The alluring woman in red swayed gracefully as she descended from the stage.
Chen Yihan offered a warm smile and announced,
"The first item has now been successfully auctioned. Let us proceed to our second item."
"The next piece is a rare medicinal herb known as the Fiery-Eyed Crimson Spirit Grass, a century-old spiritual plant of potent efficacy. This herb remains wholly intact and is one of the principal ingredients required in the crafting of a Sovereign Pill."
As Chen Yihan spoke, murmurs of excitement rippled through the crowd—the Crimson Spirit Grass was indeed a prized treasure.
The seductive woman in red reappeared, her crimson lips curved into a delicate smile, as she stepped forward with enchanting grace. With utmost reverence, she placed a tray before Chen Yihan.
Resting atop the tray was a translucent jade box, about the length of an adult's arm—remarkably large. Chen Yihan opened it before the audience, revealing the precious herb within.
Gu Qingli widened her eyes with curiosity. As a newcomer to the world of alchemy, she had never laid eyes on such a specimen.
Yet her senses were exceptionally keen. The moment the jade box was opened, a rich medicinal fragrance swept through the vast auction hall. Inside lay a flaming-red spiritual herb, and atop it were two berry-like protrusions—though upon closer inspection, they bore a striking resemblance to human eyes.
"The Fiery-Eyed Spirit Grass bears fruit once every fifty years," Chen Yihan explained. "This specimen, as you can see, holds two fully ripened Fire Eyes."
A quality Crimson Spirit Grass was already exceedingly rare, and one with twin fruits could significantly enhance the potency of a Sovereign Pill.
"A hundred-year-old Crimson Spirit Grass… Ah, if only I were an alchemist, I would spare no expense to acquire such a treasure," someone murmured wistfully.
Most of the common bidders were rogue cultivators or members of minor sects. Without a resident alchemist, the herb would likely gather dust in their storerooms.
The Gu family, too, held no particular interest; their repositories already brimmed with medicinal herbs.
In the end, the Fiery-Eyed Crimson Spirit Grass was claimed by one of the second-floor private suites, sold for sixteen thousand gold coins.
"Which family in Loulan City does that suite belong to?" Gu Qingli asked curiously, peering at the concealed room from which no face could be seen.
"Miss Qingli, that's one of the major clans of Loulan City—the Han family," Elder Shui explained. Gu Qingli nodded thoughtfully.
"We have now arrived at today's third item," Chen Yihan said with a hint of intrigue. "To be frank, this is also my first time laying eyes upon it."
His mysterious tone piqued the crowd's interest. All eyes were fixed on him, their curiosity ignited—what kind of treasure could even a representative from the imperial capital be unfamiliar with?
"This next item is a pill," Chen Yihan continued. "Its name is unknown, as is the original formula, but its effects are extraordinary. This pill can temporarily raise one's strength by at least three stars."
With that, he paused and smiled knowingly.
A collective gasp rose from the audience, followed by a chorus of excited whispers.
No one had anticipated such a revelation. A pill that could instantly elevate one's strength—this was no ordinary item.
In the ancient lands of Shengu, while mainstream formulas were widely known, others remained shrouded in secrecy. This was clearly one of the latter.
Pills of such rarity rarely made appearances at public auctions. Thus, its mere presence caused an uproar.
Chen Yihan, clearly pleased by the crowd's reaction, allowed a satisfied smile before continuing:
"This pill could very well be a lifesaver in a desperate moment, or a weapon of vengeance. While it may not make one invincible, turning the tide of battle in a single breath is certainly within its power."
Many were visibly tempted. Indeed, such a pill could serve as a trump card in life-and-death situations.
An increase of one star alone was already considered a substantial boost—three was practically earth-shattering.
"Very well. The starting bid for this pill is thirty thousand gold coins."
The price was high, but its value unquestionable.
Once again, the bewitching woman in red glided forward, carrying a tray bearing a jade bottle. Chen Yihan lifted it, gently removed the lid, and a fragrant aroma wafted into the air.
"Thirty-five thousand gold coins!"
To everyone's surprise, the first bid came from a guest seated among the general audience.
"Forty thousand!"
The Li family followed immediately, their tone casual, as though they still had plenty of resources to spare.
A murmur ran through the crowd. As soon as the VIP rooms entered the bidding, the hopes of the common folk all but vanished—they could only gaze in envy.
At Gu Qingli's subtle signal, Elder Shui and Sikong Ran refrained from bidding. Meanwhile, other prominent clans joined the contest.
"Sikong Ran, what kind of person is the King-ranked alchemist from your estate?" Gu Qingli asked, toying with her fingers, a thoughtful glint in her eye.
"Him? Just a shady old man who loves chaos," Sikong Ran scoffed.
He Zhongyi offered a more neutral description.
"It's said he's not actually that old, but looks ancient due to the side effects of some alchemical mishap. He behaves erratically most of the time."
"Then… I imagine he must have a strong desire to change his appearance?" Gu Qingli murmured, a spark of inspiration flickering in her eyes.
"Perhaps," Sikong Ran said, glancing at her with curiosity. "But he's a King-grade alchemist himself. If even he hasn't succeeded, it must not be so easy."
He studied her expression more closely.
"Qingli… Don't tell me you have a way?"
Gu Qingli did not answer.
"Brother He," she whispered to He Zhongyi. "I need a word with you."
Drawing close to his ear, she said softly, "Please inform the alchemist from the City Lord's Mansion that I may be able to help him change his appearance."
He Zhongyi shot her a startled glance, then nodded silently.
"What are you two whispering about?" Sikong Ran asked, visibly curious, his long, fox-like eyes gleaming with mischief.
"You'll find out soon enough," Gu Qingli replied with a cryptic smile, giving nothing away.
Down below, the bidding continued unabated. The common folk had already fallen silent, leaving the high-stakes duel to the occupants of the private suites.
The price of the pill had soared to eighty thousand gold coins, and still showed no sign of slowing. Yet one contender had begun to waver, clearly hesitant to offer another bid.
"Qingli, are you truly not going to bid?" Sikong Ran asked, nearly bursting with curiosity. "If the Li family wins this, it could be trouble for you!"