Li Hua's radiant smile seemed to grow even brighter as the ambient light of the emerald arrays reflected off the massive obsidian display box.
The air in the colosseum grew heavy, smelling of burnt ozone and ancient decay from the sealing talismans that were being systematically deactivated by the stage handlers.
"The starting bid for this ancient relic of the Saint," Li Hua's voice boomed, her gaze sweeping across the tense crowd, "is set at a base price of 1,500 Dao Points!"
"2,000!" an elite disciple from a prominent martial faction shouted almost before she could finish her sentence.
"3,000!" another voice boomed from the shadow of the lower balconies.
"5,000!"
Chu Yan blinked rapidly, his eyes widening into massive plates as a sudden, paralyzing wave of shock washed over his features.
He stared at the rapidly ticking numbers on the massive projection screens, his heart hammering violently against his ribs.
