Ouyang Tianyun paused, asking everyone to adjust their clothes and ensure they looked presentable before continuing. "Whether it is a large or small auction, the rules are the same. The only difference is the entry fee. For a small auction, you only need to pay three mid-grade spirit stones to enter and observe. For a large one, you must pay ten high-grade spirit stones and possess an invitation from the Paipai Hall."
Ouyang Tianyun led them to the payment counter. Three mid-grade spirit stones per person was a small amount, so he paid for everyone directly. After receiving their number tags, they walked inside.
Since this was merely an experience, they did not book a private room. Instead, they took a spot on the upper floor, separated by a screen. Although it was not as quiet as a private room, it offered a clear view of the entire hall.
Zhu Yanyi noticed that the setup was similar to auctions in the mortal realm. "It feels like the auction model here is quite similar to those in the mortal world," she said.
"That is because it is based on the mortal auction model, with only slight modifications," Ouyang Tianyun smiled.
Zhu Yanyi tilted her head. "Does that mean most people in the Paipai Hall have experienced the mortal world?"
"Many here have entered the mortal realm, though not necessarily in your specific plane. They may have gone to other planes, just as you might travel to different worlds during your future trials," Ouyang Tianyun explained carefully to Zhu Yanyi.
Gu Jun glanced oddly at Ouyang Tianyun from the side. She wondered if she was overthinking it, but she sensed Ouyang Tianyun was unusually patient with Zhu Yanyi. Gu Jun decided to find a private moment to chat with her later.
Zhu Yanyi did not mind. Her keen senses allowed her to feel Ouyang Tianyun’s patience, but she also sensed there was no romantic interest. She treated her like family. Since that was the case, she accepted her kindness. Besides, she was a direct senior brother from the Alchemy Department. Having such a senior brother around was not a bad thing.
Because it was a small auction, the audience was large. Soon, the seats below were nearly full. Zhu Yanyi realized she had been mistaken. She had assumed the area around the Sage Academy would be sparse, mainly because Gu Jun had rarely spoken about the academy. Now that she was here, she saw that although the Sage Academy was a hidden force, it was surrounded by towns and villages. Naturally, there were many people.
It was good to come out and see for herself. If she had stayed inside, she would never have known this. Misunderstandings, if left unchecked, bury the truth. Zhu Yanyi did not want to be someone blinded by ignorance.
Feeling refreshed by this realization, Zhu Yanyi said cheerfully, "Senior brothers and sisters, if you see anything you like, tell me. I will bid for you."
Mi Xiao looked at her curiously. "Fifteen, do you have a lot of money?"
"Money should not be flaunted. I have some, but I won't tell you how much," Zhu Yanyi said, making a funny face at Mi Xiao.
Mi Xiao laughed. "You said it. If I see something I like, I will bid. Remember to pay."
Seeing Mi Xiao’s reaction, Zhu Yanyi smiled. "Go ahead and bid. I can afford it." After all, she was a hidden wealthy person.
Mi Xiao nodded happily and focused on the main stage.
As the crowd settled, soft string and wind music played. The melody seemed to soothe the atmosphere, and the noisy hall gradually quieted down. Everyone sat attentively, watching the stage.
A man, appearing to be around thirty, walked up. She looked somewhat unruly. Zhu Yanyi noticed her features were delicate and feminine, somewhat similar to Dong Bocao. She was quite handsome in a striking way.
"Hello everyone. I am sure you remember me. I am Wu Xie. It is a pleasure to see you all at the 1,768th small auction hosted by our Paipai Hall," Wu Xie said with a gentle smile. His eyes held a soft, watery light, and his hesitant expression made people reluctant to interrupt him.
Wu Xie continued, "There are five items in this small auction: a Phoenix Tail Lotus Hairpin, a Water Spider Web, Fluorescent Grass, a Silver Thread Sword, and a fox."
Mi Xiao spoke up immediately. "Fifteen, I want that Fluorescent Grass. I found a recipe recently that requires it, and I have been looking for it for a long time."
"Then bid for it," Zhu Yanyi said casually. Since it was being auctioned, it was meant to be sold.
"We will start with the first item, the Phoenix Tail Lotus Hairpin. It was once a defensive immortal artifact, but after some great disaster, it is now only a defensive spirit artifact. However, its grade is still high. The starting bid is ten high-grade spirit stones, with increments of no less than five," Wu Xie said. He waved his hand, and a staff member carried the hairpin around the venue for everyone to see.
"This hairpin looks quite nice," Ouyang Tianyun said with a smile.
"Third Senior Brother, do you want to bid on it?" Gu Jun asked.
Ouyang Tianyun shook his head slightly. "No, I was just commenting. It is a damaged item. Bidding on it would be a waste of money. Better to let someone else have it."
Mi Xiao added, "Our academy has many weapons and armor. We usually get them by participating in competitions or exploring secret realms."
Her words implied she had no interest in the hairpin.
The Phoenix Tail Lotus Hairpin was eventually won by a masked woman for twenty high-grade spirit stones.
"The second item is the Water Spider Web," Wu Xie announced. "As everyone knows, water spiders have great resilience. This web has no other special effects, but it is an excellent tool for capturing spirit pets you like." He demonstrated by pressing a button, and the web instantly trapped an object in front of him.
"This Water Spider Web looks decent," Zhu Yanyi thought, considering whether to bid on it.