The people who could come here were either rich or noble, all scions of power and influence. Around those distinguished guests who chose not to show their true faces, there were always plenty of black-clad bodyguards lurking about. However, individuals like Feng Yi, who were unaccompanied, were few and far between; after all, who wouldn't have a couple of bodyguards when stepping out of their homes?

Officially, most people were under the protection of Casadin's forces. But behind the scenes, one had to be wary of some unscrupulous fellows who didn't play by the rules. This was the largest auction house in the Village of the North Pole, where some rich but naive landowners might bid astronomical prices for goods. If one could pull off a big score here, the high risk involved could translate into immeasurable profits.

As soon as Feng Yi entered the auction house, his gaze was drawn to a colossal object in the distance, covered by a black cloth. No matter its size or structure, Feng Yi could ascertain that it was clearly a mech, especially with that shoulder-mounted 205 cannon—it was definitely capable of a one-shot, multiple-kill scenario. It seemed that St. Marlo auction house was indeed making a grand move, daring to publicly auction such a well-equipped mech.

Full of anticipation, Feng Yi quickly found his seat according to his number. Even though his seat was a bit at the back and the glances he received from the passing crowd were tinged with disdain, he, as the person himself, couldn't care less. On the contrary, he quite liked it this way; being able to purchase the goods he wanted inconspicuously was nothing but a pleasure.

Just then, a man dressed like a desert cowboy suddenly caused a stir around him... When the middle-aged man appeared, the people walking ahead made way for him, clearing a straight path to the VIP room... Nobody was clear about the man's background, yet when they saw him, even the offspring of the powerful and wealthy stepped aside to let him pass.

He appeared to be around 40, a mysterious smile playing under the brim of a jet-black hat. Deliberate or not, the man's footsteps slightly halted as he passed by Feng Yi, the corners of his mouth curving into an ambiguous smile. But it was merely a fleeting moment before he resumed his strides, heading towards the VIP seats...

Hmph, Takla, huh? Others might not know this man's identity, but that didn't mean that Feng Yi was also in the dark. Of course, Feng Yi hadn't actually recognized Takla by sight, but often, identifying someone isn't solely a visual matter—one could also sense magnetic fields and aura. Despite changes in Takla's appearance, his aura could not possibly change.

Yes, this man was the real power-holder of Death Desert, TK. Even Bella, upon hearing of his arrival, couldn't help but feel a surge of joy, so much so that she excitedly hurried down from upstairs. The naturally dignified aura of a high-ranker filled the space around her inadvertently. Although Bella was smiling faintly, there was an underlying coldness that kept people at bay, a pride deep in her bones.

But upon seeing TK, she softly uttered, "My lord! You've come!"

From a great distance, Feng Yi could vaguely hear Bella's voice. Although she had been trying to conceal her excitement at the auction house, she couldn't hide it from those who knew her well. The normal Bella would never exhibit such a lapse in composure, but it was understandable within context—she must have thought that Takla had come to support them because of the incident with Feng Yi.

At that moment, TK's gaze was profound as he scrutinized Bella. After a long pause, he turned his body just enough to glance her way, then began walking as he spoke, "Don't misunderstand; I didn't come because of that matter."

"My lord, the purpose of your visit today..."

"Heh, it's a bit of everything, but there's one auction item today I'm particularly interested in."

Upon hearing this, Bella's eyes lit up. "Whatever you desire, St. Marlo will strive to obtain the best interests for you."

"Not necessarily. What if I want the Forbidden Airship Artifact? What then?"

"My lord, even you cannot…" Bella faltered, not finishing her sentence or daring to finish it. Of course, there was more behind her words.

If Takla couldn't see through this, then it was all over, but he didn't comment. Instead, he smiled and questioned Bella, "And who do you think that person is?"

Bella was caught off guard by TK's sudden question. "Isn't he just... You mean...?"

"I've always said he's beyond me—and not just me. What if I told you he is the Revenge Shadow Rider, someone even the great empires fear? Would you believe that?"

As someone of a high station, if Bella hadn't heard of the notorious Revenge Shadow Rider, she might as well be dead. She had also heard rumors that Feng Yi was most likely the Revenge Shadow Rider, but rumors were just that – rumors. And the number of people privy to this rumor could easily be in the millions. However, coming from TK's mouth, the implication was entirely different. Although she knew the information, she had to act as if she didn't.

Despite being internally shocked, Bella's face still maintained a strained smile as she said with difficulty, "You... You must be joking with me."

TK shrugged. "You're very smart, who knows, really? I have other matters with him today, but let me remind you, don't dig your own grave." TK, unwilling to waste time on meaningless things, finished speaking and signaled for Bella to leave him be.

Bella bit her soft lip respectfully and retreated, knowing she was not a true Casadin. Fearing TK was inevitable, yet she was still deeply shaken by the explosive information he had revealed...

What was to be done? TK wanted the Forbidden Airship Artifact, while the War Star wanted to sell it. As a neutral party, if St. Marlo wanted to sell a favor to TK, they would have to drive the price as low as possible, but that would offend the War Star. Conversely, siding with the War Star and pushing for a higher price would mean openly defying TK.

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