To be honest, Celestial Destiny City is just too big.
Even with a kind old lady giving him directions, and despite having spent a year or two here himself, Lynn almost got lost in Celestial Destiny City without the guidance of a systematic map.
He was originally headed for a place similar to a talent recruitment market, but after winding through the bustling streets, Lynn ended up near an auction house.
Seeing the auction house's sign, Lynn couldn't help but recall the many otherworldly novels he'd read before.
Though the narratives were portrayed differently, the general plots were strikingly similar.
It's usually a five-star tourist spot for protagonists; if they step inside, either they find a great bargain or they put on a big show.
In more ancient times, one might even find unharmonious items like Elf Female Slave on sale inside...
"Since I'm here, should I take a look inside?"
Lynn rubbed the Spatial Ring on his finger and glanced quickly at his Gold Coin balance, instantly feeling more confident.
No matter whether there are suitable items for him inside, today he's decided to show off...
Uh, it's definitely not about showing off; though he has a house and money in Celestial Destiny City, apart from house and money, there is nothing in his ring but top equipment and rare materials, nothing that truly helps his living.
The auction house isn't solely for auctions; they also have regular merchandise up for purchase, though the prices are a bit higher than ordinary stores, the quality is quite guaranteed.
Lynn doesn't lack money, one might say he's exceedingly wealthy, so he naturally wants the best.
After paying the 100 Gold Coin entry fee, Lynn smoothly entered the auction house without triggering the unique protagonist troublemaker trait.
Skipping the regular merchandise showcases, Lynn proceeded directly to the auction hall.
The auction hall is constructed like a tiered classroom, at the bottom is a large platform for presenting auction items.
Around the display platform are rows of progressively tiered seats, and above ten or so layers of seats, facing the direction of the display platform, are no more than twenty VIP rooms, designated for the most prestigious customers or those willing to pay big money to hide their true identities.
The session this time wasn't particularly busy; the rows of seats were sparsely occupied, with an attendance below forty percent. As for the VIP rooms above, only two had lights on, with few regulars and fewer distinguished guests.
Nevertheless, Lynn didn't mind these details; arriving early rather than perfectly timed, as soon as he sat down in seat 118 with his ticket, the auctioned item on display was precisely something he could use.
"A top-grade Magic Staff contaminated by Demonic Qi, reducing spell power by thirty percent, increasing Magic Power consumption by ten percent, requiring only Level 300 to wield, and the staff itself comes with the Ring of Fire Resistance magic, forcibly repelling opponents when they're close. Overall, it's a practical combat weapon."
"Starting bid at 1000 Gold Coins, each subsequent bid must be at least 100 Gold Coins higher!"
Listening to the host's introduction, the staff is quite a decent flawed item; despite its many shortcomings, its advantages are quite obvious.
If used in a duel against a Mage, it's purely sending oneself to be defeated, but if it's used to PK against melee enemies, then it's a Divine Artifact.
Lynn knows the Ring of Fire Resistance is low-level magic, but it's highly effective. As long as one's level is higher than the opponent's, equipment disparity and actual combat power can be ignored, forcibly pushing the opponent away while allowing for repeat casts with low magic consumption, useful in both duels and group fights.
Of course, Lynn's profession is Warrior; no matter how fine the Magic Staff is, it's just a fire poker in his hands. What truly caught Lynn's interest wasn't its function, but its prefix attribute.
Contaminated by Demonic Qi...
I happen to need some Demonic Qi for a small experiment now. Just when I'm getting sleepy, along comes a pillow!
"2000 Gold Coins."
Instead of waiting for others to bid first appearing weak to strong, since it's what he wants, he'll spend the money to take it. The biggest rule of the auction house is highest bid wins, and he's not afraid of being ambushed after flaunting his wealth.
He's not boasting; there's no one in Celestial Destiny City who can challenge him. The highest-level NPC here doesn't exceed Level 600, far inferior to those top ranks active on the front lines.
One might say Lynn reigns like a king in the mountain here, unafraid of anyone who might come.
"Bidder 118 offers 2000 Gold Coins, anyone offering..."
"2100 Gold Coins!"
The host barely finished the sentence before another bid came in.
This situation isn't surprising; according to the auction house's estimate, this staff is worth at least 3500 Gold Coins; just the initial bid of 2000 Gold Coins definitely won't secure it unless one of today's two VIPs bids, others might weigh gain and loss, choosing concession.
"3000 Gold Coins."
Lynn couldn't be bothered with the minor incremental bidding antics; he has substantial wealth and can spend grandly.
"3100 Gold Coins!"
As soon as Lynn's bid was voiced, the other competitor immediately bid again, determined to compete with him.
"4000 Gold Coins."
Once again, Lynn didn't hesitate, bidding whole thousands, and after his bid, his competitor began to waver.
After all, 4000 Gold Coins already exceeded the staff's actual value; getting carried away might lead to uncertain consequences.
Those attending ordinary sessions of the auction are often regulars; they have faced losses and traps multiple times. After a brief reflection, his competitor decided not to clash with bidder 118.
It's not about provocation; it's simply that even if 4100 Gold Coins secure it, he would suffer a loss; few are willing to engage in a doomed transaction.
"Bidder 118 offers 4000 Gold Coins; are there higher bids?"
"4000 Gold Coins, once!"
"4000 Gold Coins, twice!"
"4000 Gold Coins, three times!"
"Sold! Bam!"
With the little gavel confirming it, the Magic Staff contaminated by Demonic Qi was taken by Lynn for 4000 Gold Coins smoothly without any dramatic twists.
To Lynn, this price is trivial; the income of a top gamer is incomparable to ordinary people, especially considering the Gold Coin currency unit is quite valuable in Miracle World but is equivalent to "dollars" for Lynn.
"The next auction item, the Succubus..."
"I bid One Hundred Thousand Gold Coins!!!"
Lynn's excited shout was a bit distorted, his speech momentarily incoherent.
"It's the Succubus Collar, can be used as a novelty item..."
The host's timid voice finally continued, making Lynn appear somewhat foolish.