NOVEL NEXT The Nearly Maddened Han Feng
"Twenty million gold coins!"
Han Feng was the first to bid, his voice echoing through the hall. He added a veiled threat, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have my eye on this technique. If you know what's good for you, I promise substantial rewards. Anything you want from me, I won't charge, and I'll even provide compensation that will satisfy you."
Under normal circumstances, such a promise from a Tier 6 alchemist would be highly tempting. But this situation was different. The temptation of the Flame Mantra was too strong. After all, whoever managed to get their hands on this technique might be able to reach the legendary Dou God realm. Greed clouded everyone's judgment.
"Forty million!"
"Fifty million gold coins!"
With each increase in the bid, Han Feng's rage grew. These fools, blinded by greed, really thought money alone could secure this technique over him! They seemed to forget that he was accompanied by allies here for the same auction, and together, they had an overwhelming advantage.
However, Han Feng overestimated the loyalty of his Black-Corner Region companions. With the allure of this extraordinary technique, even those who had supported him turned into competitors, eager to seize the opportunity to elevate themselves to Dou God, regardless of the consequences of offending a Tier 6 alchemist.
"You...you ungrateful bastards!" Han Feng's eyes narrowed in fury. "Don't ever think about asking me to refine pills for you again!"
"Eighty million gold coins!"
Han Feng was losing his mind. This was his chance, and he was determined not to let it slip away. He was willing to spend every last gold coin to secure the Flame Mantra.
Xiao Yan turned to Yao Lao, his face heavy with concern. "Teacher, what should we do?"
Yao Lao sighed deeply. "We have no chance. Our financial power is nothing compared to that traitor's. The Flame Mantra will end up in his hands."
"It's surprising that the Heaven Ascending Pavilion even knows the value of the Flame Mantra and is willing to auction it. Who exactly is this Li Xiao?"
"Teacher, have you never heard of Pavilion Master Li before?"
Yao Lao shook his head. "Never. Even back on Central Plains, I've never come across his name. He's not from any of the big clans, yet the items he auctions surpass what the big clans can offer."
"The mystery behind the Heaven Ascending Pavilion just deepens."
As a respected Medicine Sovereign, Yao Lao was filled with a sense of resignation. It seemed Han Feng would indeed get his hands on the Flame Mantra this time.
All the people in the hall seemed to share the same thought, except for one person. Protector Wu wasn't going to let Han Feng get the Flame Mantra so easily. He had his eyes on the prize too.
"One hundred million gold coins!"
Hearing the sky-high bid, Han Feng's face twisted with madness. "Protector Wu, what do you want? Just let go of the Flame Mantra, and I'll do anything—even be your servant!"
The guardian sneered, "Han Feng, I've told you, no one can take what the Hall of Souls wants. If you know what's good for you, give up now, or face the consequences."
"Impossible!" Han Feng roared. He had betrayed his master for the Flame Mantra, and now that it was within reach again, he would not let it slip away, even if it meant crossing paths with the Hall of Soul.
"One hundred and fifty million gold coins!"
Han Feng's eyes were wild as he pulled out numerous high-level pill recipes from his storage ring, each worth millions. His desperation was naked to see. He bared his teeth, practically frothing with rage. "No matter how high you bid, I, the Medicine Emperor, will always outbid you by ten million!"
"Impudent!"
The guardian slammed his hand on the table, his eyes flaring with anger. "Han Feng, you dare!"
The serene voice of Ya Fei interjected, "Gentlemen, remember that everything within the Heaven Ascending Pavilion belongs to the Pavilion Master. Any damage has to be compensated ten times its original value."
Hearing this, the guardian hesitated. He had been about to throw his cup at Han Feng but stopped midway. "Consider yourself lucky for now."
"This Flame Mantra is mine!" Han Feng's voice was hoarse from shouting.
The surrounding powers looked at Han Feng with disdain. Was this the famous Medicine Emperor? His desperation and lack of decorum were on full display.
As the price soared to an astronomical height, Protector Wu, realizing his funds were insufficient, turned to Ya Fei.
"Miss Ya Fei, as a protector of the Soul Hall, may I request credit?"
The Hall of Souls' influence was immense and far reaching. Few dared to offend them. He was confident that his request would be granted.
But Niu Meng, standing beside Ya Fei, coldly replied, "If you don't have the money, get lost! The Heaven Ascending Pavilion does not offer credit!"
The guardian's expression shifted dramatically. He hadn't expected outright rejection. Did they not fear offending the Hall of Souls?
"Sir, I assure you, within a year, I will repay everything with interest. You do not want to incur the wrath of the Hall of Souls. Be wise..."
Before he could finish, a wave of frigid air enveloped him.
The guardian turned to see an ice arrow aimed at his head, the same one that had killed the Blood Ghost Elder.
"If you continue to spout nonsense, your head will join his," came the cold voice of Lian Xue.
Protector Wu's clothes were soaked in sweat. The sense of helplessness in the face of that ice arrow was overwhelming. He could do nothing but sit back down, trembling.
Lian Xue, with a flick of her fingers, made the ice arrow disappear. Negotiating with the Heaven Ascending Pavilion was futile. Trying to flaunt the Hall of Souls' reputation here was nothing short of suicidal. Even if Hun Tiandi, the Hun Clan's head, came here in person, he would be treated all the same.
Han Feng slumped back into his chair, finally relieved that no one else was bidding. Obtaining the Flame Mantra was his obsession. He would do anything regardless of the price to win this technique. For him, even if there were stronger techniques than this one, the Flame Mantra was irreplaceable.