Chapter 117

Chapter 117: The Auction

"Young Master Mu, these elixirs, converted to elemental stones, amount to sixteen million," the shopkeeper said nervously, presenting the price appraised by their evaluator.

The appraisal seemed fair, but it was unclear whether Mu Chen would find it acceptable.

Mu Chen nonchalantly nodded, handing over an elemental stone card, "Transfer it here."

Relieved by Mu Chen's agreement, the shopkeeper responded, "Very well."

With his back turned, the shopkeeper silently rejoiced that Ye Shi wasn't present. If he were, this deal would've cost at least an additional million or two. Everyone knew Ye Shi loved to haggle on Mu Chen's behalf.

Such a vast quantity of elixirs was indeed a significant transaction. Selling them all could profit at least three to four million.

Everyone had heard of how busy Mu Chen always seemed, leaving many to wonder when he found the time to craft so many elixirs.

Upon hearing the shopkeeper, Zhuang Yu asked in confusion, "Mu Chen, you're here to sell elixirs and not buy them?"

Mu Chen rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking that he had never said he was there to buy. Zhuang Yu had just assumed so.

"What kind of elixirs did you sell? They're worth so much! Over sixteen million!" Mu Chen remained silent, yet Zhuang Yu innocently continued her questioning.

Lan Ruofeng could ensure Zhuang Yu's basic needs were met, but he couldn't promise her a lavish lifestyle. Seeing Mu Chen easily earn such a hefty sum made her somewhat envious.

"Just some ordinary elixirs, but in large quantities. Sorry, I have to go," Mu Chen replied coolly.

Watching Mu Chen depart, Zhuang Yu turned to the shopkeeper and inquired, "Do you pay such high prices for all elixirs? Even ordinary ones can sell for sixteen million?"

The shopkeeper smirked without answering. Ordinary elixirs? Those were grade-three elixirs, all of premium quality. While Mu Chen was being modest, surely Zhuang Yu didn't take him literally?

...

As Mu Chen exited the Dan Ding Pavilion, he bumped straight into the approaching Ye Rong.

Mu Chen furrowed his brows and moved on without greeting her.

Perhaps stung by Mu Chen's previous unceremonious rejection, Ye Rong didn't attempt to say hello either. They simply passed each other.

As Mu Chen seemingly ignored her, Ye Rong clenched her teeth, stealing one last glance at his retreating figure.

Watching him walk away, her eyes flashed with malevolence.

Bowing her head, Ye Rong thought bitterly: No matter how prodigious Mu Chen might be, for Ye Shi's sake, he will eventually have to face her father.

Just as Ye Rong was about to leave, Zhuang Yu and Lan Ruofeng approached.

"Sixteen million! Just how many elixirs did Mu Chen sell?" Zhuang Yu's voice clearly reached Ye Rong.

"I don't know, but he must have sold a substantial amount," Lan Ruofeng replied hesitantly.

Ye Rong's brow creased at the mention of sixteen million.

Seeing how Mu Chen effortlessly profited such an amount, she thought...

"Is alchemy really that lucrative? If it's so profitable, Ruofeng, maybe you should try crafting some elixirs for sale," Zhuang Yu suggested.

Lan Ruofeng gave a light smile, saying, "Sure!"

With his head lowered, Lan Ruofeng's success rate in crafting Level-3 elixirs was not high. After deducting the cost of the spiritual herbs, his profit was minimal. Making over ten million seemed quite challenging.

When did Mu Chen find the time to craft elixirs? He always seemed so busy.

Zhuang Yu glanced at Lan Ruofeng, a frown forming on her face.

Zhuang Yu was no fool. Judging by Lan Ruofeng's expression, she deduced that making over ten million from elixir crafting wasn't going to be easy for him.

Zhuang Yu lowered her head, a hint of disappointment in her heart.

She once believed that Lan Ruofeng and Mu Chen were on par, even thinking Lan Ruofeng had the edge, especially given the prominence of the Lan family, which far surpassed Mu Chen's influence.

But now, Zhuang Yu thought differently. Not only did Lan Ruofeng lag behind Mu Chen in runes and inscription techniques, but it also seemed like he couldn't even compete in elixir crafting. Lan Ruofeng often felt Mu Chen bit off more than he could chew. However, even his proud elixir crafting was outshone by Mu Chen.

Zhuang Yu suddenly remembered the old Mu Chen, who was frivolous and always following her around. She couldn't understand how someone could change so drastically, as if he was a completely different person.

The disappointment in Zhuang Yu's eyes didn't escape Lan Ruofeng. He felt a sting of pain, as if pierced by a needle.

With her head down, Zhuang Yu felt somewhat resentful. She was no less than Ye Shi in any aspect, yet Ye Shi's man was far superior to hers – the same man she had once rejected.

Murong Yan walked straight towards the two of them.

"Zhuang Yu, there's an auction organized by Ye Shi tonight. Want to check it out?" Murong Yan asked as he approached.

"Sure!" A glint of interest flashed in Zhuang Yu's eyes. She was curious about a fan Ye Shi was auctioning, but she felt slightly awkward given that Ye Shi was hosting the event.

Lan Ruofeng wasn't keen on attending the auction. However, since Zhuang Yu was going, he naturally felt compelled to accompany her.

Lan Ruofeng and Murong Yan exchanged glances, sharing a silent understanding as they both chuckled.

……

Fu Yuanbao's influence was undeniably strong. In less than a day, the news of the auction had spread throughout Shengxing Academy.

Even before the auction started, a crowd had already gathered outside the makeshift venue.

Hiding backstage, Ye Shi listened to the bustling noises coming from the front. He couldn't help but feel excited. A bigger crowd meant better bidding prices!

Xie Danyan stood outside the auction venue, looking around, "There seem to be many seniors here!"

Cheng Wanbai nodded, "Yes! Some are even martial spirits. Not only that, but many teachers are also present."

"I hope these guys aren't here to compete with us for those magical instruments," muttered Xie Danyan.

Cheng Wanbai nodded with a sigh, "I think they probably have the same goal as us."

"Such shameless jerks," Xie Danyan grumbled.

Cheng Wanbai chuckled, "When something's good, everyone wants a piece of it."

Pulling out a brochure, Xie Danyan commented, "I wonder if the Cloud Water Fabric shown here is as beautiful as it looks."

"I've heard that the brochure depicts the actual item. The Cloud Water Fabric originally had a flaw in its dazzling pattern, but once corrected, it looked stunning," explained Cheng Wanbai.

"I've also heard that Mu Chen not only fixed the pattern but also added a protective design that can withstand 30% of a Martial Master's attack. There's also an enhancement pattern that boosts the wearer's attack by 30%. Sounds too good to be true. I wonder if it's a scam," Xie Danyan remarked skeptically.

"I believe it's genuine," said Cheng Wanbai.

As more and more people arrived, Xie Danyan narrowed her eyes, visibly displeased, "Even the dean of the Inscription Institute is here. What was Fu Yuanbao thinking with such good publicity?!"

She initially thought that with Ye Shi hastily organizing the auction, there wouldn't be too many attendees, possibly allowing her to get a good deal. But seeing the huge crowd now, she couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Cheng Wanbai chuckled, "Knowing what kind of person Ye Shi is, would he hire Fu Yuanbao without a good reason?"

Nodding reluctantly, Xie Danyan replied, "True. Getting a penny out of that miser Ye Shi isn't easy."

A young girl adorned with various treasures entered their view.

"Didn't expect her to come," Xie Danyan remarked with a strange look upon seeing Tang Zhuer.

Cheng Wanbai cast a sympathetic glance at Xie Danyan, "She's probably here for the Cloud Water Fabric as well."

Xie Danyan gritted her teeth. With Tang Zhuer's abundant wealth and her penchant for opulence, obtaining the Cloud Water Fabric just got tougher.

"Zhuang Yu's here," said Cheng Wanbai, her expression shifting.

Following Cheng Wanbai's gaze, Xie Danyan saw Zhuang Yu accompanied by Lan Ruofeng and Murong Yan. Zhuang Yu and Murong Yan seemed to be chatting cheerfully, while Lan Ruofeng appeared somewhat left out.

Many things appear precious simply because they are sought after by many.

Had things followed their original trajectory, not only Ye Shi, but Xie Dan Yan and countless others would have deeply admired Lan Ruo Feng. They would have done a lot for him, and with their help, Lan Ruo Feng would have prospered and excelled even more.

Without Mu Chen's appearance, his performance would have remained lackluster.

Xie Dan Yan gazed at Lan Ruo Feng, a hint of intrigue in her eyes. From their first meeting, she felt his undeniable charm, but over time, that feeling faded considerably.

"Lan Ruo Feng is so calm! Zhuang Yu is flirting with others, and he doesn’t seem to care," remarked Cheng Wan Bai.

Xie Dan Yan shrugged, "Perhaps he knows he can't control it anyway."

Cheng Wan Bai nodded in agreement, "That's a good point."

"Why are there so many people here?" Xia Qing Yan said with a hint of annoyance.

"Fu Yuan Bao does have his capabilities," commented Xia Qing Li with admiration.

Xia Qing Yan scoffed, "Capabilities? All he does is wander around aimlessly, neglecting cultivation. Even if he amassed a fortune, he'd likely get robbed."

Xia Qing Li was at a loss for words.

"That rascal Ye Shi wouldn’t even accept two million yuan stones for an item, refusing to buy all the artifacts," Xia Qing Yan grumbled.

Xia Qing Li squinted, recalling that an ordinary inscribed artifact typically cost about two million yuan stones.

However, this batch was unique. These artifacts had inscribing errors which were later corrected. Apart from their utility, their research value was also high.

Disregarding the practical and research value of the artifacts, the mere fact that they came from Mu Chen meant they would not be cheap. Mu Chen was an idol to many students at Sheng Xing Academy, which was filled with both geniuses and tycoons.

Looking at Tang Zhu Er, adorned with jewels, Xia Qing Li couldn’t help but twitch her lips, "Sister, it seems unlikely we can compete with these people for those artifacts."

Grinding her teeth, Xia Qing Yan exclaimed, "The old dean gave us such a meager budget, how could it be enough?"

Xia Qing Li nodded thoughtfully.

"So many people," observed Lou Ruo Yi.

The crowd was diverse, yet there was a clear divide between commoner students and noble students.

Ye Rong looked at the lavishly dressed noble students, her lips curling in anticipation of her father securing those six million yuan stones so she could indulge herself.

Hidden in the crowd, Ye Shi's expression changed as he spotted Ye Rong.

"Ye, what's wrong?" asked Fu Yuan Bao, ever the perceptive businessman, noticing Ye Shi's mood shift.

Ye Shi averted his gaze, "It's nothing."