The auction was still underway.
Tang Xin, in front, would occasionally turn back to watch Su Yang and Duan Linglong flirting.
She felt quite displeased, though her eyes held a different kind of gaze.
"You dogs, flaunting your affection will lead to a swift end!"
Huang Jun grumbled, turning his attention back to the stage.
At this moment, a gaunt old man walked up and took a box from behind him.
When the old man opened the box, a long sword was revealed, three fingers wide and one meter two in length.
The hilt was carved with a lifelike Yinglong, and the blade was so sharp it could cut hair.
The old man flicked his finger, and the sword emitted a "humming" sound.
After observing closely, someone couldn't help but sigh, "A good sword, it's a shame it's wasted in this peaceful era."
The old man gently stroked the sword as if it were a lover.
After a while.
The old man said softly, "This sword is forged from cold iron, taking ten months of repeated quenching."
"Old sir, why don't you name a price!"
"This sword is named 'Huang Quan.' I don't intend to sell it; I wish to exchange it for something!"
The crowd was stunned. The previous items were all exchanged for money, but this sword was being traded for another item.
"Old sir, what do you wish to exchange it for?"
Most people were thinking that if they could acquire it, it would make a fine collectible.
"I need a pill or herb that strengthens the body!"
This statement confused everyone. Aren't there many pharmacies selling such herbs?
The old man's face flushed slightly. "It's medicine that this old man needs. The potency must be strong, otherwise, I still can't muster the energy."
Everyone suddenly understood; the old man was looking for aphrodisiacs.
Even a sharp blade can grow dull with age.
Huang Jun's eyes lit up. "I'll give you a million, you can buy a lot of medicine. Want to trade?"
Su Yang chuckled, "Does he lack that little bit of money? I'm dying of laughter, a million to appease a beggar?"
Although Su Yang didn't know the market price, he knew that the sword was not cheap.
Huang Jun's offer of a million was pure fantasy.
The old man shook his head. "A mere million? It costs me more than that to forge a sword casually!"
Huang Jun's face fell. "Your tone is quite arrogant, sir. How can you claim a casually forged sword is worth a million?"
"I am the master of Longquan Villa. I have been forging swords for sixty years. Is that still considered arrogant?"
The crowd gasped. They hadn't expected the frail-looking old man to be the renowned sword-forging master, Han Sanqian.
"Hiss... Master of Longquan Villa?"
"No wonder, I thought that sword looked familiar."
"Old Han hasn't left Longquan Villa for thirty years. I never thought we'd have the chance to meet him today."
Huang Jun's face darkened, wishing he could dig a hole and disappear into it.
The crowd whispered amongst themselves, each trying to figure out how to find the pills or herbs Han Sanqian needed.
Su Yang was a little confused. "What's going on with them? Is this old man very powerful?"
Duan Linglong nodded. "Longquan Villa has a long history. Through the rise and fall of ancient dynasties, it has remained standing. Over the years, Old Han, with his unparalleled sword-forging skills, has crafted weapons for many experts in Longguo.
It can be said that many owe Old Han a debt of gratitude. If he were to ask, countless experts would help him!"
Su Yang understood. In essence, he had extensive connections, so many people wanted to befriend Han Sanqian.
At this moment, Meng Jing stood up and said, "Old Han, how about I go back and research what you need? I won't accept any payment."
Tang Xin also chimed in, "Old Han, my Dragon Medical Association has countless medicinal materials. Give me some time, and I'm sure I can prepare what you need."
However, the old man shook his head. "I can't wait any longer. If I don't get it today, I'll return to Longquan Villa."
"What a pity..."
Everyone sighed. Longquan Villa was remote, and if Han Sanqian returned now, they would likely never see him again.
Su Yang picked up his bag and rummaged through it, finding a box.
Inside was a Dragon Tiger Pill, a reward from the system after he had acquired Meng Lianxin.
At the time, Su Yang had said it was useless, as he was young and strong and didn't need it.
"Old Han, what do you think of this pill?"
Su Yang opened the box. The pill was slightly yellowish, and its fragrance instantly filled the entire auction hall.
Han Sanqian sniffed and reacted immediately.
"What kind of pill is this? How long does its effect last?"
"Dragon Tiger Pill. It provides sustained energy for two hours, with no side effects!"
"Good, good, good! I'll take this pill!"
Han Sanqian offered the sword in his hand. However, Su Yang shook his head and refused.
"Senior, this pill is useless to me. But this sword is your personal item; how can I take something you cherish?"
Su Yang did not accept the 'Huang Quan' sword. Instead, he gifted the Dragon Tiger Pill for free, considering it a friendship and a good deed.
Han Sanqian did not refuse, put away the pill, and prepared to leave.
"Thank you for your gift. If you ever need anything, feel free to come to Longquan Villa and find me."
"You are too kind, senior."
Su Yang smiled. Exchanging a useless pill for the favor of a powerful figure was a profitable transaction no matter how you looked at it.
"Everyone, we may meet again. Farewell!"
Han Sanqian seemed to be in a hurry and left quickly after bidding farewell.
Everyone looked at Su Yang, thinking he had stumbled upon another great opportunity.
Duan Linglong was also astonished. "Where did you get that pill?"
"I found it!"
"I don't believe you!"
Tang Xin and the Huang family's faces turned green. Su Yang had clearly become the biggest winner of the day.
Huang Ming grumbled, "What incredible luck!"
"Only the incompetent complain!"
Su Yang glanced at Huang Ming, who immediately shut up.
...
After a brief commotion.
Soon, another person walked onto the stage.
A man carried a cage onto the stage and then lifted the curtain.
Inside was a young wild beast, resembling a wolf but not quite, nor like a dog.
It had white eyebrows and was mottled black and white. The cub was lying in the cage.
The cub was small and listless, clearly sick.
"What is this thing?"
The seller was a bit embarrassed. "I found it on the mountain while gathering herbs. It should be a wolf."
"A white-eyed wolf, and you dare to try and sell it? Are you desperate for money?"
"Exactly! This wolf cub looks like it's about to die. Why would anyone buy it?"
No one made an offer, a first in the history of the auction.
The staff member was also a bit embarrassed. "Sir, please step down."
"Alright..."
The man sighed, picked up the cage, and prepared to leave.
"Wait! I want this wolf cub!"
Everyone turned to look. It was Su Yang who had spoken.
The seller was stunned for a moment, then ran back.
"Young Master Su, if you want it, just give a small amount of money."
In reality, it wasn't Su Yang who wanted it, but Duan Linglong, who was too shy to ask.
"Is two hundred thousand enough?"
"Enough, enough..."
The seller was overjoyed. This was a zero-cost transaction; making a pure profit of two hundred thousand, what more could he ask for?
After receiving the money, the man left in a hurry.
Su Yang handed the wolf cub to Duan Linglong. "Here, your little pet."
Duan Linglong stroked the cub's head. The little creature snuggled and wriggled in her arms.
Su Yang's eyes widened. Was this a lecherous wolf?
Duan Linglong, seeing its listless state, said, "Why don't you try giving it a few acupuncture needles?"
"Damn it, I'm not a veterinarian!"