Chapter 182 182: Intense Bidding War
At the top of the VIP room, Elara and Lyra watched the intense bidding war unfold before them. Elara\'s eyes widened as she recognized Alix, the very same person they had helped on the second floor. A mixture of surprise, admiration, and embarrassment washed over her, causing her cheeks to flush with a rosy hue.
Lyra, noticing Elara\'s reaction, nudged her gently with an amused smile. "Seems like our friend has become quite the sensation," she whispered, her voice filled with mischief.
Elara averted her gaze, feeling a mixture of shyness and pride. "I... I just did what anyone would do," she murmured, her voice tinged with modesty. "But I\'m glad we were able to help him that time."
Lyra chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, come on, Elara. Don\'t be so modest. You reached out your hand and helped him when he needed it most. It\'s only natural for him to feel grateful."
Elara\'s gaze fixed on Alix, who exuded a radiant good karma that seemed to envelop the room. She couldn\'t help but feel a sense of gratitude welling up within her. "He\'s radiating so much good karma, Lyra. It\'s no wonder I helped him without hesitation."
Lyra chuckled softly, understanding her friend\'s embarrassment. "Well, it seems like our kindness has come full circle. Perhaps we should go and congratulate him."
Elara hesitated for a moment, glancing at Alix once more. Then, mustering her courage, she reached out and gently squeezed Elara\'s hand. "You\'re right, Lyra." She looked at the stage, and they are still preparing the next item. "We still have time, Let\'s go and greet him."
Elara and Lyra made their way down to the bustling floor below. The crowd parted to make way for them, their gazes curious as they recognized the two women who had aided Alix earlier. As they approached, Elara couldn\'t help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. She hoped Alix would remember them.
Finally reaching Alix, Elara cleared her throat and spoke, her voice laced with a touch of shyness. "Congratulations, Alix. We\'re thrilled to see you win the bidding war."
Alix turned to face Elara, a spark of recognition flickering in his eyes. A warm smile spread across his face as he realized who was standing before him. "Ah, it\'s you, benefactor. Thank you for your help that day. I wouldn\'t have made it this far without you."
As Alix and Elara engaged in a heartfelt conversation, the people of the Azure Continent couldn\'t help but notice Elara\'s presence. Whispers began to spread throughout the hall, reaching the ears of the cultivators from the Azure Continent. They recognized Elara as a successor of Radiant Holy Land sect, one of the three big forces in the Azure Continent. Their eyes widened with a mix of surprise and respect, for Elara\'s reputation preceded her.
The leader of the middle-power forces, who had just engaged in a bidding war with Alix, felt the weight of pity settling upon him. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he realized the implications of his actions. He had unknowingly raised the price of the item far beyond its worth.
Whispers filled the air as curious gazes turned toward the leader. The comedic undertones of the situation were not lost on the cultivators, and stifled chuckles began to escape their lips. The pity in their eyes couldn\'t be concealed, despite their attempts to maintain composure.
One cultivator leaned toward his companion, unable to contain his amusement. "Look at him! The poor guy doesn\'t know what he\'s gotten himself into. He\'s sweating like a waterfall!"
His companion couldn\'t help but suppress a laugh, their eyes crinkling with mirth. "I bet he didn\'t expect Alix, a cultivator from the three kingdoms, to be acquainted with Elara. This is turning into quite the spectacle."
Elara, unaware of the comedic scene unfolding around her, focused her attention on Alix. As the whispers grew louder and more pronounced, Alix couldn\'t help but notice the diverted attention. He followed the gazes of the onlookers, only to find them fixed upon the leader of the middle-power forces.
Alix leaned toward Elara, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It seems your reputation precedes you, Elara. The Azure Continent can\'t help but be captivated by your presence. Even unintentionally, you have become the center of attention."
Elara\'s eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I... I didn\'t mean for this to happen. It\'s just a coincidence!"
Alix chuckled, finding amusement in the situation. "Well, it seems you have inadvertently made our bidding war even more entertaining."
Elara couldn\'t help but smile, realizing the comical turn of events. "I suppose I can\'t escape the influence of my sect, even in situations like this. It\'s quite a scene, isn\'t it?"
Alix nodded, a playful glimmer in his eyes. "Indeed, the Azure Continent is witnessing a unique blend of martial prowess, unexpected friendships, and unintentional bidding wars. It\'s safe to say this auction will be talked about for years to come."
As they continued their conversation, the auctioneer\'s voice boomed through the hall, commanding everyone\'s attention once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the stage as we present the third item of the night!"
Elara\'s eyes shimmered with excitement, aware that the auction was far from reaching its conclusion. "Then we will head back to the VIP room, Alix. The unveiling of the third item is imminent, and I don\'t wish to miss any further surprises."
Alix nodded in agreement, a glimmer of anticipation dancing in his eyes. "Certainly, Elara. And once more, I express my gratitude for your assistance that day."
Elara smiled warmly, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "You\'re welcome, Alix. It was my pleasure to help. I\'m glad our paths crossed, and I look forward to seeing what the rest of this auction has in store."
With a final exchange of farewells, Elara gracefully ascended into the air, her robes billowing behind her. She flew back to the VIP room, leaving Alix to rejoin his fellow cultivators in anticipation of the unveiling of the third item.
As Elara and Lyra returned to the VIP room, they resumed their positions overlooking the auction floor. The atmosphere in the room was buzzing with excitement, but as the auction progressed from the third item to the twentieth, the events became less dramatic.
The third item, a rare spirit stone, was sold at a starting bid of 15,000 soul coins. It garnered some attention, but the bidding was relatively subdued compared to the previous items. Cultivators recognized its value but seemed to be reserving their resources for more coveted treasures.
The fourth item, a set of rare medicinal herbs, caught the interest of a renowned healer, who eagerly added it to their collection.
The subsequent items ranged from powerful weapons and armor to rare cultivation manuals and artifacts with unique abilities. Though the bidding wasn\'t as intense as before, the atmosphere remained charged with anticipation. The fifth item, a celestial sword shimmering with ethereal light, went to a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect. The sixth item, a set of enchanted robes that enhanced defensive capabilities, found its new owner among the disciples of a renowned defensive sect.
The auction continued with a steady rhythm, showcasing a diverse array of treasures. Items seven to ten included a pair of mystical rings that increased elemental affinity, a sacred beast\'s essence that could strengthen one\'s spiritual connection with nature, a legendary pill that granted temporary insight into higher realms of cultivation, and an ancient scroll containing a lost martial art technique. Each item attracted the attention of specific factions and experts in their respective fields, resulting in spirited but controlled bidding.
As the auction progressed into the double digits, the prices climbed gradually. Cultivators with deep pockets and discerning tastes competed for items that offered rare cultivation opportunities and unique advantages. The fifteenth item, a crystal orb said to grant visions of the past, present, and future, was hotly contested by a group of divination experts. In the end, it was acquired by a mysterious figure clad in flowing robes, their face hidden behind a veil.
As the auction continued, items like magical artifacts, medicinal herbs, and cultivation resources were showcased. The competition remained fierce, but the bids seemed to stabilize around 25,000 to 28,000 soul coins.
Reaching the twentieth item, a set of ancient scriptures containing profound cultivation insights, the auction atmosphere intensified once again. This treasure held the potential to elevate a cultivator\'s comprehension and advance their cultivation realm. Bidding quickly escalated, with the final price reaching an impressive 40,000 soul coins.
Elara and Lyra observed the unfolding events with a mix of fascination and contemplation. It became clear that the VIP attendees held considerable wealth and resources, allowing them to compete for these rare items. The auctions provided a glimpse into the vast power and influence of the cultivators in the Azure Continent.
As the twentieth item was sold, Elara turned to Lyra with a thoughtful expression. "It\'s intriguing to witness the different aspects of cultivation being pursued by cultivators from various factions. Each item holds a unique significance in their cultivation paths."
Lyra nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Indeed, the pursuit of power and knowledge drives the cultivation world. These auctions serve as a platform for cultivators to obtain rare treasures and gain an edge in their journey."
Elara\'s gaze wandered back to the auction floor, contemplating the items yet to come. "I wonder what other surprises await us. The auctions have shown us the diversity of treasures available, and I\'m eager to see what lies ahead."
Lyra smiled, her voice filled with anticipation. "There\'s no doubt that the upcoming items will continue to captivate our attention. Let\'s stay vigilant and witness the unfolding of this remarkable cultivation world."
With renewed excitement, Elara and Lyra focused their attention on the stage once more, ready to embrace the next set of treasures that would soon be unveiled.