The Magnificent Son-in-law

Looking at Zhao Guo'an and Zhen Jinghan's solemn expressions, the little girl leaned close to Xiao Feng and cautiously asked, "Xiao Feng brother, did I cause more trouble for you again?"

"No worries, do as you please..."

Xiao Feng initially intended to say, "No worries, you can cause trouble as you wish, Xiao Feng brother will back you up." But upon considering the little girl's nature, if he were to say that, she would definitely let loose.

By then, she would want to intervene in every injustice she saw, and he wouldn't be able to do anything else.

"You didn't do anything wrong in this case," Xiao Feng rephrased.

It wasn't out of a sense of justice but purely because he was displeased with Guan Huarong's wealthy arrogance, attempting to acquire auction items at base prices due to his riches.

If this auction didn't involve personal interests, he wouldn't mind, but this event included at least a twenty percent commission.

Therefore, both emotionally and rationally, Xiao Feng couldn't remain indifferent.

Just like Hong Ren worried, this precedent shouldn't be set, otherwise, there would be endless troubles.

...

The bidding turmoil quickly subsided, and the auction proceeded methodically.

As it went on, the caliber of auction items increased, and starting prices followed suit.

"Don't you feel this seems like a fan auction?"

Xiao Feng watched the wealthy individuals below eagerly vying for their bids and couldn't help but remark, "These rich folks are fans of the previous Abbot, eagerly buying their idol's relics."

"Is being an idol very profitable?" Su Yuzhuo asked.

"Hmm?" Xiao Feng felt something off: "You seem particularly interested in money today?"

"Not really, just asking casually," Su Yuzhuo covered.

Vanity is something everyone has. She lacked money, a lot of it, but she didn't want Xiao Feng to know she was short on funds.

Just then, the bustling atmosphere in the venue gradually cooled down.

However, this wasn't a cold play but was brewing in preparation to reach the next climax, which could also be described as the peak of this auction.

"Esteemed patrons, next on the list is the centerpiece of this auction, the relics produced after the cremation of Master Hong Ming,"

As Hong Ren spoke sonorously, the long-standing tranquility in the venue exploded, and everyone unwaveringly expressed their enthusiasm to discuss this.

"May I ask Master Hong Ren, how many Shariputra relics are there?" Bi Quan, who had been silent without bidding, rose to inquire.

The noisy chatter abruptly halted, apparently a crucial question concerning all the wealthy patrons present.

Though aware there couldn't be too many, everyone hoped for a miracle.

There's word that a high monk once attained 600 relics post-cremation. Considering Master Hong Ming's capabilities, at least a hundred, right?

However, disappointing everyone, Hong Ren replied directly, "After sorting my brother's bones, there are seven relics."

"Seven relics?"

Guan Huarong, quietly subdued after being thwarted by the little girl, now stood too, expressing, "With Master Hong Ming's merits, how can there be only seven?"

Hong Ren calmly expressed, "Monks do not lie; relics are inherently rare, and Master Hong Ming's leaving seven is indeed a vast opportunity for everyone present today.

My brother frequently mentioned, 'If this life does not lead to salvation, some other life it must,' I offer this phrase to encourage all esteemed patrons."

The wealthy patrons began whispering, yet their discussions didn't revolve around Hong Ren's zenful words but rather who might seize those seven relics.

"May I ask Master Hong Ren, are the seven relics auctioned separately or all at once?" Someone posed the critical question.

Hong Ren replied, "Naturally, separately."

The wealthy who figured they could secure the relics sighed in relief — an all-at-once auction would have likely ended between Bi Quan and Guan Huarong, leaving no chance for others.

"Amitabha!"

Hong Ren slowly chanted a Buddhist incantation, followed by resonating sutra recitation.

Amidst solemn sacred chanting, seven young monks walked out with trays, this time not covered by red cloth.

Upon each tray sat a delicate Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda, with each layer holding an item, the topmost layer containing a Shariputra relic.

In appearance, the relics resemble oval marbles, gray in color, initially appearing akin to untouched Bodhi tree seeds.

Hong Ren retrieved a pagoda and explained, "Within this tower, the first layer holds a prayer bead once belonging to my brother, with him for sixty-eight years, never separated; indeed priceless.

The second layer holds a Bodhi tree seed, hoping the fortunate patron who acquires it will cultivate it carefully, destined for eventual reward..."

Thus, Hong Ren introduced each layer, the wealthy patrons' eyes brightening, clearly convinced.

Even those earlier resigned to losing couldn't resist the urge to participate eagerly.

By the time Hong Ren completed his introduction, a quarter of an hour had passed.

Of course, distinctions in importance were evident.

Out of the fifteen minutes, the first six layers were introduced in just five, whereas the final ten focused solely on the relics.

After all, neither the prayer beads nor the Bodhi tree seed triggered more desire for acquisition among the wealthy than the relics.

"Now, we'll commence seeking patrons destined for the first relic, starting at three million, patrons may bid," Hong Ren stepped forward and announced.

Upon hearing the starting price of three million, Xiao Feng glanced back at the martial monks, admiringly commenting, "You monks really know how to make money."

Prior to this, the most expensive starting price never exceeded one hundred fifty thousand; now it doubled — this profit is remarkably effortless.

Su Yuzhuo silently noted to herself: "Monasticism is also a lucrative path."

If Xiao Feng knew his casual jest triggered Su Yuzhuo's idea of monasticism, he probably wouldn't know what to think.

Surprisingly, neither Bi Quan nor Guan Huarong spoke first this time; it seemed they intentionally let others compete first.

Moreover, judging by their calm demeanor, at least two relics seemed guaranteed theirs.

"Five million!"

A tall, slim man seated further back raised his placard, adding two million in one go, evidently determined to win.

Nevertheless, only he knew five million was his limit.

If it frightened everyone away, that'd be ideal, but if not, he couldn't help but leave disappointed.

"Five million one hundred thousand!" Someone in the front row instantly outbid him.

The tall, slim man sat back down without much disappointment, as if expecting this outcome; his previous bid was based purely on a faint hope.