Chapter 2371

In theory, such things seemed impossible in this modern era of peace. Among martial artists, the rule was simple: strength justified everything. If someone with a bulletproof body and monstrous power caught wind of a treasure like this sitting unguarded, they would not hesitate.

Telling them to ‘stay calm‘ or ‘do the right thing‘ would only earn you a laugh and maybe a punch to the face. Then, relying on their martial prowess, they would simply kill the person, take the treasure, and disappear without a trace.

That was the true law of the world.

Even though Elsie had issued her warning, the moment the ninth-grade supreme elixir, the Marble Essence Pill, was revealed, Andrew clearly felt the entire atmosphere of the auction house shift dramatically.

The eyes of everyone present burned with an intensity that screamed desire, filled with barely concealed greed. Audible gulps could be heard, and the sound of heavy breathing filled the room.

“Come on, announce the starting bid already! How much are we talking here?” someone called out impatiently.

“Yes, give us the opening price! This Marble Essence Pill is something the Lake family absolutely must have!” another voice chimed in eagerly.

“A ninth-grade supreme elixir? You won’t find these things in Sovereign’s Apothecary even if you offered them your head on a platter! Who would be foolish enough to put something this valuable up for public sale?”

Someone exclaimed, “These kinds of treasures are only traded privately or kept for personal use!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m asking for one more favor from everyone here. This pill is something that the Harding family truly desires…” Sergio’s voice suddenly cut through.

Everyone was shocked. Earlier, Sergio had declared he wouldn’t participate in the final bidding if they gave him face. Yet now, he was pretending those words never left his mouth, stepping right back into the spotlight as if nothing happened.

Andrew had been prepared for Sergio to use his authority to suppress the bidding, which would likely keep the pill’s price artificially low. He was already gearing up to voice his frustration when someone beat him to it.

“Mr. Harding Senior, that’s enough. You’re too old to be this shameless! You gave everyone your word earlier that you wouldn’t compete anymore. Now you’re pulling this stunt again. Sorry, but this time we’re not backing down. Let’s see who’s got the real skill!”

Another voice, even rougher and more direct, joined in without hesitation. “Mr. Harding Senior, while others might be intimidated by you, I’m not one of them. You want the Marble Essence Pill, and so do I. Why don’t we all stop arguing and settle this the old-fashioned way? Whoever’s strong enough can have this supreme elixir. Let’s fight for it!”

This brash individual had even suggested they forget about money entirely and decide the winner through combat instead.

Sergio’s reputation as a nearly unbeatable martial master was well-known throughout Chetvine, yet this man was still dismissing him without concern. That told Andrew that this person had to be someone of equally terrifying strength, almost certainly a martial emperor-level expert.

This was what made Chetvine different from other places. Martial emperors were not mythical creatures. They were real, walking among everyone. And one wrong move could mean getting turned to dust before you even realize what happened.

At that moment, Andrew heard Valerie’s voice cutting through the chaos. “Well, everyone certainly seems excited! The bidding hasn’t even started, and you’re all already fighting over each other. In that case, I won’t hold back either. The Reyes family wants this ninth-grade supreme elixir for ourselves as well. Please feel free to bid, everyone. Don’t worry about me… We’ll all compete fairly!”

While her words sounded gracious enough, many people groaned inwardly.

Valerie was saying all the right things, but she was also making her intentions clear: her own auction house had its own interest in this item.

Now, everyone had to decide whether they should give her face and hold back, or compete openly. If they did not show respect to the Reyes family, how would future dealings with them go?

Elsie announced the starting bid. “300 million as the opening price! Ladies and gentlemen, please proceed. The highest bid takes the treasure.”

Andrew leaned back in his suite with a relaxed expression, content to wait and see how this all played out. It seemed he would no longer need to stir the pot, as these people would tear each other apart on their own.

Chapter 2372