The second auction

"Steward Zhu! Accept it and put it up for auction tonight!"

"My lord..."

"Hmm?"

"Yes, my lord."

Zhu Huai lowered his head in grievance, then turned and closed the wooden box.

But the look he gave the young man was just like that of an abandoned, resentful wife.

The young man's scalp prickled a little.

He had come precisely because he had heard that the Profound Heaven Auction House had auctioned off a Hundred-Refined Saber last night-and for two spirit stones, no less!

Spirit stones-this young man had never even seen one!

In his world, all he ever handled was ordinary currency.

So, after hearing that even a Hundred-Refined Saber had sold at auction, he had brought his newly forged iron sword to try his luck.

He had never expected them to actually accept it!

Soon.

A maid led him to a side room to fill out some records.

Next.

Gu Fan followed Zhu Huai to the room where the auction items were stored.

Inside this spacious room, secured by layer upon layer of protective measures, Gu Fan saw the eight items prepared earlier.

And he finally understood why Zhu Huai looked so mournful.

Because... at a glance, most of these auction items were ordinary objects!

There were even red milk fruits, which Gu Fan had often eaten as snacks!

These were ordinary fruits, widely popular and well-known throughout the Great Qian Dynasty for their delicious flesh.

"My lord, this really won't do."

Zhu Huai was practically on the verge of crying aloud.

No one knew the despair in his heart. Guangyang City's foremost auction house was actually auctioning off mundane goods. This was simply the greatest joke under heaven!

Gu Fan had no way to comfort him.

He could only pretend to be expressionless, as though he were deeply solemn.

Although he was somewhat disappointed with these items himself, what could he hope for in a small city?

Having something... was better than having nothing!

At least his system could still return rewards. As long as the items sold, that was a victory!

However.

Gu Fan was still somewhat puzzled.

"Steward Zhu, why is everything brought in today mundane?"

Logically speaking, auctioning off a second-tier magical treasure last night should have made the Profound Heaven Auction House quite a name in Guangyang City.

And because of that fame, those who possessed treasures should have immediately set their sights on the Profound Heaven Auction House.

Why had everything turned out to be ordinary goods?

He was completely lost in a fog.

"My lord, everyone outside is saying... that the Profound Heaven Auction House can auction off mundane goods, and even trade them for spirit stones, so... some people have tried bringing ordinary things here to auction..."

"There were even more people loitering outside this morning. If the Profound Heaven Auction House hadn't looked so lavish... they probably would all have rushed inside!"

At this point.

Zhu Huai was gritting his teeth.

Gu Fan stroked his chin thoughtfully.

His guess was that someone was stirring up trouble, sending people to spread this news all over Guangyang City.

Besides, something like this naturally lent itself to gossip. As ordinary people spread it from one to ten, then ten to a hundred, the whole city naturally came to know.

"Heh..."

At that thought, Gu Fan could not help but sneer.

The mastermind behind this must have wanted to use this trick to damage the Profound Heaven Auction House's reputation.

But... little did they know that they were spreading its name instead!

Who were the most numerous people in Guangyang City?

Ordinary people, of course!

Now that they all knew about the Profound Heaven Auction House, if outsiders asked them in the future, these people would naturally mention it!

Moreover.

News of last night's auction of a second-tier magical treasure must also have spread among the cultivators.

That being the case, the Profound Heaven Auction House's fame must already have left the other two auction houses far behind!

However he thought it over, Gu Fan felt the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

So he gave it no further thought.

Aside from some mundane goods, this auction naturally had some "good stuff" too!

For example, the snake in the corner, hissing as it flicked out its tongue.

A first-tier, low-grade demonic beast-a black snake!

Besides the black snake, there was also an incomplete sword manual.

The auction house's appraiser surmised that, when complete, this sword manual must have been a martial technique of the second tier or higher!

As for its exact grade, Guangyang City's appraisers could not determine that yet.

But even so.

This incomplete sword manual still possessed the power of a first-tier, middle-grade sword technique!

First-tier, middle-grade!

Gu Fan finally revealed a satisfied smile.

Even in the three great Lineages, only figures such as elders cultivated martial techniques like this one.

That alone showed how precious it was!

"Use this incomplete sword manual as the opening item."

Gu Fan settled the matter.

By using the incomplete sword manual to open the auction, he also hoped to start things off with a bang!

"Yes, my lord."

Zhu Huai answered listlessly.

The night was black as ink.

The Profound Heaven Auction House's second auction arrived as scheduled.

Outside the entrance.

Heads thronged together as people streamed into the auction house.

Only when the figures outside had grown sparse did the leading figures of Guangyang City's various major powers leisurely arrive.

Originally, they had not wanted to come.

As heads of major powers, they were incredibly busy every day and still had to set aside time to cultivate.

But.

Whenever they thought of last night's Scarlet Flame Saber, their hearts itched unbearably, and they ultimately came.

It would only take two hours anyway. If Auction Master Gu from the royal capital tossed out another treasure, wouldn't they suffer a huge loss by not coming?

Just like that.

The auction house soon bustled with activity again.

Compared with last night, today's auction was less grand, but its attendance was even greater!

All sorts of discussions drifted into his ears from time to time.

Seated in the place of honor, Gu Fan had heard so much that his ears were practically growing calluses.

"Auction Master Gu! We've come to trouble you again today."

The city lord of Guangyang City approached with the heads of several great Lineages and cupped his hands in greeting.

Gu Fan glanced briefly at the people behind the city lord, and the corners of his mouth immediately lifted.

Compared with yesterday.

Although these Lineage heads were all smiles, the respect in their eyes had vanished.

They had probably decided he was no great figure, and so had abandoned their little schemes to attach themselves to him.

Still, these were minor details. Gu Fan smiled politely, then cupped his hands and exchanged pleasantries with them.

Before long.

The city lord led the Lineage heads back to their seats.

Soon.

The Profound Heaven Auction House's second auction... began!