Those watching stiffened, their eyes locked. They understood perfectly what Luo Bin’s gesture meant. Yet, it was hard to accept that such a small child was bidding such an astronomical sum—the sheer contrast was jarring!

It wasn't just them; Stanley and Faraday beside them watched Luo Bin with looks of utter disbelief.

They knew well that while Zhong Shenxiu’s elixirs brought in substantial profit, most of that money had been poured into constructing the "Dark Guild." They simply couldn't fathom how their Elder could still possess such vast wealth!

Xia Luo wasn't faring much better. She hadn't been with Zhong Shenxiu for just a day or two. Though she knew he had money, she never imagined this scale of fortune. Even her own "Cloud Splitter Mercenary Corps" couldn't earn this much in several lifetimes—that was six hundred million Diamond Coins!

And then there were Wade and his mother, a truly comical sight. They looked as if they were close to fainting.

Wade could never have imagined his little teacher, Luo Bin, was this wealthy. If he had that kind of money, he’d have quit everything long ago to live a life of leisure!

These people knew a bit about Zhong Shenxiu and Luo Bin, and since Luo Bin was holding the paddle, they tacitly accepted that she must have the funds.

But others didn't agree. After a moment of shock, they dismissed it as impossible for two reasons. First, Luo Bin was such a tiny child; she was probably just playing around with the paddle. Second, if she were truly that rich, why would she be squeezed into the general seating area instead of a private box?

The host, though harboring the same suspicions, maintained his professional composure. He didn't immediately erupt in fury, instead asking with a tone laced with doubt, "Little guest over there, are you genuinely bidding... bidding six hundred million Diamond Coins?"

Luo Bin glanced at him without speaking. Instead, she shook her bidding paddle once more, her expression clearly asking: What are your eyes for?

This response genuinely flustered the host. This was unprecedented!

Fortunately, relevant staff members were already making their way toward Luo Bin’s location. They needed to verify her capital; they couldn't let one child derail the entire auction!

Naturally, these personnel had received clearance from the auction house manager, Leopold. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare approach so boldly, as such an action was highly disrespectful and could easily provoke a guest!

Leopold observed Luo Bin and her group from a shadowed corner. He was now convinced Luo Bin was there to cause trouble. It was because of this little brat that the abhorrent mother and son had escaped, his loyal guards had been mysteriously slain, and he himself had sustained minor injuries!

Now that she appeared here, what else could she be doing if not causing mischief?

Leopold ground his teeth in fury, yet he dared not order his guards to make an arrest rashly. For one, causing a scene here would ruin the reputation of the "Pinhui Can Family." Secondly, he still didn't know who killed his guards. If he mishandled this, the "Xianghuan Can Family" wouldn't just suffer reputational damage; they might vanish from existence entirely!

While he pondered, the verification team suddenly signaled him with a very peculiar gesture. The meaning of this gesture was: Everything checks out!

These few personnel were now bowing and scraping, profusely apologizing to Luo Bin. They had just checked her account balance via the verification machine and discovered she possessed over two billion. The sheer number made them suck in their breath, cursing their own short-sightedness!

They knew that a little girl capable of commanding such wealth must have an extraordinary status, perhaps even being a princess. If she were to become angry, their lives—and likely the fate of their entire families—would be forfeit. Meanwhile, Leopold was dumbfounded. He understood that signal; every employee of the auction house knew its meaning. He simply could not accept that this little girl, barely old enough to teethe, commanded such riches. This—how is this possible?

The host on the stage was also frozen, having seen the gesture from the staff, leaving his mind a complete blank.

After a moment of profound silence, the hall erupted into a cacophony of noise, discussions springing up everywhere.

"Who is this little girl?"

"Heavens, did you see how those staff members apologized to her?"

"Is she really going to buy that item for six hundred million Diamond Coins?"

"Am I seeing a current Princess right now?"

The scene instantly exploded, threatening to spiral out of control.

In a private box, Ander was also stunned. He was well-traveled and had met many powerful figures in the palace, including princes and princesses, but he had never encountered anyone like Luo Bin. Could someone who casually offered six hundred million Diamond Coins without batting an eye be a nobody?

Clearly not!

Yet, Ander racked his brain but could not fathom the identity of this little girl. What was going on? When had such a figure emerged in the world? Ander's brow furrowed as he fell into deep contemplation.

"Young Master, should we investigate this matter thoroughly?" Bob asked gravely.

"Bob, do you think this little girl might be from another country?" Ander could only think this way, as he had no better explanation.

Regardless of their conversation, in another private box, Alfred, who had been agonizing over losing the treasure, sensed the commotion outside and pulled back his curtain to look down. He too was stunned, but not because of Luo Bin—it was because of Keni beside her! Why was this woman here?

Alfred scrutinized Keni from head to toe, finally confirming that this was indeed the woman they were hunting! No wonder they couldn't find her despite sending so many people; she had fled to a major city! She used to wander between small towns; why would she suddenly dare come to a metropolis? Wasn't she afraid of being captured?

Alfred was utterly perplexed, but that no longer seemed important. The crucial thing was that this woman must not escape again. This woman was immensely valuable to the family; she could not be allowed to fall into the hands of those other families, or they would gain nothing!

With this thought, Alfred hastily summoned a trusted subordinate, whispered something quietly into his ear, and pointed toward Keni. The subordinate nodded and departed.

Only then did a smile reappear on Alfred's face. Although he had lost his chance at the "Black Gloomstone," capturing this woman would be far more valuable than obtaining the stone. This woman knew many secrets concerning the 'War,' and she harbored treasures potentially equaling the 'Black Gloomstone'!

Alfred knew this woman was incredibly cunning; otherwise, so many families would not have chased her in vain. To ensure success, he had just sent his subordinate to make preparations. This was no place for a direct confrontation!

As Alfred reveled in his certainty, he failed to realize he had just planted the fuse for his family's downfall—and the subordinate he sent out was precisely that fuse!

Just then, the host finally regained his composure. He asked in a trembling voice, "Is there... is there anyone willing to bid higher?"

Once this question was called out, the hall fell instantly silent. Everyone held their breath!

But after a long moment, no one bid. Luo Bin's sheer audacity had silenced the entire room. Who claimed women were inferior to men? Luo Bin proved with her actions that a woman could be just as formidable! Who dares disagree?

After the host called out three more times without a bid, he brought the hammer down: the "Black Gloomstone" was officially sold to Luo Bin!

Subsequently, the "Black Gloomstone" was respectfully presented before Luo Bin. After paying, Luo Bin became its rightful owner!

Luo Bin used her small hands to cradle the "Black Gloomstone" and presented it before Keni, her voice clear and sweet: "Sister, Master said this is for you."

At that moment, Keni's body trembled again. She looked at Luo Bin and Zhong Shenxiu with a complex expression, then accepted the "Black Gloomstone" with trembling, elegant hands!

Simultaneously, two streams of tears traced paths down her cheeks!

Keni was a strong person; she rarely wept, even in the face of immense hardship! But this time, it felt as if long-dormant emotions had been awakened, and the tears simply would not stop flowing.

Luo Bin was momentarily stunned. It was the first time she had ever seen Keni cry. In Luo Bin’s perception, Keni was always the gentle elder sister who only smiled. But now, she saw Keni’s vulnerability.

Xia Luo beside them was also taken aback. She had never fully understood Keni, always believing nothing could truly sadden this woman because she wore a warm smile every day. She never expected this today...

If anyone thought Keni was crying tears of joy, they would be mistaken! Keni cared about this object not because of its connection to the 'War,' but because it originally belonged to her family!

"Little Xiu, I need to step out and be alone for a moment," Keni managed, forcing herself to calm down.

"En," Zhong Shenxiu simply nodded, saying nothing more.

Luo Bin watched Keni’s retreating back, stunned, opening her mouth several times to speak, but ultimately saying nothing.

The moment Keni left the auction house, Alfred in his private box stood up as well. He knew an opportunity had arrived!

But was it truly an opportunity?