“Is this small cauldron the legendary Dragoncloud Cauldron?”
“It must be!”
“The Dragoncloud Cauldron, according to legend, was crafted by the best artisans before the Common Era, taking eighty-one days and using meteorite material. It has a soaring dragon engraved on it, symbolizing the Atraria nation. It is indeed the number one cauldron of Atraria!”
“It is said that whoever possesses the Dragoncloud Cauldron will have extraordinary fortune, and their family will prosper for generations!”
“But there doesn’t seem to be a dragon pattern on this small cauldron…”
Amidst the crowd’s chatter, the short and stout man maintained a bright smile and signaled the staff to turn the cauldron around.
“Look, there’s the dragon pattern!” After the cauldron was turned, the person who previously claimed not to see the dragon couldn’t help but shout.
On the other side of the cauldron, there was indeed an engraved soaring dragon.
No one knew how the artisans of that time managed it, but from a specific angle, the dragon engraved on the cauldron seemed to be flying off it, which was quite miraculous.
Regardless of whether this cauldron could change one’s fortune, if it was truly made by the best artisans before the common era using meteorite material, it certainly deserved the title of Atraria’s number one cauldron.
At this point, Leo finally understood why Nicholas and Jason were so eager to obtain this Dragoncloud Cauldron.
To ensure their family’s everlasting prosperity, whether true or not, the Dragoncloud Cauldron, with its auspicious symbolism, had to be acquired and enshrined at home.
In other words, for prominent families like the Bloomer family, the Dragoncloud Cauldron was the best heirloom.
Moreover, acquiring the Dragoncloud Cauldron was a crucial way to establish family status.
For these reasons, this final auction item attracted almost all the major families in the capital.
Looking over at the Meredith family, Old Meredith’s eyes were filled with undisguised greed as he stared at the Dragoncloud Cauldron.
Josiah and Baldwin’s expressions were like beggars seeing a roasted chicken. If not for the occasion and circumstances, they might have rushed up to take the Dragoncloud Cauldron home.
Among everyone present, Leo was probably the least interested in this Dragoncloud Cauldron.
Because he had already seen through its essence.
“Everyone, please quiet down!” The short and stout man gestured for silence. “Whether the legends about the Dragoncloud Cauldron are true or not, this cauldron does have its extraordinary aspects as Atraria’s number one cauldron.”
At this point, he signaled to a staff member standing by. The staff member handed him a compass with both hands.
Seeing that he was about to demonstrate something, the room fell silent as everyone focused on him.
“Now, it’s time to witness a miracle!” he said, holding up the compass facing everyone and then bringing it close to the Dragoncloud Cauldron.
The compass needle, which had been still, started spinning rapidly as if controlled by some force.
This scene was more captivating than a magic trick, causing a stir among the crowd.
The short and stout man was very pleased with their reaction.
At that moment, Leo’s calm expression turned to surprise because as the compass needle spun, the Dragoncloud Cauldron, which had shown no unusual signs under his spiritual sense, emitted a faint golden glow.
This change left Leo puzzled.
“The legendary number one cauldron of Atraria is indeed extraordinary!” Jason was excited and thrilled. The thought of acquiring this Dragoncloud Cauldron was exhilarating.
Master Obrien, sitting next to Clyde Crawford, stood up excitedly and moved closer to the stage. Stretching his short neck like a wolf eyeing a lamb, he muttered, “So this is the legendary number one cauldron of Atraria. It truly is a rare treasure…”
The unique gleam in Master Obrien’s eyes suggested that he had noticed something special about the Dragoncloud Cauldron.
Suppressing his excitement, Josiah asked Master Obrien, “Master Obrien, is this Dragoncloud Cauldron authentic?”
“It should be authentic. If I could get closer for a detailed examination, I could be one hundred percent certain,” Master Obrien replied without turning his head.
The auction rules clearly stated that bidders and non-staff members were not allowed near the stage, especially within two meters of the display area.
Understanding Master Obrien’s hint, Josiah stood up and smiled at the short and stout man. “Director Mosley, although you’ve shown us some unique aspects of this cauldron, we still have doubts about its authenticity.”
People loved a spectacle and echoed Josiah’s sentiments.
Director Mosley’s smile remained unchanged. Understanding Josiah’s intent but still asking, “Mr. Meredith, what do you suggest?”
“Our idea is simple. Let an expert examine the Dragoncloud Cauldron up close so we can bid with confidence,” Josiah replied.
“Yes, we support Mr. Meredith’s suggestion!”
“Indeed, we need experts to verify it personally.”
The crowd voiced their agreement.
Director Mosley’s smile gradually faded. After some hesitation, he said, “I understand everyone’s thoughts and feelings. However, there are many experts present and given the precious nature of the Dragoncloud Cauldron, we can’t let all experts examine it due to time constraints and security concerns.”
After thinking for a moment, he continued, “Mr. Meredith, how about this: you appoint one expert representative to examine it closely?”
Josiah pondered briefly and nodded. “That works. What does everyone think?”
“I agree!”
“Me too!”
The crowd raised their hands in agreement.
At that moment, a man with black-rimmed glasses stood up with an air of arrogance and said loudly, “Everyone, I volunteer to be this expert representative and conduct the examination!”
“Do you have the qualifications?” someone immediately objected.
The man with black-rimmed glasses continued, “My name is Wyatt Fritz. I am the Deputy Director of Atraria’s Department of Antiquities Authentication. I have over twenty years of experience studying pre-Common Era culture and artifacts. Since this Dragoncloud Cauldron dates back to that period, I believe no one here is more qualified than me to be this representative.”