Chapter 32: The Tian Clan
"Is the Tian Clan really using their influence to scare off other bidders?" someone asked from the back of the hall.
To Matthew’s surprise, the one who responded was Duke. Even the ghost girl hovering next to Matthew seemed surprised when Duke spoke.
Matthew’s gaze snapped toward him. Duke remained in his usual casual posture. What is he doing? Matthew wondered. In his past life, Duke and the Tian Clan had never been allies, but they weren’t enemies either. Both came from powerful families, yet there was always something unspoken between them—something Matthew had never been able to figure out, not even in death. All he knew was that a quiet distance had always separated the two.
"Well, young man?" The man in white ignored Duke entirely and leaned forward in his seat. His white suit almost shimmered under the auction lights, pristine and intentional, a direct contrast to the man in black beside him. "Would you be so kind as to offer this item to our Tian Clan?"
"The Tian Clan is just like you. Except they can’t see ghosts..." the ghost girl said suddenly started mumbling next to him. "It’s strange... they’re from a different part of the world. Why are they here? Are they hunting for treasures?" Then she gasped. "Do you think they sensed my spirit stones? That’s bad!" And just like that, she vanished.
Matthew glanced around. The ghost girl actually disappeared!
But wait... what did she just said? The Tian Clan are Nexians too? Matthew turned towards them in surprise. Does that mean they have... superpowers?
Before he could say a word, Argent suddenly leaned in, whispering, "That Tian Clan..." but Matthew raised a hand, stopping him. This Argent is really too noisy!
Matthew immediately got up and nod toward the platform. "I am only buying them for fun," he said. If they were Nexians, then his reason for getting close to them had just become even more justified. This is no longer about money! "I collect such pieces for personal study. However, if the Tian Clan desires this item, then I will not stand in their way. I withdraw my bid. Please, proceed."
A murmur immediately passed through the crowd.
The man in black glanced briefly at his companion, then raised his hand again. "Ten million and one hundred thousand," he said.