"Is this a G.o.d, or a bandit?"

　　A slack-jawed Cacillia wondered while her eyes hovered between Konrad and Heide. In a flash, all her previous reverence toward that incomparably lofty deity Konrad represented vanished, replaced by waves of stupor. But for some reason, she found that new aspect a lot more refres.h.i.+ng.

　　And if before she didn't dare raise her head in Konrad's presence, she could now glance at his eyes. Having spent the majority of her life in darkness, Cacillia's eyes should have rippled with an insatiable curiosity for the world surrounding her. However, as she stared at Konrad's barefaced look, she couldn't help but feel drawn to his hues.

　　Meanwhile, the various battered deities rose, one after the other with begrudging looks clear on their faces. But with the threat of an eight star G.o.d Artifact looming over them, they didn't dare rashly act. The strongest on the scene were but mid-stage Ancestral G.o.ds. There were better ways to forfeit their lives.

　　Echoing Konrad's command, the manager resumed the auction, and a thrilled Heide rushed back to pound those deities with her beloved dad's wealth.

　　"First lesson. In the cultivation world, righteousness died early. Fists make rules, and might makes right. Therefore, never seek fairness. Be it in good or in evil, the path you wish to thread can only be hammered into reality—by an irresistible fist."

　　Konrad told Cacillia in a mental message that made her snap out of her torpor. But as his words spread within her mind, her eyes shone with reluctance.

　　"But what if you won't submit to greater might?"

　　She wondered. But little did she expect that the thought wouldn't escape Konrad.

　　"Then fight and grow. With all the tricks at your disposal, fair or dirty, fight! With an unbreakable will driving you, challenge destiny and thrive! If you have the will and strive to rise, so long as you don't perish on the road, you shall transcend the fate imposed by destiny."

　　Konrad replied to Cacillia's unspoken question, startling her and causing her eyes to widen in disbelief. But as soon as it came, that disbelief vanished, replaced by a sliver of enlightenment that gleamed within her black eyes. Clasping her hands, Cacillia bowed toward Konrad.

　　"Thank you, master, for your teachings!"

　　Cacilia replied. Meanwhile, the bidding war carried on.

　　"10 million!"

　　"12 million!"

　　"15 million!"

　　"16 million!"

　　"..."

　　The deities clashed with cash for the opportunity to s.n.a.t.c.h those 2500 True G.o.d slaves. But as they persisted in low increments, Heide's voice echoed: