The auction of those remarkable armaments had begun in earnest, and the hall brimmed with excitement as each treasure came under the hammer. In just a few short hours, over a dozen armaments had already been successfully sold—yet not a single one had gone to the Cloud Soaring Sect.
"The next armament up for auction is a lightweight armor. This is a Top-tier Rare Armament, one of the items recovered from a secluded cavern," Helbram announced in a clear, resonant voice. "According to the inscriptions etched onto it, it is called Green Silk Cloth. The Royal Clan has thoroughly inspected it, so we guarantee its authenticity and quality. As a top-tier armament, its base price is one million gold coins. Any increase must not be less than fifty thousand."
He retrieved the garment from his interspatial ring—a supple, leaf-green robe that seemed to shimmer faintly as he held it up. Even across the hall, the gathered adventurers could sense the aura radiating from it. There was no doubt: this was an extraordinary armor.
Each faction began murmuring among themselves. A palpable hunger flickered in their eyes, including those of the Cloud Soaring Sect.
"Ezekias," Noah's voice was low but resolute, "that armament would suit you perfectly. Our Cloud Soaring Sect will make sure we secure it for you."
At those words, Ezekias' eyes filled with gratitude and hope. He hailed from a clan famed for their sturdy bodies and defensive prowess. This armor would undoubtedly augment his strength even further.
While the Cloud Soaring Sect discussed their move, a sharp voice suddenly rang out across the chamber:
"One million fifty thousand gold coins—from the Soul Puppet Sect!" declared Piere without hesitation.
Almost at once, other faction masters began raising their bids:
"One million one hundred thousand from the Ice Feather Sect!"
"One million one hundred fifty thousand from the Burning Heaven Sect!"
From his seat, Finn watched the fervent contest dispassionately. Unlike most of the younger adventurers, he had no real interest in the proceedings. He merely observed to stave off boredom.
Though more than a dozen impressive armaments had already exchanged hands, not a single one had sparked even a flicker of curiosity within him. Having witnessed countless rare and wondrous weapons within his Myriad World Mirror, such treasures now felt... ordinary.
At last, Noah spoke up, his tone calm yet firm:
"One million five hundred thousand gold coins, from the Cloud Soaring Sect."
Ezekias could hardly sit still. This was a top-tier armament, and the Sect Master himself was bidding to secure it on his behalf—at a price that surpassed a million gold coins. Who wouldn't be elated?
Helbram briefly turned his gaze to Noah before scanning the rest of the hall. His voice was smooth as he began the count:
"No further bids? Very well, I shall count to three. One... two—"
"One million seven hundred thousand gold coins, from the Immortal Sword Pavilion," Ren interjected evenly.
Ezekias felt as though cold water had been poured over his enthusiasm. A top-tier armament typically sold for no more than a million and five hundred thousand gold coins. The fact that others were still driving the price higher left him speechless. His earlier smile collapsed into a grimace. He no longer expected the Cloud Soaring Sect to bid again—it would simply be unreasonable.
Noah studied Ren's direction for a silent moment, then let out a faint sigh and shook his head. He turned back to Ezekias and spoke gently:
"I'm sorry. It seems we won't be able to secure the Green Silk Cloth after all."
Ezekias managed a wan smile and bowed his head. "I understand, Sect Master Noah. Even though we didn't win, I'm grateful you tried on my behalf."
Noah inclined his head. The wealth of the Cloud Soaring Sect was limited. They could not recklessly exhaust their coffers on items whose prices had spiraled beyond reason. After all, much of their treasury was reserved to sustain the Sect's thousands of members.
From his seat, Finn watched Ren intently, a subtle gleam in his eyes.
'They really deserve their reputation as the strongest faction,' he thought. 'Their resources are astonishing—but even their wealth can't compare to the Alchemist Association's. Nearly every other armament so far has gone straight into their hands.'
Of course, this was only natural. The Alchemist Association commanded the largest web of businesses in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom, supplying pills and potions throughout the kingdom. It was no wonder they were the wealthiest of the Seven Great Factions.
After Helbram officially declared Ren the winner of the Green Silk Cloth, he brought out the next item—an object that immediately puzzled the entire hall.
It was a battered old black lamp.
No sooner did Helbram set it on display than Finn felt something stir deep within his chest.
Every other adventurer stared blankly, unable to sense anything unusual about the lamp.
Noticing Finn's strange stillness, Leo quietly edged his chair closer and whispered, "Is something wrong, Finn?"
The question snapped Finn out of his trance. He shook his head slowly, his brows furrowed.
He couldn't explain the feeling. From the moment Helbram revealed that lamp, it was as though something in his very blood was trying to break free, clawing its way toward it.
Helbram's calm voice echoed through the hall:
"Perhaps many of you are wondering why this item is here, in the midst of an armament auction. To be honest, the Royal Clan itself cannot discern its true nature. On the surface, it appears to be an ordinary lamp—but there is a mystery it holds, one that even our King has failed to uncover."
Helbram paused, letting the suspense build.
"Indeed, this lantern did not come from any of the hidden caverns. As for where we acquired it... that is something we cannot reveal. But I can tell you this much: our King once tried to open it himself. No matter what means he employed, he could not force it open. He even struck it with the mightiest blow he possessed—and not so much as a scratch appeared."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
'Even the King couldn't damage it?'
Their King was a renowned 5th Level Sky Rank Adventurer—the strongest in the entire Sacred Dragon Kingdom. If even he had failed, then just what was this object?
Sheeha finally raised her voice, unable to contain her confusion.
"Then, Lord Helbram—why auction such a thing at all?"
A murmur of agreement swept through the factions. If even the Royal Clan had failed to unravel the lantern's secret, what hope did anyone else have?
Helbram smiled faintly.
"There is no reason to keep it hidden. Every treasure is destined for someone. If this lamp's fate lies with one among you, then this is a chance—a rare opportunity. Even if the King could not unlock it, we are certain it is no mere garbage."
As the explanation ended, a tense hush fell over the chamber.
"Therefore," Helbram concluded, "since none can assign it a proper value, the bidding shall start from zero. Whoever offers the highest price shall claim it."
A wave of excited chatter surged through the hall. Faction masters and Elders leaned together in hushed counsel. Some were tempted to risk a bid—others feared wasting a fortune on an enigma that might forever remain sealed.
At the Cloud Soaring Sect's seats, all were silent... until Finn finally spoke, his voice low but clear:
"Sect Master Noah—could you please win that item for me?"
They all turned to stare, startled. Finn had been indifferent to every treasure so far—yet now he asked for this?
"Hm? Do you recognize it?" Noah asked, frowning.
Finn shook his head. "No. But... I feel a connection to it, somehow."
Noah studied him for a moment longer. "Are you sure? If I buy this, you'll lose the chance to claim an armament for yourself."
Finn smiled, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the lantern. "I'm sure."
"Very well." Noah sighed softly. "I only hope your instincts are correct—so you will have no regrets."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Finn said earnestly.
He had no right to bid himself—only faction masters could contest for an item. But deep in his heart, he knew he would never regret this choice. Armaments were of little value to him now.
"One hundred thousand gold coins from the Cloud Soaring Sect," Noah called out.
Instantly, more voices followed:
"Three hundred thousand, from the Immortal Sword Pavilion!"
"Five hundred thousand, from the Ancient Darkness Island!"
"Seven hundred thousand, from the Alchemist Association!"
Unlike Noah—who was bidding purely for Finn—the others were driven by curiosity, eager to dissect and study the lantern.
And then, Noah calmly raised his hand.
"One million five hundred thousand gold coins, from the Cloud Soaring Sect."
A stunned silence fell.
That sum could buy a top-tier Rare Armament outright.
"Sect Master..." Marcus began, voice low with apprehension.
"You don't have to remind me." Noah's own voice dropped to a quiet murmur. "This is a rare chance to earn the goodwill of Finn Doria. Besides, it seems no one else will press the bidding further. Even if I tried to withdraw now, it would be too late."
Marcus fell silent. He understood.
Finn was far too extraordinary. The Blue-Green Alchemy Flame alone made him invaluable—and his true strength remained shrouded. If they could earn his trust now, it might benefit the Sect for years to come.
Finally, Helbram's voice rang out:
"The winner of the black lamp is the Cloud Soaring Sect."
Noah strode forward, paid the sum without hesitation, and received the lamp. As he turned back, Helbram's voice followed in a quiet murmur:
"Young Lord..."
Noah returned to the Soaring Seven and extended the lamp to Finn with a smile.
"Finn, here is what you asked for."
All around them, the other Adventurers watched, some scoffing openly.
"He traded the chance for an armament... for that?"
"What a waste."
Finn ignored them all. His eyes met Noah's, and he bowed his head gratefully.
"Thank you, Sect Master Noah. I promise—someday I will repay this kindness."
The moment Finn's hand closed around the lamp's handle, something inside him stirred with wild intensity. His blood felt as though it were boiling with anticipation.
And then, a voice echoed in his mind, mechanical and cold:
[Error! The system cannot identify the object.]