"Seven million gold coins!"
An audible gasp went around the hall as soon as Ricky declared such an exorbitant amount. The room fell silent after. The audience scoured for the source of such a bold declaration.
Their eyes fell on Ricky, Soar, and Tina. The people stood wide-eyed and silent, trying to decipher what was going to happen next. Seven million gold coins were too good to be true; they must have misheard the absurd amount—but they didn't. All of them wondered where these people came from. How could they be so affluent?
They were confident that they did hear seven million gold coins, not five nor six.
Vito was left speechless. He had been worried that the item's price might fall around four million gold coins. Five million gold coins was his target. But seven million gold coins? He was beyond elated to Ricky's unexpected move. He couldn't stop his face from grinning ear to ear.
Everybody was familiar with his affinity for money. Rubbing elbows with rich people was one of his favorite things to do.
Inside the private room, on the other hand, both Soar and Tina were just as surprised as everyone by Ricky's quoted price. As soon as they saw the serious look and the confidence Ricky was donning, they did not dare ask any further.
Soar was now more curious than ever about the mysterious thing Ricky had. What could it be that could make Ricky bid such a high price?
Tina was brimming with tenderness. There was this longing and yearning for Ricky that was finally being returned. Her heart was beating faster as she softly thought to herself, 'Maybe his heart is not fully set on Grace just yet. Maybe I still have a chance to win him over. He wouldn't have quoted seven million gold coins if he weren't enamored with me.'
Tina had such a deep affection for Ricky that she would not mind if he chose both her and Grace. She would be satisfied as long as he loved her.
This was the martial world. Geniuses, strong warriors, and especially those with unique skills and charm could make more than one woman fall for them.
Tina was born in a substantial family with strong men.
She knew well about that.
"Seven million gold coins! Seven million! Young master, I'm afraid we messed up powerful people!" the old man from the Golden Leopard Valley announced to his young master, his voice quaking.
"So what if they can shell out seven million gold coins? That doesn't daunt me in the least. Are they really from a powerful organization? Maybe he was just fortunate enough to find some expensive valuable things by chance!" the young master shot back through gritted teeth. It wasn't fear that overcame him—it was anger. He balled his fist in exasperation as his desire to kill rose.
"Where is Elder Robert?
Once the auction ends, let's do it and kill them!"
No one even dared to call out a higher price after such a brazen display. The silence was all that was left on the premise as they all waited.
A strong force would only cooperate with another one force. If they were going to collaborate with more than one force, they could have less part of the skeleton and less ruling power accordingly. That way, it would not be worth it for them because what they would gain would be less valuable.
If paying three million meant they could take home half of the skeleton, they were willing to risk it. But if they could only gain one-third, they would consider it a waste to pay two million for it.
Of course, no one was going to give in so easily.
Now that they couldn't win the skeleton during the bidding, they would come after the winner after the auction was over.
They were determined to have it even if it meant getting their hands dirty.
Surprised by the turn of events, Vito took a long time to gather himself. He was over the moon. "It seems that this is the final price since no one is calling out a higher rate. Okay then, the skeleton of a spiritual emperor is yours now, my friends. Congratulations!" Vito declared, unable to contain his euphoria and excitement.
"To my friends who won the items, please stay. Other people can leave now! I'll see you next time!"
As soon as he concluded, the warriors on the first, second, and third floor began to leave the hall. However, they were still taking glances at the private room where Ricky was in.
After everyone left, a maid walked into Ricky's room and said reverently, "Please, my guests, wait for a few more moments. The person in charge will come to visit you after dealing with the Golden Leopard Valley."
"Ha-ha! Thank you for reminding us." Ricky laughed heartily in response.
After an hour or so, Vito came in.
The moment he entered into the room, he was already in a frenzy of delight. He began to greet Ricky, Soar, and Tina with some claptrap. "Oh, how handsome you are!" he said to Ricky and Soar. Then he turned to Tina and continued, "My God, what a beautiful lady!"
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