"Brother, according to your plan, are we still bidding for this Marrow Cleansing Pill?" Jin Zai Xing asked.
Jin Si Huan chuckled upon hearing this and said, "Of course, we have to bid. If we don't, wouldn't we seem out of place? We would definitely be suspected."
"Understood," Jin Zai Xing replied.
"Not only must we bid, but we must go all out," Jin Si Huan declared. "Let that bumpkin surnamed Ye see how much commercial value this Marrow Cleansing Pill truly holds. Later, with Dr. Zhu Zi Zhen, we only need a little trickery to make him work for us, turning him into our cash cow."
As Tong Su finished introducing the pill's effects, the auction officially began. The twelve rounds of bidding were a long process, and a battle of wits among the various families.
Especially for the families in the capital, whoever bid the most or acquired the most would be compared by the younger generation of their clans against other families, a matter of prestige and crucial for the future development of the family.
The Marrow Cleansing Pill could help martial artists improve their cultivation. For the great martial venerables in these prominent families who were preparing to break through to become martial saints, this pill could add another martial saint to the family, significantly increasing their overall strength.
Therefore, after Tong Su elaborated on the pill's efficacy, many families realized this was a contest among the major powers, and they could simply sit back and watch.
"Alright, we now begin the auction for the first Marrow Cleansing Pill. The starting bid is one billion. Each subsequent bid increases by fifty million. Bidding starts now."
Tong Su gently tapped the table with her gavel, and with a "ding" sound, a voice announced, "Capital City Nangong Family, one point five billion."
"Hiss—" No one expected the Nangong Family to be so bold, directly bidding one point five billion.
"Nangong Family, one point five billion. Are there any further bids?" Tong Su surveyed the room. "One point five billion, first call.
"One point five billion, second call."
"One point five billion, third call."
"Sold! The first Marrow Cleansing Pill is acquired by the Nangong Family," Tong Su announced.
"Didn't they say this Marrow Cleansing Pill was very popular? Why did the Nangong Family only bid one point five billion, and no one else added to it?" Wang Xin Yan looked at the auction unfolding before her, quite perplexed by the operations of these prominent families.
"Because the Nangong Family is the foremost family in the capital, with immense power. Everyone is showing them respect," Ye Bu Fan explained.
"You usually don't learn enough about human relationships and social etiquette. See, now you've suffered for it," Chu Meng Yao chuckled.
Wang Xin Yan sighed, "With my personality, being so extravagant, I'm just not cut out for that."
"The second pill is about to begin. It's estimated that the competition will become very fierce from this point onward," Zhu Zi Zhen commented, looking towards Tong Su and speaking into the intercom of their private box.
"Alright, next, we begin the auction for the second Marrow Cleansing Pill. The starting bid is still one billion, with each increment being fifty million. Bidding starts now."
"Capital City Nangong Family, one point five billion." As Tong Su's words faded, the Nangong Family once again offered one point five billion.
"Capital City Yuchi Family, one point five five billion."
"Huzhou Que Family, one point six billion."
"Tenzhou Gong Family, one point seven billion."
Bid after bid, the second round of bidding quickly soared to three billion.
"Capital City Nangong Family, three point three billion."
The Nangong Family bid again, drawing gasps from the crowd. They were clearly determined to obtain the Marrow Cleansing Pill.
"Hehehe, the Nangong Family from the capital bids three point three billion. Are there any other families wishing to bid higher?"
"Three point three billion, first call."
"Three point three billion, second call."
"Three point three billion, third call."
"Let us congratulate the Nangong Family of the capital for once again acquiring a Marrow Cleansing Pill," Tong Su's voice rang out, followed by applause. In the intercom system of the private boxes, various families were extending their congratulations to the Nangong Family's box.
Inside the Nangong Family's private box, Nangong Yi took a deep breath. He had been engrossed in his cultivation previously. Upon learning of the Marrow Cleansing Pill's appearance, he had heard from the elders of his family about its benefits for cultivation. Therefore, the Nangong Family had committed a substantial sum, determined to secure at least three Marrow Cleansing Pills.
One of these three pills was specifically prepared for Nangong Yi.
To be safe, the Nangong Family had brought a total of ten billion, but it seemed they would have a surplus.
"Alright, we now commence the auction for the third Marrow Cleansing Pill."
Three minutes later, Tong Su began the auction for the third pill.
The same pleasantries were exchanged, and the bidding started from one billion yuan.
As soon as the bidding opened, Nangong Yi directly announced a starting bid of three billion, astonishing everyone present.
"Huzhou Que Family, three point three billion."
"Capital City Yu Family, three point five billion."
"Capital City Yuchi Family, three point six billion."
"Tenzhou Que Family, three point seven billion."
"Capital City Nangong Family, four billion."
"Wow..." The smaller families in the venue began to murmur amongst themselves. They had originally speculated that a bid of four billion might only be reached around the fifth or sixth pill, but unexpectedly, the third pill had already surpassed that mark.
"Four billion. The Nangong Family has bid four billion. Are there any families willing to offer a higher price?" Tong Su inquired.
"Capital City Jin Family, four point one billion." Jin Si Huan made his first bid at this moment.
"Capital City Nangong Family, four point five billion." Nangong Yi shifted his gaze towards the Jin Family's direction, anticipating their next bid.
However, Nangong Yi did not end up waiting for another bid from the Jin Family. The third Marrow Cleansing Pill was ultimately secured for four point five billion.
After the Nangong Family acquired their third Marrow Cleansing Pill, they withdrew from the auction. The remaining nine pills were then fiercely contested by other families.
Ye Bu Fan was also surprised by how profitable a single Marrow Cleansing Pill could be. An idea began to form in his mind.
"What is it?" Chu Meng Yao asked, leaning closer as she saw Ye Bu Fan lost in thought.
Ye Bu Fan looked at Chu Meng Yao and said, "I think I've figured out how to help the Chu family grow stronger in a short period. However, before that, we need to make some preparations."
"You mean... the Marrow Cleansing Pills?" Chu Meng Yao inquired.
"I have more than just Marrow Cleansing Pills," Ye Bu Fan said with a mysterious smile. "But first, we need to eliminate some potential accidents and troubles."
"Capital City Jin Family, three point five billion." While they were talking, the three Jin brothers began bidding.
"Capital City Yuchi Family, three point six billion."
"Tenzhou Xie Family, three point seven billion."
"Capital City Jin Family, three point eight billion."
"Capital City Yuchi Family, four point three billion."
"Capital City Jin Family, four point five billion."
Ye Bu Fan noticed the Jin brothers making their move and chuckled...