"Please, go ahead, Senior," Chu Feng said politely.
"Little friend Chu Feng, this secret technique of yours is worth a great deal. And to put it bluntly, it seems you don't quite understand how much."
"If you truly wish to sell this secret technique, you could hand it over to my Ghost Palace."
"My Ghost Palace operates the finest auction house in the entire Upper Realm, and we possess extremely powerful methods of promotion."
"If you entrust this secret technique to Ghost Palace for auction, I can guarantee that we will fetch an excellent price for you, little friend Chu Feng."
"And all Ghost Palace would require is a modest commission," Ghost Palace stated.
"May I ask how much the commission would be?" Chu Feng asked.
"Normally, we take ten percent of the final auction price. However, for you, little friend Chu Feng, we could offer a discount — just eight percent," Ghost Palace said.
"There's no need for a discount. Let's stick with the standard rate — ten percent. Since you're willing to help me, Senior, I certainly wouldn't want you to take a loss. My only concern is whether you can guarantee the safety of this secret technique," Chu Feng said.
"Rest easy, little friend Chu Feng. Not only will we ensure the safety of auctioned items, but your personal safety will also be fully guaranteed by my Ghost Palace."
Old Man Gui Chou's words carried a deeper meaning. He was telling Chu Feng that he knew Chu Feng currently had many enemies — but that it didn't matter. As long as Chu Feng was willing to auction through Ghost Palace, the palace would ensure he remained unharmed.
In truth, Chu Feng suspected that a force like Ghost Palace wouldn't go out of their way to approach him over a mere ten percent commission. Old Man Gui Chou was actually seizing the opportunity to build a relationship with him.
Moreover, the other party's attitude was so earnest, and Chu Feng himself was quite curious about Ghost Palace.
So without overthinking it, Chu Feng readily agreed and asked, "When would the auction take place?"
"A month from now — how does that sound?"
"In one month, my Ghost Palace will hold its annual Grand Auction. That's when the most people come to auction their items."
"It'll be easier to fetch a higher price," Old Man Gui Chou said.
"Where?" Chu Feng asked.
"At Ghost Palace headquarters, within the Ghost Palace Auction Hall," Old Man Gui Chou said.
"Very well. If nothing unexpected comes up, I'll make a trip to your Ghost Palace in one month," Chu Feng said.
"Little friend Chu Feng, please keep this safe. With this token, you will receive the hospitality of an honored guest when you arrive at my Ghost Palace."
Old Man Gui Chou handed a token to Chu Feng.
Chu Feng understood the token's function, so he carefully stored it away.
But just then, Song Yunfei walked over.
Seeing Song Yunfei approach, Old Man Gui Chou gave him a friendly nod.
Song Yunfei returned the smile.
From their gestures, Chu Feng could tell the two of them had known each other for some time.
"I've long heard that Brother Chu Feng is ruthless in his methods. Seeing it today, the reputation is well earned."
"Just because of a mere sparring match, you crippled Han Yu's cultivation and seized his sect's inherited secret technique. I'm afraid Sword King City won't let this slide — after all, what you did was excessive, by any measure."
Song Yunfei's words were laced with barbs, clearly aimed at mocking Chu Feng.
After finishing his remarks to Chu Feng, Song Yunfei turned to Old Man Gui Chou and asked, "And Ghost Palace truly intends to auction something obtained this way?"
The moment Song Yunfei spoke those words, many onlookers' expressions shifted as they grasped the implications.