"Two billion," I stated firmly, raising my paddle with confidence I didn't entirely feel.
The auction hall fell into stunned silence. Just monts ago, we'd been debating the value of what appeared to most attendees as an unremarkable weed. But I knew better—this Ancient Transcendent Knotweed, this Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, was exactly what I needed for my next breakthrough.
Asher Lane's eyebrows arched in surprise before his lips curled into a smirk. "Three billion," he countered smoothly, his voice carrying across the now-silent hall.
I clenched my jaw. Three billion was already stretching the limits of my financial capabilities. The money I'd planned to use wasn't even entirely mine—it was borrowed capital from various business ventures I'd established in recent months.
"Four billion," I called out after a mont of deliberation.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The auctioneer's eyes widened as he looked between Asher Lane and , clearly delighted by the unexpected windfall for his establishnt.
"Five billion," Asher responded without hesitation.
My heart sank. Five billion was beyond what I could reasonably commit. I hesitated, my paddle hovering uncertainly in the air as I calculated my options.
"Six billion."
The voice beside startled everyone. Isabelle had raised her paddle, her face a mask of cool determination.
I turned to her, eyes wide. "Isabelle, what are you—"
"I'm helping you," she whispered, not taking her eyes off Asher Lane. "You need this herb."
Asher's face darkened with annoyance. "Seven billion," he snapped.
"Eight billion," Isabelle countered imdiately.
The elderly servant beside Asher leaned in, whispering sothing urgent in his ear. Asher's face contorted briefly before he composed himself. "Nine billion," he announced, his voice tight with growing anger.
Without missing a beat, Isabelle raised her paddle again. "Ten billion."
The entire hall erupted in shocked murmurs. Ten billion for a plant? It was unheard of, even for the rarest of cultivation resources.
I stared at Isabelle, my mouth slightly open. "That's too much," I whispered urgently.
She turned to , her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and sothing else I couldn't quite place—a sadness that seed out of place in this mont of apparent victory. "Consider it my gift to you," she replied softly. "One last gift."
One last gift? What did she an by that? Before I could question her further, I noticed that the auction hall had fallen completely silent.
Asher Lane was conferring intensely with his elderly companion. After what felt like an eternity, the old man stood up and bowed slightly toward the auctioneer.
"This humble servant represents the South City Lane Family," he announced, his voice carrying surprising authority despite its softness. "Perhaps the young master here is unaware of who he's competing against? My master is Asher Lane, Younger Lord of the Lane Family."
His statent hung in the air, clearly intended as an intimidation tactic. The murmurs in the hall intensified. Even the auctioneer looked uncomfortable.
The elderly man continued, "Rather than prolonging this bidding war, perhaps we can co to a more... reasonable arrangent? My master would be willing to offer a significant favor in exchange for the young master ceding this herb."
All eyes turned to . The ssage was clear—I was expected to back down in the face of such a powerful family.
I rose slowly from my seat, maintaining eye contact with the elderly servant. "I appreciate the Lane Family's generous offer," I replied carefully, "but I'm afraid I must decline. This herb is essential for my needs."
Asher Lane stood abruptly, his face flushed with anger. "Do you have any idea who you're refusing? The Lane Family isn't accustod to being denied."
I t his gaze steadily. "I ant no disrespect. I simply have great need of this particular resource."
"Ten billion going once..." the auctioneer interjected nervously.
Asher's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I sincerely hope you're able to safely take away what you've purchased today," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable threat.
A chill ran down my spine, but I maintained my composed expression.
"Ten billion going twice..." the auctioneer continued.
"Young man," a cultivator nearby whispered urgently to , "reconsider your position. The Lane Family has ruined countless powerful figures over far less than this."
"They're not known for their forgiveness," another added, genuine concern in his voice.
"Ten billion sold to Master Knight!" the auctioneer declared, bringing down his gavel with finality.
The crowd began dispersing, many casting sympathetic glances my way. Asher Lane and his elderly companion remained standing, staring at with unveiled hostility.
"Co," Isabelle murmured, tugging gently at my arm. "Let's complete the transaction and leave."
As we approached the paynt counter, I could feel eyes boring into my back. The weight of what had just happened was beginning to sink in. Not only had I acquired a priceless herb at an astronomical cost, but I'd also made an enemy of one of the most powerful families in the region. This version is sourced from MV3L3MPYR.
"Are you certain about this?" I asked Isabelle as she arranged for the paynt transfer. "Ten billion is—"
"It's done," she interrupted softly. "And it's worth every coin if it helps you achieve what you need."
The paynt processor looked between us nervously. "The Lane Family rarely forgets a slight," he ventured cautiously. "Perhaps you might consider offering them first refusal on your next acquisition as a gesture of goodwill?"
I considered his suggestion. It was a reasonable compromise that might defuse so tension. But before I could respond, I saw Asher Lane and his servant approaching us.
"Mr. Knight," Asher said, his voice deceptively pleasant, "I hope you understand what you've done today. This isn't simply about an herb. It's about respect and knowing one's place in the hierarchy of power."
I straightened my shoulders. "I understand perfectly. And I hope you understand that I ant no disrespect. I simply cannot relinquish this particular item."
The elderly servant studied with ancient eyes that seed to cut through my facade. "Young master Knight, the Lane Family's reach extends far and wide. Today's victory may prove costly tomorrow."
A tense silence fell between us. Everyone in the vicinity had stopped to watch this confrontation.
"Is that a threat?" Isabelle asked coolly.
"rely an observation," the old man replied with a thin smile. "History has shown what happens to those who stand against the Lane Family."
Asher stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I will rember this slight, Knight. And you will co to regret it."
With those words, he turned and walked away, his servant following closely behind.
The paynt processor cleared his throat nervously. "Your purchase is confird, Master Knight. Would you like an escort to ensure safe delivery?"
I considered the offer. Having additional security might be wise given the circumstances.
A cultivator who had witnessed the entire exchange approached . "Young master, I've seen the Lane Family crush opponents for far less. They control major trade routes, influence auction houses, and have countless hidden agents. You should reconsider while you still can."
I looked at the withered plant that had caused such discord—an unremarkable-looking herb that held extraordinary potential. Was it worth making such a dangerous enemy?
eting the concerned gaze of the well-aning stranger, I replied with a calm I didn't entirely feel: "I appreciate your concern. But I still want to try."
The words hung in the air like a challenge to fate itself.
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