The auction resumed its course after the brief commotion, with attendees subdued and focused. The atmosphere had grown more restrained, with participants placing their bids quietly and avoiding further conflicts.
"Alright, for the final items on the list," the host announced with a renewed sense of urgency, "we present to you the treasure you've all been waiting for—the Star Breaking Grass. This rare item is used to make the most valued Divine Sage Pill. The starting price is 10 top mana crystals. You may begin the bidding."
A murmur of excitement swept through the crowd. "20 top mana crystals," a voice called out.
"25 top mana crystals," another bid followed.
Cristian Sulaz, the vampire sect master, interrupted with a dismissive tone. "Humph, 50 top mana crystals."
Carl, a werewolf elder known for his combative nature, countered, "I will take it for 70 top mana crystals."
A sweet voice suddenly filled the room, cutting through the tension. "Could you all let me have it? I'll compensate you after the auction. I really need it."
The voice belonged to Annie Fintan, the Phoenix of the Blue Flame, daughter of the Phoenix clan head of the Beast Empire. Her reputation as the best alchemist of her generation was well-earned. With her fiery blue hair cascading down her back and her eyes glowing with the same blue intensity, she exuded an aura of regal authority. Her attire, a flowing blue gown adorned with phoenix feathers, accentuated her grace and elegance, making her presence commanding yet enchanting.
Cristian's expression hardened. "If you want it, then bid for it. Don't think you can get the Star Breaking Grass so easily."
Carl, ever eager to antagonize Cristian, chimed in. "Don't you know how to talk to a lady, you bloodsucker?"
Before another quarrel could erupt, the host intervened, pointing towards Annie with a respectful nod. "My lady, if you wish to obtain the item, you must place your bid."
Annie sighed and raised her bid. "Fine, 100 top mana crystals."
Cristian, not to be outdone, quickly countered. "120 top mana crystals."
"150 top mana crystals," came another offer from the crowd.
Carl, not willing to be outbid, declared, "200 top mana crystals. Who else wants to continue?"
Cristian sneered. "Do you even have the money to pay for that? Are you just playing games? 200 top mana crystals isn't something you can easily afford, especially considering you're leeching off your brother."
Carl's rage flared. "How dare you, bloodsucker! I'm not afraid of your sect."
As Carl attempted to attack Cristian, he found himself unable to move. A young voice echoed through the hall, cutting through the chaos.
"Don't you guys know how to shut up?" Awar's voice emerged from the shadows, filled with icy calm. His presence was almost ethereal as he stepped out, his eyes glowing with a sinister light. Shadows swirled around him like a dark cloak, reacting to his commands. "The boss warned you, and our lovely demon here also intervened. Since you disrespected both, you'll have to become stepping stones for the boss."
Awar raised his hand, and shadows surged in response. The dark tendrils reached out, wrapping around Carl and Cristian with an eerie, whispering sound. The shadows constricted around them, their forms becoming obscured and distorted as they were pulled into a void of darkness. Within moments, the two figures were enveloped by the shadows, their life forces extinguished with cold efficiency.
The transformation did not end there. Awar used shadow extraction to raise Carl and Cristian's lifeless bodies as his shadow minions. Their forms were now shadowy apparitions, their features darkened and their eyes glowing with an ominous light. The minions seemed stronger than they had been in life, their shadows pulsating with a dark energy that made them appear more menacing and formidable. Their physical forms, though insubstantial, radiated a power that suggested their new existence was far from ordinary.
Jack, observing the scene with a bemused smile, remarked, "I have to say, that's the first time I've seen you talk so much and show off. All because they disturbed your sleep."
Awar ignored him, grumbling, "Shut up. I want to go back to sleep."
With Carl and Cristian's shadow forms fading back into Awar's own shadow, the room was left in a state of shock. The guests remained silent, their gazes fixed on the host, who, now fearful for his own safety, made no further attempts to intervene.
A beautiful demon in a black dress then appeared on the platform. Her hourglass figure and the suggestive cut of her dress made her the embodiment of temptation. Enigma Grove, the owner of Biddersnest Auction House and a peak divine sage cultivator, stood as a striking figure. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded in loose waves, contrasting with her pale, flawless skin. Her dress, a form-fitting black gown with a dangerously low neckline, emphasized her seductive allure while maintaining an air of commanding authority. At over 2,000 years old, Enigma's youthful appearance belied her vast experience and power.
"I am sorry for the inconvenience," Enigma said, her voice carrying a tone of genuine regret as she addressed the audience.
Adams, unperturbed, sighed. "Since it has come to this, let's just end it here."
He turned to Jarvis, who converted system points into 100 billion top mana crystals. Adams handed the spatial ring containing the crystals to Enigma, making it float towards her.
"Give the Star Breaking Grass to Annie and use the rest of the crystals for the two elven kids," Adams instructed. "The spirit crystals are in the spatial ring."
With that, Adams and his group stood up, preparing to leave. Enigma, astonished by the enormous sum in the spatial ring, quickly chased after Adams. Annie, similarly intrigued by the unexpected gift, joined in the pursuit, eager to thank the man who had given her the Star Breaking Grass as though it were a mere trifle.
A/N
What do you think of the chapter,
Please comment your opinion so I know how to improve my novel, thank you.
Extra Chapters
200 Power Stones - 1 Extra Chapter
500 Power Stones - 2 Extra Chapters
1200 Power Stones - 3 Extra Chapters
20 Golden Tickets - 1 Extra Chapter
100 Golden Tickets - 2 Extra Chapters
500 Golden Tickets - 3 Extra Chapters
Gifts
Cola, Pizza and capsule -- Have a character with the gifter's name.
Massage Chair, Luxury Car and Dragon -- can create a character
Magic Castle, Spacecraft and Golden Gachapon -- all of the above and have their characters revolve around the Mc, can also create a storyline or plot.
This is my discord link, still working on it though 👇👇👇
https://discord.com/invite/dmYKfbnNV6