Startled as he was, Kang Siran didn't press the matter. Instead he asked, "So it seems Master Yang intends to bid?"
"That's right, but I don't have many Source Crystals on hand." Yang Kai wore a pained expression. He was already secretly weighing what he could put up as collateral. Perhaps he could offer a lump of Heavy Earth — he didn't need much. A piece about the size of a dragon's eye should be enough to cover the bidding cost.
But if Heavy Earth were to appear in public, it would likely stir up no small amount of trouble.
"Heh heh, since this Artifact Spirit has such a connection with Master Yang, then bid with confidence. Whatever shortfall there is, this old man will cover for you first, and Master Yang can repay me later," Kang Siran said generously.
Yang Kai looked at him and frowned. "But Manager Kang, aren't you planning to bid on that Dao Source Fruit at the end?"
Kang Siran waved his hand with a smile. "I originally had my eye on that Dao Source Fruit, but looking at it now, with the meager amount of Source Crystals I have, my chances are slim. I never expected so many Dao Source Realm experts to show up at this auction. Their financial power is nothing I can compete with. Since Master Yang has an urgent need, I might as well do a good deed. As for the Dao Source Fruit… heh heh, aren't we heading off to explore that cave dwelling next? There might be a Dao Source Pill inside."
"How many Source Crystals does Manager Kang have?" Yang Kai asked in a low voice.
Kang Siran raised an open hand as a gesture. "That's all I've got. Hopefully it'll give Master Yang a hand."
"Good. Then I thank you, Brother Kang. I'll remember this kindness." Yang Kai nodded solemnly.
Kang Siran's generosity moved him. He quietly decided that if Kang Siran missed out on the Dao Source Fruit this time and failed to obtain a Dao Source Pill during the cave dwelling exploration, he would refine one himself and send it to him to repay the favor.
Over the days of getting to know Kang Siran, Yang Kai felt this man was genuinely decent — someone worth befriending.
With Kang Siran's backing, Yang Kai felt somewhat more at ease. After all, the Dao Source Grade mid-tier pill furnace had only sold for six million Source Crystals. Liu Yan's price shouldn't exceed that Jade Ink Tripod. Even as a sentient Artifact Spirit, Liu Yan was only at the Void King Realm's third level. To certain truly powerful figures, her usefulness would be limited.
Still… he couldn't rule out exceptional circumstances.
Just as Yang Kai's thoughts were churning, on the elevated platform, Drunken Weng wiped his mouth and continued, "This Artifact Spirit's prior fortune is unknown, but she possesses not only abundant and pure fire-element power — she can also wield thunder-element force. Everyone, don't underestimate her. An ordinary Void King Realm third-level cultivator going against her one-on-one would absolutely not stand a chance. Only a Dao Source Realm martial artist could hope to subdue her. So even if you don't cultivate fire-element techniques, winning this bid would be extremely useful. Her presence alone means you gain a powerful ally!"
Hearing Drunken Weng heap such praise upon Liu Yan, Yang Kai's face instantly darkened. He cursed inwardly, wishing he could rush onto the stage and sew Drunken Weng's mouth shut.
The more the old man praised Liu Yan, the more enthusiastic the bidders would become — and that was anything but good news for Yang Kai.
"Additionally, this Artifact Spirit… heh heh, has another form." Drunken Weng flashed a meaningfully deep smile, sweeping his gaze across the crowd below. Then his hands shifted through a series of hand seals, and the chain-like restriction binding Liu Yan tightened once more. Liu Yan let out a pained cry before transforming before everyone's eyes — suddenly becoming a stunning beauty clad in fiery red robes, her figure graceful and provocative, stirring the imagination.
"Gasp…"
"She can take human form!"
"What kind of fortune did this Artifact Spirit encounter to achieve something so miraculous?"
"My word — her body looks almost solid. She's practically beyond the scope of ordinary Artifact Spirits. I wonder what it would feel like to touch her."
The crowd of martial artists below erupted in commotion the moment Liu Yan revealed her human form, voices clamoring one after another.
Liu Yan stood atop the platform, her expression frigidly cold, wearing a look that dared anyone to approach. That air of aloof distance only added another layer of striking beauty to her appearance. When her phoenix eyes swept across the audience, they drew howls from countless male warriors.
Especially now, with Liu Yan bound by those chain-like restrictions — it accentuated every curve of her voluptuous figure. Some of the more sinister-minded onlookers were already gazing in dazed fascination.
Yang Kai slapped his forehead and let out a heavy sigh.
Kang Siran, who had just taken a sip of tea, couldn't help but spray it out. He hurriedly wiped himself down and eyed Yang Kai with a peculiar expression. "Brother Yang… this old man thinks he now understands what you meant when you said 'friend.'"
"Brother Kang, it's not what you're thinking…" Yang Kai protested feebly.
"Of course, of course. We're all men here." Kang Siran chuckled, his smile loaded with meaning.
Yang Kai rolled his eyes and gave up trying to explain.
"Everyone, you can see for yourselves — this Artifact Spirit is not only an exceptionally capable ally, but having her by your side is both a feast for the eyes and a mark of prestige. Honestly, her beauty is the finest this old man has seen in all his years. It's a pity I'm too old. If I weren't, I'd be putting up a fight for her myself!" Drunken Weng laughed. "All right, enough chatter. One fire-element Artifact Spirit — opening bid: one million Source Crystals. Minimum increment: fifty thousand. The floor is open!"
The starting price for Liu Yan was identical to that of the Dao Source Grade mid-tier pill furnace. Yang Kai's brow furrowed, and a sense of foreboding crept into his heart.
Sure enough, the moment Drunken Weng finished speaking, a chorus of competing bids erupted from below.