“There’s no need for that,” Leo shook his head. “The small cauldron on the stage is indeed genuine. If Old Mr. Bloomer likes it, he can bid for it.”
Hearing this, Jason was momentarily stunned, then laughed quietly to himself. To Jason, Leo was clearly putting on a good show. Master Obrien had already confirmed that the Dragoncloud Cauldron was authentic, yet Leo felt the need to reaffirm it in front of Old Mr. Bloomer. The younger generation certainly had their ways.
Nicholas didn’t ask further questions and nodded, deciding to secure the Dragoncloud Cauldron at any cost. Jason, however, wasn’t ready to let Leo off so easily. He looked at Leo and asked, “Dr. Leo, you mentioned this morning that you have some knowledge of geomancy. If we win the Dragoncloud Cauldron, how should we use it correctly and effectively?”
“Well… it’s hard to say now. We should study it after we secure it,” Leo replied calmly.
Leo’s answer elicited a disdainful snort from Jason, who sighed and lost interest in engaging with him further.
Seeing his eldest son’s demeanor, Nicholas couldn’t help but reprimand him. “Jason, I told you before we came here that even if we win the Dragoncloud Cauldron, it’s just a symbol of good fortune. The prosperity and longevity of our family depend on our own efforts!”
Nicholas had survived countless battles and never believed in fate or geomancy. He would never pin his family’s hopes on a small cauldron. He attended the auction mainly to reaffirm the Bloomer family’s status in the capital and to suppress the Meredith family. If the Bloomer family didn’t participate, the Dragoncloud Cauldron would likely go to the Meredith family.
In essence, even if the Dragoncloud Cauldron was just a pile of scrap metal, Nicholas would still bid for it. He had known Clyde Crawford for most of his life and competed with him for just as long; he couldn’t back down now.
In front of Nicholas, Jason could only nod obediently and say, “You’re right, Father. I understand.”
A short, stout man coughed twice to draw everyone’s attention back to him. “Master Obrien, since you’ve confirmed that the Dragoncloud Cauldron is genuine, can we proceed with the auction?” The stout man couldn’t help but raise his voice when he saw Master Obrien still caressing the Dragoncloud Cauldron.
Master Obrien finally lifted his head and reluctantly said, “Yes, we can start the auction.”
Despite his words, Master Obrien’s hand lingered on the Dragoncloud Cauldron. The stout man’s eyes flashed with displeasure as he coldly said, “In that case, please return to your seat, Master Obrien.”
“Alright,” Master Obrien replied, finally removing his hand from the cauldron and returning to his seat.
The stout man scanned the room with a microphone in hand and said, “Since there’s no doubt about the authenticity of the Dragoncloud Cauldron, we’ll move on to the bidding.”
“However, before we start, I must say a few words. The legend of the Dragoncloud Cauldron is unverifiable. But one thing is certain: not everyone can harness its power.”
“In other words, some may find good fortune with this cauldron, while others may encounter misfortune and disaster. This is why its original owner decided to auction it off.”
When the Dragoncloud Cauldron first appeared, many wondered who its original owner was and why they would sell it. The stout man’s explanation answered these questions and made many people more cautious.
As he said, Atraria’s foremost cauldron wasn’t something everyone could control. Those unworthy of it might find it more of a curse than a blessing.
After some consideration, several second-tier families decided not to participate in the bidding.
At this moment, Baldwin stood up and loudly said, “Director Mosley is right. This artifact isn’t for everyone. If you wish to bid, think carefully.”
“Moreover, I believe only my Meredith family has the qualification and capability to own the Dragoncloud Cauldron. Any challengers will be met head-on by us.”
Baldwin’s words were extremely arrogant, but no one dared to refute him. The Meredith family’s power was undeniable; only the Bloomer family and Watson Family could rival them.
The room fell into an awkward silence as everyone calculated their own chances.
The stout man knew he had set the stage well and continued loudly, “I’ve said what needed to be said. Due to the special nature of the Dragoncloud Cauldron, fewer bidders are preferable. Those who wish to bid, please raise your hands!”
As soon as he finished speaking, Baldwin raised his hand first.
Jacob followed suit, casting a provocative glance at the Meredith family.
Seeing both the Meredith and Bloomer families raise their hands, many others shook their heads and decided to be mere spectators.
After a while, no one else raised their hand besides Baldwin and Jacob.
The stout man seemed unsurprised by this outcome and asked with a smile, “Anyone else interested in bidding?”
At that moment, a man behind the Meredith family raised his hand and said, “Two families bidding is too dull; my Watson Family will join in for some fun.”
The man was Levi Sterling, the second son of the Watson Family.
Josiah hadn’t expected the Watson Family to get involved and his expression changed as he shot Levi Sterling a cold glance.
Master Obrien noticed Josiah’s reaction and smiled faintly. “Mr. Meredith, don’t worry. Those who don’t understand geomancy won’t be able to harness the Dragoncloud Cauldron’s power.”
Master Obrien’s words reassured Josiah slightly. He earnestly said, “Master Obrien, if my Meredith family wins the Dragoncloud Cauldron today, we hope you’ll teach us how to use it properly. We will reward you handsomely!”
“Of course,” Master Obrien replied with a nod.
The stout man smiled and said, “Three families are interested in bidding: all well-known in the capital and capable of handling the Dragoncloud Cauldron.”
“However, due to its unique nature, we’ll use a special method for this auction.”