Chapter 136: Banter

"You little bastard!" Li Qingji was utterly enraged, his aged face twisted with fury, his fists cracking as he clenched them, a blazing fire burning in his heart.

"A million for a single Dragon Tongue Herb—young friend, you truly have bold spirit. I won't keep you company." Li Qingji suppressed his anger, forcing a faint smile. There were many treasures he needed to acquire today, and he couldn't afford to act on impulse.

Li Qingji's concession surprised many. He had actually given up the fight. Even Meng Li showed a hint of surprise, but quickly confirmed the owner of the Dragon Tongue Herb.

"Old bastard, a million just gone like that." Yang Tian scratched his head vigorously, his face scrunching into a bitter gourd. A million was no small sum, and he was still short by four hundred thousand.

"Sigh... I hope the Yun Shen Lotus Seed sells at a higher price." After worrying for a while, Yang Tian continued watching the auction. Many spirit medicines were being unveiled, their ages shockingly high.

This time, the auction house had prepared many ten-thousand-year-old spirit medicines, aiming to make a killing from those attacking the Demon Fall Land. Most medicines were sold at double the price.

"Creak..." The door to the private room was pushed open. Meng Yunxi stepped in with light, graceful steps. Her narrow eyes glanced at Yang Tian as she extended her jade hand.

"Brother Yang Tian, hand over the money. If you don't have it, you can mortgage the Life Water. This sister doesn't offer credit."

"What's the rush?" Yang Tian's mouth twitched. This woman was completely obsessed with the Life Water. He said irritably, "The Yun Shen Lotus Seed hasn't even started yet. I'll pay later."

Glancing at Yang Tian, Meng Yunxi sat directly on the nearby chair, lounging lazily. Her curves were fully revealed, her legs crossed, her fair ankles exquisite.

"Next, we auction a soul spirit medicine." Meng Li shook his hand, and a Yun Shen Lotus Seed appeared in his palm. He said flatly, "Yun Shen Lotus Seed, starting bid: four hundred thousand mid-grade Blood Stones."

"Yun Shen Lotus Seed!" As the words fell, many eyes were drawn to it. This was a soul-type treasure, with remarkable effects on soul power, far more precious than those ten-thousand-year-old spirit medicines, as it could enhance the foundation of the soul.

In a private room, three young men were conversing.

"Could this lotus seed be the one Yang Tian took out?" Xing Hao's gaze swept over the lotus seed as he licked his lips. He had eaten one such treasure before, and its effects were astonishing.

"Probably. Such spirit medicines are rare in the cultivation world. Look, the age seems about right." Qing Yuan tapped his fingers on the table, quickly scanning the crowd below. Sensing the medicinal power of the Yun Shen Lotus Seed, he couldn't help but smile.

"Yang Tian isn't inside, is he? The killing formation set up a few days ago took down quite a few people..."

The appearance of the Yun Shen Lotus Seed drew many gazes. Some lone experts also made their moves. The soul body was extremely important to cultivators, and this lotus seed was a rare treasure in the cultivation world.

The price quickly climbed to eight hundred thousand Blood Stones. Many lone experts went all out, determined to acquire it for their descendants, competing fiercely with the super forces.

"This thing really is valuable. Too bad there aren't many left now." Yang Tian smacked his lips. This spirit medicine had grown for who knows how many years, yet only produced twelve lotus seeds.

When the price was about to reach a million, a new bid was finally called out after a long pause.

"I bid one million Blood Stones." Suddenly, a voice came from a Heavenly Number private room. Many recognized it as Old Demon Wang's voice.

When a top expert made his move, even lone experts had to think twice. The old demon was obviously buying it for his grandson. Old Demon Wang was no pushover; he wouldn't bother with reasoning.

"One million. This is a huge profit." Yang Tian rubbed his hands together. But then, thinking it over, the smile on his face faded. He curled his lips. This money was just enough to pay off the debt...

After a few moments of silence, an extremely arrogant voice slowly exploded in the hall: "I bid one million and ten thousand blood stones. Any higher? If not, it's mine!"

As the voice just passed, the whole hall shook, fierce looks surged in their eyes, and their gazes instantly converged on one of the Heaven-character private boxes. This was a naked confrontation with Old Demon Wang, and the tone was very aggressive, adding only one blood stone.

"Isn't that Qingyuan?" Hearing the voice, Yang Tian was slightly stunned, then couldn't help but smile.

"Who is this little beast?" Old Demon Wang was furious, his face full of malice. Then, with a thought, he sneered, "The auction house does not allow a bid increase of just one blood stone. Are you trying to disrupt order?"

Direct rebuttal—many found it brilliant. Old Demon Wang hit the nail on the head, ruthless and experienced. Random bidding in the auction house could easily get one killed on the spot.

"Sorry, but Lady Mengli didn't specify the increment just now. I happen to have exactly one million and ten thousand blood stones on me. Sorry about that. If you don't have any more blood stones, just let me have it." Qingyuan rubbed his palms and laughed heartily.

Hearing this, many people thought back for a moment, then suddenly looked enlightened. Indeed, Lady Mengli hadn't specified the increment, and Qingyuan had exploited the loophole.

"Sharp-tongued brat!" Old Demon Wang's face turned ugly, but he dared not accuse Mengli. His palm slightly clenched, and he directly shouted, "I bid one million one hundred thousand blood stones!"

"This old geezer is too rich." Yang Tian clicked his tongue, estimating that this Spirit Concentration Lotus Seed was probably for Wang Long's use.

"Wait, I just borrowed a bit from a friend... Oh, what a coincidence... I happen to have one more..." A helpless voice slowly echoed in the hall.

"Giggle..." In the private box, Meng Yunxi laughed so much that her body trembled, her chest heaving like waves.

"This little bastard... Don't let me find out who he is!" Old Demon Wang was completely enraged, his whole body exuding murderous aura, but his eyes flickered with caution—he dared not make a move here.

"Aren't you auctioneers going to do something? This kind of troublemaker should be thrown out directly!" Old Demon Wang suddenly sneered.

The whole hall buzzed with discussion, secretly wondering how the auction house would handle it. Every person in the Heaven-character private boxes was not to be easily offended.

"Everyone, quiet!" Glancing at the chaotic scene below, Mengli waved his hand and said flatly, "From now on, each bid for the Spirit Concentration Lotus Seed must increase by no less than one hundred thousand mid-grade blood stones."

"Fine. I bid one million two hundred thousand. If you have the guts, keep raising!" Old Demon Wang slowly sat down, his face terrifyingly dark, and snorted coldly.

"I bid one million five hundred thousand. If you have the guts, keep raising!" In the private box, Qingyuan laughed heartily. Back when he roamed the continent, he had plundered quite a few blood stones.

The whole hall erupted in uproar. Spending one million five hundred thousand on a Spirit Concentration Lotus Seed was a staggering move. Many eyes turned to Old Demon Wang's private box.

"This little bastard!" Old Demon Wang was furious, wishing he could kill Qingyuan on the spot. It was a blatant provocation.

"This guy..." Yang Tian clicked his tongue. The price of the Spirit Concentration Lotus Seed had already tripled.

"I bid one million six hundred thousand blood stones. If you have the guts, keep following!" After a moment of silence, Old Demon Wang shouted coldly, his tone full of rage.

"Oh... I just called the wrong price... Actually, I only have one blood stone in my bag... You win... Sorry..."

A simple voice spread throughout the hall. The hall fell into dead silence. Even Mengli's zombie-like face twitched. The person in that box was too outrageous.

"Shameless brat!" Old Demon Wang's eyes bulged with fury, veins popping on his face, and he smashed the nearby purple-gold table to pieces.