Li Tianjue certainly recognized the voice.
Zhan Li had not changed his voice, and although he wore a mask, he had not concealed himself in other ways.
Previously, Li Tianjue and Su Luo had not dared to scrutinize others due to the rules. It was only when Zhan Li spoke to bid that they recognized his voice.
The price of this Hell Painting continued to be bid up, quickly reaching 120 million.
"No wonder Fourth Senior Brother asked to borrow money from me last night. It seems it was for this scroll."
Su Luo sent a telepathic message to Li Tianjue while discreetly observing Zhan Li. "Why does he want to bid for this? Could he also be interested... No, that doesn't seem like Fourth Senior Brother's personality."
She was even curious how much money Fourth Senior Brother had prepared and if he could successfully bid for it.
Su Luo’s soft little hand grasped Li Tianjue’s. A ripple of emotion spread through his heart, but he couldn't shake her off, so he let her hold his hand.
A quarter of an hour passed, and only three people remained in the bidding.
The price of the Hell Painting had already soared to 160 million. Old Ghost seemed very satisfied, nodding slightly. Those still competing had slowed down, bidding only after a considerable interval, clearly hesitating.
Zhan Li appeared uneasy. He clearly had no more money and remained silent.
Su Luo had been observing him closely and noticed that Fourth Senior Brother was clenching his fists. Although he appeared calm, his eyes were fixed on the Hell Painting, showing more than simple curiosity.
Did he know something?
Su Luo leaned over, nestling against Li Tianjue's shoulder, and sent a telepathic message, "Eldest Senior Brother, look at Fourth Senior Brother's expression. Should we help him?"
Li Tianjue’s heart tightened, and after a moment, he replied, "I only have a little over thirty million on me. How much do you have left?"
Su Luo understood his meaning and activated her Divine Eye Mirror to scan the scroll.
If she confirmed it was genuine, she would naturally help.
Wan Beast Boundless Painting???
Huh? Su Luo was very surprised. The Divine Eye Mirror gave a different name, not Hell Painting.
The Divine Eye Mirror’s detection would never be wrong. It seemed everyone else was mistaken. This scroll was indeed powerful. With her current cultivation, she could only see a name, but this also proved one thing: it was the real deal!
Su Luo suddenly spoke, "161 million."
Someone was still competing?
Everyone involuntarily glanced at Su Luo. Some recalled that she had just spent over eighty million to buy two communication jade pendants and was now competing for this scroll, suggesting she had some background and wasn't short on money.
A man sitting two seats away from Su Luo hesitated before calling out again, "170 million."
"171 million," Su Luo added another million.
After a while, the other competitor seemed to have made up his mind and called out another price, "175 million." He muttered to himself that this was his absolute limit. Why were so many people fighting for this item?
Su Luo continued without hesitation, "176 million."
This time, even Zhan Li looked at Su Luo more closely.
He clenched his fists but did not recognize her and Li Tianjue. Internally, he was in great turmoil, and due to his anxiety, bloodshot veins appeared in his eyes.
This was bad, it was going to be snatched away?
It had taken him so much effort to find out about it, and he had even shamelessly borrowed money from Junior Sister, adding it to his savings over the years... He hadn't expected to miss out on it.
A sense of restlessness arose, and Zhan Li felt unable to sit still.
The man closest to Su Luo hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and raised his voice, "I bid 200 million!"
This amount shocked everyone.
To spend 200 million spirit coins on a scroll that had killed so many owners and whose purpose was still unknown? What kind of background did this person have?
But the crowd's shock was quickly broken by Su Luo: "201 million."
She still only added one million.
The room fell silent, but everyone’s hearts were stirred. Even Old Ghost glanced at Su Luo again.
Someone else was still competing?
Over 200 million!
This was over 200 million spirit coins, as high as a small mountain, equivalent to the annual taxes of a third-rate small country. What force or family could calmly produce over 200 million just to buy a painting of unknown purpose?
Su Luo's attitude also made the other two competitors realize that no matter how much they bid, she would add another million, determined to win, and wasn't short of money!
Finally, no one else bid.
After a moment, Old Ghost swept his gaze over everyone and chuckled, "Alright, this Hell Painting belongs to the young lady."
Su Luo let out a sigh of relief, took the storage bag handed by Li Tianjue, and walked up to Zhan Li, sending him a telepathic message, "Fourth Senior Brother, it's me. Give me your money, and I'll go get this scroll."
Zhan Li's entire body trembled, and he looked at the woman before him in disbelief.
He opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.
Junior Sister!
The person competing with him was actually Junior Sister!
"Hurry, Fourth Senior Brother, I don't have enough money. I need to add yours," Su Luo urged him when she saw his dazed expression.
Zhan Li finally reacted, took out the storage bag containing spirit coins, and stiffly handed it to Su Luo.
With all the money from the three of them combined, Su Luo finally managed to bid for the Wan Beast Boundless Painting. Old Ghost and the others guessed that they were a group, but Su Luo didn't care, as their true identities were unknown anyway.
"Alright, this secret auction has concluded successfully. Thank you all for your cooperation and support."
Old Ghost looked at everyone present, a hint of a smile in his voice. "If you wish to participate next time, please pay attention to the news I post on the black market. The location will be announced separately."
"Now, everyone may leave."
With that, someone stood up, nodded at Old Ghost, and left the room.
After Li Tianjue, with Su Luo and Zhan Li, also left, Zhan Li couldn't help but say, "Eldest Senior Brother..."
Li Tianjue interrupted him, "Don't speak, let's leave here first."
He walked quickly forward, bypassing the streets, passing through the crowd, and only stopped in a secluded alley.
Su Luo looked towards the alley entrance. Seeing no passersby paying attention to them, she tore off her human skin mask and smiled, "Fourth Senior Brother, who would have thought we'd be here too?"
Li Tianjue also removed his mask, revealing his familiar face.
Zhan Li looked at the two of them, his lips twitching. He wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin. The indifferent and distant aura he exuded had significantly faded.
Li Tianjue asked him, "Fourth Junior Brother, you asked Junior Sister Su Luo for money just for this Hell Painting?"
Zhan Li finally spoke, "It's called the Wan Beast Boundless Painting."
He had been searching for it for many years...
Su Luo's eyes flashed. So Fourth Senior Brother did know. Just as she was about to inquire further, a sharp killing intent swept over them.
Li Tianjue shouted, "Be careful!"
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Streams of spiritual light shot towards them like arrows. Su Luo quickly dodged behind Li Tianjue. He flicked his hand, and a gentle force blocked the spiritual light, firmly protecting her and Zhan Li.
Moments later, a group of people descended from the sky, surrounding Su Luo and the other two.
The leader was a man in his thirties. He stood on the wall with a circular, gear-like weapon and shouted menacingly at them, "Hand over the Hell Painting, and we'll spare your lives!"