The Villain: Claiming The Protagonist's Master

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"Third Brother, it's up to you this time."

The man in the purple robe gave Xiao Qiu a subtle glance and murmured softly.

"Leave it to me," Xiao Qiu nodded, his eyes fixed intently on the jade pendant in the hands of the woman in the red dress, the intensity in his gaze barely concealed. He was determined to obtain the broken jade with the least cost possible.

Meanwhile, in the "Hai" private room, Ye Fan's eyes locked onto the same jade pendant, a glint of excitement sparking in his gaze. Unconsciously, he licked his lips.

With his twin-pupil vision, he had seen the faint traces of chaotic energy within the broken jade, and a hint of the Xiao family character, "Xiao," woven within. The significance dawned on him instantly. No wonder Xiao Tiancheng had demanded he secure this piece—its link to the Xiao family's heritage was undeniable.

"Tsk tsk… who would've thought I'd come across such a grand opportunity here at the Tianqiong Auction House," he muttered under his breath, his mind racing with excitement, though he forced himself to remain calm. He couldn't risk exposing his intentions.

'Su Chen, just wait. The moment I seize this jade pendant and claim the Xiao family legacy, not even your wealth or power can halt my rise!'

Ye Fan's gaze darkened as he glanced towards the "Wu" room, his fists clenching tightly. His voice dropped to a hiss, vowing silently to crush Su Chen underfoot someday.

---

On the stage, the woman in the red dress addressed the crowd. "This broken jade pendant was acquired by a peak quasi-emperor within the Chaos Realm. Our Tianqiong Auction House boasts many powerful experts, yet none could ascertain its purpose."

She paused, allowing the anticipation to build before continuing, "However, given its origins in the Chaos Realm, it's no ordinary item. We've decided to set the starting bid at ten million top-grade spirit stones, with increments of no less than one million. Let the bidding commence!"

As her voice fell, murmurs spread through the crowd like ripples.

"A broken jade pendant worth ten million spirit stones? You'd have to be insane."

"Who knows? These items are gambles. Hit the jackpot, and you could multiply your wealth many times over; miss, and you'll be left penniless."

"Even if it was valuable, this thing is damaged. As a flawed piece, its worth is greatly reduced."

"Would anyone actually be foolish enough to throw money at this?"

Both Xiao Qiu and Ye Fan kept their intentions hidden, wary of drawing attention. Neither rushed to bid, each hoping the other's silence would help them acquire the item quietly.

Seeing that Ye Fan was holding back, Su Chen also waited, completely unperturbed.

The woman in red surveyed the room, a flicker of impatience flashing across her features as the pendant's appeal waned. If no one bid soon, the pendant would fail to sell—a first for her after years of successful auctions. Displeased, she called out again.

"Is there any distinguished guest interested?"

Silence answered her, and a hush fell over the auction hall. Everyone seemed content to watch and wait; with no one certain of the pendant's true value, none were willing to take such a high-stakes gamble.

Ten million top-grade spirit stones—no small sum. Losing that amount was no trivial matter.

Seeing this, the woman in red sighed, prepared to move on.

Suddenly, a calm voice sliced through the silence.

"Eleven million."

Xiao Qiu named the price without a hint of excitement, his tone casual as if the bid meant little to him.

A jolt went through the crowd, and heads turned, seeking the speaker.

When they saw it was Xiao Qiu, understanding spread among them.

"Young Master Xiao, dropping over ten million spirit stones just for fun, are we?" someone teased.

The room erupted into laughter, though it was clear to all that Xiao Qiu was only showing off his wealth.

"Heh," Xiao Qiu gave a knowing chuckle, ignoring their comments, deepening their impression that this was just a rich man's whim.

Ye Fan, spotting his rival Xiao Qiu's bid, felt his stomach twist. His brows knitted as he suppressed the rush of excitement building within him. He had to remain composed, holding his impulses in check to avoid any suspicion.

After taking a deep breath and regaining his focus, he called out, "Twelve million top-grade spirit stones!"

The entire room fell silent, even the woman in red jolting slightly. Moments ago, she had braced herself for an unsold lot, yet here was an unexpected twist.

It almost felt surreal.

And now, it wasn't just any bidder. It was two.

Casting a glance towards Ye Fan's room, her eyes sparkled with intrigue. It seemed the gentleman in the "Hai" room had an uncommon interest in this seemingly unremarkable piece.

With everyone's attention on Ye Fan's room, bewilderment spread through the crowd. What on earth was happening?

A seemingly worthless pendant had suddenly turned into a hot commodity.

Could it be that they were missing something? That the pendant concealed some secret only these two rivals had discerned?

Speculation rippled across the room as onlookers exchanged glances. The pendulum of doubt swung back and forth in their minds.

Xiao Qiu, hearing Ye Fan's bid, froze for a moment. Then a sly, sinister smile curled at his lips. Although he didn't fully understand Ye Fan's intentions, there was no way he'd allow his rival to claim this jade.

This pendant would be his—no matter the cost.

"Fifty million top-grade spirit stones!" he declared without hesitation, his voice cold, inflating the bid fivefold.

The new number sparked a flurry of reactions.

The last few spectators who had harbored hopes of a last-minute bid fell silent, now thoroughly intimidated.

Only those from prominent families, with the financial means to back their desires, dared even to imagine spending such sums. And Xiao Qiu's brutal reputation as ruthless left few eager to cross his path in the East Hua continent.

With his sudden escalation, Xiao Qiu cast a look of triumph over the room, a smug grin spreading across his face.

"You dare challenge me?" he thought, pride swelling in his chest. "You've all got a lot to learn!"

"One hundred million spirit stones."

Ye Fan's voice cut through the moment, calm yet resonant, delivering the words as though they weighed nothing at all.

Xiao Qiu's grin stiffened instantly, replaced by a scowl. This was no accident. Ye Fan had left him no way out.

So be it, then.

Xiao Qiu's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles cracking with barely-contained rage. His handsome face twisted into a mask of fury.

Tonight, he would crush Ye Fan's spirit, letting him know what it truly meant to stand in Xiao Qiu's way.

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