Chapter 975: Three Strikes and You're Out

Sun Ji and Yang Long, who had been thoroughly humiliated by the recent events, were about to leave and set up an ambush outside to get revenge on Zu An. However, upon hearing those words, they both stopped in their tracks.

"What's wrong, Elder Yang?" Sun Ji asked curiously, noticing Yang Long's unusual behavior.

"The legendary Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger..." Yang Long was a little agitated. He didn't have time to respond to Sun Ji, his beard trembling slightly as he stared at the box in the beautiful host's hand at the center of the venue.

Zu An was also startled. Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger?

Shi Kun had tried to use this very item to cripple him back in the East Palace, only for Zu An to confiscate it. He hadn't expected to hear about it again here.

If he remembered correctly, he had obtained four of them from Shi Kun back then, right?

At that moment, the stout Venerable had flown back to a corner of the central stage. Clearly, due to the immense value of the Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger and the recent events, he needed to stand there to deter anyone with malicious intentions.

However, among the attendees at the Carefree Pavilion, there were many discerning individuals. "A flying dagger that can supposedly slay even immortals?" someone scoffed. "How could such a thing exist in this world? And if it truly did, why would your Carefree Pavilion be willing to sell it?"

The beautiful host had also regained her composure and began to explain with a sweet smile, "This guest makes an excellent point. The Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger has always been a legend, rumored to be capable of killing even immortals. However, our Carefree Pavilion has indeed acquired one through reliable channels. As for your doubts, we can clarify: a complete Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger set consists of nine blades. Only when all nine are united can its legendary power be restored. The one being auctioned today is merely a single piece."

As she spoke, she picked up an exquisite sandalwood box from a servant's tray. Her slender, delicate fingers gently slid open the wooden lid, revealing a small flying dagger.

This flying dagger didn't look much different from an ordinary one; its blade wasn't even gleaming, appearing as if it hadn't been sharpened.

"It looks rather unremarkable," someone commented, immediately drawing agreement from many others who clearly felt suspicious about the item.

The beautiful host explained, "Although this flying dagger is not complete and cannot unleash its full legendary power, it still possesses a unique function: it can inflict severe damage to a person's soul. Without treatment from rare spiritual medicines, one might never recover throughout their life."

The mysterious black-robed figure, whom Zu An had previously observed, scoffed, "Even if an ordinary person obtained this item, they couldn't harm a Grandmaster. As for Grandmasters, they have their own methods to deal with soul attacks. This thing is completely useless to them."

Prompted by his remark, many in the audience who had been somewhat tempted secretly nodded in agreement. Indeed, while the item sounded impressive, it might not be truly useful.

As for collecting all nine Immortal Slaying Flying Daggers, that was even more pointless. Who had ever managed to assemble a complete set throughout the millennia?

It was rare enough to see even one, let alone nine.

Seeing the public opinion turn unfavorable for the sale, the beautiful host grew a little anxious. However, having been chosen for this position, her own capabilities were impressive. She quickly added, "This dagger can also be used against cultivators below the Grandmaster level. Although ordinary cultivators haven't yet condensed their souls, their cultivation is closely linked to their spiritual power. If they are wounded by this blade, their path of cultivation might be completely severed, preventing them from advancing any further in life."

Zu An had to admit the woman's insight was remarkable, but her intentions were utterly malicious. Wasn't she clearly telling everyone in the room that they could use this item to ambush certain enemies and cut off their path to advancement?

Sure enough, upon hearing this, the guests in the venue began to breathe heavily.

"I'll bid two hundred thousand taels! I want this flying dagger," a person exclaimed, unable to contain himself any longer, raising his bidding paddle.

Zu An noticed that the paddles they held were made of iron, indicating they were likely the most common members of the Carefree Pavilion.

It was surprising that even the most ordinary members could casually bid two hundred thousand taels, showing the profound strength of the Carefree Pavilion.

At this point, the beautiful host smiled faintly. "My apologies, honored guest, but the starting bid for this flying dagger is five hundred thousand taels, and each subsequent bid must be at least ten thousand taels higher."

As soon as she said this, the entire venue erupted in laughter, and the embarrassed guest who had just spoken sat back down, his face flushed.

Zu An frowned. He already possessed four Immortal Slaying Flying Daggers, so this particular blade held far more significance for him than for anyone else.

However, the starting bid alone was five hundred thousand taels, and he had no idea how much it would eventually sell for.

He had previously won several million taels of silver at the Silver Hook Casino, but unfortunately, that was just a number; he couldn't actually collect it. In the end, he did a favor and gave it to Mingyue Academy, led by Jiang Luofu.

Tsk, tsk, speaking of which, Jiang Luofu accepted such a huge dowry from me. If she dares to marry anyone else in the future, I'll be furious with her!

Come to think of it, he had also won around a million taels at the Zheng family's casino back then, and they still owed him several hundred thousand.

Never mind, Dan Dan had already paid him back in kind. There was no need for formalities among family.

So, in Brightmoon City, he had earned six hundred and fifty thousand taels in cash. Unfortunately, he had spent a considerable amount afterwards using the "Billionaire Charm" three times and purchasing various alchemy ingredients. Speaking of "Billionaire Charm," that skill was truly a scam; it never had much effect whenever he used it. He definitely wouldn't use it again in the future! Bah!

In the capital, he had received numerous rewards through his merits and ennoblement. Adding that to his previous savings, he should now have around four hundred thousand taels.

Still, his wife Linglong truly knew how to care for him, often giving him palace treasures as rewards for no particular reason.

Hmm, and after returning to the capital, he should visit the Empress more often. It would be a pity to miss out on such a wealthy woman; he had worked so hard before, he shouldn't let her take advantage of him for free.

Including the two hundred thousand taels from the sapphire he just auctioned, he now had around six hundred thousand taels in cash. Of course, there was also the Red Dragon's treasure, valued at over two million taels, from which he could take some to auction if needed.

Of course, his readily available cash was still only six hundred thousand taels.

Zu An felt a pang of frustration. He had thought he was quite wealthy, but coming here today, he realized his money wasn't nearly enough.

At that moment, the bidding quickly began below:

"Five hundred and ten thousand taels!"

"Five hundred and twenty!"

"This guest has bid five hundred and fifty thousand taels! Any higher bids? Five hundred and fifty thousand taels, going once..." The beautiful host seemed a little anxious, as the lukewarm response was somewhat unexpected.

Unfortunately, no one responded. Everyone was initially cautious with their bids, because this flying dagger was both useful and a bit of a white elephant, and several hundred thousand taels of silver was no small sum, so naturally, they had to deliberate.

Furthermore, everyone had heard rumors that there was a truly exceptional item scheduled as the final lot today. If they spent their money here first, they would be in trouble later.

Zu An was somewhat surprised by the situation. After a moment of thought, he directly called out a bid of six hundred thousand taels, reasoning that rather than continuously increasing the price and ultimately driving it higher, it was better to raise it significantly at the start to make others give up the competition.

Sure enough, upon hearing his bid, the others hesitated and did not make another offer.

This flying dagger was indeed a bit of a white elephant, and VIP 333 seemed to be a formidable character. They had just witnessed Sun Ji's miserable state firsthand, so there was no need to offend him here.

The beautiful host's eyes lit up, gleaming as she looked in Zu An's direction. "VIP 333 has bid six hundred thousand! Any higher bids?"

She secretly mused that although this person wore a mask, his physique was tall and slender, and he exuded an air of carefree confidence. He was far more charming than the other pot-bellied Jade Card VIPs.

Meeting the beautiful host's alluring gaze, Zu An merely smiled faintly back at her, not taking it to heart. He was well aware by now how easily such women could put on an act.

He wasn't some naive young man; how could he be ensnared by these high-end "queens of the sea"?

"Six hundred thousand, going twice... six hundred thousand, going three..." The beautiful host was smiling charmingly at Zu An when a voice suddenly interrupted:

"Six hundred and fifty thousand taels!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Sun Ji standing by the window, immediately understanding what was happening.

Clearly, he had lost face earlier and wanted to seize this opportunity to regain it.

Zu An frowned and said in a deep voice, "Six hundred and sixty thousand taels."

"Seven hundred thousand taels!" Seeing Zu An's discomfort, Sun Ji felt a surge of secret satisfaction. He thought, "That's what you get for provoking me!"

"Seven hundred and ten thousand," Zu An added, his face expressionless.

"Seven hundred and fifty thousand!" Sun Ji thought to himself, "He really seems to want this Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger. How can I not seize this chance to drive up the price and vent my hatred?"

He had already decided to give up after the other party made one more bid, as this was no small sum.

He imagined how furious the other party would be after spending an extra two hundred thousand taels, and that thought made him happy.

To his surprise, Zu An then smiled. "Since Young Master Sun likes this item so much, I'll be gracious and let you have it."

Sun Ji: "???"

He thought, "We agreed on three bids! You haven't even made your third bid yet!"