Auction house

Dark Moon's newly opened auction house is a new industry directly under the jurisdiction of the lord. It is located in the northwest block. It is large in scale and tightly guarded. They even specially invited several masters of the Dark Shadow Empire's Mechanic Association through the Dark Shadow Empire's Custer Family to set up a complex defensive magic circle. The degree of security is high. Guests can put some valuable things into the auction house, and the auction house will appraise and evaluate these items. An open bidding auction is held at a fixed time where the highest bidder will get the items. Meanwhile, the auction house will take 20% of the transaction amount as a reward.

## Story

This grand event attracted the attention of many people from the Demon Realm this time. The 3 devil fruits that were auctioned alone were enough to drive many demons crazy.

Chen Rui had so many devil fruits now that he could sell them in large baskets in the wholesale market, but products were more expensive when they were scarce, so there would not be too many devil fruits appearing at this moment (Price of rarity).

The Dark Moon's victory in the war of lords as well as the holding of auctions and trade fairs caused traders and merchants, who had originally evacuated, to return. Those vacant shops were all filled up through bidding a week after Shea announced the news.

### Opening

Taking advantage of the good news of the visit of the Bloody Vine Flower Estate Lord, the auction began with an unprecedented grandeur. The admission ticket soared to an unbelievably high price, but even so it was still hard to get a ticket.

In addition to the auction house, various shops in the Dark Moon City had also ushered in huge business opportunities. Even the consumption and benefits brought by outsiders participating in the subsequent trade fair were enough to make every businessman giggle to themselves.

Inside the auction house, there were no empty seats. Curtains were put down in the VIP rooms upstairs to hide the guests' identities, and a designated person was responsible for raising a placard to indicate that the bid was valid.

The largest VIP room was not covered, but it was transformed into an open platform for all guests instead. Inside, General Crawford, the Bloody Vine Flower Estate Lord accompanied by the Dark Moon Lord, Princess Royal Shea, were particularly eye-catching, but this attention soon shifted to the stage as Shea officially announced the start of the auction.

### Auction stage

On the auction stage, Krobelus looked gorgeous in a long silver dress. She completely overshadowed the limelight of Old Gauss beside her.

Ms. Emerald Dragon had a considerable ability to grasp wealth. After trying a few times as an auctioneer, she became obsessed with this profession. Ms. Betty's innate keen sense and accurate judgment of treasures made her perform surprising auctions talent and become the master auctioneer. Together with Old Gauss at the side who could enliven the atmosphere and avoid the awkward silence, they were the golden combination of the auction house.

More importantly, with the power of Ms. Emerald Dragon, it could deter many evil-minded people.

Seeing that almost everyone's eyes were on her, Ms. Betty looked radiant and full of confidence, adding more charm to her temperament.

## Treasures

After a polite welcome speech, the auction of the first treasures began.

"The first item is an exquisite legendary grade magic ring by Master Xingxing of the Dark Moon mechanic branch, the Heart of Oak."

### Devil fruit

Shea to Chen:

The news of devil fruit will attract a large number of demons and merchants to come. As for the strategy of publicly carrying out land improvement in the name of the treasure, it is even more ingenious – Not only can it divert the attention of adventurers, but it can also carry out land improvement reasonably. It's just that the credits of your real meritorious officer have been overlooked.

In the eager atmosphere, Krobelus who was holding the gavel looked very excited as the first auction item was sold. As the finale approached, the auction was about to usher in the most intense and climax moment.

When 3 transparent magic crystal shields displaying the devil fruits appeared on the stage, many fiery gazes were cast over it all of a sudden.

Compared with the royal family with near-infinite potential, ordinary demons, even demons of mutated bloodline, had the biggest potential bottleneck. This was why the 7 great royals firmly occupied the peak stage powerhouses of the Demon Realm. The higher the level, the larger the proportion of the royal family. Of course, the dragon family outside the category of ordinary demons did not belong to this category.

As long as they could consume the devil fruit, they would have the potential that was almost comparable to the royal family. The hope of breaking through the bottleneck would be greatly increased. There was also a chance to obtain additional mutated skills. The devil fruits could be said to be invaluable.

Even the visiting guest, General Crawford, the Bloody Vine Flower Estate Lord, had a brilliant light in his eyes.

At this time, Krobelus spoke up, "Dear guests, you should have seen the treasures in these 3 crystal shields. This is the most rare fruit of the Demon Realm, devil fruit! I believe I don't need to further elaborate its function. Before bidding, I have 2 news to be announced. The first news is that just an hour before the start of the auction, we received a message from the original owner of the devil fruits, a mysterious seller. This mysterious seller claimed that in order to thank Princess Royal Shea of the Dark Moon Estate who set up the auction house which has provided him with many conveniences and great benefits, he decided to present a precious devil fruit to Princess Royal Highness as a gift!"

This news caused a sensation. I didn't expect that the mysterious seller would actually be so generous! Everyone's attention focused on the VIP room where Shea was.

This is an amazing and precious gift!

Shea seemed a little surprised. After a moment of silence, she stood up, and her cold voice sounded through the auction house, "Thank you very much for the kindness of the seller. The Dark Moon auction house will provide more convenience to all sellers. In my private capacity, I shall now present this devil fruit to the visiting guest, General Crawford. I hope that he can accept this gift of friendship."

As Crawford did not expect this at all, he was surprised and delighted. He immediately stood up emotionally and saluted Shea, "Thanks to Princess Shea for your precious gift. I, Crawford Tevez, will always remember this personal friendship!"

Although Crawford was excited, he still did not forget to use the term "personal friendship", because he now represented not only himself, but also the entire Bloody Vine Flower Estate and even the entire Dark Shadow Empire.

Shea saluted back and nodded, "May our friendship be as everlasting as the friendship between the two estates."

This interlude reduced the devil fruits on the auction stage to two.

Initially, the demand was already higher than the supply, but now when there were only 2 devil fruits left, everyone's gaze became more and more intense.

### Bidding

Krobelus's voice sounded, "The second news is that the base price of these 2 devil fruits is 1 million black crystal coins."

Everyone was agitated. The base price of the final item is so low? However, Krobelus' words obviously had not ended yet, "Each increase in price is not less than 500,000 black crystal coins. If you don't have cash, you can use some rare magic materials or treasures as a collateral. Here is a trade-off form with the specific details of the collateral. For treasures that are not on the form, they can be assessed on the spot."

While Krobelus was talking, the maids had already distributed the trade-off form to every guest. The trade-off form was clearly written. For instance, Thunder Crystal was worth 3 million black crystal coins; top-quality Purple Demon Pearls was worth 4.5 million. Although the price was relatively low, the devil fruits would definitely be auctioned at an amazing price due to its rarity. In the absence of sufficient cash, this was the best way.

In fact, Chen Rui needed most of these materials to refine the artifacts of the exchange center. This trade-off model would become another source of auction house revenue in the future.

Although many of the previous auction items were rare treasures, many buyers had retained their resources and focused on the final devil fruit, so they naturally started to bid now.

It had been a while since the auction house was open. Many demons had also learned some auction techniques, and bidding had become more rational. However, the natural competitive character of the demons and the powerful functions of the devil fruit were enough to make most demons lose their "rationality".

The price began to soar at an incredible rate, and it surpassed 100 million in the blink of an eye.

Moreover, it was still increasing, and the rate of price increase had not decreased at all.

After exceeding 500 million, the call for the price increase was significantly lower. This price was already quite high, which was equivalent to the production value and savings of a medium-sized estate for many years.

"600 million!" A calm voice sounded in the VIP box No.13. This VIP usually didn't make a sound, but he bade an astonishing price as soon as he spoke up!

"610 million!" A cold voice sounded in VIP box No.5, "I want to see who dares to steal what I, Asmirko, want!"

"650 million!" The VIP in box No. 13 was still increasing the price, and his voice remained calm as if he was not bothered by Asmirko at all.

### Assassination

"Hmph!" Asmirko in VIP box No. 5 opened the competitor's curtain. No one knew if he wanted to leave angrily or to further deter his competitor. However, at this moment, a sudden change occurred.

Several dazzling destructive rays of light flew to Krobelus and Old Gauss on the auction stage out of thin air. The magic circle enchantment on the auction stage immediately reacted, creating all sorts of bizarre ripples to eliminate most of these destructive rays of light, but a few of the rays penetrated the enchantment.

Judging from this move alone, the attacker's power had reached the Demon Overlord level.

A green mark between Krobelus' eyebrows flashed while Old Gauss subconsciously flew back and landed on a safe position. As a faint green light appeared in her hand, the destructive light waves seemed to be attracted by the light and gathered toward her hand. It was completely resolved by the green light halfway.

However, just as Krobelus resolved the attack, a figure wrapped in flame flew toward the auction stage like lightning. Before the enchantment power that was dissipated by the light wave could recover, it was evaporated by the terrifying and blazing power of the flame.

In the blink of an eye, this figure had broken through the enchantment and appeared on the stage. He reached out to grab the 2 crystal shields that wrapped around the devil fruits.

As Krobelus yelled angrily, a piercing cold breath mixed with the ghastly poisonous ice crystals and rushed toward the flame figure. Suddenly, there was a blazing flame in the hand of the flame figure, and he parried the attack of Krobelus. Krobelus snorted and retreated 3 consecutive steps. The poisonous ice crystals in the cold breath vaporized quickly under the terrifyingly high temperature. This attack was at disadvantage, so it couldn't play a role.

Generally speaking, the power of a giant dragon was far better than a typical powerhouse, and Ms. Emerald Dragon was still invincible in a head-to-head situation. The true level of this flame figure should be a small realm higher than Krobelus; he had reached the intermediate stage of Demon Overlord.

An intermediate stage of Demon Overlord powerhouse actually came to the auction and wanted to snatch the devil fruit! Since the Dark Moon was just an estate, it was already quite rare to have a powerhouse like Krobelus. Even the biggest support couldn't defeat the visitor now, who else could stop the flame figure?

The front row of the auction was suddenly in chaos. The "initiator" of the whole event, Asmirko, who opened the curtain of the VIP room, was also dumbfounded. I just pulled the curtain to scare people. Is there such a huge chain effect?

In the midst of chaos, a light smoke appeared in front of the largest VIP room like a ghost, and it drifted silently toward General Crawford. It turned out that the previous snatching of the fruit was just a distraction. The real killing move was the assassination of Crawford!

In an instant, he instinctively had a strong sense of crisis, but he was firmly locked in by this light smoke as if held down by the most terrifying demonic beasts. He couldn't get rid of it. The speed and power of the assassin was surely not inferior to the flame figure. It must be another powerhouse who was at least at the intermediate stage of Demon Overlord!

They were determined to succeed in this decisive assassination.

When a cold light flashed in the eyes of the follower-like old man behind Crawford, a golden light flew out abruptly and blocked in the front of Crawford. It turned out to be a golden metal figure. There was a strange totem pattern engraved on its body, and both its eyes flashed red lights. Its throat was slit, but it didn't seem to feel anything, and it punched toward the assassin.

"Golden puppet!"

The sharp-eyed people had already exclaimed. The golden puppet's power was very powerful, and it was immortal. Although the assassin hit the puppet's vitals several times at a very fast speed, he couldn't disintegrate the puppet's combat power. They were in a stalemate for a while.

It seemed that Bloody Vine Flower Estate came prepared for their visit to the Dark Moon this time. Crawford was protected by a Demon Overlord powerhouse from the Asmodeus Royal Family.

At this time, the battle between Krobelus and the flame figure on the stage suddenly changed. Although one could not see the true face of the powerhouse that snatched the devil fruit, his gaze showed disbelief. The flames on his body actually condensed and started to freeze.

Soon, the intermediate stage of the Demon Overlord powerhouse was frozen in the air, and his horrified eyes were also frozen at the same time. Outside his body was the frozen outline of the boiling flame which was enough to eliminate the emerald dragon's water and poison element power. The flame was actually frozen under a certain mysterious and special power, forming a strange statue.

Krobelus' eyes lit up. As she waved her hand, the statue slowly fell down right next to the auction stage.

Everyone was dumbfounded. Only when Ms. Emerald Dragon returned to the auction stage with a sneer that they recovered their mind. The Demon Overlord powerhouse is caught alive so quickly and easily?

This is a Demon Overlord powerhouse! It's not like catching a common Higher Demon on the street!

In front of the biggest VIP room, the old man of the Asmodeus Royal Family suddenly showed a look of surprise as he saw that the "light smoke" fighting with the golden puppet suddenly disappeared. He thought it was a secret killing move just now, but when the assassin screamed, the intangible body turned into real light smoke and dissipated. Then only the old man of the Asmodeus Royal Family realized the assassin was actually silently killed!

The Dark Moon actually has such a powerhouse!

Crawford was also extremely shocked. I finally understand the reason Her Majesty Empress specially ordered me before I came that my attitude during this visit should be neither be too humble nor overbearing, and I must not show an arrogant or domineering attitude. It seems like the strength of the Dark Moon is indeed qualified to cooperate with the Dark Shadow Empire. Perhaps this Princess Royal Highness can even improve further in the future... Krobelus sounded through the entire auction floor with the voice of Demon Overlord power, "Everyone, it was just a small accident. It has been resolved now, please return to your seat. The auction will continue as usual."

A small accident? The sensible people were doubtful as their gaze looked at the ice sculpture who was like an "assistant" beside Ms. Emerald Dragon. It is hard to believe that this ice sculpture was a Demon Overlord powerhouse a minute ago!

Two Demon Overlords; one dead and one captured alive. Is this an estate or a capital?

Is this the combined power of the Dark Moon and Dark Shadow Empire? (Most people thought it was the hidden power of the Dark Shadow Empire.)

There was a hint of surprise in Shea's eyes, and she quickly recovered to her indifferent look. She said to Crawford, "This happened because of the poor protection of my Dark Moon. Please forgive me, General Crawford."

Crawford came back to his senses and nodded approvingly, "It's okay. This incident showed me the Dark Moon's emergency response and handling ability. It is worthy for the Bloody Vine Flower Estate to learn."

As one of the "culprits", Asmirko was holding the curtain in his hands. He was unable to recover from the shock for a while. A busybody asked, "It's all over, what else do you want to do?"

Asmirko saw the Demon Overlord ice sculpture, and he shuddered. I just wanted to "honestly" bid for the devil fruit. How would I know that this kind of disorder will happen? It would be awful if they misunderstood that I am the assassins' accomplice. The Dark Moon is too terrifying. Even the living space of the peak stage Demon Emperor is so small, I better return to Mars... Uhm, my hometown earlier.

He had an idea and exclaimed loudly, "I bid 660 million!"

Amidst the laughter, Ms. Emerald Dragon's continued, "VIP No. 4 bids 660 million! Is there any higher bid? 660 million for the first time!"

"700 million." The calm voice sounded again from the VIP box No. 13 (Teris). Asmirko didn't dare to run wild this time. He honestly let go of the curtain as he muttered, You are quite something!

## Results

After the battles of the several Demon Overlords just now, the next auction bidding was still very fiery, but the atmosphere was very good. With the "help" of the ice sculpture next to Ms. Emerald Dragon, there was no longer any eye-catching buddy who was ruthless like Asmirko in the VIP box No. 4.

No doubt, the fist effect was the most useful.

In the end, the auction ended successfully. The 2 devil fruits were sold at high prices of 700 million and 770 million respectively. Among them, the cash for the second fruit was 570 million, and there were many rare materials as a trade-off.

In fact, the Dark Moon earned more than 200 million black crystal coins from the auction of these 2 devil fruits alone. This was really the daily income of 100 million gold!

This massive income was enough to make any estate jealous, but they were only jealous. The strong financial and military power, formidable powerhouse and strong support from the Dark Shadow Empire. Unless Obsidian was determined to ignore the Dark Shadow Empire's impact and send troops to the Dark Moon directly from the capital, there would be no estate in the Fallen Angel Empire that was the opponent of the Dark Moon.

General Crawford, who received the devil fruit and saw the Dark Moon's true strength at the same time, praised the success of this auction. Shea responded politely and decently, and her attitude of neither too humble nor overbearing was unanimously appreciated by the Dark Shadow Empire's visiting group.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chapter 396 (Steambun)
2. ↑ Chapter 353 (Steambun)
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Chapter 408 (Steambun)
4. ↑ Chapter 394 (Steambun)
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Chapter 409 (Steambun)
6. ↑ Chapter 410 (Steambun)