The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 298: The Price Is Too Low

The Price Is Too Low . . .

Wan-Er responded with a nod and said, "Indeed, that is true. Individuals possessing such capability are always formidable figures, whether they lean towards malevolence or nobility. Cha Eun Xiao must be a formidable man. His unwavering composure indicates that he is likely to achieve great feats."

Master Bai nodded contemplatively and remarked, "I sense an unyielding hostility in him, one that is unlikely to be resolved."

Wan-Er smiled and replied, "It is only natural. He should harbor such enmity. After all, the kingdom he is striving to bring down is his homeland. His loyalty is to protect his home. If he did not show hostility towards you, it would be cause for concern."

"Perhaps I have been isolated for too long. Having such an adversary now is a stroke of good fortune," Master Bai commented with a bland smile. "If Cha Eun Xiao can become a true adversary to me, that would be quite exhilarating."

He exhaled deeply. "For a considerable period, it has always been you and Xiu-Er handling matters. I have remained inactive for too long."

Wan-Er spoke in a hushed tone, "Cha Eun Xiao is an extraordinary individual, but he may not yet be qualified to engage you in combat. Allow Xiu-Er and me to handle him for the time being. If he indeed possesses the capability to oppose us or even defeat us, there will be ample opportunity for your intervention. However, if he proves to be an easily vanquished opponent, he will bring you no satisfaction."

Master Bai smiled and nodded.

"Nonetheless, integrity must take precedence. I may not wish to cooperate with him, but I have made a promise. Since we are obliged to deal with the two great sects, we must fulfill our commitment," Master Bai declared solemnly. "When we are in battle, we may fight for opposing sides, but I shall honor my word. Whether our actions benefit our allies or our adversaries."

Wan-Er nodded in understanding. "Certainly, I comprehend."

Wan-Er was elated, as this development held great promise for her master's eventual recovery from his leg ailment. To both Wan-Er and Xiu-Er, this was a heartening development.

However, joyous occasions often attracted unwelcome disruptions, whether intentional or not.

And it happened at this very moment.

As Wan-Er reveled in her happiness, a deep voice pierced the air, proclaiming, "The Sunlight Sect offers ten million for this Bone Ablutionary Dan bead! We will acquire it!"

The entire hall fell into a sudden hush.

Numerous pairs of eyes shifted toward the source of the voice, while some individuals lowered their heads and remained silent.

In this auction, a supreme-level Bone Ablutionary Dan bead should have commanded a starting price of at least 300 million!

Yet the initial bid was a mere ten million!

The Sunlight Sect had audaciously declared a starting bid of ten million without any intention of raising it, signaling their intent to secure the item at its base price.

Evidently, they were attempting to assert dominance, essentially declaring, "We are the Sunlight Sect. We have called ten million, and this dan bead is ours!"

It was a clear act of bullying, a challenge that carried the implicit message: "We are the Sunlight Sect. You best not oppose us. We intend to purchase this item for ten million. Dare anyone to challenge us, and we shall remember you..."

It was an unmistakable threat!

Wan Zhenghao and Liu Changjun both reacted strongly upon hearing the bid from the Sunlight Sect. Their expressions turned icy, and a palpable air of hostility emanated from them. Their eyes were fixed on Cha Eun Xiao, awaiting his command.

However, Cha Eun Xiao remained silent, wearing a serene smile, as if he had no intention of taking any action.

Onstage, Guan Wanshan, the auction master, was also taken aback by the Sunlight Sect's bid. He appeared uncertain about how to proceed. After a brief pause, he reluctantly raised his auction hammer and announced, "Ten million from the Sunlight Sect for the first time! Is there anyone willing to offer a higher bid? This is a supreme-level Bone Ablutionary Dan bead! Are there any bids exceeding ten million?"

His voice lacked the enthusiasm and vigor he had displayed earlier on stage. Guan Wanshan seemed resigned to the fact that the dan bead was likely to be sold to the Sunlight Sect for a mere ten million taels of silver. No one would dare to challenge the Sunlight Sect's bid.

The Sunlight Sect members wore smug smiles, confident that they would secure the dan bead on their own terms. They were well aware that they held a position of influence as the top sect in the Land of Han-Yang.

However, the absurdity of the situation couldn't be ignored. A dan bead with a value of at least 300 million was being sold for a starting price of ten million, and this was happening within the context of an auction. It was a preposterous scenario.

A hushed silence prevailed in the auction hall. The members of the Sunlight Sect appeared triumphant, with thoughts of settling scores with Cha Eun Xiao and Ling-Bao Hall. They planned to take the dan-maker with them and make a powerful statement to the world that crossing the Sunlight Sect had severe consequences. They intended to claim the proceeds of the auction, regardless of the Supreme Dan beads Ling-Bao Hall had managed to sell. They would demonstrate what happened to those who dared to provoke the Sunlight Sect, even if Ling-Bao Hall was the foremost salesroom in the world.

"Ten million, for the second time..." Guan Wanshan's voice had grown tired, and he seemed more like an elderly man now, drained of energy.

In Sky No. 1 Room, Wan-Er's complexion turned ashen.

She should have been in high spirits, but the Sunlight Sect's words had cast a dark shadow. She felt threatened, just as Ling-Bao Hall and the House of the Chaotic Storm had formed an alliance. It was a threat that marred her joyful mood.

It was an unfortunate coincidence, but someone had to bear the consequences of it.

Inside Wan-Er, a fiery anger erupted. While it might have been an accidental occurrence, someone would be held accountable!

Master Bai's eyes glittered with a cold, calculating light. He couldn't help but think, "The Sunlight Sect must be incredibly foolish. They've witnessed Cha Eun Xiao leaving my room, and even if we aren't friends, there's a clear connection between us. Yet, they dare to insult me in such a manner!"

Guan Wanshan was on the verge of reluctantly bringing down the auction hammer and declaring the deal sealed. He knew that the situation had taken a turn for the worse, and he didn't want to be the one to voice the words he dreaded: "Sold."

However, just as he was about to do so, a voice rang out from Sky No. 1 Room, clear but tinged with annoyance. "Are you truly attempting to purchase a supreme Bone Ablutionary Dan bead for a mere ten million taels?"

The Sunlight Sect representative, who had confidently bid for the Supreme Dan bead, was taken aback. He thought, "I placed the bid through the authority of my sect. What does this have to do with the House of the Chaotic Storm?"

Wan of the Clouds, Cha Eun Xiao's trusted ally, resounded loudly throughout the hall, denouncing the lowly offer. "This price is an affront to the supreme dan's reputation. The House of the Chaotic Storm places a bid of 300 million! Sunlight Sect, if you claim you'll obtain it, then show us your determination! You must raise your bid!"