Over the course of the next hour, four more items were unveiled one after another — each rarer and more dazzling than the last.

One was a cloak that is said to expand to be a shield with durability compared to a dragon's. Table 7 won the bid for 39.5 million.

A superior-grade Dimensional Ring, which had more than ten acres of space inside. Table 11 won the bid for 31 million.

A crystal embedded in a pendant, made from the spirit core of Time Beast Znuvo, which could slow time within a radius of two meters to 1/100th with a cooldown timer of an hour. Sold for an unprecedented price of 144 million credits. And the one that won this bid is Table 5's Xu Xian.

And then a mystic flute that could temporarily control wild monsters below King-tier with its melody, suppress the movements of even bound monster companions. This one was won by Zhi Yan for 78 million Credits.

Vivian tried to bid on every item, but as they went past the maximum price she set, she couldn't win anyone so far.

Lin Fang, on the other hand, sat quietly, gaze flicking between the bidders and the items. He wasn't here to compete anyway.

Still, one thing bothered him.

There was one guest in the room, who attended the auction but had yet to bid for even a single item, whether it was in the blind auction or the exclusive ones.

At the very front, Alexander Han — the man they called the Demon of Southern Wu, the one with more than 2 billion Mana particles, the one who came with three S-rank Hunters and so on— hadn't lifted his paddle even once or submitted any bidding card.

He sat there like a king at leisure with his eyes half-lidded, occasionally whispering something to himself or just playing some offline games on his smartphone. It was like he was only a spectator here.

Lin Fang couldn't help but wonder why he was even here if he didn't intend to buy anything. Then he remembered Vivian's words when she talked to him. Now, Lin Fang couldn't help but think something important was going to happen.

The hostess' voice then brushed across the hall.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, we will move to the sixth item of the night."

The hall fell utterly silent the moment the sixth item shimmered into existence.

A grand golden throne, its surface glinting with faint divine radiance, was emerging slowly from the hostess's dimensional ring.

The throne wasn't just a simple seat here. It stood upon thirty-two steps, each one carved with a life-like statue of a woman, their forms so real that for a fleeting second, it almost seemed as if they were breathing. Each held a distinct posture, like they were frozen while dancing.

"Behold," the hostess announced, her voice echoing with reverence, "the Throne of Emperor Vikramaditya, over two millennia old. Said to belong to the legendary Emperor of Zuania, the one who was said to have united the known world and ruled it with absolute justice. Historians call him a myth, but this artifact…"

She gestured at the throne, "This artifact is proof that he existed."

A collective gasp swept the guests.

The throne glowed faintly, golden light rippling across the steps, revealing faint runes and glyphs in an ancient, lost language.

"According to records," the hostess continued, "the throne grants the bearer invincibility, divine authority to rule, and the right to judge all under heaven. However, we can't ascertain the truth because…"

Her tone dropped slightly,

"An ancient seal remains placed upon it. None has managed to break it so far. Whether it still holds the Emperor's will, or his curse, is unknown."

Due to uncertainty, people hesitated at first.

"The minimum bid starts at five million credits!"

But then, a smooth baritone voice broke through the air.

"Five point five," Alexander Han raised his paddle at last.

A murmur rippled across the hall. Even the hostess faltered for a moment, caught off guard. This was the first time he'd participated at all.

And that set off the bidding war for the throne.

"Table 13, five point five million! Do I hear six?"

"Six million, table five!"

"Six point five, table thirteen!"

The duel began — a volley of numbers traded back and forth like an unseen battle of wills.

6.5 >> 7 >>> 8.5 >>> 10 >> 10.5 >>> 13 >>> 18 >>> 25 >>> 30 million.

At 34.5 million credits, the opposing bidder finally slammed his paddle down in frustration.

"Sold! Table thirteen wins — the Throne of Vikramaditya, at 34.5 million credits!"

Applause erupted, though most of it was forced like it has been so far.

Lin Fang, meanwhile, stared at the throne with his inspection window open after the bidding has been finalized. However, it showed an unusual notification.

*Ding!

[Error: Unable to analyze target. Upgrade to Rank-2.]

"System can't see through it at the current level?" he whispered. "Must be quite powerful as she said…"

Alpha's voice came sharp and low, "As I have mentioned earlier, it's a Divine Treasure, Lin Fang."

His heart clenched. Even if he wanted it, he didn't have the money.

All he could do was watch as Alexander handed over his payment and claimed it.

The glowing throne vanished into a flash of golden light as Alexander calmly stored it in his inventory. Leaning back in his chair, he tapped a finger against his glass and smirked faintly.

"These fools…" he murmured under his breath, voice dripping with amusement, "They don't even realize what that throne truly is capable of. Of course, how could they? They wouldn't know how to unseal it even if they did."

A faint chime sounded in his ear — a translucent holographic screen flickered before him:

*Ding!

[Divine Artifact detected: Throne of Vikramaditya]

[Ancient Seal active. Attempt to break the seal? Y/N]

For a moment, the golden light of his eyes shimmered faintly. His fingers hovered near the Yes icon, but then… he smiled and closed the window.

"Not yet," he whispered to himself, closing the notification screen. "Let's unseal after I defeat the devil and claim its power."

He took a slow sip of his drink, a smile tugging at his lips in satisfaction.

*

Minutes later, the auction continued — the tension only growing thicker as only four items remained.

ITEM 7: Sun and Moon Brooch, an obsidian accessory that is soaked into the blood of a werewolf while forging. Just wearing it will protect one from any kind of possession, and during the night, they can turn into a shadow. Sold for 19.5 million Credits. Winner: Table 1.

ITEM 8: Flag of Huangdi, a flag when planted on the ground, can increase the powers of its master and his allies by 30%. However, it doesn't work on monster companions. Sold for 26 million credits. Winner: Table 3.

And then the ninth item floated into view, which appeared like a circular silver mirror embedded in a dragon-shaped frame. At once, it does look like an ordinary mirror, but everyone around knows its powers very well.

"The next item," the hostess announced, "is the Heavenly Mirror — capable of revealing every kind of illusion, deception, or disguise. Whether it's a physical transformation or a hidden truth within one's heart, the mirror reflects it all."

A hush fell over the audience.

"However…"

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