Chapter 168

The azure sheep cauldron possesses immense vigor; on its surrounding cauldron walls are eight dragons, representing the righteous and supreme qi.

And the sheep symbolizes beauty, auspiciousness, and fulfillment.

The materials used to make this sheep cauldron are also the finest; it is said that the person who crafted it back then spent a full six years and six months to complete it.

Six signifies great smoothness, everything going smoothly.

As for other things, Chen Xinyi has little interest, but for this sheep cauldron, she will bring it back no matter the cost.

When Chen Xinyi shouted that sky‑high price, everyone else was startled.

However, this auction is internationally renowned; today's attendees are tycoons from all countries and sectors, the least of whom are wealthy people. After the initial shock, some tycoons began to compete.

"Dad, that woman's move isn't very clever." Xiao Yuchun was amused and said: "She thinks using your method can intimidate others as you do? Those people are as sharp as monkeys; if this method works even once, it's already good."

"Exactly!" Xiao Ming glanced appreciatively at his daughter: "Some methods only need to be used once, and moreover, my method isn't something just anyone can use."

He, Xiao Ming, has abundant financial backing, so his words naturally carry more conviction.

The Qingqu Group is formidable, but to think that a single move could shock others is impossible.

At this moment, Ma Zong of Ali also made a move.

When the bidding reached nine hundred million, some tycoons from the Star‑Stripe Country and Mi Guo also jumped in, and in no time the bid rose to twelve hundred million.

The tycoons competing with Ma Zong and Yi Qi numbered five, each from a different country.

When Ma Zong's bid reached fifteen hundred million and the opposition showed no sign of stopping, Ma Zong couldn't help but secretly break into a sweat.

"Sixteen hundred million." At that moment, Chen Xinyi, who had paused mid‑stage, raised her bid again.

Seeing Chen Xinyi make a move, Ma Zong felt uneasy; he had come prepared with 2.5 billion, having teamed up with another Ma Zong, giving them a combined 3 billion.

He had thought it sufficient, but seeing the scene now with so many competitors, it's unclear whether anyone else is still holding back.

He pondered this silently as the bidding continued, and soon it reached 2.5 billion.

Ma Zong instantly felt anxious; this exceeded his expectations, as he had not prepared any additional funds, and if this continued the auction would surely end in failure for him.

To persist is impossible, yet to give up is also impossible, for this represents the dignity of Wuxingguo; they came to this auction bearing the hopes of their countrymen.

At this point, several more tycoons from other countries joined the bidding, and then Chen Xinyi of Qingqu raised her bid to 2.6 billion.

Seeing the bidding grow too fierce, Chen Xinyi also broke into a sweat; with so many participants, it's hardly a good thing, and even if she won she would suffer heavy losses.

Then she stood up and said firmly: "This azure sheep cauldron, Qingqu will certainly compete for it to the end; please, everyone, make it convenient."

The Qingqu Group is a huge corporation; it turns out this woman is from Qingqu Group, so no wonder she has such strong backing.

At this moment, Ma Zong was on the verge of collapse.

"What should I do, should I keep bidding?" Ma Zong asked himself, at this point unable to decide.

She had previously thought that even bringing back one of these treasures would be good, but she never expected the azure sheep cauldron to be bid up to such a high price.

When the countrymen learned that he would come to participate in the auction, they were overjoyed beyond words; if he failed, how would he face his people upon returning?

He would have no face to meet his countrymen.

Among all these treasures, the azure sheep cauldron holds the greatest significance; it can suppress evil qi, and in ancient times it was a treasure coveted by countless officials and nobles.

It also symbolizes the peace of a region; if it could be brought back to the country, it would bring peace to Wuxingguo, and secondly, it represents dignity.

As a citizen of Wuxingguo, if one cannot bring the nation's treasure back, how can one prove the motherland's strength, if one is to safeguard the motherland's dignity.

Ma Zong simply could not accept this result.

"2.9 billion." At this moment, Ma Zong raised his bid again.

"3 billion." Chen Xinyi spoke again, and soon the bid reached the limit of Ma Zong's funds.

Ma Zong angrily swore: "Damn it."

Not far from Ma Zong, Xiao Ming furrowed his brows slightly and couldn't help thinking, "Hey, these old-timers are too weak; are they already about to lose?"

"3.1 billion."

At this moment, Xiao Ming spoke calmly.

The Qingqu Group actually has its headquarters abroad, and the Chen family also holds foreign nationality, but having lived in Wuxingguo for a long time, they have adopted many of its customs.

Moreover, their appearance is no different from that of Wuxingguo people; over time, many have mistaken them for Wuxingguo citizens.

If that were truly the case, Xiao Ming might not have competed with them, but since it is not, he cannot be polite.

Xiao Ming's tone was calm; when his distinctive voice sounded, all eyes in the venue turned to him.

Not far away, Ma Zong, seeing him make a move, immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Ming is too composed; before he acted, no one could guess his thoughts, unsure whether he would intervene for the sake of national dignity.

At this moment, he felt the heavy stone in his heart drop down heavily.

Xiao Ming also looked toward Ma Zong and gave him a slight nod.

This action of his was tantamount to giving Ma Zong a reassurance pill.

Not only Ma Zong, but others who saw Xiao Ming act also let out heavy sighs of relief.

Meanwhile, Chen Xinyi of the Qingqu Group, upon hearing Xiao Ming's voice, regarded him as a formidable foe.

What she feared still came to pass.

Yesterday, after seeing Xiao Ming, she noted his extraordinary bearing; although the online rumors had been rampant, she deemed the internet information unreliable, so she immediately contacted her father and had him employ his best investigator to look into it.

This morning she received the news.

Chen Xinyi's father conducted an investigation but could never determine just how strong Xiao Ming's background was; however, it was certain that Xiao Ming's net worth could leave their Qingqu Group far behind.

Chen Xinyi instantly felt a sense of crisis, worrying that Xiao Ming would become her greatest obstacle in obtaining the azure sheep cauldron at the auction.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Ming really made a move.