Floating Island - Triple S Talent

The man stopped at the center of the stage. His gaze swept across the entire arena—from the ground-level seats to the highest balcony where the VIPs sat.

"Welcome, everyone. My name is Wei Liang, and I will be your auctioneer for this year's Arcteron Annual Auction."

His voice was calm but resonant, echoing through the cylindrical hall with authority. The dark robes with bronze accents he wore billowed slightly with his elegant steps as he moved across the main stage.

"The rules remain the same as in previous years. Please refer to your entry cards for the full details," he continued, then cast a subtle glance around the crowd, his smile carrying an unspoken warning.

He paused on a few specific guests before adding, his tone layered with meaning, "On this island, there are no social hierarchies. Whoever holds the wealth… rules."

That smile widened, this time with a sharper edge—a veiled reminder to those used to wielding power through name and lineage.

Then, with a graceful flick of his hand, he signaled to the side of the stage.

"Let the Arcteron Auction begin."

A female attendant stepped forward, carrying a tray lined with crimson velvet. Atop it rested a small glowing box, pristine and precisely arranged. She walked to Wei Liang and presented the tray with fluid poise.

Wei Liang opened the box slowly, allowing the radiant glow within to spill out before raising it for all to see.

"Our first item," he announced in a clear, composed voice, "is the Eternal Soul Crystal—a rare spiritual stone capable of strengthening the soul core and accelerating soul cultivation stabilization."

A few attendees began paying closer attention, though most—especially those seated in the VIP balconies—barely spared it a glance before reclining back into their seats.

"Starting bid: 10,000 God Essences. Minimum increment: 1,000."

The VIP floor remained still. To them, the Eternal Soul Crystal was far from rare. Most had long surpassed the soul cultivation phase and now required far more profound resources. In truth, such crystals could be purchased in bulk from top-tier treasure shops in major cities.

"12,000!" croaked a rough voice from the ground floor.

"13,000!" called out a younger-sounding bidder.

"15,000," came a composed but firm voice from the middle tier.

The bidding slowed before finally settling at 18,000 God Essences, awarded to a guest from the lower levels. The entire exchange took less than three minutes—quick and efficient.

It was only the first item, yet the Arcteron Auction had already drawn in a sizable sum.

At the VIP table where Lein's group was seated, Efan was starting to fidget. He tapped his fingers restlessly against the table, his eyes scanning the room before turning to Lein.

"Hmph… that first item was a letdown," he muttered, clearly disappointed. "I wonder if they organize the items by price or rarity?"

His tone was hopeful, like he was still waiting for something that might truly catch his interest. His eyes searched Lein's face, waiting for an answer.

Before Lein could respond, Elder Fian's calm voice interjected politely.

"No, young friend. The order of items is entirely randomized and based on Master Wei Liang's own assessments and evaluations," the middle-aged man explained, his voice deep and steady. It was clear from his tone that he wasn't just a casual attendee—he understood the workings of the Arcteron Auction inside and out.

Efan nodded quickly, his enthusiasm reigniting as he turned his gaze back to the stage. "That's even better," he whispered. At least this way, something interesting could appear at any moment.

Back on stage, Wei Liang stepped forward once more, this time lifting a gleaming golden sword that shimmered under the spiritual lights.

"Mooncleaver Sword!" he announced, his voice ringing across the arena. "Perfectly attuned to users of light-element or starlight beasts active during the night. Its specialty lies in piercing dark-element barriers and enhancing attack potency under a full moon."

He raised the sword high, letting its blinding gleam reflect across every floor.

"Starting bid: 230,000 God Essences. Minimum increment: 5,000!"

The reaction was instant. Bids came crashing in like waves.

"235,000!"

"240,000!"

"250,000!"

Voices overlapped from the middle tiers as three major groups launched into a bidding war. The tension and heat of competition spread quickly, reaching even the VIP section.

Lein cast a sidelong glance at the chaos. At least three prominent factions were involved, judging by their sharp-eyed members and hurried whispered strategies.

"Please, I'm begging you—let me have that sword! I, Drevil, owe you a life debt!"

A desperate young man shouted from the lower floor. His voice trembled with emotion, and his face was drawn and weary. Clearly, he lacked the strength—or resources—to stay in the bidding. All he had left was a last-ditch plea for mercy.

But...

"360,000."

A cold, impassive offer followed.

Not a single bidder hesitated. No one flinched at the boy's cries.

This was the world of auctions—a battlefield of wealth, not mercy.

Wei Liang began the countdown. "Ten… nine… eight…"

When he reached one, he gave a firm nod.

"Sold. 360,000 God Essences."

The Mooncleaver Sword had a new owner.

Drevil stood frozen, head bowed, fists clenched tight. But he didn't lash out. He simply swallowed the bitter truth—that in this world, strength often came down to how much treasure you could afford.

The auction continued. Attendants rotated in and out from behind the stage, bringing forth item after item. Each time Wei Liang introduced a new treasure, his calm, ever-present smile never wavered.

He wasn't just an auctioneer—he was a master conductor, guiding the tempo and mood of the entire hall with years of honed skill.

Sometimes he kept things straightforward. Other times, he threw in wildcards.

"This item can be exchanged for an artifact of equal value, provided I approve the trade," he declared at one point.

Little twists like that made everything unpredictable. Attendees stayed on edge—not just watching the prices, but tracking the auctioneer's every move, wondering what tactic he'd employ next.

Hours passed.

Finally, high-tier items began surfacing. The atmosphere thickened. The aura around the bidders grew sharper. Even some of the previously aloof VIPs began raising their hands, stepping into the battlefield.

Yet so far… none of it had moved Lein to action.