The room fell into silence once again, the cultivators eagerly awaiting the next move. Elara and the Grand Elder maintained their unwavering stance, resolute in their decision. Thorn, on the other hand, wore a smug expression, confident in his bid and the opportunity it presented.
As the moments stretched on, the tension in the room mounted. The fate of the 23rd item and the dynamics between the factions hung in the balance. Each cultivator braced themselves for what would come next, knowing that this bidding war was just a glimpse of the battles to come in their pursuit of the ultimate treasures.
In the end, it was Thorn who emerged victorious, successfully securing the 23rd item. Despite his attempt to provoke the alliance between the Radiant Holy Lands and the Heavenly Sword Sect to spend their soul coins, Thorn found himself on the receiving end. It was Thorn who had to part with his soul coins to claim the item.