Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1257 - 822: Auction (Part 2)

The purpose behind the silent auction is twofold: first, to stop anyone from flaunting their authority, so Loose Cultivators won't hesitate to bid against the six Immortal Cultivation Families of the Qingli Dynasty. Second, to safeguard the privacy of attendees; at the auction itself, they'll exert every effort to secure guests, which includes hiding their identities and more.

However, once participants exit the auction hall, their safety becomes their own concern.

The invitation letter lists the items up for the public auction but keeps silent on those in the silent auction.

Yang Zhenshan feels intense curiosity about the silent auction treasures offered by White Cloud Commerce this round.

Rumors say that the highlight pieces at White Cloud Commerce auctions are always incredibly scarce and precious.

After about two more incense sticks' time, every seat on the ground level got occupied.

Without VIP chambers on the ground floor, all attendees don a bamboo hat—a kind of Magic Artifact that effectively masks both aura and looks.

Yang Zhenshan tested it personally and discovered his Spiritual Sense couldn't pierce through this bamboo hat at all.

"This is truly amazing!" Yang Zhenshan exclaimed in wonder.

Moments later, a somewhat rotund fellow in a white ritual gown ascended the auction stage. Crow's feet lined the corners of his eyes, his grin seemed especially amiable, but his gaze held remarkable depth, exerting a subtle pressure wherever it landed.

"A late-stage Foundation Establishment powerhouse!" Yang Zhenshan's face turned serious as he stated evenly.

Yu Qingyi wore a solemn look as well.

A minor stir rippled through the ground-floor hall, with numerous murmurs exchanged among the crowd.

By catching bits of conversation, Yang Zhenshan verified the man's identity.

The thirty-eighth apprentice of White Cloud True Monarch, Master Yun Ge.

True Monarch is the title for Golden Core Cultivators, while True Man suits Foundation Establishment ones.

It's whispered that White Cloud True Monarch mentored fifty-two pupils, yet only twelve remain alive today, and Master Yun Ge stands among the top three of them.

With a lifespan of three thousand years, Golden Core Cultivators earn the name of immortals, whereas Foundation Establishment Cultivators endure just three centuries, allowing White Cloud True Monarch to surpass many disciples effortlessly.

"Fellow Daoists, thanks for gracing us with your presence. I'll skip the idle chatter, hehe, let the auction commence!"

Master Yun Ge's hearty chuckle filled the entire hall, evoking the gentle caress of a spring zephyr.

"Our opening lot is the superior Flying Artifact: Jade Cloud Boat! Hehe, yes, I crafted this Magic Artifact myself. I aimed to forge a Magical Treasure, but my abilities fell short, resulting in merely a top-grade Magic Artifact!"

"Equipped with twelve First-order Arrays—like the Floating Array, Riding the Wind Array, Protective Array, and others—the Jade Cloud Boat shields its owner, enables swift aerial maneuvers, and supports extended journeys. Though not a full Magical Treasure, it comes remarkably close!"

"It starts at two thousand low-grade Spirit Stones, and bids must rise by at least fifty Spirit Stones each time. Fellow bidders, go ahead!"

This initial item serves to heat up the crowd; obviously, they avoid using subpar goods to deceive anyone.

A compact vessel for flight, the Jade Cloud Boat can transport more than ten individuals, powered by either Mana or Spirit Stones.

Yang Zhenshan had witnessed flying boats before; Xuanqing Sect possesses a massive Second-Order one called the Glaze Cloud Boat, which holds thousands of passengers.

Though it pales against the Glaze Cloud Boat of Xuanqing Sect, the Jade Cloud Boat still ignited Yang Zhenshan's enthusiasm.

"Two thousand five hundred Spirit Stones!"

"Two thousand six!"

"Two thousand eight!"

"Three thousand!"

...

Barely had Master Yun Ge wrapped up his words when offers started pouring from the upper-level private rooms.

Not from below, but from the second story.

Such a Magic Artifact counts as a high-end luxury for Qi Refining Cultivators. Only those with deep connections or Foundation Establishment realm attainments can truly purchase them.

The second-floor VIPs prominently feature the six great Families of the Qingli Dynasty, alongside figures like Yang Zhenshan—big spenders who've dropped tens of thousands of Spirit Stones at Feather Tower.

First-floor attendees hold invitation cards instead of letters. Feather Tower typically distributes cards to solvent Cultivators across Lotus Heart Valley, while outsiders must buy letters directly from Feather Tower.

While hearing bids around him, Yang Zhenshan turned to Yu Qingyi, "What's your view on a fair Spirit Stone amount?"

Yu Qingyi shot him a sidelong look, "What makes you think I'd know?"

Yang Zhenshan burst into laughter and upped the offer by five hundred, calling out, "Four thousand!"

He genuinely fancied this Jade Cloud Boat; even as a mere top-grade Magic Artifact, Yang Zhenshan lacked many practical ones in his possession.

Regarding the Jade Cloud Boat's value at four thousand Spirit Stones, it certainly qualified.

Generally, top-grade Magic Artifacts fetch thousands of Spirit Stones, and for versatile ones like the Jade Cloud Boat, that figure might climb to six or seven thousand.

True to form, Yang Zhenshan's call of four thousand soon vanished under a wave of higher offers.

"Four thousand five!"

"Five thousand!"

"Six thousand!"

Yang Zhenshan placed another bid.

This round saw far fewer competitors joining in.

Still, a voice persisted: "Six thousand five!"

"Seven thousand!" Yang Zhenshan eyed the direction of the prime private room.

The top chamber probably housed the Lin family, the imperial lineage of the Qingli Dynasty.

"Very well, the distinguished bidder in room eighteen offers seven thousand—is there a higher bid?"

"Hehe, since I personally refined this Magic Artifact, I guarantee it's a standout among top-grade ones!"

"Fellows, you can trust my name on it!"

Master Yun Ge surprisingly launched into self-promotion, making Yang Zhenshan's mouth corner twitch. This guy just couldn't wrap things up swiftly with the gavel.