Two days later, the much-anticipated auction at Tianbao Pavilion began. Ye Yu presented the purple VIP card given to him by Manager Li. Upon seeing it, two beautiful maids immediately appeared and guided him to the VIP area on the second floor.

Unlike the open seating arrangement on the first floor, the second floor consisted of a series of small, open yet private rooms. There were only about a dozen of them, each elegantly but luxuriously decorated. The atmosphere exuded refinement and exclusivity.

The maids led Ye Yu to VIP Room No. 9, where they served him refreshments before standing quietly to the side, ready to fulfill his instructions at any moment.

Due to the deliberate publicity efforts of Tianbao Pavilion, the auction hall was packed to capacity. A glance across the hall revealed a gathering of powerful warriors, all at least at the martial artist level, with several even reaching the Martial King stage. These individuals represented major families, sects, or were independent cultivators of considerable influence.

Under the collective anticipation of the crowd, a striking woman in a purple dress, exuding charm and elegance, stepped onto the auction platform.

This was Tao Yao, the chief auctioneer of Tianbao Pavilion in Nanling City.

"Welcome to the Tianbao Pavilion auction. I am Tao Yao, and I will serve as the auctioneer for today's event," she announced with a confident and professional demeanor.

After a brief introduction, she immediately delved into the proceedings. "The first item up for auction is the Wuhuang Pill."

A maid promptly walked onto the stage, carrying a tray with both hands. Atop the tray was a delicate porcelain bottle containing the highly coveted Wuhuang Pill, which instantly captured the attention of the audience.

"The first item is a Wuhuang Pill. Tianbao Pavilion is truly generous this time."

"Indeed. I wonder what other rare treasures they have in store for us today."

The appearance of the Wuhuang Pill electrified the atmosphere. Many participants were visibly eager to acquire it.

From the comfort of his VIP room, Ye Yu glanced at the porcelain bottle and shook his head.

The quality of this Wuhuang Pill was far below his standards. It was apparent to him that it had been crafted by an alchemist of mediocre skill. At best, it could only increase the probability of breaking through to the Wuhuang stage by 30%.

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Nonetheless, despite its shortcomings, the rarity of the pill ensured that it remained highly sought after.

As expected, the bidding for the Wuhuang Pill commenced with fervor. Warriors vied for the pill, their determination unwavering.

Eventually, Yun Yu, the leader of Kaoshan Sect, emerged victorious, securing the pill for a staggering one million spirit stones.

Within the VIP room of the Kaoshan Sect, the atmosphere was celebratory.

"Congratulations, Master! Congratulations! Our Kaoshan Sect will soon have another Martial Emperor in our ranks," the elders and disciples exclaimed in unison.

Yun Yu's face radiated joy as he laughed heartily.

The crowd murmured in admiration, speculating that the emergence of another Martial Emperor from the Kaoshan Sect was imminent.

Ye Yu, however, paid little attention to the Kaoshan Sect. With a dismissive glance in their direction, he quickly looked away.

"Just a bunch of rabble," he thought. "Not worth my time or effort. But if they dare act presumptuously, I won't hesitate to send them to the King of Hell."

The second item was then brought forth. Like the first, it was presented in a porcelain bottle.

Another pill?

Confusion swept through the crowd. Many wondered if there could be another pill comparable to the Wuhuang Pill.

Sensing their curiosity, Tao Yao offered an explanation. "The second item is also a Wuhuang Pill," she declared, her words immediately shocking the audience.

Another Wuhuang Pill?

"Tianbao Pavilion truly knows how to surprise its guests."

"Indeed. This wasn't mentioned in the promotional materials."

"This level of secrecy is simply too much!"

Noticing the murmurs of dissatisfaction, Tao Yao addressed the crowd with a calm smile. "Allow me to clarify. This Wuhuang Pill was a late addition to today's auction, finalized only two days ago. There simply wasn't enough time to include it in our announcements."

Her explanation quickly shifted the audience's focus back to the pill itself.

"But what sets this Wuhuang Pill apart," she continued, her tone serious, "is that it is the best of the best. This pill can increase the probability of breaking through to the Wuhuang stage by an astounding 60%."

The auction hall fell silent.

"What? Did I hear that correctly? A 60% increase?"

"Miss Tao Yao, are you sure?"

Tao Yao's expression turned solemn. "I guarantee this with the reputation of Tianbao Pavilion. This Wuhuang Pill is indeed the finest quality, capable of increasing the probability of breakthrough by 60%."

Her assurance left no room for doubt.

"We have to get it!"

In the Kaoshan Sect's VIP room, Yun Yu's previously joyful expression darkened. The emergence of this superior Wuhuang Pill made his earlier purchase seem almost laughable. Yet, he had no choice but to bid for this one as well.

The same determination was shared by other prominent factions, including the Tianfeng Royal Family, Lingyun Sect, and the Wangdu Xie and Chen Families.

For these major powers, another Martial Emperor in their ranks could significantly bolster their strength and influence.

The bidding war began with Chen Xian, an elder of the Chen Family, offering a starting price of one million spirit stones.

The price quickly escalated, with Xie Tianhua of the Xie Family and Feng Ao, the second prince of the Tianfeng Royal Family, joining the fray.

"1.2 million spirit stones," Feng Ao declared. "I request that you all give face to the royal family and allow me to take this pill. The royal family will be forever grateful."

However, his appeal was ignored as the other factions continued to bid aggressively.

Feng Ao's expression darkened. "A group of fools with no respect for the royal family," he muttered under his breath.

Unable to back down, Feng Ao instructed his subordinates to keep bidding.

"Increase the bid. We must secure this pill at any cost," he ordered.

"Your Highness, what about the finale item?" his advisor cautiously reminded him.

"Have Lord Huo send additional spirit stones," Feng Ao replied.

The bidding war intensified, and the price soared to an unprecedented 2.5 million spirit stones. Finally, Feng Ao emerged victorious.

Ye Yu, observing from his VIP room, smiled with satisfaction.

"Not bad," he thought. "Another windfall of spirit stones."

Indeed, the art of alchemy remained the most lucrative profession. As long as the pills were well-crafted, there would never be a shortage of eager buyers.