"I mentioned earlier that if the two Kong brothers are not interested, I would reluctantly take it back for research. Since that's the case, naturally I won't take what others love!"

No one expected that just when everyone thought Xiao Qiming would compete directly with the Kong brothers, this second son of the Xiao family, a genius of sorts, suddenly said such words, leaving everyone in the hall somewhat bewildered.

This even included the Kong brothers themselves. Originally, they thought Xiao Qiming's sudden intervention would drive the price of the Judgement Thunder Introduction even higher, but unexpectedly, he suddenly backed off.

"This guy really is... really is..."

Even the Kong family's number two, Kong Sihai, didn't know what to say. He was convinced Xiao Qiming wanted to compete with his brothers, but now it seemed otherwise, which was truly peculiar.

"Truly, he's too crafty!"

Beside him, Kong Qianshan's mind moved quickly. He instantly understood Xiao Qiming's intentions. Strictly speaking, the latter was actually helping the Kong brothers.

He raised the bidding price for Judgement Thunder Introduction to 2.5 million, and then spoke to the Kong brothers. In this way, the competition for Judgement Thunder Introduction turned into a rivalry between the Xiao and Kong families. If others wanted it, they'd have to face the wrath of these two powerful forces.

But just when the Kong family made their offer, Xiao Qiming immediately withdrew, showing he wasn't interested in Judgement Thunder Introduction at all. Everything was just a favor for the Kong brothers.

The intricacies of this maneuver were quickly understood by sharp-minded individuals like Yun Xiao, and they all gained a deeper insight into this Xiao family's genius.

"This guy is indeed extraordinary!"

Understanding the reason, Yun Xiao developed more wariness towards Xiao Qiming. As they say, open attacks are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. If he were to offend such a person, he might not even know how he died.

"The two young gentlemen from the Kong family bid three million, is there anyone with a higher bid?"

Mei Qian from Douling Commerce on the auction stand calmly watched the situation unfold. Without speaking earlier, she only surveyed the room after no bids were made, showing the instincts of an auctioneer.

In fact, everyone had already confirmed that at the price of three million gold coins, no one would compete with Sky Thunder Valley anymore. It seemed that the Earth Rank Advanced Pulse Skill, Judgement Thunder Introduction, was destined to fall into the hands of the Kong brothers.

"Three million and ten thousand!"

Yet, just as Mei Qian was about to drop the hammer, an inconvenient voice suddenly sounded, making the Kong brothers' faces turn dark, while stirring up a peculiar feeling in many hearts.

Honestly, there aren't many who dare to trouble the Kong brothers at this time, and as everyone turned their gaze to a somewhat burly young man, they were all taken aback.

"That person... seems to be Chu Nian of the Chu Family!"

The stout yet knowledgeable person beside Yun Xiao exclaimed, and Yun Xiao remembered a certain figure from Shenxiao Sect's intelligence.

Among the Three Sects and Three Valleys, Xiao and Chu families were participating in Bianlei City's auction, and rumor had it that the Chu family was known for cultivating physical strength. This was evident from Chu Nian's physique.

No one expected Chu Nian to suddenly jump out and challenge the Kong brothers at this time. Could this person also be cultivating a Thunder Attribute Technique?

Those present guessed correctly. Chu Nian was indeed one of the Chu family's few talents. He was inherently gifted, practically born with divine power.

By coincidence, he entered a unique place possessing Thunder Power to temper his body, directly breaking through to the Origin Seeking Realm Early Stage and fortuitously acquiring a hint of Thunder attribute.

Therefore, Chu Nian bid now, not too concerned about Sky Thunder Valley, because unlike Xiao Qiming, he genuinely wanted Judgement Thunder Introduction.

"Three hundred and fifty thousand!"

The Kong brothers were not to be underestimated, especially the hot-tempered Kong Sihai, who glared coldly at Chu Nian, and directly raised the bidding price for Judgement Thunder Introduction to a high of three hundred and fifty thousand.

This turn of events delighted Mei Qian on the auction stand. Nothing is more feared in an auction than a lack of competition. Once competition appears, even an ordinary item could fetch several times its value, which is excellent for the auction organizers.

"Three hundred and sixty thousand!"

Despite being watched by Kong Sihai's angry and vicious eyes, Chu Nian seemed oblivious. His minimal bidding increase was like boiling a frog in water, like a small boat riding huge waves, unyielding regardless of the storm."

"Chu Nian, are you really going to stand against my brother?"

The casually calm demeanor of the opponent finally made Kong Sihai lose his composure. However, as he spoke, many people curled their lips, thinking that although Sky Thunder Valley is strong, flaunting power at Spirit Fighting Commerce is something that must be carefully weighed.

"It's just an auction; isn't it a matter of who has more money?"

Although Chu Nian appeared burly, his retort was tactful yet sharp, suggesting that if Sky Thunder Valley did not have the money, they should stop while ahead and not try to coerce others with their power. Moreover, even if they did try, the Chu Family might not necessarily fear Sky Thunder Valley.

"Four million!"

Kong Qianshan was composed compared to Kong Sihai, so he directly bid without much ado, demonstrating a determined intention to acquire the Judgement Thunder Introduction.

"Four million one hundred thousand!"

Chu Nian remained in his lazy state. In fact, in terms of financial power alone, the three families might slightly surpass Sky Thunder Valley, and being well-prepared, they naturally had ample funds.

"Five million!"

Kong Qianshan's expression turned somewhat grim. Originally without any animosity towards the Chu Family, he now hated Chu Nian to the core. But since this was the territory of Sky Thunder Valley, they could not lose face no matter what. They had to get their hands on the Judgement Thunder Introduction.

The bid of five million gold coins made many in the venue gasp, as the Earth Rank Advanced Pulse Skill, originally worth only two or three million, had been forcibly doubled. On the auction stage, Mei Qian's face was almost blossoming with a smile.

"Tsk tsk, Sky Thunder Valley is indeed wealthy; fine, the Judgement Thunder Introduction is all yours, Kong brothers!"

Under the slightly provocative gaze of Kong Sihai, a smile unexpectedly appeared on Chu Nian's face as he spoke, causing everyone to ponder. Could this guy be doing it on purpose?

If Chu Nian was indeed doing it on purpose, then his bid was completely opposite to Xiao Qiming's earlier bid. One aimed to favor the Kong brothers, while the other intentionally disgusted them. Could there be some grudge between them?

Kong Family's eldest, Kong Qianshan, nearly had a face dark enough to drip water. Initially determined to stop if Chu Nian bid again, he had not expected the other to be even more decisive.

Because of this, the Earth Rank Advanced Pulse Skill that could have been obtained for three million gold coins ended up costing five million. This alone implied potential risks for the brothers during the cultivation of the Judgement Thunder Introduction, as they would be reminded of Chu Nian's mocking face.

Being notable Twin Thunder Sons of Sky Thunder Valley, residing in their home ground, the Kong brothers had never felt so suffocated, especially by the Chu Family's Chu Nian, and in the auction hall of Spirit Fighting Commerce. They truly had nowhere to vent their frustration.

"Congratulations to the two young men of the Kong Family for winning the Judgement Thunder Introduction at the price of five million gold coins!"

Mei Qian on the auction stage did not entertain many thoughts. Seeing that Chu Nian indeed had no intention to outbid, and after asking three times symbolically, her small hammer fell swiftly. However, the words she spoke carried a hint of mockery in the ears of the Kong brothers.

This damn spending nearly double the price to get Judgement Thunder Introduction, what's there to congratulate about? Although the Kong brothers were the first auction winners, feeling the strange gazes, they wished they could find a hole to hide in.

"This Chu Nian..."

Compared to the Kong brothers, Xiao Qiming's gaze swept over Chu Nian from a distance, slightly shaking his head. He naturally knew this person, and as both were Origin Seeking Realm Early Stage geniuses, they were also potential rivals.

On the surface, Xiao, Chu, and Zhao Families seemed to be united, but secretly, there was considerable competition, especially among these similar-level talents who always had to compete in some way, although no discord was shown publicly.

With Xiao Qiming's disposition, he certainly did not approve of Chu Nian's confrontational approach towards the Kong brothers. Even if he hated someone to the core, he might still smile while eventually stabbing the knife into the enemy's heart.

These are two entirely different styles. The Chu Family, adept at physical strength, has always been straightforward. In fact, Chu Nian setting up the Kong brothers just now was already out of character for him. Such incidents might not happen again.

As Mei Qian concluded her words, thus the first auction item found its owner. Although acquiring the Judgement Thunder Introduction was not genuinely joyous for the Kong brothers, it signaled that the auction was truly underway.

"Next, let's welcome the second auction item!"

As an Elder in the Douling Commerce branch, Mei Qian naturally didn't bother with the Kong brothers' moods. With a wave of her jade hand, two maids carried up a large box covered in red cloth.

Seeing this large box, everyone had thoughts, considering Douling Commerce's renowned trading acumen. They had reason to believe that the large box probably contained a powerful Vein Demon.