286: Auction successful

"Two million!"

As soon as Qian Wansan's starting price was announced, the entire venue fell silent for a moment.

It was a full million more than the previous intelligence estimate of one million! Clearly, the auction house also knew that the value of this incomplete sword technique manual far exceeded that of an ordinary Low Grade Heaven Rank technique.

But immediately following that, the bidding voices erupted like a volcano:

"Two million five hundred thousand!"

"Three million!"

"Three million two hundred thousand!"

"Three million five hundred thousand!"

"Four million!"

The price soared at an alarming speed, breaking the four million mark in just ten breaths' time!

Qin Feng's heart pounded wildly, but he didn't rush to bid. Instead, he carefully observed each bidder.

The private box of Yan Lie from the City Lord's Mansion was silent—he had just spent nearly six million to win the "Mystic Ice True Art," and was clearly unable to compete. This was good news.

There was also no movement from the box where Yan Chi was located; it was unclear whether he was waiting or had given up.

The most aggressive bids came from several unfamiliar boxes. One of the voices sounded aged, with a faint Sword Qi emanating from it; Qin Feng guessed it might be from a certain sword Dao Sect. Another voice was feminine and soft, carrying an uncomfortable flirtatiousness—the Hehuan Sect!

There was also a bidder in another box with a steady voice, increasing the price by one or two hundred thousand each time. They clearly had deep pockets and were likely a representative of a major merchant guild.

A few people in the main hall also participated, but after the price broke four million, the bidders in the hall basically all withdrew.

"Four million five hundred thousand!" the aged voice bid.

"Four million six hundred thousand!" the feminine voice followed.

"Four million eight hundred thousand!" the steady voice increased the bid.

Qin Feng took a deep breath, knowing it was time to act.

"Five million," he bid calmly, his voice spreading throughout the venue via the amplification Formation inside the box.

The eyes of the entire audience instantly focused on their private box.

"Five million one hundred thousand!" the aged voice followed through clenched teeth.

"Five million two hundred thousand!" the feminine voice seemed to have reached its limit as well.

"Five million three hundred thousand," the steady voice remained unhurried.

Qin Feng's gaze narrowed. His budget of five million was already nearing its limit, but he had to win this incomplete sword technique manual!

Others didn't know, but the System had clearly prompted him—these were the first three forms of the Xuanyuan Dragon Slaying Art, which could be completed up to High Grade Heaven Rank! Its value simply couldn't be measured in gold coins!

"Five million five hundred thousand," Qin Feng bid again, adding two hundred thousand directly this time.

The aged voice went silent. The feminine voice also hesitated.

Only that steady voice continued to follow: "Five million six hundred thousand."

Qin Feng's heart sank. Five million six hundred thousand was already sixty thousand over his original budget. Although with the proceeds from the Azure Essence Fruit, his actual available funds were eight million, that was his entire fortune and couldn't all be thrown away here.

He still needed to save money to buy Medicinal Pills and Materials, and to prepare for the trip to the Imperial Capital.

But... the Xuanyuan Dragon Slaying Art!

"Brother Feng," Xiaochun spoke softly, handing over the Gold Origin Card containing two hundred thousand, "Use this. Master said that when it's time to spend, we should spend."

Qin Feng looked at Xiaochun's determined eyes and felt a warmth in his heart, but he still shook his head. "I've already used the savings from Medicine King Valley. This is your personal money, I can't..."

"Master said that Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills are also part of one's strength," Xiaochun said seriously. "And I believe in Brother Feng; you'll definitely be able to earn it back in the future."

Tao Yuanyi also spoke up, "Junior Brother Qin, I also think you should take it. Money can be earned again if it's gone, but an Opportunity like this is a rare find."

Xia Ya nodded vigorously. "Exactly! At worst, we can just rob a few more... er, complete a few more missions!"

Ji Ruxue didn't speak, but her eyes also showed support.

Qin Feng looked at his companions and finally nodded heavily.

"Five million eight hundred thousand," he bid in a deep voice.

This time, that steady voice finally went silent.

Qian Wanguan began the countdown: "Five million eight hundred thousand for the first time... Five million eight hundred thousand for the second time..."

Just as Qin Feng thought the matter was settled—

"Six million."

An unfamiliar voice came from another private box on the second floor that had never bid before.

That voice was flat, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

The entire venue was in an uproar.

Six million! This had already refreshed the highest transaction price of today's auction!

Qin Feng's expression darkened. He hadn't expected there to be another hidden competitor.

That box had never bid before, clearly watching from the sidelines and waiting for the final moment to strike.

"Six million one hundred thousand," Qin Feng followed through clenched teeth. This was the limit of what he could accept.

"Six million three hundred thousand," the unfamiliar voice bid again, adding two hundred thousand directly.

Qin Feng clenched his fists. Six million three hundred thousand... it was practically a massive hemorrhage!

"Brother Feng, I still have..." Xiaochun was about to pull something out again.

Qin Feng pressed her hand down and shook his head.

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Six million five hundred thousand."

This was the highest price he could offer. If the other party added more, he could only endure to the end.

The entire venue was deathly silent.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the response from that unfamiliar box.

Three breaths, five breaths, ten breaths... the unfamiliar box remained silent.

Qian Wansan's voice carried excitement: "Six million five hundred thousand for the first time... Six million five hundred thousand for the second time... Six million five hundred thousand for the third time! Sold!"

The gavel fell, sealing the deal.

A bronze box was delivered to the private room by a maid.

Qin Feng took the box, his hands trembling slightly.

The first three forms of the Xuanyuan Dragon Slaying Art were finally in his hands!

But before he could even celebrate, he felt several unfriendly gazes directed toward the box.

One was as cold as a venomous snake, coming from the Hehuan Sect's box.

Another was as sharp as a sword, coming from the box with the aged voice.

And there was another... from the unfamiliar box that had made the final bid. Although the other party had given up the bidding, the meaning contained in that gaze made Qin Feng's heart skip a beat.

"It seems the trouble has only just begun," Qin Feng whispered to himself.