From the Ship of Fools to Earl of Wugang

At 11:00, the long table was moved to both sides, and all the participants sat down around the central open space. Ligeia came to a display stand covered with a purple cloth.

"Tonight there are two consignment items and three club collectibles. All descriptions have been verified, but please use them at your own risk."

"Bids can be made using Eagle Gold Coins, club-approved drafts, or equivalent materials agreed upon by both parties."

The first item up for auction was that set of ancient jewelry.

She read aloud the assessment given by Edmund, which quickly sparked a bidding war among several guests, and was eventually bought by a lady wearing a gray wolf mask for a high price.

The second wooden box was brought to the display stand. Abyss, who was sitting in the back row, stopped fiddling with the parts in his hands and looked up ahead.

Inside the case was a large-caliber revolver with a long, slender barrel, a dark silver body, a black wooden grip, and thin copper plates inlaid on both sides of the cylinder.

Ligeia picked up the auction description: "An alchemical firearm made by the consignor 'Abyss,' using common large-caliber revolvers. Upon firing, it creates a brief airflow channel in front of the barrel, increasing the bullet's velocity and tearing apart low-strength spiritual structures."

"The side effect is that continuous firing will build up backflow in the firearm. After the third shot, the recoil and ballistic deviation will increase significantly. After firing, you need to open the cylinder and let it stand still, or use the matching copper needle to release the residual airflow."

Edmund reaffirmed it through the information horizon.

"Eagle in the Wind" is an alchemical firearm modified by Rick Fremont using wind copper, raptor bone powder, and spiritual substances. Its amplification is sufficient to inflict damage on low-level spirits with ordinary ammunition.

The backflow generated by continuous firing can travel along the grip into the arm, potentially causing joint dislocation, muscle tears, and temporary disorientation. These side effects are unavoidable, but the included copper needles can release most of the residual airflow within twelve seconds.

The danger mainly comes from the way it is used; as long as the revolver is not used like a machine gun and fired continuously, it is still within an acceptable range.

After the starting price was announced, two buyers placed their bids in turn.

When the price reached 120 Eagle Gold Coins, the second buyer withdrew. Edmund then raised his brass paddle, increasing the price to 135.

The previous buyer glanced back at him and pushed the offer up to one hundred and forty.

"One hundred and fifty," Edmund said smugly.

The bidders finally put down their bids in silence, the gavel fell, and the eagle in the wind belonged to the eye of the storm.

The next three items belong to the club.

The first item is an exquisite deep red dress that will make the wearer charming and attract attention, but the trade-off is that prolonged wear will make one unbearable in environments where no one is watching.

Edmund watched as the ladies quickly drove up the price, sensing that this item would bring a very rich backstory to some family or office.

The second item up for auction was a brass compass.

Its outer shell is covered with wear marks, and there are no markings below the glass, only a black arrow pointing north.

Ligeia stated that it came from the sea outside Dusk Harbor, and that no matter whether it was placed in an iron box, a basement, or taken on a ship at sea, the pointer would always point steadily north.

Ligeia added, "It can maintain direction in some spiritual environments as well, but the club cannot guarantee that it will work in all spiritual realms."

Information Vision provides more specific information.

[The Relic Compass. Through ritual, a small segment of a fixed directional concept is sealed inside, causing it to consistently point north in the real world, and towards the path to the real world in the spirit world region.]

The pointer may become ineffective when space is significantly distorted, when it delves into the second layer of the spirit world, or when the concept of direction is overridden by a higher power.

Edmund participated in the bidding and bought the compass for eighty-two golden eagle coins.

Ligeia herself put on long gloves and solemnly took out the last item from the lead box—a yellowed membrane with black thread stitching.

"A complete guide to advancing to the second-tier derivative path of 'Voodoo Master,' including rituals, elixir recipes, ability training, and three alternative materials."

She added, "The original owner kept it wrapped inside a corpse for a long time. The club recommends that the buyer first complete the purification process or have the means to resist the influence of the undead."

A second-tier advancement guide can change the path of an extraordinary individual for years, and may also help some organizations lacking a legacy to fill a crucial gap.

The atmosphere in the underground hall became much more lively, with bids quickly surpassing all previous auction items. Several participants even offered discounts in the form of materials and secret knowledge.

Edmund watched the competition with great interest, and it was nearly midnight when the gavel fell for the last time.

Edmund paid the money in the settlement room and received the wooden box containing the revolver and the brass compass, which he then packed separately from the spirit-summoning materials and alchemical bombs he had previously purchased.

After confirming that tonight's purchasing targets had been met, Edmund went to his second-floor office before leaving.

Ligeia was sitting behind the table checking the consignment list for the evening when she saw him enter. She had a maid bring her a pot of hot tea, and her gaze fell on the long wooden box in his hand.

"Congratulations on a fruitful evening. It seems you really enjoyed Mr. Abyss's work."

“I like things that solve problems,” Edmund said, sitting down opposite him. “That Mr. Abyss’s booth is quite unique. The club seems to be quite lenient with him.”

Ligeia poured him tea and calmly stated, "Just as I would keep your secret and the secrets of any other member, I shouldn't comment on the affairs of other members of the assembly. What do you think?"

Edmund picked up his teacup and changed the subject: "Then let's talk about my needs. Please keep an eye out for suitable combat equipment, medicines, protective gear, or escape methods for me, but don't make the conditions for their use too demanding."

What type of danger do you anticipate facing?

"The undead, creatures from the dream world, corrupted people, and normal people with firearms. The order may vary depending on the situation."

Ligeia produced a new list of requirements: "The scope is quite broad, but the club has access to a lot of things, so I can keep an eye out for you."

"Let me know if the price is right. As long as the explanation is complete, I have a certain tolerance for side effects."

Ligeia glanced at him but offered no comment: "The club will charge 10% of the transaction amount as a brokerage fee. If you are still required to provide authentication, this fee can be deducted from the total."

The two quickly reached an agreement on further cooperation, and Edmund left the club through a side door.

The night wind made his cheeks feel slightly tight under the plastic surgery mask. He removed the mask in the restroom of a hotel that was still open before hiring a car to go to the old relief center.

The lights in the street-facing office were off, and only the gatekeeper was on duty in the courtyard.

Edmund carried several boxes into the underground chamber and locked the iron door from the inside of the already cleared ritual room.

The sound of the tide outside the relief center immediately became blurred, leaving only an occasional low hum coming from deep within the ventilation ducts.

After confirming that the environment was fine, Edmund opened the metal box he had brought back from the molting club and took out the materials one by one.

He should start dreaming now.