"The older generation of adventurers once uncovered fragments of the Towering Tyrant within Stormterror's Lair," Ji Fang announced as she introduced the second item.
"These ruins still contain traces of power left behind by Decarabian, the God of Storms. Even after more than two thousand six hundred years, his anemo authority has yet to fully dissipate."
"Fragments of the Towering Tyrant can be used to forge weapons, significantly increasing their strength. With sufficient luck, one might even comprehend remnants of a god's power within them."
"At his peak, the Towering Tyrant could not be harmed even by Andrius. In the end, it was only when Barbatos united all forces under the banner of freedom that this tyrant was finally overthrown."
"Because the number of fragments exceeds ten thousand pieces, the opening bid is—five million Mora!"
Severin had only recently visited Stormterror's Lair himself. The ruins there had long been stripped bare; very little remained.
For the auction house to produce so many fragments at once, these were likely stockpiled decades ago.
His mastery over Anemo was already nearing Barbatos's level. To Severin, these fragments were little more than a curiosity.
To most people present, however, they were irresistibly tempting.
The gods once gilded the contours of desire with seven radiant lights, proclaiming that their authority could be reached—
and since humanity's birth, the pursuit of elemental power had never ceased.
"Five million one hundred thousand!"
"Five million five hundred thousand!"
"Six million!"
Bids rose steadily as nobles and merchants from every nation vied for the Storm God's remnants, hoping to grasp even a sliver of divine might.
In recent years, rumors had spread across Teyvat—that godly power could extend mortal lifespans.
Thus began a frenzied pursuit, ignoring the grim truth: the human body could not withstand excessive divine energy.
Even in Snezhnaya alone, Severin had seen countless tragedies caused by reckless absorption of godly power.
When it came to strength—or longevity—human ambition knew no bounds.
Seeing Severin study the fragments, Zhongli spoke quietly:
"He was both pitiful and hateful. The tyrant built a circular city to shelter his people, yet they knelt not in reverence, but because the raging winds forced their heads down. When rebellion began, his dream shattered completely…"
To others, this sounded like erudite commentary.
To Severin, it was simply Zhongli recalling his own memories.
When Zhongli finished, the fragments sold for 8.2 million Mora, claimed by a Liyue tycoon.
Ji Fang then gestured as attendants unfurled a massive mural rubbing.
"The third auction item is a copied mural. The original lies in southern Inazuma, at a site many of you have heard of—Tsurumi Island, dating back over two thousand six hundred years."
"The ancient civilization of Tsurumi remains shrouded in mystery. This rubbing may conceal secrets of its fall. Whoever deciphers it may uncover the truth behind that civilization's destruction."
"Starting bid—one million Mora!"
Her words reignited the room.
Tsurumi Island lay perpetually veiled in fog; few could ever enter.
Owning a mural rubbing was often the closest most scholars could get.
As for the truth behind Tsurumi's destruction—even the Tsaritsa spoke of it only vaguely.
Severin, however, already knew part of the answer.
The Tsurumi civilization worshipped the Moon Sisters and inherited knowledge from an even older super-ancient civilization.
For that, Celestia cast down a Skyfrost Nail—just as it had upon Sal Vindagnyr.
The disruption of ley lines led to their extinction.
Not the full truth, perhaps—but enough.
To Severin, the mural held little research value compared to what lay ahead.
Yet at that moment, Zhongli leaned closer.
"Please," he said quietly. "Help me secure this mural."
So even you ask for help—without mentioning Mora, no less. Old habits die hard, Lord of Wealth.
Seeing Severin hesitate, Zhongli explained:
"My reputation is well known. If I bid openly, it would only confirm the item's value and drive the price higher. Do not worry about the Mora—I will repay you once I gather the funds."
"I'm not worried about Mora," Severin replied. "Tell me the truth. Did you come to the auction for this mural? You may keep your secret, if you wish."
Zhongli shook his head.
"There's no need. I did come for it."
"People long to peel back the fog of history, yet some knowledge is bait—carefully laid traps. I am curious as well, but I know the price of such truths… and Liyue cannot afford to pay it."
He spoke in riddles, but Severin understood.
Tsurumi's fall involved Celestia. Zhongli wished to shield Liyue from that danger.
Yet he could not seize the mural by force.
Nor could theft befit the contracts he himself had established.
So there was only one way—purchase it lawfully.
As bids climbed past 3.5 million, Severin raised his hand.
"Five million Mora."
The hall fell silent.
No one competed further. A few scoffs echoed—many believed the young man had overpaid.
Had they noticed Zhongli's faint smile, they might have thought otherwise.
"The auction includes eight items in total," Ji Fang continued.
"Now for the fourth—an exotic Inazuman beast: a Bathysmal Vishap."
Gasps rippled through the audience.
"Liyue adventurers encountered Abyss forces during a mission near Watatsumi Island. The Abyss had somehow captured a Bathysmal Vishap."
"They drove the Abyss away and brought the creature back to Liyue Harbor. According to ancient myth, Bathysmal Vishaps may be descendants of dragons, bearing traces of draconic blood."
"Unfortunately, it died during transport. Even so, its research value remains immense."
"Starting bid—one million Mora!"
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