones!”
“Thirteen thousand Essence Stones!”
“Twenty thousand Essence Stones!”
Within an hour, the price had skyrocketed to twenty thousand Essence Stones.
For most Aetherbinding practitioners, twenty thousand Essence Stones was an astronomical sum, yet it was clear that the Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill’s final price would far exceed this amount.
“Twenty-three thousand Essence Stones!”
“Twenty-five thousand Essence Stones!”
“Thirty thousand Essence Stones!”
The bids continued to rise until a sudden voice silenced the room.
“Forty thousand Essence Stones!”
Chris stood abruptly, his voice ringing out.
Every head turned toward him. No one had expected Chris to make such a bold bid.
Forty thousand Essence Stones was beyond what many could afford. One by one, the other bidders withdrew, unable to match the price.
“Forty-one thousand Essence Stones!”
Someone tried to counter, but Chris didn’t hesitate.
“Fifty thousand Essence Stones!”
The room fell into stunned silence. Fifty thousand Essence Stones was an overwhelming number, enough to leave everyone speechless.
With that bid, Chris secured the pill.
Although purchasing the Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill had cost Chris his entire fortune, he did not regret it. After all, he had sold the Jungle Python’s Heartstone for ten thousand Essence Stones and received an additional five thousand Essence Stones as payment from Jolin earlier, leaving him with enough to manage.
Jolin’s expression was one of shock. She hadn’t expected Chris to bid fifty thousand Essence Stones for the pill.
Not only was his strength remarkable, but his wealth was equally astounding. Her gaze toward Chris shifted, now filled with newfound respect and admiration.
Taking a deep breath, Jolin declared, “Congratulations! You’ve won the Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill for fifty thousand Essence Stones. With this, I officially announce the end of this auction…”
Before she could finish her sentence, the sound of rushing wind filled the air.
Dozens of figures descended from above, swords gleaming in their hands. Their target was clear-the Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill.
“Protect the Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill!” Jolin shouted urgently.
At her command, the Tomczak family’s practitioners surged forward, positioning themselves between the attackers and the pill.
Chaos erupted.
Swords clashed violently as the Tomczak family fought to defend the pill. Blood splattered the floor, and screams filled the air as the battle unfolded.
The guests, panicked, fled the auction hall in droves.
Chris, however, did not move. He couldn’t leave. The Fifth-Grade Restoration Pill was now his, and he would fight to claim it.
Without hesitation, Chris drew his Dragon Slayer sword and rushed into the fray.
With a single swing, he struck down one of the black-clad attackers, leaving the body in a pool of blood.
“Kill the Tomczak family! Take the Restoration Pill!” one of the attackers shouted.
At the sound of the command, the black-clad assailants turned their focus toward Jolin and the pill.
“Protect the young master! Protect the Restoration Pill!” Bob, a leader among the Tomczak family, roared as he led a hundred practitioners into battle.
The fighting was brutal and unrelenting. Bodies fell on both sides, and within moments, dozens had perished.
Despite the chaos, Jolin remained composed, as though she had anticipated this attack all along.
Chris, meanwhile, found himself surrounded by multiple enemies. Gripping his Dragon Slayer tightly, he fought with relentless determination.
One by one, the attackers fell to his blade.
Then, more figures stormed into the hall.
At their head was a bald man, flanked by several practitioners at the Pinnacle level.