None of the congressman families moved, and even Diane remained silent in her seat, as bidding wasn't her main objective. When so many powerful families were involved, even the Difeng family could only make a move on the most advantageous lots. Sometimes, having money alone wasn't enough — relationships played a bigger role than raw wealth.
"Three million!"
"Three million one hundred thousand!"
"Three million two hundred thousand!"
"Three point three million!"
The bidding quickly escalated, spiraling out of control before Bai Yi could even make his second introduction.
Once the network infrastructure was in place, making money would no longer be an issue. It was clear to Bai Yi that this innovation would propel the Dawn Federation from its medieval roots directly into the modern era, just like the leap from ancient to modern times. The implications were monumental.
"Three and a half million!"
"Three million six hundred thousand!"
"Three million seven hundred thousand!"
As the price continued climbing, it became clear that the value of the Alchemy Magic Network far exceeded any single bid. For the time being, the gold coins being spent were nothing more than loose change in comparison.
None of the congressman families made a sound. They quietly waited, knowing that the wealthy businessmen would soon reach their limits.
"Four million!"
"Four and a half million!"
"Five million!"
The increase in price began to slow, as the cash flow of the businessmen reached its limit. While some may own multiple casinos or workshops, the cost of the network—while profitable—was still a stretch for their available capital.
"Five million one hundred thousand."
"Five million two hundred thousand."
"Five million three hundred thousand."
Bai Yi smiled and let the bids roll in. In his mind, he knew this magic network could fetch as much as ten million. Aside from the two in the sixth floor balcony and the three on the fifth floor, no one in the room could possibly go higher.
As the bids began to slow, Bai Yi raised his voice, "The current bid stands at five point five million. Is there any higher offer?"
The room fell quiet as hesitation gripped the crowd. Everyone understood the value of the network, but with so much capital already tied up, no one was willing to risk it all for something with potential but no immediate return.
Suddenly, from the right side of the sixth floor, a voice cut through the silence. "Give me some face—eight million."
The quiet murmur drew the attention of everyone in the room, especially the congressman families, who frowned at the boldness of the offer.
Before anyone could respond, another bid came through the screen: "Eight million, one hundred thousand!"
The Lott family on the fifth floor calmly raised the bid: "Nine million."
Bol paused, then raised the stakes with a confident smile: "Ten million."
A hushed silence fell over the room as the realization sank in. The Federation may not have copyright laws, but the technological barriers to this magic network were extremely high. Once one family cornered the market, it would be nearly impossible for anyone else to compete.
Bai Yi smiled, asking, "Ten million for the first time. Is there a higher offer?"
From the Lott family, a mechanical voice rang out: "Ten million, one hundred thousand."
Bol raised an eyebrow, looking at Sunu, who had a thoughtful look on his face. "The Koman family won the battle for the mithril mine," Sunu said quietly.
With that, Bol's expression relaxed. "Master Lott," he began, his tone even, "You've got a good deal here. Why don't we wrap this up at an even 18 million? I'm sure it's a fair price."
A stillness settled over the room as the Lott family went silent, considering the offer.
Bai Yi's eyes sparkled with excitement. Finally, his goal was in sight—this deal would ensure he never had to worry about resources again. Anything that could be solved with money was now within reach.
"Eighteen million. Anyone willing to go higher?" he asked, trying to keep his composure.
The room fell silent, but Diane, eager as ever, stood up, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Since you're here, Coleman, let's round it off. Nineteen million!"
Bol's calm expression cracked for a brief moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Since Miss Difeng insists... twenty million."
Diane's gaze dropped to Bai Yi, her eyebrows raised in a playful challenge, as if to say: *Consider this a little pocket change.*
Bai Yi's heart pounded in his chest, but he maintained his poise. "Twenty million for the first time. Is there a higher offer?"
The room was quiet as families weighed their options. With a few exceptions, most were unwilling to push the price further.
"Twenty million, twice."
Then, just as it seemed the bidding would end, the screen flickered. A new bid appeared, catching everyone's attention. The words *Rova Family* were displayed in bold on the screen.
The Rova family was the largest equipment supplier in the Federation, and the competition for the title of wealthiest family was fierce. Bol's stomach sank. He had pushed himself to his limit, but the Rova family had the capital to push beyond it.
"Twenty-five million," Bol declared with determination.
"Twenty-six million!"
Bai Yi's pulse quickened as the numbers continued to soar. This was the kind of bidding that could buy a divine artifact, a level of wealth that could support a first-class family for years to come.
Bol, however, didn't flinch. "The Koman family is here for one thing, and we won't back down," he said, his smile returning. "Thirty million. I'll go to the end."
The room held its breath as silence descended again.
"Thirty million!" Bai Yi repeated, his hand trembling slightly as he held the gavel. "Is there any higher bid?"
Once again, the room remained silent. The price had reached dizzying heights, and no one dared to go any further.
"Thirty million, twice!" Bai Yi declared, his voice firm. "Sold! The Alchemy Magic Network is now the property of the Koman family!"
The sound of the hammer hitting the podium echoed through the hall, and with it, the realization set in. Bol, with his strategic bidding and unshaken resolve, had secured the network for his family.
As the dust settled, Bai Yi could hardly contain his excitement. The Dawn Federation had just entered a new era, and he was at the heart of it.