Inside another private room, Huo Yuhao casually called out the price of one hundred million gold soul coins without even blinking. One hundred million was indeed a huge number, but to Huo Yuhao—and even more so to the Mingde Hall behind him, backed by the entire financial power of the Sun Moon Empire—it was nothing more than a number. Nothing worth stressing over.
Let alone one hundred million—what about ten billion, or a hundred billion? So what?
Don't forget, this auction was being held by the royal family of the Sun Moon Empire! If Huo Yuhao spent money here, chances were that the funds would simply circle back into the Mingde Hall, which was heavily supported by the imperial family. In essence, wasn't that money just going in a circle?
So even stingy Huo Yuhao didn't bat an eye at this kind of extravagant expense.
'You think I'm spending money? In reality, I'm getting it for free.'
When Meng Hongchen heard Huo Yuhao unhesitatingly offer one hundred million gold soul coins, she was taken aback for a moment. That number was no joke. Did he really need to go that high? But then she thought again.
'Wait... isn't this auction being held by the royal family of the Sun Moon Empire? He's just spending money on his own people. Then it's no big deal.'
Even the hostess on stage was visibly shaken by the terrifying price. She steadied herself, took a deep breath, and announced in a trembling voice:
"One hundred million gold soul coins, once. One hundred million gold soul coins, twice—"
Her voice was like a death knell, shaking the confidence of the high-status northern woman who had been planning to win the 2000-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion Tail Bone. She sat uneasily, her hands tightly clenched, desperately searching for a way to break the deadlock.
Just as the hostess was about to declare "One hundred million gold soul coins, thrice," the northern woman had a sudden spark of inspiration and quickly spoke up.
"Wait! This gentleman who offered one hundred million gold soul coins—such a large amount—you must show us proof that you're actually able to pay. If your claim is baseless and deceives everyone here at the auction, that would be unacceptable. After all, this event is held by our Empire's great royal family."
The moment she spoke, the hostess was forced to pause, despite clearly recognizing this was a shameless attempt to win the item through underhanded means. Still, the woman did have a point.
The audience erupted into murmurs and debates.
"True, that's one hundred million we're talking about. Who in the northern Sun Moon Empire could casually throw that kind of money around? Without proof? Who'd believe it?"
Inside his box, Huo Yuhao frowned. Meng Hongchen and the Auspicious Beast both cast disdainful glances toward the woman's private booth.
'Shameless.'
The hostess sighed. This was a tricky situation.
"It seems both esteemed guests are very eager to acquire this item. In the interest of fairness, if the gentleman who bid one hundred million gold soul coins can provide sufficient financial proof, then the item will be sold to him directly without further bidding. If not, we will resume the auction starting from the lady's previous bid of thirty million."
To be fair, anyone qualified to attend this auction as a VIP was someone of prominence in the Sun Moon Empire. Normally, there would be no need for financial proof. But one hundred million was such an outrageous amount that, under public questioning, she had no choice but to make a compromise—even if it meant offending a VIP.
At this moment, the hostess's identity as a royal family member became a real asset. In the Sun Moon Empire's northern region—outside the capital—she didn't have to be overly cautious or fear retaliation for a bit of boldness.
Unfortunately for her, that assumption was gravely mistaken.
Huo Yuhao was feeling a bit annoyed now.
'Financial proof? Just because she asked for it, I'm supposed to hand it over? Fine, I'll play along.'
He sneered lightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"Since this lady insists on proof, then allow me to provide it."
Huo Yuhao lightly slid his hand across the ninth-tier storage soul tool on his wrist and made a flicking gesture. A silver object flew from his hand toward the hostess on stage.
Her cultivation was no joke, and her reflexes were sharp. Though surprised, she caught the item with practiced ease.
The moment she saw what it was, her expression drastically changed and she gasped.
"The Grand Worship Token!"
The entire venue fell into shocked silence, followed by a chorus of gasps and exclamations of disbelief.
Everyone had known that the guest in the top-level booth held a prestigious status—but no one imagined it was so lofty that he held the Grand Worship Token.
What was the Grand Worship Token? It symbolized the presence of Kong Deming, the most powerful figure in the Sun Moon Empire and the Grand Worship of the Hall of Worship!
Holding this order meant having the authority to command the entire Hall of Worship—and carried a status equal to Kong Deming himself, placing its holder on par with the Emperor.
In all the Empire's history, there had only been a handful of times where this token appeared in anyone's hands besides the Grand Worship himself. It was simply too weighty, too significant—almost no one qualified to possess it.
The hostess examined it closely. The aura of sun and moon emanating from the token was unmistakable.
What did that mean? It meant the person in that private booth was either Grand Worship Kong Deming himself—or someone closely associated with him, someone of indescribable stature.
Who needed financial proof now? Someone at this level—forget a hundred million—could easily throw around five hundred billion gold soul coins without a care.
And at this moment, the hostess suddenly realized she had likely committed a grave offense.
She had probably just offended a figure on Kong Deming's level.
Thus, she made what she believed was the smartest decision of her life.
"My deepest apologies, please forgive my offense!"
She raised the dazzling silver Grand Worship Token high above her head, then dropped to her knees with a loud thud, bowing respectfully toward Huo Yuhao's private booth.
The crowd fell silent, holding their breath. That northern woman broke out in a cold sweat.
'Dear heavens... what have I done?'
(End of Chapter)
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