Dual Cultivation System: The Villainous Servant’s Rise

Chapter 266: Azure Sky Dragon Transformation Halberd! Stop Stuttering, I Bid 100 Million!

Mei Lingling’s clear, vibrant voice echoed through the hall, snapping the attention of every guest in the VIP section.

The Taiyin Profound Maiden Fruit was undoubtedly the crown jewel of the event, reserved for the grand finale. However, on the third floor of the Chen Family Auction House, every single lot was a treasure capable of triggering a bloodbath in the outside world. Even the predatory Lin Jiaomei adjusted her posture, her eyes sharpening as she ceased her provocations. Beside Han Lie, Ye Qingxuan—who had been resting with her eyes closed—slowly looked up, her icy gaze focusing on the stage.

Under the collective stare of the continent’s elite, Mei Lingling made a graceful sweeping gesture.

A long halberd, nine feet in length and encased in shimmering cyan scales, materialized on the display stand. Twin azure dragons entwined around the shaft, their carved eyes seemingly alive. A faint, ethereal aura of azure mist drifted from the blade, radiating an indomitable, piercing intent that made the air itself feel sharp.

Han Lie was seated behind Zhao Batian, but he didn’t need to see the man’s face to know his reaction. He could feel the Holy Son’s aura practically vibrating with golden hunger the moment the weapon appeared.

“Our first lot for today is a Top Grade Heaven-rank Dharma Treasure: the Azure Sky Dragon Transformation Halberd,” Mei Lingling announced, her smile widening as she sensed the mounting tension.

“Forged by the chief disciple of the Central Plains’ forging Grandmaster, Zhong Xuan, this masterpiece possesses a supreme spear-intent. It requires no additional spiritual infusion to be lethal; a simple throw is enough to puncture the innate spiritual barriers of a Nascent Soul cultivator with ease.”

Her gaze swept across the front rows, landing on the powerhouses gathered there. “For a Nascent Soul or Soul Formation expert, this halberd adds wings to a tiger. It allows you to bridge the gap between cultivation stages, turning the tide against stronger foes. In the right hands, the impossible becomes possible.”

Mei Lingling leaned forward, her voice dropping into a professional yet enticing tone. “The starting bid for the Azure Sky Dragon Transformation Halberd is 10 million Spirit Stones. Increments of at least 1 million. Let the bidding begin!”

“11 million!”

The words had barely left her lips before Zhao Batian’s voice barked out from the front row.

“15 million!”

The counter-bid came instantly. A Top Grade Heaven-rank weapon from the lineage of Grandmaster Zhong Xuan was a rarity. Even generic versions usually started at 30 million. No one in this room was going to let Zhao Batian walk away with a bargain. The shrewdest minds present already estimated the final price would hover around 60 million. Anything higher would be a question of pure desperation versus utility.

“20 million!”

“25 million!”

“30 million!”

The numbers climbed with dizzying speed.

Holy… Han Lie watched the numbers fly, his breath hitching slightly. These people spent millions as if they were copper coins.

“If you see something you like, bid,” Ye Qingxuan said suddenly, her voice cool and regal. “This Palace will cover your tab.”

Han Lie blinked, stunned for a heartbeat before a roguish grin split his face. “Zizi, you’re so generous! I think I’m falling in love with you all over again.”

“Do not disgust This Palace,” Ye Qingxuan snapped, though her eyes remained fixed forward. “The mere thought gives me goosebumps.”

“Hehe, I’m just being honest!”

While they bantered, the price of the halberd surged past 50 million. Zhao Batian held the current high bid, his face flushed with a mixture of predatory excitement and mounting anxiety.

Several bidders dropped out. For most, the halberd was a luxury, not a necessity, and they weren’t willing to be ‘gouged’ by the Chen Family’s hype.

“50 million is your limit? I bid 53 million!” a voice called out after a brief silence.

Zhao Batian’s hand shot up to counter, but Old Ghost Yin Mei reached out and pressed his disciple’s palm down, signaling for him to remain calm. Zhao Batian hesitated, then understood. If he showed too much desperation, the room would smell blood and drive the price into the stratosphere just to spite him.

“How much? 53 million?”

A voice, bored and mockingly polite, drifted from the back of the VIP section. “My apologies, but I’ll put down 80 million Spirit Stones.”

The hall fell silent.

All eyes turned toward the source: Han Lie.

The jump was insane. Even at 70 million, the halberd would have been considered overpriced. At 80 million, it was venturing into the realm of the absurd. Some looked at Han Lie as if he were a mental patient; others watched with the predatory glee of those witnessing a train wreck.

In the front row, Zhao Batian’s entire body stiffened. His face turned a dark, sickly shade of liver.

“Master… it’s Han Lie!” Zhao Batian hissed, his teeth grinding together so loudly they could be heard two rows away.

Han Lie met his gaze, offering a small, provocative wave and a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He knew exactly what he was doing. Zhao Batian practiced a thunder-attribute art and the Dragon Transformation Secret Art. This halberd wasn’t just a weapon for him; it was a foundational upgrade. It was a ‘must-have.’

And Han Lie was damned if he’d let his enemy have it for a fair price.

“80 million!” Mei Lingling’s smile turned positively radiant. “The Daoist in the back bids 80 million. Do I hear more?”

“80 million, going once—”

“Hehe. This concubine bids 90 million,” a sultry voice giggled.

Han Lie didn’t even need to look. Lin Jiaomei, seated right next to them, threw him a wink. She was clearly enjoying the chaos, playing the role of the spoiler just for the sake of it.

Han Lie didn’t blink. Zhao Batian, however, looked like he was about to have an aneurysm.

“Master!” he pleaded, looking at Old Ghost Yin Mei.

The old ghost gave a slow, reluctant nod.

“93 million!” Zhao Batian yelled, his voice cracking with the strain.

“Holy Son Zhao Batian,” Han Lie sighed, his voice carrying clearly across the silent hall. “Why are you stuttering and hesitant like a frightened maid? It’s pathetic to watch. Let’s stop playing around. I bid 100 million.”

The number hit the room like a physical blow.

100 million. Nine digits for a single weapon. It was an astronomical, irrational sum that placed a crushing weight directly onto Zhao Batian’s chest. Han Lie sat back, looking perfectly relaxed, as if he hadn’t just bid a literal mountain of wealth just to make a rival miserable.