As the words "Senior Stage Qi Technique" were spoken, the entire hall fell abruptly silent. Compared to the earlier excitement generated by the Foundation-Essence Liquid, the impact of the Qi Technique was undoubtedly more profound and stirring. While the elixirs were precious, their value was temporary; in contrast, the Qi Technique could be used for a lifetime, and even passed down to future generations—thus, in many ways, a high-level Qi Technique was more captivating than any elixir. After all, once one possessed a high-level technique, they would eventually become a regional powerhouse, even without ongoing support from medicinal herbs. Conversely, if one had only elixirs but no technique, they would be essentially consuming the elixirs like beans, struggling to achieve true strength. After a moment of awe, people in the hall gradually regained their composure, their eyes fixed intently on the jade scroll displayed on the stage—even the graceful and charming Lady Ya seemed momentarily forgotten. Sitting in the back, Xiao Yan gently exhaled. Senior Stage Qi Technique?
No wonder... A technique of this rank surpasses even the very peak of our Xiao family's "Furious Lion Storm Surge" by one level. It's no surprise that the heads of the three leading families of Wutan City have all come here today—each one clearly eyeing this very item. "A high-level xuan-stage technique..." With a slow, thoughtful gaze, Xiao Yan traced the blue scroll, his lips instinctively brushing against his teeth. Whoever possessed this scroll would have the key to becoming a true powerhouse—within decades, Wutan City would see a force standing on par with the three families. "Just a high-level xuan-stage technique," Xiao Yan murmured, still somewhat awed. Yet, within his mind, the elder's voice rang out, oddly out of place. "Just a high-level xuan-stage technique..." With a roll of his eyes, Xiao Yan found himself at odds with the elder's lofty perspective. He sighed, choosing to remain silent. "Young one, stay focused on your cultivation. When you become a combatant, I'll show you what truly constitutes a high-level technique!"
After speaking, the old doctor fell silent. Sipping his lips, Xiao Yan murmured, "I hope so."
The three at the front row, faced with this exorbitant price, couldn't help but feel their composure shaken—yet they had no choice. It was a case of one willing to fight and the other willing to endure; if you didn't buy, there were always others who would. With the price set at two hundred thousand, the atmosphere grew somewhat chilly.
After the middle-aged man raised his price, an elderly man in yellow robes followed closely. The yellow-robed elder was a prominent herbal merchant in Wutan City, running several pharmacies and possessing substantial wealth. Fixing the bald man with a sharp gaze, the middle-aged man raised his voice once more: "Twenty-four thousand!" Scattered calls of bidding emerged throughout the hall, as the high price of twenty thousand was enough to deter many. "Thirty thousand!" When the two behind had begun to falter, Jialibai from the first row finally spoke coldly. As soon as he announced his bid, the two men softened, shook their heads in resignation, and quietly retreated. "Thirty-three thousand!" In Wutan City, only the Xiao and Obah families could rival the Jialibai family. Now, it was the patriarch of the Obah family, Obapa, who had stepped forward with his bid. With a cold glance at Obapa, Jialibai said firmly, "Thirty-five thousand!"
Tightened his eyes slightly, Obapa managed a cracked smile, saying, "Thirty-seven thousand!"
"Thirty-eight thousand!"
"Forty thousand!"
"Five hundred thousand!" Xiao Zhan, his face expressionless, announced a price that sent the entire hall into stunned silence.
On the elevated platform, watching the two contenders fiercely contesting, the beauty of Ya Fei's smile seemed to grow even more alluring.
"Five hundred and fifty thousand!" With a slight redness in his eyes, after a moment of silence, Gallebi, taking a bold gamble, roared out.
"To everyone's surprise, upon hearing Gallebi's latest bid, Xiao Zhan merely smiled gently and playfully said to him, "You've won."
Gallebi's face was momentarily stunned, then gradually grew serious. Only now, as he regained his composure, did he realize he had been outmaneuvered.
"Xiao Zhan, you're ruthless! Don't forget this!" Gallebi glared fiercely at Xiao Zhan. Then, turning to Ya Fei, who looked slightly taken aback, his anger intensified. Yet, being no mere street vendor, he kept his face solemn, suppressing his frustration as much as possible: "Madam Ya Fei, shall we conclude now?"
"Never flinching under Galib's stern gaze, Ya-fei offered a calm, quiet smile, her lowered eyes gleaming with a touch of mockery and amusement. With Galib's intense attention fixed upon her, the jade hammer in her hand struck down. "The 'Wind-Blown Decree' has been successfully acquired by Galib, the Clan Elder!" Watching the conclusion unfold, Xiao Yan couldn't help but offer a gentle smile and slowly rose to his feet, stepping out of the auction hall. "Ah well, once the money is secured, it's time to focus on cultivation. In a year's time, I'll surely give my father a surprise," Xiao Yan murmured softly as he stepped out.