Before the words were even out, someone, regardless of whether it was a sky-high price, spoke first. "Three million five hundred thousand!"
The speaker was a胖子, a stout man. He surveyed the crowd around him as if to declare ownership. When Mao Shulang mentioned that the equipment had some degree of damage, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, having thought this would reduce the competition. However, the moment news of high-quality contract beast equipment was released, it immediately caused a stir, inevitably driving up the final price.
But his contract beast was a [Rock Mountain Beast], covered in rock all over, resembling a small mountain when still. This equipment was perfectly suited for it.
"Four million!"
A skinny man spoke in a flat tone, deliberately glancing at the stout man with a hint of provocation.
The obese man did not yield. The two continued to bid, refusing to give way. Finally, this helmet contract beast equipment was sold at the high price of five million alien currency. The buyer was the obese man, who felt no regret for spending five million alien currency and was eager to rush onto the stage to claim it.
Mao Shulang raised his hand and smiled gently, "Heh, young friend, don't be impatient. First, go backstage to pay and then collect."
The stout man realized his gaffe, bowed, and left the auction hall with a simple, honest demeanor.
After the man left, Mao Shulang once again looked at the crowd.
He said lightly, "I know everyone's purpose for coming here today. I won't keep you in suspense. It's as you all guessed, the auction house accidentally acquired a piece of high-quality contract beast equipment a few days ago. Someone had offered a high price to buy it, but the seller refused, so this collection was saved for tonight's auction."
The crowd below began to buzz again, some who were in the know flushed with excitement.
They naturally knew what the final auction item of the night was, as they had come precisely for it!
Mao Shulang no longer played coy and snapped his fingers.
Soon, an elegant etiquette lady walked out holding a tray. The tray was covered with a red cloth, making everyone even more eager to see its true appearance.
Mao Shulang walked over to the etiquette lady and smiled at the crowd.
Then, he lifted the red cloth.
Everyone stood up in unison to get a closer look.
Mao Shulang announced loudly, "Everyone, this is a top-tier contract beast equipment called the [Steadfast Vest]. Just as its name suggests, the equipment part is a vest, suitable for small-sized contract beasts. The attribute bonuses of this equipment are, first, it increases the contract beast's defense by 50 points; second, it increases the contract beast's resistance to both elemental attacks by 20%; and third, it grants the contract beast a new skill, [Steadfast Demeanor]!"
The entire venue erupted. The beast tamers who had come specifically for this could no longer suppress their overwhelming joy.
"I must have this equipment!"
"Are you the only prominent family, the Hu family? My Ma family won't let you!"
Below the stage, some people had already begun to argue.
Seeing this, Mao Shulang did not intervene, giving a knowing smile. He said lightly, "Top-tier contract beast equipment, the [Steadfast Vest], starting bid is 20 million alien currency!"
A sky-high price!
Lu Fei couldn't help but gasp. Although his shower gel factory had brought him a lot of money, the business had not been operating for long. If the price of this equipment today was too high, he might have to miss out.
In a daze, bidding had already erupted from the crowd below.
However, as the rumors had it, with Mao Shulang presiding over the auction, the price of the [Steadfast Vest] was quickly driven up to fifty million alien currency!
During this time, Lu Fei also attempted to bid once, but was quickly drowned out by the subsequent bids. At this rate, the final transaction price for the [Steadfast Vest] was far beyond what he could afford.
Bidding continued to rise and fall.
"Eighty million alien currency!"
Someone spoke again, but their voice carried a hint of hesitation. Clearly, this price had exceeded their budget. However, this was a top-tier contract beast equipment! If they could obtain it, it would provide an extra layer of security for themselves and their contract beasts when surviving in the wild.
A brief explanation here: contract beasts can equip a maximum of three pieces of contract beast equipment, which provide attack, defense, auxiliary, or skill bonuses.
Contract beast equipment is generally adaptive. Once equipped by a contract beast, it will automatically scale according to the beast's size, so there's no need to worry about ill-fitting equipment.
However, generally speaking, matching the size is preferred. For instance, the helmet sold earlier had certain requirements regarding the contract beast's size and strength.
In the second row of viewing platforms, a young man looked around. Seeing that no one had bid after the second call, he rejoiced inwardly.
Just as Mao Shulang was about to strike the gavel for the third time, a sudden voice rang out, "I'll take this item." Everyone was stunned and looked in unison, only to realize that a disheveled old man was sitting on the third floor.
Upon seeing this person sitting on the third floor, the crowd below dared not be presumptuous. The bidders on the second floor also looked up, and a few sharp-eyed individuals recognized him, cupped their fists, and said solemnly, "Greetings, Elder Hu!"
Mao Shulang also recognized the person before him. His previous casual demeanor of watching everyone fight was gone. He bowed and respectfully said, "Elder Hu, the auction house has its rules. May I ask..."
The old man was not angered, but smiled and waved his hand, "One hundred million!"
After a long moment, no one spoke. The surrounding air was deathly silent. The nobles who were previously eager to bid now dared not speak, as this person was on the third floor, and they dared not offend such a figure.
Seeing that everyone was speechless, the old man chuckled and said, "Then I shall take this equipment. Mao Shulang, why are you still standing there?"
Mao Shulang came to his senses, struck the silver gavel three times, and said with a smile, "Then this [Steadfast Vest] belongs to Elder Hu."
After the old man left the auction hall, satisfied, the crowd began to murmur. Some noble guests from out of town asked in a low voice, "Brother, who is this Elder Hu?"
"I don't know either. I've never seen him, but he's so respected. He must be a big shot."