Chapter 78

Chapter 78

The auction officially began.

After a dazzling performance, the auctioneer, elegantly dressed in a refined gown, ascended the stage. Her plump, radiant face beamed with a warm, infectious smile, and her lively, humorous remarks quickly captivated everyone, setting a vibrant tone for the event.

Following her opening remarks and a review of the auction rules, the auction was officially declared open.

The first item up for bid was a narrow, long box, carried onto the stage by five staff members. Luo Ci craned his neck to get a better look—the wooden box was battered, resembling a pirate’s treasure chest. The auctioneer unveiled the cloth covering it, revealing a dark green greatsword resting quietly inside.

Roland merely glanced at it. "An A-class offensive weapon," he stated.

Luo Ci’s ears perked up. This was his first auction, and he had no idea how powerful an A-class offensive weapon was or what its value might be. He simply enjoyed the auctioneer’s vivid storytelling about the item’s origins, listening as if it were a captivating tale.

Unfortunately, the story was rather brief. Before he could fully savor it, the bidding had already begun. For an A-class item, the starting bid was 35 million, with increments of one million. Ultimately, it was secured for 60 million.

Luo Ci nodded his little head. It seemed A-class weapons were indeed quite valuable.

He scanned the auction floor and was surprised to spot a familiar face among the bidders—Tu Lang. However, despite winning the bid, Tu Lang didn’t look particularly pleased. Luo Ci glanced beside him and, sure enough, saw Xie Yin seated there.

Tu Lang felt his luck had been absolutely dreadful these past two days. First, his weapon broke during a sparring match at the training grounds, forcing him to acquire a replacement urgently at the auction. Typically, an A-class weapon averaged around 50 million, but he had the misfortune of encountering the vice president of a private guild he disliked, who deliberately drove the price up to 60 million. It was no wonder his expression was so grim.

"Speaking of which…" Zhong Shijin mused, "the Tuyue Guild seems to have been remarkably active over the past six months."

Luo Ci’s ears twitched.

"This Xie Yin appears to have become Tuyue Guild’s representative in the last half-year, frequently visiting major marketplaces and acquiring large quantities of A-class items and potions."

Zhong Shijin found this quite perplexing. Tuyue Guild was originally a mid-to-lower-tier guild. While it possessed some historical depth, such extravagant spending over six months would likely deplete a significant portion of its resources. He had met the Tuyue Guild leader once or twice—a shrewd and self-interested individual who would not frivolously squander the guild’s assets.

Unless…

There was a specific reason for this sudden stockpiling of resources.

Zhong Shijin’s observation proved correct. For the subsequent auction items—primarily A-class equipment or potions—Xie Yin aggressively bid. Aside from a few items whose prices were driven exceptionally high, most ended up in his possession.

Luo Ci had little interest in weapons or potions. He wriggled out from under Zhong Shijin’s arm and scrolled through images on the tablet with his tiny paws. One picture showed a crystal-clear object, resembling a meticulously sculpted ice blossom with plump, glistening petals, yet also appearing like a vibrant, living snowflake—breathtakingly beautiful.

"Yiji?" What’s this?

"A crystal flower."

Seeing the little snowball’s confusion, Zhong Shijin explained, "Killing monsters inside the gates yields crystal cores, and each gate has a boss. Defeating the boss has a chance to drop a crystal flower. Crystal flowers can be used to enchant weapons or help non-ability users awaken their abilities."

These were considered basic knowledge.

The sentinels at the auction, all with heightened senses, overheard someone attending the auction who didn’t even know what a crystal flower was. They exchanged knowing glances and chuckled.

Soon, it was time for the crystal flower’s auction. The flower, barely larger than a gardenia, was presented in a shimmering treasure box.

As an item that only yielded one per gate, the crystal flower was even more precious than an A-class weapon. The opening bid was 50 million.

Luo Ci clung to the sofa, wagging his little tail as he curiously peered down. Many people were busy operating their virtual terminals, and the sound of bids being raised never ceased.

"Bidder 309 offers 68 million, bidder 3785 offers 70 million, bidder 2118 offers 71 million…"

Xie Yin placed a few bids as well, but when the price exceeded his expectations, he reluctantly dropped out. After all, there were more priority acquisitions he needed later.

"...Bidder 0101 offers 100 million."

The auction hall fell into a stunned silence.

Luo Ci couldn’t help but let out a little "eek." While everyone else had been raising bids by increments of a million, someone had leaped straight to 100 million—clearly determined to win and with ample capital.

Though the crystal flower was indeed worth that price, 100 million exceeded many people’s budgets.

Luo Ci was still waiting to see who would win the flower when, half a minute later, someone knocked on their private room’s door.

"Jiji?"

Expecting the staff to be delivering snacks, he was surprised to see an all-too-familiar treasure box on the tray. When the lid was opened, the glistening crystalline bloom came into view, and the snowball’s azure eyes went round instantly.

Zhong Shijin affectionately ruffled the little one’s furry head and said softly, "A toy for our little snowball."

The cub wore his heart on his sleeve—his eyes lit up whenever he saw something he liked. Since he adored the crystal flower, Zhong Shijin bought it for him. Chen Wang had specifically instructed when handing over the black card: "If the little snowball likes it, buy it." After all, to Chen Wang, no price tag meant anything.

Luo Ci hugged the flower with his tiny paws, his pom-pom tail wagging furiously as he let out a delighted squeal, "Yiyi!"

The sentinels in the auction hall were completely gobsmacked. Earlier, they had mocked someone for not even knowing what a crystal flower was—yet here that same person had nonchalantly tossed out 100 million to spoil their cub. The envy was palpable.

Roland looked down at the little snowball cradling the flower, rolling around with it in his arms. A gentle emotion rippled through his world-weary eyes.

Zhong Shijin also watched the little one playing with the flower, his chest feeling as if a kitten’s paws were dancing inside, softening his heart completely.

Luo Ci was having a great time when suddenly, a stir rippled through the crowd below. He picked up the little snowflake in his mouth and scampered to the glass to look down. The auction’s headliner was about to begin—the reason so many major guilds had gathered here. Rumor had it that this auction would feature an S-class item.

The auction house had long hinted at an S-class item being up for bidding but had never disclosed what it was.

The crowd hummed with conjecture.

Only Xie Yin and Tu Lang didn’t turn to join the discussions.

After milking the anticipation, the spotlight focused on a rising platform. On it stood a dazzling crystal display case, inside of which rested a luminescent pendant.

Tu Lang clenched his fists on his knees, his expression a mix of shock and composure. Once again, Xie Yin had been right—this auction would indeed feature an S-class protective item: the Dawnlight Core.

Xie Yin’s predictions were coming true one by one.

He truly had the power of foresight.

Following Xie Yin’s lead had been the right choice for Tuyue Guild.

The auctioneer tapped her gavel and announced in an impassioned tone, "Ladies and gentlemen, behold—the S-class protective item, the Dawnlight Core! The rarity and value of an S-class item need no elaboration. This Dawnlight Core is the pinnacle of protective gear—its defensive stats rival those of an A-class protective item, with two additional attributes."

"If worn by a sentinel, it can absorb negative energy to a certain degree, equivalent to the harmonizing ability of an A-class Guide."

"Whether worn by an ordinary person, a Guide, or a sentinel, it grants one chance to withstand a fatal attack—essentially a second life inside the gates! S-class items rarely appear even once a year. For such a flawless protective item, why wait? The Dawnlight Core starts at one billion!"

Equivalent to carrying an A-class Guide at all times!

Plus an extra life!

This protective item had no weaknesses—it was perfect in every way. The entire hall exploded in fervor.

Xie Yin clenched his fists, a possessive glint flashing in his eyes. At all costs, he had to obtain the Dawnlight Core.

It was only after wielding it that he had discovered its hidden ability—Time Rewind.

This ability was far too valuable. He absolutely could not let the Dawnlight Core slip through his fingers.

The Dawnlight Core was expected to be auctioned for 3 billion, but he had brought 3.2 billion—no matter what, he was determined to secure it.

The venue was buzzing with excitement. Luo Ci plopped down on Roland's lap, swinging his little feet and playing with the tiny snowflake, uninterested in the outcome of the S-grade item auction. With a gentle push, the snowflake tumbled toward Roland, who lightly tapped it back toward him.

That’s how young ones were—any new toy immediately captured their attention.

Having gotten the snowflake, he and Roland played enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, the excitement in the venue continued. Some were witnessing an S-grade item auction for the first time, utterly amazed.

Truly worthy of an S-grade item—the reserve price had already reached 1 billion.

Most auction items came from within the Gates. Generally, the grade of the Gate determined the grade of the items obtained, with only a small chance of acquiring higher-grade items. For example, C-grade Gates mostly yielded C-grade items, with a slim chance of B-grade items. B-grade Gates primarily produced B-grade items, with a small probability of A-grade items.

A-grade Gates had a high likelihood of yielding A-grade items, a small chance of B-grade items, and an infinitesimally small probability of S-grade items—comparable to hitting the jackpot. Thus, whenever an S-grade item appeared, it garnered extraordinary attention, with prices soaring several times higher than A-grade items.

There had been auctions for S-grade weapons before, all starting at 1 billion.

As soon as the auctioneer announced the start of bidding, the numbers on the bid display skyrocketed exponentially, breaking 2 billion in mere seconds.

Zhong Shijin also opened his virtual terminal, unwilling to wait for the sluggish bidding. He directly bid 5 billion.

The auctioneer, momentarily speechless upon seeing the number on the screen, quickly regained her professional composure and cheerfully announced, "Bidder 0101 offers 5 billion!"

The scrolling screen froze instantly.

The entire venue fell silent for a moment.

A dull chime seemed to ring in Xie Yin’s head as he stared in disbelief at the number on the screen.

How could it be 5 billion...?

Wasn’t it supposed to be 3 billion?!

He had specifically prepared 3.2 billion—scrounged up an extra 200 million—but now he looked like a complete fool...

There was no way he could gather 5 billion.

This... this shouldn’t be happening!

Among the attendees were top brass from major guilds, especially top-ranked A-grade Guilds, who knew each other well. This bold move instantly reminded them of Tansapa.

Yet, they found it surprising. After all, Tansapa members were all lunatics who only cared about offensive items. The Dawnlight Core wasn’t that significant of an upgrade for S-grade individuals. In the past, Tansapa had shown no interest in S-grade defensive items.

Why the sudden change of tune?

Of course, it was for the little snowball.

Upon learning that an S-grade defensive item would appear at the auction, Chen Wang had instructed Zhong Shijin to secure it at all costs.

Sentinels naturally possessed self-healing abilities—even severe physical damage could be repaired. But guides were different—too delicate and vulnerable. Thus, the Dawnlight Core was far more suitable for the little snowball.

As the noise in the venue finally subsided, Luo Ci drowsily lifted his paw, in a daze, letting Roland fasten the snow-white pendant around his neck.

A 5-billion-worth S-grade item now hung around the little snowball’s neck.

Items above A-grade could freely adjust in size and length. Roland lowered his eyelids, meticulously adjusted the length to fit the little one perfectly.

"Whew..."

All the excitement had worn him out completely.

Luo Ci lifted his snow-white little paw, hugging Roland and burying his face in his chest, utterly exhausted.

Roland asked softly, "Is the little snowball sleepy?"

"...Jiji." Luo Ci yawned, curling his small, snow-white body into a ball.

Without waiting for the auction to end, they carried the sleeping young one back to the hotel.

A Jin immediately started clamoring with complaints upon seeing them—why hadn’t they taken him to the auction? Noticing the sleeping young one, he quickly covered his mouth.

Chen Wang sat on the sofa, his arm casually resting on the side, leather-gloved hand holding a few documents. He lifted his gaze, eyes settling on the melted snowball-like figure in Roland’s arms—his short, round tail tucked in, his chubby little paw pads still clutching the small snowflake even in his dreams, making one itch to give a playful pinch.

"Did you have a good time?"

Roland carried the little snowball to the bedroom, while Zhong Shijin briefly recounted the day’s events.

"Hmm..." Chen Wang propped his forehead with a finger, seeing how much the young one loved the snowflake, and remembered, "Don’t I have quite a few crystal flowers?"

Zhong Shijin thought for a moment. Chen Wang had conquered too many Gates that many cores and crystal flowers had been accidentally dissolved by his venom, but there should still be plenty left. "Yes."

"Then give them all to our little snowball."

"Including those from S-grade Gates?" Zhong Shijin asked.

"Of course."

Chen Wang gave him a look that said, "Why even ask?"

Zhong Shijin: "..."

Though he had long noticed Chen Wang’s attentiveness toward the little snowball, upon closer observation, Zhong Shijin concluded it wasn’t just attentiveness—it was outright spoiling.

After all, while A-grade crystal flowers weren’t rare, the one from the S-grade Gate was truly unique, its value immeasurable. Many guilds had offered hundreds of billions before, but Chen Wang had remained unmoved, preferring to let it gather dust in his vault. Now, he was casually giving it to the little snowball as if it were some common trinket.

Mid-internal grumbling, Zhong Shijin’s virtual terminal received a new message. Adjusting his glasses, his expression gradually turned serious. "It’s from the research department. The S-grade Gate data has been decoded."