The Invincible Auction House

Chapter 34: Falling Masks

The streets of Rydale simmered with unrest as the fallout from the latest auction rippled through the city. The Ironclad Sect had secured the ancient manual fragment, a victory that emboldened their already domineering presence. Meanwhile, Harron, the Merchant Guild's leader, seethed over the escalating tensions and his public defeat. Beneath the surface, whispers of betrayal and desperation grew louder, threatening to boil over.

In the shadows of the guild's headquarters, Felmar, Harron's trusted advisor, leaned closer to his master. His voice was low, each word deliberate. "Harron, we can't let this go unanswered. The Ironclad Sect is growing too bold."

Harron's fists clenched tightly around the arms of his chair. "I know," he growled. "But striking back directly would only confirm their suspicions. We need... subtlety."

Felmar's thin lips curled into a sly smile. "Then perhaps it's time to show the auction house what it's like to play both sides."

Adam stood in the grand hall of the auction house, watching the orb as it displayed the city's shifting power dynamics. The energy radiating from it seemed stronger now, each pulse a reflection of the chaos brewing outside.

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: GLOBAL TENSION AT CRITICAL LEVELS. MAJOR EVENT TRIGGER IMMINENT. >

"Good," Adam murmured, his gaze cold and calculating. "The stage is set."

Ren entered the hall, his usual unease now tinged with something heavier. "Master Adam, there's word that Elira is planning to strike the guild again. But she's not alone this time."

Adam turned, one eyebrow raised. "She's found an ally?"

Ren nodded. "It seems she's approached the Ironclad Sect with a proposal. They haven't agreed yet, but if they do..."

Adam's smirk returned. "The guild and the sect in a direct conflict? That would be catastrophic—for them. Perfect for us."

"But what if they realize the auction house is at the center of all this?" Ren asked, his voice edged with worry. "They're starting to connect the dots."

Adam's gaze hardened. "Let them. By the time they act, their hands will be tied. Power isn't just about strength—it's about control. And right now, I control everything."

In the catacombs, Elira met with a pair of Ironclad Sect elders. The dim light from the torches cast flickering shadows across the rough stone walls, giving the room an air of unease.

"This alliance benefits both of us," Elira said, her tone firm. "The guild has weakened us both. Together, we can destroy them."

Elder Wei Lian regarded her with a cold, calculating gaze. "Your cause is noble, but you underestimate the guild's influence. They have deep connections—and deeper coffers."

Elira's green eyes flashed with determination. "Then we hit them where it hurts. Their wealth. Their reputation. With your strength and our knowledge of the city's underbelly, we can bring them to their knees."

Wei Lian exchanged a glance with his companion, a younger but equally stern elder. After a long pause, he inclined his head. "We will consider your proposal. But make no mistake—this alliance serves our interests first."

Back at the auction house, Adam convened a meeting with Lira and Ren. The map of Rydale lay spread out before them, markers indicating key locations and faction strongholds.

"The Ironclad Sect is cautious but ambitious," Adam began, his voice calm but firm. "They'll weigh the risks of an alliance with Elira. Our job is to tip the scales."

Lira's grin widened. "Let me guess—you want to push the guild into making the first move?"

"Exactly," Adam said. "Spread rumors that the guild is preparing to strike the sect. Make it seem inevitable. The sect will have no choice but to align with Elira."

Ren frowned, his brow furrowing. "And when they do? Won't the city descend into chaos?"

"That's the idea," Adam said, his tone cold. "Chaos creates opportunity. And when the dust settles, we'll be the only ones left standing."

The next day, Harron received an anonymous tip about the Ironclad Sect's growing alliance with the rebels. The message was written in elegant script, its words carefully chosen to stoke his paranoia.

"The sect plans to destroy the guild," Felmar read aloud, his voice dripping with mockery. "What a convenient little warning."

Harron's jaw tightened. "Convenient or not, we can't ignore it. Double the guards on all our trade routes. And send word to our... less savory contacts. If the sect wants war, we'll give it to them."

By nightfall, the city was a tinderbox. Ironclad Sect disciples patrolled the streets in greater numbers, their presence a clear challenge to the guild's authority. Meanwhile, the rebels used the chaos to slip through the cracks, gathering resources and positioning themselves for the coming storm.

In the auction house, Adam watched it all unfold through the orb's glowing projections. The system's messages appeared in rapid succession, each one feeding his growing power.

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: GOOD AND EVIL DEEDS DETECTED. POWER INCREASED BY 30%. >

< SYSTEM MESSAGE: FACTION CONFLICT ESCALATION COMPLETE. MAJOR EVENT TRIGGERED. >

Adam's smirk widened as the orb flared brighter than ever. "It's time."

The first skirmish erupted at the edge of the marketplace. A guild caravan, heavily guarded, was ambushed by a group of masked rebels. The Ironclad Sect arrived moments later, their presence turning the skirmish into a full-blown battle. Blades clashed, and the air buzzed with the energy of cultivation techniques.

From his perch atop a nearby building, Adam observed the chaos with Lira at his side. Her grin was sharp as a knife. "Looks like they're tearing each other apart."

"Exactly as planned," Adam said, his tone quiet but filled with satisfaction. "Now, let's see who's left standing."

End of Chapter 34