Trying to build up suspense, Xie Mei paused for a couple of seconds and announced, "Earth-grade artifact, the Pagoda of Shennong. Congratulations, Adventurer Ryu Fang."
"Eh? An earth grade artifact?" Several nobles and princes on the first floor got up immediately; some of them had surprised looks while some of them had angry looks.
One particular guest broke the auction rules by shouting, "What's this, Lord Lu?" Everyone's attention was shifted to the source of the shout. It's King Yan of the Leon Empire, invited by King Shen Niu.
Unlike in other empires where there are provinces and lords or governors, the Leon Empire is comprised of 8 vassal states and the imperial city.
The rulers of 8 vassal states were titled Kings, who could maintain their own army and govern their land as they wished. The premise is that those army generals were appointed by the Emperor and there is a 20% mandatory tax payment to the palace.