"This… this is a heavenly-born immortal herb!!"
The old man who had initially planned to let his attendants escort Yuchen away suddenly stiffened. His gaze locked on the glimmering azure herb nestled in the jade box. His pupils constricted sharply!
The platinum-tier Soul Guidance Card in his hand slipped silently to the floor, his excitement overwhelming his composure.
The elixirs from the core regions of the Star Dou Great Forest or the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—such divine-grade treasures—were legends, their existence known even across the Three Great Empires.
No matter the type of immortal herb, the value of even a single leaf or petal could shake an empire's economy.
Just from the spiritual fragrance emanating from the jade box alone, he could tell that the herb Yuchen now revealed wasn't just rare—it was miraculous.
"Senior is discerning indeed. This item is called the Pandan Seven Star Flower. Once refined and ingested, it significantly accelerates a soul master's cultivation, especially during bottleneck periods."
Yuchen gave a slight nod, holding the jade box with practiced ease, and calmly introduced the treasure in his possession.
This was but one of the many herbs Old Poison Douluo had granted him—further enhanced by the All Things Evolve divine selection skill. Now, Yuchen's soul tool storage contained a collection of legendary herbs.
The Pandan Seven Star Flower he brought out was merely one of the lesser-tier herbs in his inventory—yet its aura already stunned the onlookers.
"Brother Chen, you're too modest! You call that casual? That's a top-tier spiritual treasure!"
"Indeed! To have your vision and generosity, Brother Chen—few in the continent can match it!"
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the rest of the Shrek companions, flanking Yuchen, grinned and voiced their admiration. They had personally benefited from even more potent herbs the previous day, so their shock was minimal—but their respect was sincere.
"What is that scent? Just opening the box, I feel my soul trembling!"
"Elixir! That's an elixir!! I've seen descriptions in ancient tomes! Only gods and titled Douluo qualify to possess such items!"
"If that's truly an immortal herb... then I don't have enough gold soul coins! I must return home and liquidate my treasury!"
——
A commotion erupted at the opposite entrance. Numerous visitors to the auction had spotted the radiant jade box in Yuchen's hand, and astonishment dawned across their faces.
Though most of them had never seen an immortal herb, a few well-versed nobles and spirit scholars recognized its unique radiance and fragrance.
One person's recognition sparked a ripple of awareness—soon followed by rising whispers and frenzied excitement. Some even abandoned their place in line and rushed out to gather more gold soul coins.
Naturally, envy emerged too. A few predatory gazes locked onto the herb Yuchen held—eyes brimming with greed.
After all, to commoners or even lower-ranking spirit masters, a single immortal herb might grant them the leap to break into Spirit Ancestor or even Spirit King ranks.
Even if it couldn't aid them directly, its medicinal properties could heal old injuries, purge toxins, or extend one's lifespan. It was a true heaven-bestowed miracle.
"I cannot properly estimate the value of this herb," the old auction steward finally whispered, voice reverent.
"But this treasure qualifies your group for the Diamond-tier VIP Pavilion. Please—follow me!"
Amidst the crowd's clamor, the steward bowed respectfully and carefully closed the jade box containing the herb, reverently placing it in a protective spirit-sealed case. Then, with trembling hands, he presented Yuchen with the auction house's highest-level Soul Guidance access card—the Diamond VIP Card.
"Thank you, senior."
Yuchen accepted the card with quiet composure. With his team, he proceeded into the grand Soto City Auction Hall.
——
The interior of the auction house was lavishly appointed. Intricate carvings, glowing spirit lamps, and tiered seating wrapped around a massive central platform—clearly meant for high-profile sales.
The stage had auxiliary platforms around it, likely used for showcasing high-tier artifacts or live demonstrations of spirit tools.
Most notable were the segregated seating zones: commoners, nobles, platinum members, and—rarest of all—diamond-tier VIPs. The closer one sat to the center, the greater their influence and wealth.
The diamond tier offered private booths on the second floor—discreet, secure, and optimized for observing without drawing attention. Just as Yuchen's team approached their assigned box, the din of lively gossip filtered in from below.
"There are so many elites at today's auction. I must find a way to connect with one!"
"Yes! I counted at least three platinum booths already. If I catch the eye of just one noble heir, I'll never have to worry again!"
As Yuchen and his group passed two overly dressed and overly made-up receptionists near the entrance, their whispered conversation halted.
"Good afternoon," said Yu Xiaogang, stepping forward with a polite nod.
"Greetings, sir. Please present your VIP credentials," the two receptionists said with forced smiles. But their eyes held poorly masked disdain—they clearly assumed this group belonged to the lower tiers.
With a flick of his wrist, Yuchen retrieved the Diamond VIP Card from his soul tool and held it out.
"…"
"D-Diamond VIP?!"
"Honored guests! Right this way, please!"
One of the receptionists accepted the card with trembling fingers, her smile suddenly radiant. The other quickly composed herself, and both began leading the group with utmost deference.
A Diamond-tier Card signified spending authority of no less than one million gold soul coins. To the staff here, securing favor from such clients could change their careers forever.
Moments ago, they had dismissed the group as unremarkable. Now, they were fawning servants.
Yu Xiaogang and Yuchen paid them no heed. They followed quietly, eyes forward, uninterested in such superficial flattery.
They had long since learned: those who fawned today would just as quickly scorn tomorrow.
"Wait… those people were diamond VIPs?!"
"By the heavens, that young man must be from a top-tier clan!"
"This auction is going to be legendary!"
Below, the murmuring grew intense. Few had expected the quiet, low-key group to hold such status. The crowd's curiosity skyrocketed.
The private booth designated Diamond Room One was tucked into a discreet corner of the second floor—well-placed for clear views while retaining privacy.
"This is your private viewing booth, honored guests. As diamond members, you will receive our full-service attention throughout today's auction."
The two receptionists offered their most charming smiles and curtsies.
"You may leave. We'll call if needed," Yu Xiaogang said flatly, waving his hand.
Though the women were reluctant, they obeyed, retreating with a final curtsy.
Shortly after they left, the grand hall filled with growing waves of spectators.
The final guests were arriving.
And the auction… was about to begin.
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