The guests were startled because a youth like Li Xiangquan was able to bid the enormous sum.
Even some high elders or sects masters wouldnât be able to do it. On the other hand, Xiangquan didnât bat an eye - a testament to his wealth.
Of course, those who actually recognized him didnât find this surprising. He was still the son of the Grand Commander. Plus, an ancient clan like the Li already had ample resources without needing to be officials of Vajra. This clan alone could compete against any kingdom and sect in the holy ground.
Thus, its successor naturally had no lack of money.
â320,000.â Another guest was extremely interested in the conch and bid immediately.
â330,000.â One more followed suit.
â340,000â¦â Other parties joined the fun.
After all, those invited by the Xiong were relatively wealthy. Some were actually big shots.
â400,000!â Li Xiangquan increased the bid substantially even when others were only doing 10,000 increments.
All eyes were on him since this was a blatant challenge to the other bidders. It looked as if he must have the conch at all cost.
â410,000!â This didnât diminish another bidderâs interest.
â420,000!â Another guest shouted.
â500,000!â Li Xiangquan immediately fought back by raising the bid up by 80,000. His momentum engulfed the entire area.
Some became annoyed, not appreciating being one-upped by a junior.
âYoung Noble Li, youâre really interested in this conch.â One guest smiled at Li Xiangquan.
âNo, just a friend wants it so this is a gift.â Xiangquan responded.
The crowd clamored after hearing this. Using so much money for a gift? This was an incredible display of extravagance. Thatâs the successor of the Li for you.
â510,000.â One guest didnât want to give up.
â520,000.â One more doubted Xiangquanâs wealth.
â600,000.â Xiangquan immediately bid without any hesitation.
The first two exchanged glances but didnât wish to express their malcontent.
âYour bids are rather arrogant.â One guest actually spoke up.
âI only want to buy it, this is a fair auction. If you want it, bid higher.â Xiangquan retorted.
â610,000.â The guest followed up.
â700,000. Still want to go?â Xiangquan frowned and stared at this bidder.
âFellow Daoist, I think you should give up. Our young master wants this conch.â A servant standing behind Xiangquan smiled.
The guest turned red and couldnât say anything.
A starting bid of 300,000 has gone up to 700,000. Many guests were interested in the conch and thought that 500,000 to 600-000 was acceptable, albeit pushing it. But now, 700,000 was too high for this conch.
The manager was happy to see this development. He smiled at the guests and asked: â700,000, anyone else interested? Please state your bid because itâll be hard to find another pentachromatic conch. Donât miss this opportunity.â
The current bid was actually higher than his appraisal, hence his excitement.
Several guests started talking among themselves regarding the continuation of the bid.
âFellow daoists, just stop now.â The servant shook his head: âOur young master came prepared, itâll just be a waste of time.â
âItâs fine, feel free to bid, gentlemen, Iâm sure I can handle even a bid of 1,000,000.â Xiangquan smiled confidently, clearly challenging the crowd to keep going.
The guests had no option left. They already thought that 700,000 was far too high. 1,000,000 would be ridiculous. Plus, they couldnât come up with this sum anyway.
â700,000, anyone else? If not, itâll go to Young Noble Li.â The manager was all-smile.
âIâll happily accept it then, gentlemen. Thanks.â Li Xiangquan smiled at them, thinking that this conch was already his for the taking.
â1,000,000.â Unfortunately, a leisure voice sounded.
âWhat?!â The guests followed the direction of the voice and saw an ordinary youth.
It was none other than Li Qiye who had stopped looking at the pond and decided to bid.
Yang Ling tugged on his sleeve and quietly said: âHey, this is Minor Heavenly Sovereign Chaos Stone weâre talking about.â
She was afraid that he wouldnât be able to come up with this sum. It was expensive even for her clan.
âWho is he?â The guests didnât recognize Li Qiye.
Li Xiangquanâs expression changed. He saw Li Qiye earlier but didnât come to start a conversation.
âWhat a move.â One guest murmured.
Li Xiangquanâs strong bids were fierce enough earlier. But now, Li Qiye raised the bid by 300,000 in one swoop.
âCan he pay that much?â Another guest wondered before realizing that he was being a busybody. This was the storeâs problem, not his.
Xiangquanâs servants became annoyed. Their master was clearly in charge of the auction. This bid was nothing short of a blatant provocation.
âThis is Minor Heavenly Sovereign Chaos Stone, not the cheap stuff.â One servant shouted, expressing his doubt.
Li Qiye ignored this.
âBrother Li, youâre interested in this conch?â Xiangquan asked.
âJust for fun.â Li Qiye smiled.
Xiangquan had no response. He felt that Li Qiye was purposely challenging him. In reality, this wasnât Li Qiyeâs intention. It was just a whimsical decision.
âBrother Li, if you donât need it, how about letting me have it? Iâll keep this in mind.â Xiangquan took a deep breath and cupped his fist.
He was confident up to 1,000,000 but this was Li Qiyeâs first bid. He wasnât sure that he could handle it.
âFeel free to bid.â Li Qiye chuckled, showing zero intention at relenting.
All eyes were on Li Xiangquan. They thought that karma came quite early. He looked down on the crowd earlier and now, it was his turn to be insulted.
The unsatisfied Xiangquan thought that Li Qiye was trying to steal his thunder by doing this.