Chapter 179 179: Special Auction (Part 1)
With the exchange floor sufficiently primed, Argon decided it was time to proceed to the auction house. The auction house, open only once a week, was a place of mystery and allure. He knew that behind those closed doors, his staff awaited him, ready to assist in his grand scheme.
Slipping through the shadows, Argon teleported inside the auction house without drawing attention. The holographic staff members, designed to be indistinguishable from real humans, greeted him respectfully upon his arrival. They referred to him as "my lord," acknowledging his status as the owner of the exchange floor.
Argon reciprocated their greetings with a nod, a mask of authority and control covering his features. He marveled at the intricately designed auction hall, its walls adorned with rare artworks and shelves lined with ancient tomes. The atmosphere crackled with an undercurrent of anticipation, even though the auction was not currently in session.
"Welcome, my lord," the leader of the staff members greeted with a hint of deference. "Is there anything we can assist you with today?"
Argon nodded, acknowledging their presence. "Prepare the auction room for the upcoming event," he commanded, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Ensure everything is in order and that the security measures are in place. We don\'t want any disruptions during the proceedings."
The holographic staff members swiftly moved into action, their movements precise and synchronized. They adjusted the lighting, arranged the seating area, and ensured that the stage was properly set for the auctioneer. Meanwhile, Argon took a moment to admire the opulence of the auction house, appreciating the grandeur.
Once satisfied with the preparations, Argon approached the head auctioneer, a hologram dressed in elegant attire, radiating charisma and professionalism.
"Greetings, my lord," the auctioneer said, bowing respectfully. "We have been eagerly anticipating your arrival. The catalog for today\'s auction is ready, featuring all the rare and valuable items you gave to us, that are sure to attract high bids."
Argon smiled, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Excellent work, my dear auctioneer. I trust you have curated a selection that will captivate our esteemed cultivators. I have high expectations for today\'s auction."
The auctioneer bowed again, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Indeed, my lord. The collection of rare herbs and treasures you provided us with is truly extraordinary. Cultivators from far and wide will flock to this auction, eager to obtain these coveted items for their cultivation endeavors."
Argon listened to the auctioneer\'s words, his mind considering the final auction item. Originally, he had planned to include an 8-star treasure to entice the cultivators further. However, his recent expenditure on thirty rare herbs and treasures had depleted his soul coins significantly.
The thought of adding an 8-star treasure as the final auction item crossed his mind again, but he quickly dismissed it. Argon reasoned that not only was he short on soul coins, but he also doubted that anyone in the current cultivation world possessed the means to purchase such a high-level treasure.
"I have faith in your expertise, dear auctioneer," Argon replied, his voice laced with confidence. "However, let us make today\'s auction a special one. Announce it as a showcase of rare herbs and treasures, emphasizing their quality and exclusivity. And as the grand finale, present a 7-star treasure. I believe this will create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation among our esteemed cultivators."
The auctioneer\'s eyes widened slightly at the change of plans, but he quickly composed himself and nodded. "Of course, my lord. Your vision will be carried out. The announcement of the special auction and the inclusion of a 7-star treasure will surely generate great interest and fervor among the cultivators. They will not want to miss such an extraordinary opportunity."
Argon\'s mischievous grin reappeared as he considered the reactions his decision would elicit. The cultivators would be enticed by the prospect of acquiring these rare herbs and treasures, their desire fueling the bidding wars.
"I have full faith in your abilities," Argon said with a sly smile. "Ensure that our esteemed cultivators understand the value and rarity of the items presented today. And remember, we want the excitement to build gradually until the grand reveal of the 7-star treasure."
The auctioneer bowed deeply, a mix of excitement and reverence evident in his demeanor. "Thank you, my lord, for your trust. We will execute your vision flawlessly, creating an unforgettable auction experience."
As the preparations continued, Argon stepped back, his mind buzzing with anticipation. The exchange floor and the auction house were set, the cultivators were unknowingly drawn into his web, and the stage was perfectly arranged for his grand scheme.
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Outside the auction house, cultivators and vendors bustled about, engaged in various transactions. The air was filled with the hum of excitement and anticipation. Some cultivators were busy purchasing items from the vendors, their eyes gleaming with interest as they examined the offerings. Others gathered in the trading room, haggling and negotiating the exchange of their own treasures and cultivation resources.
Amidst the bustling crowd, a sudden shimmering prompt materialized in front of them, catching their attention. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they turned their gaze towards the floating message. Though many had seen this type of prompt before, they marveled at its appearance and the wonders of cultivation technology.
The prompt displayed intricate characters in a vibrant hue, announcing the upcoming special auction at the prestigious auction house. It described the abundance of rare herbs and treasures that would be up for bidding, capturing the curiosity and imagination of those who read it. The crowd\'s excitement intensified as they contemplated the treasures that awaited them within the auction house.
"What is this?" a cultivator exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.
"Look at the details! It\'s displaying various rare items and their prices," another cultivator marveled, his eyes scanning the information.
"Did you see that? A special auction with rare herbs and treasures!" exclaimed a cultivator, his eyes shining with anticipation. "This is going to be an incredible opportunity to acquire valuable items for our cultivation."
"I\'ve heard about this thing. It allows us to see the items available for auction and their starting prices," a vendor explained excitedly, attracting the attention of those nearby. "It\'s a way for the auction house to generate interest and create a buzz even before the auction begins."
Cultivators and crowded around the big prompt at the center of the exchange floor, apart from everyone on the exchange floor receiving the prompt, there was also a big holographic screen at the center of the exchange floor, it displayed the items and their descriptions. The allure of rare herbs and treasures beckoned to them, fueling their desire to acquire these precious resources for their cultivation journeys.
"Look at these herbs! They\'re said to possess extraordinary properties and boost cultivation progress," one cultivator exclaimed with wide-eyed enthusiasm.
"And these treasures! They hold the power to enhance our techniques and elevate our cultivation realms," another cultivator added, his voice filled with anticipation.
As cultivators marveled at the displayed items, some began discussing their strategies and potential bids.
"I must have that rare herb. It will be the key to unlocking a breakthrough in my cultivation," a determined cultivator declared.
"Those treasures are exceptional. I need to secure one to strengthen my combat abilities," another cultivator stated, his voice brimming with determination.
The prompt continued to captivate the cultivators, drawing them deeper into the auction\'s intrigue. The cultivation world was known for its fierce competition and the pursuit of power, and this auction promised to be no different.
Amidst the excitement, Argon\'s plan was unfolding seamlessly. The cultivators\' desire for these rare herbs and treasures was intensifying, and they would soon find themselves embroiled in bidding wars, their soul coins slipping from their grasp.
Argon observed the commotion from within the auction house, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The chaos and anticipation he had carefully orchestrated on the exchange floor were working their magic, drawing the cultivators into his carefully laid trap.
The auctioneer, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, observed the cultivators\' reactions to the prompt and the holographic display, in the floating screen in front of Argon. He couldn\'t help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he witnessed the desired effect taking hold.
"Look at them, my lord," the auctioneer whispered to Argon, his voice filled with excitement. "They are falling into our web, their desires ignited by the allure of these rare herbs and treasures. The stage is set for a truly remarkable auction."
Argon nodded, his gaze fixed on the holographic screen. "Indeed, the anticipation in the air is palpable. The cultivator\'s hunger for power and advancement, and we shall provide them with the means to satiate their desires."
Cultivators representing various sects and clans swiftly made their way through the crowd. Their eyes gleamed with excitement as they exited the auction house, eager to deliver the good news to their respective forces.
One by one, the cultivators rushed back to their sects and clans, their hearts filled with anticipation. They knew that the treasures and rare herbs offered at the special auction held the potential to greatly benefit their forces and strengthen their cultivation.