Prince Philip watched the confrontation with shock. He had never imagined that the first eting between the two would end in a Life-and-Death challenge. Zora was no longer the person she once was.
Rose stood frozen, eyes wide, her mouth hanging open. She had only been angry at Serestia’s behavior. She never imagined things would spiral to this extent.
"Zora, I was just angry!" Rose blurted out anxiously. "How could it turn into a life-and-death duel? This is too dangerous, really... really..."
Seeing Rose’s panic, Zora’s lips curved into a gentle smile.
As Nigel had once said, Rose might be impulsive, but her heart was sincere.
Before today, there had been a faint distance between them. Yet now, Rose was standing firmly on her side, even daring to offend Serestia for her sake.
Nigel also frowned deeply. "You were too impulsive. I heard Serestia already broke through to the middle stage of the Sky Realm. With a year of training at the academy, she’s not soone easy to deal with."
Zora waved her hand lightly, completely unconcerned. "Relax. I know exactly what I’m doing."
From the mont she first saw Serestia, Zora had already gauged her strength. Though she herself was only at the early stage of the Sky Realm, her true combat power was more than enough to rival mid-stage cultivators.
This was her confidence.
Serestia had trained at the academy for one year. But Zora had walked the path of blood and death for lifetis.
In cultivation experience and real combat, no one of the sa age could compare to her.
Serestia was never worth fearing.
She chose the Life-and-Death Arena not out of recklessness, but to sever future trouble at its root. Otherwise, she would have already ended Serestia’s life on the spot.
Watching Zora’s unwavering composure, both Nigel and Rose were filled with regret.
If they had known things would turn out like this, they would never have invited her to the auction in the first place.
Because of that sudden Life-and-Death challenge, Rose completely lost interest in competing for the leather armor. Serestia, on the other hand, was clearly distracted as well. In the end, to everyone’s surprise, Rose managed to secure the leather armor at a relatively low price.
"Sera, tomorrow’s battle with Zora... you still need to be cautious," Silvan said in a low voice.
Serestia lifted her chin, her expression full of confidence. "Just her? Once I get serious, she won’t stand a chance."
Silvan frowned slightly. "That may not be the case. If your strength truly overwheld hers, your face wouldn’t have ended up like this."
At those words, Serestia’s expression stiffened. She imdiately retorted, "That was just a mont of carelessness! How could she possibly be my match?"
"Sera, I’m saying this for your—"
"Enough," Serestia interrupted impatiently. "I know my own strength better than anyone. Don’t say these useless things."
Seeing the irritation flicker in her eyes, Silvan could only sigh and fall silent.
He had only exchanged a few words with Zora, yet even so, he could sense that she was not soone who acted recklessly. For her to propose a Life-and-Death battle so decisively, she must have had her own confidence.
Unfortunately, Serestia had no intention of listening.
Perhaps she already had her own plans for tomorrow’s duel, because she did not make trouble again when the Blue Ice Sword was auctioned.
That sword, however, still drew intense interest from many practitioners. From its high starting price alone, one could tell it was no ordinary weapon.
In the end, the Blue Ice Sword fell into Zora’s hands.
As one auction item after another was sold, the atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly heated. The closer it ca to the end, the more valuable the lots beca.
Yet most of the people present were no longer fully focused on the auction itself. Their thoughts were fixed on the Life-and-Death duel between Zora and Serestia scheduled for the next day.
When the final listed item was successfully auctioned, many guests began to rise, preparing to leave. At that mont, Arley’s voice rang out once more, instantly drawing everyone’s attention back.
"Before the auction began," Arley announced with a confident smile, "our auction house received an additional item. After careful consideration, we have decided to make it the finale of today’s auction. I believe everyone here will be extrely interested."
His words caused a ripple of shock through the hall.
A finale item added at the last minute?
The guests who had been ready to leave all sat back down, eyes fixed on the stage. For the Auction House to elevate a temporarily added item to finale status, its value was surely extraordinary.
"I wonder what it is, to make the Auction House change its plans."
"If it’s chosen as the finale, it must be sothing incredible."
"This is the first ti I’ve seen a last-minute addition beco the finale."
Curious whispers spread through the hall, anticipation written on every face.
Rose leaned forward slightly, eyes shining. "What could it be, for the auction house to make such a decision?"
The mont she finished speaking, both she and Nigel paused.
Their gazes instinctively turned toward Zora.
They both rembered clearly. Zora had gone to the appraisal hall earlier to sell an item, yet it had not appeared in the auction lineup until now.
Could it be... that the final item was hers?
"This finale item... it wouldn’t happen to be yours, would it?" Rose asked, her voice carrying a hint of disbelief.
Zora smiled and nodded openly, showing no intention of hiding it. "Yes. It’s mine."
The mont those words left her lips, both Nigel and Rose froze. From the quality of the items auctioned earlier, they already knew how terrifying the value of the finale item must be. Yet they never imagined it would belong to Zora.
"What exactly is it?" Nigel couldn’t help asking.
"You will know it soon enough," Zora replied with a mysterious curve to her lips.
At the sa ti, on the high platform, the woman in red gently placed the tray before Arley. The smile on Arley’s face widened as his voice rang clearly through the hall.
"I believe everyone is extrely curious about today’s final auction item. I won’t keep you in suspense. The finale item is sothing every young cultivator longs for—Bone-Cleansing Potions!"
For a split second, the auction hall fell into a stunned silence.
Then, as if a fuse had been lit, the entire hall erupted.
"Bone Cleansing Potions? The Auction House is auctioning Bone Cleansing Potions?"
"This is unbelievable! I’ve wanted one for years but never had the chance!"
"If I’d known this earlier, I would’ve brought twice as much money!"
"Hurry, send word back ho. No matter what, I must get one!"
Excited voices overlapped, and the atmosphere instantly exploded.
Even Serestia’s expression changed dramatically. Bone Cleansing Potions were exactly what she needed most at her current stage of cultivation.
"No, I need to inform the family imdiately!" she muttered, already standing up.
She hadn’t brought much money today, having only co to watch the auction. Without hesitation, Serestia hurried out of the hall.
Silvan’s eyes also burned with desire. Even within the academy, Bone Cleansing Potions were rare treasures. If he could obtain one here, it would be a trendous gain.
"Master, Serestia has left the auction hall," Black reported quietly.
Zora’s lips curved into a faint, confident smile. "She’s gone to gather money. She’ll co back soon," she said calmly. Then, her eyes glinted coldly. "But even if she brings all the money she can find, it still won’t matter."
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