Universal Shelter: I have a gold entry at each level!

Chapter 030: No. 1 Man! The Elemental Fruit That Shocked the Crowd!

When Lin Xuan produced an elemental fruit, the room erupted in astonishment. Every eye in the hall fixed eagerly on the elemental fruit in his hand. Even those who had been sitting quietly sprang to their feet in shock.

Lin Xuan took in everyone’s expressions before speaking slowly:

“This fruit in my hand is called an elemental fruit. Once consumed, it awakens the elemental affinity within your body!”

“I’m still only accepting wood for this—starting at 1,000 units of wood!”

After his introduction, Lin Xuan gave a subtle nod toward Liu Ziming. Only then did Liu Ziming react—though the shock in his eyes hadn’t yet faded. Clearly, Liu Ziming had not expected Lin Xuan to offer an elemental fruit in exchange, let alone for something as common as wood!

It was common knowledge that such a rare item would typically be traded only for something equally precious. Few would ever do as Lin Xuan did and use it to exchange for wood.

Though puzzled, Liu Ziming didn’t question Lin Xuan’s decision. Instead, he shifted his demeanor and, with a slightly solemn expression, announced the start of the bidding. In an unexpected twist, Liu Ziming himself joined in the bidding.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the bidding now begins.”

“The base price is 1,000 units of wood!”

“I, Liu Ziming, bid 2,000 units of wood!”

At his declaration, no one was surprised. After all, Liu Ziming’s purpose in hosting this exchange event for free was to gather various resources. With his status, one wouldn’t think he was merely playing house—after all, he was the son of East Sea City’s richest man!

“Zi Ming, little sister here is going to steal everyone’s heart!”

“I bid 2,500 units of wood!”

At that, a stylishly dressed young woman raised her hand. Liu Ziming waved her off with a chuckle:

“Heh, bidding is simply for the highest offer to win. Everyone, feel free to bid!”

Following Liu Ziming’s remark, the room filled with bids:

“2,800 units of wood!”

“3,300 units of wood!”

“3,500 units of wood!”

…

Soon, the price climbed to 4,000 units of wood. By then, it was clear that many were running low on resources. Ultimately, the elemental fruit was auctioned off to Liu Ziming himself for 4,500 units of wood.

“Ha ha, thank you all,” Liu Ziming announced with a victorious smile as he waved to the crowd. He immediately called over his aides, gathered 4,000 more units of wood, and placed them before Lin Xuan. After both sides verified the tally, the transaction was complete.

Then, with a grin, Liu Ziming prepared to stow the elemental fruit in his backpack, planning to consume it after the crowd dispersed. But before he could do so, Lin Xuan interjected.

“Heh, since brother Zi Ming has acquired the fruit, why not consume it now?”

“After all, whether you eat it early or late, the effect is the same.”

At Lin Xuan’s words, many in the audience chimed in:

“That’s right—Liu, you should eat it now!”

“Exactly! Since we won’t get the pleasure of tasting it, let brother Liu give us a feast for the eyes!”

“Hee hee—Zi Ming, hurry up and eat it!”

Many of those present were friends of Liu Ziming or friends of friends, and their remarks were casual and teasing. True to his generous nature, Liu Ziming, after a moment’s thought and amid the encouraging cheers, consumed the elemental fruit right then and there.

Just as Lin Xuan had predicted, whether consumed early or late, the effect was identical. If one did not awaken their elemental affinity now, it might never awaken later. What Liu Ziming did not know was that, as a reincarnated individual, Lin Xuan clearly remembered that in his previous life, Liu Ziming was a fire-element mage. This meant that Liu Ziming was destined to awaken successfully—specifically, with a fire affinity.

And sure enough, amid the expectant gazes, Liu Ziming’s awakening was a success. He extended his palm, and before everyone’s eyes, his fingertips ignited with small flames that soon spread across his entire hand. Miraculously, despite the fire, he felt no burning.

“Ha ha ha! It’s a fire element!”

“I have awakened successfully!”

Liu Ziming’s face shone with excitement, and the surrounding crowd quickly offered their congratulations. Their admiring glances made it clear that many envied Liu Ziming’s breakthrough.

Standing nearby, Lin Xuan observed the successful outcome. Then, his eyes sparked with mischief as he produced another elemental fruit.

“I have another one!”

This move stunned everyone present—even the recently elated Liu Ziming looked at Lin Xuan as if he were witnessing a monster. Lin Xuan noted that as soon as he unveiled the second elemental fruit, a man in the far corner, whose face was filled with surprise, stood up.

This man was unfamiliar to Lin Xuan, but one thing was certain: he was no ordinary person. His bidding number was 1, and throughout the proceedings, he had not bid even once—even when Lin Xuan revealed the elemental fruit, he hadn’t made a move. This suggested that either he wasn’t interested in the item or he lacked the funds. However, judging by his bidding number, Lin Xuan didn’t believe this man could be destitute. If anything, the man likely looked down on the auction items—and he might even be an elemental mage himself, or perhaps someone who had failed to awaken his affinity, making the elemental fruit unnecessary for him.

While Lin Xuan mulled over these thoughts, Liu Ziming resumed the auction.

“Now, let the bidding continue.”

“The base price remains 1,000 units of wood!”

And so the auction carried on…