One million low-grade spirit stones...
The moment this starting price was announced, the murmurs within the hall instantly died down significantly. Many cultivators who had previously looked excited instantly wilted like frostbitten eggplants—this price was simply far beyond what they could afford to 'play' with.
All cultivators present understood that these final three Spirit Artifacts weren't prepared for people at their level. They were undoubtedly reserved for the wealthy great families and the Golden Core cultivators.
"One million..."
Hearing this price, Lin Feng's expression also stiffened slightly. His eyes flickered thoughtfully, a surge of excitement rising within him. After a brief moment of hesitation, he made a decision...
'Let's see if my 'face' still holds any weight...'
With this thought, Lin Feng suddenly spoke up, preempting everyone else: "One million one hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones!!"
"..."
Lin Feng's sudden bid caused every cultivator in the hall to freeze momentarily before they all turned to look at him in astonishment.
Even Zhang Fangzhou and his companions beside Lin Feng stared at him with disbelief; none had expected him to suddenly bid for this Spirit Artifact fragment.
"Young friend Lin... you desire this Spirit Artifact fragment?" Long Xingtian, momentarily stunned, frowned slightly and offered a kind reminder. "Although this fragment can still be used, it likely requires at least Golden Core cultivation to forcibly wield it. Young friend, even if you obtain it, I fear it will be useless to you..."
Lin Feng replied with a faint smile, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Long. I am indeed quite interested in this fragment. If I can win the bid, keeping it for future use would be fine."
He had also considered that even if he got the fragment, he probably couldn't wield it yet. However, he didn't want to miss this chance. After all, he already possessed half of it. This was a rare opportunity. If he could acquire this other half, there was a possibility of restoring the complete White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman. Even if it was unusable now, he could preserve it. Once his strength grew in the future, this treasure would become a formidable weapon.
His reason for bidding first was precisely because Lin Feng feared the price would skyrocket beyond his reach later. If he could make others defer to his 'face' like before and not compete against him, he could secure this treasure.
"Humph! One million two hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones!!"
However, before Shilan could even begin counting, a cold snort suddenly rang out. An even higher bid followed immediately.
The cultivators present were startled once more. They turned their heads collectively towards the source of the bid and froze again when they saw who it was...
The Li Family. Li Ziyao!!
—The Li Family actually wanted this Spirit Artifact fragment too?!
Many minds were filled with confusion. Just as Long Xingtian had reminded Lin Feng moments ago, while the White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman fragment could still be used, forcibly wielding it required at least Golden Core cultivation. The Li Family had no Golden Core cultivators. Why were they fighting for it?
Li Ziyao's move caused both Lin Feng's and Long Xingtian's expressions to shift slightly at the same time.
'The Li Family didn't bid for any treasures earlier... They were saving themselves for this artifact?! They knew it would appear all along?!' Long Xingtian's eyebrow arched sharply as he stared at Li Ziyao in surprise, deeply puzzled.
Meanwhile, Lin Feng narrowed his eyes, thinking, 'As I suspected... They originally owned the other half fragment. They must understand this treasure better than others. But why would the Li Family want it without a Golden Core cultivator? Is it merely to have ready for when one appears? Or... do they possess the correct method to wield it?!'
Ordinary Spirit Artifacts could be used by anyone, though refining them was needed to better unleash their power. Some special treasures, however, required specific control methods. Without the correct method, forcibly activating its power not only demanded several times the usual cost but also yielded only a fraction of its potential might.
The White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman was precisely such a treasure requiring a special method for full control. Forcibly wielding it required at least Golden Core cultivation. Yet, with the correct method, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator might be able to use it. The Li Family's current desire for this artifact strongly suggested they likely knew the correct control method!
"One million three hundred thousand!!"
Regardless of why the Li Family was fighting for the White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman, Lin Feng naturally wouldn't give up. With almost no hesitation, he bid again.
"One million four hundred thousand!"
But Li Ziyao's counter was faster, almost immediately topping Lin Feng's price.
"What... what's going on here? The Golden Core cultivators haven't even spoken, why are these two already fighting over it?"
Only then did the majority of cultivators in the hall snap out of their daze. Murmurs of astonishment and discussion began to circulate in low voices.
Within the private rooms on the second floor, the Golden Core cultivators who had originally shown interest in the White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman also paused their own intended bids, looking on with considerable surprise at this unexpected turn of events.
The Li Family's resolute bidding further deepened Lin Feng's frown. Thinking rapidly, he raised his voice once more: "One million five hundred thousand!"
"One million six hundred thousand!" As expected, Li Ziyao raised the price again without the slightest hesitation.
"One million seven hundred thousand!" Lin Feng didn't pause either, continuing the bid.
Li Ziyao showed no sign of backing down: "One million eight hundred thousand!"
Lin Feng's brow furrowed tightly: "One million nine hundred thousand!"
"Two million!!"
A fierce gleam flashed in Li Ziyao's eyes as he uttered the cold, higher bid.
In just a few moments, the price for the White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman fragment had doubled. The surrounding cultivators felt their blood surge with excitement. Though merely spectators, they were visibly energized, discussing the unfolding drama incessantly.
"..." Hearing the counter-bid of two million, Lin Feng finally fell silent. This had exceeded his limits. It was clear the other party had come prepared. If he hadn't bid on the earlier items, he might have continued, but his remaining spirit stones were now insufficient.
"Young friend Lin, if you truly desire this treasure, my Long Family can temporarily lend you one million low-grade spirit stones. You may continue the bidding."
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you're interested in this artifact? I possess approximately two million low-grade spirit stones here; I can lend you all of it."
Just then, the voices of Long Xingtian and Dongfang Yuhui sounded simultaneously beside him. Both men had thought along the same lines, wishing to lend spirit stones to help Lin Feng compete. Comparatively, Dongfang Yuhui, representing himself personally, was being even more 'generous' than Long Xingtian, who represented his entire family. However, this was due to Dongfang Yuhui's extraordinary status and considerable personal wealth, while Long Xingtian had to consider the Long Family's interests; lending one million was already showing full support.
Before Lin Feng could respond to either offer, someone hurried over quietly along the aisle, bending slightly as they approached. Reaching Lin Feng, the messenger whispered, "Young Master Lin, Manager Sun instructed me to inform you: if your bidding funds are insufficient, Wanbao Tower is prepared to cover all deficits."
—Not only were Long Xingtian and Dongfang Yuhui willing to help, but even Wanbao Tower had discerned Lin Feng's predicament and offered financial support—going even further than the previous two by stating no upper limit.
"..." Lin Feng was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but smile wryly. He addressed the messenger, "Please convey my gratitude to Manager Sun for his kindness. If truly necessary, I will consider seeking Wanbao Tower's assistance."
"Understood." The young man acknowledged succinctly and quickly departed.
Lin Feng raised his head, his gaze sweeping towards Li Ziyao's direction. Then, under the 'expectant' eyes of everyone present, he spoke unhurriedly, his voice cutting clearly through the tense atmosphere:
"Three million!!"