The side hall of Wanwen Bookhouse had been converted into an auction venue.
From Zhongli, Severin learned that auctions were a relatively new venture for the bookstore.
Compared to traditional fixed-price consignment sales, auctions not only allowed sellers to earn staggering profits, but also drew massive crowds—boosting the bookstore's visibility and influence.
After explaining this, Zhongli added calmly,
"This was my suggestion."
Severin understood immediately—this wasn't idle bragging, but an implicit request for his opinion.
After today's lecture, Zhongli clearly valued Severin's judgment, perhaps even seeking his recognition.
So Severin gave him what he wanted.
"It's a good idea," he said evenly. "Diversified operations help spread risk."
"Thank you."
Zhongli nodded, satisfied.
This had been the first time he had personally intervened in a mortal commercial endeavor.
In the past, he merely announced broad directives during the Rite of Descension, leaving all execution to the Liyue Qixing. He had always acted as a hands-off overseer.
But recently, he had begun deliberately immersing himself in mortal life—learning its rhythms, skills, and attitudes.
Only by doing so could he one day adapt to a life without divinity.
Severin himself had little interest in auctions. At his current level, external objects provided minimal benefit.
Still, Zhongli's invitation was difficult to refuse, and so he agreed to attend.
When they arrived, the auction was already underway.
What surprised Severin was the heavy presence of the Millelith guarding the venue.
Once inside, the reason became obvious.
Scanning the crowd, he spotted many familiar faces:
Kurisu, president of the International Trade Association from InazumaXingqiu, second heir of the Feiyun Commerce GuildChongyun, seated beside him
Alongside them sat Liyue's major merchant tycoons—rotund, richly dressed, and radiating wealth.
There were also noble heirs, aristocratic daughters, and children of officials, their luxurious attire unmistakable.
Clearly, this auction had been prepared well in advance.
Only Liyue's elite had been invited.
With expectations raised, Severin finally stirred some interest, lifting the hot tea brought by an attendant.
"Welcome, honored guests," announced the host—Ji Fang.
"As always, open bidding. Highest offer wins. Let us begin with the first item!"
"The first auction lot is a Ruin Serpent in relatively good condition."
Gasps rippled through the hall.
"This serpentine relic machine is a masterpiece of ancient Khaenri'ah engineering," Ji Fang continued.
"It can drastically improve underground excavation efficiency."
"Due to its size, the item is stored outside the city. Wanwen Bookhouse will act as guarantor for delivery upon purchase."
Eyes gleamed across the hall.
Artifacts from Khaenri'ah were usually damaged beyond repair. Fully functional units were exceedingly rare—and priceless.
"However," Ji Fang added, smiling politely, "buyers should note that the Ruin Serpent is highly dangerous. When discovered, it was still actively tunneling and injured several people before being restrained."
"Enough talk," a merchant barked. "What's the starting price?"
"One hundred million—no," Ji Fang corrected herself lightly.
"Ten million Mora."
A staggering sum—yet entirely reasonable for such an artifact.
"Eleven million!"
"Fifteen million!"
"Seventeen million!"
Bids climbed rapidly, jumping by millions each time.
But all things had a ceiling. When the price reached twenty million, fewer voices remained.
"Twenty-five million Mora," someone declared confidently.
"Gentlemen, this belongs with me if it's to reach its true potential."
Zhongli leaned over and explained softly,
"That is a prominent Fontaine merchant, closely tied to the Fontaine court. The Royal Research Institute has long studied Khaenri'ah constructs. He likely intends to donate it for research."
"I'm interested as well," Severin said calmly.
"Fifty million Mora."
The hall fell silent.
Zhongli froze, teacup suspended midair.
"If you're curious about autonomous mechanisms," he cautioned, "there are Ruin Guards in Liyue's domains. They're cheaper, and suitable for… entertainment. Fifty million Mora for this seems excessive. Or do you perhaps have a grievance with that Fontaine merchant?"
"Across the Seven Nations," Severin replied lightly,
"there are very few who qualify as my enemies."
He continued evenly,
"The Ruin Serpent is an excavation tool. Mining is merely one application. In Snezhnaya, there exists an immense ancient ice cavern, long hindered by ley line interference. Manual excavation progresses slowly."
"This machine's efficiency surpasses human labor by dozens of times—and is barely affected by ley lines."
Beneath Snezhnaya's eternal permafrost lay countless buried civilizations—many destroyed during the Archon War, some even older.
The ice was harder than stone; excavation was nearly impossible.
This Ruin Serpent would easily repay its cost many times over.
Zhongli nodded slowly.
"Worth every Mora."
At the same time, he silently confirmed Severin's origin—Snezhnaya.
On the other side of the hall, the Fontaine merchant hesitated.
He could afford even a hundred million—but Severin's immediate doubling of the bid made one thing clear: the item was non-negotiable.
With a scowl, he withdrew.
The Ruin Serpent was sold—to Severin—for fifty million Mora.
The merchant shot a venomous glance toward Severin and muttered to his assistant,
"These young upstarts truly know no limits. After decades in business, with Fontaine's court behind me, people usually give me face. Seems they've forgotten how I rose to power."
The assistant shivered.
She knew exactly how her employer had risen—through ruthlessness and bloodless cruelty.
That well-dressed young man would not be safe after tonight.
The most astonished of all was Ji Fang.
When she saw Severin's calm expression after bidding fifty million without hesitation, one thought crystallized in her mind:
Even if Ningguang personally tried to retain him, this man would never stay in Liyue.
Talent, wealth, composure—he was undoubtedly the heir of some great power beyond Liyue.
She steadied herself and announced:
"The second auction item—originating from a Mondstadt domain known as Stormterror's Lair!"
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