Time trickled away.

One after another, treasures were brought onto the stage and then claimed by one wealthy patron after another.

Just as Luo Xiu was growing bored, his Solid Peiyuan Pill finally made its appearance.

"Next, we have the finale treasure of today's auction!" announced the host.

The entire venue fell silent at once.

On the stage, Xiao Hong swept her gaze across the audience with a mysterious air, deliberately pausing for effect. It had to be said, as an auctioneer, she had a masterful grasp of building atmosphere.

"I'm sure everyone here has already guessed... That's right, it's the Solid Peiyuan Pill! This is a Mysterious Grade elixir! As for what an elixir is, I believe everyone present has some understanding. Those of you who have had dealings with the Martial Association and the Medical Association will certainly be more aware of an elixir's value."

"Our Hua Country's culture is vast, profound, and has a long and storied history. Throughout these thousands of years, countless wonders have emerged. This particular medicine, passed down by ancient masters, possesses miraculous effects. Its compositional ratios, molecular structure, and certain rare elements cannot be replicated by modern technology."

"..."

"I won't hide it from you all, our Tianbao Residence has received two Solid Peiyuan Pills this time. After discussing with the owner, we have decided to auction them separately! So, the second Solid Peiyuan Pill will be presented later."

"Without further ado, let the auction begin! The first Solid Peiyuan Pill has a starting bid of 9 million, with each increment being no less than 1 million! As per the old rules, there is no ceiling—the highest bidder takes it!"

At this moment, a lady in the audience asked, "Excuse me, host, is this Solid Peiyuan Pill genuine?"

Xiao Hong smiled faintly. "The question this beautiful lady has raised is likely what everyone else is thinking. I can only say this... Tianbao Residence's reputation, built over so many years in the industry, should be worthy of your trust. Furthermore, the winning bidder can have the item authenticated afterward. If it is found to be a fake, Tianbao Residence promises to provide compensation of ten times the final sale price!"

With her declaration, the guests' concerns were completely dispelled.

"10 million!" someone shouted the first bid.

"15 million!"

"Everyone, please do our Feitian Group a favor! 16 million!"

"To hell with that! 20 million!"

***

「On the second floor」

Inside Private Room Number Three, Luo Xiu crossed his legs, watching the price soar ever higher. Suddenly, the tea in his cup seemed exceptionally fragrant.

At the same time, Sun Li and her friends were staring at Luo Xiu as if he were a monster. By now, they all understood that this elixir had been provided by him.

"Xiu... Is this Solid Peiyuan Pill really yours?" Sun Li asked.

Luo Xiu smiled slightly. "Let's be low-key about it."

Sun Li's expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief as she exchanged a glance with Su Shanyue.

...

Although everyone wanted the elixir, an auction was an auction, and obtaining it came down to financial power. As the price climbed to 50 million, only five or six tycoons were still in the running.

It was then that Duan Feibai made his move, directly raising the price to 100 million.

The whole venue erupted into an uproar. While the Solid Peiyuan Pill was precious, perhaps even a once-in-a-lifetime item at auction, spending 100 million on a single elixir was more than most tycoons could stomach.

Suddenly, Sun Li pressed the bidding button. "150 million!"

The venue was in an uproar once again. Everyone looked up at Private Room Number Three on the second floor, marveling at Miss Sun's audacity.

Duan Feibai also glanced up at the second floor, his expression thoughtful. Unlike the watch, which he could have given to Sun Li, the elixir was a different matter. He had to obtain it to answer to his family. The Duan Family, though a financial conglomerate, still needed to cultivate powerful martial artists.

And this Solid Peiyuan Pill was the key. A martial artist in the Body Refinement Phase who consumed a Solid Peiyuan Pill had an excellent chance of advancing to the Qi Holding Stage.

Sitting next to Duan Feibai, Du Gang commented, "Miss Sun's persistence also indirectly proves the Solid Peiyuan Pill is genuine. After all, Li Jiuzhen is with her. With his expertise, he can certainly tell if the elixir is real or fake."

"Makes sense," Duan Feibai nodded.

"But are you sure you want to compete with Miss Sun?" Du Gang asked. "The Sun Family is extremely wealthy in Sea City."

A confident smirk played on Duan Feibai's lips; he had absolute faith in the Duan Family's financial might.

Just then, the guest in seat number seven also placed a bid: "180 million."

Duan Feibai turned to look and saw that the guests were Cao Ende and Liu Xuelian.

Du Gang chuckled softly. "It seems the Cao Family wants this elixir as well."

Duan Feibai scoffed. "The Cao Family isn't qualified to compete with me."

With that, he directly raised the price to 200 million.

In seat number seven, Cao Ende and Liu Xuelian exchanged a look before ultimately deciding to give up. Cao Ende had originally planned to acquire the elixir as a gift for Guan Changyun, who was in closed-door cultivation. But spending 200 million on an elixir the size of a fingertip would be a terrible deal. With that kind of money, he would be better off buying other nourishing treasures for Guan Changyun.

At that moment, inside Private Room Number Three, Sun Li frowned and was about to press the button again, but Luo Xiu caught her wrist.

"Xiao Li, what are you doing?"

Sun Li gave him a mysterious smile. "Don't worry about it, Xiu. I'm just driving up the price so you can make more money. Even if Duan Feibai gives up, I can afford it. I'll just consider it buying an elixir from you. After all, it can't be easy for you to refine something like this. Besides, this elixir would be really useful for my Sun Family."

Luo Xiu touched his nose and gave an awkward chuckle. "Actually, about these things... if you want one, just find me the herbs later, and I'll refine a pound of them for you."

Sun Li froze instantly. Su Shanyue and the other women were equally stunned. Everyone turned to stare at Luo Xiu as if he were a monster.

Her eyes wide, Sun Li asked in a trembling voice, "A... a pound?"

Nearby, Li Jiuzhen simply shook his head and smiled. He was already used to this sort of thing from Luo Xiu.

Luo Xiu suddenly realized his slip and quickly corrected himself. "I misspoke, I misspoke! I meant one, just one pill. It was a slip of the tongue."

He really didn't want Sun Li pestering him to perform alchemy all the time. But in truth, for a Mysterious Grade elixir like the Solid Peiyuan Pill, if Luo Xiu truly put his mind to it, he really could produce them by the pound. Growing up in the mountains, there were no shops to buy snacks like spicy strips, so he had resorted to eating some of the sweeter-tasting elixirs as treats.

Sun Li rolled her eyes. "A gift is a gift, but a purchase is a purchase. I can't let you take a loss."

With that, she decisively raised the price to 300 million.

Duan Feibai smiled faintly and raised his bid to 350 million.

At this point, the entire auction hall was dead silent, with everyone quietly watching the two titans flex their wealth.

Sun Li added another 50 million, pushing the price to 400 million.

Duan Feibai, with incredible nonchalance, immediately matched her, raising the bid to 450 million.

This time, however, Sun Li felt that was enough and did not continue.

In the end, Duan Feibai won the first Solid Peiyuan Pill for the astronomical price of 450 million.

By now it was noon and time for lunch. According to Tianbao Residence's rules, there was a two-hour break for lunch before the auction would resume in the afternoon. The spacious rooftop was already lined with tables laden with food, wine, and other beverages. A team of top chefs had prepared a variety of delicacies, and the auction guests could help themselves to the buffet. After lunch, separate rooms on the third floor were available for naps, along with entertainment options like massages, footbaths, chess, and billiards.

Luo Xiu's group chose a large table and ordered a lavish spread of gourmet delicacies.

Suddenly, Duan Feibai walked over. Ignoring everyone else, he sat down directly beside Sun Li.

"Xiao Li, come eat at my table. It's been a long time since we ate together."

Sun Li shook her head and smiled. "No thank you. I'll eat with my friends."

Duan Feibai smiled and was about to speak again when his expression abruptly changed. He stared intently at Luo Xiu, who was wolfing down his food nearby. To be precise, he was staring at the watch on Luo Xiu's left wrist.

His face gradually darkened, his heart consumed with a towering rage. He managed to restrain himself, but he gritted his teeth and shot a deep, meaningful look at Sun Li.

I spent over ten million on a watch for you, and you just turned around and gave it to another man! In my entire life, I have never been so humiliated! Damn it... Luo Xiu, you country bumpkin, you just wait!

Duan Feibai cast one last cold glance at Luo Xiu, then stood up and walked away.

A moment later, he found Cao Ende and Liu Xuelian enjoying their luxurious lunch.

"Family Head Cao, Madam Cao, Luo Xiu is here."

Hearing the name, Liu Xuelian stiffened, a cold glint in her eyes. Her appetite vanished.

She squeezed the words out through clenched teeth, "That beast. He dies today!"

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