Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Auction Begins

The next morning, after finishing his meditation, Qi Xiao still found yesterday’s events too strange. He chose to remain in his room, quietly studying natural magic runes instead of venturing outside, and waited patiently in the inn for the auction to begin.

For a sorcerer, study always made time pass swiftly.

It wasn’t long before an attendant from the inn came to invite Qi Xiao to the auction. He did not see Maorian; instead, a stranger guided him toward the auction house.

Stepping into the grand hall, the first thing that caught Qi Xiao’s eye was an enormous chandelier. It was not a traditional crystal one, but rather made of countless small glass spheres, each filled with vibrant, multicolored liquids. As the light shone through these orbs, the entire hall was bathed in a dreamy array of colors.

These alchemical chandeliers rotated slowly, casting shifting lights over the tapestries and oil paintings on the walls. While Qi Xiao did not entirely appreciate this aesthetic, there was no denying that the chandelier lent a mystical and magical atmosphere to the event.

In the center of the hall stood a circular auction platform, surrounded by rows of refined seats. Led by the attendant, Qi Xiao made his way through the crowd toward a discreet side door, which opened onto a corridor leading to the private boxes.

Softly glowing sconces lined the corridor walls, illuminating the way ahead.

Soon, they arrived at a door decorated with patterns of violet and gold, which looked especially opulent. The attendant opened the door for Qi Xiao, revealing an interior of luxurious elegance.

Inside the box, artworks that Qi Xiao could not name but sensed were priceless hung upon the walls. The furnishings were exquisite, each detail exuding taste and extravagance. A wide one-way window offered a view of the entire auction hall, ensuring both privacy and comfort.

“Please relax here; the auction will begin shortly. If you need anything, simply ring for me,” the attendant said with a smile, then quietly withdrew.

Qi Xiao entered, settling himself on the sofa, anticipation stirring within him as he awaited the start of the auction.

As the event officially began, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense and electric. The low hum of conversation faded as every eye turned to the central stage.

A graceful witch took her place at the podium, clad in a unique robe of deep purple velvet, its edges embroidered with gold thread, and lace adorning the collar and cuffs.

She held a beautifully decorated wooden gavel, standing before the audience with a warm smile. As she saw all eyes upon her, she gently brought down the gavel.

The auctioneer was clearly a seasoned professional; her voice was soft yet compelling, easily stirring the crowd’s enthusiasm.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Parth Auction House.

Tonight, we will present to you a series of rare treasures. We hope you find them to your liking.”

Her words echoed through the hall, each syllable clear to every ear present.

As she finished, the first item was brought forward by an assistant, who placed it carefully upon the platform.

It was an ancient book, its cover made from some unknown leather, etched with strange symbols that lent it an enigmatic air.

“Esteemed guests, our first lot this evening is a rare ancient manuscript, dating back to the Middle Ages.

According to expert appraisal, it records at least two arcane spells from antiquity, as well as the insights of the sorcerer who penned it. The starting bid is 700 magic crystals, with each increment no less than 500.”

A hush fell across the hall, every gaze fixed upon the old book.

The bidders present were seasoned, discerning individuals. They understood well that such a manuscript might not only conceal historical secrets, but perhaps even lost ancient spells.

Yet, that did not necessarily guarantee high value. Though old, it was not ancient enough; most spells from the Middle Ages had not been lost, and those that were had usually been replaced by superior ones.

After a brief silence, an elderly warlock in a robe was the first to raise his paddle, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge.

Soon after, a young sorcerer in the back row swiftly followed suit, raising the price to 750 magic crystals.

The bidding quickly intensified, paddles rising and falling as the price climbed higher with each bid.

The bidders knew well that such a manuscript might hold secrets that could change their fate. The odds were slim, but they were willing to wager some magic crystals on the chance.

Qi Xiao too fixed his gaze on the ancient book, but felt no urge to bid. He was more interested in rare alchemical materials or manuscripts he had not yet seen.

As the price soared, some began to hesitate and withdrew, while the remaining bidders raised their paddles with renewed determination.

The auctioneer tapped her gavel lightly, each strike thickening the tension in the air.

At last, after fierce bidding, the price settled at 1,200 magic crystals.

The next few lots failed to pique Qi Xiao’s interest.

Soon, an assistant brought forth a transparent crystal vial containing a liquid that shimmered with seven colors.

“The next item is a masterpiece by the ‘Alchemist of Time,’ Lord Silam—the ‘Youth Reversal’ potion. It is said that upon application, this potion can restore one’s skin to youthful vitality and radiance.

This potion is one of Lord Silam’s research achievements. It is said that he himself is the best proof, having maintained a youthful appearance to this day.”

The auctioneer’s tone was both reverent and enticing. She gently shook the crystal vial so that all could witness the potion’s magic.

“The starting bid is 1,000 magic crystals. Let us begin.”

At her words, a murmur of excitement rippled through the hall.

Before long, a lady in the front row raised her paddle, her eyes bright with longing for youth.

“One thousand one hundred magic crystals!” Her voice was clear and resolute.

Listening to the buzz below, Qi Xiao observed the potion with keen interest.

He had heard of Temporal Alchemy, a new branch founded by the genius alchemist Silam. Unfortunately, Silam resided in the Southern Sorcerers’ Domain, and the craft required extensive study of time-based magical arts, making it rare beyond its birthplace.

Ultimately, Qi Xiao chose not to bid. Though Temporal Alchemy was rare, this particular potion was not. Even with the vast distance between the Northern and Southern Sorcerers’ Domains, it was still commonly traded; in other places, such a potion would fetch no more than a hundred magic crystals.

Moreover, Qi Xiao doubted its efficacy. Silam himself was a second-level True Knowledge sorcerer of the time discipline—his youthful looks likely owed little to his own potions. Qi Xiao suspected the potion could perhaps improve one’s complexion, but was unlikely to live up to its legendary claims.