In a side hall of the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Earth, everyone watched a video with bated breath.
The video, released by the Land of Water, played a looping clip of an experiment.
A 67-year-old man, with a face full of wrinkles and a hunched back, drank the Intermediate Water of Life.
His facial wrinkles visibly receded, his back straightened, and he transformed into a 30-year-old man with a ruddy complexion and a tall, straight posture.
Even when he cut his arm with a knife, the wound healed completely within seconds.
"Your Highness, since it's an official video released by the Land of Water, the Water of Life must be real."
Ōnoki's aged face was filled with a conflicted expression. "But the current national treasury only has 3000 tons of gold. Even mortgaging three gold mines might not be enough to bid for the Advanced Water of Life."
The Daimyo of the Land of Earth was standing in front of a mirror, a hint of ruthlessness flashing across his face.
"If gold isn't enough, we'll use people. Didn't the Land of Water say they'd reward 200,000 ryo for each immigrant? Converted to gold, 20 million people would be 4000 tons of gold."
"Move all the people from the southern cities to the Land of Water. Use this immigration reward to get gold, and then buy the Water of Life."
Ōnoki's face changed dramatically. "Immigrate 20 million people? For 4000 tons of gold? Wouldn't that mean losing the population of several cities?"
"Moreover, the Land of Water stated that while the Water of Life is effective, if the body suffers severe injury, the healing of wounds will consume a large amount of life energy, leading to a shortened effective period, and natural aging will still occur after 8 years. This..."
The Daimyo of the Land of Earth's eyes showed a hint of obsession as he pointed at the scene in the crystal image.
"I am already over 60 years old. As long as I can regain the vitality of a 30-year-old, even if it's only for 8 years, it's enough to consolidate the territory of the Land of Earth."
"Have the Finance Minister liaise with the Land of Water and tell them we are willing to 'organize' 20 million people for immigration, requesting them to first transfer 4000 tons of gold to the auction-specific account as bidding funds."
Ōnoki opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed the rest of his words.
He knew that at this moment, the Daimyo was already blinded by "youth" and "power". Any dissuasion would only invite rebuke.
He slowly bowed and retreated, his heart heavy. 20 million commoners for 4000 tons of gold was bound to severely damage the foundation of the Land of Earth.
The news spread like wildfire and soon reached the Land of Water.
Shikaku, holding the intel from the Anbu, quickly walked up to Shun.
He excitedly said, "Your Excellency, the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning have also taken the bait. They are willing to send 20 million immigrants in exchange for 4000 tons of gold, and they all demand that the gold be directly allocated as auction funds."
Shun was standing by the window, watching the various diplomatic missions from different countries arriving at the capital.
"Very good. Since they want to exchange twenty million people for 'their own return to youth', I will certainly fulfill their wish."
He turned to Shikaku and instructed, "You arrange it. After the auction ends and they confirm their successful bid for the Water of Life, initiate the immigration docking process. Also, have the Anbu monitor the movements of the commoners in these two countries to ensure they don't change their minds midway, and send them another copy of the detailed usage rules for the Water of Life, lest they make excuses later."
Shikaku bowed and replied, "Understood."
—
A month later, outside the Auction Center, there was a bustling crowd.
Daimyos from various countries, carrying different "bargaining chips," grandly entered the venue.
The auction bell slowly rang, and the host walked onto the stage.
The large screen behind him first played the video of the 67-year-old man regaining his youth, and gasps of amazement filled the hall.
"Distinguished guests, as you have seen, the effects of the Water of Life are real and effective. After a successful bid, you can use it on the spot to confirm the results."
The host's voice was clear and quickly spread throughout the venue.
"Today's first item is the Low-rank Water of Life, which can maintain a peak state for 2 years, continuously heal internal injuries, extend human lifespan, and has no side effects. The starting price is 100 tons of gold, with each bid increment no less than 10 tons of gold."
"110 tons!" Someone immediately raised their bidding paddle.
"120 tons!"
...
The price soared, quickly breaking through 200 tons of gold, and was ultimately won by the Wind Daimyo.
"Next, we will be auctioning the Intermediate-rank Water of Life!"
The host's expression was excited, and his voice became more passionate. On the tray in his hand was a dark blue crystal bottle.
"Intermediate-rank Water of Life can maintain a peak state for 5 years, and consumes less energy to heal internal injuries. The starting price is 300 tons of gold, with each bid increment no less than 50 tons of gold!"
"400 tons!"
The Earth Daimyo was the first to raise his paddle, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.
"450 tons!" The Lightning Daimyo immediately followed.
"800 tons!" The Wind Daimyo curled his lip in disdain, increasing the bid by 350 tons.
The Lightning Daimyo looked at the determined expressions of the two and hesitated.
Although he had a lot of gold, the Advanced Water of Life was his ultimate goal, and there was no need to waste too much on the Intermediate one. Finally, he put down his bidding paddle.
"800 tons once! 800 tons twice! 800 tons thrice! Sold!"
The host struck the gavel, and the Intermediate Water of Life was also won by the Wind Daimyo.
"Next, is the highlight of this auction... the Advanced Water of Life!"
The host's voice became excited, and the curtain behind him slowly drew open, revealing a purple crystal bottle before everyone's eyes, radiating a captivating luster under the lights.
"Advanced Water of Life can maintain a peak state for 8 years. The starting price is 1200 tons of gold, with each bid increment no less than 100 tons of gold!"
"1500 tons!" The Daimyo of the Land of Earth immediately raised his paddle.
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind frowned, about to raise his paddle, but then saw the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning also raise his paddle.
"2000 tons!"
"Does the Land of Lightning have that much gold too?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind looked at the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning with confusion, but saw a smile on his lips.
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning had exchanged 20 million commoners for 4000 tons of gold, which was enough to support them in a direct confrontation with the Land of Wind.
"2100 tons!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Earth's face flushed red, and he gritted his teeth as he increased the bid.
"2500 tons!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning followed without hesitation, increasing the bid by 400 tons, wanting to completely quash the Land of Earth's hopes.
The Daimyo of the Land of Earth looked at the determined expression of the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, then at the immigration agreement in his hand, and finally dejectedly put down his bidding paddle.
"2500 tons once! 2500 tons twice! 2500 tons thrice! Sold!"
The host struck the gavel, and the Advanced Water of Life was won by the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning.