The auction lasted about two hours and ended late at night.
It was plain to see.
When the mysterious man bid six hundred thousand Xihua Coins, pushing the auction to its climax, undercurrents surged through the hall. Even several influential figures who rarely showed their faces had joined the auction, discreetly mingling with one another and occasionally glancing toward the mysterious scholar in the back row, wearing an X Mask.
The officer beside Reilo, who had "rescued" a Xilan woman, felt thoroughly ill at ease.
"The three deans, three generals, and even those committee members and ministers who hardly ever show their faces—they're all here."
His expression was grim.
Too many eyes kept turning this way, including those of his direct superior.
The wary gazes made him feel as though he were sitting on pins and needles. He wished the auction would end at once so he could leave this oppressive hall.
Clang, clang, clang, clang.
When the last lot, a dragon eagle egg, sold for three thousand two hundred Xihua Coins, the mustached auctioneer beamed warmly and bowed deeply.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all good things must come to an end. It's time for us to say goodbye. I trust most of you found what you came for at this auction. For those who did not..."
"Master Suke."
Dean Anli, the Three-Eyed Frog King, interrupted the auctioneer's customary closing remarks.
He addressed the people in the auction hall with stern authority. "An emergency secret meeting is to be held here. Everyone except members of the Supreme Committee must leave at once."
A rush of movement followed.
The people seated near Reilo who had attended the auction scattered almost immediately, as if fleeing a plague. Only Reilo remained where he was, sitting calmly and unhurriedly. His stillness looked conspicuous as he