Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 87: The Auction (Part-5)

While she studied the weapon with interest, Nigel and Rose were also browsing the catalog. Since they had come, they naturally hoped to gain something worthwhile.

Moments later, an elderly man in black robes stepped onto the auction platform.

He appeared to be around fifty years old, his eyes sharp and spirited. As he looked over the audience, a genial smile spread across his face.

"Thank you all for taking the time to attend the Annual auction," he said. "I am today’s auctioneer, Arley."

At once, countless gazes settled on him. Arley was the chief auctioneer of the Trading Hall. Items auctioned under his hand almost never failed to sell.

"There’s no need for lengthy introductions," Arley continued with a chuckle. "I know everyone prefers action to words. Let us begin directly with the first item!"

Warm applause rippled through the hall. His straightforward manner immediately won favor.

With a slight lift of his hand, a woman in a red dress walked gracefully onto the stage, holding a tray. Her figure was alluring, her movements fluid, drawing countless admiring glances.

Even after she stepped aside, many eyes lingered in her direction.

Arley swept aside a piece of red silk, revealing the item beneath.

"Our first auction item is the Blood-Remnant Blade!"

The blade gleamed crimson under the lights.

"The Blood-Remnant Blade is extremely sharp and ideal for swift strikes," Arley explained. "Lightweight, easy to conceal, and difficult to detect—it is an excellent choice for both ambush and self-defense."

He lifted the blade slightly, allowing everyone a clearer view. Blood-red patterns ran along its surface, perfectly matching its name.

Inside the VIP box, Zora and the others could see everything with remarkable clarity.

It was as if the VIP box drew the platform closer, letting them observe even the finest details.

Zora evaluated the Blood-Remnant Blade calmly. It was indeed a fine weapon.

That it appeared as the very first auction item spoke volumes about the quality of this auction.

"The Blood-Remnant Blade, starting price four thousand gold coins. Each increase must be no less than one thousand gold coins. The auction begins!"

As soon as Arley’s voice fell, bids erupted across the hall like sparks flying from flint.

"Five thousand gold coins!"

"Six thousand!"

One voice barely faded before another overpowered it. The atmosphere instantly turned heated.

"Nine thousand gold coins!"

"Ten thousand!"

In just a few breaths, the price of the Blood-Remnant Blade climbed to ten thousand gold coins.

At that point, several bidders fell silent. For many, this price already exceeded what they were willing to pay.

"Eleven thousand gold coins!" another voice rang out.

Arley’s smile deepened. "We have eleven thousand gold coins. Eleven thousand. Is there a higher bid?"

"Twelve thousand gold coins!"

" welve thousand!" Arley echoed. "Any higher? Going once..."

The hall fell quiet. At this price, the blade had clearly reached its ceiling.

"Going twice..."

The owner who had consigned the blade could hardly hide his smile. This price was far better than selling directly to a shop.

"Sold!"

Arley brought the small hammer down with a crisp knock.

"Congratulations to the guest who has won the Blood-Remnant Blade!"

Applause broke out immediately, led by the Auction House’s staff and followed by the guests. A graceful woman in red stepped forward to deliver the item amid smiles and courtesy.

The buyer accepted the blade with visible satisfaction, basking in the atmosphere of celebration.

"No wonder the Auction House has such a reputation," White sighed. "They really know how to stir people’s hearts."

Zora nodded lightly. "Their methods are indeed impressive."

The Blood-Remnant Blade was not truly worth twelve thousand gold coins, yet the buyer felt pleased rather than cheated. That alone proved how masterfully the trading hall handled its auctions.

With the first item concluded, several more items were auctioned in succession. Still, Zora did not place a single bid.

"The next item is called the Execution Blade!"

Arley lifted another red silk, revealing a silver longsword that gleamed coldly under the lights.

"As its name suggests, this sword can cleave iron like mud and split hair with its edge. A truly fine weapon that can cut through even the toughest of the metals!"

"Fellow sword users, do not miss this opportunity!"

Nigel, who had been quietly observing, straightened instantly, his eyes fixed on the blade.

Zora noticed and smiled. "You’ve taken a liking to the Execution Blade?"

Nigel nodded. "It’s an excellent sword. Since I’ll be heading to the academy, I need a reliable weapon."

"Then go for it," Rose encouraged with a grin.

"The Execution Blade, starting price:thirty thousand gold coins. Each increase must not be less than one thousand gold coins. Bidding begins!"

"Thirty-one thousand!"

"Thirty-two thousand!"

The bidding started immediately, mostly from guests seated in the second-tier section. Meanwhile, those in the third-tier seats could only sigh and shake their heads in resignation.

For weapons of this grade, the auction price was simply beyond the reach of most people. On the path of cultivation, talent alone was never enough. Without sufficient wealth to support it, even the most gifted would eventually be forced to slow their steps.

"Forty thousand gold coins!"

The price climbed at a frightening speed. In just a short while, the Execution Blade had already broken past the fifty-thousand mark.

Once the price crossed that threshold, the number of bidders sharply decreased. Most practitioners could only watch helplessly.

"Fifty-one thousand gold coins!"

Nigel finally entered the fray. He had deliberately waited until now, knowing that competing too early would only drive the price higher. With fewer rivals remaining, this was the best moment to strike.

In the first-class seats, Serestia had been feeling bored. But when she noticed who was bidding from the box near Zora, a glint of malice flashed through her eyes.

A cold smile curved her lips.

"Since you’ve offended me," she murmured, "I’ll make you pay a little price."

"Fifty-two thousand gold coins!"

Her voice rang clearly through the hall.

Zora’s eyes narrowed slightly. Serestia used a whip, not a sword. This bid had nothing to do with interest. It was pure provocation. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Fifty-three thousand gold coins!" Nigel replied without hesitation.

"Fifty-four thousand gold coins!" Serestia followed instantly.

No matter how Nigel raised the price, Serestia always added another thousand, relentlessly pressing forward.

She had no grudge against Nigel himself, but anyone standing with Zora was automatically her target.

Anger gradually crept into Nigel’s chest. Most other bidders had already withdrawn. If not for Serestia’s interference, the Execution Blade would have been his by now.

"Sixty thousand gold coins!"

This time, Nigel raised the price by a full five thousand, his frustration clearly evident.

Seeing his reaction, Serestia’s smile only grew brighter.

"Sixty thousand gold coins."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Everyone could tell that Serestia was deliberately inflating the price.

The conflict between her and Zora earlier had been impossible to miss. No one present was blind.

This kind of malicious bidding disgusted many spectators. Forcing others to waste money for no reason was infuriating. After all, gold did not grow on trees.

Arley, standing on the auction platform, naturally noticed the situation as well. As an auctioneer, his duty was simple: maximize the value of every item.

From his perspective, this scene was ideal.

Regardless of who ultimately obtained the Execution Blade, the auction house would be the one profiting.

"Seventy thousand gold coins!" Nigel gritted his teeth and shouted again.

"Seventy-one thousand gold coins."

Serestia echoed smoothly, her smile unwavering. Yet inwardly, she was already surprised. A price exceeding fifty thousand was impressive enough. That Nigel had pushed it this far showed just how much he wanted this sword.

When Serestia prepared to raise it again, Nigel finally exhaled deeply.

He had brought only seventy thousand gold coins with him today. He had believed that would be more than enough. He never expected Serestia to sabotage him so thoroughly.

"You’re not bidding anymore?" Zora asked calmly.

Nigel shook his head with a bitter smile. "It’s too expensive now..."

Rose’s face darkened with anger. "That Serestia is going too far! This is shameless!"

A gentleman does not seize what another cherishes. Serestia’s behavior was nothing short of despicable.

Serestia had been waiting for Nigel to continue bidding. Yet after a long pause with no response from him, her expression finally changed.

Had Nigel... given up?

Her heart sank.

She did not want the Execution Blade at all. If she ended up winning it without intending to keep it, that would mean deliberately disrupting the auction’s rules. Tianxiang Auction House would never tolerate such behavior. That was the last thing she wanted.

"Seventy-one thousand gold coins, first call!"

"Seventy-one thousand gold coins, second call!"

Amusement flickered across many faces in the hall. Everyone knew how much Nigel wanted that sword.

If the Execution Blade truly fell into Serestia’s hands, she would be the one crying without tears.

"Seventy-one thousand gold coins, third—"

Just then, a calm voice cut through the hall. "Seventy-two thousand gold coins."