"However," she continued, "it is classified as an Earth-grade artifact. Meaning, if the subject possesses a defensive treasure of Sky or Heaven grade, its effect may be nullified. The starting bid is four million credits, with each raise at five hundred thousand. Begin!"
Immediately, paddles shot up. Vivian's most of all.
"Five million."
"Seven."
"Ten."
Vivian's voice was calm but determined, the sharp glint in her eyes betraying how much she wanted it, as she had yet to win one, and she highly doubted she could win the last item of the auction. Lin Fang, seated beside her, merely turned his masked face slightly, watching her paddle rise again and again.
When the bid hit fifteen million, the hall grew tense. The bidder at table eleven — an elderly man in gray — finally dropped out. A brief silence followed before another voice joined the fray.
"Table two, seventeen million."
Heads turned as Zhi Yan joined as the new bidder.
