Volume One: A Beauty That Brings Ruin Chapter 23: Flowers Falling from the Heavens

"Ladies and gentlemen, I shall spare you the repetition of the auction rules. As always, the highest bidder wins! Once a deal is struck, there are no returns or exchanges."

"Furthermore, to ensure the security of this auction, please head to the transaction office in the first-floor lobby to settle your purchases once the event concludes."

"Now, I declare this auction officially open!"

By now, Qin Yumei had cast aside her earlier trance, fully embodying her role as Pavilion Master of the Wanbao Pavilion. Charming and captivating, she held the rhythm of the entire hall in the palm of her hand.

"The first treasure up for auction is a heavy sword—it is called the Overlord Sword!" As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Yumei retrieved the weapon from her storage ring and set it heavily onto the auction platform.

"What an imposing heavy sword! It truly lives up to the name Overlord Sword!"

"If one were struck by such a massive blade, even if they survived, they would surely be flayed alive!"

"However, looking at the star-pattern on the blade, there appears to be only one. It seems this Overlord Sword is merely a one-star spiritual artifact."

"To think such a formidable-looking heavy sword is only a one-star artifact!"

As Qin Yumei displayed the sword, a heated discussion broke out below. Some were drawn to the weapon's raw power, while others expressed disdain for its low ranking.

This, of course, was exactly what Qin Yumei had anticipated.

With a seductive smile, she began her pitch in earnest: "You may not realize it, but while this Overlord Sword is indeed a one-star artifact, its strength is not to be underestimated!"

"Forged with exquisite craftsmanship, this blade weighs a full three hundred catties. With such a heavy sword in hand, one can gaze upon all with contempt!"

"Not only that, but the blade is as fluid as a rainbow, and the hilt is intricately carved. Any wielder will find it powerful in their grip, as if they can feel the endless strength contained within."

"This sword is truly a masterpiece among one-star artifacts; its power is comparable to some two-star artifacts!"

Qin Yumei’s seductive and persuasive voice echoed throughout the underground auction hall. The once-hesitant cultivators were now stirred to excitement, their minds seemingly made up.

"Pavilion Master Qin! Stop teasing us and tell us the price of this Overlord Sword!"

"Indeed, Pavilion Master Qin, how much will this sword cost? I happen to be looking for a suitable blade myself."

"As Pavilion Master Qin said, this sword rivals some two-star artifacts; the price surely won't be cheap."

Suddenly, the sword-wielding cultivators rose one after another, calling out to Qin Yumei on the stage, their gazes filled with a touch of irreverence.

Facing the scene and the men's naked stares, Qin Yumei remained unfazed. She simply smiled bewitchingly and announced, "The starting bid for this Overlord Sword is one thousand silver coins!"

"One thousand silver coins—a decent starting price. If I didn't already have my Immortal Execution Sword, I might have been tempted to try for it."

Jiang Hao shook his head and smiled bitterly. "I hope this auction wasn't a wasted trip. I need to be able to bid on a sword-cultivation technique later. Otherwise, how am I to unleash the true potential of my ten-thousand-catty Immortal Execution Sword?"

"Two thousand silver coins!"

"Two thousand five hundred!"

...

"Five thousand!"

...

"Nine thousand!"

It wasn't until a burly man shouted his bid, his voice raspy from the intensity, that the bidding for the first treasure finally concluded.

"Congratulations to this gentleman for successfully winning this formidable Overlord Sword!" Qin Yumei announced loudly.

Her voice was soft yet seductive, soul-stirring to all present. The man who had won the sword beamed with joy.

"Haha! Many thanks to Pavilion Master Qin for her kind words!" Feeling the weight of countless envious gazes, the burly man sat back down, thoroughly satisfied.

"My goodness! A one-star artifact sold for nine thousand silver coins under her influence! Truly, one should never underestimate a woman," Jiang Hao remarked, greatly astonished.

One had to understand that most one-star artifacts sold for only a few hundred silver coins; even the 'masterpiece' Qin Yumei described should have topped out at three or four thousand at most.

Yet, this sword had fetched such a high price in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, leaving Jiang Hao feeling a sense of admiration.

Elsewhere, the young prince Murong Hai was also observing the proceedings. However, his face showed none of Jiang Hao's surprise, as if everything were going according to his expectations.

"As expected of the woman I fancy. A business mind like Qin Yumei’s is truly one of a kind." Murong Hai squinted, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

Meanwhile, the auction for the second treasure had already begun.

"Next, the second treasure is a great blade—named the Mountain-Breaking Saber!"

"This blade is a two-star spiritual artifact, weighing five hundred catties. Its body is thick and resilient, emitting a steady luster as if it encapsulates the majesty of mountains and the heaviness of the earth!"

"Most notably, its edge is as sharp as a razor, capable of carving paths through mountains and piercing through anything. It is said that every strike from this blade is like a thunderclap, capable of shaking the heavens and the earth!"

"How could such a peerless blade not inspire awe? Therefore, the starting bid for the Mountain-Breaking Saber is five thousand silver coins!"

Qin Yumei had rattled off the merits of the blade in a single breath, painting a vivid picture.

As soon as she finished, the room erupted into a frenzy, with competing bids flying back and forth.

"Six thousand silver coins!"

"Seven thousand!"

"Eight thousand!"

...

"I'll add another two thousand!"

...

"Fifty thousand silver coins!"

Only when a middle-aged cultivator at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Spring Realm shouted that massive sum did the bidding finally subside.

"Good heavens! This is madness!"

"Indeed! A two-star artifact, sold for fifty thousand!"

"As expected of Pavilion Master Qin. Who can resist an auction hosted by her personally?"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, lamenting the high price of the saber while casting envious looks at the successful bidder.

"To think a two-star artifact would fetch the price of a three-star one," Jiang Hao sighed, watching the heated atmosphere. "It seems if these cultivators have the means, they will gladly participate in this madness."

"This woman, Qin Yumei, is truly extraordinary. She can make every treasure sound like a gift from the heavens, and those people actually believe it!" Jiang Hao whispered, his admiration growing.

"Brother Jiang Hao, do you see now how terrifying a beautiful woman can be?"

Although Fan Caiyun didn't fully grasp the pricing of spiritual artifacts, she could feel the chaotic energy of the auction house.

And yet, this frenzy had been orchestrated by the woman with just a few words.

Jiang Hao shook his head and smiled wryly. "You little one, stop nagging me. I am only here to bid on a sword-cultivation technique and will have no further dealings with that woman."

"Once I secure the technique, we will leave immediately," Jiang Hao added, trying to reassure her.

"Mm, as long as you know that, Brother Jiang Hao." Fan Caiyun pouted, sticking her tongue out at him.

"You child..." Jiang Hao smiled, his eyes filled with gentleness.