Chapter 713: Asking to Die
Translator: Timothy_ Editor: GlobeGlotter
The audience erupted. That man was incredibly wealthy, but more importantly, he was unafraid of death and showed no respect for Xia-Qianbei. Xia Chongyan had bid 100,000, a sum that impressed everyone, but this man countered with 1 million, a blatant slap in the face.
“Very well, very well! Kids these days think they’re heroes! I hope you don’t disappoint me,” Xia Chongyan slammed the table, leaving a clear handprint.
Unfazed, Ye Mo paid and happily accepted the ore. Mu Xiaoyun held his hand tightly, sensing the animosity, but remained unconcerned; her husband was powerful. Even Lan Meng, though regretful – she knew Ye Mo was as good as dead – quickly forgot her concern in the face of her profit.
In another room, a purple-clothed woman frowned, trying to identify Ye Mo. A girl in green entered, reporting, “Young Miss, a large, bearded man and a woman are in Room 392.”
“It’s him,” she nodded. He'd received 10 million from the bank and still had much to spend.
Ye Mo subsequently purchased several spirit herbs and ores. Once his bids reached a certain point, no one contested; they knew he was reckless and nearing his end. Ye Mo, however, wasn't acting rashly. He avoided conflict with first-grade sects unless necessary, and he was confident in his ability to escape, having even changed his appearance.
“The final items are five sets of chi stones. Each set contains two stones, priced at 500,000 per set. Minimum bids are 10,000.”
Ye Mo, having already assessed the five sets with his spirit sense, rejoiced. This auction was a success, though the high prices suggested the hidden sects knew the stones' value. He aimed to secure all five sets, but knew it was improbable given the wealth and power of the special-grade sects. Antagonizing them all would be disastrous.
Taiyi purchased the first set for 1.3 million, followed by Ci Hang Jing Mosque and Kun Qian Sect, each also bidding 1.3 million. Ye Mo endured the discomfort, many observing him, wondering why he hadn't bid.
When the fourth set appeared, Gemini Sword Sect bid 1.3 million. Ye Mo immediately added 100,000, unconcerned about further antagonizing them.
Qi Qichong fumed. This was blatant defiance.
“1.8 million,” Qi Qichong countered, knowing the chi stones' importance. Failure to acquire them would severely impact him.
“2 million,” Ye Mo raised the bid.
“Young Master, we only have 2 million remaining,” his companion cautioned.
Qi Qichong's face paled. “Fine, let him have it. We'll see how long he keeps them.”
Knowing his opponent's tenacity, many abandoned their bids. The fifth set emerged, with Shu Mountain Sword Sect opening at 1.5 million. Ye Mo hesitated, but Qi Qichong bid 2 million. Ye Mo, relieved to acquire them from Qi Qichong rather than Shu Mountain Sword Sect, countered with 2.5 million. The gold was inconsequential.
He secured the final set. Everyone knew his days were numbered. Chi stones were so valuable that even the three largest sects wouldn't hoard them all, let alone someone like Ye Mo.
Immediately after the auction, Ye Mo and Mu Xiaoyun left the city. Over ten groups pursued them, but hesitated, given the conflict between Gemini Sword Sect and Forgery Hall. These first-grade sects possessed considerable power; a great heaven master, a half-step great heaven master, an earth-level peak master, and a black-level peak master. Ye Mo, having offended both, would face their wrath – a tacit agreement among sects.
Yun Ziyi watched them leave, shaking her head. Their escape seemed improbable. The bearded man's audacity in leaving the city was admirable, bordering on suicidal. Even within the city, his position was precarious.
“Ye Babe, we’re being followed,” Mu Xiaoyun observed, their pursuers making no attempt to hide.
Ye Mo smiled. “We'll get rich outside the city, then return.”
Watching their chariot speed toward a desolate area, Qi Qichong sneered at Xia Chongyan. “Xia-Qianbei, this man truly craves death. Not only does he leave the city, but he heads for a deserted area. He's found his own grave.”
Xia Chongyan sneered. Though the weakest among his sect's leaders, his forgery skills were unmatched. Even leaders of the three largest sects addressed him with respect. Yet, this idiot had humiliated him.