Fierce Bidding

"Elder Li, please."

Li Fengheng bowed slightly and stood to one side of the stairs, making way for them.

Li Mubai nodded, then went down the stairs and headed straight for the center of the hall.

"Young Master Li."

"Mother," who was also the proprietress of Drunken Fragrance House, was standing in the hall, giving Li Mubai flirtatious glances with an extremely ambiguous expression. Despite this, everyone could still see the deep respect in her eyes.

This scene immediately made the business tycoons seated in the hall uneasy.

All eyes were focused on Li Mubai, who was walking towards the center of the hall.

Who is this?

Even Li Fengheng of the Sili Trading Company was so respectful?

So young, could he be a viscount from some noble family?

Or perhaps, he is a disciple of a Soul Grandmaster?

Wang Fuhai's temples were gray, his eyes were slightly narrowed, and his aged eyes were full of depth.

Though old in age, one's heart remains young.

This patriarch of the Wang Family was a legend in his youth.

Starting from scratch, from nothing, he built the Wang family into a dominant force in the business world.

At this moment, though his face was expressionless, his heart, as deep as an abyss, had already etched Li Mubai's image into it.

Other business tycoons were doing the same, all wondering in their hearts about Li Mubai's identity.

A high platform in the center of the hall.

This place, originally intended for dancers to perform and play music, has now been used by Li Mubai as a lecture platform.

"Gentlemen, let me introduce myself first."

Li Mubai looked down at the crowd below, a slight smile on his face.

His voice drew everyone in the hall, from business tycoons to tea girls.

After achieving the Titled Douluo, his appearance became no different from that of a young man in his early twenties.

This smile further accentuated his youthful and energetic demeanor.

This made many girls below drool.

"My surname is Li, and my given name is Mubai."

As soon as Li Mubai uttered those words, the same answer immediately came to mind for the several bigwigs present.

Could this person be a relative of Li Fengheng, also from the Li Clan of the Heaven Dou Empire?

Everyone had already inquired about Li Fengheng's family background.

The other party comes from the Li Clan the Heaven Dou Empire, a truly prestigious and upright family.

It is precisely because of this that Li Fengheng has been able to thrive in the business world and achieve such success in a short period of time.

Li Mubai's immediate introduction of himself as surnamed Li led everyone to misunderstand.

Many people cast questioning glances at Li Fengheng.

Li Fengheng simply shook his head with a forced smile.

He wanted to too!

If Li Mubai really is a member of the Li Clan, then everything will be fine, and he won't need to work so hard running his business here anymore.

With Titled Douluo backing you up, why bother with the hard work of doing business?

Wouldn't it be better for the entire clan to pursue the path of Soul Master?

Even if the clansmen don't have the talent of Soul Master, with a big guy to hold them up, they're not afraid of anything even if the sky falls.

While everyone was secretly speculating...

On stage.

Li Mubai's voice rang out again. "As for my identity, I believe everyone is already familiar with it. The Spirit Hall has a new elder, and I don't need to say more; I believe you all understand."

The new elder of the Spirit Hall!

Upon hearing these words, everyone felt a tremor in their hearts, their bodies shook, and a look of horror appeared in their eyes.

Fortunately, everyone present was a worldly person, so they didn't make a big fuss, stand up in surprise, or do anything inappropriate. Their expressions changed slightly, but they quickly returned to normal.

That's how it appears on the surface.

Yet, in everyone's hearts, the vast ocean still surged with towering waves.

The portly middle-aged businessman, in particular, showed a slight change in expression.

He was filled with regret at that moment.

He regretted making any rash comments about it; he had previously mocked the matter.

Unexpectedly, this was proposed by a titled elder of the Spirit Hall.

If he had known beforehand, he wouldn't have dared to say those things!

Exporting information will offend people.

Isn't this a complete vengeful spirit?

"Mr. Li invited everyone here today because there is an important matter. Or rather, it is something that will benefit everyone."

Li Mubai looked down, his smile undiminished.

"Please enlighten me, Elder Li."

Below the stage, a merchant dressed in a blue robe asked in a respectful tone.

Everyone glanced at him and immediately recognized him as the head of the Zhao Family.

The Zhao Family.

This is a behemoth from the Star Luo Empire, which almost monopolizes an entire industry chain within the Star Luo Empire. Its foundation is terrifying, and it is in no way inferior to Li Fengheng's Sili Trading Company.

Li Mubai nodded and, with a faint smile, explained the new city construction plan to everyone.

The audience listened attentively.

A long time...

"So, the construction of the new city requires our contribution?"

Wang Fuhai, the head of the Wang Family, slightly twitched his lips and asked a question.

"No," Li Mubai shook his head:

"To be precise, it shouldn't be that you and others need to contribute your efforts. Rather, the construction of the new city will bring enormous benefits to everyone."

Li Mubai answered the old man's questions with a serious expression.

These words were addressed not only to the head of the Wang Family, but also to everyone present.

Li Mubai knew that if there was no profit to be made, these people present would definitely not invest in the new city. If they didn't invest, how could he fulfill his promise to Bibi Dong?

He really made a fool of himself.

We should at least squeeze six million gold coins out of these people, right?

"May I ask Elder Li, where does the potential profit lie?"

The Wang Family patriarch did not show any deference to Li Mubai just because Li Mubai was an elder of the Spirit Hall. On the contrary, he had given this matter a lot of thought. If Li Mubai could not explain the pros and cons involved, he would never allow himself to be manipulated so easily!

Upon hearing this...

Li Mubai suddenly smiled, then turned his gaze to Li Fengheng: "Mr. Li, I'll trouble you to explain this matter to them in detail."

Li Fengheng originally wanted to establish a good relationship with the Spirit Hall.

Hearing Li Mubai's words again, he was overjoyed. Now was the time to show his skills.

If he handles this matter well, he will definitely have a place in the Spirit Hall.

Perhaps by leveraging the influence of the Spirit Hall, they could further expand the Sili Trading Company.

He couldn't wait for more of these good things to happen to him.

Li Fengheng walked briskly and excitedly onto the stage, then explained the advantages of investing in Xincheng to the group of bigwigs.

He was clear-headed, spoke clearly and logically, and quickly finished recounting the matter.

Then the bigwigs in the audience began to ask all sorts of tricky questions.

Although these questions seemed tricky and difficult to answer to Li Mubai, Li Fengheng resolved them all with just a few words, leaving the business figures quite satisfied.

Li Mubai, standing to the side, couldn't help but secretly admire him, thinking that it was more reliable to leave professional matters to professionals.

Do you have any further questions?

On stage.

Li Fengheng looked at the group of business tycoons below with a warm expression and asked.

Faced with Li Fengheng's question, everyone shook their heads, indicating that they generally understood.

"Alright. In that case, Elder Li, you may preside over the proceedings from now on."

Li Fengheng looked at the young figure standing at the edge of the stage and said respectfully.

Thank you.

Li Mubai nodded and gave Li Fengheng a grateful look.

"Not at all, it's my honor."

Li Fengheng said something modestly, then went straight off the stage and casually chose a seat near the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, next up is the land auction."

Li Mubai smiled broadly, then looked at the Demon Bear.

The audience.

Just as he was getting bored, the Demon Bear caught a glimpse of Li Mubai's gesture out of the corner of his eye, and with a leap, jumped onto the stage, standing side by side with Li Mubai.

"Everyone, this is my good friend, and also an elder of the Spirit Hall, known as the Demon Bear."

After Li Mubai finished his introduction, the Demon Bear chuckled and waved to the people below.

Greetings, everyone.

My name is Demon Bear, and I am an elder of the Elder Hall.

The Pope attaches great importance to the new city construction plan, so he sent me here to assist Old Li in handling the matter.

I hope everyone here will offer their support in this matter.

As long as you provide strong support, you are Old Bear friends.

If you encounter any difficulties in the future, as long as you don't go against your conscience or violate the rules of the Spirit Hall, I will do my best to help you.

Okay, I'm done talking.

Who's in favor, and who's opposed?

Please cast your vote.

This sudden, shrewd remark immediately silenced the whispers that had been filling the room.

Since no one is saying anything, I'll assume everyone has made that assumption.

After a while, seeing that no one spoke, the Demon Bear nodded in satisfaction, the tense muscles on his face disappeared, and he returned to his honest and kind self.

Immediately afterwards.

At Li Mubai's signal, the Demon Bear took out a huge new city planning map from a spatial Soul Tool. The two of them each held one end and unfurled the scroll.

The vivid notes on it divide the whole piece of land into small sections.

These small, divided plots are the land parcels to be auctioned off.

After explaining the map, Li Mubai pointed to the largest image. "This is a commercial district, covering 800 acres. Once completed, the bidders will have a 50-year usage right. The starting price for this land is... one million Gold Soul Coin."

Li Mubai looked down as he spoke.

The crowd below exchanged bewildered glances, none of them wanting to set a precedent, or rather, everyone was waiting for someone to make the first move.

The courtesans standing to the side trembled when Li Mubai called out the price.

Li Fengheng, who was sitting closest to the stage, smiled inwardly as he saw that no one was moved.

Despite the high starting price of this land, coupled with the need for self-investment in construction, the total cost for the switchboard will be at least three million.

Even so, it's still well worth it.

Once this commercial street is completed and successfully rented out, the annual income it generates will definitely be no less than 500,000!

Furthermore, the usage rights are for fifty years!

In other words, this completed commercial street will generate at least 25 million in revenue!

This is without considering rent increases; if rent increases were included, the income would be unimaginable.

Most importantly, after investing in and buying this land, they can also establish some contact with the Spirit Hall.

This kind of deal is incredibly cost-effective!

"Long hair, short brains, no wonder I rose to prominence in just a few decades..." Li Fengheng silently mocked the crowd before speaking in the otherwise silent environment:

"Sili Trading Company contributed one million."

His calm accent suddenly rang out in the quiet hall, attracting the attention of the group of businessmen.

Then he saw Li Fengheng extend his hand and raise one finger.

Has Li Fengheng gone mad?

Whether this new city can actually make money is still debatable, yet he dares to invest so blatantly.

Aren't you afraid of losing money?

Or is it...?

"He and these two elders from the Spirit Hall are in cahoots, deliberately setting a trap to deceive us?"

The Wang Family patriarch's gaze was deep and thoughtful.

The other business tycoons also remained silent.

They were baffled by Li Fengheng's actions and wondered if it was a trap, a scheme set for them, or perhaps a trap to ensnare them.

Everyone gave the Demon Bear a deep look.

This dark-skinned man gave them the impression of a rough and unruly bandit; they figured they wouldn't get away with this without paying him off.

However.

Just then...

Another voice suddenly rang out.

"Brother Li, although we have a cooperative relationship, my Zhou Family also wants a piece of this lucrative opportunity!"

The speaker is Zhou Dahai, the representative of the Zhou Clan.

He has a collaborative relationship with Li Fengheng.

"It's alright, Brother Zhou. These things are for the capable to get. Our relationship will remain the same as before," Li Fengheng said with a smile.

He had anticipated this outcome.

Zhou Dahai smiled slightly upon hearing this, then looked at Li Mubai on the stage and held up two fingers. "The Zhou Clan, two million."

Upon hearing this statement...

Whether it was the patriarch of the Wangshi Clan or the person in charge of the Zhao Family, they all looked surprised.

It's just a piece of land, how could it be worth two million?!

Not to mention.

After buying this land, further investment is needed to develop the vacant land into a commercial street. With such an investment, even three million might not be enough.

Three million.

For the business tycoons present, while it's not an astronomical figure, it's not a small amount either.

Even if this money is lost, it won't be a major financial blow, but it will still be a significant loss.

This does not align with the principle of prioritizing business interests.

If only one person is increasing their investment, others might think it's a trap.

But now.

With two business titans bidding, it naturally stirred up ulterior motives in the minds of others.

Could this investment really be profitable?

This is a question that everyone is currently pondering.

"Three million." While others were still observing, Li Fengheng raised the price again, directly raising the price of the land to a new level.

The courtesans who stood serving tea and water were deeply moved.

It's unbelievable that such a small piece of land can be so expensive!

"Brother Li is very generous," Zhou Dahai said in a complimentary tone.

In response to this...

Li Fengheng just smiled.

"Three million once... three million twice... three million,"

Just as Li Mubai was about to say "deal"...

Zhou Dahai, who was sitting down, gritted his teeth, a resolute look on his face, and then shouted loudly, "Four million!"

After shouting those words, he looked at Li Fengheng to see if the other party intended to raise the price further.

Four million.

This is his absolute limit; he won't invest any more than that, as it would limit his potential profits.

"Since Brother Zhou is so determined to have it, then I, Li, have no choice but to reluctantly part with it and do him a favor."

Li Fengheng and Shandao.

Actually.

He also realized that this was Zhou Dahai's limit, which is why he didn't raise the price further.

As for this land?

He didn't really want it, because Li Mubai had already reserved a more profitable piece of land for him.