Chapter 267

Chapter 267: Bidding for Icebreaking Technology

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Venus Auction House. This time, we’ve gathered materials, equipment, alchemy techniques, and rare treasures from across the Sea of Clouds—all to fulfill your needs!”

In the vast underground auction hall shielded by interlocking magic alarm systems, defense formations, and tracking arrays, guarded by numerous expert protectors, the Venus Auction House’s top auctioneer stepped onto the stage after the curtains rose. The handsome dark elf in formal attire bowed courteously before flashing his practiced smile.

“You’ve likely reviewed the auction catalog and found items of interest,” he said. “But tonight holds more than what’s listed! Beyond the final priceless treasure, we’ve prepared extra surprises! Let’s begin with one now!”

As he spoke, maids carried out the first item on ornate trays—an unlisted yet striking offering: a vial of Ice Blood Potion.

When consumed before leveling up, this potion granted practitioners deeper insights during advancement, boosting physical attributes beyond ordinary upgrades. A single bottle offered dozens of doses, cumulatively equating to nearly a full level’s difference. Imagine reaching Level 61 physical stats while still at Level 60—surpassing rivals by an entire tier!

Moreover, ice-aligned professions like Ice Mages achieved enhanced Absorption, maximizing the potion’s effects. In the Sea of Clouds, where personal power trumped external tools like equipment, such an item guaranteed fierce competition.

True to expectations, the unlisted potion stirred excitement among the private boxes. Even Midi felt mild surprise. Launching with an item worthy of closing ordinary auctions? This bold move highlighted both the Ice Soul Pearl’s value and the Venus Auction House’s formidable resources. Partnering with such a faction to sell Stormy Region materials seemed increasingly viable, Midi mused.

Meanwhile, bidding erupted.

“Starting price: 10,000 Crystal Coins!” announced the auctioneer.

A staggering sum—Crystal Coins, magic-infused energy stones, served as both currency and fuel. 10,000 coins could propel a Level 1 novice to Level 50’s peak, fund a large Skyship fleet for multiple voyages, or leave surplus after awakening.

Yet the auctioneer barely finished speaking when Box No. 8’s master barked, “20,000!”

“30,000!” countered another without pause.

“40,000! Let’s see who dares go higher!”

Astronomical figures flew, laced with taunts and threats. The hall buzzed until the potion sold for 80,000 Crystal Coins—enough to fund an aerial combat fleet for a year.

This was merely the opening act. Subsequent items, though less exorbitant, sparked heated bids within reason. Periodically, the auction house unveiled more unlisted “surprises,” each surpassing cataloged lots in quality or rarity.

The atmosphere remained electric, buoyed by the elite’s rare anticipation. Every item commanded high prices, never dipping below worth or going unsold. Even Midi acknowledged the Venus Auction House’s prowess—not just in power and resources, but in masterful commerce.

In the end, how many Crystal Coins would the Ice Soul Pearl sell for?

Midi couldn’t help feeling slightly expectant.

However, he soon refocused on the auction hall—according to the normal sequence, that ice-breaking technology would be the next item up for bidding.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me present our next auction item—impact-style ice-breaking technology! Primarily used in Skyship design, this technology grants constructed Skyships strong ice-breaking abilities! Our evaluation confirms its ice-breaking speed exceeds ten times that of common steam-based ice-breaking techniques in the Sea of Clouds!"

The dark elf auctioneer’s booming voice filled the hall as magic holograms repeatedly demonstrated the technology’s performance on ice-breaking Skyships. Several non-essential formulas lay enlarged on display tables, visible to all box guests for verification.

Midi didn’t examine the formulas. Though Master Norton and Wells had taught him some alchemy, he remained an amateur unable to judge formulas at a glance. The holograms only earned brief glances too—his initial assessment held true. This technology couldn’t handle the Ice Cloud Circle’s harsh conditions. His real interest lay in following potential clues from this lead, regardless of the technology’s actual value.

The auctioneer’s next words suddenly sharpened Midi’s attention.

"Here’s an added bonus—the technology’s provider offers direct communication with the buyer!" The auctioneer gestured dramatically. "While we can’t disclose their identity, Venus Auction House guarantees the inventor’s personal support for full technical implementation!"

Essentially, this included after-sales guidance. For major factions like the Rothschild Guild capable of independent Skyship development, this meant little—they’d analyze the technology themselves while guarding their secrets. But for Midi, it was perfect timing—a chance to meet the source directly instead of chasing clues. The technology itself mattered less than this unexpected opportunity.

Fortune favored them.

Midi exchanged relieved glances with Victoria.

The auctioneer’s voice rose again: "Impact-style ice-breaking technology starting at 5,000 Crystal Coins!"

"6,000."

"8,000."

"10,000."

Bids climbed steadily but unremarkably. The "bonus" held limited appeal—Skyship modification technology already had niche demand, with ice-breaking needs being rarer still. Some bidders likely sought it merely for technical reserves. Victoria predicted 25,000 Crystal Coins as the ceiling.

When "25,000 Crystal Coins" finally sounded, Midi knew his moment had come.

"28,000 Crystal Coins."

This carefully calculated bid exceeded the expected limit while maintaining rationality—a clear statement of determination without recklessness. At Venus Auction House where shrewd businessmen outweighed impulsive spenders, this strategic jump discouraged competitors from risky counters.

The perfect closing bid.

Yet the voice declaring this "28,000" didn’t come from Midi.

It echoed from box No. 9 across the hall.