In theory, such things seemed impossible in this modern era of peace. Among martial artists, the rule was simple: strength justified everything. If someone with a bulletproof body and monstrous power caught wind of a treasure like this sitting unguarded, they would not hesitate. Telling them to 'stay calm' or 'do the right thing' would only earn you a laugh and maybe a punch to the face. Then, relying on their martial prowess, they would simply kill the person, take the treasure, and disappear without a trace. That was the true law of the world. Even though Elsie had issued her warning, the moment the ninth-grade supreme elixir, the Marble Essence Pill, was revealed, Andrew clearly felt the entire atmosphere of the auction house shift dramatically. The eyes of everyone present burned with an intensity that screamed desire, filled with barely concealed greed. Audible gulps could be heard, and the sound of heavy breathing filled the room. "Come on, announce the starting bid alr

Sergio chuckled. "Mr. Vazquez, please go ahead. I'm satisfied with what I've acquired tonight, and I certainly wouldn't dream of competing with you for something you desire." Just moments ago, he had been determined to win, yet now his tone flipped without hesitation. The change was swift and decisive, leaving no room for doubt. And for someone like him to back down so easily, it could only mean one thing. The man in Suite No. 1 was none other than Guillermo Vazquez, the National Advisor of Holtrien. He was an influential figure whose very name could shake nations. Without realizing it, Andrew's eyes grew cold. He had not expected to run into this man here, the one whose ties to him and Reginald were both mysterious and complicated. Guillermo was a name that struck fear in anyone who heard it. Within Chetvine, there were five great clans, three royal families, and dozens of elite houses. Surrounding Chetvine and extending throughout the entire northern region were countless g

Valerie scoffed dismissively. "Andrew, cut the act. You need to at least make your lies believable. Do you really expect me to believe you're a ninth-grade supreme alchemist? I know every single person in this country who holds that title. Your story is too transparent and poorly constructed." Andrew simply shrugged. "Believe it or don't. Either way, it doesn't matter to me. If your fancy auction house can't impress me, then fine. I'll just pay for the cultivation manual myself." Valerie crossed her arms and watched him coldly with a mocking smile, saying nothing. However, at that exact moment, an urgent voice cut through the air. "Wait!" The auction house's chief appraiser, Joaquin, came rushing in. Valerie looked annoyed at the interruption. "Mr. Briggs, what are you doing?" Joaquin's eye twitched nervously as he leaned in close to Valerie and whispered urgently in her ear. "Ms. Reyes, you're making a mistake. Mr. Lloyd might actually be a supreme alchemist. At the very le

Andrew said, "I didn't mean anything else by it. I just thought it couldn't have been easy for you to make it here to Chetvine on your own, so I just wanted to…" Before he could finish, Elsie interrupted softly. "Mr. Lloyd, I came here of my own choice. I didn't expect to run into someone familiar in a foreign city, and I'm really happy about it. Back in Suite No. 3, you helped me so much. If you ever gave me an order, I'd follow it without hesitation..." Her voice grew quieter, laced with shy nervousness. Elsie was not new to this world. As an auctioneer, she worked in a service industry that was not so different from being a flight attendant: glamorous on the outside, but designed to charm and please the wealthy. Ultimately, it was still about transactions. However, they often came with an unspoken price and a certain social status attached. To her, Andrew's restraint seemed like deliberate modesty, a gentleman's pretense before giving in to desire. However, she did not min

Moreover, the fact that Jaden was not even a Martial Emperor yet could fight one evenly said everything that needed to be said. Joaquin walked over and bowed slightly. "Mr. Lloyd, the private trading event has already started. If you wish to attend, please come this way." Andrew nodded and followed Joaquin out, while Valerie left the main auction hall entirely. She had not managed to get the Marble Essence Pill, and the frustration in her chest was burning hot. Right now, all she wanted was to find somewhere to vent. … Outside the auction hall, several pairs of eyes were watching closely. The moment Valerie appeared, Benny stepped forward with a grin. "Ms. Reyes, a pleasure to see you." Valerie frowned with clear irritation. "Mr. Murphy, what do you want? If it's nothing important, please don't block my way." Benny chuckled lightly. "I wouldn't dare stand in your way. I just want to ask about someone, specifically that troublemaker from Suite No. 3." His expression