At this moment, the entire auction hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone’s gaze was fixed firmly on Shanks and the small jade bottle in his hand, as if drawn by an invisible magnet.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Shanks uncorked the bottle, and a peculiar fragrance spread through the air.
Without the slightest hesitation, he tilted his head back and poured the pill—which was the size of a longan, featured natural cloud patterns on its surface, and seemed to have shimmering light flowing within—into his mouth.
The pill, upon entering his mouth, did not need to be swallowed; it instantly transformed into a warm, powerful current that flowed automatically, as if alive, throughout his limbs, especially toward the stump of his severed left arm!
Shanks closed his eyes slightly and furrowed his brow, seemingly concentrating on the strange changes happening within his body.
Everyone present stared intently at Shanks’s severed arm.
Immediately afterward, a scene occurred that would be unforgettable for everyone present!
They saw a soft, pure light of life radiating from the stump beneath Shanks’s empty left sleeve.
Bones, nerve vessels, and muscle fibers were reshaped in sequence, ultimately regenerating a left arm identical to his right.
Shanks moved his newly regenerated arm, clenching his fist and stretching it out, a hearty smile spreading across his face.
He picked up his gourd flask, held it with both hands, and took a long drink: “Feels good!” “The arm really grew back!” “It…
it’s actually real!” “Unbelievable!
The value of this pill is incalculable!” “This auction house is terrifying!” Exclamations and gasps of shock rose and fell continuously.
All previous doubts and skepticism vanished at this moment, replaced by intensely fervent, almost frantically greedy stares!
They stared fixedly at the auction stage, filled with an unprecedented desire and determination to acquire the items that were about to appear!
Adam took in the reactions of the crowd below, giving a small, satisfied smile.
He wasted no more time and lightly struck the auction gavel.
“Dong!” The crisp sound of the gavel, like an alarm bell, pulled the crowd back from their shock.
“Now, let us continue with the fourth auction item—” Behind him, the fourth display platform slowly rose.
A crystal-clear glass bottle appeared before everyone.
Inside was a spiritual liquid that resembled liquid jadeite, emitting a soft yet immense life energy, shimmering as if a life force was gently breathing within.
“The [elixir of the fountain of life]!
Originating from the most fundamental Fountain of Life in the Magical World!” “Its effect is heaven-defying—it can revitalize an aging body!
It doesn’t just extend life; it reverses the weakness caused by aging at a fundamental life level, restoring bodily functions, vitality, and energy to peak condition!” These words were like a massive stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand ripples!
Especially for those powerhouses who stood at the apex of the world but were forced to feel the passage of time, their strength gradually slipping from its peak as they aged!
“Pops!” Marco couldn’t help but exclaim, his voice filled with uncontrollable excitement.
Diamond Jozu and Flower Sword Vista, along with the other Commanders, instantly clenched their fists, staring intensely at Whitebeard.
For them, the significance of this spiritual liquid transcended everything else!
Whitebeard’s massive body leaned forward slightly, and his usually somewhat cloudy eyes burst forth with terrifying sharpness, fixed intently on the bottle of spiritual liquid.
For him, this meant more time to protect his sons!
It meant returning to that invincible peak state!
“The starting bid—1 billion Berries!
Each subsequent bid must not be less than 10 million Berries!” “The bidding starts now!” Almost the instant Adam finished saying “starts now,” the bids erupted like a tsunami!
“1 billion!” Whitebeard roared, his voice like a massive bell, shouting the first bid!
This was not just a bid; it was a declaration, an unquestionable resolve!
This resolute aura caused a momentary silence in the hall.
Other powers understood that competing with Whitebeard for this item meant facing the reckless frenzy of the entire Whitebeard Pirates.
However, there were just as many people who wanted this spiritual liquid and those who did not want Whitebeard to obtain it!
“1.2 billion!” Kaido of the Beasts roared with a savage grin; he absolutely did not want to see his nemesis return to full strength!
“1.5 billion!” Akainu’s cold voice rang out.
The Marine absolutely could not tolerate a Whitebeard who had returned to his peak disturbing the order of the sea!
Charlotte Katakuri of the Big Mom Pirates bids 1.6 billion!
Charlotte Linlin’s desire for eternal youth and vitality was limitless.
Even some hidden mysterious forces and elderly Underground Emperors joined in: “1.7 billion!” “1.8 billion!” The price was rapidly driven up, and the competition was far fiercer than before!
This was no longer just a contest of wealth, but a direct influence on the future structure of the sea!
Whitebeard’s expression was grave; every increase in price meant a huge cost, but he did not back down.
“2 billion Berries!” Whitebeard announced a new astronomical price, his voice like a declaration, silencing all the noise.
Marco and the others held their breath, but there was no hint of dissuasion in their eyes, only complete support!
All the Commanders knew that nothing was more important than Pops’ health and strength!
Even if they had to use everything they had, they would secure it!
“2.08 billion!” Kaido roared; the price was already approaching an astronomical figure.
“2.5 billion!” Whitebeard announced a new sky-high price without hesitation!
This figure caused a collective gasp of shock throughout the hall!
The funds of the Whitebeard Pirates were not unlimited, and this price meant they would likely be unable to compete for subsequent auction items.
But the eyes of all the Commanders remained absolutely resolute—nothing was more important than Pops’ health!
Kaido’s scarlet eyes were filled with reluctance, but the price of 2.5 billion also exceeded his current budget.
Since there were other items later, he dared not bid too high right now.
He furiously slammed the armrest of his seat and finally gave up.
This made Akainu’s face extremely grim.
After a quick exchange of glances with Staff Officer Tsuru, the Marine reluctantly gave up as well; this price exceeded their budget for the subsequent “auction items.” Charlotte Linlin also fell silent.
After weighing her options, she chose to conserve her strength to compete for later auction items.
Throughout the bidding process, the Commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates used their actions to tell the whole world: for Pops, they could abandon every other temptation!
“2.5 billion Berries, going once!” “2.5 billion Berries, going twice!” “2.5 billion Berries, going three times!
Sold!” “Dong!” “Congratulations to the Whitebeard Pirates on successfully bidding for this bottle of elixir of the fountain of life!” As soon as Adam’s announcement ended, a deafening cheer erupted from the Whitebeard Pirates’ section!
Marco and the others wept tears of joy!
Not a single person thought the price was high; instead, everyone looked excited and expectant!
Whitebeard threw his head back and laughed heartily, his unrestrained laughter echoing through the auction hall.
When Whitebeard personally received the crystal bottle emitting a soft green light, the entire hall once again fell into a silence mixed with envy, jealousy, desire, and disbelief.
Everyone wanted to witness for themselves whether this miraculous spiritual liquid, capable of reversing aging, would truly have an effect on the “World’s Strongest Man.” Whitebeard looked down at the crystal bottle in his hand.
Even for him, a man seasoned by countless battles and accustomed to great events, a hint of excitement was unavoidable in his eyes.
He took a deep breath, and his thick, calloused, and scarred fingers steadily twisted open the cork of the crystal bottle.