Chapter 446 - 445: Beginning Of The Auction (part 1)

Chapter 446: Chapter 445: Beginning Of The Auction (part 1)

That answer was enough.

Meanwhile, Caelum’s gaze remained fixed on the stone giant.

The Draven Clan had always been known for possessing powerful physical cultivators and battle-oriented experts.

Yet even Caelum could feel the difference.

Morgro’s body wasn’t merely strong.

It was absurdly sturdy.

The very structure of his existence seemed intertwined with the earth beneath him.

Caelum quietly muttered,

"An Earth Law user..."

His eyes narrowed.

"Just how many monsters like this does that kingdom possess?"

That was the question that frightened them the most.

Morgro was only one monster.

And according to the reports they had received, the monster kingdom had several Tier 6 monsters serving under its mysterious ruler.

But no one knew how many other powerful existences were hiding within the kingdom.

Perhaps there were more stone giants.

Perhaps there were other races possessing Laws.

Perhaps the intelligence gathered by their spies represented only the surface.

And if that was true, then the situation was far more serious than they had imagined.

King Veyron’s expression became increasingly grim.

"This cannot spread."

Jian Wuchen immediately understood what he meant.

"If the central region learns that a monster kingdom has conquered an entire human kingdom and possesses multiple Tier 6 and Tier 7 existences..."

He didn’t finish.

He didn’t need to.

The central region would react immediately.

The human forces there would never tolerate a powerful monster kingdom appearing in the Pharanthia Continent.

And once the central powers intervened...

The entire region would descend into chaos.

Caelum’s fingers slowly tightened.

"This isn’t just our enemy."

His voice was low.

"It’s humanity’s enemy."

The atmosphere became even heavier.

None of the three leaders had forgotten why they had originally come to Silvercrest City.

They had come for a Tier 7 treasure.

Edran suddenly spoke.

"Your Majesty."

King Veyron looked toward him.

"The stone giant isn’t the strongest person here."

The king’s expression froze.

"What?"

Edran’s gaze slowly shifted toward the entrance of the enormous floating fortress.

"The moment he arrived, I sensed another presence."

His voice became extremely serious.

"Someone is inside that fortress."

Jian Wuchen and Caelum immediately turned toward the vessel.

Their Tier 7 guardians also focused their perception.

For several seconds, nothing happened.

Then, a figure finally appeared at the top of the staircase.

The entire atmosphere seemed to change.

The figure was dressed in magnificent royal armor.

Unlike the terrifying appearance of Morgro, this individual possessed an almost ordinary humanoid appearance.

Yet the moment he appeared, all three Tier 7 guardians felt an inexplicable sense of danger.

Alix slowly descended the staircase.

His royal armor reflected the sunlight, and his expression remained calm as his gaze swept across the gathered forces.

He wasn’t releasing his full aura.

He didn’t need to.

His presence alone was enough.

Morgro stepped aside.

The stone giant lowered his head slightly.

"My Lord."

The words echoed through the minds of the three leaders.

My Lord.

That simple title carried more weight than any introduction could have.

King Veyron’s expression became increasingly serious as he looked at Alix. The same was true for Sect Master Jian Wuchen and Patriarch Caelum. None of them spoke for several seconds, because they were all thinking about the same thing.

This monster king would eventually become their enemy.

There was no question about it.

A monster force that had conquered an entire human kingdom and possessed multiple powerful existences could not remain unnoticed forever.

Sooner or later, its territory would expand, its influence would spread, and its interests would inevitably collide with the Kingdom of Valoria, the Azure Heaven Sect, and the Draven Clan.

Perhaps that conflict would happen next year.

Perhaps in several years.

But unless something changed, it was only a matter of time.

And yet, despite recognizing Alix as a potential future enemy, none of the three leaders made a move.

Not here.

Not today.

King Veyron stared at Alix for several moments before his gaze shifted toward the enormous auction hall behind him.

He didn’t greet Alix.

Neither did Jian Wuchen.

Caelum remained equally silent.

There was no exchange of pleasantries, no formal introduction, and certainly no attempt to establish friendly relations.

The three leaders simply looked at Alix with cautious eyes before walking toward the auction hall.

Alix watched them leave without the slightest change in expression.

He wasn’t offended.

He had never expected friendship from them in the first place.

In fact, he didn’t particularly care whether they respected him or hated him.

He had invited them here for one reason.

Money.

More specifically, a lot of money.

Alix glanced toward the entrance of the auction hall and smiled faintly.

"Let’s go."

Morgro nodded.

"As you wish, My Lord."

The two followed the others into the city.

City Lord Marcus had been waiting near the entrance of the auction hall.

The moment he saw the three leaders approaching, his expression immediately became respectful.

He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

King Veyron merely nodded.

Marcus then turned toward Jian Wuchen.

"Greetings, Sect Master Jian."

Jian Wuchen gave him a brief glance before continuing forward.

Finally, Marcus faced Caelum.

"Patriarch Caelum, welcome to Silvercrest City."

Caelum nodded lightly.

"City Lord Marcus."

Marcus maintained a respectful smile as he stepped aside and allowed them to pass.

However, when Alix approached, Marcus immediately bowed again.

"Greetings, Lord Alix."

There was no hesitation in his voice.

No disgust.

No fear obvious enough to be noticed.

Regardless of Alix’s monstrous identity, Marcus understood something very clearly.

This entire auction existed because of him.

The city lord might have been a human, and Alix might have been the ruler of a monster kingdom, but Marcus had no intention of allowing personal prejudice to interfere with his responsibilities.

More importantly, he wasn’t foolish enough to offend someone capable of making the three great powers personally travel to his city.

Alix glanced at him.

"City Lord Marcus."

Marcus straightened slightly.

"Yes, Lord Alix."

"You’ve done well."

A faint trace of relief appeared in Marcus’s eyes.

"Thank you, Lord Alix. It is my honor to host such an important auction in Silvercrest City."

Alix simply nodded.

"Then let’s begin."

Marcus immediately bowed.

"As you wish."

By the time the auction was about to begin, the enormous hall was completely packed.

Every available seat had been occupied.

The balconies surrounding the main hall were filled with representatives from various clans, merchant organizations, adventurer groups, sects, noble families, and independent cultivators.

The atmosphere was so tense that even ordinary conversations were conducted in whispers.

Everyone knew why they were here.

A Tier 7 treasure.

That single piece of information had been enough to bring powerful forces from across the entire region to Silvercrest City.

Some representatives had arrived with enormous amounts of wealth.

Others had brought treasures to exchange.

A few had even brought powerful artifacts they could sell or use as collateral if necessary.

Nobody knew how high the final price would reach.

The auction hall itself was magnificent.

The ceiling rose nearly a hundred meters above the ground, covered by enormous crystal formations that illuminated the entire chamber with gentle white light.

Massive pillars supported the structure, each carved with intricate patterns depicting dragons, phoenixes, and various legendary beasts.

Several layers of balconies surrounded the central auction stage.

At the very top were several enormous private chambers.

These were the VIP areas.