"Hmm?" Gu Yuena tilted her head slightly, not fully understanding, and looked at Yun Ze as if to ask what he meant.
Sensing her gaze, Yun Ze lifted his eyes from the book and said calmly, "There are only five pills. What do you think the ones who fail to get them will do?"
"Those who fail…" Gu Yuena thought for a moment, then ventured, "Either they'll try to rob the winners, or they'll come to us directly to ask for more to be refined."
As she said this, she suddenly had a flash of realization. Her eyes widened and her voice rose a little:
"You mean… you want to use these Hundred-Year Life-Extension Pills to draw in those senators or top powerhouses, and then win them over?"
Yun Ze smiled faintly, lowering his gaze back to his book, his tone soft: "Something like that."
"Four years from now is the next federal election. Our goal is at least ten parliamentary seats. We'll also try to get Di Tian, Bear Lord, and Bi Ji into the Presidium. To achieve this, we'll need the military's backing and support from certain politicians."
"And the Hundred-Year Life-Extension Pill will be the key for the Dragon Phoenix Hall to win that support."
"But how can you be sure those people will support us just for a pill?" Gu Yuena asked curiously.
"The temptation of longer life to humans… is far greater than you imagine," Yun Ze said meaningfully.
While they spoke, the bidding climbed again—VIP Room Five offered 150 billion.
Gu Ming was equally determined to get this pill. He immediately added another ten billion, reasoning that with their 20% discount, even 120 billion was acceptable.
Inside VIP Room Seven, Le Zheng'en frowned deeply, his expression sour. The price was far beyond his expectations.
"Father, what do we do now?" Le Zhengming stepped forward, anxious. They had only prepared 150 billion in funds.
After a moment's hesitation, Le Zheng'en said in a low voice: "Bid 200 billion."
"But—" Le Zhengming started, but Le Zheng'en cut him off with a raised hand.
"With my reputation, owing fifty billion first is nothing. We secure the pill now. The money can come later."
The Le family's businesses spanned the entire southern continent. Two hundred billion was certainly within reach—it would just take some time.
"VIP Room Seven bids 200 billion!" Wanwan's voice was hoarse from strain, nearly failing her.
The hall erupted. Everyone turned to look toward Room Seven, and even the livestream audience was stunned. 200 billion?!
Qian Gu Dongfeng, Zang Xin, Yun Ming, Gu Ming—all frowned. To jump from 150 straight to 200 billion was a bold move, clearly showing Room Seven's determination to secure the first pill at all costs.
When Wanwan called for the first time, no one immediately followed. Some hesitated, struggling with the decision.
"VIP Room Seven, 200 billion! Is there a higher bid?" Wanwan tried to keep her voice calm.
Silence. The number was simply too high. A few in the VIP seats could still follow, but wavered, lost in internal conflict.
At last, one person gritted their teeth and pressed the bidding button.
"Guest No. 92 bids 201 billion."
The next instant, Wanwan's voice rang out again: "VIP Room Seven bids 210 billion."
Guest 92, unwilling to give up, pressed again—yet was immediately outdone. VIP Room Seven offered 220 billion.
This time, he stopped. He knew if he kept bidding, Room Seven would simply keep pushing higher.
"220 billion, going once. Any higher?" Wanwan asked for the second time.
The hall was silent. The other VIP rooms all fell quiet as well. Some of them could afford to continue, but after careful consideration, they gave up.
"220 billion, going twice." Wanwan's arm trembled as she raised the gavel.
"220 billion, sold! Congratulations to VIP Room Seven for winning the first Hundred-Year Life-Extension Pill!"
Golden light flared throughout the hall, converging on the window of Room Seven. On the soul-guide screen appeared the words: Congratulations to VIP Room Seven.
Inside, Le Zheng'en finally let out a long breath. He had been tense the entire time, afraid someone might continue bidding.
"Everyone, come with me." His voice carried barely contained excitement as he strode quickly out of the room.
"Please take a short break, everyone," Wanwan said. "Once Lord Yun Tian completes the transaction with the guests of Room Seven, the auction will continue."
Di Tian picked up the pill from the auction stage. Together with Wanwan, he left the hall for the backroom.
This pill was far too precious. To avoid accidents, the arrangement was simple: one pill sold, one pill traded immediately. The Dragon Phoenix Hall themselves would handle the exchange— the auction house dared not act as middleman for such stakes.
Backstage, in a luxurious room.
Le Zheng'en only brought Le Zhengming inside. The others waited outside.
Di Tian fixed Le Zheng'en with a steady gaze. This man was also an Ultimate Douluo— not quite Di Tian's equal, but close.
"This is the Hundred-Year Life-Extension Pill. I suggest you consume it immediately. That way you can be sure it's genuine." Di Tian extended the pill.
Le Zheng'en studied him, feeling even more pressure than he had from his own father.
He accepted the pill, opened it, and the fragrance alone filled him with comfort, an overwhelming urge to swallow it on the spot.
But he capped the bottle, shook his head, and said: "No need. I'll take it with me."
"With your strength, you wouldn't dare use a fake. And even if you did, my Southern Legion would reclaim justice. I'm not worried about getting a false pill."
His words were filled with confidence and authority. Put simply: anyone who dared cheat him would face the wrath of the entire Southern Legion.
Di Tian didn't care. He produced a federal top-tier savings card and said: "Begin the transfer."
This card had no transfer limit and no storage limit— specially issued to the Dragon Phoenix Hall by the auction house for convenience.
The room had its own transfer device. Insert both cards, and the transaction could begin.
At the mention of the transfer, a flicker of embarrassment crossed Le Zheng'en's face. He coughed lightly.
Le Zhengming immediately stepped forward respectfully: "Your Excellency, we only prepared 150 billion for now. May we transfer that first, and pay the remaining 70 billion later?"
Seeing Di Tian's expression darken, he quickly added: "Please rest assured, we will never default. Within three days, we will settle the balance."
"We are the Sacred Angel Family of the Southern Legion. Our word is our bond—we have never once reneged on a debt."
"Lord Yun Tian, the Angel Family is the largest in the South, famed for their integrity. They have never once been dishonest," the auction master chimed in deferentially, terrified of offending either side.