Elder Shui had secretly rejoiced the fact that Linglong Hall did not know the true value of the Dragon Alligator hide. He had revealed his identity in order to scare off the competition, hoping to secure the treasure for a low price. But then, there came number twenty-three, a fella who would not yield the easy way or the hard way.

1500 gold was already the limit that Elder Shui could fork out. He clearly knew that if the price were to continue to increase like this, he would not be able to harbour any hopes of securing the treasure revealed at the finale.

Who knew how many of those men in the room were waiting just for that one finale item. There were even a few there who had not even bid for a single item since they stepped into the room. Clearly, these people were there solely for the finale treasure.

At this moment, Elder Shui could only hope that the established name of the Shui Family could scare Xu Yi into submission. He had even used his position as an elder representing the Shui family to threaten Xu Yi not to go head to head with him.

But alas, Xu Yi had boldness than a yellow dragon’s, and he naturally had the gall to fight on.

“1800 gold!”

Xu Yi saw through Elder Shui and could tell that he was at his limit, hence why he decided to go all in. Leaving himself no room for retreat, he suddenly raised by 300 gold in hopes to crush the final line of Elder Shui’s psychological defence.

And the figure of 1800 gold was the highest price that Xu Yi could afford!

He only had 2000 gold with him. If 1800 was used to obtain the Dragon Alligator hide, the remaining 200 was meant to help him process the hide into armor.

If Elder Shui could exceed this bid, then he had no choice but to return empty handed.

Sadly for Elder Shui, he shot Xu Yi a look of loathing, then shut his eyes and stopped speaking.

Xu Yi had guessed right. With his sudden raise of 300 gold, he had displayed a tyrannical show of confidence that he could win no matter what, completely destroying Elder Shui’s final line of defence.

After all, compared to the finale item, the Dragon Alligator hide still paled in comparison.

Although seething in rage, Elder Shui was not one to lose a big kill over small game.

“1800 gold going once, 1800 gold going twice, 1800 gold going thrice; it’s a deal! The Dragon Alligator hide goes to guest number twenty-three!”

With the crisp sound of the pommel, the silver-robed elder announced the new owner of the Dragon Alligator hide. He looked towards Xu Yi with a reassuredly.

As the sound of the pommel reached Xu Yi’s ears, the pressure on his heart immediately dissipated. But soon after that feeling, his heart clenched as waves of pain came sweeping over him.

Xu Yi pained because of that 1800 gold.

From extreme poverty to sudden wealth, and then from sudden wealth to sudden poverty again. The change was just too quick, and it was hard for him to handle.

If he had used the 2000 gold to enjoy himself, he could have comfortably lived out the rest of his life.

But no matter what, compared to hedonistic pleasures, his own life was definitely more important.

As Xu Yi was wallowing in his pain and sorrow, the voice of the silver-robed elder rang again. “Distinguished guests, our next item of the auction is…the very last item of this auction — the grand finale. I believe many of you have heard the news and already know of this item, and I also believe that many of you have come specifically for this item. That’s right; it’s not just my dear guests. Even I myself cannot help but feel my heart race when I see this treasure, even after all the countless treasures I have auctioned. Alright, I shall keep the suspense no longer. Open your eyes wide, everyone! Let me present you the finale item for today!” As he finished, pulled away the cloth revealing the auctioned item.

It was an entirely round and white metal ball the size of a chicken’s egg, resting atop a fiery red display cloth.

Xu Yi’s mind exploded. He felt as though his brain had been struck by a hammer, and he began to shake uncontrollably.

He had never imagined in his wildest dreams that Linglong Hall’s finale item was the exact same item that he had secured in his waist pouch. The only difference was that the metal ball that he had was significantly larger than the one on the table.

Xu Yi had seen the wonders of the metal ball, and he knew that it was no ordinary item. But he had no idea that it was so precious and could even be worth being a finale item at such an auction.

What is a finale item? It is definitely the most precious of all the treasures being auctioned. From the start, Xu Yi had secretly marvelled at each and every treasure that had been put up for auction. The metal ball actually surpassed all of those treasures and was the finale item. That fact alone was a testament to its value.

As Xu Yi sat there, madly overjoyed, the crowd was in a frenzy.

“What is that!? Could that be a metal spirit!?”

“It’s definitely a metal spirit. Round as a ball, white as snow, and clear as jade. These are the traits of the metal spirit only spoken of in legends!”

“If it is really a metal spirit, it is truly priceless. Who would bear to put such a treasure up for sale!”

“…”

The pommel sounded again, and the crowd fell into silence. The silver-robed elder smiled and said, “Distinguished guests, you are all correct. This is indeed a metal spirit. I am sure some of you know what a metal spirit is, but for those who do not, I shall give a simple explanation. As the name suggests, it is a spirit amongst metals. This metal is no mortal metal but a metal that has fallen from the heavens. As recorded by the “Annals of Exotic Objects,” it is a heavenly metal that fell from the sky for seven days before landing on precious land, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, and the spiritual energy of the sun and the moon. Only after a thousand years, and sheer miraculous odds, will a metal spirit be born.

“This metal spirit is naturally round, white as snow, and clear as jade. Although it has no life, it behaves as though it does. Capable of countless transformations, it can change its form based on the force of its wielder’s palm. According to legend, skilled creators can transform the metal spirit into anything under the sun.”

As he spoke, the silver-robed elder quietly exerted force with his palm. The metal ball transformed into all sorts of shapes.

“Such detailed transformations; it is indeed a divine item! Elder Li, you don’t have to explain anymore. Hurry and start the auction!” someone shouted out impatiently.

Indeed, there were many treasures in existence, but no one had ever seen one that could change its shape based on their will.

“Slow down, slow down. The transformations of the metal spirit may be amazing, but if it is only capable of transformation, how is it different from a child’s toy? Please continue to explain its intricacies, Elder Li.”

The one who spoke was Xu Yi.

More than anyone else, he was curious as to what the metal spirit actually was. He had come across it at the auction purely by chance. It would be foolish if he did not grasp the opportunity to find out more.

As the main auctioneer, the silver-robed elder naturally wished that his treasures could fetch the highest price that it could. Just like how he had borrowed Gao Junmo’s hand to test the Dragon Alligator hide in order to sell it for such a good price.

Right now, he naturally could not be happier to hear that Xu Yi wanted to know more about the intricacies of the metal spirit. “You have asked a great question, distinguished guest! The metal spirit is not only capable of transformations. As a weapon, its might is unparalleled.”

As he spoke, he exerted the force of his palm once more. The metal ball transformed into a sword, one moment crossing from left to right, the next moment cutting from front to back. Wherever the blade crossed, silver light flashed, providing a brilliant display that sent the crowd roaring. Xu Yi however, stayed silent.

He was already aware of this function of the metal ball. Although it looked mighty with the sword aura slashing in all directions, its actual function was limited. He had once tested it out with other objects and had proven that when transformed into a sword, it could pierce bricks and wood but not metal.

That day, when he was stabbed by the transformed metal ball, it was only because the white sword had coincidentally stabbed through the spaces between his bones that it managed to penetrate his body.

If not, with his cultivation at the peak of Body Forging, the white sword would be unable to pierce through his bones which were as hard as steel.

In other words, although the transformations of the metal ball seemed powerful, its practical use was limited. Against those below the peak of Body Forging, it was deadly.

But against those at the peak of Body Forging or beyond that, the efficacy was extremely limited. Especially against a powerhouse at the Qi Ocean stage. It would probably pose no threat at all.

All of these details, he kept to himself. He was not foolish enough to announce it to the rest.