Chapter 178 - The Auction Begins

While Luo Xiao and Jiang Yao were acting intimate and writing in each others' palms, the hall had been filled with guests, and the auction was about to begin.

Every seat within the hall was full, and the chairs were placed closely next to one another to try and make space for as many guests as possible, but even then, not even a tenth of those who wished to join could get an invitation.

Although the hall was full of people, there was no whispering or chattering. The guests were all solemn and tense. They understood how important the treasures that would appear during this auction were, and thus they tried their utmost to stay clear minded, and also grab the right resources.

There were many thoughts involved when bidding on a treasure. While it was true that the highest bidder would win, it was truly not that simple. Although the auction house would hand over the treasure to the highest bidder, the winner might not be able to hold onto the treasure for long enough to return home.

There was also the danger of angering a higher ranked cultivator or family, in case one tried to win an item they would have their eyes on, so before the auction began, many of these families had meetings to discuss which items they would aim for, and what strategies to use.

Even now, everyone felt how their bodies were taut and their minds active. They dared not take this auction lightly, as they knew how intense the battle would be later.

The auction house had been great at promoting and marketing the auction. They had not only sent a small booklet to introduce every single item that was up for sale, they had also hired some beggars and commoners to spread rumors about the marvelous uses of certain more valuable treasures.

Although all these treasures were rare and exquisite, they were naturally also split into various uses and potency. Some of the treasures that Luo Xiao and Jiang Wei had put up for auction were only slightly stronger than the current herbs and items, but some were good enough to be considered heavenly treasures.

The resources that could be considered heavenly treasures were only sold due to the large quantity of items that they had in their storage treasures, and they felt that it would not matter much to throw out a few items to increase the hype for their auction, and gather more wealth.

The auction house had also put out the word earlier that if the buyers did not have enough wealth, treasures could also be used to exchange for the auctioned items, and thus many were extremely eager to replace their current weapon for a better one.

This request was made by Luo Xiao. They currently had enough of these extinct resources on hand, but although they could sell it all for money, they would not reject treasures.

This was a good excuse to get a high amount of treasures, and they could stockpile for when they needed them in the future, without having to search for them everywhere.

Jiang Yao naturally had no objections to Luo Xiao's idea of using treasures as a payment method, so he was happily watching the young man by his side eagerly observing the changes on the stage.

While Luo Xiao was aware that an assassin was observing their every move, he still paid a great deal of attention to the auction that was about to start.

This was not only because of his actual interest, but also due to not wanting to show any signs of having noticed that something was amiss.

Jiang Yao's eyes were shining with happiness and pride as he observed the actions of his Xiaoxiao. He could not help but lean over and wrap his arms around the young man's waist before he dragged him onto his lap.

He did not make any excessive movements, merely buried his head in the soft neck, and inhaled the familiar and soothing scent that was natural to Luo Xiao.

The feeling of being close to his lover made Jiang Yao feel tranquil. Only when Luo Xiao was by his side could he experience warmth.

Luo Xiao was not against their intimate actions any longer, but he was aware that this was not a suitable location, nor the time for them to indulge in such intimate pleasure, so he gently nudged Jiang Yao's shoulder, in an attempt to push him backward.

However, how could Luo Xiao, who was much weaker than Jiang Yao, possibly make him retreat when the Seventh Demon Prince was not willing?

The arms around his waist tightened their grab and Luo Xiao could not help but shake his head helplessly.

Although the place was somewhat unsuitable due to the observing assassin, fortunately their private room was shielded from the eyes of others, so he was not too stubborn.

He had enough faith in his man to know that he would be able to keep alert, even when he was enjoying their closeness like this.

Having realized that fighting back had no purpose, Luo Xiao found a comfortable position in Jiang Yao's embrace. He leaned against his chest and began to observe the auction that was ongoing on the stage with great interest.

The first item that had been brought out was already displayed on the center of the stage. The item was familiar to Luo Xiao, as it was a herb that he had picked so many versions of that he was somewhat exhausted just looking at them.

It was also a herb he had used to replace another common grass when refining a few medicines, and the herbal potency became many times stronger with the replaced herb, causing the pill to be incredibly powerful compared to the original.