— Secrets Within the Swordborne Gourd —
The final item presented was a small, unremarkable yellow gourd.
It was slightly smaller than average, its skin covered in fine cracks, with only its mottled, ancient patina silently testifying to the possibility that it had endured tens of thousands of years.
The moment Eren's Psionic Awareness touched it, sharp, razor-like Sword Intent made him shudder—
A Swordborne Gourd!
An uncontrollable excitement surged within Eren—he had to possess this item.
The auctioneer spoke, sounding slightly embarrassed. "Esteemed guests, this is a last-minute addition. As you can see... it's a gourd."
Snide remarks erupted immediately: "No kidding! You think we're blind?"
The hall filled with mocking laughter.
The auctioneer broke out in a cold sweat; he truly didn't know how to describe it. Even the consignor couldn't explain the gourd's origins.
"Ahem... While its origins are unknown, the Guild guarantees its value is no less than the previous bronze cauldron. The starting bid is two million. Please begin!"
Boos and jeers rose from the crowd: Who are you trying to fool? You could buy ten of these for a few coins at the market!
Meanwhile, in another Imperial VIP room, a silver-haired old woman's face fell in disappointment. She was the one who had consigned the gourd.
Ten years ago, she discovered an ancient forbidden zone, suspected to be an immortal's abode. She invited fellow cultivators to explore it, but the cavern was filled with deadly traps. All her companions perished; only she managed to reach the inner sanctum.
Yet, the abode was empty save for this single gourd.
She knew it was no ordinary object, but despite a decade of research, she failed to unravel its mystery. Hoping to find someone who recognized its worth, she finally put it up for auction.
"Alas, it seems this treasure was never meant for me..." She was sighing inwardly when a voice suddenly rang out.
"Two million." Eren had spoken.
Darius, beside him, nearly bit his tongue. "Overlord, are you... Is that gourd really a treasure?" He had meant to say, 'Are you seeing things?' but changed his words at the last moment.
Eren glanced at him dismissively. "We came to an auction; can we leave empty-handed? It's the last item. Let's just have some fun."
Darius stared, speechless, thinking: You're far too capricious.
— When Pride Collides —
"Two million trying to snatch a bargain? I bid ten million!" No sooner had Eren's voice faded than Erskine's scornful laugh cut through the air. Still stinging from Eren's earlier trick, he was desperate for payback.
The entire hall erupted in astonishment! These two prominent figures were both interested in this worthless gourd? Could it actually be a treasure?
"Twenty million," Eren's voice remained calm.
"One hundred million!" Erskine shot to his feet, his voice booming like a great bell.
"I am certain a heaven-defying opportunity lies within this object! The Vale family will have it! If anyone disagrees, feel free to challenge us! The Vale family never lacks funds!"
Instantly, all eyes locked onto the insignificant gourd. Doubt and speculation ran wild—had they been blind to its true nature?
The silver-haired old woman began to tremble with overwhelming excitement, her gaze piercing through the one-way glass, fixed intensely on Erskine.
"Finally... Finally, someone recognizes its worth! Whoever you are, this old woman thanks you!"
"Ten years... ten long years! This windfall fortune has finally come to me!" She was so exhilarated she almost danced on the spot.
Erskine cast a provocative glance at Eren's booth, inwardly sneering. "Eren, bid again! Just say the word, and I'll toss this worthless thing at you.!"
Inside his booth, a flicker of surprise crossed Eren's eyes, but he instantly understood—the other man wasn't competing for a treasure; he was courting death.
A mocking curve touched Eren's lips.
"Since you're so convinced this is a grand opportunity, I'll yield to you. Spending a hundred million to play the fool... it seems you've developed a taste for it?"
Roaring laughter instantly swept the hall. Erskine's face turned purple with rage; he never imagined Eren would refuse to take the bait!
"Hmph, your ignorance is your loss. This opportunity rightfully belongs to the Vale family!" He clung to his pride, still trying to provoke Eren.
But Eren couldn't be bothered anymore, thinking coldly, "I'll just take it. Why waste money?"
In the other booth, the silver-haired old woman chuckled with glee. "Hehehe... As expected, that young man recognizes the treasure!"
She suppressed the urge to immediately seize Erskine and interrogate him—this was, after all, the territory of the Sixfold Trade Guild. She still needed to show some restraint.
"One hundred million, once! One hundred million, twice! One hundred million, thrice! Sold!"
The auctioneer's gavel fell, his tone carrying a barely concealed note of mockery.
Erskine had no choice but to swallow his bitterness, forcing a look of joy as he made the payment, while inwardly cursing Eren and all his ancestors.
— Beneath the Perfume —
The auction concluded, guests dispersing in small groups.
"Overlord, shall we leave as well?" Darius rose and asked.
Eren's gaze was deep as the night, fixed on Erskine's retreating back.
"Not yet."
Darius's heart tightened. "You plan to act here? This is the Sixfold Trade Guild—"
"Relax," Eren cut him off with a wave, his tone detached. "I know the limits."
He turned and walked straight towards Selene.
"Miss Selene," he stated bluntly, "where did that 'Mirage Incense' come from?"
Selene was taken aback, then shook her head. "I'm sorry, that is the Guild's top secret. I cannot disclose it."
"Can not, or will not?" Eren's voice was calm, yet held an undeniable pressure.
Meeting his gaze, Selene remained firm. "My answer remains the same."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Eren's lips.
"Miss Selene, you use such strong perfume—to cover up an odor on your body, correct?"
Selene jolted as if struck, the blood draining from her face. "You... How do you know?!"
This secret was known only to her immediate family—no one else!
"How I know is unimportant," Eren said flatly. "What matters is—I can cure it."
"Cure it?" Selene was stunned.
"Indeed," Eren's gaze was certain. "The condition is, you tell me the origin of the Mirage Incense."
Selene hesitated, torn.
Eren's voice softened slightly, yet became more persuasive. "That scent has plagued you since birth, hasn't it? It's not an illness, but a foul toxin rooted in your womb origin. I can eradicate it. But this chance comes only once."
Her heart raced violently. After a long internal struggle, she finally gritted her teeth.
"...Fine. I agree."
Eren nodded. "Then, remove your clothes."
"Re...remove my clothes?!" Selene's cheeks flushed crimson. "Why would I need to—undress?"
"If you don't trust me," Eren's expression remained serene, "we can stop now."
Selene glared at him, shaking with anger.
But ultimately, she turned her back, her fingers trembling as she began to undo her garments.
Her pale, smooth skin was exposed to the air. She was so tense she could barely breathe steadily.
"Like... like this? Is this enough?" she asked in a voice so faint it was almost inaudible.
Eren's expression was placid as still water. He took a deep breath, brought two fingers together, and lightly pressed them just below her navel.
A faint glow shimmered as he activated his power. The Obsidian Sigil slowly stirred, and the energy of toxin devourment began to flow.
"Mmm—"
Selene's body quivered; the sensation was like an electric current passing through her, sapping her strength.
For a fleeting heartbeat, time seemed to stop—the air thick with tension and disbelief.
Her instinct was to pull away, but in his clear eyes, she saw—not a trace of desire.
Instead, a strange sense of loss inexplicably welled up in her heart.
In the next moment, a powerful suction force surged within her.
Something foul that had been suppressed for years was being drawn out. She felt her body become incredibly light, as if her very soul had been cleansed.
The pleasurable, tingling sensation washing over her was so intense she nearly moaned aloud.
"Done."
Eren withdrew his power and stepped back.
"It's... over already?" Selene stared at him blankly, a flicker of that strange loss returning.
She hurried into an inner chamber. Moments later, when she emerged—
Her face was filled with utter shock and exhilaration.
"Eren! That smell... it's really gone! Thank you!"
Eren offered a faint smile. "No need for thanks. It was a transaction. Now, can you tell me the origin of the Mirage Incense?"
— The Scent of Betrayal —
Selene nodded, no longer holding back. "The one today was consigned to us by a man in black."
Eren pressed further. "Who was he? You investigated, surely?"
"Naturally." Selene smiled slightly. "There is little the Sixfold Trade Guild cannot uncover if we set our minds to it. That box of Mirage Incense was traced back to the brother-in-law of GVA Logistics Director Leonard—a man named Chapman."
"Whether it was stolen, or Leonard tacitly allowed it, no one can say for certain."
"Leonard... Chapman..."
Eren repeated the names softly, his brow furrowing deeply.
— Could they be connected to the massacres of the Caelthorn and Veyne families all those years ago?
His thoughts churned, his expression growing darker.
Perhaps the one who truly framed him wasn't Damien Vale after all...
— The Shadow Behind the Gourd —
As Eren was lost in thought, Selene spoke again. "Eren, to thank you for healing me, I'll give you one more piece of information... I think you'll be very interested."
Eren looked up. "Speak."
Selene leaned closer, lowering her voice. "That gourd... do you know who consigned it?"
Eren frowned. "Stop playing games."
"A freakishly powerful and notoriously vicious old monster," Selene's tone was hushed. "She didn't auction the gourd for money—but to find someone who recognizes its origins."
Eren raised an eyebrow. "Old monster? How monstrous?"
"That gourd has been auctioned over a dozen times in recent years," Selene's voice dropped to a near whisper. "And every single time, the person who successfully won it... died a gruesome death—their entire household exterminated, down to the last dog. Rumor has it... she was the one behind it all. Tell me, isn't she a madwoman?"
Eren's expression shifted slightly. "So Erskine is now a walking target?"
"Precisely," Selene's expression was grave. "And not just him—Seraphine, Clara too... I've heard—"
She gave him a meaningful look, "—that Seraphine was once your—"
"Thanks for the warning," Eren cut her off, pulling a jade talisman from his robe and handing it to her. "But I won't take your information for free. I see a dark aura gathering between your brows; you are likely in imminent danger. Take this talisman. It might help you avoid calamity."
He pressed the talisman firmly into her palm, not allowing refusal, then turned and left.
"A dark aura? Imminent danger?"
Selene stared blankly at the warm, smooth jade talisman in her hand, then couldn't help a soft laugh.
"Really... someone so powerful, still acting like a charlatan."
She had no idea—
this very talisman would soon save her life.