Chapter 826: Deal

Upon hearing the result, everyone wore an expression of "just as expected."

Aka Land's mouth twitched upward, trying hard to hide his feelings, yet anyone could see he was thrilled at that moment, only restrained by the reputations of the several Holy Soul Wizards present, daring not to be too smug.

The bidders felt even greater pressure.

Their second bids were raised considerably, yet Lei En announced the winner almost without thinking, indicating that the Mechanical Guild's offer must have far exceeded the others.

Countess Kailin wore a look of disappointment; the Mo Du aristocracy could no longer raise a higher price.

Sabbath Dean was in a similar spot; he had only recently achieved Holy Soul Ascension as a Wizard, his finances were thin, and BrewotzAcademy could not provide more support. He merely regretted missing the chance, saying that by cultivating his domain he would eventually possess a Fu Kong Cheng, though it might take a few hundred more years.

Although there was one final bidding chance, they were already out.

Dean Margarita, however, was not so composed.

She had been confident, increasing the number of female sorceresses to two hundred, assuming Lei En would certainly like it, but the result fell like a plunge from the heavens into the Abyss, wiping out her prior advantage.

Lord and Lady Hesita Fu wore heavy expressions; they had already raised the price to 80 million Gold Shields, yet still could not sway Lei En.

Earth Holy Saint Luoxita looked relaxed; she had already abandoned her bid, and her memory crystal was empty.

Tim*Kenan and KangJieladeGreatSage remained silent.

Storm Queen's eyes were full of resentment; she also raised the price by 60 million Gold Shields, but removed the condition of becoming Lei En's lover.

Silver Star Duke stared at Lei En, the most anxious of all.

Lei En swept Silver Star Duke with his Soul Eye, seeing her inner turmoil raging, frantic as ants on a hot pan, and chuckled silently.

The big fish is hooked!

"Chairman Lei En," the legendary Wizard from the Oruiense Times stood up, respectfully saying, "I request a private audience with you."

"Come in."

Lei En opened a portal, and the two entered the control room of Fu Kong Cheng.

The legendary Wizard immediately said, "Chairman Lei En, our newspaper's proprietor, Honorable Senator Lawrence, asked me to convey that if you can provide exclusive information about Fu Kong Cheng, the paper is willing to pay a reward of 200,000 Gold Shields."

"Sorry, no comment," Lei En replied curtly.

The other party suddenly grew impatient, hurriedly saying, "If you think 200,000 Gold Shields is insufficient, the price is negotiable…"

Lei En cut him off directly, "Do you think I'm short that amount?"

The legendary Wizard was left speechless.

The two newspapers exchanged a 5‑million Gold Shield entry ticket, each bid 60 million Gold Shields twice; this was within the rules, and Lei En turned a blind eye, not quibbling with them.

Having two more bidders also helped set the atmosphere.

But expecting exclusive news from me is out of the question.

Behind the Oruiense Times lies the Imperial Capital's elite circle; for example, their proprietor Lawrence is an Empire senator, of noble birth, with high social standing and considerable influence in the capital, yet he belongs to the Naiser faction.

"Return."

Lei En opened a portal to send the legendary Wizard back, then let the Mo Du Daily staff inside.

Sure enough, the fellow also requested an exclusive interview.

He lowered his posture even further, leveraging Mo Du local contacts, claiming friendships with various people, repeatedly attending banquets at Glamorgan Castle, and boasting about how much effort Mo Du Daily expended to publish auction news, and so on.

His core idea was to get the interview without paying.

Lei En could only laugh helplessly and immediately refused.

"Lord Count, an interview is unnecessary; may I ask you a few questions?" He persisted, shouting quickly, "The Empire's citizens are eager to know how you and the army actually entered the new settlement Fu Kong Cheng, and how to prevent Fu Kong Cheng from leaping…"

"No comment."

Lei En likewise sent the person away with the same phrase.

【8】 The next entrant was Dean Margarita, the scorching‑bodied destruction sorceress, who upon entering performed an elegant bow to Lei En, her dazzlingly beautiful face captivating, and softly said, "Chairman Lei En, could two hundred female sorceresses still fail to satisfy your needs?"

【9】 The remark was laden with implication.

【10】 Lei En replied earnestly, "Dean Margarita's offer excites me; the female sorceresses are fine, but they cannot match Gold Shields."

【11】 In other words, the Mechanical Guild submitted an extremely high Gold Shield price.

【12】 Margarita gracefully stepped forward, approaching Lei En.

【13】 She stood about 1.7 m tall, slim where appropriate, curvy where fitting, voluptuous yet perfectly proportioned; every movement exuded allure without a trace of lewdness, all precisely calibrated, evidently honed by countless trainings yet appearing innate.

【14】 "Chairman Lei En," Margarita lightly looped her arm around his, letting him feel astonishing softness and elasticity, "I know your standards are lofty; ordinary female sorceresses don't catch your eye, if…" She leaned to his ear, her breath fragrant as orchids.

【15】 "If you also include me?"

【16】 Lei En turned his head to the face within arm's reach, boldly appraising the Empire's famed great beauty, finding not a single flaw even by his own standards.

【17】 Centuries of reputation are far from empty praise.

【18】 Elatusa Academy's current influence is largely thanks to Margarita, who personally instituted the "Pillow Wind" policy.

【19】 Yet until now, Margarita had never personally enacted it.

【20】 It's not that she lacks skill in enticing men; in this regard, all female sorceresses are her pupils, and she hasn't taken matters personally because no man has been worthy of such.

【21】 But Lei En is worthy.

【22】 Precisely, it's this Fu Kong Cheng beneath his feet that is worthy!

【23】 Lei En clearly understood the distinction, not being clouded by desire; he lifted Margarita's plump chin with his hand, stared into her eyes, and smiled, "You?"

【24】 "Aren't you stirred?" Margarita locked eyes with Lei En for a few seconds, a hint of shyness flashing in her eyes, her ears reddening, and whispered, "I have a secret, Lei En—don't tell anyone—no man has ever possessed my body."

【25】 Lei En's gaze flickered, rather surprised.

【26】 A large part of Margarita's fame is of a seductive nature, relished by men, and many gossip pieces about her circulate among the Empire's populace.

【27】 These rumors are mostly spread by rivals of the female sorceresses, lacking evidence, yet given the sorceresses' conduct, it's hard to believe that Dean Margarita, who has cultivated so many, could be a chaste woman.

【28】 It's like saying the madam of a brothel is a virgin—not impossible, but who would believe it?

【29】 "You don't believe?"

【30】 Margarita, seeing Lei En silent, pretended to strip off her dress, "Lei En, you may inspect it yourself."

The next to come in was Dean Margarita; this Destroyer Mage with a fiery figure, upon entering, gave Chairman Lei En an elegant bow, her gorgeous, unworldly face utterly captivating, and she said in a soft voice, "Chairman Lei En, could two hundred female mages not satisfy your needs?"

That remark was full of innuendo.

Lei En replied solemnly: "Dean Margarita's offer tempts me; female mages are fine, but they can't compare to Gold Shield."

The implication was that the Mechanical Guild had offered an extremely high price for Gold Shield.

Margarita approached leisurely, drawing near to Lei En.

Her height is about 1.7 meters; she is slim where she should be, curvy where she should be, voluptuous yet with perfect proportions, every gesture exudes allure yet there is not the slightest hint of licentiousness, everything is just right, clearly the result of countless trainings yet it feels completely natural.

"Chairman Lei En," Margarita lightly linked her arm with his, letting him feel her astonishing softness and elasticity, "I know your standards are high; ordinary female mages don't catch your eye, if…" she whispered into his ear, her breath fragrant like orchids.

"What if I were added too?"

Lei En turned his head to gaze at the face inches away, boldly appraising this Empire-famed great beauty, and even with his own discernment he could find no flaw.

Her fame of hundreds of years is certainly not undeserved.

Ailatusa Academy's present influence owes much to Margarita's efforts, and the "Pillow Wind" policy was also her own doing.

But until now, Margarita had never personally carried it out.

It's not that she's inept at seducing men; in this regard, all female mages are her disciples. She has never personally done so because no man was worth the effort.

But Lei En is.

To be precise, it's this floating city beneath his feet that's worth it!

Lei En clearly understood the distinction, not having lost his reason; he lifted Margarita's full chin with his hand, locked eyes with her, and smiled, "You?"

"Aren't you moved?" Margarita locked gazes with Lei En for a few seconds, her eyes suddenly shy, her ears flushing, and she whispered, "I have a secret, Lei En—don't tell anyone—no man has ever possessed my body."

Lei En's eyes flickered, quite surprised.

Much of Margarita's fame is scandalous, talked about by men, and the Empire's populace also spreads many gossip stories about her.

Most of these rumors were spread by rivals ostracized by the female mages; though there is no evidence, given the mages' conduct, it's hard to believe that Dean Margarita, who has trained so many female mages, could be an innocent woman.

It's like claiming the madam of a brothel is a virgin—possible, perhaps, but who would believe it?

"You don't believe me?"

Seeing Lei En silent, Margarita made a move to take off her own skirt, saying, "Lei En, you can examine it yourself."

"I trust Dean Mǎgélìtǎ," Lei En said seriously, "but this has nothing to do with the Fu Kong Cheng transaction, and it isn't enough to change my mind."

Mǎgélìtǎ's eyes welled with tears, "Everything I have done is not solely for myself, but also for the Academy, for all the sorcerers. The Empire is the Wizards' Empire, but sorcerers are also spellcasters; if I can enter the Supreme Council, the sorcerers' status in the Empire will surely improve, gaining more attention from the Goddess."

"Lei En, if you can give me a hand, not only the ÀilātúSà Academy, but the Empire's sorcerers will forever remember this favor."

"Please do not underestimate the power of sorcerers."

"The influence of the Empire's sorcerers will never be inferior to any Holy Soul Wizard; with the sorcerers' help, whatever you wish to do in the Empire will become much easier."

As she spoke, Mǎgélìtǎ displayed strong confidence.

Lei En quietly watched her performance.

Indeed, it was a performance.

The Soul Eye saw clearly: no matter how rich Mǎgélìtǎ's expressions were, how moving her words, from start to finish her emotions remained calm. Even when she tried to seduce him, she was still calm; when seduction failed, she switched to bribery.

Although most of what she said was true, including her claim that no man had ever touched her, that was also true.

But she remained in an extremely calm state, every word and action was utilitarian, with only one purpose: to lure him onto the hook.

Such scheming and acting, in a past life, could have earned her several small golden statues.

A dangerous woman!

Lei En instantly lost interest in her, withdrew his arm from the towering peaks, and said lightly, "Dean Mǎgélìtǎ's sacrifices for the sorcerers earn my great respect, but I will not compromise my own interests because of a few words from the dean. If the dean wants the Fu Kong Cheng, just make an offer later."

Those words basically exposed her performance.

Mǎgélìtǎ did not panic, still looking enchanting, and persuaded, "Speaker Lei En, missing the loyalty of the Empire's sorcerers, will regret it in the future."

"Influence is not equal to strength, nor is it power," Lei En said lightly. "Approaching power makes some people mistakenly think they possess power."

Mǎgélìtǎ's body trembled, and her expression finally cracked.

Those words struck directly at the sorcerers' weakness and the root flaw of the ÀilātúSà Academy's "Pillow Wind" strategy, like a hard slap to her face, leaving her stunned, unable to speak for a long time.

"Speaker Lei En has taught me a lesson."

Mǎgélìtǎ's expression became serene, she put away the tactics of luring men, and restored the aloof demeanor she shows before ordinary people.

Lei En nodded, opened a portal and let her out.

Immediately after, the Silver Star Duke entered.

Another woman!

Lei En couldn't help but feel a headache; the women of this world, especially those with great power, are each more difficult to handle than the last.

"Your Grace, Duke," he greeted proactively, since the other was his liege.

"What price did the Mechanical Guild actually offer you?" the Silver Star Duke demanded, clearly dissatisfied with Lei En, "I have pledged the Iola Core and ten million Gold Shields, plus five voting rights in the Supreme Council, and you still chose the Mechanical Guild?"

In the second bid, she raised the price by five million Gold Shields and added two more voting rights.

"I can't say, that's the rule of secret bidding," Lei En shook his head.

"What a damn rule, and wasn't it you who set it!" the Silver Star Duke scoffed, "You tell me here, who could know?"

"Precisely because I set the rule myself, I must adhere to it even more," Lei En insisted on his principle.

"You!"

The Silver Star Duke was seething with anger; in her eyes, Lei En was simply being obstinate, deliberately refusing to let her obtain the Fu Kong Cheng. She felt truly aggrieved—Lei En was clearly her vassal, and if she hadn't ennobled him as the Earl of Glamorgan and given him access to Anxi, how could he have come this far?

Of course, Lei En's achievements today are largely due to his own effort.

In any case, before Lei En rose to prominence, I gave him great help, even gifting him the epic‑level "Azure Sky Song," so I deserve at least some credit for his rise.

And the result?

Lei En not only showed no gratitude, but repeatedly opposed me.

The last deal with Kǎi'ěrsītōng was also ruined by him; out of respect for Anxi's face, I didn't hold a grudge.

Now it's his turn to sell the Fu Kong Cheng; even for Viola's sake, he should give me some concessions at the auction.

Offering a discount is well within his duties.

But Lei En wouldn't even grant a chance to meet beforehand, completely disregarding me, which filled the Silver Star Duke with a belly of anger.

Just now, Lei En stood before me, expression calm, showing no awe toward his liege or a Holy Soul Wizard, as if I were merely an ordinary person.

The more Lei En remained calm, the more the Silver Star Duke grew angry.

Had I known it would be like this, I should have eliminated this guy back in Longshande while he was still weak.

Now Lei En is too powerful, so strong that I have no way to deal with him. From Kuilu I learned the details of the assault on Xinxiang Fu Kong Cheng; Lei En's displayed strength already far surpasses that of a Grand Mage or a Holy Soul Wizard.

Kuilu once said, if she faced Lei En head‑on, there was over a 90% chance she would die.

And she would die a terrible death.

Kuilu's strength ranks second among the sisters, only behind Storm; even she says she's no match for Lei En, so I am even less likely.

This monster!

The Silver Star Duke muttered under her breath, took several deep breaths, and forced her fury down. For the sake of the Fu Kong Cheng, she could only endure, preparing herself for the possibility of being cut down mercilessly.

Her expression resembled someone about to step onto the execution platform; in a deep voice she asked, "Tell me, what price must I pay for you to agree to sell the Fu Kong Cheng to me?"

"If you want the Fu Kong Cheng, Lord Duke, just make an offer," Lei En said calmly, seated on the fishing platform, speaking at an unhurried pace.

The Silver Star Duke stared at him, hummed, and viciously said, "I know what you want, it's just the independence of the Glamorgan domain, right? Fine. Iola Core plus ten million Gold Shields, five Supreme Council voting rights, plus a charter that severs the vassal relationship between the Longshande Duke's domain and the Earl of Glamorgan's domain."

Her heart felt like it was bleeding.

Although the Glamorgan Domain is small, it is the second most valuable territory under my name after Longshande City; in the past I needed to do nothing, just lying down each year to earn three hundred thousand Gold Shields.

After Lei En became the Earl of Glamorgan, under his management the domain's value rose year after year.

Now the annual tax alone amounts to six hundred thousand Gold Shields.

In the foreseeable future, Glamorgan's tax will surely keep rising, surpassing a million Gold Shields without issue, like a hen that continuously lays golden eggs, yet now must be handed over…

But not giving it away is also impossible.

Lei En could never just give away money; sooner or later he would find a way to take it, and then not a single coin could be collected, so it's better to use it now as bargaining chips.

"Not enough," Lei En shook his head.

Silver Star Duke erupted in anger, shouting, "Ryan Augustus, you are being too excessive! I am still your liege, even your surname was bestowed by me; don't you have any gratitude?"

"A trade is a trade, an investiture is an investiture; those are two separate matters," Lei En ignored the Holy Soul Wizard's fury. "In these four years I have paid taxes on time, a total of 2,380,000 Gold Shields, not a single copper Li Su missing, fully fulfilling my duties as a vassal, with no fault toward you, Duke."

Silver Star Duke, of course, knew the amount.

At the time, collecting the money felt great, getting that sum without doing anything, which greatly eased Longshande's fiscal strain, but now it feels like the money is biting the hand.

Silver Star Duke hesitated for a moment, then helplessly said, "Longshande can't produce any more money; I'll have to borrow another ten million to make up the shortfall."

"I can accept other things; it doesn't have to be Gold Shields," Lei En shrugged. "I have so many Gold Shields now there's no room to store them; if you're just giving money, there's no need to negotiate."

Silver Star Duke's face turned blank.

She has been most troubled in her life by lack of money; to earn it, she has brutally squeezed her territories and her own offspring, even her subordinates' legends can only support seven or eight, the Silver‑clad Knights' average rank is below third, appearing to have three thousand members, many in number, yet the corps' overall strength in the Empire is only second‑tier.

Because of the lack of money, for over three hundred years she has been mocked countless times by Aelarslan.

Because of the lack of money, she was left far behind her contemporary Kellston, and her wizard rank only rose three levels.

Because of the lack of money, every action was hampered, nearly driving her mad.

Now Lei En says his Gold Shields are so abundant there's nowhere to store them!

Silver Star Duke was greatly provoked; in fact she had known for a long time that Lei En was extremely wealthy, having heard some from Viola, otherwise how could she have built Gotham City and maintained three powerful transcendental legions? She just didn't understand how Lei En could amass so much money.

"How much money do you have?" Silver Star Duke asked out of curiosity, instinctively.

"I don't know."

Lei En spread his hands, not wanting to further provoke her.

But Silver Star Duke took it to mean he couldn't even count his own money, feeling as if she'd eaten a lemon, the sourness almost spilling from her mouth, and said sourly, "You're so rich, yet you still haggle with me over the price of Floating City."

"Heh…" Lei En ignored her. "What does my wealth have to do with you?"

Silver Star Duke also knew this was self‑defeating, hesitated, then took off a magical ring she wore on her hand.

The plain‑looking pale pink ring instantly revealed its true form.

Its dark‑red band was wide and thick, engraved with profound runes; the hexagonal setting held a massive ruby, within which swirled obscure yet immense magical energy, clearly not an ordinary item.

"Deep Crimson Seal Ring, Legend Grade magical item."

Silver Star Duke, looking reluctant, tossed the ring to Lei En. "You should have heard of it; it's a magical item crafted by an elf Grand Mage in the Third Epoch. I've worn it for nearly four hundred years; its power needs no elaboration, it should be worth at least five million Gold Shields, right?"

Lei En nodded. "It can."

The higher the quality of a magical item, the rarer the accessory class, and the higher its value.

A Legend Grade weapon of relatively ordinary potency costs between two and three million Gold Shields; armor pieces are priced a bit higher, and accessories are the most valuable.

A Legend Grade magical ring valued at five million Gold Shields is no problem.

Not to mention, this is the Deep Crimson Seal Ring!

Lei En had heard of this ring; it comes with the Eight‑Ring Spell "Ruby Reverse Ray", usable three times a day.

Ruby Reverse Ray can reverse any magical effect, restoring it to a 'natural' state—such as unsealing, dispelling negative conditions, breaking force fields or shields. Its effect looks similar to Tim Kainen Disintegrate, not as overbearing, but more comprehensive, often producing wondrous results.

The Deep Crimson Seal Ring can also store five spells: the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rings, one each, no duplicates, with conditions that can be set for automatic activation.

Finally, the Deep Crimson Seal Ring grants accelerated casting.

Wearing this ring, first‑ to third‑ring spells cast instantly; fourth‑ to sixth‑ring spells have their casting time halved; sixth‑ to ninth‑ring spells have their casting time reduced by at least one second.

This is a top‑tier magical item; even among Legend Grade pieces it is rare. If auctioned, five million Gold Shields would be more than sufficient.

Yet five million Gold Shields cannot purchase the Deep Crimson Seal Ring.

It is perfect for Reslin!

Lei En admired it for half a minute, then returned the ring to Silver Star Duke, leaving her bewildered, "What do you mean?"

"Even with the Deep Crimson Seal Ring it's still not enough," Lei En replied.

Silver Star Duke was about to erupt in anger.

Lei En casually explained, "Lord Duke, someone has already offered a higher price."

The Iola Core costs around fifty million Gold Shields; adding ten million Gold Shields, the independent value of the Glamor Morgan territory is about another ten million Gold Shields, and with the Deep Crimson Seal Ring the total comes to roughly seventy‑five million Gold Shields. In the second round of bidding, three participants offered comparable amounts.

It can be foreseen that the final round of bidding will definitely exceed eighty million Gold Shields.

Silver Star Duke's only advantage is that she possesses the Iola Core, but that is insufficient to offset the price gap.

"Are they mad? Bidding this high!" Silver Star Duke exclaimed in disbelief, suspecting Lei En of deceiving her, "You're not lying, are you?"

Lei En shrugged, "Believe it or not."

Silver Star Duke's expression turned uneasy, hesitated, then gritted her teeth and said, "I'll add a magic soul of an Ancient Dragon Demon."

Lei En's eyes lit up.

He had personally seen Silver Star Duke's Ancient Dragon Demon—its body massive as a hill, strength boundless, innately wielding thunder, an Ancient Dragon Demon being a Saint Rank monster, perfectly matching his requirements, usable to strike the Holy Soul Wizard.

"If Lord Duke can produce the magic soul of an Ancient Dragon Demon, the Floating City will be yours," Lei En responded immediately.

"It's not the Ancient Dragon Demon in my Soul Gathering Tower," Silver Star Duke shook her head. "It is the foundation of my power; I cannot give it to you."

The magic souls in the Ten Thousand Spirits Wizard's Soul Gathering Tower can be separated for trade or inheritance; if a stronger magic soul is available it can be swapped, but the power regresses, and the separated soul reverts to its initial fused state, with all previously invested soul power dissipating.

"Lord Duke, do you have another Ancient Dragon Demon?" Lei En asked.

"No."

Silver Star Duke quickly said, "But I know where an Ancient Dragon Demon is; give me three years and I will certainly bring you a magic soul of an Ancient Dragon Demon."

Lei En felt a bit disappointed; three years is too long.

"Lord Duke, why not just tell me the location; I'll hunt the Ancient Dragon Demon myself."

"I cannot tell," Silver Star Duke flatly refused, stating firmly, "The location of the Ancient Dragon Demon is crucial to me, tied to my future magical path, its importance not less than the Floating City; I cannot tell you."

The Soul Eye saw that she was not lying.

Lei En did not press further; after consideration he said, "If it's merely a promise of an Ancient Dragon Demon, I cannot guarantee that Lord Duke will definitely win the deal."

"This is the greatest price I can pay; if I still can't get the Fu Kong Cheng, then I'll have to keep building my own Fu Kong Cheng. I've already waited three hundred years, I'm not afraid to wait another few decades." Duke Silver Star let out a sigh of relief instead, without blindly raising the price.

Lei En glanced at her with a superior look, not expecting that she had actually regained her reason.

"Duke, please."

Duke Silver Star returned to the castle hall from the portal; after talking with Lei En for so long, the bidders waiting grew a bit impatient.

After her, the Hestav City Lord and his wife entered the portal and returned shortly thereafter.

Lei En also returned to the hall.

TimKainanMaster and KangJieladeGreatSage both made no request for communication, and Sabbath Dean, seeing no hope, gave up the negotiations.

"The third round of bidding begins," Lei En said. "Everyone, you have ten minutes."

The hall fell silent.

This was the final bid, deciding the ownership of the Fu Kong Cheng; both bidders and onlookers were especially tense. Except for the Earth Holy Soul nun Rosita and caretaker Akarand, who had long given up the auction, everyone else waited until the last half‑minute to submit their memory crystals.

Lei En read the contents of the crystals one by one.

Compared with the second round, the increase in the final round was not as large as expected, indicating that most bidders had already offered their highest price.

Two newspapers, the Mechanical Union, and the Earth Church placed no bids.

Countess Kailin's offer remained 40 million Gold Shields plus two parcels of Mo Du's lands, with an extra condition: her student Jenna would take charge of the Fu Kong Cheng. This was a goodwill gesture; Mo Du nobles handing the Fu Kong Cheng to Jenna, who is not even a legendary Wizard, to show loyalty to Weizelan. However, Lei En considered it completely unnecessary and insignificant.

Dean Marguerita increased the number of female sorceresses to 300 and reiterated that she could grant any request.

Sabbath Dean and Storm Queen's bids were similar to those in the second round, essentially abandoning the auction.

Tim*Kenan and KangJieladeGreatSage, these two Holy Soul Wizards, indeed, as Storm Queen said, only bid around 80 million Gold Shields and did not communicate with anyone, indicating that their desire for the Fu Kong Cheng was not that strong; they cared mainly about participation, and not getting it was no loss.

The true competitors were only two parties.

One was Duke Silver Star.

Her bid was the Iola Core plus 10 million Gold Shields, Gra Morgan's territory becoming independent, a deep‑red signet ring, and a promise to deliver an ancient dragon demon within three years. On top of the previously discussed items, she added materials worth 15 million Gold Shields that she had gathered for building a Fu Kong Cheng; if she obtained the New Village Fu Kong Cheng, most of those materials would become unnecessary.

The other was the Hestav City Lord and his wife, whose bid was simple and brutal: one hundred million Gold Shields!

Lei En stared at the price in the crystal and was stunned for a moment.

"Fucking rich!"

However, he could understand the Hestav City Lord and his wife's yearning for the Fu Kong Cheng; the Fu Kong Cheng could help them become Holy Soul Ascension Wizards, enter the Supreme Council, and rise to the Empire's highest ruling tier. When they had just spoken with him, they also voiced this goal.

Duke Silver Star's items, all counted together, were worth about 90 million Gold Shields.

Ninety million versus one hundred million!

Lei En made his choice easily; he stood up under everyone's gaze, his eyes sweeping each bidder, pausing on the Hestav City Lord and his wife, causing them great delight as their hearts pounded.

But before they could rejoice, Lei En suddenly turned to Duke Silver Star and announced, "Duke, the Fu Kong Cheng is now yours."

(Apologies for the delay; the final count reached 7,500 words, the extra 1,500 words are free.)

(End of chapter)