He paused, then looked straight at Princess Jiujiu and said, enunciating every word, "Unless these auction items include something they're determined to get their hands on."
The atmosphere in the Council Hall changed in an instant. Everyone was turning Xu Yanli's words over in their minds.
Dai Yaoheng was the first to react. His voice low, he said, "You mean, Prince Xiaoyao's saying those Evil Soul Masters aren't after all the auction items, just one of them?"
Xu Yanli spread his hands, looking unconcerned. "I didn't say that. I just think there's more to this than meets the eye."
He rose and walked to the window, gazing out at the glittering nightscape of Star Luo City. His tone was as casual as if he were discussing something utterly ordinary. "Of course, it doesn't have much to do with me. I only care about one thing: when can you compensate me for the emotional distress I've suffered over the items I won at auction?"
Princess Jiujiu drew a deep breath and hurriedly said, "Rest assured, Prince Xiaoyao. Within three days, the Starlight Auction Arena will deliver all the items you won to your hotel at half their listed price, as compensation for your emotional distress."
"At an equivalent value?" Xu Yanli turned around and raised an eyebrow, his tone touched with amusement. "Princess Jiujiu, the things I won at auction can't be measured in gold coins. Some treasures are priceless and impossible to find."
The truth was, this did feel a little like throwing his weight around.
Princess Jiujiu's face paled further.
She knew better than anyone that Xu Yanli was telling the truth.
Those top-grade Soul Tools couldn't simply be bought with a bit of money.
But the items were already gone. What could she do about it?
"Then what