Isshin froze. He knew he had to answer in a way that wouldn't give Felix too much information. One wrong word, and Felix might start asking questions he didn't want to answer. After a brief moment of consideration, he decided to be straightforward.
"I am sorry, but I cannot tell you."
Normally, the others would have assumed he was done for. The host's expression tightened, and the man standing behind Felix shifted slightly, almost as if preparing for trouble. But Felix didn't react at all.
"It's fine," Felix said casually. "What else can you offer?"
Isshin hesitated for only a second before speaking. "I have more dark jade crystals."
Felix considered this quietly. He tapped his finger against the armrest lightly, watching Isshin carefully. After a moment, he spoke again. "I will tell you what. You give me a total of ten dark jade crystals. In return, I will give you as much of my support and wealth as you need, and I will make sure you get what you want at the auction."
Isshin thought for a second. Ten dark jade crystals was not a small sum, but the offer was too tempting to refuse. He nodded and handed over the crystals. Felix examined them briefly and could tell they were authentic. Despite Isshin's caution and suspicion, Felix decided not to ask further questions.
"Considering your age, you have very good potential. You can join my sect if you want," Felix said.
Felix's words didn't carry pressure. Whether Isshin accepted or refused wouldn't matter to him personally. But the host and his right-hand sword looked surprised. They hadn't expected Isshin to be talented in cultivation, yet Felix had clearly assessed him and made his judgment.
"Which sect do you run?" Isshin asked, curious.
"Divine Sword Sect," Felix replied.
Isshin stiffened slightly. That was the same sect he had "joined" before leaving the forest. He couldn't explain the situation, so he simply nodded. "S-sure. I wouldn't mind joining the sect," he said, his voice slightly awkward.
"Well, that settles it. After this auction is over, I will be returning to the sect. You shall come with me too," Felix said.
Isshin didn't argue. He felt fine with the decision, though a thought crossed his mind. Should he call Felix his master now? He hesitated but decided it could wait. The formalities weren't important at the moment.
Finally, the auction began. Since Felix had the crystals, Isshin didn't need to sell anything. He could focus entirely on what he wanted, observing each item carefully. The early items were all mediocre, nothing that caught his attention. Felix was watching from the top, his presence immediately felt throughout the room. No one dared attempt anything reckless while he was there.
As the items passed, Isshin waited for Raijin's call.
"Our next item… The Strike of Jupiter! This frozen lightning, trapped in time, was created by the legendary Master Shen. Its power can rival that of the Thunder God Jupiter. Those who cultivate it can gain power beyond measure."
Raijin was surprised. The lightning was clearly fake. It wasn't truly Jupiter's Strike. Raijin knew Jupiter and could tell easily, but the resemblance was too close. To think that a mortal from this world could create something like it impressed him greatly. He quickly instructed Isshin to secure it no matter what.
The bidding began. "Two million… five million…"
Isshin raised his hand. "Six million."
Another powerful faction immediately countered. "Ten million!"
Isshin didn't hesitate. He trusted Felix completely. "Twenty million."
Everyone in the room was shocked. There was no way a random kid could pay that much. The unknown faction felt disrespected by a child standing there with such confidence. Their leader stood up. "This kid clearly doesn't have that money! Stop this foolery and finish the auction!" he shouted at the host.
Felix instructed the host through telepathy. The host nodded and announced Isshin as the winner. The faction left, furious, but didn't challenge it further.
All this time, Felix was watching Isshin. Isshin didn't choose a single other item throughout the whole auction, but he was able to buy the Strike of Jupiter, whose power is something not all people understand or could have figured out. That made Felix realize the celestial being that Isshin was being backed by, was within Isshin himself.