After the Blood Eater was successfully auctioned off, Jane Clarkson smiled and announced, “The next and final centerpiece of today’s auction is the Millennium Frost Crystal. This rare gem is not only a valuable material for forging and alchemy but, most importantly, can be used for body tempering.”
With those words, she opened the box on the stage.
As soon as the box was opened, the entire hall seemed to plunge into an icy chill. The temperature dropped instantly to freezing, though the attendees-being Aetherbinding practitioners-could withstand it without issue.
Inside the box lay a Millennium Frost Crystal, about the size of a clenched fist, radiating an aura of intense cold.
This crystal was highly prized among alchemists, but for Chris, it held even greater value. Its unique properties made it a crucial resource for body tempering, and Chris was determined to obtain it, no matter the cost.
Jane Clarkson’s voice rang out again. “The starting bid for this Millennium Frost Crystal is 80, 000 Essence Stones. Each subsequent bid must be no less than 10, 000 Essence Stones. Let the bidding begin!”
The starting price of 80, 000 Essence Stones caused many Aetherbinding practitioners in the crowd to show signs of disappointment. For most, this was already an unattainable figure, and the final price was bound to climb even higher.
As the bidding began, numbers quickly soared:
“90, 000 Essence Stones!”
“100, 000 Essence Stones!”
“150, 000 Essence Stones!”
Before long, the price had skyrocketed to 200, 000 Essence Stones.
“220, 000 Essence Stones!”
“230, 000 Essence Stones!”
“250, 000 Essence Stones!”
At this point, only two or three bidders remained in the competition. The rarity of the Millennium Frost Crystal made it a valuable asset, even for those who didn’t personally need it. It could be gifted to an alchemist in exchange for custom-made pills of immense value.
Chris exhaled lightly, relieved as the pool of bidders grew smaller. He knew it was his moment to act.
Raising his paddle, Chris called out, “270, 000 Essence Stones!”
His bold jump from 250, 000 to 270, 000 Essence Stones drew immediate attention. Heads turned to identify the man behind such wealth and confidence.
Many were curious about Chris, who sat cloaked in black, his face and aura concealed.
His bid caused one or two remaining competitors to drop out. For most Aetherbinding practitioners, 270, 000 Essence Stones was an astronomical figure, far beyond their means.
Now, only one rival bidder remained.
“280, 000 Essence Stones!”
Chris didn’t hesitate. “300, 000 Essence Stones!”
The hall fell silent. The sheer weight of 300, 000 Essence Stones stunned the crowd into hushed murmurs.
Speculations about Chris’s identity ran wild. Was he from a powerful family, or an emissary of an influential faction? His wealth and confidence suggested he was no ordinary man.
In the end, Chris secured the Millennium Frost Crystal for 300, 000 Essence Stones.
As the auctioneer declared the item sold, Chris finally let out a breath of relief.
Jane Clarkson glanced at him, her expression briefly tinged with curiosity. However, with his cloak obscuring his identity, she could only wonder who he truly was.
The auction continued, with each subsequent item surpassing the last in value. Prices rarely dipped below 100, 000 Essence Stones as the competition grew fiercer.
One highlight was the Ninth Grade Spirit Container, which eventually sold for an astounding 500, 000 Essence Stones.
However, Chris paid little attention. With his Dragon Slayer weapon in hand, he had no use for such items.
The next item to take the stage was the Elysium Pill, and the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.
Jane Clarkson smiled as she introduced it. “I’m sure everyone here knows about the Elysium Pill. This is a breakthrough pill, crafted by one of Aethelgard’s most distinguished alchemists. It offers a thirty percent chance to break through to the Elysium Realm.”
The announcement left the crowd stunned.
Breaking through from the Solstice Realm to the Elysium Realm was one of the most challenging hurdles for practitioners. Many were stuck at the Solstice Realm for life, unable to advance.
This scarcity made Elysium Realm practitioners the pinnacle of power in their world.
The Elysium Pill, with its ability to increase the chances of success, was enough to drive anyone to madness. Even for those below the Solstice Realm, its medicinal potency could significantly enhance their cultivation.
For Chris, consuming such a pill could transform his body and drastically boost his strength.
The crowd’s eyes burned with desire. Everyone understood that acquiring this pill would not be easy.
For families and factions, producing an Elysium Realm practitioner signified unparalleled prestige. The absence of one, however, could lead to decline.
Jane Clarkson spoke again. “The bidding for the Elysium Pill starts at 300, 000 Essence Stones. Each bid must increase by at least 10, 000 Essence Stones. Let the bidding begin!”
“300, 000 Essence Stones!”
“400, 000 Essence Stones!”
“500, 000 Essence Stones!”
The auction escalated rapidly, with bids soon exceeding 500, 000 Essence Stones.
“600, 000 Essence Stones!”
“700, 000 Essence Stones!”
“1, 000, 000 Essence Stones!”
In the end, the Elysium Pill sold for an astonishing 1, 000, 000 Essence Stones, a figure beyond the imagination of most practitioners.
Chris shook his head in quiet amazement. Such wealth was unimaginable for ordinary practitioners, but for powerful factions, spending a fortune to nurture an Elysium Realm practitioner was a worthwhile investment.
Finally, the moment arrived for the auction’s last item.
The entire hall fell into a tense silence, all eyes locked on Jane Clarkson.
What could possibly surpass the Elysium Pill?
Jane scanned the crowd, took a deep breath, and began. “As you all know, Aethelgard is filled with many unknown and perilous places. One such discovery was made in the Azure Sea-a deserted island where an ancient cave dwelling was found. It is said to have belonged to an Elysium Realm practitioner from a bygone era.”