Chapter 126: Newcomer Benefit

Lu Chen carefully glanced at the contract; it was merely a simple non-disclosure agreement with no traps, so he signed Lu Sanbao.

After Laites put away the contract, he then took out an illustrated catalog and placed it in front of Lu Chen.

"Mr. Lu, these are all the regular auction items for the Neutral Tavern over the next half year."

Laites paused for a moment, and only after a few seconds did he continue to add.

"If you are not satisfied with these items, we will notify you if any temporary auction items become available."

At the same time, Laites took another thin illustrated catalog out of the drawer.

Lu Chen nodded slightly and opened the catalog.

Just by opening the first page, Lu Chen's pupils shrank slightly.

Stone Tablet Fragment!

Lu Chen's breathing paused for a brief moment before he began reading the description.

This item can be traded with the Saiyang Organization; currently, no mysterious aspects have been discovered about it.

Lu Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, and after a while, he continued flipping through it.

A certain deep-sea marine organism fossil...

As well as some special drugs, and...

Precision machine tools, industrial mother machines, and so on...

There were even some artifacts and living creatures needed for legendary sacrificial rites...

It could be said that it truly opened Lu Chen's eyes.

As for the final item, it was an option for a Silver Coin that could be exchanged for 100 million in any national currency.

"Mr. Lu, is there anything that interests you? If not, you can take a look at this list of temporary auction items; of course, this list is not fixed."

Laites wore a smile on his face as he pushed the thin catalog toward Lu Chen.

"Since temporary auction items are not fixed, if you do not choose them, they will soon disappear."

Lu Chen nodded slightly and took the temporary auction catalog.

After opening it, Lu Chen fell into complete confusion.

Antiques, calligraphy and paintings, sacred objects of certain sects, and some strange books, even books that had been half-burned by fire.

Strange documents, items marked with some kind of curse, and private items of certain famous people...

It was a motley collection; there were even some things Lu Chen had never heard of, and most importantly, the No. 9 Document appeared brightly on one of the middle pages.

Lu Chen was completely bewildered; there were simply too many things, and the information was far too chaotic.

After a good while, Lu Chen finally put down the catalog.

He stacked the two catalogs together, looked up, and gazed at Laites.

He asked a question in a soft voice.

"Mr. Laites, is there cultivation in this world, or perhaps, is there magic?"

"Mr. Lu, why do you ask that?"

Laites was stunned for a moment, then a smile returned to his face.

"Perhaps there is magic in this world; there are always things we cannot understand, just like the stone tablets that the Saiyang Organization pursues. There are also all sorts of strange organizations in the world chasing after powers we cannot see or touch."

"But as of now, we at the Neutral Tavern have not found anyone who can use magic, or rather, we haven't truly found anyone who can."

Laites sighed and spoke softly.

"However, we have found an old woman who has lived to be nearly 200 years old."

Listening to Laites' words, a flash of disappointment crossed Lu Chen's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by curiosity.

"Nearly 200 years old?"

"Yes, she is still alive in our headquarters, but that old woman likely won't make it past this year; she is 199 years old this year."

A trace of regret flashed in Laites' eyes.

"We hope to let her celebrate her 200th birthday, but so far, all medical means have had no effect on her."

"That is truly a pity. If there is an opportunity, I would actually like to meet this elder."

Lu Chen said softly.

"If you are willing to come to our headquarters, you would certainly be able to see her. More than one important figure has met her."

Laites spoke softly, and after a few seconds, he added a sentence.

"Of course, I'm afraid you won't be able to communicate with her; she has already fallen into a coma. Even though we have used the best doctors and medicines in the world, we haven't been able to wake her up again. Now, we can only wait for her to pass away naturally."

"Now, Mr. Lu, let us return to the main topic. First is the regular auction; you may ask questions about any items that interest you, and I will answer them for you."

Laites composed his somewhat low spirits, handed Lu Chen a Cigar, and lit one for himself as well.

"The explanation for the No. 9 Document is not clear. Could you give me a detailed interpretation?"

After Lu Chen silently took two puffs of the Cigar, he set aside his various thoughts for the moment and asked in a soft voice.

"The No. 9 Document was previously held by the Cuitesi Family. After holding this document, their family was granted the title of Baron, and at the same time, their family's fleet expanded threefold within 3 years, and has maintained that scale ever since."

Laites looked at Lu Chen with some surprise before speaking softly to explain.

"At the same time, their family's wealth also expanded about tenfold in a short period. It can be said that this document created the Cuitesi Family, and also caused its destruction because of it."

"How so?"

Lu Chen frowned and asked softly.

"Internal strife caused by unequal distribution of interests within their family, while externally, others were eyeing this document covetously. It can be said that the death of the head of the Cuitesi Family was inevitable."

Laites did not hide anything, but instead explained softly.

"I know that at least 4 forces are eyeing this covetously. It could even be said that this auction is just a formality; the force that stole this document is determined to obtain it."

"What if I use my newcomer benefit to secure it?"

Lu Chen narrowed his eyes and spoke softly, a flash of sharp light crossing his gaze as he stared fixedly at Laites.

"This document will not appear at the auction, but at the same time, the four major powers will likely investigate members who have recently joined; of course, we will not disclose any information."

Laites spoke softly.

"But the next Honorary Council Member Meeting is about to begin, and they will investigate unfamiliar faces; this is something we cannot stop."

"Of course, every temporary auction item inevitably comes with huge trouble; while ordinary auction items are not as good, they also do not have as much trouble. As for how to choose, that is your right."

Lu Chen glanced at Laites, fell silent, smoked his Cigar in silence, and tapped his fingers continuously on the armrest.

The entire office seemed to have quieted down, with only wisps of blue smoke drifting along the ceiling toward the air duct.

The dim room was like a gaping abyss waiting to devour someone, quietly opening its maw, waiting for Lu Chen's choice.

It seemed like a long time had passed, yet it also seemed like only an instant.

The quiet Laites glanced at his watch before speaking softly.

"No. 9 Document is tonight's auction item; you have 25 minutes left to decide. The auction is about to start, and if you decide you want it, I will notify the auctioneer to cancel the auction of No. 9 Document."