Among the many items at the auction, Chris found several that caught his attention, but he remained cautious and refrained from acting impulsively.
Chris was not short on Essence Stones-he had nearly three hundred thousand in his possession. However, those were reserved for acquiring materials to refine his body.
“Next, we present the following auction item,” announced the host.
A staff member stepped forward, carrying an ornate box. Jane Clarkson, the auctioneer, opened it to reveal a black stone.
“This is an Obsidian Stone, a prized material for crafting and body refinement,” Jane explained. “The starting bid is thirty thousand Essence Stones. Let the bidding begin!”
The crowd murmured in surprise at the sight of the Obsidian Stone.
Chris’s heart raced. This stone was one of the key materials he needed from this auction. While its starting price was thirty thousand Essence Stones, judging by the eager expressions of the surrounding Aetherbinding cultivators, he suspected the final price could easily surpass one hundred thousand Essence Stones.
Without the Obsidian Stone, Chris’s plans to further refine his body would come to a halt.
However, he faced a dilemma. There was another material he needed in this auction, and with only about three hundred thousand Essence Stones, he wasn’t sure if he could secure both.
Determined, Chris raised his bidding paddle and declared, “Sixty thousand Essence Stones!”
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Chris.
No one had anticipated such a bold move-doubling the starting bid in a single stroke. The auction hall was momentarily frozen in shock.
Whispers filled the air as people speculated about Chris’s identity. Who was this man with such wealth and confidence?
In the end, no one dared to bid against him. Chris secured the Obsidian Stone for sixty thousand Essence Stones.
Relieved, Chris exhaled deeply. He had expected to spend at least one hundred thousand Essence Stones on the Obsidian Stone, but his aggressive opening bid had discouraged potential competitors.
This tactic, known as “intimidation through dominance,” worked perfectly. Uncertain of Chris’s background, the other bidders had hesitated to challenge him.
With the Obsidian Stone secured, the auction resumed its usual pace, and the crowd began murmuring again, speculating on Chris’s origins.
As the auction progressed, Chris refrained from bidding further. Hundreds of items were sold, bringing the total count to over nine hundred.
With more than ten thousand Aetherbinding cultivators present, the competition was fierce, and most of the items were claimed by representatives of powerful families and organizations. Ordinary cultivators had little chance to win bids.
Chris eventually spent another fifty thousand Essence Stones to acquire a healing pill.
The competition for the pill was intense, with hundreds of cultivators vying for it. In Aethelgard, where strength ruled, having a high-quality pill could mean the difference between life and death.
Jane Clarkson, looking visibly fatigued after hosting the lengthy auction, stepped forward and announced, “We are now entering the final stage of the auction. The remaining items are our most prized treasures.”
Her tone grew serious as she continued, “Let us begin with the first of these centerpiece items.”
A group of staff members carried a large chest onto the stage.
When Jane opened the chest, a powerful energy surged forth, filling the room.
Chris’s expression shifted as he felt the immense aura.
Someone in the crowd exclaimed, “It’s a Ninth Grade Spirit Container!”
Spirit Containers, like pills, were ranked from First Grade to Ninth Grade. Ninth Grade was the pinnacle, surpassed only by the legendary Celestial and Artifact levels.
The revelation left Chris stunned. A Ninth Grade Spirit Container was enough to drive anyone into a frenzy.
Jane Clarkson introduced the item. “This Ninth Grade Spirit Container is a longsword known as Blood Eater. It was once the weapon of the ancient beast Blood Eater. However, due to damage, it is classified as a damaged Ninth Grade Spirit Container.”
Despite its damaged state, the crowd couldn’t take their eyes off the Blood Eater. Even a broken Ninth Grade Spirit Container was an unrivaled treasure.
“With a starting price of one hundred thousand Essence Stones,” Jane announced with a smile, “bids must increase by no less than ten thousand Essence Stones. Let the bidding begin!”
The atmosphere grew electric as cultivators debated whether to bid.
In a world like Aethelgard, where strength dictated status, owning a powerful weapon could drastically enhance one’s abilities.
However, for many, the starting price of one hundred thousand Essence Stones was an unattainable dream.
As expected, the Blood Eater’s price quickly climbed.
“One hundred thousand Essence Stones!”
“One hundred twenty thousand!”
“One hundred thirty thousand!”
“Fifteen hundred thousand!”
Within moments, the bidding soared to one hundred fifty thousand Essence Stones.
At this point, only representatives of the wealthiest families and organizations remained in the competition.
For them, one hundred fifty thousand Essence Stones was a trivial amount.
Chris, however, was not tempted. He already possessed the Dragon Slayer, a weapon once wielded by the legendary Lord Dragon.
Though he didn’t know its exact grade, it far surpassed the Blood Eater in power and quality.
“Two hundred thousand Essence Stones!”
The bidding continued, with the price eventually reaching two hundred fifty thousand Essence Stones.
At that point, most participants withdrew. Even though the Blood Eater was extraordinary, its damaged state made it less appealing.
Moreover, many were saving their Essence Stones for the other centerpiece items yet to be revealed.
Ultimately, the Blood Eater was sold for two hundred fifty thousand Essence Stones.