“What exactly is this story supposed to prove? That cooking this Merrow will make you young? Or that sleeping with it will make you stronger?” A mocking voice rang out from the crowd below, drawing laughter from many.
The ridicule continued. This was asking them to deal with a fish-how ridiculous was that?
Indeed, asking them to mess around with a fish? How were they even supposed to do that?
Liam Rocco maintained his calm smile and replied, “I’ve said it before-anything from the Rocco family will never disappoint. Now, why did that young man become so powerful? It’s because he absorbed the spiritual energy of the Merrow, which allowed him to cultivate.”
“I haven’t even finished the story of the Merrow Princess yet. After the Merrow left their group with her child, she raised the child alone. When the child turned eight, something remarkable happened-they could freely transform. They could shift between being a fish and a walking, upright human! Not only that, but they possessed immense power, enough to fend off deep-sea monsters.”
“Before long, the child conquered the creatures of the ocean and earned the title of the ‘Merrow Princess’ in the depths of the sea!”
“And the one we captured fits this story perfectly! That’s why the Rocco family has concluded that this is none other than a Merrow Princess, brimming with spiritual energy!”
As Liam Rocco finished speaking, the room fell into a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
“Of course, this might feel like a gamble to some of you. But for those who trust the Rocco family, I assure you it’s not. Now, the bidding begins! The Merrow Princess-starting price: one billion dollars!”
The announcement stunned the entire room into silence.
One billion dollars!
This was far more expensive than dragon’s blood and leagues beyond the starting price of the Blood Fox.
“What kind of nonsense is this? A billion for a fish? Who in their right mind would spend that kind of money?”
“Exactly! Who would waste a billion dollars on some fish? Does he think we’re fools?”
“Does he really believe that telling a story will make us fork over that much cash? Ridiculous!”
The murmurs of discontent spread. A full minute passed, and not a single bid was made. The room was filled with dissatisfaction, and everyone seemed intent on withholding their offers. Who would dare spend a billion dollars on a fish?
Cyrus Nightbane’s gaze fell on Kayden. He remained calm, not showing the slightest intention to bid.
It seemed he wasn’t confident in this purchase either, which explained his hesitation.
Cyrus Nightbane had already missed out on two treasures earlier in the auction. This one, however, he refused to let slip through his fingers.
Finally, Cyrus Nightbane spoke up. “Two billion! I’ll take it.”
The crowd turned to look at him, immediately understanding his intent. He wasn’t necessarily convinced of the Merrow’s value-this was about salvaging his pride. Having lost out on the earlier treasures, he now had to claim at least one to save face.
In past auctions, the final three items had always belonged to him. This time, two had slipped away, and he was determined to secure the last one to maintain his reputation.
But spending two billion dollars on a fish? That was a hefty price to pay.
Liam Rocco smiled faintly and asked, “Two billion-does anyone have a higher bid?”
Cyrus Nightbane snorted, stood up, and declared, “Enough of this. Stop wasting everyone’s time and close the deal already. No one else is going to bid for this fish but me. This Merrow is mine.”
His tone was firm, applying pressure on Liam Rocco to finalize the sale.
Liam Rocco, however, shook his head slightly and replied, “Don’t be so hasty, Cyrus! How could the Merrow’s value be limited to just two billion?”
“Outrageous! What are you trying to say?” Cyrus Nightbane glared at him, visibly angered. “I’ve already made my offer. Are you toying with me now? Do you know what it means to cross me?”
As Cyrus Nightbane’s words echoed through the hall, a visible aura of energy emanated from him.
His patience had worn thin. Losing face earlier was one thing, but now being mocked by the Rocco family in public was unbearable. As a regular at these auctions, how could he tolerate such humiliation?
Liam Rocco took two steps forward and, with a calm demeanor, said, “Cyrus, you know the rules of the Rocco family. Causing trouble here is not allowed. Since you’ve placed a bid, you must follow our process. There are bound to be others who will bid as well.”
“Hmph!” Cyrus Nightbane sneered. “A fish? You really think anyone here is foolish enough to bid higher than two billion? Do you take us all for idiots?”
He turned to the crowd and asked in a booming voice, “Well? Anyone here willing to bid more than two billion for a fish?”
His question was met with dead silence. Thousands of attendees, and not one answered.
It was true-no one would spend more than two billion dollars on a fish.
Even if it was a Merrow, who could be sure it was as miraculous as the story claimed? What if it was just a fabrication to drive up the price?
The Rocco family had a strong reputation, but that didn’t mean their word was absolute.
“So, no one is willing to bid for this Merrow?” Liam Rocco’s gaze landed on Kayden, clearly hoping he would make an offer. This dark horse had stolen two treasures earlier, and his participation now would certainly stir things up.
But Kayden remained expressionless, showing no intention of bidding.
It seemed even the bold Kayden was hesitant to challenge Cyrus Nightbane further. After all, he had already taken two treasures from him. Choosing not to bid now might be a strategic move to avoid provoking him further.
“So, no one is willing to bid for this Merrow?” Liam Rocco repeated the question.
And then, a third time.
The silence in the hall was deafening. It appeared this Merrow was destined to belong to Cyrus Nightbane.
Wood Faulkner took a deep breath and muttered, “Mr. Scott, isn’t it just an ordinary fish? How could it really be a Merrow?”
Kayden remained silent, his expression unchanged, not even a flicker of interest.
“A mere Merrow, and the Rocco family dares to demand a billion for it! If the earlier treasures turn out to be fake, I’ll storm the Rocco family myself to settle the score!”
Wood Faulkner’s skepticism began to extend to the Blood Fox and dragon’s blood. If the final item was this dubious, how could anyone trust the earlier treasures?
Liam Rocco, noticing the lack of bids, grew slightly dejected.
But the auction had to go on.
He raised his gavel and announced, “Merrow Princess, two billion, going once!”
“Two billion, going twice!”
“Two billion, go-”
Before he could finish, an icy voice cut through the air.
“Five billion!”
Boom!
The entire room fell silent, as if struck by lightning.