Chapter 19 — The Spirit Bone Battle, Auction Concludes
The moment the spirit bone appeared, the atmosphere in the Tiandou Auction House erupted. Every eye in the room fixed on the bone with intense desire, as if everyone wanted to snatch it immediately.
But those who could attend were all people of considerable status, well aware of the auction house's backing. None of them would risk their lives in such a reckless act.
After a brief stir, silence fell, and everyone waited for the auctioneer's announcement.
The auctioneer wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. Once the room quieted, he glanced at the appraisal certificate.
"This spirit bone, after verification by our auction house, is valued at… eight hundred thousand Gold Spirit Coins!"
"Each bid must increase by no less than one hundred thousand Gold Spirit Coins!"
"Now… let the bidding begin!"
Inside their private box, Dugu Yan's eyes lit up as she glanced at the auction stage below. Tugging gently on Dugu Bo's sleeve, she whispered, "Grandpa, he said it's a spirit bone suited for serpent-type spirit masters. Should we bid?"
Dugu Bo affectionately patted his granddaughter's head. "Yan‑yan, this is only a spirit bone that just reached the ten-thousand-year grade. It's not suited for you. Grandpa will find something better for you later…"
"Okay~" Dugu Yan obediently nodded, saying no more.
From the look on her face, Dugu Bo knew she didn't fully believe him, but he didn't explain. He preferred to see her stunned expression when he eventually presented the bone to her.
A small, pleased chuckle escaped him. Thinking of her awe-filled eyes and admiration, he couldn't help but grin foolishly. Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at her silly grandfather.
Down on the auction floor, the auctioneer didn't need to hype up the crowd — the sheer rarity of the spirit bone was enough to drive everyone wild. Some glared at it with longing but lacked the means to act. Others, seeing a chance, lifted their bidding cards to compete.
"One million!"
"A black VIP offers one million…"
Before the auctioneer finished, another bid came in: "One point three million!"
"Another black VIP offers one point three million…"
Soon, the price soared to two million Gold Spirit Coins, causing many to mutter in shock.
"Two million? That could buy our families' estates… and the price is still climbing…" one bystander muttered.
Nearby, another sighed, "No choice. Spirit bones are rare. You could slay thousands of spirit beasts and not get one. Anyone encountering a suitable bone will go crazy for it."
At this stage, few remained in the bidding. Only three red VIP boxes were still active, the spectators below watching like gods observing a duel.
One red box contained the Spirit Hall's platinum Archbishop Salas and his entourage. Salas glanced at Max beside him, asking, "Why hasn't Dugu Bo bid?"
Max hesitated, "I… I don't know. Maybe he plans to bid at the last moment?"
Salas waved dismissively. "Forget him. Keep bidding, but don't exceed two point five million. This bone isn't worth that much."
"Yes, understood." Max respectfully nodded, raising his card: "Two point one million!"
The auctioneer's booming voice rang out: "Two point one million! Red VIP bidder offers two point one million! Any higher bids?"
Another box contained three figures: two elderly, one male and one female, likely a couple. Though in their sixties or seventies with some wrinkles, they appeared energetic and vigorous, their eyes bright with sharpness — clearly strong in power.
Next to them stood a young girl with short hair like Dugu Yan's. Her eyes were deep brown, and though less striking than Dugu Yan, she was elegant and poised.
The old man looked at the woman beside him. "Wife, this spirit bone suits you perfectly. With it, you can break through to Spirit Emperor."
She shook her head. "Old man, my breakthrough will come eventually. No need to waste money."
He didn't respond, simply raising his bidding card: "Two point two million!"
The last red VIP box held a middle-aged man in a blue tunic. Sitting arrogantly, he glanced at the crowd below. "Even a ten-thousand-year spirit bone can make people this frantic… they truly have no experience."
He raised his card lightly: "Two point three million."
A nearby attendant warned, "Second Lord, this spirit bone isn't suitable for our clan. Perhaps it's best to stop. The price is already high."
The man scowled. "Do I need you to tell me that?"
The attendant quickly bowed, "Second Lord knows better. I spoke out of turn."
The man finally nodded with satisfaction.
Dugu Bo and his granddaughter relaxed in their box, observing the auction without bidding. Before gaining the system, Dugu Bo might have joined in, but with the system, a mere ten-thousand-year spirit bone wasn't enough to interest him.
The auctioneer, red-faced, scanned the room: "Red VIP bids two point three million. Any higher bids?"
"Two point five million!"
The shout came from the elderly couple's box.
The auction floor fell silent. The price had clearly surpassed most bidders' expectations. Even those who could afford it hesitated — after all, it was only a fifteen-thousand-year spirit bone, and suitability still mattered.
The auctioneer shouted hoarsely: "Two point five million — once! Two point five million — twice! Two point five million — thrice! Sold!"
He slammed the gavel onto the table, spittle flying, face flushed. "Let's congratulate the red VIP for winning this spirit bone at two point five million Gold Spirit Coins!"
No need to ask why he was so intense — the higher the price, the higher his commission.
"Those who didn't win, don't be discouraged. Our auction house still has a trade fair. Interested VIPs may find something suitable there. Thank you all for attending. We hope to see you at the next auction!"
With that, the auction concluded successfully.