Tang Nuan considered how she should handle this matter. That flower could be incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. Yet she had known Guan Yue for decades. He would likely just put it in one of his private gardens.
Still, before she could decide, "Guan Yue, two things before I give my support. First, you will be responsible for that plant, including all the damage it might cause." She looked at him, imposing the seriousness of her words.
Guan Yue nodded "Should it cause disaster, I will atone as needed. I swear this to you and am willing to swear on my marital soul." he looked her in the eye as he made his promise.
Tang Nuan nodded her head. "Then, moving on to the second matter. How old is that flower, and how dangerous are its effects?" She was confident that he would know even if this was his first encounter.
Guan Yue spoke without hesitation or uncertainty. "Its age is determined by the number of flowers. It starts with a single one, gains a second at fifty years, and a third at one hundred years. The fourth only appears at five centuries, and the fifth at a millennium."
Tang Nuan remembered that the plant had four flowers at the moment. So it was at least five hundred years old.
Guan Yue continued. "Beyond that, one should look at the smallest flower. The newest flower is smaller, growing to match the sub-flowers with time. Another method is to see if a new bud has appeared for a more precise measurement," he recounted what he knew about it.
He turned to the flower, "That one should be seven hundred or so years old. It would be strong enough to affect the beasts of the century level and maybe Soul Grandmasters," he gave his assessment of its effects.
Tang Nuan nodded. "You will make use of your own resources for this one. I expect there will be items of interest. When we return, we will see if we can obtain reimbursement." Though she was unsure if they could. This did remove a plant from circulation.
Guan Yue turned to the auction, burning to get that flower. The current price had only just reached 2,000 coins. Using his soul power to project his offer of 3,000 Golden Soul Coins. Confident that this would be enough to scare some.
"Current bet is 3,000 Soul Coins," the auctioneer informed the crowd of prospective buyers.
Many found themselves surprised at such a massive increase. It had been increasing steadily but only by increments of a hundred. They found themselves considering if it was a reckless trick, or if there was a high spender.
"3,500 coins," a voice yelled with a counteroffer. With a large increase in the amount.
Guan Yue narrowed his eyes and "5,000," he spoke to the auctioneer. Such a sum was no matter to him, a Titled Douluo. Of course, if the plant was older. It would be far more, but so would the danger.
Several individuals immediately decided to step back. It was far too young for them to compete with such a big spender. It was just simply not worth it.
Still others would not so easily "surrender" to that price. "5,500 Golden Soul Coins," a voice yelled from the crowd with passion.
Another spoke in contestment of the previous offer, "5,800 coins." Called one of the crowd in contest. Even as his eyes filled with greed at the thought of such money. Already imagining his future bonus for this.
"7,000 Golden Soul Coins," Guan Yue simply increased the amount of his bid calmly. Waiting to see if he would need to do so again.
Several minutes passed without another offer. "The current bid is 7,000 Golden Soul Coins. Are there any further bids to be made?" she said, gaze looking at the crowd for any others. When none were forthcoming "the final bid then is 7,000 Golden Soul Coins for the Plant of Frenzy. Congratulations dear guest."
With that, the plant was taken away to be held until it was retrieved. Guan Yue had a rather happy face at the purchase. Already thinking of where to put it in his gardens.
The auction continued as they watched with interest. The next two objects were Soul Guides of some form. Perhaps Tang Yuan would have been interested before this trip. Yet he already had his hands so full with the spoils of war.
His mother placed a few frugal bets on them. Yet she did not pursue them over much either. Once they would have seemed impressive, but after what they had faced. The two simply seemed rather lacking now in comparison.
Then the fourth object was revealed to them all. "This is a tome once held by an ancient soul master. It is said he was merely a Soul Emperor, but showed abnormal ability by killing a Soul Sage. He was an alchemist and poison master of some skill."
Greed filled the air as gazes were drawn to this object. This was a legacy of all things. Something created by an individual of some skill. Who knew what might be in that book, it was a tantalizing thought. Even if it was tempered by the possibility of copies being likely.
"A poison master was he; I wonder how he compared to me." Dugu Bo wondered curious about this work. He decided to make a play at it himself. Perhaps it would have new poisons to create.
The auctioner continued "This book is the original, but several copies have been made of it. This original has parts that seem to be encoded heavily. Furthermore, parts of it are damaged making them illegible." She continued to admit to several issues with the work. Each one a critical issue diminishing its value.
"That being said." She began drawing everyone's new attention to her. "This is still a genuine legacy, a once-in-a-lifetime possibility. The starting amount is 20,000 Golden Soul Coins, increments of 1,000 alone." She said as the auction began.
"25,000 coins," one individual yelled from somewhere. Setting off a vast chain reaction of other bids.
"26,000 thousand." Another voice said.
"28,000 coins." Another voice interjected loudly.
In a matter of a minute or two, a dozen offers were made. The entire place was pushed into a frenzy of desire as the amount continued to increase steadily. 30, thousand, 34, thousand it just kept on increasing as they watched on. It truly was eye-opening on the sheer weight of that thing's cost.
Dugu Bo watched and considered things for a few moments. Then "53,000 Soul Coins" he projected to the auctioneer. His words like a snake's hiss almost filled with coldness.
The auctioneer steadied herself at the sound of that voice. "The current offer is 53,000 Golden Soul Coins." She announced to the crowd of vying soul masters.
A silence took the venue at that before it was quite a bit lower. Another major customer they immediately decided. Those who had been betting had mostly been poison soul masters. Now naught but a few tried to compete for this prize.
The betting continued between the few who still dared compete. Including those placed by the house itself discreetly. The price of the item continued to rise by the thousands with each bet.
Dugu Bo showed no worry as he continued to calmly make his bets. As the auction continued his competitors became less and less eager. Finally, he spoke "84,000 Golden Soul Coins." An increase of another five thousand.
As the auctioneer spoke the newest offer she looked around. It would seem that none other would be making a move now. She felt that her lips were dry at the thought of her percentage. "Final offer decided at 84,000 Golden Soul Coins." She spoke as the book was moved away to be taken up.
Then she turned to the crowd "With that we shall now move to the fifth item of this auction." She said
Another woman brought something a cushion with a sheet hiding it from view. Placing it on a stand on the stage it was very small whatever it was. Then the shroud was removed from the item, revealing it for all to see.
Tang Yuan couldn't quite see too well, but it seemed to be circular. But it was also hollow in the middle. Huh, it almost looked like a bracelet?
"Is that a bracelet, a storage bracelet?" Bibi Dong said voicing Tang Yuan's guess. Her voice also held what he felt, bewilderment at the sight.
Tang Yuan had long learned about storage guides. Taking multiple forms rings, bracelets, and belts most commonly. The number of storage spaces, and the size of said spaces often determine value. Thus most often belts are seen as the most desirable, but not always.
"Does it only have three storage spaces?" Tang Yuan noted as he tried to look at it. Yet this auction had already shown high-quality items. Would they lower their standard now, but the alternative was.
Tang Nuan glanced at the bracelet. "Either those three spaces are massive in size. Or that storage bracelet can store living things." She deduced what everyone now wondered.
If it had massive storage it would be one thing. But if instead it could store living things. That was sought after by many with a frenzy.
The auctioneer allowed the thoughts to build uninterrupted. As the air began to crackle with the question of this bracelet. Then after several minutes she decided it was time.
"As many of you honored patrons have no doubt surmised this is a storage bracelet. Then the question is what about it allows it to be here at our auction. Storage space or highly rare ability to store living things with no issue." Her words voiced the question everyone had and so desperately wanted answered.
She finally continued granting the sought-after answer: "Each space has 5 cubic meters of storage space, and the ability to store living things." It was like an explosion in everyone's minds as they gazed at it.
Tang Yuan noticed that their own party was not immune to that. Both Dugu Bo and Guan Yue showed some interest in that thing. The latter seemed especially fixated on the soul guide.
Dugu Bo looked at it with consideration; his Hundred Treasure Bag was already considerable. That item would be of use to him still, or perhaps his son. But on the other hand, he glanced at Guan Yue. That Chrysanthemum Guan would be after it with a frenzied want.
Guan Yue looked at the object with absolute want. Already, he imagined using it to carry his dear plants with him. To have his dearies wherever he went. It was always a dream of his, or to take other living plants in travels.
Then "such a rare storage device I need not say, is absolutely rare. Thus, this item will start at 30,000 Gold Soul Coins, with increasing increments of 1,000 minimum," she finished as she waited for the bids.
Guan Yue glanced at it with full yearning and decided to not hold back. He considered how much he could afford to spend then. "50,000 Golden Soul Coins." he projected to the auctioneer.
The auctioneer looked out at the crowd as she heard come offers. Then, hearing one offer she let out a calming breathing trying to keep calm. She gulped as she announced "The current bid is 50,000 Golden Soul Coins."
People let out breaths the amount itself wasn't shocking. This item was fully worth that amount. Yet to place such a massive bid at the very start.
The bidding back and forth continued on for several minutes. Some had pride not wanting to lose so easily, and others merely increased the price.
Guan Yue, continued to add large sums with each offer. Though not as much as the first instance. Determined to win that bracelet and make it his own. Until finally he spoke the final offer "73,000 Golden Soul Coins."
As the auctioneer repeated the offer, she waited for another. Yet no other spoke as she looked for any other. With a final nod, she spoke "The final offer is now 73,000 Golden Soul Coins, congratulations honored guest."
Guan Yue looked at the bracelet single-mindedly. He couldn't wait to have it with him. Even if he admitted to his own reckless spending, it was worth it.
After Senior Chrysantheum purchased the fifth item, the sixth came into play. Yet none amongst their group seemed interested in it. Tang Yuan found himself ambivalent as well to it.
Finally, the seventh and final item of the auction would be presented. Tang Yuan felt it as the temperature in the room began to slowly increase. It was if they had stepped outside, or a window had been opened somewhere.
"What is this?" Tang Yuan asked unsure of this sudden temperature change. What could cause this to happen? Whatever it was it must be something extremely valuable.
Tang Nuan's gaze on the stage grew more serious. This sudden temperature change, could it really be such a thing?
It was carefully brought onto the stage by several soul masters. Each of them in martial soul possession, with souls noticeably aligned to the element of fire. Even then they seemed to struggle with it heavily.
It was roughly circular in shape, the rocky edges very noticeable to all. As if ripped out of rock with a hammer and chisel. The edges of it were made rock is seemed, but most of its mass seemed to be crystal.
Said crystal was a fiery magma type of reddish-orange in color. The color seemed to change slightly as you gazed at it. As if it was a container for writhing magma or liquid flame. The center was the brightest color of orange, almost constant. It was beautiful in a rough natural form, as if looking at a burning flame.
Tang Yuan heard someone let out a breath. Turning his head, he gazed upon his mother's surprised expression. "Mom, what exactly is that crystal?" she certainly seemed to recognise it.
Tang Nuan glanced at her son, regaining her composure. To think they would have something like this here. "That is something I have read about. It's a Volcanic Flame Crystal, absolutely a top-tier treasure for any faction. Especially given how exceedingly rare it is to see them in an auction."
"How rare are they exactly?" Bibi Dong asked curiously fixated on the large crystal. It was absolutely beautiful in her opinion.
"They themselves aren't exactly rare, what's rare is to see them for sale." Dugu Bo voiced out loud to her question. There was something ominous in his words.
"Yes, Spirit Hall has several of them at the very least. Though I have never seen them myself." Tang Nuan acknowledged, while wondering how large those would be. Her element wasn't fire, so she had never looked.
"They have other purposes, but they will almost always be used for a single purpose. The creation of high-level mimicry training environments." Tang Nuan informed them, even as her own thoughts became jumbled.
Spirit Hall was incredibly powerful, with vast resources. Including dozens of mimicry environments for nearly every element. Yet the best of such environments pertained to light, and the second was fire.
Now this had appeared before them, she doubted it was a coincidence. Tang Nuan realized they brought this out to target them specifically. Meaning it was going to be expensive, perhaps equal to everything else, so far. Yet she could not let this chance slip, even given the likely bad history of this thing.
Tang Yuan turned to the other seniors. His mother was deep in thought, right now at the sight of it. "Why exactly is this so rare to appear in an auction?"
Dugu Bo glanced at the young boy. "They are only found in places of extreme temperature and flame: volcanoes, powerful soul beast graves, or other places of powerful flame". he told Tang Yuan bluntly.
"However, even that is not the primary reason why they are so rare to see. They are important parts of Fire attribute soul beast habits. More than once the removal of one has caused Beast Tides," he spoke even as he examined his memories for such an occurrence.
"Even drawing close to one can be dangerous. Most that Spirit Hall have were obtained by Titled Douluo, especially previous Grand Worships. Even then they all come from the Burning South, or that others took." Tang Nuan recalled what she knew about the matter.
This was troubling to think about. Either is came from a smaller region that would soon fall apart. A beast tide would become an eventuality in that case. Or it came from the Burning South, where it was more common.
Tang Nuan glanced at those with her. "I will bet on this item. Guan Yue, Gui Mei I ask that both of you support me as best you can." She requested of them both. The merit they could gain from this matter alone was substantial.
Both of them understood things well, nodding their heads. Now the three of them would combine their substantial resources. Hopefully it would be enough between them to obtain it.
On the stage, the auctioneer kept a distance from the item. "This shall be our final item as all know. The starting bid shall be 150,000 Golden Soul Coins with an increment of 10,000 coins with a minimum increase."
The price was absolutely obscene in sheer amount. How many could bring to bear such an amount of gold? Instantly half the present people admitted defeat, if only to themselves.
Even still, "160,000" declared one party immediately.
"170,000 coins," another brought forth in counter.
"190,000 coins," Tang Nuan countered for her own first bid. Already aware how fraught this might become.
"Father, is it worth that amount?" Dugu Xin asked with curiosity. Only having seen such an amount at Heaven Dou Auction House.
"The value of such an item is beyond mere money." Dugu Bu admitted to him. Noticing the other children looking at him with interest. "That thing could bring countless breakthroughs, nurture generations of talent."
A high-quality mimicry environment could transform a family or faction. The environment could become a key factor in cultivation. Dugu Bu knew this all too well, only that place allowed him to reach this level. That item on stage could be the difference between a Soul King and a Soul Emperor.
Tang Nuan continued to place bets "220,000 Golden Coins" She raised it once more. All the while, she tried to guess who her competitors were. Obviously, they were brought here by invitation, or rumor. The Two Empires, Fire Academy, the Great Sects, the Evil Soul Masters, and possibly unknowns.
"230,000 Soul Coins" the auctioneer calls out, another given bet.
Tang Nuan could smile wryly, "250,000 coins." Whoever else it was, they had ample resources.
The bidding back and forth continued onward until finally "370,000 Soul Coins going once, going twice. Then the final outcome is 370,000 Golden Soul Coins congratulations honored customer" the auctioneer finally spoke those words.
"With that, this auction is officially completed. Thank you all for your presence, and your purchases." She took a bow before stepping off stage, a slight skip in her step.
Tang Nuan let out a sigh of relief that it was finally done. Even as her heart continued to race slightly. It was the largest sum of money she had ever spent on a single item. As it was she blew through a good amount of their combined wealth.
Tang Yuan walked over and patted her shoulder. He honestly felt his head spinning from the sheer amount of money. Great powers in fantasy worlds really did have ridiculous wealth.
Tang Nuan smiled at the congratulatory touch. She had a happy smile on her face as she leaned back in her chair. "Now we have it, lets hope we manage to keep it." her words casual despite the implications.
Tang Yuan considered that, remembering the rule in this scenario. "Treasure invites greed from others. We have it, but others also want it." which meant they were now in danger as a result of that.
Guan Yue sighed in response to that. "Our hosts likely intend to take advantage of that if possible," he pointed out.
It meant their stay had just become all the more dangerous. At this point, each of them was basically a walking treasure bag. Even more considering what they had from the ruins and the ant nest.
Still, the seven of them prepared to retrieve their treasures. Until a knock sounded from the door.
As the door opened a woman stepped into the room. She bowed to them, "Greetings seniors. This one would ask you to follow me to your purchases. The lord has ordered a proper feast to be held at his manor."
Tang Nuan glanced at her compatriots before nodding, "Very well then." With that, the group followed the woman as she led them through the halls.
Minutes after the left another slipped inside the room. He immediately moved to a specific spot in the room. Retrieving what seemed to be a shell. It had been carefully placed as a normal decoration meant to be overlooked.
With the item retrieved, the man left the room in a hurry. Not aware of the "gaze" upon his form he made his way to the lord as quickly as possible.
Qian Daoliu opened his eyes from his silent contemplation. He turned to gaze upon those who had gathered. This day had long been planned, come failure or success.
He gazed at those who were present, all five Worship Elders, his son, and Tang Chen. Once more two others, both Titled Douluo of Spirit Hall. "Fifteen Ton Douluo, Falling Devil Douluo have both of you prepared." he solemnly asked them. Wanting to know if they had prepared for the worst.
Falling Devil Douluo stepped forward, "Grand Worship I have devoted my life to Spirit Hall. Even at worst, let my death also serve to better our home." he spoke with conviction ready to face possible death if necessary. After all, this would also be a major step forward.
Qian Daoliu nodded his head "Then you shall be the first in our Spirit Hall's history to attempt the creation of a Soul Core. Whether you succeed or fail, that will be forever recorded," he declared as he stepped to the side.
Falling Devil exchanged words with his brother. Exchanging a final brotherly hug as he stepped away. He stepped into his normal mimicry environment.
Finding the most ideal spot he stepped into a meditative pose. He began to draw the energy to himself. Ever since learning this technique he had created countless spheres. This time, though, was very different as he began to create the sphere inside himself.
Outside the room, those who had gathered observed him with their sense. Not willing to miss even a moment of the process. Ready to step in if necessary to save his life. None were certain if this would work at all, or if he would survive.
Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu carried an especially high interest in this. Both had found advancing forward like traversing an impassible mountain. This held a new path if someone could achieve results.
Yet this path also held risks a fact all of them had been made aware of. Qian Daoliu was aware of that fact. Each attempt might risk the life and future of a Titled Douluo. Such a cost was not to be taken lightly.
Golden Crocodile stepped forward, sensing his brother's worries. "Eldest Brother you need not worry so much. We are here to intervene if it comes to it. Even the head of the Ye family has been brought to the city," he reassured him.
Tang Chen stepped to his friend's other side. "Grandfather Crocodile makes good points, Brother Daoliu. Once more it is only natural to risk one's life in furthering our advancement."
Qian Daoliu sighed, "I know my friends, yet risking another's life." he would much prefer attempting it himself. Yet he also knew the value of his own life. Until his son stood where he did now he could not afford to be too reckless.
Thus the group continued to observe for hours as the process continued unabated. Each one of them made their own observations of the process.
Falling Devil Douluo continued his medication absorbing more and more power. Even as he struggled to compress the burgeoning Soul Core as much as possible. It was truly an extremely taxing process on all accounts.