After wandering around and stopping here and there, Eli Winters and his group finally arrived at the entrance of the Human Auction House just as the auction was nearing its end.
Quill stood at the front with a grim expression, blocking their way with his men. He had been waiting there since Eli's group was still some distance away. It was obvious that he had no intention of letting them inside.
"Eli Winters, what are you doing here?" Quill asked in a low voice.
"Isn't there an auction going on here? I came to take a look," Eli replied with a gentle smile.
"The auction is already over. You can come another time," Quill said, forcing a stiff smile.
"Oh? Then why do I still hear noise inside?" Eli's smile faded, his expression turning sharp. "Or is it that you look down on us and don't want to let us in?"
"Of course not. Who would dare look down on the Void Sovereign, Eli Winters?" Quill said quickly. "It's just that the auction is really about to end. Even if you go in, there won't be anything worth seeing. How about this, come next time. I will personally invite you and your companions. Consider this my lack of hospitality today. I will send compensation later. What do you say?"
"Sigh, if that's the case, then forget it," Eli said with a regretful tone. "Otherwise, we'd look like we don't understand manners."
Hearing what sounded like a retreat, a hint of relief appeared at the corner of Quill's mouth. Avoiding a direct conflict with Eli was the best outcome. But before that smile could last, Eli spoke again.
"I heard that three very important figures are here today. Shouldn't we pay them a visit?"
Seeing the teasing smile on Eli's face, Quill immediately realized he had been played. From the very beginning, Eli's real target had been those three officials.
However, Quill had neither the strength nor the courage to fall out with Eli. He forced another smile. "The three honored guests are already resting. Why don't you come back another day?"
"Quill!" Eli suddenly shouted.
The sharp shout startled everyone present. Quill's palms were already slick with sweat.
"I'm not allowed to attend the auction, and now you're stopping me from meeting the three honored guests too?" Eli said angrily. "What, do you think we're beneath you?"
"You dare look down on us?" Big Pan roared, looking fierce as he swung his Coiling Dragon Staff. Quill's subordinates swallowed hard in unison. Getting hit by something that thick would not be pleasant.
"How could that be? The three honored guests really are resting," Quill explained again, though his clenched fists showed he was at his limit.
"Then what are we waiting for? Duotai, Simon, Kree, beat him up," Big Pan shouted, waving his hand as if ready to charge.
At that moment, the doors of the auction house opened. A large crowd poured out, led by three men dressed in luxurious clothing that resembled space suits, their heads encased in bubble-like helmets. They looked to be in their thirties, one plump, one thin, and one of average build.
These three were the most powerful Celestial Dragons of the current era.
Before they even reached the front, one of them spoke. "Quill, since they want to meet us, let them come."
"Yes, Lord Verly," Quill replied, stepping aside and bowing respectfully, though worry lingered in his eyes.
"You are Eli Winters?" the Celestial Dragon called Verly pointed at Eli arrogantly. The other two wore the same condescending expressions.
"That's me," Eli said calmly, looking at the three men with interest. "What instructions do the three esteemed lords have?"
"Hmph. I hear you've caused quite a bit of trouble for the World Government. You have some nerve," Verly said coldly, his round face tightening.
"Haha, I suppose I do," Eli replied, still smiling.
"How dare you!" shouted the tall, thin Celestial Dragon beside Verly. "A lowly man like you dares to act so insolently before us? Kneel down with your companions and beg for forgiveness. If we are in a good mood, we might take you in as servants. That would be your fortune."
"Servants?" Eli smiled. "I think killing you sounds better."
The next instant, he reached out with his right hand. In a blink, the tall Celestial Dragon was pulled right in front of him, his neck firmly gripped.
The sudden turn of events stunned everyone. No one expected Eli to attack without hesitation.
After a brief moment of shock, Quill and the others shouted angrily, demanding that Eli release him.
"Eli Winters, do you know what you're doing?" Verly said darkly. "Release Lord Tian Ashmore immediately. If you harm him, everyone connected to you will die."
"Oh? Really? I don't believe that," Eli said with a smile.
He placed one hand on the bubble helmet and slammed it down hard. The bubble shattered, and so did the Celestial Dragon's head.
Eli flicked his hand as if brushing off dust and said lightly, "I thought the heads of Celestial Dragons would be different. Turns out they're just as fragile."
He then looked coldly at the remaining two.
By now, the other Celestial Dragons were terrified beyond measure. They stumbled backward, shouting incoherently, "How dare you? How could you? We are descendants of the creators!"
Regret flooded their hearts. Quill had been right. This man really dared to kill a Celestial Dragon.
"Boss, leave the other two to me," Big Pan said excitedly. The move Eli had just made was exactly his kind of style.
"Haha, go ahead," Eli replied casually.
"Got it. Watch this," Big Pan said with a grin, charging forward with his staff.
"What are you standing around for? Fire!" Quill finally snapped back to his senses and shouted at his stunned subordinates.
They hurriedly raised their rifles and fired at Big Pan. With a swing of his Coiling Dragon Staff, a violent gust of wind erupted, blowing the bullets and the shooters themselves off their feet.
Big Pan curled his lip in disdain and rushed straight toward the two Celestial Dragons.
"You won't get past me," Quill shouted, stepping in front of them with a massive war hammer in hand.
"Heh, then let's have some fun," Big Pan said with interest.
The two clashed immediately.
Both were power-type fighters, and the battle was intense, though Big Pan was clearly holding back. Otherwise, Quill would not have lasted long.
At the same time, another group of armed men rushed toward them.
Eli glanced over, a playful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
The Navy.
This was getting interesting.