Now that the auction had progressed to this point, it made people feel suffocated.
Every bid could be the final price.
Whether or not they could afford it was another question.
The Northern Alliance was a powerful force, while the Western Alliance needed the support of the two Citadels.
The Western Alliance could support them with warships, but they would have to bear the costs themselves. The relationship between the two Citadels and the Western Alliance wasn't nearly as close as the relationship between the Northern Alliance and the Major League.
"One Capital ship, one colossus, and two battleships!" Metatron gritted his teeth.
"Here you go!" The Terminator's voice was cold, and he made no further bids.
Metatron was a peak-level Adept, but in that moment he felt like he was about to collapse. He let out a long sigh.
Was it finally over?
He'd won it after all.
"One Capital ship, two colossus."
Just when everyone thought the auction was over after the Terminator announced his withdrawal, another voice rang out.
It was Neptune again.
Metatron's hands began to tremble. Under any other circumstances he might have been tempted to lash out.
But Neptune was a Paragon, and he had the backing of the Hanhai Group. He wasn't someone Metatron could afford to offend.
"His Majesty Poseidon, isn't today's harvest bountiful?" Metatron couldn't help but remark.
Huali's voice was soft. "Only I know how much I've gained.
This vital crystal is just as important to me.
If Sir Metatron has the resources, you can continue to bid. "
He'd never had a good impression of the Pontiff's Citadel. In the past he'd shut down the Holy City's economy because of Lan Jue.
Metatron took a deep breath, and his face twisted with anger.
Of course he wanted to continue, but the Western Alliance representative in the front row had already turned to him and was shaking his head.
This price was more than they'd ever offered. Any more and the Western Alliance wouldn't be able to bear the burden.
After all, this vital crystal couldn't bring much to the Western Alliance.
Battleships couldn't be measured with money in times of war.
But this Vital Crystal was so important!
What to do?
The Wine Master cut in. "One Capital ship, two warships. Going once."
Metatron clenched his jaw. "Add another capital ship!" His breathing was ragged, and his face twisted in a grimace.
This was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. If he missed it, he'd never have the chance to become a Paragon.
For the first time, Lucifer, who was sitting beside him, felt that this guy wasn't so annoying.
He also needed this Vital Crystal!
For the two Citadels, if the crystal was lucky enough to be used by multiple people, then it could be used to create more Paragons. It could help prolong the lives of the Pontiff and Satan.
Their desire for this Vital Crystal was just too great.
Veins popped out on the Western representative's forehead. Sweat dripped uncontrollably down his face.
"I'll give it to you!" Huali finally said these three words.
Metatron leaned back in his chair. His mind was blank, and so was Lucifer.
They didn't know when it happened, but their hands were clasped tightly together.
It was the first time in history, and likely the last.
Even they didn't realize it.
The auction was over!
In the end, the Western League won the auction.
Of course, it would be a long, drawn-out process.
Only when the warships arrived would the vital crystal be taken away.
Lan Jue and Lan Qing quietly left.
Even Lan Qing, as calm as he was, couldn't help but smile.
The harvest this time was too great.
An Lun would receive at least half of their fleet.
Add to that the fleet he already controlled, and the overall strength of the Citadel had increased.
Looking at Lan Jue by his side, Lan Qing couldn't help but smile. This was a good idea!
Of course, what the Western League and Northern Alliance thought was another matter altogether.
"Bro, I've got some business to attend to. I'll be on my way." Lan Jue said to Lan Qing as they left the Skyfire Museum.
"Alright."
Lan Qing nodded. He too had some business to attend to. The problem with the Astral Phantom had yet to be resolved.
Although he'd branded the spirit with protogenia, there was still much more to do.
Lan Jue made her way back to the Zeus Jewelry Shop on Skyfire Avenue. Kerr came to greet her with a sweet smile. "Boss, you're back!"
Lan Jue asked. "Everything's ready in the basement?"
Kerr answered. "It's ready.
Sis Mika, Xiu Xiu, and Guo 'er are there.
They're going to have a lot of work to do. "
Lan Jue smirked. "Prepare two glasses of ice water.
We'll have a guest soon. "
"Alright." Ke 'er replied, then turned around and left.
Right at this moment, a blue light suddenly surged up from the ground without a sound. It was like a ball of liquid, slowly condensing into a shape.
"His Majesty Neptune sure is domineering today!" Lan Jue couldn't help but laugh.
It was Neptune's Huali.
Huali smiled. "It's all thanks to your arrangements.
Why didn't you let me bid for that last vital crystal? It's very important to us.
Father's cultivation was greatly reduced because of me. With this vital crystal, he might be able to become a Paragon.
Besides, it's very important for us to keep it with us. It'll make it easier for Neptune to ascend to Paragon in the future. "
Of course, he wasn't going to bid carelessly. He truly believed that the vital crystal was very important to the Neptune Family.
Lan Jue said, "I didn't let you bid because I didn't want you to waste your money. Your Hanhai Group is rich, but you can't spend it like this!
I'll give you a piece. "
As he spoke, a light flashed in his hand. A vital crystal the size of a palm landed in his palm.
It was about the same size as the previous one, but thicker. The energy fluctuations were even stronger.
Huali looked at him in surprise. "You really have more. But this is too precious."
Lan Jue tossed the crystal to him. "How can it be more precious than our relationship?
Cut the crap and take it.
It's yours.
If it weren't for you, those vital crystals wouldn't have been sold for such a high price.
Just watch. It won't be long before Satan and the Pope come looking for you. They didn't get enough this time, so they'll come knocking.
I'm guessing this will be the last time a vital crystal has been sold. "
Huali was confused. "Is it that easy to deal with the aliens?
To be able to produce a vital crystal this strong, they must be very powerful. "
Lan Jue nodded. "This is a vital crystal produced by a high-level alien. It's as strong as an alien, but it doesn't have protogenia.
In a one-on-one fight, we'd be able to win.
But it would take more effort.
When we were exploring the Shattered Starfields, we found some of these crystals. This is just a way to maximize our profits.
It'll be difficult for the aliens to attack us in the future, but it won't be impossible.
We just have the upper hand. "
Huali didn't decline. She put the vital crystal away. "My mission is complete. I'll return to my family as soon as possible and bring it to my father. At the same time, we'll consolidate our resources and prepare for any eventuality.
When the time comes, we'll probably move closer to your side. "
Lan Jue nodded. "Alright, Skyfire should be the safest place for the Eastern Alliance.
The Western Alliance can't be relied on.
Still, we'll have to see where the alien planets appear. "
Huali's smile deepened her already handsome features. Even a man like Lan Jue couldn't help but stare. "No matter where they appear, I'll be by your side."
Lan Jue chuckled. "Don't make it sound like you're confessing your love.
Alright, hurry up and get back to work.
I need to focus on my cultivation as well.
You've broken through, but I'm still a long way off.
I think after A-Cheng's long seclusion he'll break through to Paragon. I'm the only one left. "
"You've had too many distractions lately," Huali said. "You need to calm down and focus on your cultivation.
Don't let the outside world distract you too much. "
"Got it." Lan Jue nodded.
Huali excused herself. Lan Jue thought for a moment, then decided to find the Driver to continue the conversion process.
Lan Jue's own thunderbolts were almost complete, and with the help of the thunder essence her Discipline had risen to a whole new level.
It was only because he'd suppressed it that his cultivation hadn't improved so much.
He wasn't in a hurry.
Breaking through to Paragon was a matter of time. The later he did, the better the results would be.
Lan Qing's quarters on Skyfire Avenue were arranged at the Gothic Winery.
It was originally supposed to be at Zeus Jewelry Shop, but Lan Jue had too much on her plate lately.
There were many rooms in the back of the Gothic Winery. Lan Qing found his own and pushed open the door.
Sunlight spilled into the room from the curved French windows. Coupled with the colorful glaze on the windows, the entire room had a magical sense of beauty.
The Astral Phantom sat on a chair in front of the window. She was dressed in a long, pale yellow dress. Her eyes stared out the window, and she looked serene.
From Lan Qing's vantage point he could see her beautiful profile and slender, swan-like neck.