The Third Prince!
Everyone was stunned to see the Third Prince being pushed in a wheelchair into the auction house from outside.
Good heavens.
He was so badly injured, why wasn't he recuperating instead of coming out to bid?
"Third Brother? Why are you here? Hurry back and heal!" the Second Prince said.
"Third Brother, you've come at the right time. If you don't have enough money, I can lend you some," the Fourth Prince said with a smile, acting magnanimous.
"Fourth Brother, what do you mean? Are you planning to gang up with him to bully me?" The Second Prince's expression darkened, clearly displeased.
The bidding between him and the Fourth Prince was about to conclude.
Now that the Third Prince had arrived, he wouldn't let him have an easy time!
"Heh heh, Second Brother, you misunderstand. This green box goes to the highest bidder. I saw that Third Brother was injured some time ago and might desperately need this green box for protection, so I was being considerate and wanted to help him secure it."
"I believe if Second Brother could understand Third Brother's current feelings, you wouldn't try to snatch it away, would you?" the Fourth Prince sneered.
While he appeared to be genuinely concerned for the Third Prince, his true intention was to inconvenience the Second Prince.
If he couldn't have something, the Second Prince shouldn't have it either.
Therefore, he'd rather give it to the Third Prince, perhaps with the hope of exchanging it back from him later.
"Host, is it still possible to join the bidding halfway through the auction? Isn't that against the rules?"
Seeing that he couldn't reason with the Third Prince, the Second Prince turned to the host of the Treasure Pavilion.
"Heh heh, technically it's not allowed, but if the intruder has an invitation to the auction, they can join the bidding mid-way," the auction host explained.
The Third Prince, sitting in his wheelchair, had already revealed the invitation in his hand.
"Excuse me, I happen to have an invitation, so my bid just now is valid. Please continue, host."
The host for tonight's auction was the manager of the Treasure Pavilion in the capital.
He was well aware of the rivalries among the six princes of the capital. With a slight smile, he announced loudly.
"The Third Prince bids one hundred and ten billion. Are there any higher bids?"
"One hundred and ten billion, first call..."
The Second Prince's face was grim as he watched the host count down, his fists clenched tightly.
At this moment.
The Sixth Prince suddenly walked up to the Second Prince and said with a smile.
"Second Brother, you bid. I can help you vent this anger, but you must return this item to me. Of course, I will also return all your money."
"Sixth Brother? What is this?" The Second Prince was taken aback, somewhat confused.
The Sixth Prince quickly whispered a few words into his ear, making him understand.
"Sixth Brother, you're fishing for fish right in front of my eyes. You truly are..."
The Second Prince shook his head repeatedly but didn't blame him.
Among their royal brothers, the Sixth Prince was the least interested in the position of Crown Prince.
Therefore, they often interacted, and their relationship was quite good.
The Second Prince couldn't help but smile wryly upon hearing the Sixth Prince's explanation.
However, since the Third and Fourth Princes were colluding to make him unhappy, he naturally wanted to seize this opportunity to vent his anger.
Upon learning that the owner of the green box was Zhang Yang, the Second Prince didn't hold back.
He immediately shouted.
"One hundred and fifty billion!"
His bid caused a stir among everyone present.
No one expected the Second Prince to increase the bid so drastically.
"What's going on? The Second Prince even mortgaged his personal sword earlier. Where did he get the money to continue bidding?"
"These royal scions are too terrifying; each one is incredibly wealthy!"
"Look at the Third Prince's face, it's so gloomy. He's probably shocked by this one hundred and fifty billion bid."
"..."
The onlookers at the auction buzzed with discussion. The Third and Fourth Princes were also whispering to each other.
"It seems Sixth Brother lent Second Brother money, otherwise Second Brother wouldn't dare to bid like this," the Fourth Prince speculated.
"That's likely the case. However, I'm determined to get this item as well. Fourth Brother, how much can you lend me?" the Third Prince asked.
"One hundred billion. I can't lend more. I have a large number of people to support," the Fourth Prince replied.
This one hundred billion was the highest bid he had made earlier. Now, being willing to lend it all to the Third Prince was simply to annoy the Second Prince.
The Third Prince nodded upon hearing this and immediately increased his bid.
"Two hundred billion!"
He emulated the Second Prince's bidding style, drastically increasing the bid by hundreds of billions, regaining the lead.
"Heh heh, two hundred and fifty billion!" The Second Prince felt no pressure and continued to bid.
This bid stunned everyone.
It was another massive jump in the bidding. Was this genuine wealth, or an attempt to trap the Third Prince?
The Third Prince was also surprised.
He knew that this wouldn't be the final price; the Second Prince would definitely raise the bid.
However, to raise the bid so significantly at once was truly unexpected.
The Third Prince couldn't help but look at the Sixth Prince, wondering in his heart.
Could it be that Sixth Brother had given all his fortune to Second Brother?
"Two hundred and sixty billion." The Third Prince restrained himself this time.
He dared not bid so high again.
The money he had, plus what the Fourth Prince and that person lent him, was not enough to support such a bid.
"Heh heh, Third Brother, you've only just started bidding, and you're already running out of steam? Why are you only increasing the bid by such small amounts?" the Second Prince taunted.
"If you have money, keep bidding. Stop being so sarcastic," the Third Prince said sternly.
"Haha, alright, I'll show you. Three hundred billion." The Second Prince continued to make substantial bid increases.
This made the auction host laugh heartily. The total transaction value of today's auction surpassed that of the entire first half of the year.
"Third Brother, come on, keep bidding," the Second Prince added, not forgetting to provoke him after stating his bid.
"Three hundred and ten billion!" the Third Prince bid, his face looking troubled.
"Second Brother, you'd better check if you have enough money in your pocket. It would be embarrassing if you couldn't pay after the auction."
"You are a royal prince. Father cannot afford to lose face for this!"
The Second Prince confidently sneered, "Don't worry about that. I have sufficient funds."
"Seeing how stingy you are, as an elder brother, I won't make things difficult for you. A single bid of five hundred billion. If you dare to bid higher, I'll let you have it!"
What?
Five hundred billion!?
When the Second Prince announced this price, everyone except those in the know, like the Sixth Prince, was dumbfounded.
The host, with a serious expression, asked.
"Second Prince, are you sure you're not joking?"
"Of course not. Don't worry, I have the money," the Second Prince sneered.
Treasure Pavilion took a 2% commission on the transaction amount for each auction item.
That was ten billion, which he could afford.
Moreover, the Sixth Prince would split half of it with him, so they were not worried at all.
Yesterday, Third Brother was severely beaten by Zhang Yang. If he could enrage Third Brother again tonight,
Perhaps this fellow would kick the bucket.
Therefore, this ten billion was well worth it.
"Third Brother, do you still want to bid? If so, bid quickly," the Second Prince said with a smile.
The host also stopped counting down. This price was already an astronomical sum, setting a new record for the highest transaction price in Treasure Pavilion's history.
Everyone in the entire auction house was staring intently at the Third Prince.
The Third Prince's face was blank, his gaze filled with gloom.
The money he had, at most, was three hundred and fifty billion, which he had borrowed from the Fourth Prince.
Now, with the price of five hundred billion, he truly couldn't bid anymore.
"I give up." After saying this, the Third Prince turned and left the auction hall with some disappointment.
Thus.
The green box was successfully auctioned for five hundred billion.
An hour later.
Zhang Yang and his entourage were seated in a VIP room at the Treasure Pavilion.
Soon, the Sixth Prince and the Second Prince entered together.
"Hahaha, you must be Zhang Yang? You are truly a distinguished and heroic figure. No wonder you could make my Third Brother sit in a wheelchair."
As soon as the Second Prince entered, he praised Zhang Yang without reservation.
"Second Prince, you flatter me. Third Brother simply likes to sit. I'm a helpful person," Zhang Yang said with a smile.
"Haha, well said, 'likes to sit.' That's right, if Third Brother dares to cause trouble again, I'll make him sit too," the Second Prince laughed heartily and sat down.
Then, the Sixth Prince also came over, took out the green box, and returned it to Zhang Yang.
"Zhang Yang, I've already refunded the money to Second Brother. This box is yours again," the Sixth Prince said.
"Good. Have you told Second Prince about the matter?" Zhang Yang asked.
"Sixth Brother told me. I am very willing to help you. This so-called inheritor of the Ink King is truly detestable. They even attacked Qingcheng Mountain, a sect that seeks peace with the world. Such a person deserves to die!" the Second Prince declared righteously.
He then looked at the Sect Master of Qingcheng Mountain and the Daoist Priest Qingniu and said.
"Seniors, please accept my condolences. I will definitely help you find the culprit and avenge your grievances."
"Thank you, Second Prince," the Sect Master of Qingcheng Mountain and the Daoist Priest Qingniu nodded in gratitude.
If it weren't absolutely necessary, the two of them truly did not want to deal with these princes.
Although the Second Prince claimed to be helping them without obligation, once they accepted his help, they would owe him a favor.
If the Second Prince needed their assistance in the future, it would be difficult for them to refuse.
However, compared to revenge, the two of them accepted it.
Since they could no longer avoid involvement in worldly affairs, they would enter the fray and participate in the conflict.
Afterward.
The group continued to chat for a while. The Sixth Prince glanced at the time and said.
"Second Brother, it's about time. You should be going."
"Haha, alright, I'll take my leave then. Everyone, remember to protect me," the Second Prince chuckled and left first.
He stuffed a wad of cotton into his chest to make it bulge.
After waiting for a short while, Zhang Yang and the others followed in batches.
"Zhang Yang, what are you guys doing?" Luo Yiren finally couldn't help but ask.
"Sister Yiren, can't you tell? Zhang Yang and the others are fishing. The inheritor of the Ink King didn't participate in the auction earlier, but that doesn't mean they won't try to snatch the item after the auction ends," Han Xiyao said with a smile.
Hearing this, Luo Yiren suddenly understood.
"So, does that mean the other party is likely to make a move now?"
"That's right," Zhang Yang nodded.
At this moment.
Xiao Zhan, the Sixth Prince, the Sect Master of Qingcheng Mountain, and Zhang Yang's group were dispersed.
However, their attention was entirely focused on the Second Prince.
The news that the Second Prince had spent a fortune to acquire the green box at the Treasure Pavilion tonight had already spread throughout the capital.
If the inheritor of the Ink King was in the capital, they would undoubtedly make a move.
Moreover, the road home for the Second Prince was the most opportune moment to strike.
After all, once the Second Prince returned to the Imperial City.
The guards there were heavily fortified, making it much more difficult to act than at present.
As expected.
After a short while, Zhang Yang stepped on the brakes.
"The Second Prince's car has stopped. It seems there's something happening ahead." Zhang Yang pulled the car over to the side of the road and then, taking the two women with him, stealthily moved forward.
At the same time.
Xiao Zhan and the others also sensed something unusual. Except for the Sixth Prince, everyone else concealed themselves.
"There's a roadblock in the middle of the road? What's happening up ahead?" the Second Prince asked the staff member opposite as soon as he got out of the car.
"There's been an accident ahead. This road is impassable. Please take a detour," the staff member said indifferently.
After saying this, he completely locked the roadblock and turned to leave.
Seeing this, the Sixth Prince and the Second Prince exchanged glances.
This inheritor of the Ink King was not simple.
They had even bribed these people!
"Sixth Brother, what now? What should we do?" the Second Prince asked.
"Heh heh, of course, we'll follow their arrangements. This is the capital. If they want to play, we'll play with them. We'll turn their plan to our advantage," the Sixth Prince said with a smile.
Afterward.
Their group abandoned their cars and chose to walk. Zhang Yang and the others secretly followed.
However, they hadn't gone far before a large group of figures appeared ahead.
"They're here! I knew they wouldn't be able to hold back," the Sixth Prince sneered sinisterly and signaled to the people lurking in the shadows.
"Haha, I've only heard of the inheritor of the Ink King in rumors. I'd like to see what they're like," the Second Prince also smiled.
The two of them walked towards the figures ahead without any fear.
However.
As the two groups approached, both the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince were stunned.
This!?
How could it be Eldest Brother?
Shouldn't it be the inheritor of the Ink King?
"Eldest Brother, what are you doing here?" the Second Prince asked in confusion.
"Of course, I'm here to wait for you, Second Brother," the First Prince said with a gentle smile and quickly walked towards the Second Prince.
"Something came up tonight and I didn't have time to attend the auction. I heard that the mysterious green box was bought by Second Brother? Could you lend it to Eldest Brother for a few days?" the First Prince said with a smile.
His words sounded like a demand rather than a request.
After the First Prince finished speaking, the many masters following behind him stepped forward.
They instantly surrounded the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince.
Seeing this, the escorts of these two princes also appeared and rushed forward to protect them.
"Eldest Brother, aren't you being a bit too demanding? I bought this green box, and I haven't even had a chance to study it. Why should I give it to you?" the Second Prince said unhappily.
"Heh heh, for no reason other than Eldest Brother likes it. Is that reason enough?" the First Prince refused to explain.
"Second Brother, you'd better give it to me, or I'll take it myself!"