Top Notch War God

Chapter 44

"This... this is really... authentic?" Ariya, stunned in the private room, stared at Talon.

"Yes, but the auctioneer said something wrong," Talon explained.

"Ancient merchants in Arcanis weren't just worried about the theft; with wars raging constantly, they hid true treasures within other paintings to keep them safe.. I just didn't expect it to be a late work by Liam. Looks like we've struck gold this time."

Ariya stared at Talon, realizing that she was increasingly unable to understand him.

Or rather... she had never thought she could interact with him like this; he was truly a mystery.

At the thought of this, a blush rising to her cheeks.

Talon carefully put away the painting. After returning, he could give it to Ralphy; this would make a great gift for Kieran.

The auction continued, but the earlier excitement was gone, and Talon nearly fell asleep.

"Next up for auction is the penultimate item of the evening: a jade pendant." The auctioneer took out the item, and Talon's gaze fixed intently on the pendant.

This jade pendant was related to the mystery of his origins, and it should be the one Ralphy mentioned.

"The jade pendant's origin remains a mystery and its worth cannot be ascertained. The entire field of archaeology has yet to provide a definitive explanation, but what is certain is that there are seven identical pendants in existence. We hope those in attendance will have the good fortune to acquire them all."

He added. "Now, the starting bid for this jade pendant is ten million, with each subsequent bid no less than one million. Let the bidding begin!"

Although the jade pendant looked decent, the attendees showed little interest, all eagerly waiting for the final auction item, the seal of King Louis.

"I'll bid thirty million." Talon stared at the jade pendant for a long time before deciding to make his move.

People turned around, seeing Talon bidding again, and their interest was rekindled.

Could this pendant, like the painting, have some hidden mechanism?

"Thirty-one million!"

"Five million!"

"Forty million!"

Some began to test the waters with their bids. After all, the people attending this auction were wealthy; thirty or forty million wasn't a big deal for them. Even if they just left it on display, they didn't want this good fortune to fall into someone else's hands.

"One hundred million!" Albi's voice suddenly rang out.

This time, he was determined not to let the pendant fall into Talon's hands. Even if it meant a fierce competition, he was willing to gamble.

"It looks like the Hussain family is set on competing for this pendant with me?" Talon's lips curved into a slight smile as he asked calmly.

"What are you talking about?" Albi replied coldly.

"The auction is meant for bidding. What does it matter if it's a competition? You bought that painting earlier; did I say anything? Since I didn't, stop complaining and bid if you want it!"

"I'm just worried that if I up the bid, you won't be able to keep up," Talon said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The Hussain family might have some background, but compared to him? They wouldn't catch up even in a century.

"Ha, can't match it? Go ask the Hussain family if there's any money we can't match. And you, after making a profit, if you can't afford to play, then just quit!"

"You just reminded me; wasn't that painting worth one billion?" Talon said with a mysterious smile.

"Subtracting the three hundred million cost, that leaves me with seven hundred million. So, I'll put it all on this pendant. If you can top that, it's yours."

"You!"

Albi was shocked. 'Damn, this brat isn't playing by the rules!'

He had already offered one hundred million, which was high enough; Talon actually bid seven hundred million.

Damn, was money at auctions so easy to earn these days?

Other guests also gasped. Seven hundred million was a huge sum for such a small item.

Only a fool would do this.

"Seven hundred million, once!" The auctioneer raised his gavel excitedly.

He was about to strike it rich; even his commission would be a small fortune.

"Seven hundred million, twice!"

"Brat, don't think you can take this jade pendant from me!" Albi gritted his teeth. "I'll bid seven hundred and one million!"

"Wow!"

The room was in an uproar when this price was announced. 'Albi, oh Albi, if you can't afford it, don't buy it. Adding one million at this point is ridiculous. It was simply lowering the Hussain family's status.

"What are you doing?" Albi knew his actions were unsavory.

"The rule is that each bid must be no less than one million, right? I added one million. What's wrong with that?"

"Mr. Hussain, if you're short on cash, it's better not to bid. It's fine to embarrass yourself here, but it's not appropriate if it affects the Hussain family."

"I don't care!" Albi stood up angrily.

"If you've got the guts, keep raising the bid. I'll outbid you by one million each time. I don't believe you can bid up to one hundred billion!"

"Heh, fine. Seven hundred and one million, the jade pendant is yours. I didn't expect you to add an extra million."

"Don't you know this pendant isn't worth that much?" Talon said with a smile.

"Aren't you bidding anymore?" Albi's voice had changed.

"No, I'm done."

"This…" Everyone was slightly stunned. Talon, who had been so excited earlier, was now suddenly not bidding.

Well, the young master of the Hussain family had become a laughingstock.

"Seven hundred and one million, sold!" The auctioneer dropped the gavel, with a bad feeling in his heart.

Mr. Hussain clearly didn't have seven hundred million. How would he pay?

"Auctioneer, you have experience with antiques. Help me examine this pendant," Albi said with a grim face.

"Check if this jade pendant is a piece of jade within jade, or if there are any hidden secrets. Look closely; if you make a mistake, I won't let you off. By the way, where's the electric oven?"

Despite his frustration, the auctioneer carefully examined the jade pendant and even used an electric oven to test it. Finally, he said, "Mr. Hussain, I've checked. The craftsmanship of this pendant is fine, but there are no other hidden values."

He comforted. "Maybe my eyes aren't that good. If you still have doubts, after you pay, go elsewhere and have an expert check it."

"No hidden values? I'm buying such a worthless thing?" Albi was stunned.

"Mr. Hussain, this thing isn't worth much. My seven hundred million bid was just to tease you. But you added an extra million. You must be rich and foolish. Although the Hussain family isn't short of money, you shouldn't spend it like this," Talon's voice came from the private room, making everyone snicker.

Albi's face was dark, filled with murderous intent he couldn't hide. "Fine, you win this round! But mark my words—show your face at the Masked King's place, and I will kill you!"