Ch 155: We must curry favor with the Wealth God!
He Qijin’s voice instantly drew everyone’s attention.
Du Feng was especially surprised, quickly turning his gaze towards He Qijin. He hadn’t expected He Qijin to bid; logically, as the manager of Jubaozhai, He Qijin shouldn’t be bidding for an Immortal Beast. Even less so to bid for an Immortal Beast and possibly offend Wang Lin again.
Liu Lingxuan also stopped what she was doing, glancing over, slightly surprised as well.
Wang Lin, however, was the most puzzled among them all. He stared intently at He Qijin, a fierce glint in his eyes.
“Xiao He, do you like this Immortal Beast?”
He was in a very bad mood tonight. First, Liu Lingxuan’s breakthrough to the Dao Saint Realm had slightly disrupted his plans. Coupled with Liu Lingxuan’s previous actions, he had lost face. Now, he had finally found a way to regain face, a way that would leave Liu Lingxuan speechless – he planned to buy all the items at Du Feng’s auction at market price, to spite her. He Qijin’s sudden bid might be an attempt to speak for Du Feng.
He Qijin smiled at Wang Lin, saying, “I truly like this Immortal Beast. I’ve wanted to own an Immortal Beast with Dragon Clan bloodline since I was young, and this one is truly majestic and imposing. It’s a rare opportunity to see one today, so I couldn’t wait to buy it.”
Seeing Wang Lin’s expression, he knew Wang Lin was already very unhappy with him, but he couldn’t help it. It was a choice between offending Wang Lin and pleasing his Wealth God; he decisively chose to please the Wealth God.
If that Wealth God sent him another large order, he could relax for many years!
With his He Family Disciple status, even if Wang Lin was displeased, he wouldn’t dare to easily act against him. At most, he would be annoyed by Wang Lin a few more times in the future!
As a businessman, profit is paramount. Besides, he was clearly in the right, and even if Wang Lin was unhappy, he couldn’t use this matter against him unless he completely ignored the He Family’s existence.
Wang Lin stared at He Qijin for a moment, finally a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. His net worth certainly couldn’t compare to the He Family, but a He Family disciple daring to compete with him was simply courting humiliation.
After a moment’s thought, Wang Lin let out a cold laugh and said in a deep voice, “In that case, let’s see who bids higher.”
He Qijin smiled and nodded, saying nothing more. The Wealth God had indicated that the price shouldn’t exceed one hundred million Immortal Stones!
He didn’t believe He Qijin would bid that much.
Wang Lin showed disdain, sneering, “Then I’ll bid fifty million Immortal Stones. Xiao He, since you like it so much, you should be able to bid higher. And with your He Family’s substantial wealth, sixty or seventy million Immortal Stones should be no problem.”
After his words, everyone was silent.
Wang Lin’s previous bid was purely to spite Du Feng. This time, he directly raised the price so much, and his following words seemed to be putting He Qijin on the spot, forcing him to bleed heavily.
Wang Lin had indeed changed his strategy. When He Qijin suddenly bid, he suspected that He Qijin was also a shill for Du Feng. But on second thought, if He Qijin was indeed a shill arranged by Du Feng, things would be even simpler.
He Qijin was unlike that Huan Yu Realm cultivator from the Xianjian Sect. That person’s goal was to inflate the price so Du Feng could earn more Immortal Stones. He Qijin was different. He Qijin’s current actions were clearly opposing him, but He Qijin came from the He Family, a family known for valuing face. Since He Qijin had voluntarily entered this conflict, he wouldn’t let him off easily.
Of course, even if He Qijin wasn’t a shill and simply wanted to speak for Du Feng, he would let Du Feng off the hook for now. He would let He Qijin, this sacrificial lamb, know the consequences of opposing him.
This would also let everyone present know the consequences of daring to provoke him!
He Qijin slowly revealed a calm yet joyful smile and said, “Since I’ve already bid, I should let Old Master Wang have his fun. Fifty-one million Immortal Stones.”
He had already seen through Wang Lin’s intentions, but unfortunately, his purpose in coming here was this Immortal Beast.
The Wealth God could accept a price of one hundred million, meaning he wouldn’t have to spend a single Immortal Stone as long as it stayed within that limit.
Of course, he had to get this Immortal Beast today. Even if the auction price exceeded one hundred million Immortal Stones, he wouldn’t hesitate to spend tens of millions more just to please the Wealth God, showcasing his sincerity and loyalty!
Thinking this, he actually hoped Wang Lin would try harder, pushing the price of this Immortal Beast higher, giving him another chance to “progress”!
However, after stating the price, he regretted it and immediately changed his words, “Forget it, I’ll directly bid sixty million Immortal Stones!”
This sudden change of bid surprised everyone. All eyes fell on He Qijin, wondering if this was a change of strategy in the face of Wang Lin’s sudden offensive.
Wang Lin’s eyes darkened slightly, quickly pondering the meaning behind He Qijin’s sudden change of bid.
If his deduction was correct, He Qijin would likely stop bidding after this!
Sixty million Immortal Stones was enough to show the He Family’s strength and raise the price, causing Du Feng to earn fewer Immortal Stones.
But I won’t let you get off so easily!
“You’ve shown some of the arrogance of a He Family member, but it’s not enough. I bid sixty-nine million Immortal Stones. Dare you raise the price to seventy million Immortal Stones?” Wang Lin stared at He Qijin with an amused expression. He still had a backup plan. If He Qijin didn’t continue bidding, the He Family would lose face!
He Qijin smiled, “Why wouldn’t I dare? Eighty million Immortal Stones.”
After these words, the crowd was silent again.
Du Feng looked at He Qijin, thinking, “Did I ever do you a huge favor?”
“Brother, I don’t remember our relationship being this good!”
He knew he hadn’t asked He Qijin to be a shill for the auction. He Qijin’s actions were entirely spontaneous.
He even doubted whether He Qijin’s words were true, that he simply liked the Immortal Beast so much that he was willing to offend Wang Lin for it. Though the probability of this was extremely low.
Liu Lingxuan also took another look at He Qijin, thinking, “When did my junior martial brother become so close to He Qijin?”
A flash of surprise appeared in Wang Lin’s half-closed eyes as he stared at He Qijin, weighing the meaning behind his actions.
“This guy, he’s quite audacious! A shill daring to raise the price this high?”
“Isn’t he afraid I won’t bid anymore? And force him to pay the Immortal Stones in front of everyone?”
He planned to make He Qijin pay the Immortal Stones on the spot. Even if He Qijin gave up bidding, he would still make He Qijin take out enough Immortal Stones and pay Du Feng in front of everyone!
“Dare to speak up for someone else, then don’t be afraid to lose face.”
He could afford to lose face, but He Qijin represented the He Family. If the He Family lost face, He Qijin would be punished!
“Old Master Wang, are you not bidding? If not, then I’ll take it.” He Qijin’s words held a hint of mockery. He, more than anyone, wanted Wang Lin to continue bidding with him, ideally bidding over one hundred million Immortal Stones, so he could make a better impression.
But if Wang Lin didn’t bid, that was fine too. He would have saved the Wealth God some money.
No matter how you look at it, it’s a win-win.
“Very well, I see that you truly like this Immortal Beast. As an elder, I’ll yield to my junior. This Immortal Beast is yours. Please pay the Immortal Stones.” A cold smile appeared on Wang Lin’s face. He had sensed He Qijin trying to manipulate his emotions, urging him to continue bidding.
It meant that He Qijin’s bid was likely his last!
Then he didn’t need to continue.
Seeing Wang Lin quickly withdraw, He Qijin felt a little regretful.
Wang Lin caught the regret on He Qijin’s face and felt confident of victory, immediately urging, “Please.”
