Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 400 Fierce Competition
"What are those buildings floating on the sea?" Silver Moon asked, pointing to some unusual structures in the distance.

“Floating resorts,” Rowan explained, “that’s one of the features of Port Reno. Guests can stay on the water and enjoy a true ocean resort experience.”

“We can try it next time,” Silvermoon said enthusiastically.

The spaceship gently landed on the designated landing pad, concluding its long-haul flight. The moment I stepped out of the spaceship, a warm sea breeze greeted me, carrying a faint scent of the ocean.

"The air is so fresh," Silver Moon took a deep breath. "It doesn't feel like an artificial environment at all."

“Port Reno does a really good job with environmental control,” Rowan agreed. “The technology here is top-notch in the galaxy.”

There is a dedicated shuttle service on the helipad, and a luxurious hovercar is already waiting for them.

"Are you a guest of the Blue Star Hotel?" the driver asked politely.

“Yes,” Rowan nodded in confirmation.

“Please get in the car, I’ll take you there,” the driver said warmly. “On the way, I can give you a brief introduction to the basic situation of Port Reno.”

Sitting comfortably in the hovercar, the two enjoyed the scenery outside the window while listening to the driver's introduction.

“Reno Port is divided into five main areas,” the driver explained as he drove, “the Central Business District, the Shopping and Entertainment District, the Residential District, the Industrial District, and the Port District. Your hotel is located in the Shopping and Entertainment District, which is the most vibrant place on the entire planet.”

"About how many tourists visit each day?" Silver Moon asked curiously.

“On average, we have about half a million tourists every day,” the driver replied proudly. “During holidays, it can even reach a million. Port Reno has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the galaxy.”

“That’s really impressive,” Rowan exclaimed.

Outside the car window, one can see bustling crowds on the streets. Intelligent beings of all skin colors and forms coexist harmoniously here, reflecting the diversity of cosmic civilizations.

"What's that?" Silver Moon pointed to a towering building in the distance.

“That’s the Reno Tower, the iconic building of Reno Harbor,” the driver explained. “It stands two thousand meters tall and is the center of the entire planet. There’s a sightseeing elevator inside that offers panoramic views of the entire planet.”

“We definitely have to go and see,” Silvermoon said excitedly.

Twenty minutes later, the hovercar arrived at the Blue Star Hotel. It was a beautifully designed seaside building with a streamlined shape that blended perfectly with the surrounding marine environment.

"Welcome to the Blue Star Hotel," the doorman greeted them warmly. "Your ocean-view suite is ready."

Upon check-in, the hotel manager personally greeted them: "Mr. Rowan, Ms. Yinyue, it's an honor to serve you. We have arranged the best suite for you. Please feel free to contact us if you require anything."

"Thank you, the service was excellent," Rowan said, expressing his gratitude.

Upon arriving at the top floor in the elevator and opening the door, both of them were stunned by the sight before them.

The enormous floor-to-ceiling windows face the azure artificial ocean, with sunlight filtering through the water and casting dappled shadows. The room's decor is both luxurious and cozy, and it is fully equipped with all necessary amenities.

"It's so beautiful," Silver Moon said, walking to the window and admiring the sea view. "This kind of scenery instantly relaxes the mind."

“Indeed, choosing this place was the right decision,” Rowan said with satisfaction. “We can now enjoy this well-deserved vacation for the next week.”

The two rested in their room for a while before deciding to take a walk on the hotel's beach and experience the charm of the ocean in Port Reno.

Stepping out of the hotel, my feet sank into the soft artificial beach. Listening to the sound of the waves crashing and watching the sunset in the distance, all the work stress vanished.

“You know,” Silvermoon said as she strolled along the beach, “this is the first time in a long time that I’ve felt so completely relaxed.”

“Me too,” Rowan agreed wholeheartedly. “Although our work is very meaningful, occasional leisure time like this is also necessary.”

“Then, starting tomorrow, let’s enjoy this beautiful planet,” Silvermoon said happily.

“Of course,” Rowan replied with a smile, “it will be a perfect vacation.”

The next morning, Rowan and Silvermoon enjoyed breakfast at the hotel's luxurious restaurant. Located on the hotel's top floor, the restaurant offered stunning views of Port Reno in the morning light through its enormous transparent dome. The artificial ocean shimmered in the morning glow, while the distant city skyline appeared and disappeared in the thin mist.

"The breakfast here is truly abundant," Silvermoon said, savoring the unique dishes from different planets. "I never imagined I could find so many different cuisines from various civilizations in one place."

“That’s the charm of Port Reno,” Rowan said, cutting into some kind of alien steak-like food. “Various civilizations have blended here, creating a unique culture.”

As the two were enjoying breakfast, a lively discussion broke out at the next table. Several seemingly wealthy businessmen were excitedly talking about something.

“Have you heard? There’s a big auction at the Galaxy Auction House this afternoon,” one of the ornately dressed aliens said. “They say there are many rare items up for auction.”

"What kind of items?" another person asked curiously.

"Various advanced cultivation resources, and some top-tier technological products," the first person said mysteriously, "and it's even said that there are fragments of the legendary star core."

"A fragment of a star core?" Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned to shock. "That's a priceless treasure!"

Hearing this conversation, Silvermoon said to Rowan, "It sounds interesting, shall we go take a look?"

"An auction?" Rowan considered for a moment. "That's fine; it'll give us a chance to experience the business culture of Reno Port. However, given our current strength, those auction items probably won't be of much practical use to us."

“It’s alright, consider it an opportunity to broaden my horizons,” Silvermoon said enthusiastically. “Besides, I’m very curious about those strange and unusual treasures.”

“Then let’s go take a look after breakfast,” Rowan agreed to the suggestion.

After breakfast, the two went to the hotel concierge to inquire about the details of the auction.

“An auction from Galaxy Auction House,” the concierge manager introduced enthusiastically. “That’s the most famous auction house in Port Reno, holding large auctions every week. This afternoon’s is said to be particularly large, with many valuable items.”

"What are the requirements to participate?" Silvermoon inquired. "Only identity verification and proof of financial resources are needed," the manager replied, "but given your status, it shouldn't be a problem at all. I can contact the auction house to arrange a VIP box for you."

“Then I’ll trouble you,” Rowan nodded in agreement.

Half an hour later, all the formalities were completed. After verifying their identities and financial resources, Galaxy Auction House arranged for them to stay in the most luxurious VIP box.

“Galaxy Auction House is located in the Central Business District, about a 20-minute drive from here,” the manager explained. “The auction starts at 2 p.m., so we suggest you arrive half an hour early.”

In the morning, the two decided to relax at the hotel's spa. After yesterday's long flight and the intense work they had been on recently, they definitely needed a good rest.

The spa center utilizes state-of-the-art relaxation techniques, combining massage methods and therapies from various cultures. Under the skilled hands of the therapists, both individuals felt completely relaxed, both physically and mentally.

“It was truly enjoyable,” Silvermoon exclaimed after the massage. “This kind of life is indeed very tempting.”

“It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but we can’t get addicted,” Rowan cautioned. “We have more important things to do.”

“Of course, I was just saying,” Silver Moon chuckled. “Cultivation and work remain our primary goals.”

At 1:30 p.m., the two took a private car arranged by the hotel to the Galaxy Auction House. The car drove along the main avenue of Port Reno, with various high-end shops and entertainment facilities on both sides of the street, showing the prosperity of this planet.

“Look over there,” Silver Moon said, pointing to a huge building on the side of the street, “is that the Galaxy Auction House?”

Rowan looked in the direction she pointed and indeed saw a uniquely shaped building. The building combined classical and modern design styles, giving it both a dignified feel and a modern, technological look.

“Yes, that’s the Galaxy Auction House,” the driver explained. “It’s the most famous auction house in Reno Port, and one of the largest in the entire galaxy.”

The car pulled up in front of the auction house, and a doorman immediately opened the door. "Welcome to Galaxy Auction House," the doorman said politely. "Are you VIP clients?"

“Yes, we booked a private room,” Rowan said, showing the reservation voucher.

“Please follow me,” the doorman said, leading them into the hall.

The auction house was extremely luxurious inside, with gleaming marble floors and walls adorned with various precious works of art. A huge chandelier hung in the center of the hall, casting a soft glow.

“The decor here is really tasteful,” Silvermoon said, admiring the surrounding decorations.

"To attract wealthy people from all over the galaxy, the decor must be high-class," Rowan observed the guests coming and going, noting that most of them were elegantly dressed and had an extraordinary air about them.

They took a private elevator to the VIP lounge level, where a waiter led them to a spacious and comfortable room. The room featured comfortable sofas, a coffee table, and a variety of drinks and snacks. Most importantly, the auction stage below was clearly visible through one-way glass.

“Distinguished guests,” the waiter said respectfully, “if you wish to participate in the auction, please use this controller. Your box number is A-7, and your financial resources have been pre-verified.”

“Thank you,” Rowan said, taking the controller. “Let’s take a look at today’s auction catalog.”

The waiter handed over a beautifully designed auction catalog, which detailed all the items up for auction that day, including starting prices and estimated prices.

Luo Wen and Yin Yue opened the catalog and began browsing today's auction items.

"The first item up for auction: a thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum from the Orion Nebula, starting bid one million credits," Silvermoon read from the catalog. "It is said to have the effect of prolonging life."

"It might be useful for ordinary people, but for martial artists of our level, its effect is very limited," Luo Wen analyzed.

"The second item: a starstone from the Andromeda Galaxy, starting bid five million credits," Silvermoon continued reading, "can enhance the effects of mental cultivation."

“Starstones are indeed good materials for cultivation, but our mental strength is already quite high, so this level of assistance is not very meaningful,” Luo Wen said, shaking his head.

"The third item: a fragment of an ancient civilization's cultivation technique, starting bid eight million credits," Silver Moon said, somewhat surprised. "Cultivation techniques can be auctioned?"

"It's just a fragment, and it's an ancient cultivation method, so it might no longer be suitable for modern cultivation systems," Luo Wen explained. "Truly valuable complete cultivation methods are unlikely to appear at auctions."

Continuing down the catalog, you'll find various other strange items:
Gravity crystals from the edge of black holes are said to enhance physical strength; scales of ancient star beasts are top-grade materials for making armor; rare energy ores can be used to create advanced weapons; a mysterious spatial ring has a huge storage space; and various rare herbs and pills have different cultivation aids.

“They all look very precious, but as you said, they are indeed of limited use to us,” Silvermoon concluded.

“These things are indeed treasures for martial artists below the stellar level, but our realm has already surpassed that,” Rowan explained. “Moreover, the cultivation resources provided by Virtual Universe Corporation are far more advanced than these.”

Just then, the auction officially began. The host was an elegant woman who appeared to be from an advanced civilization.

"Welcome, distinguished guests, to today's Galaxy Auction," the host's voice boomed through the sound system throughout the auction hall. "Today we have prepared 108 precious items for you, which we are confident will satisfy you."

The auction hall was filled with wealthy individuals and collectors from all over the world, and the atmosphere was incredibly lively.

"Now we begin the bidding for the first item, a thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum from the Orion Nebula," the host announced. "This Ganoderma lucidum grew in a high-radiation environment, absorbing the essence of the nebula, and possesses remarkable medicinal value. The starting bid is one million credits."

Almost immediately, people raised their paddles to bid, and the price rose rapidly.

"One million two hundred thousand!" "One million five hundred thousand!" "Two million!"

“It looks like the competition is fierce,” Silvermoon observed the situation below.

“These things are indeed very attractive to those who are wealthy but lack real power,” Rowan analyzed. “They hope to improve themselves through these external things.”

In the end, the thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum was sold for 3.5 million credits, more than double the starting price.

The following lots also sparked fierce competition, with prices far exceeding expectations.

"The fifteenth item, a mysterious metal from an ancient battlefield," the auctioneer introduced. "This metal possesses astonishing hardness and energy conductivity, making it an ideal material for crafting top-tier weapons. Starting bid: 20 million credits."

The price shocked many people, but there were still people bidding.

(End of this chapter)