"Don’t worry, Your Highness, while we may not be able to interfere with the 9th prince’s purchases, he will have to compete with you directly for the 3rd-tier Heaven Turning Pill, and that is all that matters", one of the advisors spoke with a reassuring tone.

"Yes, the one who obtains that pill will dictate which of the three Sects wins the competition for the World Stone, and that is a tremendous amount of power which will allow you to come out on top, as that Sect will naturally acknowledge you as the one who brought this continent under the Dynasty’s rule", another one chimed in.

"I do agree... but, it seems to be too obvious an answer though, no?", the 5th prince sighed, as he felt a sense of unease whenever this topic was brought up.

"Rest assured, Your Highness", the advisor spoke with a smile, "It is extremely obvious, but sometimes the truth is exactly what it looks like - straightforward and simple, you only become lost by trying to find a more profound answer"

"Yes, in fact it is the 9th Prince’s hope that you doubt it. That is why he tried to muddy the waters. At times he makes it look like he isn’t interested in the Heaven Turning Pill, and other times he is interested in it - by acting unpredictable he wants you to question your judgement and not see the obvious answer, doubt yourself and the answer that is right in front of you", another one added.

"The three Sects sent limited forces here by mutual agreement guaranteed and overseen by the Martial Alliance, in order for this conflict to stay local and not grow into a full-scale war among them. This conflict ending fairly quickly, as well as quietly, without complaints or objectives from any of the three Sects is contingent on it being a fair, unequivocal, undeniable, above-board victory of one side on terms all three agreed on", another advisor spoke, "In such a closed environment where they cannot expect any reinforcements from their main Sects and everything hinges on the forces sent here, with full authority and responsibility to decide on the matters of this conflict, it is natural that whichever side has the most powerful Elders is going to win, just one Essence Ignition Realm expert will completely change the power balance among them"

Wei Liheng nodded along, as he understood all that too, and yet he had a nagging feeling that he was missing something, but no matter how much he thought he couldn’t see what it was.

The only reason he was somewhat convinced this was true was Wei Yuanjie’s behavior. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

The 9th prince did change a lot since the 5th prince last saw him at the Emerald Falls City, but that didn’t mean that Wei Liheng was completely oblivious to his little brother’s ways - subtle signs of his behavior that didn’t change, signs that he couldn’t suppress.

Despite all attempts to hide it, the 5th prince was certain that Wei Yuanjie’s singular focus was that 3rd-tier Heaven Turning Pill - that alone warranted snatching it away.

---

As more and more valuable treasures were presented on the stage, finally the entire hall began bidding, including the private balconies.

Everyone knew that they had no chance of competing for the 3rd-tier Heaven Turning Pill by this point, so they did their best to get their hands on something that caught their eyes, while the two princes became silent instead, as they had to conserve their strengths for that final competition.

The treasures sometimes were accompanied by experts who explained a bit more about the value of the treasure for the benefit of the audience.

Among them, was another masked man aside from Kwon Qianhong, but this one caused a different reaction in the room, since it was the infamous Talisman Master who came out to explain a few times for treasures related to Formations, or precious talismans.

The first time he appeared, the atmosphere in the room palpably changed, as many people were interested in this man, and among them, the Elders of the Ember Palm Pavilion stared at him with the most intense eyes.

Yet, he appeared to not notice the attention he attracted, giving his explanation about the item on the stage in a rather plain manner and exiting to the back of the auction stage after.

Meanwhile, all the big players visible, including the three big Sects, and even the Silverleaf Trade Hall, already made a few successful bids, if only to not lose face.

Ko Furen and Ko Wenlu also made two successful purchases, preserving the dignity of the City Lord’s Manor - items which weren’t as highly contested but still gave them a good look of not buying just anything.

The auction slowly progressed towards the end, right before the Heaven Turning Pills were about to be put up for auction, as only the most valuable treasures were displayed now.

"Hmm, it’s strange", Ko Furen said as he looked at the stage with a confused look, tracing his chin with his fingers.

"Mm? What is?", Ko Wenlu, who was going in and out of deep thought throughout this time, perked up, looking at the stage, but seeing a precious treasure he had no hopes of competing for judging by the numbers that were shouted out, not to mention that bidding for it was almost complete, became a bit confused, "Is there something wrong with that treasure?"

"No, it’s just... the treasures Father sent to the auction...", Ko Furen shook his head, while taking out a list from his spatial rings.

"Eh? They’re all sold, no? Quite some time ago I think?", Ko Wenlu slightly absentmindedly answered, as he wasn’t too sure since he didn’t pay close attention, adding, "We didn’t send over anything that could be displayed toward the end with all these amazing treasures..."

"They are all sold... except one which didn’t even appear", Ko Furen showed his brother the scroll pointing toward one entry there.

And just as that was happening, the next treasure was presented on the stage, the drape covering it removed to reveal a water ink painting that seemed to mesmerize anyone who saw it.