Chapter Twelve: The Second Piece of Thunderstruck Wood

During this period, Chu Han had become the center of attention. Sun Hao had taken a liking to him and even handed over a portion of his business, which naturally provoked much envy. Now that there was a chance to witness Chu Han’s humiliation, the crowd was delighted, adopting the attitude of spectators at a show.

Chu Han, meanwhile, raised his head expressionlessly. Standing before him was a man in a flowing white robe, a hint of disdain etched on his face.

This man’s name was Shi Bao. The Shi family was also a prominent clan in Jingyuan City, on par with the Tian family. However, things had changed for the Shi family—Shi Bao had recently been accepted as an outer disciple of Yongquan Palace, which gave him the confidence to act so arrogantly. According to seniority, he was Tang Chengcheng’s junior fellow disciple, and having long been enamored with her, he naturally sought to avenge her by making trouble for Chu Han.

Of course, Chu Han knew none of this; he merely assumed it was another spoiled young master looking to stir up trouble.

“What’s it to you? Is your family running this auction?” Chu Han’s voice was not loud, but everyone nearby heard him clearly.

His words left Shi Bao awkwardly rooted on the spot—their family had nowhere near the means to host such an auction. As Shi Bao was about to retort, the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the auction. He could only glare at Chu Han viciously. “Go ahead and act arrogant now—just wait, you’ll be crying soon enough.”

Chu Han only smiled faintly in the face of this threat, unconcerned. He had experienced rebirth, and these petty clowns failed to interest him.

As everyone took their seats, an elderly man took the stage. Despite his age, he exuded an imposing presence, his eyes shining brightly.

“Thank you all for attending this Saintly Auction. Without further ado, let us begin.”

As his words fell, the first item was brought out.

“This is a longsword forged from cold iron. It cuts through metal as if it were mud, perfect for combat. Starting bid: thirty thousand gold coins.”

The audience’s eyes instantly turned red with envy, each wishing they could charge up and seize the item for themselves.

Chu Han, however, merely frowned and curled his lip in contempt. Cold iron was indeed valuable, but of little use to him; such weapons were only suitable for those at the Body Tempering stage. He aspired to return to the level of a Celestial Lord, so to him, this was no different from scrap metal.

Not everyone shared his view. The sword eventually sold for two hundred thousand gold coins.

The subsequent items, while extraordinary, still failed to catch his eye. If something could not enhance his strength, he would not make a move for it.

“Next, we have a piece of Lightning-Struck Wood, unearthed at the foot of Mount Taihang after great effort. Such a large piece is truly rare. Starting price: one million gold coins.”

At these words, Chu Han, who had been dozing off, opened his eyes wide and looked up. Indeed, a chunk of lightning-struck wood half as tall as a man was brought out—he had only seen pieces this large a handful of times in his life.

Almost unconsciously, he touched his chest. Although his system was currently frozen, it was still wise to keep a reserve of lightning-struck wood, lest he be caught unprepared as in his previous life.

Ten minutes passed without a single bid. Though lightning-struck wood was precious, it was not universally useful; only those cultivating lightning-based techniques needed it. The elderly auctioneer could only shake his head.

“Three million gold coins.”

Just as everyone assumed there would be no bidders, Chu Han spoke calmly, causing a stir throughout the hall. He had instantly raised the price by two million, making it clear he was determined to have it. All eyes turned to him.

Chu Han frowned slightly. Truth be told, he disliked drawing so much attention, but he had no choice—this item was a necessity.

“Very well, Young Master Chu bids three million. Any higher?”

The old man breathed a sigh of relief, finally seeing someone bid, and hurried to keep the momentum, as if afraid Chu Han would change his mind.

Three million was already a steep price, and given the specialized use of the wood, most assumed there would be no further competition. At that moment, a leering voice rang out.

“I bid four million.”

Like a thunderclap, the voice resounded across the hall. Everyone looked over—it was Shi Bao. Recalling what had just happened, they all understood. Shi Bao was notorious for bearing grudges, and having just been humiliated by Chu Han, how could he let it go?

Chu Han frowned again and spoke up, “Six million.”

Another two million added—the audience gasped, murmuring about what he could possibly want with it. Such a large piece of lightning-struck wood was indeed valuable, but its worth far exceeded six million. Clearly, the two had locked horns.

Chu Han’s resolve made Shi Bao hesitate, but after a moment, he raised his head. “Seven million.”

“Ten million.”

Chu Han gritted his teeth. Ten million was well beyond the wood’s value, but even so, he was determined to obtain it. Lightning-struck wood was not something one came across every day, especially not in such a size.

His bid left the entire hall stunned into silence, even the auctioneer visibly surprised.

“Fifteen million.”

Shi Bao spoke again, staking every coin he could muster in order to outbid Chu Han.

Chu Han hesitated. If he continued, he would run out of liquid funds and would have to dip into the assets Sun Hao had given him. But those assets were all real estate, which would need to be converted to cash. He was reluctant, as those properties would be the Tang family’s support after he left, and unless absolutely necessary, he would not sell them.

“Forget it, I’ll let you have it. Fifteen million for a piece of lightning-struck wood—Young Master Shi, your generosity is truly impressive.”

Chu Han stood, smiling as he cupped his hands in salute—a smile that nearly made Shi Bao cough up blood.

Though Chu Han very much wanted the lightning-struck wood, he was no fool. Fifteen million could buy several such pieces. He might as well let Shi Bao bleed; as for the wood, he would find more in the future—there was no need to rush.

As his words fell, the crowd erupted. Shi Bao had tried to outmaneuver Chu Han, but ended up being outwitted himself.

Of course, this was but a minor episode; the auction continued as the sky grew dark, and by the day’s end, the event had concluded.

Chu Han left the venue. After parting with Abu, he made his way home. Though he regretted missing out on the lightning-struck wood, he had still gained something from the day.

As he passed through a narrow alley, three men suddenly jumped out from the shadows and surrounded him.

Chu Han was momentarily taken aback, but his gaze quickly turned icy as he clenched his fists, ready to speak—when he noticed something odd about his assailants. Behind one of them glimmered a faint blue light, pulsing with intense lightning energy. In that instant, he understood exactly who had come for him.

“Well, well, I was wondering who would try to waylay me. So it’s Young Master Shi Bao. What’s this? Have you taken up banditry now?”

Chu Han smiled, mocking him—he had guessed correctly. The piece of lightning-struck wood from the auction was right there, in the hands of Shi Bao.