One couldn't fault Violet for her astonishment. After all, these fruits had vanished from the world for tens of thousands of years. Witnessing such a bounty now, especially as a legendary alchemist herself, it was inevitable that she'd be overwhelmed.Observing her reaction, Benjamin fell into contemplative silence. Internally, he was filled with remorse. Had he known their immense value earlier, he would never have frivolously used them, or generously gifted one to each person as a vital essence supplement. Such prodigality was a tragic waste.Regrettably, the complete knowledge of the Phoenix legacy eluded him. And he had accessed the Celestial Palace's legacy a tad too late. As such, he now possessed only a handful of the Thousand-Year Fruit, enough to make just about a dozen potions or so.Certainly, if Violet could successfully concoct the legendary spiritual pill, Benjamin would feel profoundly fortunate for himself.After all, in one of Violet's furnaces, she could craft over a

Although these thoughts consumed him, Michael's gaze was locked onto Griselda. The aura of a grandmaster, formidable and rare, began emanating from him, causing Griselda's face to pale considerably.To be fair, Griselda hadn't expected this seemingly bookish youth, whose appearance gave an impression of ineptness, to be an unparalleled grandmaster, even potentially surpassing her grandfather. This revelation made her feel like she had disturbed a hornet's nest. She hastily sought Benjamin's figure, hoping for assistance.However, to her dismay, Benjamin had disappeared. Her complexion grew even more ashen, and internally, she was hurling curses at Benjamin."What's transpired here? Why are you all standing around? Why not head to the elevator for the auction?"A melodious voice, clear as a brook, suddenly pierced through from behind, diverting everyone's attention.Emerging was a ravishing figure, a young woman seemingly in her mid-twenties. Dressed simply in black trousers and a whit

Beholding Mr. Knight's demeanor, the young man couldn't help but unleash a hearty laugh. Yet, in the very next breath, his gaze turned earnest, fixing Mr. Knight with a direct stare."By all accounts, I'm known as the 'War God' to many, but my true name, sir, is Benjamin Arnold.""What? Come again?"As the young man proclaimed his identity, a ripple of shock coursed through those present. Although many there did not recognize Benjamin per se, the moniker 'War God' was far from unfamiliar to them.Notably, several young lads and lasses held the legendary War God in the highest esteem."Heavens! Could he be the fabled War God?”“Ha ha! A hero emerges in his youth, he still appears so young! Were there a chance, I'd seek his autograph."The buzz of excited whispers filled the hall. Mr. Knight's eyes shimmered with a mix of caution and disbelief. However, famed or not as a terror of the seas, he soon composed himself, leveling a disdainful gaze at the young man."Hmph, but a stripling! Wh

Hearing this, and seeing Sophie's genuflection, the man's demeanor softened slightly, but he remained vigilant. His gaze drifted to a secluded corner of Sophie's office, filled with inscrutable intent: "Fine, considering your honesty, I'll entrust these crystals to you. However, ensure that my desired items reach the specified location on time."With that, he tossed the remaining crystals to Sophie and, before her very eyes, vanished, leaving behind only fleeting streaks of light.As the remnants of their encounter faded, Sophie whispered to herself: "Finally, that ordeal is over."Stepping outside the hotel, the figure previously known as the man in the black cloak, now revealed to be Benjamin, removed his outer cloak, allowing himself a moment of relaxation. He quickly scanned his surroundings, ensuring no prying eyes followed him. Assured of his privacy, he discarded his clothes into a nearby bin, retaining only the attire he had worn earlier at the auction with Griselda.After set

Boom!Boom!The resonant crash echoed not once, but twice.With an ear-splitting noise, the pillar above was swiftly shattered by Abner's robust figure, leaving behind an eye-catching, man-shaped hole. Were it not for Abner's stature as a grandmaster, enduring such relentless shockwaves would have undoubtedly left him grievously injured, if not dead.However, being the grandmaster that he is, even after being momentarily dizzied by Benjamin's onslaught, Abner hurriedly crawled out from the debris. His eyes, now tainted with a touch of rage, locked fiercely onto Benjamin.But just as Abner saw Benjamin's figure beginning to fade away, he couldn't help but cry out in haste: "Stop... hold on. I agree to your terms. Both sides will choose ten fighters, and whoever wins more than five matches emerges victorious. What do you say?"Hearing Abner's plea, Benjamin momentarily paused. Yet his gaze briefly swept over Abner's ragged form, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips, amused: "Very w