The divine artifact that forbade flying was ultimately acquired by a VIP mysterious elder for a price of 5 billion. The auction went smoothly, and Feng Yi had not expected this item could sell at such a sky-high price. However, he was inwardly frustrated. Why did the old man insist on giving a firm offer right away?

Although he rarely participated in auctions and dared not make absolute conclusions, Feng Yi could foresee something. Assuming the older bidder hadn't been so aggressive with his offer, the final price might have ended up even higher, possibly exceeding 100 billion... only, alas!

In psychology, this is called the technique of incremental hypnotic suggestion. It's like when two people both covet the same item. The seller offers a price both can afford, but there is only one item. Although the item is desirable, the one willing to pay more will get it. So, both parties want to outbid the other by the lowest increment, yet neither wants to simply give up the item due to a minimal bidding difference, thus choosing to keep raising their offer again and again...

The auctioneer's calls and the atmosphere created by the crowd present can make the bidders experience a contrast effect. Often at this stage, people have already fallen into a trap; biting on a firm price can make the opponent feel like they've suffered a loss, as continuing to bid might still result in being outbid again. Perhaps, all of this is nothing but a trap set by the opposing bidder. But Feng Yi believed that 50 billion was essentially the maximum the elder was willing to commit to secure the item.

After the auction ended and after gathering information on the Empire back at the tavern, having a cold draught before bedtime was indeed the greatest pleasure in life.

The swinging doors of the tavern were still creaking... Feng Yi had just stepped into the tavern when the elder from the VIP room respectfully entered the TK room, cautiously handing over the divine artifact that forbade flying...

"You've worked hard, Mr. Badi." Taking the divine artifact, TK began to inspect it closely...

"Leader, do you really care so much about this item? I can't see its value."

"Value isn't necessarily on the surface. Do you know how the Blazing Legion managed to escape from tens of thousands of Imperial soldiers with only a few hundred warriors?"

The elder named Badi clearly understood his meaning, glancing at the divine artifact, "Are you saying... but isn't 50 billion too..."

"Expensive, right? I think so too," TK said with a slight smile. "Compared to life itself and the values we want to realize, which do you think are more important?"

Badi was at a loss for words... "But we are just gambling on the potential value of an uncertain item."

"Life is like a game of stakes, just like auction items. Many things we can never know if we don't reach out. When we only act when there's an equal token of worth in our sight, you may have already lost at the starting line. Since Feng Yi set the starting bid at 50 million, I think it must have its special significance," TK's voice was somewhat uncertain.

"Leader, what about that Space Crystal..."

"The Space Crystal is something Bella just gave away."

TK knew what Badi meant, referring to the Space Crystal that was auctioned off for 2 G coins. Since he had received a favor fee from Bella, he was obligated to do a job for her. Understandably, Bella feared Feng Yi would continue to cause her trouble, hence the offer.

But TK considered himself to have a good understanding of Feng Yi. As long as Feng Yi made a prior promise, he would not break that commitment. So, it could be construed that Bella, fearing a change of heart from Feng Yi, came to him. And since TK understood the way Feng Yi operated, the Space Crystal was essentially given away for free.

There's a saying: "Undertake the entrusted task with loyalty and resolve the calamities for those who compensate you." Since the Space Crystal was accepted, the necessary words still had to be spoken.

As TK was reflecting on this, Bella entered the room in a timely manner, her expression somewhat anxious. She hadn't managed to gather the 200 billion in bounty money that Feng Yi had demanded within the day, "My lord..."

Bella awkwardly recounted her dilemma, which wasn't much of one; it was just a matter of money. From morning to evening, she had barely managed to scrape together 100 billion, and it had already been transferred to that Devil's account. For the rest of the amount, she hoped for leniency and an extension, at most three days.

Upon hearing this, TK sighed slightly! In this matter, Feng Yi was truly unreasonable; the amount was set in stone because he was well aware of Bella's status and knew she could afford it. Delaying or postponing would undoubtedly raise his suspicions, wondering if Bella intended to issue him a bad cheque. So, someone like Feng Yi might indeed choose to act if his words were not met. His decisiveness was not blind rashness but rather an instinct natural to an old soldier, a necessary quality of being clean and decisive. Life doesn't give you a chance to choose, or perhaps it was some negative emotion in Feng Yi.

At least, Feng Yi hadn't always been like this. Now, for some reason, his character had changed a lot. He was no longer the person who first saved him back in Mardis. Perhaps, TK should have noticed earlier, the Revenge Shadow Rider's battle against the Devil's legion – maybe that was the root cause of Feng Yi's change...

TK said, "Within three days, make up the rest of the money. That's the maximum I can offer. Consider that crystal as the interest. After this, I owe nothing to Casadin."

Bella was taken aback! This was just her own little trouble. Why would it involve a favor owed to Lord Casadin? "My lord, could the matter be so serious?"

"It is, if you can't raise the money in time."

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