Chapter 161
Chapter 161
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Roderick looked at Cole and they both shook their heads at her lack of response. As they had arrived early, they was able to find lodging at an inn in the city, unlike the situation now where many Magi were struggling to find a room and had to search throughout the city and risk getting into conflicts with one another.
Cole and Roderick left Lita on her own and, looked at the busy street that was bustling with activity.
Many of the commoners wore grey, black and white apparel. Among the crowd, there were many Magi and some other races discreetly mingling about.
In the central continent, humans were not the only race. Many different species of humans had mingled together producing offspring of mixed bloodlines.
Walking among the pedestrians were patrol Knights from the host’s city. Many of these knights wore barbed armor. Under the guidance of senior Knights and acolytes, they regularly combed through every corner of the city.
Although their abilities were insignificant to Magi, the fact that their uniforms bore the emblem of the Oakheart Clan was enough to deter any impetuous Magi.
The Azure Mountain auction company was situated at the center of Azure Mountain City. Its land was extensive, surrounded by an encampment of the Oakheart Clan. Standing there, a simple and unadorned majestic Magus Tower could be seen radiating horrifying levels of energy. It seemed to have an unknown connection with the skies and the entire region.
With growing anticipation and the many conspiracies in the shadows, time ticked by, until it was finally the first day of the auction.
This was a festival for Azure Mountain City. Not only did the residents carry lit lanterns and played with fireworks, but the streets were also bustling with activities.
It wasn’t uncommon for Magi to make underground exchanges and interactions.
And the Oakheart Clan, as the regional power, had sent out many elite units to suppress the situation and maintain order.
The lively situation of the Azure Mountain city continued and three days passed in an instant.
At the moment, the Azure Mountain auction’s gates were opened at the city center. Numerous hosts and Magi came forth, welcoming the incoming Magi in the most glamourous gowns.
The normal entrance had already been filled to the brim with Magi, and the rest had no choice but to line up behind them.
Why were they so obedient? The welcoming committee was the greatest deterrent.
They were elite Magi of the Oakheart Clan. Not only did many of them possess powerful spells, they even had some methods of combined attacks. Even Crystal Phase Magi would be hard-pressed to even flee were they to attack in large numbers.
The VIP entrance, on the other hand, was vastly different. Magi entered from time to time, and they would immediately be given looks of respect.
VIP membership in the Azure Mountain auction represented not only identity, but also status. To take out 50 million magic crystals for a business deal was not just a matter of being wealthy. This was the Magus world; were they to not have enough power to keep their wealth, all the riches in the world would not prevent their being robbed.
Lita and the company didn’t bother to get a VIP membership because it doesn’t really matter. To them such shallow status is worth shit. Lita couldn’t be bothered so, she just show up here and joined the normal entrance.
As they were making there way inside, Lita suddenly heard a familiar sound. She turned around and saw the duo from the airship back when they came to central continent, she had an impression of them because Leylin recently told her that they would turn out to be useful to her.
The duo of Jessica and Nolon were currently with some others in the VIP entrance and there seems to be some dispute because only 2 people were allowed inside on one quota and they wanted to get permission for 3.
“Who do you think you are? We are the Rolithe Family…” Jessia became red in the face, but Nolan pulled her to the side, face plastered with a bitter smile.
The two bodyguards at the side had a solemn look on their faces, and did not seem to be intimidated by the reputation of the Rolithe Family.
The other party was a small clan without even a Morning Star Magus. If they were to give in to them, the Oakheart Clan would be treated as a joke!
Nolan obviously knew this point, and he muttered a few words to Jessia.
Beside them were two Magi, both at rank 3. One caught Lita’s eye—”This old guy?”
Lita looked at the Magus standing at the front. His face was sunken and he wore on his ear a red ruby pendant that seemed to have some symbolic meaning.
“Is something the matter?” Cole asked eyeing the group from Rolithe Family.
“No, nothing much. Let’s go inside.” Lita looked at them one last time and entered inside. The group of Leylin subordinates soon found a sitting arrangements which wasn’t very bad. The auction house was built in such a way that everyone could see the main stage so, the sitting arrangement were fairly good regardless of where one sat.
People settle inside, as various VIP occupied their cubicle and the Magus outside took their seats.
At this moment, a voice sounded, as though it came from right in front of everyone. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Azure Mountain City. We thank you for being here at this distinguished event. I am honoured to be your humble host, Leo Oakheart.”
Soon after, a figured appear, revealing a humongous platform on which a gold-haired middle-aged nobleman wearing a swallow-tailed coat was making a speech.
The host didn’t waste much time and presented the first auction item.
“… Now, please allow me to present the first item of this year’s auction: a treasure produced from the Fiery World, the Fiery Gemstone!” The host announced loudly, lifting the gauze from the tray behind him at the same time.
*Boom!* In a flash, 3 pieces of translucent crystal emerged. An unceasing flame seemed to be burning in the cores of the crystals.
“Treasures from another plane!”
Numerous Magi gasped. In order to start off the auction successfully, the Azure Mountain auction house had indeed put in much effort. Evidently, the first auction item was unexpected for many of them.
“The Fiery Gemstone is rumoured to be a treasure of the central Blazing World. Containing heavily compressed fire elemental particles, it can help break through and upgrade a fire-attributed Magus’ spiritual endowments, and is even an essential item the advancements of many high-grade fire elemental meditation techniques…” the host continued.
However, very few spared the attention to listen to him anymore. They had all averted their rapacious gazes to the Fiery Gemstone on stage.
Even Lita was tempted by this item, The road ahead of her is very audacious being a Warlock but she knows the value of resources from outside world. Lita has affinity with Fire element, and her bloodline of Giant Kemoyin Serpent also has affinity with this so it’s much tempting to her.
‘Well since Leylin has ordered me already I won’t be polite.’ Lita thought as embers shone in her eyes. Cole and Roderick saw this and were more curious about the orders Leylin give her. Before coming here, Lita explained that the auction would be very interesting and that they would be attracting a bit of attention.
Cole and Roderick didn’t understand but after knowing that her actions later on are directly commanded by Master they accepted whatever is about to come their way.
Resources from other planes, could only be obtained by Morning Star Magi due to the requirement for an astral gate. For rank 2 and rank 3 Magi like the mass sitting here, they were an inaccessible existence.
It’s small-degree spiritual endowment enhancing effects especially drove many of them crazy.
“Alright. Now we will begin the auction for the compressed blazing gemstones, with the starting bid at 5 million magic crystals!” The host reported a figure, which was soon drowned amongst a cacophony of bids.
Huge figures appeared on the screen, which was refreshed again and again with the highest quoted price.
Lita speechlessly watched the numbers spike on the corner of the screen, exceeding ten million in a flash and going all the way up to around 50 million before slowing down. She could not help but smile with a bit of hesitation but remembering Leylin words she threw away her hesitation.
Lita jumped into the bidding war and extinguished all of the bids. Lita engrossedly fought furiously with the group of high-ranked Magi over these treasures.
The value of otherworldly treasures still exceeded Lita’s expectations but she continued to bid. Cole and Roderick were shocked looking at her spending so much just on the first item. These two aren’t oblivious to the value of Magus world items and Magus crystal like before but until now, they haven’t seen a scene with so much money being on stake.
Not only were the VIPs in the VIP lounge going all out, even Magi seated at the regular auditorium began quoting prices to fight for the items as well. Possessing the financial ability to compete for the Fiery Gemstone yet withdrawn within the regular auditorium crammed with all those low-ranked Magi, one is also a rascal pretending to be weak. Lita couldn’t complain though since she is also someone like that.
“Bidding closed, the three people who quoted the highest price will obtain the rights of attribution to the Fiery Gemstone!” The host, who stood on the central elevated platform with a slightly flushed face, spoke with an obvious excitement.
Now, on the screen, the large figures stopped in a moment. The highest bid had reached a shocking 90 million magic crystals! The second and third highest bid merely differed from the first by not more than 1 million magic crystals.
“This is psychotic!” Cole and Roderick shook their head. The winner was eventually none other than Lita, spending so much on just the first item. They looked at each other with confusion and helplessness but didn’t stop Lita at all.
Lita also didn’t explain, the reason for her wantonly spending is because of Leylin orders which were the command to win the last item in the auction at any price. Lita didn’t have to worry about paying, he would take care of that. Leylin also told her that as a reward for her achievement, Lita is allowed to bid for any item she likes. With such a fantastic offer which women could stop herself from shopping.
The host calmed down and began introducing the next auction item, “Magic equipment – Aphopis’ Scepter! Starting bid: 38 million magic crystals or resources of equivalent worth…”An entirely golden, magnificently crafted scepter instantly appeared….
“40 million magic crystals!”
“50 million magic crystals, and 3 moonstones on top of that!”
…
The Azure Mountain auction was no doubt the top power in this area. What followed next was a large quantity of rare Magus treasures, information on high-grade meditation techniques, and also a great amount of valuable resources appearing on the stage one after another, something which many Magi pursued.
The Auction kept rolling in full force as multiple items were shown for buyers to bid for. Lita took an interest to a few items and ultimately each one of those were pocketed by her. Lita didn’t took part in every bidding since, she isn’t actually interested in them all, she is a Hydro Phase Warlock on the verge of Crystal Phase not just anything could attract her. After a while of bidding, a few Magus started to pay attention to this group of three. Even the Auction House staffs wanted to go forward to see if they have enough money to pay but they received orders to not interfere.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today’s auction is approaching an end, our Azure Mountain auction house has specially decided that the biggest treasures of this time’s auction will be up for auction at the last moment!” The host’s words piqued everyone’s interest uncontrollably as he fixed his gleaming eyes on the stage.
“This time’s auction will continue on for 3 days, which means to say, there are 3 extremely valuable items to auction! There are few opportunities!” The host’s voice carried a hint of temptation.
“Next, please allow me to grandly introduce the first treasure: the ancient advanced meditation technique—Wing of the Sun!”
Following his words, the curtains on both ends of the stage were drawn, exposing the precious object behind it. It looked no different from the common large swords. Its model was full of antiquity and the middle section of its blade had obvious cracks on it, with the tip of the sword missing.
Even more so, what caused Lita to slightly lose her composer was the drop of golden blood on the blade of the broken sword, which looked as if it contained a life of its own. It took the form of a spiral and shone with radiance continuously.
‘So this is the item that Leylin asked me to bid for. This is really a treasure but will it be okay for me to get involved? if there is any Morning Star Magus here they won’t let it go so easily.’ Lita contemplated but she didn’t even for a second thought about disregarding Leylin orders, since he told her that it’s okay, then it’s okay! For her Leylin words are the final verdict.
“As you all know, once a Magus surpasses the Morning Star realm, reaching an even scarier and more unpredictable state, their lives will begin to sublime. Even the smallest cell of their blood will contain a deep secret about themselves, so much so that they may achieve blood reincarnation…”
The host’s voice carried a slight excitement, “And this broken sword, had once been in contact with a little bit of the blood of the ancient Sun’s child! Through our appraiser’s verification, although the blood on the broken sword has completely lost its life energy, this sole drop of blood holds the information about the meditation technique of the Sun’s child from that time!”
“Sun’s child!!!”
As soon as the host spoke, Lita somewhat lost her cool. She also possessed the A. I. Chip database and had access to the huge collection of Leylin books so, her knowledge was extremely profound.
It wasn’t rare for the relic of such a powerful person from ancient times to contain some fragments of information. Even the Lamia fingerbone could forcibly catalyse the formation of a soul by the means of its own radiation. But to contain the complete information about the meditation technique was extremely rare.
At his level, the Sun’s child must have had a premonition about his death when he was facing his enemy and thus deliberately left a legacy behind.
“We can guarantee that the meditation technique—Wing of the Sun—is absolutely complete! The ancient top meditation technique is still a great reference for us even if we are unable to practise it! Moreover, although the bloodline of the Sun’s child on the sword has completely lost its life energy, you never know, there may still be certain spells that can restore its vitality. If it’s like that, I’m afraid the Warlock structure of the entire central continent will be revised…”
The host was trying his best to delude them, “For this auction item, the starting bid—200 million magic crystals, or other equivalent resources!”
After the host finished his sentence, the scene became calm and actually fell into a short, temporary awkward silence.
The numerous Magi, all stared at the broken sword and its golden spiral which was on the elevated platform, with unknown thoughts.
“Huff…” Lita gave a long sigh, “If any elder from the clan were here, they would buy this at all costs. The warlock would go crazy at the prospect of gaining insight from something like this, and now I also understand why Leylin want this so much.”
But one thing that speed up Lita heartbeat was that the auction would be conducted for three days and a valuable item would be revealed every day at the last moment; this advanced meditation technique was only the cheapest among the three precious treasures.
The advanced meditation technique, Wing of the Sun, was similar to Kemoyin’s pupil—a technique specially customised for individual Warlocks. The criteria to practise it was to possess the bloodline of the ancient Sun’s child. According to Lita intelligence and knowledge, ever since the ancient Sun’s child of Quicksand died, there had not been any news of the birth of similar bloodlines in the entire central continent.
Hence, the Wing of the Sun meditation technique was at most useful for Magi as a reference, causing its worth to plummet.
Also, the blood on the sword had lost its life energy and could not be used as a bloodline to be introduced into Magus bodies and passed down. Even though it looked very precious, its real worth was in fact not much.
Of course, the relatively low worth of this item was only when compared to the other two treasures, the price of this treasure was still too high to afford.
if Dukes from the clan were here, they would be willing to offer a sky-high price for the Wing of the Sun, even if was only going to be useful for research!
A higher-ranked bloodline as well as a top-notch meditation technique! These were temptations that a Warlock would easily succumb to.
Upon getting hold of this precious object, the Oakheart clan must have exhausted all possible methods until it was no longer possible to exploit the bloodline of the Sun’s Child, before reluctantly putting it up for auction. If not, they would never have minded transforming into a Warlock family.
As far as Lita was aware, there wasn’t a single Warlock Family on the central continent that could reach rank 6. In other words, if one was really able to combine the blood of the Sun’s Child together with the meditation technique, a Breaking Dawn bloodline Warlock would be able to gradually rise to power in the central continent!
It’s an advanced ancient meditation technique. It was indeed a higher level bloodline meditation technique as compared to Kemoyin’s Pupil. Even though they were both bloodline meditation techniques, the Wing of the Sun was evidently at a much higher level.
Kemoyin’s Pupil only had a total of four levels due to the origin of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent Bloodline. The Giant Kemoyin Serpent was originally a rank 4 creature, limiting the progress of a Warlock who would partake in this technique. Since no Kemoyin Warlock could cross rank 4, there was no method to attain a higher-ranked meditation technique.
On the other hand, the Sun’s Child was different. It was originally a Rank 6 creature, hence allowing a Warlock of its bloodline to reach rank 6 as well, thus engendering the highest level of meditation techniques.
Customarily, in the central continent, a meditation technique with four levels that could let its practitioner attain the Morning Star realm, to be called a high-grade meditation technique.
Furthermore, an advanced meditation technique of at least level 6 was needed for a Magus to peek at the path to the Breaking Dawn realm.
After some thinking Lita figured that the actual research value of this item is very precious. The Wing of the Sun was very attractive. At least it could serve as a model upon which the Kemoyin’s Pupil could be improved on.
Even still Leylin wanted to get this item at any cost. Would it really be worth it to pay such a high price for a meditation technique that would merely work as a reference? Or Does that mean Leylin have some way to revitalize the bloodline!
Lita wasn’t sure of this but the thought only caused her to choke and her eyes to shine like stars, irrespective of the outcome she must get this!