Chapter 28: “Talents” in Abundance

The Ice Spirit Grass was auctioned off to the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion for a staggering sum of 150,000 spirit coins. Hearing this figure, everyone felt as if they were in a dream; such a high price for a single spiritual herb was nothing short of exorbitant profiteering.

Qin Liang breathed a sigh of relief, turning his attention to how the Spirit Transformation Pill would perform. Naturally, Feng Qingyu was the most distressed. Had he known he would be unable to bid, he never would have burned his bridges with the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion yesterday. Now, the Feng family hadn't even had a chance to bid and had instead offended the pavilion.

He had hoped that if the Wang family won the Ice Spirit Grass and exhausted their funds, he could secure the Spirit Transformation Pill. Unfortunately, the Wang family had failed to win the first item, meaning they would now participate in the next bidding war. Should the Feng family bid or not? As a local power broker, Feng Qingyu was unwilling to leave empty-handed, yet he found himself in a dilemma.

"Sigh, forget it. I won't contest it," Feng Qingyu finally sighed. Having already offended the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, it would be unwise to offend the Wang family as well, so he chose to abandon the final lot.

"The fiftieth and final lot: a Spirit Transformation Pill," the auctioneer announced as he presented the pill. "Although this is a first-grade pill, it is of perfect quality. I believe everyone understands what that implies, so I will spare you the details."

At the mention of "perfect quality," every influential figure in the room grew restless. A commotion erupted, and no one could hide their shock.

"Perfect quality... does this not mean it was crafted by a second-grade alchemist? Is there a second-grade alchemist in Sulfur City?"

"My heavens, it seems Sulfur City hides true talent. Where is this master now?"

"It was worth coming today just to witness a pill of perfect quality."

The auctioneer nearly lost control of the proceedings as the crowd clamored. In the City Lord’s private box, the City Lord glanced at his companions, seeing only blank stares. A wry smile played on his lips. "How interesting," he laughed. "A second-grade alchemist in my own city, and I had no idea?"

He felt somewhat helpless; as the City Lord, he should be the true authority in Sulfur City, and this situation was a slight blow to his prestige. He immediately issued an order: "Investigate this thoroughly. If the person is available, invite them to the mansion for tea."

"Yes!" a subordinate acknowledged and departed.

The auction continued. "The starting bid is 100,000 spirit coins, with a minimum increment of 5,000. Let the bidding begin," the auctioneer declared.

"150,000!" The first to bid was the master of the Artifact Workshop, and he had jumped the price by 50,000 all at once. The room was stunned; the Artifact Workshop was clearly deep-pocketed.

"Geng Zi'an, you go too far!" Wang Sheng slammed his hand on the table, his face dark with rage. The Wang family had stopped at 150,000 for the previous item, which had exposed their financial limits. Geng Zi'an’s bid was clearly targeted at them.

Geng Zi'an was no fool; he knew Luo Qian had warned the Wang family, yet they had ignored the presence of a second-grade alchemist. Why not use this opportunity to curry favor with that hidden master? He knew others wanted to bid, but if he stopped now, he would have made his point without spending a cent. It was a zero-cost, high-reward move.

"Is that so? There is no rule against increasing by 50,000. Or is it that the Wang family cannot even afford 150,000?" Geng Zi'an stood his ground, locking eyes with the opposing box.

"Artifact Workshop..." Wang Sheng’s knuckles turned white. If this were not an auction house, he would have settled the score immediately.

It was clear to everyone that Sulfur City’s factions were split: the Wang and Feng families on one side, and the merchant interests led by the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion on the other. Many wondered if these merchants had hidden experts to back their defiance. Eyes turned toward the Jiang family’s box, as they were the ones most at odds with the Wang and Feng families.

"155,000," Wang Sheng growled. Geng Zi'an stopped bidding, his goal achieved.

"Aunt, you must win it!" Li Hongcai urged, his nerves frayed. Li Qiumei reluctantly called out, "160,000."

The crowd whispered, wondering if the Jiang family was truly behind the merchants' newfound boldness. In reality, the Jiang family was unaware they were being pushed to the forefront of this conflict.

"170,000!" The City Lord’s mansion finally entered the fray, clearly focused solely on the pill. Li Qiumei frowned; opposing the City Lord was difficult. However, Li Hongcai continued to pester her: "Aunt, the Li family still has reserves! Bid more!"

Jiang Hai wanted to intervene but hesitated, as the funds weren't coming from the Jiang family’s coffers. Seeing his aunt’s hesitation, Li Hongcai shouted, "We bid 180,000!"

The crowd was stunned. Was the Jiang family really going to snub the City Lord? "Typical Jiang family, bold indeed," people muttered.

"200,000!" The Wang family surged back, undeterred. They feared the City Lord, but they held no respect for the Jiang family.

A cycle began: the Wang family bid, the City Lord replied, and then the reckless Li Hongcai jumped in, driving the price higher. Soon, the bid exceeded 500,000—far beyond the item's value.

"What a spendthrift," Jiang Xuehan whispered to Qin Liang, adding, "If the Li family is left to him, they will be ruined." She felt ashamed of her cousin.

Qin Liang, however, was delighted. He hoped Li Hongcai would win; he and the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion would split the proceeds. If Li Hongcai knew he was funding Qin Liang’s betrothal gifts, he might well cough up blood.

"800,000!" Li Hongcai made his final bid, exhausting the Li family’s reserves.

The City Lord narrowed his eyes and smiled. "The Jiang family is truly full of talent. The City Lord’s mansion concedes."

Jiang Hai broke into a cold sweat, knowing this was no compliment. He stood and bowed, "Lord City Lord, please do not take offense. The youth is ignorant; the Jiang family will offer compensation later."

The City Lord left without a word, his attitude unclear. Wang Sheng, seeing the situation, smirked at the Jiang family’s box. "The Jiangs have displeased the City Lord. If we seize this chance to eliminate them, the City Lord will surely reward us. Tell everyone: prepare for my orders."