This middle-aged man's name is Yuan Zhenfeng.
He is reputed as unbeatable below the level of Grandmaster, infinitely close to being a Grandmaster himself.
In the Jianghu, there are even rumors that he might already be a Grandmaster—even just sitting there, doing nothing, people around him could feel a strong pressure!
This is the aura of a true expert.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the auction hall, a figure instinctively clenched a fist upon seeing Yuan Zhenfeng appear.
This figure was none other than Yan Ruyu, who had come to Yun Valley alone in search of medicinal herbs!
Yan Ruyu never expected to encounter Yuan Zhenfeng here!
Yuan Zhenfeng is her enemy!
Many years ago, when Yan Ruyu was still a child, Yuan Zhenfeng hunted her and her mother down for a century-old lingzhi mushroom.
At that time, her mother fought desperately to save her and died in battle!
And Yan Ruyu, if she hadn't jumped into a small river, would surely have been killed by Yuan Zhenfeng as well.
As time passed by over twenty years, she was no longer the little girl she once was, yet Yuan Zhenfeng had hardly changed at all!
As Yan Ruyu gently held the teacup in her hand, the murderous intent in her eyes grew stronger and stronger.
A voice suddenly echoed in her mind.
"Put away your murderous intent. Whoever you want to kill, wait until the auction is over, and I'll help you."
This was the voice of Li Chuan.
Li Chuan's Spiritual Power was now on a completely different level; he spotted Yan Ruyu as soon as she entered the auction hall.
Therefore, the killing intent emanating from Yan Ruyu did not escape his notice.
Helping Yan Ruyu take revenge was something he was definitely going to do.
But not now.
Because the auction was about to begin.
Originally, there were 20 items up for auction, but an additional one was added at the last minute, making a total of twenty-one!
Most of them were medicinal items.
However, to Li Chuan, these were just ordinary medicines.
Of course, this was from Li Chuan's perspective; to many in the Jianghu, the items being auctioned were extremely valuable.
Among them were some very ancient-looking bronzeware and jade artifacts.
They looked freshly unearthed, and from afar, there was the distinct smell of earth.
Of course, this was only noticeable to someone with Li Chuan's heightened senses; others couldn't perceive it at all.
Such fresh items wouldn't be accepted by regular auction houses, only Yun Valley dared to take them.
Moreover, these items seemed like some kind of Magical Artifact, with traces of Spiritual Qi still lingering on them.
However, such a small amount of Spiritual Qi was negligible to Li Chuan, so he didn't pay much attention.
Everyone here was from the Jianghu, and they were all straightforward and decisive, so the auction proceeded quickly.
In no time, they reached the 20th auction item.
A young lady in a cheongsam held a gold-crafted tray, placing the Amulet refined by Li Chuan on it, and brought it to the stage. The host, brimming with excitement, exclaimed, "Originally, this treasure was meant to be the finale, as it is truly rare; its value is no less than the original Pill Furnace."
"Newly added auction item, hurry up and say what it is, why the suspense?" Wang Jun's mood was somewhat sour.
The host chuckled, "This auction item is an Amulet."
As soon as these words were spoken, the auction hall erupted with mocking voices.
What rubbish Amulet? Everyone here is from the Jianghu, and their swords are their best protection.
The host remained composed, slowly introducing, "Ladies and gentlemen, this Amulet is unlike any other. According to our auction house's appraisal, it can rival the Earth-level Talisman from the Celestial Master Mansion!"
"Moreover, it can withstand a full-force blow from a Grandmaster!"
"Really?"
The entire room was filled with the sound of gasps!
It can rival the Earth-level Talisman from the Celestial Master Mansion! It can withstand a full-force blow from a Grandmaster?
How is that possible?
One must know that even the Earth-level Talisman of the Celestial Master Mansion is akin to a treasured heirloom and would never be put up for auction.
It is priceless on the market.
Not to mention withstanding a full-force blow from a Grandmaster.
It sounds utterly ridiculous.
Voices of doubt echoed throughout the auction hall.
The host raised his hand, indicating for everyone to be quiet.
Once the room was silent, he slowly said, "Like you, I also found it absurd when I first heard this news."
"But now I am certain this is true. After acquiring this treasure, we tested its authenticity; the attacker was not a Grandmaster, but a top-tier expert among the Grandmasters."
"The Amulet, upon sensing our danger, would release an invisible light shield to protect the bearer from any harm."
"We can vouch for the authenticity of this with the reputation of our auction house."
"This Amulet is extremely rare, owning it is akin to having a second life, starting bid at thirty billion, with minimum increments of 5 billion each!"
This is equivalent to a Celestial Master Mansion's Earth-level Talisman; it's a great item for sure.
However, it's not an item ordinary people can afford to bid on.
Hence, only the forces and disciples under the Grandmasters can participate in this competition.
"Interesting, we'll take it! A hundred billion!" Hu Kaixuan, wealthy and powerful, casually remarked while petting his cat, appearing confident.
For ordinary people, a hundred billion is wealth they cannot amass in hundreds of lifetimes, but for them, it's just a set of numbers.
"Heh, I thought you had more confidence, turns out you can only offer a hundred billion? Just a hundred billion, and you want this treasure?" another young man spoke, "This Amulet is equivalent to a Celestial Master Mansion Earth-level Talisman; it can withstand a Grandmaster's blow, which is like having an extra life. Hu Kaixuan, is your life only worth 100 billion?"
"Six hundred billion! Everyone, I must have this Amulet! I ask for the Ouyang family to be given face. Of course, if anyone wants to compete with me, this young master is more than willing to play."
Six hundred billion!
Unexpectedly, the bid reached 600 billion so quickly, shocking everyone present, as they hadn't anticipated such a crazy opening bid.
Li Chuan was also a little surprised, looking at Ouyang Chunshui.
Ouyang Chunshui smiled and said, "This nouveau riche is named Jin Yuanbao, the son of the Jin Bank in Yun Province. Although Jin Bank is also a Grandmaster, it's not known for its cultivation, but for its wealth. No one knows exactly how much money they have."
"Some say the Jin family's wealth could buy all of Southeast Asia."
Li Chuan: "..."