Nearly choking on his tea upon hearing that, Gerald quickly shook his head before saying, “…Y-you’re pulling my leg, right, Uncle Zeman…?” “Do you honestly think I’d joke about my daughter’s life? Just so you know, my daughter has less than a year left before the cold poison enters high gear. With that said, the sooner you help her, the better…” muttered Walter before heaving a heavy sigh. Hearing that, Third elder added, “You know, after observing you for some time, the patriarch and I have concluded that you’re a good man. With that said, once you cure her, we’re willing to make you the son-in-law of the Zeman family. If you agree, then we’ll definitely teach you all the best techniques the cultivation realm has to offer. What more, we’ll also provide you with an excellent environment to help your cultivation grow even faster!” This time, the shocked Gerald wasn’t able to stop himself in time, resulting in him spurting his tea all over the table and even getting some on Walter!

“It’s nothing,” replied Gerald with a wave of his hand, not wanting Lucian or Aiden to learn about the Zemans just yet. “…I see. Regardless, I’ve heard rumors that there’ll be an incredibly valuable auction item today that’ll rival even tomorrow’s top item! With that said, I have a feeling that there’ll be a bloody battle on the island right after the auction ends…” muttered Lucian as he took a bun from his lunchbox and began eating on the couch. “Hmm? Why would you assume that, uncle Grubb?” asked Gerald as he turned to look at Lucian. “…What? Have you not heard about the incident?” replied Lucian as he finished the rest of his bun. “I may have headed out with Yaacob the night before, but I haven’t heard of any incidents…” said Gerald as he shook his head. “Well… shortly after you two left, there was a fight between two families… Several members of those families suffered heavy casualties, and I heard that even a few innocents got hurt. In the end, at least ten people ended

Whatever the case was, it explained why the lower floor was much less crowded compared to yesterday. What more, all the groups maintained a distance from each other, clearly worried that they would end up being targeted next. While tension was high down below, things were still relatively calm on the upper floor. After all, those who could afford to be in the viewing boxes were either from famous families or cultivating sects. With that in mind, it was obvious that they didn’t even need to compete for such things. Regardless, after the auction went on for about half an hour, Aiden couldn’t help but look at the door for a moment before asking, “…Is Yaacob not joining us…?” “He probably has things to take care of,” replied Gerald, knowing full well that Yaacob no longer had to keep an eye on him after his encounter with Walter. “Speaking of that boy… His family is certainly powerful enough to be able to grant us access to the upper floor… However, this only makes things stranger

After all, they had been looking for Gerald—at the auction house—all afternoon to no avail. As a result, Will was anxious out of his mind. Had Gerald seen them and left the island in a hurry…? However, after giving it some thought, Will remembered that Gerald had never met him or Finch before. With that in mind, Gerald wouldn’t have had a reason to flee in the first place! Understanding that, Will—who had now collected his thoughts again—scanned the area one final time to ensure that Gerald wasn’t there before whispering to Finch, “…Let’s search again later. If you manage to spot him, make sure to never let him out of your sight, understand?” “…But… What if we’re discovered in the process?” asked Finch. “Look, when else are we going to be able to get rid of him? Remember, though the patriarch said that he wanted to kill Gerald, he didn’t do the deed even when he received two clear chances to kill him before! What more, he’s only sent me to investigate that boy’s cultivation level

Shortly after, Walter received a small booklet from Yaacob. Following that, Walter handed it to Gerald before saying, “If you see anything you’re interested in, just say the word!” “Again, I really don’t need anything! If I’m truly interested in something, I’ll bid for it myself! Besides, obtaining auction items this way is clearly against the rules!” exclaimed Gerald as he waved his hands in refusal. Rather than being angered, Walter simply crossed his arms with a laugh as he said, “It’s good to see that you’re full of principle! On a more serious note… Have you given my daughter’s illness enough thought? Know that as long as you cure Mia’s cold poison, I promise to grant you any wish!” Before Gerald could even answer, Third elder rushed into the room while shouting, “Patriarch! Someone’s just attempted to barge in!” Frowning slightly upon hearing that, Walter momentarily glanced at Gerald before asking, “Hmm? Who would even dare to do such a thing? Could the person have stumb