V2 Chapter 20
"Are they very precious?" asked Ruka. She didn’t really know that such knowledge of him was actually impressive or not but as long as it was her beloved master; she had already worshipped him for being incredibly talented. Even if she knows that not all people could see through these items, she would only snort and says, isn’t that normal? My master is the most intelligent!
"Not really!" Cian shook his head. Those things were sufficiently precious to ordinary warriors but when it came to Cian, he did not think too much of them. His power system is different from the other people in this world, he had already confirmed that. With his vector body, magic for him wasn’t really that important. What he used to fuel his power, Vector Body and Night’s Eye was Mental and Soul Power, similar to those used by psychics in the Modern World. Even though currently he indeed was interested in magic and was practicing and studying a particular magic system, he was not yet in the stage where he would be desperate to take it. His current magic power, compared to normal human mages is already quite superior, much less the fact that he doesn’t use magic power usually.
In fact, Cian knew that it was common for auctions to put the more valuable items on offer towards the end. The first items taken out were definitely inferior to the last ones taken out. What he wanted should be those things, though, who knows what it was but if it was Divine Treasure then, who wouldn’t want it? He glanced at Auctioneer and saw the old man's sparkling eyes and composed expression. He suddenly suspected that the old man had something big for sale later.
The previous items on display now were only appetizers.
However, for these grades of items to be just appetizers, it seems like this Auction Hall is not that simple. I guess this is also the reason why these many famous people gathered around this place…!
Interesting…!
However, what was unimpressive to Cian was an incredible divine treasure in the eyes of other warriors, especially young geniuses.
In the VIP boxes…
"Isn't that the fruit born from the Sky Bearing Tree?" remarked Olaf of the Headhunt Family one of the Great Clans within the Northern Border. Just like what Cian had explained, the fruit was known for its heaven-defying effect when consumed. It was excellent for both himself or to give to Princess Oriel.
"Oh? You even recognize these three treasures?" said Princess Oriel in surprise.
Olaf was pleased with himself when he saw Princess Oriel’s reaction. He nodded proudly. As a member of a great noble family, he was knowledgeable, to begin with. And with an interest in natural treasures that inspired him to study them, he truly had the right to flaunt himself.
"The other bead and bone should come from the Blue-Skinned Titanic Python and the Demonic Blood Ape respectively if I recall. Although it's hard to tell their age, their value is definitely not much lower than that of the fruit of the Sky Bearing Tree. These three are rare and priceless items. I want to buy them. I'll surely gift the fruit of the Sky Bearing Tree to you, your highness. As for the other two items, I'll use them for myself if you didn’t mind!"
Olaf Headhunt deliberately exaggerated the preciousness of the three treasures so as to make Princess Oriel’s heartthrob. Due to his Clan being the first within the Northern Border, only second to the royal family as well as his strength that doesn’t lose out to the great generals and leader of the Royal Guards, he has the right to sit beside the Princess Oriel.
After his declaration, Olaf Headhunt raised his hand and said, " I'm willing to pay 500,000 gold for them!"
To a wealthy noble, 500,000 gold was not a burden at all. Olaf’s bid immediately stopped many warriors who had any thoughts of bidding on the treasures in their tracks. They were eager to vie for the treasures, but when they heard the offer for 500,000, they shrunk back.
"600,000!" However, at this moment, Olaf’s eyes widened because Princess Oriel sitting beside him actually bid for them as well. He turned around and saw Princess Oriel looking at him with an indifferent expression. “Thank you for Mr. Headhunt’s kind intention but I have a need for those three treasures… I hope Mr. Headhunt can forgive this girl’s rudeness,” she muttered. Then, disregarding Olaf’s reaction, her gaze turned towards the platform.
She must have it…! She exclaimed out inwardly. Obviously, not for her. She wasn’t that desperate to use these things. With regards to her talent, she was already far beyond her peers. However, someone really needed these things… Oriel thought to her poor brother. In this warring period, the weaker will be the one to be uprooted. And that is something she couldn’t allow…!
These things are extremely important to Aanuel! She must get it!
“650,000!”
“690,000!”
“750,000!”
There were also other people at the auction that had the need for such treasures. Soon, someone countered Olaf and Princess Oriel’s bid with a higher one. Olaf felt his face being slapped but he just sneered inwardly and endured it. He then casually said, "800,000!" It appeared very easy for Olaf to shout out such a price.
“900,000!” Princess Oriel also bid again. Her expression still indifferent.
One of the people that were bidding against him and the Princess was a man that looked a little aged. He had a dull expression and even appeared somewhat sickly. From his outfit, he likely came from the outside of the City. Upon hearing the price of 800,000, the man clearly hesitated. He fell silent for a moment before shouting, "A million!"
Olaf laughed loudly. His opponent had hesitated at the thought of a million, yet he still wanted to compete with them?
"Two million!" he waved his hand and said very gallantly. Although he appeared unaffected on the surface as though gold was nothing, he was starting to feel slightly burdened by two million.
Upon hearing the price, the corners of the dull-looking man's mouth had an obvious twitch. However, he gritted his teeth and raised his hand.
"2,200,000."
"Oh?" Olaf furrowed his brows. He believed that he could overwhelm his opponent by suddenly shouting two million but he never expected that his opponent was wealthy enough to continue vying with him.
But then again, it was not the old man he has a problem with. Princess Oriel cries once again, "2,600,000!"
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“… …” Olaf continued looking composed while he made such a stunning bid. He gave off a look that he was filthy rich but in fact, it was already beginning to distress him.
The price directly cut out his competitor. The man sighed, shook his head, and did not continue bidding higher. It was not that he was unwilling to part with it but that he did not have that much gold on him to spare for the more important things later. Olaf also hesitated for a moment, before his lips curling into a brilliant smile, “If the princess wanted it, then I guess I will withdraw for now.”
“Thank you Mr. Headhunt,” Princess Oriel nodded, still expressionless. Her gaze didn’t avert from the three treasures and her eyes sparkled in happiness.
"2.6 million gold. That works. That definitely works. These three trinkets are yours. What a fine young lady that demands respect." The Auctioneer was not stingy with his praises.
"Senior, thank you for your compliments." Princess Oriel smiled and stood up to bow. From her point of view, the Auctioneer, one of the famed leader of the Demon Gate Auction House enjoyed high prestige and commanded universal respect. It was beneficial for her to acquaint herself with this kind of person. If only Aanuel didn’t run away, he would surely be here… at the very least she could make some connections for him…
However, what she didn’t know was that, within the Auction Hall, Cian was there with Ruka, watching as the bidding war unfolds. “Her Highness bought it,” Ruka muttered.
“Hmm, probably Sister needs it… well, indeed the Fruit of the Sky Bearing Tree would be a good thing for her. It should be able to increase her strength…”
“Don’t you think Her Highness intended to give it to Master?” Ruka asked. She didn’t but she had this kind of feeling that Princess Oriel would surely give it to Cian. Probably a woman’s intuition?
“Ha ha, that can’t be…” Cian shook his head and resumed watching the Auction. “However, Sister had wasted so much money. She loses big this time…”Cian sigh as he shook his head.
"Ah?" Ruka was taken aback. What did master mean?
"Although the quality of these divine treasures isn't bad, they are only worth about 800,000 to 900,000 gold to me. Not one silver more. This auction is a good place for sellers. There are more people buying than selling. With so many important figures gathered here, those who bid a high price will steal the limelight. That old fellow has profited greatly." Cian stroked his chin as he looked at the Auctioneer. Although the old man was innocently chuckling, his smile looked like a cunning grin from an old fox in Cian’s eyes.
He suddenly felt that being the host of the Auction Hall was a lucrative position. As one of the founders, the old fellow's reputation was naturally high. Items he produced at the auction would be augmented by his reputation, making them more marketable. The old man was clearly happy that the three items were sold at such a price.
Just as Cian was sighing for his beloved Big Sister’s loss, the Auctioneer had poured out something from the small bottle the coquettish beauty had given him for the next auction. Everyone looked over and saw a black wrinkled-like seed. It was not striking in any way though it looked more like a gem than a seed, if not for the small bud on its corner.
What was this?
Many people shook their heads. They had never seen such an item before. However, they knew that it was definitely something useful if it was Demon Gate Auction taking it out. At that moment, an old woman, who was sitting in the row closest to the platform, had her eyes light up. "Elder Soma, may I take a look at this item!?"
"Of course."
The Auctioneer handed the bottle to the old woman, unexpectedly polite and respectful. This old woman…Cian frowned. He could feel some kind of dread and dangerous feeling from her. The old woman was wearing a classic witch costume with a black color and a pointed hat. Although, unlike the classic witch, she doesn’t have a long crooked nose and in fact, although she looks old but not more than fifties or sixties. She looks imposing and also charming despite her old age. One can see that she was such a beauty in her younger years.
“If I’m not mistaken, that should be the Black Garden Clan’s Patriarch Lovelier…”
“Black Garden? You mean that Witch Clan in the Central region?”
“Yes,” Ruka nodded.
“Why is she here? Wasn’t the Black Garden participating in the War?”
Ruka shook her head. Although she had already investigated all the powerful figures within the Northern Border for her master but it was not all. There were just too many experts and dangerous people in the Northern Border to completely investigate them in just a short amount of time. One of them is the Black Garden’s Patriarch Lovelier—there were just too many rumors as to why she came into the Northern Border despite the war in the Central Region.
Cian frowned and his eye gleamed. Immediately, the clothes of the old woman turned to see through and Cian’s eyes widened in shock. What?! How is this possible…?!
Cian almost stood up in shock and confusion. “Master?” Ruka asked after seeing her master’s shock expression.
However, at this moment, as if noticing something, Lovelier’s eyes sharpened with a cold glow and her head turned towards the seat from behind her. Cian immediately withdraws his gaze, turned towards Ruka and under her shock, kissed her on the lips. Ruka didn’t expect what had suddenly happened as she could only open her mouth and let Cian’s tongue enter her mouth and wreak havoc. Cian circled his arms on Ruka’s neck, appearing very intimate. He didn’t care about the sudden PA and sneering around him as he felt a piercing gaze stayed at him but then immediately passed over. “What sharp senses…” Cian’s heart was surprised.
Lovelier’s sharp gaze wondered around but she couldn’t pinpoint where that disturbing gaze came from. Was it just my imagination…? Lovelier thought. “Elder Lovelier?” the Auctioneer’s voice snapped her out from her suspicion and she smiled at the old man. “This is…” Then, her attention went fully towards the seed on her hand. As she held the seed in her hand, she tossed it around and occasionally revealed a look of pleasant surprise. Other times she shook her head.
With cold sweat, Cian sigh as he breaks apart from Ruka’s lips and returned his gaze towards the old woman. Ruka’s face was still flushed from the sudden blessing. She bit her lips and held her heart, trying to calm her madly beating heart. Does master… wanted ‘it’? She bit her lip in embarrassment but also with a mixture of excitement. However, when she raised her head and look at Cian, she noticed Cian’s face was actually having a serious expression.
Did something happen…?
Within the Auction Hall, the surrounding was also full of confusion and doubt. Upon seeing old woman’s expressions, everyone was baffled.
"What is that seed?" Many people present did not recognize it.
Seeing Cian’s expression, Ruka asked Cian, "Master, do you know that thing?" Unknowingly, Ruka thought that Cian was concerned about was the Seed.
Without thinking too much, the moment he heard Ruka’s question, Cian absent-mindedly responded, "It's a Dragon Tongue Flower’s seed," Cian said lightly. He kept his voice very low, and only a few people around him heard it.
"Oh? Dragon Tongue Flower Seed?" Ruka looked at Cian in surprise. She had never heard of such a plant before. There were too many natural treasures in the world and countless specimens of divine vegetation. Ignoring Ruka, even the most intelligent people only knew a portion of all there was in the world.
Cian did not reply as his eyes shined with a strange flicker. This old woman… no, it shouldn’t be old woman… this young woman! Cian frowned. When he had looked a while ago, he had seen that the body within her clothes was actually a young woman’s glossy skin, unlike the wrinkled aged skin on her exposed neck and face. If one looks closely, one would surely not think it was from the same body.
But if he wasn’t mistaken, the patriarch of the Black Garden was a real old woman, not a young one. What is this…? Cian frowned. He had seen the real Lovelier before and from what he can remember, Lovelier was called the Flame Witch of Black Garden but for some unknown reason, although they are slight flame energy within her, Dark energy was more abundant inside her body. It would be extremely difficult to see through it due to the robe that was covered by numerous enchantments. However, what kind is his eye? It’s the eye of the Goddess Night, in this world, there’s nothing that could baffle his eye.
However, the Robe wasn’t the problem. If Cian wasn’t mistaken, this kind of energy within Lovelier was that of a Necromancer…! But the real Lovelier is not a Necromancer—they might be practicing dark magic but necromancy is completely different than the usual Dark Magic. It’s on another kind of system called—Death Magic.
Then, is she a fake…? But how is she able to fool these many people…? Aside from the Robe that can conceal her aura and magic to a miraculous level, how about her disguise? She shouldn’t have been using the same disguise as him…was it magic or illusion? No, although he wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about magic, it would be extremely difficult to fool this many powerhouses using mere magic. Then, how…?