Chapter 1200: Treasure Gathering

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: Papatonks

Three days later, at the Treasure h.o.a.rding Palace, placed in the center of Mist City, an endless crowd had gathered. Some were officials, others were average people, but they were all there for the great treasure exchange.

Though that was just a fancy word for gambling. As most treasures were never seen in public.

Some would end up spending a fortune, only to get nothing in return. Others, had the fortune of using just ten spirit stones and becoming set for life.

This was the thrill of gambling, fraught with dangers, but the potential to win a reward so valuable that it could put you in power overnight.

Everyone here walked in line, for on this day there was no status separating anyone as they entered the hall and got to their seats. The place housed hundreds of thousands, gathered around a stage where the city lord of Mist City awaited.

Today he was not just the city lord, but the host for the occasion.

With this exchange holding some very incredible items, he had to come out and handle this big event involving powerful people.

Taking a deep breath, the man of the hour overlooked the stands, tensing as he lingered a moment longer on the nine covered private booths.

Therein were the other representatives of the Eight Emperors. All were a headache to deal with and could trash this place without fear of consequences. It unnerved him, but he tried to focus and calm his mind.

Weve been here for a month yet still havent seen the city lord such a nervous wreck.

In one of the booths, Li Jingtian glanced at the fretful man and turned to the other booths, Steward Zhuo, today were up against the Eight Emperors, in the open no less, but isnt it a bit too early with barely a year of preparations? Even Mist City Lord isnt ready to face the others, and he has the Gambling Emperor behind him. We

Zhuo Fan sat in a cozy chair, Yes, the risk is great, but we have to grasp the opportunity. Its the best chance we have of involving ourselves in the Eight Emperors conflict. Whos to say therell be a next one? Also, didnt I say I will be taking the lead in this? Young miss, miss Murong, what are you two even doing here?

Zhuo Fan looked back at the two girls.

As the young miss of the Luo clan, I have to be present at such a huge event. Luo Yunchang shrugged from her own fancy chair.

Murong Xue gave him a look, Im not about to miss out on the chance of seeing the Sacred Domains bigshots. So far, it doesnt look any different from the mortal domain.

If its all the same, why come?

Bali Yuyu rolled her eyes, Were here to show these big names in Sacred Domain what were made of, not strut about. Youre both here for nothing.

Hey, dont talk like that! Whos in charge of the clan here anyway?

Settle down now.

As they were about to bicker again, Zhuo Fan intervened, Since were all here, might as well enjoy it. Young miss Luo, is correct though. At such an important event, a steward isnt enough to represent the clan heads intentions. Its only normal for the young miss to be here.

Luo Yunchang rose an eyebrow, shooting Bali Yuyu a smug look. The cold lady huffed and flicked her head away.

The others chuckled at their antics.

Bang~

A deafening ringing echoed as a bell was struck. The stands went quiet, with the city lord walking forward with a smile.

Guests, the 1784th Treasure Exchange Gathering begins! Be it the poor or the rich, this very hall offers the same opportunity to all: An opportunity to change their destiny. Life is hard and cruel, so dont wait for it to get better. Take out everything you have and go after those treasures!

The crowd went wild.

Well start off with our first item of the day.

At city lords shout, guards pushed in a trolley. It had a black cover, blocking any prying eyes as the host gave his speech, This is a fascinating spiritual weapon for the ladies, and an obsession for the men. It is a treasure that drives shock into all. You cant possibly imagine the world could ever have something so incredible. What is it, you ask?

The eyes below the stage glittered, trying their best to guess what this amazing bauble could be behind that thin veil.

With a cryptic smile, the city lord resumed, I dont know it and neither do any of you. Per custom, it can be something grand and unique, or as common as dirt. Let the blind bidding commence and may the highest bidder win. Opportunity rarely knocks in ones lifetime, people. Dont miss your chance at glory!

One Hundred thousand spirit stones!

A shout echoed the instant he finished riling up the crowd, followed by a flood of others, One million! I must have it. It has to be amazing to make women fascinated and men obsessed.

Five million!

The people whispered, then checked their pockets to see if they could afford it. Some had the means but not the will to step in, for fear of going bust.

Zhuo Fan sneered at the bivalent crowd, Thats the Gambling Emperors ploy alright, plant to hike up the bidding. That means the item must be junk to raise it so high.

Why?

People would feel sorry spending a fortune over something cheap, but it garners attention. While buying something valued with a lower price would cause excitement and greed. All these years, the Gambling Emperor has been using this trick to cheat people out of their money. Its an old tactic, but theres plenty of people out there who would fall for it all the same, ha-ha-ha

Zhuo Fan shook his head in disdain. Li Jingtian nodded, Yeah, but what kind of fools would fall for it?

Do you need to ask? Us, of course!

Eh? Li Jingtian flinched, Steward Zhuo, you know its a trick yet still go for it?

What else do you expect from an upstart? Youre saying all those sacred stones you wasted the past month are to be for nothing?

Zhuo Fan smiled, The grand Eight Emperors are high up on their throne and hardly anyone could get close. The best way is to find some dumb and gullible moneybags. Who wouldnt want a friend, uh, p.a.w.n like that? Thats how you gain value by joining their circle, taking back what you lost plus interest.

Li Jingtian grinned, Steward Zhuo, you always look ahead.

Then lets bid, but whats the price at right now?

Eight million.

Then will add one more

Ten million!

A shout came first before Zhuo Fan got the chance, filled with power.

Zhuo Fans eye twitched looking over.

[One of the Eight Emperors?]

AhSheng, were not here to have some bet with the Gambling Emperor, nor do we have so many spirit stones. The map is all that matters!

In the booth where the last bid came from, an elder with white eyebrows eyed Xu Zhensheng with a grave look.

Xu Zhensheng smiled, Senior uncle, Im buying with my own money for a girl. As long as she likes it, the price wont matter. It wont affect the sects coffers by a single stone.

He then gave Fang Min a dazzling smile.

She felt her insides tingle, then she preened at her junior sisters.

[See that, my man knows how to please his girl. Envious much? Ha-ha-ha]

The girls nodded like good children, with only Chu Qingcheng depressed, her mind always on Zhuo Fan.

Sir Liu, AhSheng looks smitten with AhMin. It wont be long before they tie the knot, ha-ha-ha Third aunt Mei giggled, showing her white teeth, a stark difference from how she acted around Zhuo Fan and Qingcheng.

Her mind was another matter, however.

[AhMin is good at this, having the kid wrapped around her finger. Humph, let him waste his money on the junk, and then they wont have anything left to bid for the Nether Sea map!]

[d.a.m.n broad, going as far as using a honey trap!]

The elder frowned, reading her like a book.

[He says hes using his own money, but isnt your pocket money taken from the sect? Were in Gambling Town and he should know its standards. What if youre wasting just that little bit of money we might need to place a winning bid at the very end? How is that going to help the sect?]

The elder glared hard at Xu Zhensheng.

He caught his meaning but showed no reaction.

[Chasing girls is pricey. That guy used the elders nagging to make the la.s.s fall for him then elope. Ill just use money to buy a girls heart. Isnt that the same?]

[And regarding eloping, bringing the Ruby Cloud Sects head senior sister over to the Sword Emperors sect will earn me bragging rights. Some glittering rocks cant ever compare to that.]

Twenty million!

Zhuo Fan shouted an even higher bid