The appearance of an ownerless [Vision] instantly ignited the enthusiasm of everyone in the hall.
A [Vision], something only a rare few could possess, symbolized not only the attention of the gods but also power far beyond ordinary humans. Naturally, most people held an intense fascination for it—
—even if it had already lost its glow.
Whether purchased as a collector's item or in the hope of becoming fated enough to reignite it, these wealthy merchants were more than happy to compete for this [Vision].
"An ownerless [Vision]?" Jiang Bai immediately became interested.
He had once studied [Visions] with Albedo, and thus had some understanding of them.
If the [Vision] Zhongli had given him was an incomplete product without a specific wish, then what did a [Vision] that had already lost its glow signify?
Was there still a chance for it to be reactivated?
Hu Tao, holding a handful of sunflower seeds, glanced at him while watching the bidding war below. "What, you interested?"
Jiang Bai shook his head; within moments, the [Vision's] price had already skyrocketed beyond his reach.
"Director, do you think a dormant [Vision] could still be reignited?"
"Of course," Hu Tao replied casually.
"Then, how do you relight it?"
"No idea. But I heard Ningguang's [Vision] was actually an ownerless one that got reignited. Back then, it sparked a craze among people hunting for dormant [Visions], but since [Visions] are so rare, relighting them ultimately depends on fate."
As the two chatted idly, the dormant [Vision] was finally auctioned off for thirty-four million Mora.
The [Vision] had ignited the atmosphere, pushing subsequent items to fetch hefty prices as well.
Jiang Bai watched the spectacle while occasionally glancing toward the opposite box where Zhongli was sitting; thus far, that side hadn't bid even once.
However, soon enough, something new on stage caught his full attention.
A transparent sealed box was carried onto the auction platform, containing a shallow layer of water and, within it, a small blue Hydro Slime.
The slime squirmed gently, eyes wide open, curiously observing its surroundings.
Unlike the ordinary slimes encountered in the wild, this one had incredibly lively eyes. Even in such a crowded environment, it showed no fear at all.
"This Hydro Slime was discovered by chance near the sea. Unlike ordinary slimes, it possesses intelligence comparable to a three- or four-year-old child. After specialized training, it can understand simple instructions and won't attack people randomly, making it an excellent choice as either a pet or a useful tool!"
The auctioneer gave several simple commands—turning around, moving left and right, blowing bubbles, and spraying water—which the little slime executed accurately, drawing excited cheers from many women present.
"Starting bid at 600,000 Mora!"
Admittedly, slimes were genuinely adorable creatures. Even Jiang Bai felt a strong urge to take one home to raise.
Calculating his available funds, along with the likely proceeds from selling the Adeptal texts, he immediately raised his paddle. "One million Mora!"
"One million two hundred thousand!"
"One million two hundred thirty thousand!"
"One million four hundred thousand!" Jiang Bai immediately raised again.
"What do you even want a slime for?" Hu Tao asked curiously, seeing Jiang Bai genuinely keen on it.
"Director, don't you think it's adorable?"
He'd always wanted a little companion like Yuyu who could follow him around. While the slime was admittedly more ordinary and couldn't fly, it was undeniably cute!
It could follow instructions, water plants, and even serve as a water source in deserts. Who needed anything fancier?
"It's alright, but not as cute as my Yuyu," Hu Tao replied lightly.
At those words, Yuyu emerged from Hu Tao's body, proudly putting its hands on its hips.
Seeing its smug look, Jiang Bai playfully flipped it off. "Just wait until I win this slime. I'll parade it in front of you every day; let's see how cocky you get then!"
"Bleh~!" Youyou responded, sticking out its tongue mockingly.
"One million eight hundred thousand Mora!"
"One million eight hundred thousand Mora going once! Twice! Sold to the bidder in box six!"
The auctioneer struck his gavel, and the Hydro Slime officially became Jiang Bai's.
Seeing Jiang Bai signing the receipt from the attendant, Hu Tao sarcastically remarked, "Wow, spending one million eight hundred thousand Mora just like that, feeling generous today?"
"Hey, Mora is meant to be spent!" Jiang Bai casually waved a hand, feigning complete indifference to the expenditure.
Even though it stung a little, his Adeptal texts should sell for tens of millions, so this was just a drop in the bucket.
Hu Tao rolled her eyes.
If only he could keep up this nonchalant act when he comes begging me for his paycheck…
"And now, we present tonight's highlight—a Mora coin personally minted by the Geo Archon Rex Lapis himself several thousand years ago!"
The auctioneer dramatically lifted the red cloth, revealing an ancient-looking Mora quietly resting on the podium.
Hearing the auctioneer's words, whispers immediately erupted throughout the hall.
"And how exactly can you prove this is the very first Mora minted by Rex Lapis?"
"Exactly! I could just as easily claim that my own Mora is the first one!"
"Everyone, please calm down. Naturally, we have proof! According to historical records, the earliest Mora minted by Rex Lapis bore a distinct pattern, different from the current design, and had no assigned value!"
The auctioneer opened an ancient book, showing the depicted pattern matching exactly with the coin.
"Since this Mora was forged using the Archon's divine power, even after thousands of years, traces of his divine energy still linger within. Carrying it can ward off evil, dispel misfortune, and even grant visions of its creation in your dreams…"
The auctioneer confidently held up the Mora as he passionately advertised its virtues.
In his box near the window, Zhongli's eyebrows rose slightly.
Since when did the first Mora I made have such incredible properties?
From what he remembered, he'd crafted a batch of Mora for practical trade purposes and casually spent them without a second thought.
Hearing the mention of lingering divine power, Childe immediately perked up.
"Starting bid at five million Mora!"
As soon as the auctioneer's voice faded, Childe called out, "Ten million Mora!" instantly doubling the initial bid.
From another private box, Ningguang gently turned her jade pipe between her fingers, lips curving into a faint, intrigued smile.
"Twenty million Mora."
Seeing how quickly the price of the coin escalated, Jiang Bai sucked in a breath.
So this is the allure of the Geo Archon's first Mora? Quite similar in effect to the lyre once played by Barbatos!
"If I heard right, that was Miss Ningguang's bid," Xingqiu commented quietly, gently fanning himself as he glanced toward the source of the voice.
"Indeed. Hopefully, Miss Ningguang takes it, rather than letting that Fatui guy win," Jiang Bai replied.
Though Jiang Bai disliked Childe, he had no intention of bidding himself. The price was already beyond his limits; if he carelessly raised the bid and no one else followed, he'd be ruined.