Once more, there was a round of applause. The man in the center waved his hands as he turned to every direction before he continued his speech: "While many of you are used to our auction rules, and we thank you for your continuous patronage, we would like to also welcome all the new patrons joining us tonight!"

He paused for a moment before he continued: "Now, as per usual, I will be explaining the rules of our auction. I believe that not everyone might be aware of how things are done here"

"In every booth, there is a control panel. You have probably discovered it already as it is a big square glass with many arrays inside of it. This is your panel. Every guest has one"

"When an item is auctioned, a starting price will be named by yours truly as well as the bid increment amount"

There were many whispers all over the place to the point that people were aware of others discussing. The noise was unintelligible though and it was more like cicadas buzzing about. Neither displeasing nor alluring.

The host expected such a reaction.

It was like this every year.

In usual auctions, not only were the bidders deciding when to bid but also how much to bid. In this particular auction, it was impossible. There was a fixed amount of additional money one could bid at a time.

As usual, he decided to detail this rule so that there would not be any arguments later on: "Let me illustrate this rule for everyone to understand! Let us say that the first item's starting price is fixed at 1 gold with an increment of 10 silvers. Every bid will only be adding 10 silvers after 10 silvers. We decided on this rule after long reflections and to make sure that our dear guests will not pay far more than they should"

The noise continued. He was used to it and did not mind as he continued: "The console in front of you will be used to place such increments. Just push on it to place a bid. Once you are the top bid, the console will be colored green and otherwise, remain of its usual glassy shine"

Jin and Hymin both looked at the console. Jin preemptively warned her: "Don't push on that thing"

Hymin snickered and did not bother retorting.

At the same time, a gigantic square glass appeared next to the host on stage. It illuminated itself on both sides and displayed in bright green "1G".

The host spoke: "On this panel here, the top build will be shown so that all of you guests may be aware at all times of the current top bid. Here, we have 1G standing for 1 Gold coins. S would be for silvers"

"The bidding will stop automatically if there are no superior bids after twenty seconds. Please be aware that time is very precious"

The noise continued.

Having explained all that there was to explain, it was now time for the warnings: "Now, dear guests, please be mindful of the privacy of each other. While we will not stop you from speaking between guests, we do forbid the act of leaving your own booth"

"Also, and for obvious reasons, making use offensively of your cultivation is strictly forbidden. This is a place where money rules and not our fists"

More noises. As usual.

The host turned around and stated with fervor: "Now then, let us start our auction!"

Clapping resounded throughout the entire area. It was deafening. Of course, it did not affect the cultivators. It would have affected Hymin though Jin protected her from it with his own energy. She only felt mild discomfort from the heavy noise.

The lights stopped for a moment as only the screen on the middle shined without showing any numbers.

Hymin took this time to ask Jin: "Is there something that you want in particular He Bi?"

Jin shook his head negatively and answered her: "I do need something and hope it will appear here"

It was a lie. But Hymin bought it. After all, she could not know better and it seemed the most likely situation. Jin did not need anything in particular. However, if there was something usable, he would certainly not mind buying it. While his wealth was not that impressive, it was still nothing to scoff at. He earned a lot while fighting on that arena to train.

He was filthy rich for his current cultivation realm but compared to mightier men and women, it might seem like no more than a joke.

Then, the lights went back on and there was a short trolley on the stage along with the host. He took off a veil and revealed something under it. It was a golden piece of paper that emanated quite high amounts of energy.

The noise within the auction house grew immensely. The first item was always something good to heat up the atmosphere.

The host excitedly spoke: "Many of you have already recognized this item, I presume! This is a grade 4 item and part of a legendary ten items set. It is called the 'Letter of Fortune'. Before I start my explanation on this item, let us first look at the starting bid and increments"

"The starting bid will be of a million gold coins! And the increments will be of ten thousand golds! May the bidding start!"

As soon as he finished his words, a number appeared behind him and began to fluctuate violently upwards. He was pleased with the sight as he had not even begun to introduce the item. Well, its fame preceded it. Regardless, this was a fantastic opening.

Meanwhile, Hymin's mouth was gaping at the price stated. One million gold coins...She was risking her own life for ten of those and here, they were bidding on a single item worth a million? And the amount kept escalating further up high.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed a stoic He Bi pushing on the console as well...