Seeing the proud smiles on the faces of Ding Qing and his daughter, Gu Yue grew even more furious, wishing she could rush onto the stage and kill them both.
However, glancing at Chen Jie beside her, she suppressed the thought.
Chen Jie's strength was unfathomable; even with her and her uncle combined, they might not be his match.
From their last battle, she could clearly see that Chen Jie had not used his full power.
"One hundred and sixty billion."
After obtaining Gu Bao's consent, Gu Yue raised the bid again.
Despite the fierce competition, the Gu family was determined to obtain it.
With the appearance of the mysterious black-robed figure, other parties soon joined the struggle for the ancient cultivation methods.
Gu Yue's expression turned cold as she observed the situation.
"Uncle, the situation isn't looking good. More and more people are competing with us," Gu Yue whispered, her face displeased.
"We will remember these people, and the Gu family will not let them off easily," Gu Bao said in a deep voice.
The ancient cultivation method belonged to their Gu family, and it had to be returned.
This was the mission assigned to them by the Gu family patriarch.
If the Gu family's ancient cultivation methods fell into the hands of others, more people would gain access to their techniques, which would be a tremendous loss for the Gu family.
The Gu family had brought a large contingent of experts precisely to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.
If the ancient cultivation method was outbid, they would have to resort to special means to reclaim it.
Soon, the bidding for the Gu family's ancient cultivation method reached two hundred billion.
"Three hundred billion!" a lone cultivator called out.
Peace Mountain Villa was indeed a melting pot, with a considerable number of independent cultivators, though most had not reached the Martial King realm.
The lone cultivator who bid three hundred billion was lean and wiry, with a small mustache and sharp eyes. He wielded a judge's brush, its tip secretly laced with potent poison. Known as "Ghost Hand Judge" Yu Jianghai, he was a notorious figure in the martial world, known for his ruthless and deadly attacks, leaving no survivors.
"Four hundred billion," the mysterious figure bid calmly, determined to win.
"Esteemed guests, this ancient cultivation method is an item I desire. I would appreciate it if you would grant me this favor." The mysterious black-robed figure's gaze, sharp as a blade, swept across the attendees.
"I bid five hundred billion." Another voice chimed in. The speaker, from a corner on the left, waved at the black-robed figure as they bid, a smile on their face that the black-robed figure found superfluous.
"Six hundred billion." The black-robed figure remained unperturbed.
Bids from various parties continued to trickle in. In the blink of an eye, the price reached nine hundred billion. This far exceeded the Gu family's expectations.
Meanwhile, Ding Qing and his daughter were ecstatic. Ding Qing had thought that reaching five hundred billion would be exceptional, but now the price was approaching one trillion. With nine hundred billion, he could stay at Peace Mountain Villa for as long as he wished, without any further worries about his safety.
"Nine hundred and ten billion," Gu Yue said, glaring fiercely at the black-robed figure.
"Nine hundred and twenty billion," the black-robed figure responded without hesitation.
"My friend, I advise you not to compete with our Gu family. It will not benefit you," Gu Yue warned.
However, the black-robed figure merely smiled faintly, paying no heed to Gu Yue's warning.
"Nine hundred and thirty billion," Gu Yue gritted out.
"Nine hundred and forty billion," the black-robed figure waved at Gu Yue and her party, seemingly dismissive. As the bidding continued, the black-robed figure had pushed the price to one hundred and ten billion. This was undeniably a formidable opponent. The black-robed figure, disregarding the Gu family's repeated warnings, was determined to acquire the Gu family's ancient cultivation method. Gu Yue shook her head discreetly.
"Uncle, there's no need for us to continue bidding. This item is not worth this much." "Let's wait until after the auction and intercept this mysterious black-robed figure later. We'll see who he really is."
"Very well." After reaching an agreement, the two cast chilling glances at the black-robed figure, who, though noticing their stares, acted as if he hadn't. Ultimately, the ancient cultivation method, which had reached one hundred and ten billion, fell into the hands of the mysterious black-robed figure.
Following this, a few more inconsequential items were auctioned, and the auction concluded. As the black-robed figure, clutching the ancient cultivation method, prepared to depart, several individuals could no longer contain themselves.
*Swish, swish, swish!*
Several figures darted in front of the black-robed figure, their eyes fixed on him coldly.
"My friend, you may leave, but you must leave the item behind." The leading lone cultivator, a smile on his face, addressed the black-robed figure. This was Lin Qianfeng, who had several hidden flying needles. If the black-robed figure refused to hand over the item, he was prepared to attack immediately.
However, the black-robed figure showed him no courtesy.
"Who do you think you are? Get lost!" His voice, like a wave of energy, rolled forward. Lin Qianfeng, unable to withstand the sonic blast, was sent flying backward. This demonstrated the black-robed figure's considerable power. Lin Qianfeng was astonished to have suffered defeat before even making a move.
"How dare you cause trouble in Peace Mountain Villa!" "Don't you know the rules here?" Seeing the commotion and the emerging fight within, Lü Changbu, along with members of the Martial Arts Association, rushed in. However, they were quickly defeated by the lone cultivators, proving no match for them. The black-robed figure hadn't even made a move yet, but the venue had descended into chaos, much to his surprise. Still, Peace Mountain Villa lived up to its reputation, with personnel quickly responding to the fight.
"My friend, hand over the item quickly." Lin Qianfeng shot several poisoned needles, killing a few members of the Martial Arts Association. Lü Changbu's face turned grim as he witnessed this. Soon, Lü Changbu personally intervened but was also struck by Lin Qianfeng's poisoned needles. Relying on his innate realm, he forcefully expelled the poison. The black-robed figure's strength was immense; even with several lone cultivators attacking him in unison, he repelled them all. In the ensuing chaos, everyone sought to seize an opportunity.
"I never expected that before we even made a move, others would be so eager to fight," Gu Yue said, looking at Gu Bao beside her.
"This saves us the trouble. Let them fight until they're exhausted, and then we can reap the rewards." "The experts from our Hidden Sect are ready to charge in at my command." Gu Bao had already made his plans; he was determined to obtain the ancient cultivation method.
"Chen Jie, what should we do in this situation?" Jiang Xue asked, her face grave as she observed the chaotic scene. She understood that among those present were top-tier tycoons from various fields, as well as martial arts masters with incredible abilities. Even if she were to act, she wouldn't have a guaranteed victory.
"First, dispatch the martial artists from the security company to maintain order," Chen Jie said calmly.