"Six hundred million."
When the projected screen displayed the price of six hundred million spirit crystals, Li Xuan could instantly feel the suffocating atmosphere.
This price not only shocked Li Xuan but likely stunned all the forces present at the auction.
Six hundred million spirit crystals could be exchanged for sixty billion top-grade spirit stones. Such a price was equivalent to the twenty-year income of a top-tier force. Even the five great families would need five years to accumulate it.
Fortunately, when Lü Han Chi raised the price to the watershed of six hundred million spirit crystals, even the bidding from the five great families ceased.
Such a price made it difficult for people to decide easily.
Perhaps because the bidding box was the "Zhong" character number six box where Li Xuan and the other seven were located, the five great racial forces in the topmost tier did not bid for a time.
"Box Zhong character number six bids six hundred million spirit crystals. Is there anyone else who wishes to bid?" After the bidding stopped for a few seconds, Fairy Bi Yao stepped forward and asked.
However, for the next few seconds, no other box continued to bid.
"Six hundred million spirit crystals, first call."
"Six hundred million spirit crystals, second call."
"Six hundred million spirit crystals, third call. Congratulations to box Zhong character number six for successfully bidding for six hundred million spirit crystals!"
Seeing this, Fairy Bi Yao immediately brought down the hammer and announced the auction result. Upon hearing the result, Li Xuan also breathed a sigh of relief. He Xiu Zhu and the others showed expressions of joy. It was evident that they were determined to acquire the Mountain Seal Imprint.
Li Xuan believed that even if the five great racial forces continued to bid, He Xiu Zhu would not let go. Li Xuan was curious about how many spirit crystals He Xiu Zhu and the others had brought with them.
"Finally, we haven't let down Elder Dan's entrustment. Otherwise, it would be difficult to report back if we didn't win it," said Wen Bo Ya, also breathing a sigh of relief as the maid brought the Mountain Seal Imprint for the handover.
"Elder Dan gave me eight hundred million spirit crystals before we left. This price is still acceptable. Well, Elder Dan's instructions have been completed. Now, everyone, see if there are any treasures you need. If you find anything you like, let's bid for it together," He Xiu Zhu said with a smile.
"Elder Dan actually gave Senior Brother eight hundred million spirit crystals. No wonder Elder Dan didn't come with us. It seems Elder Dan had already calculated that the price of this square seal would be within eight hundred million spirit crystals, so he wasn't worried," Shen Zi Wen and the others exchanged glances and said with sudden realization.
"Alright, let's continue watching the auction," He Xiu Zhu said with a smile, but he also subtly relaxed.
It was clear that this square seal carried immense importance, and even with He Xiu Zhu's composure, he was somewhat nervous.
Li Xuan and the others nodded and then turned their gazes to the projected screen. The subsequent auctions were not particularly remarkable.
While it broadened Li Xuan's horizons, He Xiu Zhu and the others appeared accustomed to it.
Although some items made Li Xuan's heart flutter, the thought of his own meager ten million-plus spirit crystals completely extinguished this desire in its cradle.
As time passed, the auction had been underway for two hours. During this time, countless rare treasures were displayed, creating a dazzling array.
In this auction, Song Qian Yu bid for a hairpin of the Chaos Spirit Treasure level, and Lü Han Chi also bid for a mysterious scroll.
Besides these, He Xiu Zhu, Wen Bo Ya, Wang Kun, and Shen Zi Wen did not make any bids.
When eight Eternal Realm powerhouses appeared on the projected screen, everyone's attention was focused.
Li Xuan knew that the grand finale of the Treasure Pavilion was finally about to appear.
"I believe everyone has been waiting impatiently," Fairy Bi Yao seemed to sense the restless atmosphere and said with a smile.
"Fairy Bi Yao, your Treasure Pavilion's finale items are always shrouded in mystery, but they are always extremely precious. I expect this time will not disappoint us."
"Fairy Bi Yao, it has already been two hours, please announce it quickly."
As soon as Fairy Bi Yao finished speaking, a deep voice echoed from one of the private boxes.
Fairy Bi Yao smiled and nodded, then waved her hand. The eight Eternal Realm powerhouses simultaneously formed seals with their hands.
As eight streams of spiritual light connected, a large tripod, three meters tall, appeared on the auction stage.
A dense aura of artifacts emanated from it, and even Li Xuan, within his private box, could feel the extraordinary nature of this tripod.
"The Nation-Guarding Tripod?!" As the large tripod appeared, Wang Kun exclaimed in shock. His astonished expression clearly indicated the tripod's unusual nature.
"Sixth Brother, you recognize this item?" He Xiu Zhu frowned slightly and directly asked Wang Kun.
As He Xiu Zhu's voice fell, Wen Bo Ya and Li Xuan also shifted their gaze to Wang Kun. Although they sensed the extraordinary aura of the tripod, they were unsure of its identity.
Seeing Wang Kun's expression, it seemed he recognized it.
Even though Li Xuan had learned from the Heavenly Dao Brush that this tripod was a Chaos Supreme Treasure, he was still unaware of its origin.
Wang Kun took a deep breath, nodded slightly, and then said, "If my judgment is correct, this large tripod should be the Nation-Guarding Tripod. This item can stabilize a nation's fortune and ensure peace for all directions."
"Those who possess this tripod will not only have their own destiny enhanced but also their strength. I once saw my father's Nation-Guarding Tripod, which is why I have some suspicions."
"However, even our Heavenly Luo Empire's Nation-Guarding Tripod is only one meter tall, while this tripod is three meters. I fear its power is even greater."
"Sixth Brother, your Heavenly Luo Empire is one of the top ten empires on the Eternal Continent. If even your empire's tripod is only one meter tall, then isn't this Nation-Guarding Tripod heaven-defying?" Wen Bo Ya exclaimed in surprise.
Wang Kun nodded with a wry smile, "It is precisely because of this that I am somewhat shocked. Of course, it's also possible that I'm mistaken."
Listening to Wang Kun's words, Li Xuan's gaze shifted back to the three-meter-tall tripod on the projected screen.
If Wang Kun's words were true, then this Nation-Guarding Tripod could bring about earth-shattering changes to a nation.
And if it were obtained by a force, their strength would likely surge.
Such a precious item, and the Treasure Pavilion was actually putting it up for auction. Thinking of this, Li Xuan couldn't help but inwardly question the Treasure Pavilion's motives.
"Fairy Bi Yao, is this item the Nation-Guarding Tripod?" While Li Xuan and the others were waiting, a voice slowly sounded in the hall.
Li Xuan and the others all turned their gaze to Fairy Bi Yao.
Fairy Bi Yao smiled and nodded, "As expected, someone recognizes this item. Indeed, this tripod is the Nation-Guarding Tripod. If my Treasure Pavilion could refine this tripod, we would not have put it up for auction as the grand finale."
"As everyone knows, the Nation-Guarding Tripod has the power to protect a nation, but it also requires sufficient strength. I hope everyone can bid within their means. Of course, my Eternal Continent is full of powerful individuals, so perhaps I am merely worrying unnecessarily."
Listening to Fairy Bi Yao's words, Li Xuan finally felt a slight sense of relief.
Indeed, the Nation-Guarding Tripod was heaven-defying, but it also required sufficient strength to refine it. And this particular Nation-Guarding Tripod would likely not be able to be activated without peak Immortal Realm strength. The consequences of any backlash could be imagined.
"The starting price for this tripod is one hundred million spirit crystals. Those who are interested may now make their bids."