Chapter 1161 - 1027: Unexpected Complications

Chapter 1161: Chapter 1027: Unexpected Complications

In fact, Qu Jianlei has a rough list of the main auction items on hand.

The introduction is not very detailed, but this is understandable. If the introduction is too clear, it might be pushing people away.

The best approach is to mark a few selling points, and if detailed indicators are needed—then esteemed guests should see them in person.

This way, the atmosphere is stirred up, and the popularity won’t be far off. ℴ

For example, the centerpiece treasure is a black stone, presumably an ancient relic.

This is information with a threshold, and most people would never guess. It’s just "presumably" an ancient relic, so how can it be the centerpiece?

But those who understand can recognize it at a glance—it’s the Inheritance Stone Scroll!

This threshold is indeed very high, of Qu Jianlei’s four Supreme teammates, only Granny Jia once recognized the Inheritance Stone Scroll.

Even the Paranoid, who once ascended beyond Supreme, did not recognize this thing.

But this item is intended to be sold to those who understand, so naturally, there’s no need to elaborate.

The tricky part is, what inheritance does this Stone Scroll contain? No one can tell.

Yet it’s still the centerpiece, with a starting price of a hundred billion.

Compared to such a baffling item, the Stand-In Puppet couldn’t even make it into the main auction hall, which is truly inexplicable.

This thing can save lives, would it be much worse than that?

Qu Jianlei actually knows in his heart why the Inheritance Stone Scroll can be the centerpiece, because it involves legacy.

The so-called legacy refers to either breaking down or maintaining an information barrier—it’s the inheritance of a knowledge system.

An Inheritance Stone Scroll often leads a power to rise rapidly.

In comparison, a Stand-In Puppet can only save an individual’s crisis—not to mention it only has a one-time use.

As for the uncertainty of what the legacy is? That’s completely unimportant, for those daring enough to bid on the centerpiece treasure, money is not a concern.

Think two to three hundred billion is too expensive? That’s for someone like Qu Jianlei who is considered a broke slob!

The Imperial realm is simply too large, and there are many known tycoons, even more hidden wealthy elites!

A starting bid of a hundred billion is indeed a bit scary, but it won’t deter the truly wealthy.

Even the unknown details of the legacy can’t stop everyone from wanting to gamble.

In fact, many have speculated that the hammer price of the centerpiece item is 99% likely to double, even multiply.

The power of money is really that terrifying, ordinary folks find it hard to imagine how wealthy people can indulge at will.

As for the heavy bet on a legacy, which might turn out to be worthless?

This possibility objectively exists, and a high probability is true, but for the wealthy... so what?

At worst, a trillion spent in vain, next time, bet two trillion instead.

Yet even so, that the Stand-In Puppet actually appeared in an external auction is still somewhat inexplicable.

Finally, an elderly Supreme was invited on stage by everyone for an on-the-spot appraisal.

This person is the recognized appraisal expert in the Supreme circle, widely respected, even Jia Shuqing has mentioned them.

The old Supreme sensed for a moment then shook his head, "Death substitution is no problem, but... the quality may not be guaranteed."

This statement was somewhat vague, as he only handles token appraisals and doesn’t want to stir trouble.

But the auctioneer was very professional, "We are only auctioning on behalf of the owner. If you see or guess anything, feel free to speak."

One must say, this auction was quite well-organized, allowing questions about the goods, supporting comments among everyone.

The old Supreme was waiting for this sentence, though Supreme, age makes avoiding provoking others sensible.

"Then let me say a few things. First, we must establish one point, without a doubt, the Stand-In Puppet is a product of the Divine Text System..."

Common people may not know, but the Supreme present are well aware of the vast differences between the Divine Text System and the Awakened System.

There’s no argument over which is better; the latter purely imitates the former and has been chasing it all along.

There’s even evidence showing the Awakened System was inspired by the Divine Text System in its gradual formation.

The Stand-In Puppet is definitely not something the Awakened System could produce, admitting this does seem to diminish one’s own prestige.

And the old Supreme believes, the Energy Systems of both systems differ significantly—this is also universally acknowledged.

Otherwise, years past, people wouldn’t have practiced in the "Electric Shock Room," aiming to approach the Divine Text System.

The Stand-In Puppet is used by cultivators of the Divine Text System and doesn’t completely fit with Awakened ones.

Especially since this puppet has already been used twice, the energy of the Divine Text System has been invaded by the Awakened System’s energy.

Thus the effectiveness of a third death substitution is likely lesser than the previous two.

The old Supreme ended his explanation with a rhetorical question, "Otherwise, why would the owner sell a chance of life?"

One must admit, he dared to speak the truth.

Qu Jianlei saw for the first time someone openly admitting the backwardness of the Awakened System in public.

This fact is known to many, but at most mentioned in private; stating it aloud publicly indeed takes courage.

However, he also acknowledges the other’s insights and analytical level, "This person’s understanding and analytical skills are truly not lacking."

He was even somewhat tempted to consider bringing this person into his team.

He couldn’t cut off their retreat and force them onto Liang Mountain, but perhaps he could subcontract some projects to them?

"Hehe," the Nutrient Injection chuckled nonchalantly, "Do you think he’s the only one who figured it out?"

Qu Jianlei thought for a moment, nodding slightly, "The puppet was placed in the outer auction... which means others have noticed as well."

To host an auction of this caliber, the organizers are truly extraordinary, even possessing such vision.

Speaking of which, could it be that the Supreme intervened? With the Supreme’s perception and insight, it’s probably a stretch to see through the situation.

"It doesn’t necessarily need to be seen through," the Nutrient Injection spoke with a hint of melancholy, "Historically, these occurrences are not rare."

"Wanting to use a Dharma Artifact from the Divine Text System often leads to some inconsistency, and the damage to the artifact is not uncommon."

At this moment, not far from them, a Supreme turned his head and glanced at them coldly.

"Dare to question the Supreme? Who gave you the courage?"

Upon hearing this, the Nutrient Injection smirked, his expression was somewhat rueful.

Qu Jianlei furrowed his brow and shot a glare at the Supreme, "What does it matter to you what we’re discussing?"

"You..." The Supreme gave Qu Jianlei a glance, then looked around nervously, clearly wary of the many prying eyes here.

Then he turned to leave, mumbling under his breath, "How inexplicable... consider yourselves lucky!"

Qu Jianlei and the Nutrient Injection exchanged glances, both feeling a bit speechless: This guy actually said that we’re the lucky ones?

In the end, the Stand-In Puppet was bought for sixty billion.

Seeing this scene, the psychological pressure on Qu Jianlei increased: There are truly too many good things.

With such treasures appearing and sold at such a price in the outer auction, what should the main auction look like?

As the subsequent auctions unfolded, treasures emerged one after another, leaving Qu Jianlei somewhat numbed by the spectacle.

However, he steeled his resolve, determined not to make a move outside—mainly because his money wouldn’t be sufficient here.

At two in the afternoon, the main auction venue began to admit people.

Guests entered with their invitations, the recognition of the invitation rather than the person, and had to pay a one billion deposit upon entry.

Qu Jianlei wasn’t in a hurry to go inside; he always disliked being squeezed together in a noisy crowd.

However, just as the number of people dwindled and they were about to enter, a shadow flashed by from the side.

Coincidentally, this person was none other than the Supreme who had previously said they were inexplicably lucky.

He had clearly been observing for a while, convinced they had invitations—especially after the small unpleasant exchange earlier.

Standing in front of the two, he spoke expressionlessly, "Show me the invitation, two billion... I’ll buy it!"

Who the hell are you? Qu Jianlei paid him no mind, only gazing blankly at the guards by the entrance.

The Nutrient Injection calmly looked at him, "If I were you, I would leave immediately. Life is precious, and fragile."

"Stop talking," the Supreme’s lips twitched, his face showing a hint of ferocity, "Two billion, it’s not a small amount!"

An invitation is merely a ticket, with no other purpose.

If the entire auction fails, it would be as if he tossed two billion for nothing.

The only benefit would be gaining some insight.

Spending two billion just to see the show... if accounting it this way, he indeed wasn’t stingy.

In fact, he didn’t want to spend even two billion, but regrettably, he hadn’t realized earlier that the two also had invitations.

Now it was confirmed, but they were already at the auction hall entrance, making a forcible grab inappropriate.

Even if no one has stated before whether invitations can be seized, clearly, challenging the dignity of the Supreme is not easy.

The Nutrient Injection didn’t bother with him, instead looking towards the guards not far away, "Doesn’t anyone intervene?"

The two guards were both Supreme, exchanging glances upon hearing this, one replied in a low voice, "They are negotiating with you."

These two were hired Supreme by the auction house, responsible for any issues within the auction, they certainly had to act.

But outside the auction hall... that wasn’t their responsibility, as long as it didn’t cause chaos, they wouldn’t interfere much.

There’s a straightforward logic here—what if the two groups are colluding to create trouble?

With such a grand occasion, precautions must be taken, as Supreme, they’ve witnessed countless ghostly fiend tactics.

Moreover, among the disputing parties, there are Supreme present, the backgrounds involved, who can say for sure?

So, why meddle?

The two Supreme guards indeed seemed negligent, but it can’t be said they intentionally erred.

The Nutrient Injection turned his head again, looked at the Supreme, his expression peculiar.

"Master, purchasing our invitation forcibly, aren’t you afraid you won’t make it out?"

Anyone capable of acquiring an invitation is certainly not to be underestimated, being forced to buy it, wouldn’t they seek to get even?

"Hmm?" The Supreme directly unleashed his aura, though it was restrained immediately, the threatening nature was evident.

Then he said nothing, just coldly stared at Qu Jianlei—he didn’t care about the skinny guy.