Chapter 79: The Man Whose Face Opens Every Door
Normally, entering an auction house requires a bidding qualification certification. Only those with this certification can participate in the auctions. The certification is divided into different levels, with the minimum entry threshold being 10,000 gold soul coins. In other words, to even step inside, one must first provide proof of assets worth at least 10,000 gold soul coins. This rule is meant to prevent people from causing trouble by making fake bids without actual funds.
Ye Cheng had never been to an auction house before, so naturally, he did not have a bidding certification. By right, he should have had to show a gold card or some other proof of assets before being allowed entry.
However, the four female attendants at the entrance didn't even bring it up. Instead, they humbly and respectfully led the three of them inside without question.
And why?
Because of that face.
Who would dare stop him from entering? Who would dare ask him for proof of assets? Would they like to live another day?
With two attendants leading the way, Ye Cheng, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing walked into the auction house. The other two attendants quickly rushed off to inform the management that an esteemed guest had arrived.
Upon entering, Ye Cheng noticed that the interior of the auction house was surprisingly modest not excessively lavish with gold and jewels as one might expect. The floors were made of milky white marble, and the surrounding walls were decorated with intricate relief carvings. The carvings were simple and elegant, with very little coloring, giving off an aesthetic and refined atmosphere.
Additionally, display cases lined the walls, showcasing porcelain artifacts, armor, and other collectibles. If one didn't already know this was an auction house, they might mistake it for a museum.
The two leading attendants were highly professional, pausing every ten steps to make a courteous hand gesture, politely guiding them forward.
Finally, they arrived at an elegant private room. One of the attendants pushed open the door before making the same graceful gesture of invitation.
Judging by the meticulous decoration and setup, this was clearly a VIP room reserved for distinguished guests.
The three of them hadn't even finished the fine tea that had been served before hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Moments later, a middle aged man entered the room.
This man was well dressed, exuding an air of nobility. His soul power suggested he was around the Soul Sage level. While he wasn't likely the true master of the auction house, he was certainly one of its top executives.
"Forgive me for not welcoming Your Excellency sooner," the man immediately bowed deeply, his tone filled with reverence and caution.
Ye Cheng calmly set down his tea and said, "No need for formalities. I'm here to entrust your auction house with a few items for auction." Without wasting words, he waved his sleeve over the table, and in an instant, three radiant objects appeared before them.
"This…!"
The middle aged man's pupils shrank, his face filled with shock as he stared at the three objects. He couldn't help but exclaim: "Soul bones!!!"
His reaction was understandable.
At this point in Douluo Continent's history, soul bones were extremely rare. Even major sects had limited numbers, with only Spirit Hall possessing a slightly larger collection. Anyone lucky enough to obtain a soul bone would guard it with their life, never displaying it publicly let alone offering it for auction.
A soul bone auction? This had never happened before in the history of this auction house!
"These three soul bones are each around 60,000 years old. They are a left arm bone, a right arm bone, and a skull bone," Ye Cheng said casually, as if these three soul bones were nothing special which, to him, they weren't.
Originally, he had considered auctioning off some ten year, hundred year, or thousand year soul bones, but after thinking about it, he felt that would damage his dignity. So instead, he picked three of the most useless of his ten thousand year soul bones ones with mediocre abilities that were rarely useful in battle.
To him, these three soul bones were nothing special aside from their high age limit. Their skills were too situational, making them neither completely worthless nor particularly valuable. An awkward middle ground.
"Your Excellency… may I take a closer look?" The middle aged man's voice trembled slightly. Even with his prestigious position, he had never seen soul bones of this quality before.
"Go ahead."
Ye Cheng waved indifferently, giving permission.
"Huuhh…"
Taking a deep breath, the middle aged man carefully picked up the skull bone, his hands slightly shaking. As he held it, he could feel the overwhelming energy contained within this was undoubtedly a 60,000 year old soul bone! The quality was incredibly high!
Like a man touching the skin of a peerless beauty, he gently caressed the skull bone, utterly fascinated. It took a long while before he reluctantly put it down and picked up an arm bone to examine it as well.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, watching his obsessive behavior, couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.
Was this really the manager of an auction house?
Losing his composure just because of three soul bones? How unimpressive.
To them, soul bones had long since lost their sense of mystery.
After all, they had personally watched Ye Cheng sweep through Star Dou Forest, casually digging up soul bones like they were discarded trash. At first, they were amazed. But after seeing it happen dozens of times, they had become completely numb.
Now, they couldn't help but think: "Soul bones? So what?"
It was only after thoroughly inspecting all three bones that the middle aged man finally let out a long breath. He then looked at Ye Cheng and said:
"Your Excellency, we are deeply honored that you have entrusted these priceless treasures to our auction house."
"When can the auction be arranged?" Ye Cheng asked directly.
"If it were ordinary treasures, we could arrange an auction tonight," the middle aged man explained. "However, these three soul bones are too precious. If we rush the auction, we won't be able to attract enough buyers, and the price may end up far below their true value."
"What do you suggest?" Ye Cheng asked.
"Your Excellency, if you're not in a hurry, we recommend waiting a month. During this time, we will advertise extensively and organize a special auction event specifically for these soul bones. That way, the wealthiest and most powerful bidders will gather, ensuring you get the highest possible price," the middle aged man said cautiously. "Would that be acceptable to you?"
"That's fine."
Ye Cheng wasn't in a rush. Time was not an issue for him, so waiting a month was no problem.
"Then these three soul bones will remain in your custody. I'll return in a month," Ye Cheng said, standing up. Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing also rose to their feet.
"Thank you, Your Excellency! We will keep them under the strictest protection," the middle aged man hurriedly bowed, carefully storing the three precious soul bones into his soul tool. He then personally escorted them out.
As Ye Cheng's group vanished into the distance, the manager hurriedly returned to the auction house.
Now that he had such priceless treasures in his hands, he needed to assign dozens of top guards to protect them.
At the same time, he had to inform the auction house's higher ups to discuss how to maximize profits.
One thing was certain once news of this soul bone auction spread, powerful factions and troublemakers would come swarming in droves.
Their top priority now was security they absolutely could not afford any mistakes.
(End of Chapter)
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