Starting from primitive world, building the strongest divine kingdom

Enzo, too, sensed the peculiarity of his body. He furrowed his brow, pondering, "Could this be a result of the myriad experiences in that mysterious relic, or perhaps something triggered during this assessment?"

Yet, he reassured Flora, "Do not worry. I'm not entirely certain myself, but it should be nothing serious—perhaps even a blessing."

Just then, Enzo's communicator suddenly beeped. He picked it up to see it was a call from Kosor.

"Enzo! I've heard that you truly shone in this assessment, aha!"

Kosor's resounding voice reverberated through the communicator, "Don't forget the banquet in three days. Many important people will be attending, so you must prepare thoroughly."

"Kosor, is your banquet really just a celebration?" Enzo inquired skeptically.

With a nonchalant smile, Kosor refrained from providing a direct answer.

"Well, you'll find out when you arrive. Surely, you're not afraid to come?"

With that, Kosor ended the call.

It seemed certain that Enzo would indeed attend.

Flora turned to Enzo and asked, "Shall I accompany you to the banquet in three days?"

"That would be fine." Enzo replied, "but you must obey my instructions and not wander off, understood?"

"Rest assured, I will follow your lead."

...

Three days later.

Kosor's banquet commenced in earnest.

However Enzo did not rush to arrive.

In the intervening days, his body had been undergoing continuous evolution.

He felt his cultivation steadily advancing, akin to a silkworm emerging from its cocoon.

His skin had undergone a complete renewal. Although it had been excruciatingly painful, he now felt an unparalleled sense of comfort.

The new skin resembled resilient armor, radiating a mysterious sheen, with every inch resonating subtly with the elements in the air. Enzo attempted to channel the energy within him and discovered it flowed more smoothly than before, as if his body had transformed into a vessel capable of containing greater and more formidable power.

Standing before the mirror, he gazed at his revitalized self, a blend of astonishment and apprehension stirring within him. This unexpected evolution was a double-edged sword. He pondered whether it heralded fortune or misfortune, and whether Kosor's banquet would present new challenges awaiting him.

Flora gazed at Enzo with awe in her eyes, exclaiming, "Enzo, you now resemble a true deity. It's simply astonishing."

Enzo chuckled softly and ruffled Flora's hair, saying, "Come, we mustn't keep everyone waiting too long."

As Enzo and Flora arrived at the banquet, all eyes were drawn to them. The crowd, taken aback by Enzo's transformation, displayed expressions of astonishment.

Matilda approached with her father, a formidable middle-aged man with piercing eyes. He scrutinized Enzo from head to toe and nodded slightly, "So you are Enzo? Indeed, you stand apart."

Enzo bowed slightly, "It is an honor to meet you, Mr. White. I have long admired your reputation."

Mr. White smiled, "My daughter often speaks of you. Seeing you in person, it is apparent you are a striking figure. I hear your performance in the recent assessment was exceptional, and you deftly evaded the machinations of the Pride Temple—quite impressive."

At that moment, Kosor approached, his gaze on Enzo harboring a hint of something unusual. "Enzo, you've arrived. It seems you've undergone quite a transformation these past few days."

Enzo looked at Kosor, "Kosor, I suspect this gathering is not solely for celebration, is it?"

Kosor laughed heartily, "Certainly not! Today, there is a significant announcement to make. But first, let us indulge in the festivities."

During the banquet, laughter and merriment filled the air as guests savored a variety of delicacies and enjoyed captivating performances. Yet, Enzo remained vigilant, sensing something amiss about the evening.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a colossal screen emerged on stage, displaying ancient texts and symbols that Enzo felt he had encountered before.

Kosor ascended the stage and addressed the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to partake in this banquet, but what I wish to reveal to you all is of utmost significance."

With that, he clapped his hands, and shortly thereafter, a server emerged, bearing a precious artifact.

As he unveiled the treasure, it became evident that it was the legendary Ancestor Meat, recently acquired.

It is worth noting that Ancestor Meat is a true treasure!

Could Kosor be intending to auction it?

"Oh my heavens, is that truly Ancestor Meat?" Exclaimed a guest from the crowd.

"I believe this is the first time I've ever laid eyes on such a grand piece of Ancestor Meat—no, it is indeed Ancestor Meat. I've never witnessed it in my lifetime."

"Shut your foul mouth, country bumpkin! This Ancestor Meat… I too am seeing it for the first time,aha."

Flora gazed at the Ancestor Meat in astonishment.

She tugged at Enzo's sleeve and whispered, "Enzo, is this Ancestor Meat genuine?"

"Absolutely." Enzo replied, "though I am curious as to what scheme Kosor has in mind. Could he really be auctioning the Ancestor Meat?"

As the crowd buzzed with speculation, Kosor interjected, "Ladies and gentlemen, I need not elaborate on the rarity of this Ancestor Meat. Today, I present it not just for display, but for auction. The highest bidder shall claim it."

Upon hearing that Kosor intended to auction Ancestor Meat, the banquet erupted in excitement.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity! Should one be fortunate enough to acquire the Ancestor Meat, it might just propel them beyond their limits."

A venerable elder, his hair white as snow, exclaimed with fervor, his eyes shimmering with an insatiable glint, fixed intently on the Ancestor Meat, as if he envisioned his own power magnifying before him.

"Humph, you dream too sweetly. Such a precious item is not so easily obtained. It will undoubtedly fetch an exorbitant price."

Beside them, a young man adorned in extravagant attire let out a dismissive snort, yet he unconsciously clenched his fists, clearly fixated on acquiring the Ancestor Meat.

Enzo furrowed his brow. He understood that the emergence of Ancestor Meat was no mere coincidence. Kosor's decision to auction it off at this moment certainly harbored ulterior motives.

Furthermore, this auction was poised to incite considerable upheaval, given that all present were prominent figures who would likely resort to any means necessary to secure the prized Ancestor Meat.

"Kosor, from whence did you procure this Ancestor Meat? Surely, there are no complications involved?" a rugged voice boomed through the crowd. The speaker was a brawny man, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze imbued with skepticism.

Kosor offered a slight smile and replied, "Fear not, esteemed guests. The provenance of this Ancestor Meat is entirely trustworthy. I acquired it at great expense from a mysterious source, though I must regretfully withhold specifics."

As the auction commenced, prices surged precipitously.

"Ten million Elemental Origin Crystals!" an aristocrat was the first to bid.

"Fifteen million!" The white-haired elder retorted defiantly.

The price continued to escalate, swiftly surpassing fifty million Elemental Origin Crystals. The attendees were awestruck by the soaring figures, yet bidding persisted unabated.

Matilda frowned at Enzo and remarked, "Enzo, this price is utterly insane! Have they all lost their minds?"

Enzo shook his head. "They haven't lost their wits. They recognize the immense worth of Ancestor Meat. Securing it would yield immeasurable enhancement to their own prowess."

Just as the price reached eighty million Elemental Origin Crystals, a mysterious voice suddenly resonated throughout the hall. "One hundred million Elemental Origin Crystals!"

The price left everyone gasping in astonishment, turning their gazes toward the source of the voice.

In the corner stood a figure shrouded in a dark cloak, his features obscured from view.

Kosor's eyes sparkled with intrigue: "This esteemed individual bids one hundred million Elemental Origin Crystals. Is there a higher offer?"

A profound silence enveloped the room, for a hundred million Elemental Origin Crystals far exceeded the financial limits of many present.

Just as Kosor was poised to bring down the gavel, Enzo suddenly interjected, "One hundred ten million Elemental Origin Crystals!"

Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd as they turned to Enzo, astonished by his boldness at such a moment.

The cloaked figure shuddered imperceptibly, seemingly taken aback.

"Who are you to challenge me for the Ancestor Meat?"

The figure asked coldly, his voice laced with an undercurrent of menace.

Unfazed, Enzo met his gaze. "I am Enzo, and this Ancestor Meat is mine for the taking."

The cloaked figure snorted disdainfully. "Hmph, let us see if you possess the capability to claim it."

With that, a formidable aura emanated from him, pressing down upon Enzo.

Though he felt the weight of the pressure, Enzo did not retreat. Instead, he summoned his Soul Fortress to counter it.

"I bid one hundred fifty million!" The cloaked figure declared, opting for words over action.

"One hundred fifty-one million!" Enzo countered, increasing his offer by a mere million.

Every increment felt as if it could crush spirits.

Especially in the heat of an auction.

Yet, none could have anticipated that this entire bidding war had been meticulously orchestrated between Enzo and Kosor.

After Enzo's bid, Kosor nodded approvingly at him.

The cloaked figure, unable to remain composed, raised the stakes abruptly: "Two hundred million!"

"Two hundred one million!"

"Three hundred million!" The cloaked figure fumed, his teeth clenched in irritation, as Enzo had deftly maneuvered him into a corner with the rules of the game. He intended to make Enzo falter.

Flora gently tugged at Enzo's sleeve, her voice laced with concern: "Enzo, three hundred million is a price too steep!"

Matilda added her voice to the plea: "If you truly desire this Ancestor Meat, I can have my father procure it for you. Kosor's offering is simply not worth it."

"It's alright. I shall bid… three hundred fifty million!" Enzo declared, this time opting for a significant leap of fifty million rather than a mere increment of one hundred.

It seemed he was resolute in his pursuit of the Ancestor Meat.

"Impudent brat, are you toying with me?" The cloaked figure seethed, his eyes blazing with fury.

Enzo shrugged nonchalantly: "Forgive me, but I take pleasure in it. Not satisfied? Then raise your bid!"

"You…"

"I raise the bid to five hundred million!"

Before the cloaked figure could articulate his retort, a commanding voice resonated from the entrance.

Turning towards the sound, they beheld the leader of the Pride Temple striding forward, accompanied by the temple's deity, radiating an air of authority.