The Nine Thieves were known as a group of nine, but everyone understood that only three of them formed the core.
The remaining members of The Nine Thieves dared to plunder recklessly, relying entirely on these three. As long as these three remained, The Nine Thieves would continue to exist.
Moreover, ninety percent of the loot from the other members was handed over to these three.
Many Cultivators who had been plundered harbored deep resentment towards the trio, yet dared not show it.
After all, these three were powerful beings at the pinnacle of the upper-tier Spirit Saint realm, and even the major families and top forces within Commonplace City were reluctant to provoke them.
“Tsk tsk, this auction is as lively as ever,” remarked Heavensnatcher, clad in a black robe, scanning the room with a slightly raspy voice.
As upper-tier Spirit Saint powerhouses, the trio had seats at the very front.
They walked straight to their seats.
However, as they passed by The Moore Family’s section, Skybreaker, dressed in a silver robe with a cold demeanor, suddenly stopped and gazed at Malik with eyes shimmering with a faint silver light.
Noticing Skybreaker’s gaze, Malik and Jasper’s eyes flashed coldly as they stared back at Skybreaker.
Witnessing this scene, many present were not surprised. Recently, a significant event occurred in Commonplace City: The Moore Family had slain five members of The Nine Thieves.
Previously, when The Lawson Family killed the fourth member of The Nine Thieves, it caused quite a stir, leading to a frenzied retaliation by the remaining eight thieves.
It was rumored that The Lawson Family secretly compensated with millions of Low-Quality Spirit Stones to settle the matter.
“Mr. Moore, I heard it was your Moore Family that killed my brothers,” Skybreaker coldly asked Malik under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Malik replied with a sneer, “Indeed, anyone who dares target my Moore Family’s disciples deserves death.”
In the past, Malik would have avoided confronting Skybreaker, Thunderstrike, and Heavensnatcher-three powerful and unscrupulous individuals.
But now, Malik had allied with The Lawson Family to completely eradicate these three scourges; there was no need for restraint anymore.
“Foolishness. It seems you’ve forgotten the lessons learned by certain families,” Heavensnatcher’s deep and raspy voice echoed.
Malik’s words made Skybreaker’s expression even colder, his eyes filled with killing intent and icy glints.
Though in Skybreaker’s mind, those five slain by Leo were merely tools for amassing wealth.
But as the saying goes, one must consider the owner when beating a dog. Skybreaker and his companions were determined not to remain indifferent to this matter if they wished to maintain their reputation in Commonplace City.
“I hope The Moore Family’s disciples remain safe,” Skybreaker threatened coldly.
His words caused Malik and Jasper’s expressions to darken.
After scanning The Moore Family’s members, Skybreaker’s gaze shifted to Leo, Sea Serpent King, and Seraphina.
His brow furrowed slightly as if recalling something, his eyes flashing with cold light.
“The ones who killed my brothers must include you three outsiders,” Skybreaker released his powerful aura towards Leo and his companions.
In Skybreaker’s view, The Moore Family dared oppose The Nine Thieves because they were one of Commonplace City’s major families.
But these three outsiders daring to confront them was sheer folly!
The crowd’s gaze followed Skybreaker to Leo and his companions, whispering among themselves as they speculated about Leo’s identity.
Leo met Skybreaker’s gaze calmly and said, “Just some trash. I killed them on a whim.”
Leo’s words chilled the expressions of Skybreaker and those behind him-Thunderstrike and Heavensnatcher.
The Cultivators present also looked at Leo with changed expressions.
Did this young man not realize he was facing three extremely ruthless Spirit God realm powerhouses?
In the past, those who offended The Nine Thieves-whether families or individuals-met grim fates.
At that moment, a clear bell rang throughout the hall-a sign that the auction was about to begin.
The grand auction held every three years was organized by the City Lord’s Mansion.
The City Lord’s Mansion belonged to the Southland’s ruler and stood above all families and forces present; even The Nine Thieves dared not offend it.
Skybreaker withdrew his cold and murderous gaze from Leo without another word and proceeded to his seat.
“Kid, you’d better stay within The Moore Family’s protection. Once you leave them, even death will be a luxury for you!” Heavensnatcher chuckled coldly from beneath his black robe before turning to follow Skybreaker.
Once Skybreaker and his companions took their seats, the observing Cultivators finally withdrew their gazes.
Two more crisp bell sounds echoed within the hall.
The entire hall fell silent immediately.
From an aerial view of the hall at this moment, nearly every seat was occupied.
All eyes were focused on the massive white jade platform at the center of the hall.
On the platform, spatial fluctuations appeared as three figures emerged from within.
At the center stood a middle-aged man in purple attire. His waist was cinched with a jade belt, his face exuding an innate aura of dominance. His spiritual power was perfectly restrained without any leakage.
His gaze swept across the room; even the Spirit Saint powerhouses in the innermost circle felt a slight chill and straightened their posture.
This man was none other than Commonplace City’s City Lord-a half-step Spirit God realm powerhouse!
As one of the renowned powerhouses, Commonplace City’s City Lord held considerable fame throughout the Southern Marches Realm.
To his left stood an elderly man in white robes.
The elder had white hair and beard with a kind face that instantly evoked goodwill in others’ hearts.
To his right was a woman in a red dress.
The woman’s figure was excellent; her red dress accentuated her curves perfectly. Her face was also exceptionally beautiful with red lips and flowing hair.
Both the white-haired elder and red-dressed woman were genuine upper-tier Spirit Saint realm powerhouses!
The City Lord surveyed the room briefly before speaking: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Commonplace City’s triennial auction. This event will be hosted by Elder Howard and Abbie.”
With that said, he wasted no words further; stepping forward once more before disappearing from sight, reappearing seated at a central special seat moments later.
After descending from the platform himself, Elder Howard stepped forward, wearing a gentle smile while scanning across everyone present: “Ladies and gentlemen, this auction will feature one hundred rare items, I hereby declare, the auction officially begins!”
Having announced so, Elder Howard directed his gaze towards Abbie, who nodded slightly before clapping her delicate hands loudly. “Present the first auction item!”
A graceful maid dressed in white approached, carrying an exquisite jade tray, onto which Elder Howard pulled aside its red cloth cover, using spiritual power to levitate it mid-air.
A translucent emerald green glow instantly illuminated half of the hall.
Upon this jade tray rested an exquisite orb, resembling crystal-clear jade about fist-sized, emitting radiant watery brilliance.