At this moment, even with only two or three people competing, the fervent atmosphere and the sense of surging undercurrent were in no way inferior to the scene at a major auction.

Although Elder Zeng and the others spoke their bids in an almost casual manner, even sounding somewhat dismissive, Wang Guan could still clearly sense the breathtaking tension. After all, the words they casually uttered were not mere numbers, but the flow of staggering amounts of capital.

In economically developed places like the capital city or Shanghai, such massive capital turnover might be manageable, but in ordinary counties and towns, it would undoubtedly cause countless officials to clutch their hearts.

Simultaneously, Wang Guan deeply understood that when there were no bargains to be had, ample financial strength was the true capital that determined who would ultimately take home a treasure. The penniless had no right even to cheer from the sidelines; they could only shut up and watch the excitement.

"Ninety-five million!"

Just then, the latest price surfaced, causing a brief silence among the group.

The number ninety-five held great prestige for the Chinese, and it was close to the bottom line for Elder Zeng and his circle. However, it was worth noting that this bottom line only applied to them and did not represent the limits of others.

Leaving aside the magnates from Southeast Asia—after all, the Golden Pagoda was a Chinese treasure, likely among the precious relics restricted from leaving the country—even without the significant backing of those Southeast Asian tycoons, the domestic, Buddhist-devout plutocrats were not to be underestimated. They were far more enthusiastic about Buddhist affairs and certainly more willing to spend.

If they knew that such a magnificent Golden Pagoda was before them, forget ninety-five million; they would likely buy it without hesitation even if the price went up by tens of millions more.

Of course, if they could acquire it for less, that would be even better.

That was precisely what the Buddhist collector who bid ninety-five million was thinking. Seeing the silence from the others, a flicker of joy crossed his face. However, his excitement was premature. At that moment, Elder Zeng suddenly spoke, "Young Jia, could we pause for a moment? I need to make a call."

"Yes, I'm feeling a bit tired; perhaps we should take a break," the other collectors nodded in agreement.

Jia Qin, despite his preference for swift resolution, was not foolish. Elder Zeng’s request clearly indicated an intention to consult with the Jia De Company about raising the bid. Since this was the last item, delaying for an hour or two was fine; it was a good chance to settle the accounts for the other items.

With this in mind, Jia Qin pretended not to notice the Buddhist collector's darkening expression, immediately agreed, and then gestured for others to come forward to sign the transfer agreements and process the payments...

Wang Guan actively complied, instantly transferring his funds. Just as he was about to call Cao Xiang to bring a large cart to transport his haul, his phone screen lit up with an incoming call.

"Oh?"

Glancing at the caller ID, Wang Guan felt a mix of surprise and joy, quickly answering, "Master Banshan!"

"Amitabha!" The monk Banshan sounded quite cheerful. "Benefactor Wang, perhaps you could guess where this poor monk is now."

"If the Master asks like this..." Wang Guan paused, instantly realizing, and his voice brightened with happiness, "You've arrived in the capital?"

"Indeed. I have fulfilled Benefactor Wang's request and completed the mission. I am now bringing it to you personally," Monk Banshan said with a slight smile. Delivering the item was secondary; the main purpose was to properly express his gratitude to Wang Guan for solving his predicament in Singapore.

"Master, you are too kind. Are you at the airport now? I'll come to pick you up immediately," Wang Guan hurried to say. Since everything else here had been claimed by others, and the Golden Pagoda was so expensive, he had no desire to compete. Staying held no interest, so he preferred to meet Monk Banshan.

"Amitabha."

However, Monk Banshan seemed to have encountered trouble, letting out a soft sigh. "This poor monk does not know where he is. The reason I called Benefactor Wang was actually to seek assistance..."

"What? What happened?" Wang Guan asked, startled.

Monk Banshan slowly explained that upon arriving at the Capital Airport, as soon as he stepped out of the gate, he was inexplicably pulled into a car. The driver then stomped on the accelerator and sped away. After circling around a bit, the driver finally turned back to ask where he wanted to go.

It turned out that this was Monk Banshan's first time in the capital, and he didn't know where Wang Guan was staying. Thinking he should first find lodging and meet fellow practitioners, he simply told the driver to take him to any temple.

Fortunately, the driver wasn't a cheat and, upon hearing this, took Monk Banshan directly to the Guangji Temple in the Xicheng District—the location of the Buddhist Association of China, the most suitable place for an itinerant monk to seek temporary shelter.

As for what happened to Monk Banshan at Guangji Temple, he didn't elaborate, and Wang Guan didn't press, as the monk was no longer there but on a street near the temple.

Truthfully, Wang Guan was not familiar with that street either. After consulting Elder Chang, he was surprised to learn the location was not far from this villa. He immediately told Monk Banshan to wait a moment and that he would be right there.

After ending the call, Wang Guan separately phoned Cao Xiang, instructing him to bring men to move the items, then excused himself to Jia Qin and drove off. After navigating through some traffic, he arrived at the street in question.

Monk Banshan was sitting outside a shop on the street corner, chatting amiably with an elderly man; the ease between them suggested they had taken an instant liking to each other.

"Master Banshan..." Wang Guan slowed his car and called out.

"Benefactor Wang has arrived."

Monk Banshan looked over, stood up, smiled farewell to the old man, and then cheerfully walked over with his bundle. After Wang Guan invited him, he settled into the car, naturally exchanging pleasantries along the way.

Since this was a bustling street, the car could not stop for long, so Wang Guan drove slowly away, casually asking, "Master, has that matter been resolved?"

The matter naturally concerned the attempted takeover and merger of Monk Banshan’s temple, which Wang Guan had asked Chen Shaofeng to help resolve. Judging by the circumstances, it seemed to have been settled successfully.

"Amitabha. Thanks to Benefactor Wang's timely assistance, a calamity has been averted."

Monk Banshan was deeply grateful. For him, the supposed merger was tantamount to annihilation, concerning the very lineage and inheritance of his school of practice. With the difficulty resolved, he certainly felt a weight lifted, as if a massive stone suspended in the air had finally landed safely, leaving him feeling light and refreshed. It was for this reason he decided to make this trip personally.

"It’s good that it’s resolved," Wang Guan smiled, not seeking credit. "You've met that Chen Shaofeng, haven't you? You can thank him later."

A subtle smile touched Monk Banshan's lips, but he said nothing. He understood perfectly well that without Wang Guan's phone call, why would Chen Shaofeng intervene out of the blue? Thus, he knew clearly who deserved the greater gratitude.

At the same time, Wang Guan apologized, "Master, I have some trivial matters to attend to, so I will trouble you to ride along with me for a short tour."

The main reason was that without his presence, Cao Xiang probably wouldn't be able to move the items from Jia's residence.

Regarding this, although Monk Banshan didn't fully grasp the situation, he didn't mind. "Benefactor Wang is welcome to attend to his business. This poor monk is amidst the mortal world and must drift with the current."

"Drifting with the current is fine, at least you won't be extinguished by a great storm," Wang Guan quipped back, then smiled. "But I can assure you, Master, once we reach our destination, you will find this trip worthwhile."

"Oh?" Monk Banshan looked slightly surprised.

Wang Guan offered a mysterious smile, offering no further explanation, and focused on driving. After a short while, they returned to the Jia family villa. Alighting from the car, Wang Guan invited, "Master, let us go inside."

Monk Banshan followed Wang Guan's lead into the villa and proceeded to that room.

Upon entering and seeing the large screen serving as a partition at the doorway, Monk Banshan couldn't help but marvel, sighing internally that the mainland was indeed the mainland; its deep foundation was incomparable to overseas regions. When he rounded the screen and saw the entire bookcase filled with ancient texts, his judgment was further confirmed.

"Ninety-six million..."

Just as Monk Banshan was lost in admiration, he faintly heard voices speaking. Guided by Wang Guan, he passed the bookcase, and his view opened up suddenly and clearly.

In an instant, like everyone else, Monk Banshan saw the resplendent, golden, exquisitely crafted Golden Pagoda in the room.

"Elder Zeng bids ninety-six million," Jia Qin said with a smile. "Is there a higher bid? If not, the item goes to him."

At that moment, the others fell silent, beginning their own calculations. Although Elder Zeng had only increased the bid by one million, it represented an attitude—the attitude of securing the company's backing.

One million wasn't the issue; the issue was how many more millions would follow if they continued to compete. The further along the bidding went, the more cautious one had to be. If one impulsively named an astronomical figure, regret would surely follow.

"Benefactor Wang, that is..."

Setting aside the calculations swirling in the collectors' minds, Monk Banshan visibly froze upon seeing the Golden Pagoda. He immediately began to observe it closely, his expression growing increasingly solemn—a look of mingled surprise and joy.

"An artifact from the Qing Palace collection, a Golden Buddha Pagoda," Wang Guan chuckled lightly. "A rare treasure, and the owner intends to sell. Several major collectors are vying for it now. It’s already at ninety-six million; it might break one hundred million."

"Buy it..."

Just then, Monk Banshan grabbed Wang Guan's arm, his voice urgent. "Benefactor Wang, buy the Buddha Pagoda."

"What?" Wang Guan was taken aback, then gave a wry smile. "I understand your reverence for the Buddha, Master, and I certainly wish to fulfill your desire, but I fear we don't have enough money."

"...Amitabha!"

Instantly, as if struck by a sudden enlightenment, Monk Banshan cleared his mind, brought his palms together in prayer, bowed slightly, and sighed, "It is not Benefactor Wang's fault; this poor monk has transgressed the precepts of greed, anger, and delusion."

Despite his words, Wang Guan sensed a lingering trace of reluctance, hesitation, and struggle in the monk's eyes...

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