“Many thanks, many thanks! Well, please enjoy the auction, and feel free to bid on any item that attracts your attention. I’ll be just outside; call for me if you need anything.”

Accepting the godstone, the disciple offered a salute and then left them in the silence they obviously desired.

Once outside, he smiled broadly as he examined the godstone. Meanwhile, a robed figure approached and, seeing the look on his face, asked, “What’s that in your hand, Yu Guo?”

“What?” Yu Guo said. Looking up, he suddenly said, “Oh, it's you, Eighth Elder!” He gave a deep bow. “The customers in this private room tipped me with two godstones.”

“Let me see them,” Eighth Elder said. Yu Guo didn’t dare to object, and quickly handed over the two bean-sized godstones, keeping his head down.

This Eighth Elder was a powerfully built old man, clad in a voluminous robe. His ruddy face was beardless, and he had a pair of eagle eyes that seemed capable of seeing anything and everything. Upon examining the two godstones, his eyes widened. “Amazing craftsmanship. And...