Chapter 21: Are They Out of Their Minds?

Everyone became intrigued by the suggestion. It was the first time any of those present had encountered a "blind auction," and many appeared eager to give it a try.

"Anything selected to be placed in a Celestial Master's tomb must be extraordinary. Even without an expert's appraisal, it certainly wouldn't be anything inferior."

"But that wooden box looks damaged at a glance. It shouldn't be as valuable as the bronze one."

"I agree. Bronze was a precious material in ancient times; anything kept in such a container must be highly valuable."

"Not necessarily. Do you think it’s possible that, to prevent grave robbing, they intentionally placed the truly precious items in an inconspicuous wooden box?"

"Hmm, now that you mention it, that is a possibility. Regardless of what’s inside, the box itself has significant collector’s value and is worth a fair amount."

"Why bother choosing? Let's just bid on both."

Hearing this, the host smiled. "Since this is a blind auction, our employer has a rule: bidders may only choose one of the two items to bid on. If you select the wooden box, you can no longer participate in the bidding for the bronze one. Is that clear?"

"Ah!"

The host's words caused those who had intended to try their luck on both to fall silent. This was indeed a difficult choice.

"You have five minutes to consider. We will begin the blind auction after that."

Pei Heng studied the two boxes on the display stand intently, but after a long while, he still couldn't make sense of them. Following conventional wisdom, one would naturally prioritize the bronze box, which appeared to have been crafted with great care. Although the surface of the box had oxidized from exposure to air and lost its luster, it was covered in exquisite, unique carvings that radiated an air of mystery. The box itself held clear collector’s value.

Looking at the wooden box, it was truly just a simple, plain container. Not only did it lack any aesthetic craftsmanship, but it was also beginning to rot and blacken in several places. In any case, it didn't look valuable at all.

However, he didn't doubt Jiang Zhiyue's judgment for a second. If Little Jiang Jiang said to bid on the wooden box, then it would be the wooden box! She was so beautiful—her taste couldn't possibly be bad!

Soon, five minutes passed.

The beautiful host smiled as she swept her gaze across the room. "I trust everyone has made their decision. Let us begin the auction."

"First, we will auction the bronze box closest to me." She put on a pair of gloves and picked up the box. "As you can see, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and the carvings are fluid and graceful. Given it was stored in such a fine container, the contents are likely not ordinary. Its value now depends entirely on all of you. Bidding may now begin."

A brief silence fell over the room. After all, there was no starting price, and deciding the opening bid was an art in itself. Furthermore, once one started bidding, it meant forfeiting the chance to bid on the wooden box. Many who were still wavering chose to wait and see.

After a moment of silence, an elderly man dressed in a traditional Tang suit raised his paddle. "Five million."

With the first bid cast, more calls began to ring out through the venue. Anything preserved by an ancient Celestial Master in such a precious box must be something of immense value. It was a gamble—a chance to turn a bicycle into a motorcycle!

Jiang Zhiyue watched the rising bids with great interest, clicking her tongue in amazement. The wealthy elites of the capital were truly an eye-opener for her.

It wasn't until the price soared to one hundred million that many people began to drop out.

"Forget it, I’m out. Spending over a hundred million on something of unknown value isn't worth it."

"I'm out too. What if I spend all that effort to win it, only to open it and find an empty box? That would be a massive loss."

"How could that be? A Celestial Master wouldn't use an empty box as a burial object, would they? In my opinion, it might contain some powerful magical artifact."

Just as the crowd was debating whether to withdraw, Lu Yan's deep voice resonated again. "One hundred and ten million."

"Hiss—"

As soon as Lu Yan made his bid, many who were still interested immediately backed away. A ten-million-dollar jump was a clear signal that the Lu family had their eyes on this item. Who would dare compete with the Lu family? Moreover, even if they wanted to, they lacked the financial power of the Lus. To do so would only risk offending them, which was not worth the trouble.

Lu Yan’s deep gaze swept across the room. "I, Lu Yan, want this."

Most of those who caught his eye tactfully lowered their paddles. Since no one knew what was inside, it was better to use this as an opportunity to do the Lu family a favor.

"Young man of the Lu family, I am quite interested in this item as well. I apologize, but I cannot yield." The speaker was the old man in the Tang suit who had made the first bid. He looked remarkably upright. Despite his gentle expression, an aura of authority radiated from him as he spoke.

Lu Yan gestured with his hand. "Uncle Chen, you jest. If one has their eyes on something, there is no reason to simply hand it over. As for who ends up with it, it will naturally be a matter of ability."

"Hahaha, good! Then let us see whose ability is greater," the old man laughed heartily and declared, "One hundred and twenty million!"

"One hundred and thirty million!"

...

Watching the two of them volley bids back and forth until the price reached nearly three hundred million, Jiang Qingyan sat beside Lu Yan, her eyes sparkling. Figures that would make an ordinary person tremble were tossed out by Lu Yan as if they were the most casual words. She was almost intoxicated by his ease and confidence.

Compared to Lu Yan, the financial power of the Jiang family was negligible. As long as she held firmly onto this man, she would have nothing to fear, even if the Jiang family eventually acknowledged Jiang Zhiyue.

On the other side, hearing their bids, Jiang Zhiyue nearly choked on her dessert from laughing.

Pei Heng hurriedly handed her a glass of water and gently patted her back. "Don't rush, don't rush. Eat slowly, eat slowly."

After taking a sip of water and finally swallowing the dessert, she said, "Is the money of the wealthy really that easy to earn? Someone is actually spending hundreds of millions on a broken box? Are they fools?"

She was a bit excited when she spoke and didn't realize the bidding round had ended. Her words rang out clearly across the silent venue for everyone to hear.

Lu Yan frowned, glanced in Jiang Zhiyue’s direction, and then turned his gaze away with a look of utter disgust, as if he had seen something filthy.