Upon hearing the name of the treasure, everyone present began to discuss. This was their first encounter with a magic artifact, and they had many questions.
Qin Wuyan did not disturb them, allowing them to discuss amongst themselves.
“Qin Hui, is this thing truly that magical?” Guo Tongtong asked softly from the side.
“If you want to know, give me a kiss and I’ll tell you,” Qin Hui teased.
Guo Tongtong’s face flushed, and she shot Qin Hui a glare.
“I knew you’d take advantage of me. Believe it or not, I’ll make your advances public and see what everyone thinks of you then.” Guo Tongtong raised her small head, her expression serious. Being bullied by Qin Hui so often, she naturally wanted to take control.
“Alright, I admit you’re good. But if you dare threaten me like this, just wait until I’m done with you when we get back, and I’ll make you my little secretary again.” Qin Hui chuckled, a look of cunning triumph on his face.
After they chatted for a while, the hall quieted down again.
“Alright, to let everyone witness the power of this magic artifact, I will give you a demonstration,” Qin Wuyan said. He then recited an incantation and tapped the Soul Suppressing Bell with a stick.
With a muffled thud, the ears of everyone present buzzed.
A faint drowsiness then swept through their bodies, and many immediately fell asleep. Even some martial artists who could resist the effect felt immense mental pressure.
Once the resonance of the bell subsided, everyone slowly came back to their senses.
“A good item, truly a good item.”
“Yes, I was almost asleep just now. With this treasure at home, I won’t have to worry about insomnia anymore.”
“Always thinking about sleeping. If this treasure were to be struck during a battle, it could strongly interfere with the opponent’s spirit, allowing one to gain an advantage.”
The crowd chattered, but without a doubt, they all envied the treasure and desired to possess it.
“Qin Hui, what do you think of this treasure?” Guo Tongtong asked curiously. When the Soul Suppressing Bell was struck earlier, she had already fallen asleep. This thing was more effective than sleeping pills.
“It’s a good item, but it must consume a significant amount of true qi each time it’s used. It’s not something ordinary people can afford to use, and it’s more flashy than practical,” Qin Hui commented briefly.
Hearing Qin Hui’s words, Guo Tongtong nodded with some disappointment. But it didn’t matter; even if it were useful, it wouldn’t fall into her hands. The influential figures would surely be scrambling for it.
“I believe everyone has witnessed the power of this magic artifact. Therefore, let us begin the auction. The starting bid is one hundred million.” Qin Wuyan announced.
The starting bid of one hundred million made everyone gasp. Although they were all wealthy, who would be willing to spend a hundred million on a bell?
“One hundred and twenty million!”
Soon, someone began to bid.
“One hundred and forty million!”
“One hundred and eighty million!”
Bids rose one after another, indicating that the wealthy were indeed in the majority.
Qin Hui’s attention was no longer on the auction; he was focused on Guo Tongtong. This kind of bidding was less engaging than appreciating a beautiful woman.
After chatting with Guo Tongtong for a while, the bidding finally stopped. The final price settled at two hundred and fifty million, which was considered a very high price.
“Alright, everyone, the auction for today has concluded. You may proceed to the backstage to complete your payments and collect the treasures you’ve won,” Qin Wuyan said with a smile. This auction had evidently pleased him greatly, as he had clearly made a substantial profit.
However, Qin Hui would not let Qin Wuyan enjoy his success so easily. Since he was here, he intended to make Qin Wuyan uneasy and, more broadly, to hinder the Qin family’s progress. Anything even remotely related to the Qin family, Qin Hui would interfere with.
After Qin Hui exchanged his bid for the golden needles backstage, he waited at the main entrance. He had made a mental note of the family that had bid on the Soul Suppressing Bell.
“Alright, things here are done. You can drive my car back,” Qin Hui said, patting Guo Tongtong on the shoulder.
“Ah? You don’t need me anymore?” Guo Tongtong asked reluctantly. Judging by Qin Hui’s demeanor, she knew some exciting events were about to unfold.
“No need. You should just go home and get cleaned up,” Qin Hui urged Guo Tongtong. Guo Tongtong reluctantly drove Qin Hui’s car back.
As soon as Guo Tongtong left, members of the Zhao family emerged, carrying a large bell with great excitement. Due to the treasure, the surrounding bodyguards were highly vigilant.
*Whoosh!*
Qin Hui directly threw a flying knife, striking the Soul Suppressing Bell.
*Bang~*
As the Soul Suppressing Bell rang, everyone present fainted on the ground. This magic artifact was inanimate; it did not recognize a master, so anyone could use it.
“Heh heh, do you think you can take something that belongs to our Qin family?”
“Qin Wuyan was right. Taking it by force is the only way.”
Qin Hui uttered two lines designed to frame them before grabbing the Soul Suppressing Bell and fleeing. The black-clad bodyguards, clutching their heads, could only watch Qin Hui escape.
Qin Wuyan, who was still basking in his triumph, had barely settled into his seat when someone rushed in.
“Emissary, Emissary, something’s wrong!” the person exclaimed in a panic.
“What is it? Why are you so flustered?” Qin Wuyan asked irritably. He was in the midst of counting his money when someone dared to bother him.
“Someone, someone ran off with the Soul Suppressing Bell,” the person reported quickly.
“Oh? Who is so bold as to dare steal the Soul Suppressing Bell?”
“Never mind. It’s their inadequate protection. If it’s stolen, let it be stolen. What does it have to do with me?” Qin Wuyan said indifferently. He had already sold it, so it was no longer his concern.
“But, but the Zhao family was robbed before they even left our auction house, and the robber even claimed it was your arrangement!” the black-clad man reported directly.
“What!” Qin Wuyan sprang from his chair upon hearing this.
“Who is so audacious as to slander our Qin family?” Qin Wuyan knew he couldn’t escape responsibility now. After all, the theft occurred before they left his premises, and the Qin family’s name had been invoked.
Seeing the messenger speechless, Qin Wuyan knew he wouldn’t get any more information. Soon, Qin Wuyan gave chase. He intended to capture the culprit himself and make them understand the consequences of ruining his reputation. More importantly, if he didn’t catch the person, everyone would believe that the Qin family was indeed behind the arrangement.
“Where did the person flee?” Qin Wuyan asked as he chased after them. Several martial artists were already at the scene.
“Towards the northwest,” one of the martial artists immediately replied.
“Good. All of you, follow me and capture that person!” Qin Wuyan commanded, leading the pursuit. The other martial artists followed suit.