The blond middle-aged man stood on the stage, continuing his grandiose speech: "When it comes to the top ten stone sculptures in history, the cheapest among the current ten goes for 5.28 million gold coins. And the most expensive — the sculpture 'Blood-Eyed Mane Lion' — fetched a new record at the Yulan Empire's Pruxus Hall auction room not long ago, reaching a staggering 13 million gold coins!"
The nobles and wealthy merchants below fell silent.
The price was truly terrifying.
"The 'Blood-Eyed Mane Lion' was carved from a Saint Realm magic beast of the same name. The sculptor was the grandmaster 'Hoover,' who lived a hundred thousand years ago. Over the past ten thousand years, our Yulan Continent has also produced two grandmaster-level sculptors — Master Pruxus and Master Hopkinson. Both have achieved the rank of grandmaster."
The blond man suddenly laughed.
"However, as far as I know, throughout history, any grandmaster — forget grandmasters, even ordinary master-level sculptors — the vast majority were over a hundred years old when they were given that title. Even if not over a hundred, they were at least seventy or eighty. Has anyone ever become a master before the age of thirty?"
The blond man looked down at the crowd. "There never was one — until now."
"The great Master Lin Lei — he is a genius. At seventeen, just seventeen years old, he is already a seventh-level dual-system mage. In the field of magic, he ranks as the second greatest genius in the entire history of the Yulan Continent. And at seventeen, the quality of his sculptures — well, you've all seen it for yourselves."
As he spoke, the blond man turned toward the stone sculpture 'Dream Awakening.'
Two maids stepped forward immediately, pulling back the covering to reveal the true form of the 'Dream Awakening' sculpture.
"This is the work of Master Lin Lei. According to our hall's investigation, this piece was completed during that period of heavy snowfall last December — when Master Lin Lei was just sixteen years old." The blond man smiled. "I'd always wondered why the snowfall last year was so extraordinary. Now I think perhaps it was the world's reaction to this work of Master Lin Lei coming into being."
The nobles and wealthy below all laughed.
"Alright, enough idle talk." The blond man pointed at the 'Dream Awakening' sculpture. "This sculpture has already completely reached the grandmaster level. What makes it even more remarkable is its size — quite honestly, this piece could easily be divided into five parts and auctioned separately."
The wealthy nobles below began chatting and laughing among themselves.
"Of course, I'm joking. Each of these five human figures has its own unique spirit, and together they tell a beautiful love story. I believe many who are knowledgeable about stone sculpture can feel the poignant romance of this tale."
The blond man sighed with emotion. "Five human sculptures, each at the grandmaster level, and together they convey such a unique story. The price of this sculpture — I simply cannot begin to guess."
"Most importantly, Master Lin Lei was only sixteen when he completed this work. Sixteen!" The blond man's voice rose. "I have never felt so inadequate in my ability to express myself. I cannot find the words to convey my admiration for Master Lin Lei. He is truly a genius!"
These words resonated with the nobles and merchants below.
Sixteen years old, completing such a work — it was nothing short of a miracle.
In the Debus Family's private box, however, there was dead silence.
"Damn that man." Kalan bore a grudge against the blond man, because after his little speech, the price of the 'Dream Awakening' sculpture would surely climb even higher.
"I cannot imagine what Master Lin Lei will achieve in the future, and that is precisely what makes his first work to sweep across the Yulan Continent all the more precious. Alas, if only I had more money — I would spend my entire fortune to acquire it." The blond man smiled. "Alright then, let the auction begin. Starting price: one million gold coins. No objections, I trust?"
One million gold coins! And that was just the starting price?
Many nobles who had harbored hopes of a bargain were stunned. If you weren't from a major family or incredibly wealthy, you wouldn't even dream of competing for the 'Dream Awakening' sculpture.
"Each bid must be at least ten thousand gold coins higher," the blond man added. "Now then, the auction of Master Lin Lei's sculpture 'Dream Awakening' officially begins."
The entire auction hall fell silent.
"One and a half million gold coins!" a noble on the first floor called out immediately.
Lin Lei, seated on the third floor, listened carefully to the bids below. Bei Bei, nestled in his arms, poked its little head out to peek down as well.
"Boss, from now on I can eat all the roast chicken and duck I want, plus drink as much wine as I like, right?" Bei Bei's voice echoed in Lin Lei's mind.
"No problem." Lin Lei patted Bei Bei's head.
To him, Bei Bei was as good as a brother.
"Yay, life is gonna be good from now on!" Bei Bei's eyes sparkled with excitement as it craned its neck to look down. "Ooh, two million gold coins already. Higher, higher!" Bei Bei kept rooting for the price to climb, and seeing this, Lin Lei couldn't help but smile.
King Clyde of the Fenlei Kingdom enthusiastically clapped Lin Lei on the shoulder. "Lin Lei, let me lend you a hand too."
"Ostoney, five million gold coins," Clyde said to Ostoney.
Ostoney walked to a designated speaking position and announced in a clear voice, "His Majesty Clyde bids five million gold coins."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lin Lei said immediately.
"Haha, don't mention it." Clyde warmly draped an arm around Lin Lei's shoulder. "Lin Lei, how about lending me a hand? There's no need for us to stand on ceremony between lord and subject." He said it casually enough.
Lin Lei found himself warming to Clyde.
He really was a charismatic and compelling leader.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I'd like to discuss it with my father first. Barring any unexpected circumstances, I do intend to stay in the Fenlei Kingdom," Lin Lei said with a smile.
"You should indeed discuss it with your father." Clyde frowned slightly. "Lin Lei, as far as I know, your father seems to have left Wushan Town. I've looked into it, but I can't find any trace of him. It's as if... he's vanished."
After Lin Lei's fame had spread, Clyde had looked into Lin Lei's relatives to try to win his loyalty.
But Hogg was no longer in Wushan Town.