Updated time: 2011-02-07
As the price rose steadily in the bidding, Ye Wuchen's calm gaze fell on the string of sandalwood beads. His incomparably sharp eyes could clearly see the tiny characters on it. From his angle, he could only see a third of all the characters. As his gaze moved, one after another, strange characters appeared in his mind.
Deciphering characters was a very taxing task, but if he could find a key point of entry, everything would become easier. After a brief observation, Ye Wuchen vaguely captured a shadow of the strange characters on the dragon engraved sandalwood beads … Every character had the vague posture of a Buddha hidden within it. His heart moved, and he silently picked out and moved the discordant lines in the characters, making them converge towards a standard Buddha line. As for the parts that were moved or added or subtracted, he arranged them individually according to their original direction and position to form a new character.
Creating characters was an extremely long and difficult process, and it was not something that a generation could accomplish. Xuan Hua was a monk, and it was even more impossible for him to deliberately create a type of character just to carve a string of buddhist beads. The strange characters on the buddhist beads were most likely based on the characters of the Tianchen Continent, changing according to the only way to form another type. As long as the law of change was found, everything would become extremely simple.
And obviously, the law of change was not that difficult to find. At least, this string of dragon engraved sandalwood beads had existed in the Ximen family for a thousand years, and yet no one had been able to see through its mysteries.
But Ye Wuchen had used no more than ten seconds. Because Xuan Hua was a monk, the first thing he came into contact with the most and understood the most was the Buddha. Observing from this angle, every character immediately gave him a "Buddha" feeling. Thus, everything was easily solved.
There were two large characters on the first sandalwood bead: the first one, after being pieced together, was "Buddha", and the second, was "Theory".
"As expected." Ye Wuchen shook his head and smiled. He was too lazy to look at the rest of the characters. Because this was not a peerless cultivation technique, but a scripture, the essence of the Buddhist theory that Xuan Hua had comprehended himself. He was an enlightened monk, so he didn't care much about cultivation techniques. The Buddhist theory that he had comprehended was the greatest achievement of his life. He didn't want these things to fall into the hands of a layman. Instead, he wanted them to be engraved into the prayer beads so that people who understood Buddhism could comprehend them. However, it had to be said that Master Xuanhua had overreached himself.
"Three million." Qian Gun Gun slightly closed his eyes, and once again shouted out an astonishing price.
Although Dragon Engraved Mysterious Sandalwood Bead was worthy of the name of a rare treasure, but regardless of whether the secret hidden inside was true or false, the entire Ximen clan was unable to see through it for a thousand years, so even if they got their hands on it, it would be very difficult to uncover its value. Was it really worth it to exchange for 3 million silver taels?
The price was still rising, and the bidders were withdrawing one by one. In the end, there were only two people left who had too much money to spend, one fiercely raising the price. And when the young master of the Yeh clan knew that this string of sandalwood beads was actually a prayer bead engraved with a bunch of scriptures, he had no interest in it at all. In a low voice, he teased Ningxue and Ye Shuiyao. At the same time, he could feel the eyes of the people behind him constantly sweeping over him. Among them, there was a figure that never left Ye Shuiyao's back.
"Thirteen million silver taels!"
With a single hammer strike, the final price of the Dragon Engraved Mysterious Sandalwood Bead was set. In the end, this string of Dragon Engraved Mysterious Sandalwood Bead still fell into the hands of Qian Gun Gun. When the string of sandalwood beads was placed in Qian Gun Gun's hands, Ximen Qing had a calm smile on his face, but everyone knew that at this moment, his heart was bursting with joy. Thirteen million silver taels, even for the Ximen clan, this price was definitely not a small number, it was enough to cover their expenses for several years. And this was only exchanged for a prayer bead that was useless at home.
However, no one noticed that the moment their eyes met, a strange light flashed in the depths of their eyes at the same time.
Qian Gun Gun received the prayer beads and directly hung it around his neck. There was no joy on his face, nor was there any pain on his face. It was as if he had bought a big steamed bun. Spending thirteen million to buy a string of prayer beads of unknown use, it was obvious that he had too much money and didn't know how to spend it.
Pan Jinlian's face was full of shyness, and she carried another jade plate onto the stage. When Ximen Qing took off the silk cloth covering it, a dream-like gentle blue light immediately brought along a burst of light that unconsciously spilled out.
This was a round stone that was not even the size of a palm, but it was wrapped in a blue light. It was clearly placed there quietly, but the layer of blue light was strangely swaying irregularly, with a very small range of light. When the light entered the eyes, it was as if it shone into the depths of one's heart, causing one's heart to become soft and comfortable. This was definitely not the blue light released by the Blue Light Magic Lamp through the blue medium. Instead, it was a strange light that did not belong to any element and was naturally formed.
"This, don't tell me this is …"
"That's right," Ximen Qing said with a smile. "I believe that many knowledgeable friends have already recognized this jade. This is the 'West Sea Blue Jade', the only one in the world."
As soon as the name 'West Sea Blue Jade' came out, there was another burst of soft exclamations in the hall, and among them, there were obviously more women's voices.
"West Sea Blue Jade, there are many legends about it. Some people say that it is formed from the essence of the sea in the West Ocean over countless years, and is the true essence of heaven and earth. Some people say that it is formed from the tears of a pair of lovers who died for love … Its true origin is unknown, and I am more willing to believe the latter. Although this piece of Western Sea Crimson Blue Jade was small, it could eternally release endless light, and this warm and pleasant blue light was like an eternal existence between lovers, an eternal thread of love that could not be blocked by anything. This is the only treasure of heaven and earth in the Tianchen Continent that can release eternal light, and it should only belong to the most loyal and undying love. According to legend, if anyone can give this piece of West Sea Blue Jade to the person they like, they will receive the blessing of the God of the West Sea, and become a pair of lovers whose love is deeper than the sea. "
"West Sea Blue Jade, the starting price is three million taels!"
It was thirty times the starting price of the carved dragon sandalwood bead, but just based on its ability to release eternal blue light, no one thought that this price was too high.
Ye Shuiyao's eyes were attracted to the West Sea Blue Jade the moment it appeared. Blue was her favorite color, because it symbolized beauty and serenity, and was as flawless as clean water. Blue was the purest color of water, and her name also had the word "water" in it. Usually, she wore light blue or aqua blue clothes at most — just like her at this moment.
When Ximen Qing finished her last sentence, her watery eyes rippled, but they immediately dimmed. Her gaze moved away from the Western Sea Crimson Jade and looked at her own hands.
The change in her expression and eyes did not escape Ye Wuchen's eyes, and was also noticed by Feng Ling, who had been looking at her. His heart suddenly moved.
West Sea Blue Jade … uncontrollably, there was a deep desire in his heart, because he saw something that he could entrust his feelings to.
"Four million taels!"
The one who made the bid was still Qian Gun Gun. When he made the bid, many people immediately cursed in their hearts. In terms of wealth, who could compete with this person who did not care about money? If he wanted to take all the items in today's auction, who could compete with him? The others were just going through the motions … Would this auction be opened just for him?
"Ten million taels."
An emotionless voice rang out from the right side of the room. As soon as he called out his bid, all eyes immediately focused on him … a handsome yet unfamiliar face. But someone who could directly raise the price to ten million taels, how could he be a simple person? For a moment, people began to guess his identity and background.
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Feng Ling calmly smiled and said, "Unwavering love is priceless. For such a priceless treasure, ten million is too little."
When he finished speaking, his eyes almost uncontrollably looked at Ye Shuiyao, hoping that she would turn her head, even if it was just a glance. But he could only be disappointed, the gaze that he longed for did not turn.
"This friend is right. Unwavering love is priceless, and this eternal Western Sea Crimson Blue Jade is also a priceless treasure. If not for my father's orders, I really would not be willing to auction it off. Now it is ten million taels, I believe that this is definitely not the final price, or else it will only be a disgrace to this priceless treasure. "Ximen Qing said. He knew Feng Ling's identity, or rather, he knew the identity of everyone here. Whether intentionally or not, Ximen Qing's words carried a hint of contempt towards Feng Ling.
When Ximen Qing finished speaking, most of the gazes fell on Qian Gun Gun. Even though some people were interested in this West Sea Blue Jade, they could only remain silent and observe the situation. Because as long as Qian Gun Gun bid, not only would they not be able to compete, they would also be embarrassed.
"Ten million and one taels."
The crowd did not wait for Qian Gun Gun to bid, but suddenly heard a slightly lazy voice call out. His bid caused the originally noisy hall to quiet down with a "whoosh". Everyone's gazes also focused on the person who bid. When they saw the person clearly, the crowd felt even more strange.
It was Ye Wuchen.
Before the auction, Ximen Qing did not specify the minimum bid, so Ye Wuchen's bid did not violate any rules. But, even a fool could see that adding one tael to the base price of ten million taels was clearly a form of mockery, or perhaps provocation. And with Ye Wuchen's identity, family background, and reputation, he should not have done such a thing. His bid was thought-provoking. It was obvious that he had a grudge against the person who bid just now.
Feng Ling's face turned livid at once, but it slowly calmed down.
Ye Wuchen put down the sign he had just raised, flicked open his jade fan, and began to wave it leisurely. "Since Crown Prince Feng thinks that ten million taels is too little, I might as well add another tael. Is this price still too little?"
Crown Prince Feng?
Those three words revealed Feng Ling's identity, and the way the crowd looked at him changed. More than that, they felt relieved. Ye Wuchen's legend began with his feud with Feng Ling, the Crown Prince. Three years ago, Feng Ling had forced him into Death Abyss as well, and the whole world knew about their feud. It was no wonder that Ye Wuchen was doing this on purpose.
Qian Gun Gun, who was about to raise his sign, tactfully put it down and watched the show. As the richest man in the Tianchen Continent, how could he be a fool? Given the grudge between the Yeh family of Tenryū Province and the Feng family of Dafeng Nation, Ye Wuchen's bid had clearly led the auction of the West Sea Crimson Azure Jade into a feud between the two families. On one side was the Sky Dragon Yeh family, and on the other side was the royal family of Dafeng. He couldn't afford to offend either side, and he wasn't stupid enough to get involved.
Feng Ling's face darkened a little. Ye Wuchen's bid had forced him into a dilemma. If he continued to bid, and Ye Wuchen only added one tael each time, he would be utterly humiliated. If he backed down now, he would be even more humiliated … because the Crown Prince of Dafeng Nation had been outbid by a son of the Yeh family of Tenryū Province with only one tael of silver.
What's more … His gaze fell on Ye Shuiyao's celestial figure, and his heart surged with emotions. His biggest desire wasn't to outbid Ye Wuchen, but to win the West Sea Crimson Azure Jade. He didn't dare to dream of winning the heart of a beauty with this jade, even if it was just a smile or a glance at him.
"Twelve million taels." Feng Ling didn't say anything else and made his bid calmly.
"Twelve million and one tael." Ye Wuchen raised his sign slowly. Many people burst out laughing when they heard his bid.
Feng Ling smiled faintly. "Ye Gongzi, the Yeh family is a wealthy family. You're only adding one tael to such a priceless treasure. You're ruining the reputation of the Yeh family."
Ye Wuchen chuckled. "The Yeh family may be a wealthy family, but we've built up our fortune through hard work. I've wasted twenty years and haven't been able to add a single brick or tile to the Yeh family. I wouldn't dare spend as much as Crown Prince Feng. However, even if I'm only adding one tael, it's still more than Crown Prince Feng, isn't it? " His gaze shifted and he asked in a clear voice, "Brother Ximen, may I ask if my actions have violated any rules?"
"Well … you didn't break any rules," Ximen Qing said awkwardly. He could only blame himself for not setting a minimum price.
"That's right. Ye Gongzi is right. Squandering is a habit that should never be practiced." Feng Ling smiled, straightened his posture, and said, "Then I'll bid … twelve million and two taels."
Pfft … Several people who were drinking tea spat out the tea in their mouths.
Feng Ling wasn't one to be trifled with. He kicked the ball right back at Ye Wuchen. ^-^^-^
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