Chen Changqing tapped the armrest of his chair.
Whatever it was today.
He would have it.
After all, the Heaven-Stepping Ring had nothing else.
It was overflowing with spirit stones.
Half an hour later.
A clear bell chime rang throughout the entire venue.
The previously noisy hall fell silent in an instant.
An old man in red robes stepped onto the central auction platform.
His complexion was rosy, and his cultivation had astonishingly reached the late Spirit Transformation stage.
He swept his gaze around and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Nine Provinces Auction House."
"This old man is Qian Tong, and I have the honor of presiding over this auction."
"You all know the rules: the highest bidder wins, and no credit is allowed."
"If anyone dares cause trouble at the auction, the Nine Provinces Auction House's formations will not recognize friend from foe."
Qian Tong's words were courteous, yet they carried a powerful warning.
No one below the stage objected.
Qian Tong nodded in satisfaction.
"Without further nonsense."
"This auction officially begins."
He raised a hand.
A maid carrying a tray draped in red cloth stepped onto the stage.
Qian Tong lifted the red cloth.
Resting on the tray was a charred piece of wood.
Faint lightning flickered across its surface.
"The first auction item: Ten-Thousand-Year Tribulation Lightning Wood."
"This wood endured nine heavenly tribulations without being destroyed and contains pure lightning power within."
"Whether used to refine lightning-attribute magic treasures or to assist in cultivating lightning arts, it is an exceptionally rare treasure."
"The starting price is one hundred thousand top-grade spirit stones."
"Each raise must be no less than ten thousand."
The moment he finished speaking, someone below immediately made a bid.
"One hundred ten thousand."
"One hundred thirty thousand."
"One hundred