Chapter 413: Difficult Debut for Xu Xiaoshou

Chapter 408: Xu Xiao Shou Struggles to Make His Debut

The sound of the bell chimed three times in succession. The crowd gathered outside the Taiping Street auction house burst into an uproar.

"Three chimes of the bell! It's a supreme treasure!"

"A supreme treasure in Taiping Street! There hasn't been one in hundreds of years, has there?"

"This time, it's truly worth it to come to Taiping Street. Even if I can't afford it, just seeing a supreme treasure in person is enough!"

"I wonder what kind of treasure it is? Could it be a legendary artifact?"

"That's possible. The Taiping auction house has a long history. They might just have a truly unique item in their collection."

The atmosphere outside the auction house became incredibly lively, with people excitedly discussing what kind of supreme treasure was about to be revealed. Some speculated about rare medicinal pills, while others guessed it might be a secret technique from an ancient era. The air was thick with anticipation.

Inside the auction house, a different kind of excitement brewed. The invited guests, who had been relatively calm until now, were also stirred by the three bell chimes. The supreme treasure was reserved for the final item of the auction, and its arrival signaled that the auction was reaching its climax.

In a luxurious private room, a figure sat quietly, observing the scene below. Their face was obscured by shadow, but the aura they exuded was one of immense power and authority. They had been waiting for this moment, and their eyes glinted with interest as the final curtain was about to rise.

Another private room held a group of cultivators who looked equally excited. They had come from far and wide, specifically hoping for the appearance of such a treasure. Their expressions ranged from eager anticipation to calculated determination. They knew that acquiring a supreme treasure wouldn't be easy, and they were prepared for a fierce bidding war.

The auctioneer, a seasoned veteran with years of experience, stepped onto the stage. He scanned the expectant faces in the audience and cleared his throat. His voice, amplified by some unknown means, resonated throughout the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, we have reached the pinnacle of our auction today. The item before you is one of unparalleled value, a treasure capable of shaking the foundations of the cultivation world!"

A hush fell over the crowd as the auctioneer paused for dramatic effect. The anticipation in the air was palpable.

"Behold!" he declared, his voice rising with excitement. "The supreme treasure of this auction is… the Heavenly Spirit Pill!"

A collective gasp echoed through the hall. The Heavenly Spirit Pill was a legendary medicinal pill, said to be able to dramatically increase a cultivator's spiritual energy and even break through cultivation bottlenecks. It was an item of immeasurable value, rarely seen in the world.

The auctioneer continued, "This Heavenly Spirit Pill was discovered in an ancient ruin and has been authenticated by master alchemists. Its efficacy is beyond doubt."

He then described the pill in more detail, highlighting its rarity and benefits. The guests in the private rooms listened intently, their expressions a mix of awe and determination. Acquiring the Heavenly Spirit Pill would be a significant advantage in their cultivation journey.

The bidding began immediately, starting at a surprisingly high price. The initial bids were hesitant, but as the excitement grew, they became more aggressive. The numbers climbed rapidly, each bid higher than the last, as various powerful figures vied for possession of the treasure.

The auctioneer, expertly managing the flow of bids, kept the energy high. He knew that the Heavenly Spirit Pill would attract the most competitive bidding, and he was prepared for a prolonged battle.

The bidding continued for some time, with several participants dropping out as the price soared to astronomical levels. Only the wealthiest and most powerful individuals remained, their determination unwavering.

In one of the private rooms, the figure in the shadows finally spoke. Their voice was low and commanding. "Bid five million gold."

The assistant beside them relayed the bid, and a stir went through the crowd. Five million gold was a staggering amount, a testament to the value of the Heavenly Spirit Pill.

Other bidders hesitated, considering whether they could afford to compete at this level. The price was already far beyond what most could have imagined.

However, the figure in the shadows was not the only one with deep pockets. Another bidder, from a different private room, raised the price even higher. The bidding war intensified, with each new bid pushing the price further into the realm of the unbelievable.

The auctioneer, his voice still strong despite the long bidding process, kept the momentum going. He knew that this was a historical moment, and he was excited to be a part of it.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the bidding slowed. Only two participants remained, locked in a fierce battle for the Heavenly Spirit Pill. The tension in the hall was palpable as the two powerhouses exchanged increasingly higher bids.

The figure in the shadows remained calm, their gaze fixed on the stage. They were clearly determined to acquire the Heavenly Spirit Pill, no matter the cost.

The other bidder, equally determined, matched every bid, pushing the price higher and higher. The auction house was filled with the sound of rapidly increasing numbers, each one representing an immense fortune.

As the bidding reached an almost unimaginable level, the figure in the shadows made a final, decisive bid. The amount was so high that it elicited gasps from the remaining audience.

The other bidder hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly conceded. The price was simply too high, even for them.

The auctioneer, his face beaming, announced, "Sold! To the esteemed guest in Private Room Number One for the incredible price of ten million gold!"

A wave of applause and murmurs swept through the hall. Ten million gold was a staggering amount, a record-breaking price for an item in Taiping Street. The Heavenly Spirit Pill had lived up to its reputation as a supreme treasure.

The figure in Private Room Number One remained in the shadows, but a sense of satisfaction emanated from their direction. They had acquired the Heavenly Spirit Pill, and the price, while high, was a small cost to pay for such a valuable treasure.

The auction concluded shortly after, with the remaining items being quickly sold off. The crowd dispersed, still buzzing about the incredible price of the Heavenly Spirit Pill.

Outside the auction house, Xu Xiao Shou, who had been struggling to make his debut as a martial artist, watched the departing crowds with a mixture of envy and determination. He had heard about the supreme treasure and the astronomical price it had fetched. It served as a reminder of the vast differences in wealth and power in the cultivation world.

He knew that he was far from being able to compete for such treasures, but the experience had fueled his resolve. He was determined to become stronger, to rise through the ranks, and one day, perhaps, to be able to bid for a supreme treasure himself.

With renewed purpose, Xu Xiao Shou turned away from the now-empty auction house and headed towards his training grounds, ready to continue his journey towards becoming a powerful martial artist. The path was long and arduous, but he was ready to face the challenges ahead.