Chapter Sixty-Two: The Tome of Blazing Flames

The speaker was not the Clover Fairy, but another middle-aged man who had never placed a bid. This man was dressed in a butler’s uniform, yet he was alone in the private box, seemingly attending the auction on behalf of his master.

Chu Yun was a bit puzzled, while the Clover Fairy’s expression turned oddly complicated.

“It seems Viscount Karl also desires this auction item. I can't compete with him.”

“Viscount Karl? Who might that be?” Chu Yun asked.

At that moment, the auctioneer announced, “Viscount Karl’s representative bids seven thousand gold coins—seven thousand, first call!”

Chu Yun immediately understood. This agent had not placed any bids so far, probably because he hadn’t associated the item with Lisa. Once Chu Yun had spoken openly about it, regardless of his interest, he had to bid; otherwise, it would appear as if his own lady’s goods were worthless. If Viscount Karl, a notoriously eccentric master, blamed him, he could hardly bear the responsibility.

Moreover, if the Clover Fairy and Lisa were to establish a connection, that was not the result Viscount Karl would wish to see. Thus, purchasing this already valuable auction item was quite necessary.

The Clover Fairy withdrew from the bidding, but the man from the imperial capital grew furious. He cared little for Viscount Karl—a minor noble from the countryside, unworthy of competing with him.

“Eight thousand gold coins—I want this lot!” the man declared through gritted teeth.

This scion of a wealthy imperial family had nearly exhausted his funds during this trip. The auction rules forbade credit; bids must be made within one's verified financial limit.

Viscount Karl’s representative smiled slightly. “Apologies, since this is something Miss Lisa requires, it must be reclaimed. On behalf of Viscount Karl, I bid ten thousand gold coins.”

Upon hearing this, the man’s expression turned sour. Losing in an auction was no great matter; everyone valued items differently. Yet, for someone as narrow-minded as he, it felt as though everyone saw through him, mocking him with their gazes.

“Viscount Karl, is it? I’ll remember you! Hmph!”

The price of ten thousand gold coins far exceeded the true value of the Thunderwater Ray, and Chu Yun was very satisfied. No one else bid further.

The auction house’s commission was five percent of the final price; expensive, but worthwhile. Chu Yun, aside from the initial five thousand gold coins, now received an extra four thousand five hundred. Combined with his previous earnings at the Lionheart Tavern, he now possessed a total of ten thousand gold coins for future auctions.

With the conclusion of the mid-event highlight, the eagerly anticipated third session of the auction officially began.

Since the onset of the monster rampages, the prices of magical equipment and combat-related items had soared, and no one knew how long this situation would last. Transport between cities had become more difficult, trade was greatly affected, and for adventurers like them, this was both a challenge and an opportunity.

The first item was a one-handed sword, appealing to the broadest audience—a second-tier, exceptional-grade weapon.

Second-tier weapons typically sold for around five hundred gold coins. Exceptional quality could triple the price, and perfect-grade weapons were rare, commanding nearly ten times as much. However, these were base prices; the actual value varied greatly depending on effects, materials, and craftsmanship.

This sword was forged from Thunderstone, granting lightning effects during attacks and even allowing the lightning to be released as a skill—quite practical. Its starting price was one thousand gold coins, and it ultimately sold for one thousand eight hundred thirty.

After several more items were auctioned, it was finally time for the fire magic book Chu Yun wished to buy.

This magic book was also a second-tier, exceptional-grade item. Because it was for mages, its price was much higher than ordinary gear, with a starting bid of one thousand five hundred gold coins.

Without hesitation, Chu Yun spent three thousand gold coins and obtained his desired item. The auction staff delivered the equipment to his box, and the payment was deducted directly from his previous sales.

[Blazing Spellbook (Tier 2, Exceptional): 1. Increases fire element conversion efficiency by over 20%. 2. Stores and records 28 node spell models.]

Spell models were measured by the number of key nodes, depending on their complexity. Normally, the nodes required for Fire Element Summoning could not be loaded into a magic book.

However, Chu Yun intended to record a simplified version of Fire Element Summoning. With his current abilities, he could only summon fire elements at around level twenty. By removing the summoning nodes for higher-tier elements, he could manage this and also increase casting speed.

“When the spatial belt comes up, remind me,” Chu Yun instructed Emma, uninterested in the other items, and immediately began studying his new equipment.

Simplifying a spell was no easy task. Deleting numerous nodes inevitably affected the integrity of the spell model, requiring significant time and testing.

Chu Yun’s gamer expertise once again proved valuable. When he partially deconstructed the spell model in his mind, its integrity instantly dropped from 100% to 85.1%.

Further deconstruction didn’t lower the integrity further; instead, it rose to 87.6%, indicating that this modification could create a new spell model.

Though it was a simple cue, it was immensely helpful to Chu Yun. Moreover, his Fire Element Commander ability gave him deeper insight into fire magic, greatly aiding his study of the fire element spell.

He lost track of time, but as he reduced the integrity from full to fifty percent, then raised it to sixty, Emma, who had been patiently waiting, spoke up to remind him.

“Master Mage, the dimensional belt you wished to bid on is up next.”

Chu Yun refocused, turning his gaze to the exquisite belt on stage.

This belt was also a second-tier, exceptional-grade item. Ordinary equipment rarely appeared here; perfect-grade items were reserved for the highlight sessions.

“This spatial belt has internal dimensions of two by two by two meters. It cannot store living things but can extend the shelf life of food…”

Eight cubic meters was no small space—each cubic meter could hold around 800 kilograms of rice. If each person consumed 400 grams per day, this belt could carry food for sixteen thousand people.

It was also ideal for transporting goods, especially when paired with flying pets—a merchant’s dream for speed and safety.

The spatial belt’s starting price was modest, only one thousand gold coins, but the number of participants was unprecedented.

If slaves and monster materials were not needed by everyone, and magic equipment was bid on by different professionals, the spatial belt was a universally desired artifact, appealing to all professions.

“Two thousand gold coins!” A merchant-like man instantly shouted a high bid, scaring off many. This price was already steep; there was little hope of a bargain.

The merchant’s determined attitude made everyone more cautious in their bids.

“Two thousand one hundred gold coins.”

“Two thousand three hundred gold coins.”

…

“Three thousand gold coins!” Chu Yun called out, immediately pushing the price to three thousand.

“Three thousand one hundred gold coins.”

“Three thousand five hundred gold coins!” Chu Yun bid again.

This price already exceeded that of the magic book and was beyond the rational market value.

However, current circumstances were unusual. With the monster rampages, demand for spatial equipment had surged. The merchant, desperate for secure transportation, gritted his teeth and raised his bid by another hundred.

“Three thousand seven hundred gold coins.” Chu Yun matched him.

The merchant glanced at Chu Yun’s calm and unconcerned demeanor, recalled that he was the seller of the Thunderwater Ray, and lost his confidence.

In the end, Chu Yun secured the spatial belt for three thousand seven hundred gold coins.

The staff delivered the belt to Chu Yun’s box, and after paying the remainder, he finally possessed a must-have item for any transmigrant.

Just as Chu Yun finished trying out the belt, loading it with various items, a tremendous sound erupted.

The warehouse behind the auction hall exploded violently, causing the main venue to shake.

“This is bad—someone’s attacking!”

At the same time, chaos broke out in the hall; thick smoke began to rise from various spots in the audience.