[Chapter 150: Elixir Auction]
Daniel flipped his hand, withdrawing several crystal bottles. Each one bore a label, clearly prepared well in advance.
"Spirit Transformation Elixir, Foundational Reinforcement Elixir, Osteogenic Elixir, Marrow Cleansing Pill -- 20 of each," Daniel said. "It's best to sell them as a set; that way, it's less likely to cause problems. Hmm, since we need to verify the efficacy, I have two extra sets here."
He pulled out another crystal bottle. Originally, Daniel had only refined six Marrow Cleansing Pills at the start. But thanks to medicinal ingredients sent later by Marcus Hale, he had enough material for several more batches.
Now, the number of Marrow Cleansing Pills in Daniel's possession had reached 31. He kept a few for himself and handed the rest to Frank.
"I'm very interested in taking on this task," Frank said with a smile.
"I have a feeling this will become one of my greatest achievements," he added. "After I die, it should be engraved on my tombstone: 'Frank Douglas, who once organized a great elixir auction.'"
Daniel laughed. "When the time comes, I'll personally carve your tombstone for you."
"I hope that day comes in a long time," Frank laughed heartily.
Then he asked, "Mr. Cross, did you mean that this will only be a small-scale auction?"
Daniel nodded. "Correct. These elixirs are too miraculous; we don't want to make this public, or it could lead to unnecessary consequences. Also, it's best to warn everyone participating not to spread the word. If an accident happens, they'll be responsible."
Frank nodded seriously. "I'll carefully screen the candidates for the auction."
...
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
In a small auction hall, more than 30 people gathered. Most were middle-aged or elderly, but a few younger men and women were scattered among them. One man wore a white robe and a cloth wrapped around his head, clearly of Middle Eastern descent.
Regardless of age or gender, they all had one thing in common: every one of them was dressed impeccably, radiating an unmistakable aura of wealth and nobility.
"Edward, I didn't expect you to come, too. The last time we met was half a year ago, right?" a balding man in his 50s said to a peer.
The man he addressed -- Edward -- appeared the same age but with thicker hair and a healthier demeanor.
"Eric, long time no see. I've been busy with medical health preservation, so I've rarely appeared in public," Edward replied.
Eric asked, "Edward, I heard you're planning to replace all the blood in your body. Is that true?"
Edward's tone was flat. "Yes, I'm preparing to exchange blood with my son. The doctor said it might make my body age a few years younger."
Eric raised an eyebrow. "Is it really effective? Won't it affect your son's health?"
Edward shook his head. "No, it's not done all at once. It's divided into multiple sessions. Since young blood regenerates quickly, it won't harm him. The effectiveness is still theoretical for now; the real results will only be confirmed once the process is complete."
Eric leaned in with interest. "If you succeed, you better tell me first."
"I will," Edward promised.
Eric continued, "When Frank Douglas invited you, did he tell you what's being auctioned this time?"
"No," Edward said. "He just mentioned the items are extremely rare treasures -- and that they'd definitely catch my interest. I'm skeptical, but his reputation's solid, so I came to see for myself."
Eric chuckled. "Seems he told the same to all of us. I want to see what kind of treasures he brings today. If they aren't precious enough, I'll give him a good scolding for wasting my time."
Edward laughed. "I won't just scold him -- I might kick his fat ass."
...
Daniel sat quietly in the back row, watching the people in small groups whispering among themselves. Some, like the man with the cloth on his head, sat alone without consulting anyone.
"Welcome, everyone." Before Frank Douglas arrived, his voice rang out across the room. Then he stepped onto the auction stage.
At over six feet tall, in his thirties, with handsome features and a mature, magnetic presence, Frank exuded masculinity and charm.
"Wait, you're... Frank Douglas?" Edward suddenly stood, disbelief plain on his face.
Since embarking on his medical quest to slow aging three years ago, Edward had spent a fortune. At 55, doctors said his body age was 52 -- three years younger than his actual age -- a point of pride for him.
But seeing Frank Douglas now was a shock. The man looked far younger -- practically twenty years younger.
"Edward, long time no see," Frank smiled warmly.
Then he addressed the crowd with immense confidence, "And all of you, it's been a while. I am Frank Douglas."
It wasn't just Edward who was stunned. Everyone present was shocked, struggling to believe their eyes.
Eric asked, "Are you really that fat, stupid Frank Douglas, and not his son?"
Frank grinned. "Your words are as unpleasant as always, Eric. But I'll take that as jealousy and forgive you."
"Frank, how the hell did you do it?" the crowd finally pressed, unable to hold back.
Frank laughed. "Don't be impatient; that's exactly the treasure I'm about to auction."
Edward's breath quickened. "Frank, are you saying what you're about to auction can make us look twenty years younger, just like you?"
"I can't guarantee a twenty-year difference on the outside," Frank replied. "But making your body age revert by 20 years, or more, is absolutely possible."
"Wait, are you serious?" "Is this true?" "If you lie to me, you're dead." The crowd buzzed with excitement, sounding more like a chaotic marketplace than a billionaires' auction.
Frank kept smiling. As the noise died down, he said, "I know you won't believe me easily. So now, I need a volunteer. I'll prove it to you on the spot -- with the most real, miraculous, and incredible transformation you've ever seen. The volunteer can purchase the treasure at the starting bid price. Who's willing to step up?"
*****
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