Chapter 81: Chapter 81: The Thunder Law Weapon
Sounds of murmur filled the room as Sia Lu prepared to unveil the final and most coveted item of the evening. The air seemed to thicken with excitement, the collective breath of the esteemed guests held in suspense.
"Ladies and gentlemen and my fellow cultivators," Sia Lu began, her voice resonating with authority and allure, "it is time for the last and most prestigious item of tonight's auction—the Thunder Law Weapon."
She gestured gracefully, and the heavy velvet drapes parted to reveal a pedestal. Atop it rested the Thunder Law Weapon.
She continued, "The Thunder Law Weapon. A marvel of ancient craftsmanship and elemental mastery, this weapon channels the very essence of thunder, transforming its wielder into a force of nature itself."
The crowd leaned in, eyes wide with admiration and envy. The weapon was unlike anything they had seen before—a sleek, intricately forged blade that shimmered with crackling electricity. Runes of power were etched along its length, pulsating with a vibrant energy that seemed almost alive.
The hilt was adorned with storm motifs, and tiny lightning bolts danced around it, occasionally sparking and illuminating the weapon in bursts of brilliance.
"This is not merely a weapon," Sia Lu declared, her gaze sweeping over the assembly, "The Thunder Law Weapon can summon devastating lightning strikes, enhance the wielder's cultivation prowess, and even manipulate the very storms themselves. It is a rare find, a once-in-a-million-years treasure that will elevate its owner's strength to unimaginable heights."
A collective murmur of awe rippled through the hall. Cultivators of all ranks exchanged glances, recognizing the significance of such a formidable artifact.
"The bidding for this extraordinary item will commence at 1 million spirit stones," Sia Lu announced, her tone both inviting and commanding. "Each subsequent bid must increase by no less than 100,000 spirit stones."
The room erupted in a mix of excitement and determination. Many individual cultivators and small sect members glanced nervously at their finances, some choosing to exit the auction house, recognizing the steep price tag as insurmountable. However, the true players remained, eager to stake their claim on the Thunder Law Weapon.
Ye Chen, hidden behind his mask in the VIP room, felt an inexplicable surge of energy emanating from the weapon. His heart pounded with determination—he had to acquire this weapon, no matter the cost.
Aric, seated beside Su Ling in his own VIP chamber, surveyed the weapon with a calculating eye. He glanced at Su Ling, who was equally entranced by the weapon's allure.
"Junior Sister, the competition is going to be very stiff" Aric whispered, his voice steady.
Su Ling nodded, her eyes reflecting both excitement and concern. "Understood, Senior Brother. We won't let this opportunity slip away."
Sia Lu raised her hand, signaling the start of the bidding. "Let the bidding for the Thunder Law Weapon begin at 1 million spirit stones!"
"1 million!" someone from the crowd shouted, the voice reverberating through the hall.
"1.1 million spirit stones!" another voice followed suit, the excitement in their tone unmistakable.
"1.2 million!" the bids continued to climb rapidly, each new offer pushing the price higher.
Ye Chen watched intently, feeling the connection to the weapon intensify. He couldn't afford to back down—not now. "1.3 million!" he called out, his voice unwavering.
Aric remained calm, "1.4 million spirit stones," he countered smoothly, his tone confident.
The bidding war had begun in earnest, the stakes higher than ever. The price continued to escalate:
"1.5 million spirit stones!"
"1.6 million!"
"1.7 million spirit stones!"
Ning Fang entered the fray. "1.8 million!"
The bidding war escalated rapidly, the tension in the grand hall rising with each new offer. Cultivators from powerful families and sects eyed each other with suspicion and determination, their voices growing louder as they attempted to outbid one another.
"1.9 million spirit stones!" a voice rang out from the Shen Family's section.
"2 million!" countered Ning Fang from the Ning Family, his expression cold and unyielding. He leaned forward, eyes fixed on the Thunder Law Weapon with a predatory gleam. "This weapon will be ours. No one else is worthy!"
The hall buzzed with murmurs as the crowd sensed the brewing conflict between the powerful families. The prestige of the Ning Family was well-known, but the Shen Family was not one to be trifled with.
From another VIP room, a voice laden with disdain responded, "2.5 million spirit stones!" It was Wang Zhi, the young master of the Wang Family, notorious for his arrogance and deep pockets. He sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "The Ning Family can step aside. A weapon like this should be in the hands of someone truly deserving."
Ning Fang's eyes narrowed, his anger barely contained. "3 million!" he spat, rising to his feet as if to physically assert his dominance over the room. "You're nothing but a spoiled child, Wang Zhi. Know your place!"
Wang Zhi laughed, the sound filled with mockery. "4 million spirit stones," he called out, raising the stakes without hesitation. "You should be thanking me, Ning Fang. I'm doing you a favor by keeping this weapon out of your unworthy hands."
The tension was palpable, and the crowd began to feel the weight of the confrontation. The room was divided, with murmurs of support and disapproval echoing through the hall. The Thunder Law Weapon was no ordinary item, and its possession could tilt the balance of power among these influential families.
"5 million!" The bid came from another corner, this time from the Hua Family. Hua Fei, a rising star in the cultivation world, stepped forward, his voice calm yet authoritative. "This weapon belongs with someone who understands its true potential. Your childish bickering is unworthy of it."
"6 million spirit stones!" Wang Zhi retaliated instantly, his patience wearing thin. "The Hua Family should stick to their alchemy and leave real weapons to those who can wield them."
Hua Fei remained composed, though his eyes flashed with irritation. "7 million," he said, his tone icy. "Your arrogance will be your downfall, Wang Zhi."
The back-and-forth continued, with bids escalating at a dizzying pace:
"8 million!" Ning Fang snapped, refusing to be outdone.
"9 million!" Wang Zhi countered, his confidence unwavering.
"10 million!" Hua Fei followed, his expression still controlled, but the strain of the situation beginning to show.
Aric watched the unfolding chaos from his VIP room, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He could see the cracks forming in the alliances and rivalries among the major families. This was the perfect opportunity to sow further discord and seize the weapon for himself.
The bidding war continued to intensify as more voices joined the fray. The Zhang Family, known for their ruthless tactics, threw their hat into the ring.
"12 million spirit stones!" Zhang Shuang, the young master of Zhang Family, called out, his voice carrying a threat. "This weapon will belong to the Zhangs. Anyone who stands in our way will regret it."
Wang Zhi sneered, clearly unimpressed. "13 million! Your threats are as empty as your head, Zhang Shuang."
Zhang Shuang eyes blazed with fury. "14 million!" he shot back, his hand clenching around the railing of his VIP box.
"15 million!" Ning Fang shouted, his frustration boiling over. "You'll regret underestimating me, Wang Zhi!"
The crowd was on edge, the intensity of the bidding reaching fever pitch. Sia Lu maintained her composure at the podium, though she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer wealth being thrown around for this single item.
"16 million!" Hua Fei, now visibly strained, tried to maintain his calm facade. But the strain was starting to show.
"20 million spirit stones!" Wang Zhi roared, raising the stakes even higher. The room fell into a stunned silence for a brief moment as everyone processed the staggering amount.
Zhang Shuang gritted his teeth, his face contorting with barely contained rage. "25 million!" he bellowed, his voice filled with fury. "This is nothing! I will take this weapon, and anyone who opposes me will be crushed!"
Aric remained silent, observing the desperation and determination in the room.
"30 million!" Hua Fei pushed back, though his face was pale with the effort of keeping up with the relentless bidding. "I won't back down!"
"35 million!" Ning Fang growled, practically shaking with rage. His family's honor was on the line, and he wouldn't let it be tarnished by these fools.
The crowd was now buzzing with disbelief. The bids were soaring to unimaginable heights, and yet the bidding didn't stop.
"40 million spirit stones!" Wang Zhi sneered, as if daring the others to continue.
"50 million!" Zhang Shuang's voice was hoarse with fury. His eyes were bloodshot as he spat the words, his determination bordering on madness.
"60 million!" Hua Fei, though trembling slightly, raised his bid, clearly reaching the limit of his resources.
"70 million!" Ning Fang's voice was almost a scream now, his eyes wild with the desperation of a man who couldn't afford to lose.
The entire auction house was now on edge. No one could believe the figures being thrown around. The less wealthy attendees simply shook their heads in disbelief, knowing they could never dream of such wealth.
"80 million spirit stones!" Wang Zhi's voice cut through the chaos, filled with unbridled arrogance. He was staking everything on this bid, fully expecting to walk away with the prize.
But just as the hammer was about to fall, a calm and measured voice came from another VIP room.
"90 million spirit stones." It was Ye Chen.
Ye Chen waited for this moment. This was his moment
But then from another VIP room, a voice came,"95 million". It was Mia Lei.
Ye Chen had only 100 million but he had spent some of this money to buy few items. But now even if he uses all his money, he can only arrange "100 million". This was the last he could do because that's the money he has been given.
But Aric said from his room,"110 million"
"110 million... is there anyone else?" Sia Lu's voice trembled slightly as she asked, barely able to maintain her composure.
The auctioneer, Sia Lu, who had maintained her composure throughout the intense bidding, finally exhaled, a mixture of relief and amazement in her eyes. "Sold!" she declared, her voice cutting through the tension that had gripped the room. "The Thunder Law Weapon goes to the distinguished guest in VIP Room Seven!"
The entire auction house descended into a heavy silence as Aric's voice echoed through the hall, his bid of 110 million spirit stones crushing the hopes of his competitors. All eyes turned towards VIP Room Seven, where the mysterious bidder had just claimed victory.
Ye Chen, in his VIP room, gritted his teeth in frustration. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles white from the strain. The tension in his muscles mirrored the storm brewing inside him. He had waited for the perfect moment, hoping to seize the weapon that could change the course of his cultivation journey. But now, his plans were in ruins.
He had pushed his resources to the limit with the 100 million bid, but it wasn't enough.
"This… isn't over," Ye Chen muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. He vowed silently to find out who this "VIP Room Seven" was and take back what he believed was rightfully his.
[Ding! Congratulations host! You have gained +5000 Villain Halo and +50,000 Villain points for stealing the Thunder Law weapon from the protagonist, Ye Chen]
[Ding! Congratulations host! You have gained +1000 Villain Halo and +10,000 Villain points for angering the protagonist, Ye Chen]
In Ning Fang's room, the air was thick with tension. His face was twisted with anger, his hands trembling as he tried to process the defeat. "110 million… who is this person?!" He slammed his fist onto the table in frustration. The Ning Family had a reputation to uphold, and this loss would not be forgotten.
Wang Zhi, known for his arrogance, was left speechless. His final bid of 80 million had been eclipsed so quickly that he barely had time to react. "Tch… whoever this is, they've made a powerful enemy today," he muttered, already plotting how to regain his honor.
Hua Fei, despite his calm demeanor, felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. He had reached his absolute limit with his bid of 60 million. "To think someone could outbid all of us with such ease… Who could they be?"
Zhang Shuang, still seething from the loss, looked like he was ready to explode. "110 million? They think they can just buy victory? I'll show them!" His voice was a low growl, his anger barely contained.
Meanwhile, in VIP Room Seven, Aric leaned back with a satisfied smirk. His plan had worked perfectly.