Chapter 533 - Auction

Within the Holy City Yenom, a four-winged angel was waiting patiently in a beautiful floating garden. Unfortunately, midnight passed, yet the Fallen Angel didn’t return.

Unease settled in. The four-winged angel hurried to the chapel where his family usually prayed. Inside, lamps burned with bright golden flames. These were no ordinary lamps. Each one linked to the life force of a family member. The stronger their life force was, the brighter the lamp. Conversely, the weaker their life force, the dimmer the lamps.

However, the lamp that he was looking for wasn’t there. He opened a hidden door and quickly entered it. Twelve lamps were within the hidden chamber, unlike those outside. Their flames burned in varied colors, some blue, others green.

His gaze fixed on the lamp at the center. A lamp burning with black flames should have burned there. However, it was currently snuffed out.

The four-winged angel realized that the Fallen Angel assassin he had dispatched was dead and got frustrated.

He’s supposed to be a mere commoner. What sort of background does he have? Don’t get cocky. I have already sent someone to investigate you, and they will soon return with their report. I will find a way to blackmail you.

***

Dawn arrived, and the auction proceeded as scheduled. In a single night, the auction house had exhausted every means at their disposal to spread the news of the Light Stone that would be auctioned today.

𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

By morning, nearly every life form had learned of its existence and knew that it was the most priceless treasure to appear at the auction today. Several noble families even received insider information, which prompted them to cultivate a relationship with its owner in hopes of securing additional benefits.

Because of the auction house’s long-standing trust and reputation, the angelic noble houses sent the most important family member to attend.

Naturally, the Elden family was the strongest one in Yenom, and they had sent the current head, Haus Elden, to represent them.

Haus wasn’t only the head of the Elden family but also Seraphim Aisha’s father. This dual status earned him deep respect throughout Yenom.

The auction house’s manager waited at the entrance and greeted Haus the moment he arrived. “Welcome to our auction house, Honorable Haus. Your presence makes the auction house shine all the brighter.”

Haus spoke with a stern tone. “Manager, I value people who cut to the chase, so let me be clear. I just want to know whether a priceless treasure will be auctioned today.”

“Yes, I would never deceive you. That treasure will be auctioned last. It is more than an item for sale. The final auction also offers an opportunity to meet the treasure’s owner.” He glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then lowered his voice. “I’ve personally tested it. Angels, as well as other light life forms, will find it irresistibly alluring. It can even purify any Light Energy infused into it. It is truly priceless.”

Haus broke into a broad smile. He cared little for the finer details as long as the crystal was genuine.

After receiving the information from the manager, the other families soon arrived as well. However, the manager shared no further specifics with them and instead just courteously invited them to their seats.

Once most of the VIPs had gathered, the auction officially started.

Han Wu took the VIP seat arranged by the manager and cast discreet glances at Haus, who sat in the most prestigious seat in the auction house. Even though Aisha wasn’t there, her father’s presence was enough. Han Wu could accept that. He could use Haus’ connection to meet with Aisha later.

From a distance, Han Wu raised his wine glass at Haus in silent toast.

Haus didn’t know who Han Wu was but reciprocated the toast politely. Han Wu was relieved that the Elden family, or at least Haus himself, seemed genuinely well-mannered.

While he contemplated it, a familiar figure caught his eye. The four-winged angel appraiser was also seated in the VIP section. Judging by the arrangement, Han Wu could tell that his family’s status didn’t fall far below that of the Elden family.

So his family is fairly powerful, which explains why he could send the four-winged Fallen Angel to assassinate me,

Han Wu thought.

At the same moment, the four-winged angel noticed Han Wu. Anger flashed across his face as he dragged his finger across his throat to intimidate Han Wu.

Han Wu smiled and mumbled, “What a childish fella.”

The auction proceeded as various items went up for sale. Han Wu watched the treasures but never once placed a bid. He was more attuned to Dark Energy, and almost every single item on display was catered to those with light attributes. None of them held much appeal for him.

The various families drove the bidding higher and higher, and the atmosphere steadily grew more intense. After two hours, the auction house finally unveiled the final treasure.

A beautiful angel stepped onto the stage, carrying a tray draped in red satin. The auctioneer lifted the cloth and revealed the bedazzling Light Stone. Its beauty surpassed anything the audience had ever seen. Light refracted through the crystal, causing every facet to shimmer and gleam.

At the same time, some of the powerful experts sensed that the Light Stone’s special trait matched the reports. It was definitely an item they could not afford to let slip away.

Spurred on by the auctioneer’s fervent calls, many of them placed their bids. The starting price was 800,000 Luminous Pink Diamonds.

According to the intel Han Wu had gathered, he knew that a single Luminous Pink Diamond was worth roughly 100,000 Divine Points. Thus, 800,000 Luminous Pink Diamonds equaled 800 Divine Essence. It was a huge sum, but the noble families never considered it excessive. On the contrary, they continued to push the price higher.

The bidding soared all the way to 1.6 million Luminous Pink Diamonds before slowing, until only the three strongest families remained in contention: the Elden family, to which Seraphim Aisha belonged; the Luke family, to which the four-winged angel appraiser belonged; and the Ciel family.

From that point on, the three families raised the bid in increments of 50,000, eventually reaching 2.1 million. In the end, the strongest Elden family didn’t get the crystal. Instead, the Luke family claimed victory.

Han Wu felt a flicker of dissatisfaction. He had hoped the Elden family would obtain the Light Stone, which would have given him an opportunity to meet with Haus, and through him, find a chance to meet with Aisha. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do. Now, he placed his hopes on the dinner after the auction.

At that moment, as the four-winged angel stepped onto the stage to collect the crystal, he nabbed the auctioneer’s microphone and shouted at Han Wu, “You despicable demon! I have seen through your disguise! I am Michael Luke, and I will tear off your mask today!”

Every guest in the auction hall turned to look at Han Wu.