Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Easy Marks and Bidding for the Foundation Establishment Pill
At this moment, the two had already decided that no matter what, they would not easily let the map fragment fall into Ji Haoyuan’s hands.
Ji Haoyuan seemed to have also discerned their intention, a hint of coldness flickering deep in his pupils.
He was heard continuing, "Two thousand Spirit Stones!"
"Two thousand two hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Two thousand six hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Three thousand!"
...
As the bidding reached this point, many present had already realized that the bidders from both sides clearly had a conflict.
Because a map fragment like that wasn’t worth three thousand Spirit Stones at all.
Some even thought that even three hundred Spirit Stones would be too much, let alone three thousand.
Unless they had the other parts of the map in hand.
But even so, three thousand Spirit Stones was already very high.
And yet the bidding from both sides did not stop there.
"Three thousand three hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Three thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Three thousand six hundred Spirit Stones!"
...
At this moment, Ji Haoyuan’s brows slightly furrowed.
Clearly, he also felt that this price far exceeded the value of the map fragment itself.
After all, no one could guarantee that upon obtaining that map fragment, they would be able to complete the entire map.
If so, well and good, but if not, then spending over three thousand close to four thousand Spirit Stones would feel like a waste.
Thinking of this, a cold smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of Ji Haoyuan’s mouth.
He was heard again.
"Four thousand Spirit Stones!"
With this price, the Han Family side fell into a slight silence.
Clearly, at this point in the bidding, Han Penghu and Han Pengfeng also felt a bit of pressure.
It’s not that they couldn’t come up with more than four thousand Spirit Stones, but because they were not here at this auction for such a map fragment.
But, like many present, they were here for the Base Building Pill.
If they spent too many Spirit Stones on such a map fragment now, it would undoubtedly put them at an innate disadvantage in the subsequent battling for the Base Building Pill.
This was what they did not want to see.
So.
At this moment, after a brief discussion between the brothers, they finally decided to make one last offer.
No matter how much more the other party offered, they would not compete further.
"Four thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"
Accompanied by the Han family brothers’ offer once more, Ji Haoyuan in the private booth leaned back on his seat, smirking silently.
After all, he already knew who the map fragment had fallen to.
Next, he only needed to keep an eye on the actions of the Han brothers.
If there was indeed something extraordinary, he wouldn’t mind being a "Tribulation Cultivator" for once.
But as he showed no reaction, the Han brothers felt uneasy.
Spending four thousand five hundred Spirit Stones on a map fragment of unknown utility felt like a waste no matter how they saw it.
Even the Zhang Family Brothers next to them had slightly strange expressions.
Fortunately, neither of them said anything, saving the Han brothers from too much embarrassment.
The auction continued.
One treasure after another was auctioned off.
During this time, Ji Haoyuan made another bid.
He spent three thousand Spirit Stones on a second-tier top-grade Fire Attribute mineral.
Named Glazed Flame Jade.
To be used later for upgrading his Crimson Flame Patterned Spear.
Just then, Xue Yuling, standing on the auction stage, suddenly took out a jade bottle.
With a radiant smile, she gazed at the audience and said:
"The next item we have up for auction is something I’m sure all of you here will be very interested in."
Hearing this, and seeing the jade bottle in her hand, many present seemed to guess something, their spirits unavoidably lifted.
Even Ji Haoyuan and Ji Bochang sat up straight again, their gazes fixed intently on the jade bottle in Xue Yuling’s hand.
"That’s right, the item we are about to auction is none other than the Base Building Pill used to help cultivators advance to Foundation Establishment."
Xue Yuling opened the jade bottle in her hand.
Instantly, an intense Pill Fragrance spread out.
She continued, "As for the value of this Base Building Pill, I believe there’s no need for me to say much further.
It can help cultivators increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment by about thirty-five percent.
At the same time, this pill can protect the meridians of the cultivator, ensuring that even if they fail to break through, there are no threats to their life or risk of halting their cultivation path.
The starting bid for this pill is five thousand Spirit Stones, with each increase no less than five hundred Spirit Stones."
There’s no denying that this Base Building Pill is the most expensive and valuable among all second-tier pills.
The starting price alone surpasses many second-tier pills and Spiritual Artifacts.
Most importantly, sometimes, even if you have Spirit Stones, there’s no guarantee you can find a Base Building Pill to buy.
So.
As soon as Xue Yuling finished speaking, a series of bids immediately rang out in the venue.
"Six thousand Spirit Stones!"
"Eight thousand Spirit Stones!"
"Nine thousand Spirit Stones!"
"Ten thousand Spirit Stones!"
...
In just a short moment.
The price of the Base Building Pill was quickly driven up to ten thousand Spirit Stones.
A figure many Qi Refining cultivators didn’t even dare to imagine.
Yet, this number was shortly surpassed.
"Eleven thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Twelve thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Fourteen thousand Spirit Stones!"
...
By this time, almost everyone with some strength had already placed their bids.
Even the Han and Zhang Families weren’t exempt.
Watching the price of the Base Building Pill continue to rise.
In the private booth, worry appeared on Ji Bochang’s face.
He turned to Ji Haoyuan and said, "Haoyuan, the price of the Base Building Pill has now been bid up to fourteen thousand, oh no, it’s sixteen thousand Spirit Stones now.
Do you think we should give up on this Base Building Pill for now? And wait for the next Base Building Pill auction before we bid?"
Ji Haoyuan knew that this thought wasn’t unique to Ji Bochang; many present surely had it too.
After all, everyone had received accurate information that there was more than one Base Building Pill to be auctioned at this event.
Under such circumstances, it’s natural to think of avoiding the first wave of competition.
By the next time, the competition might not be as intense.
However, Ji Haoyuan, who understood the significance, knew that in such strategically resourceful auctions, the competition intensifies as it progresses.
In contrast, this first wave of competition might arguably be the easiest.
So.
When Ji Haoyuan heard Ji Bochang’s words, he immediately explained the crucial points to him.
At this time, the price of the Base Building Pill in the venue had already reached a new height, a resounding seventeen thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones.
Seeing this, Ji Haoyuan no longer hesitated, and immediately spoke loudly:
"Twenty-eight thousand Spirit Stones!"