The Nihility Chef

As mentioned in previous chapters, Samael possesses a terrifying ability—he can devour anything. Aura, poison, killing intent, even intangible concepts like time itself. Though his current strength is far from allowing him to consume such lofty things, as his cultivation advances, so too will the depths of his hunger.

Killing intent, in its truest form, is more than just malice—it is the lingering resentment of those one has slain, a spectral imprint that stains the soul. This is why killers can often recognize each other; they feel the weight of death clinging to their prey like a second skin.

Samael chose to absorb that residual killing intent, to make it his own. He would not be plagued by the illusions that haunted Alexi, but he would exude an aura so menacing it would send shivers down the spines of lesser men.

Alexi's massive form soared through the air, his jaw shattered, his face an unrecognizable ruin of torn flesh and bone. He crashed onto the ground like a felled mountain.

Samael turned to a nearby waiter, his voice cold and commanding. "Throw this wretch out. If he wishes to challenge me again, tell him to meet me at the Auction. Alice, let's go."

Thud—the half-titan's colossal body hit the street outside the hotel with a sickening finality.

"What now?" Alice asked as they strolled through the city's opulent avenues.

"No plans. Let's explore."

For hours, they wandered through the bustling metropolis, indulging in idle distractions. By the time they returned to the penthouse, the sun hung high in the sky. It was 13:30.

"Alright, let's go. At least they had the sense to give us a VIP room." Samael adjusted his cufflinks as he spoke.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, he cut a striking figure—powerful yet refined. The ruby cufflinks shimmered under the light, a perfect complement to the crimson Tengu mask obscuring his face. The contrast between the mask's eerie grin and his suit's elegance created an unsettling yet mesmerizing dichotomy: a noble specter draped in horror and grandeur.

Beside him, Alice radiated an ethereal beauty. Her flowing dress of white and ice blue gave her the appearance of a winter goddess, while her hair, styled into a graceful bun, accentuated her regal poise. Obsidian earrings gleamed at her ears, subtly matching Samael's attire, a quiet testament to their unspoken harmony.

The two of them together—a vision of divine elegance.

"Let's go." With that, they stepped into the flying carriage, wasting no time.

The Midas Pavilion loomed before them, an awe-inspiring masterpiece of white and copper marble. Its temple-like architecture exuded an aura of wealth and power. Towering statues of mythical beasts adorned its facade, the most prominent being a grand Kirin, a harbinger of fortune. Above the entrance gleamed the pavilion's emblem—a golden skeletal hand, reaching towards the heavens in a silent promise of avarice.

As their carriage landed, a young butler rushed forward to greet them. His eyes fixated on Alice, utterly entranced by her beauty.

Ahem. Samael's voice was sharp with irritation. "We don't have all day."

The butler barely spared him a glance, his expression subtly dismissive as he turned back to Alice. "This way, my lady."

Samael pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. Did this fool think I was her servant? The minds of these people… Forget it. As long as he hurries up.

Throughout the walk, the butler desperately attempted to engage Alice in conversation, only to be met with cold indifference. Realizing he was embarrassing himself, he hurried ahead and showed them into their room before making a hasty retreat, his face flushed with shame.

The VIP room was lavish, located four floors above the auction house's grand hall. A private balcony extended from the chamber, offering an unimpeded view of the stage below.

14:00…

A sultry voice echoed through the hall, drawing the eyes of every man—and some women—towards the stage. The auctioneer, Lucile, stepped into view, her figure an exquisite exaggeration of seduction. While her face was merely above average, her form was sculpted to provoke. Her low-cut dress barely contained her ample curves, while each step she took seemed designed to ensnare the senses. Scarlet blush dusted her cheeks, her lips painted the same shade of forbidden temptation.

The audience was enthralled, their gazes glued to her.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Lucile, and I am delighted to announce that the auction is now… beginning." Her voice dripped with allure, each syllable a silken caress against the ears.

Alice's lips twitched in disapproval as she glanced at Samael. To her satisfaction, he wasn't even sparing Lucile a second glance. A pleased smile crept onto her face.

Elsewhere, Alexi seethed in silence. Though he had recovered thanks to a potent healing treasure, his rage burned hotter than ever. Every time he recalled the masked man's overwhelming power, a fresh wave of humiliation washed over him. Yet, despite his fury, he dared not return to the restaurant—not after learning of its formidable background. He may have been reckless, but he was not suicidal.

Still, vengeance clawed at his soul. If he could not fight Samael there, then he would do so here.

"Our first item is a Transcendent Realm spell—Molten Dam! Starting bid: 100 low-tier aura crystals." Lucile's voice rang through the hall, laced with persuasive charm.

Samael and Alice barely reacted. Compared to the treasures they had seen in their lives, such a spell was hardly worth their attention. The bidding ended at a mere 250 low-tier stones, a sum that, to them, was laughable.

Dozens of items passed with little interest until something slightly more intriguing appeared: a Mortal Realm spell that allowed one to harness ambient aura before reaching Transcendence. A rare ability, though limited—it only worked with metal element aura. Even so, many cultivators saw its potential.

Lucile's eyes gleamed. "I can sense the excitement in the room, so let's not delay! Starting price: 10,000 low-tier—or 100 mid-tier—aura stones. Minimum increment: 50 low-tier stones."

Bidding erupted like wildfire. Solo cultivators quickly abandoned hope, realizing they couldn't compete. But Alexi remained steadfast, his wealth amassed through countless corpses allowing him to bid aggressively.

The price soared to 200 mid-tier stones before Samael, at last, intervened.

"1,000 mid-tier stones." His voice was indifferent, almost lazy, as though the sum was insignificant.

Heads turned towards the VIP balcony, where he stood, his gaze impassive.

Alexi's fists clenched. "1,001!"

"2,000."

"2,001!"

Samael smirked. "10,000."

Silence. Alexi's face twisted in rage. To outbid now would drain him completely. Despite his wealth, he was a mere insect before a true scion of power.

Lucile practically purred in delight. The higher the bids, the richer she became. Stars danced in her eyes as she prepared to close the deal.

Alexi gritted his teeth. "10,001!"

Samael exhaled theatrically. "Ah, you've bested me. The spell is yours."

The hall rippled with laughter. Lucile, fighting a smirk, made the final call. "Sold to number 77! Please proceed to the back to claim your item."

Samael leaned against the railing, watching as Alexi stewed in silent humiliation. The game had only just begun.