Chapter 103: The Auction (Part 1)
"Teacher, why have you returned again?" On the Medicine Peak, Liu Ling looked at his master, Gu He.
"It's nothing," Gu He replied, shaking his head, though a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
"Seems like Teacher hit a wall this time," Liu Ling thought to himself, understanding all too well what had transpired, as he too had returned from Nalan Yanran's side with nothing but dejection.
Although he couldn't fly, the distance wasn't far enough to stop him from visiting.
"Liu Ling, has anything major happened in the Jia Ma Empire recently?" Gu He asked, glancing at his disciple.
"There have indeed been some significant events," Liu Ling replied with a nod. "A few days ago, a young powerhouse arrived in the empire. Though not even sixteen years old, he has already reached the Dou Huang level."
Gu He's previously calm expression froze.
"A sixteen year old Dou Huang? Are you joking with me?"
"Teacher, I would never joke about such a thing," Liu Ling replied with a bitter smile. "Not only that, but the youth is accompanied by two guardians whose strength is unquestionably above the Dou Zong level."
"I was in seclusion for just a short while, and now the empire is abuzz with such astounding news?" Gu He's expression turned bewildered.
"That's not all. The young man also has ties to the Nalan family..." Liu Ling proceeded to recount everything he knew to Gu He.
"So, this young man even visited the Yun Lan Sect?" Gu He murmured, his thoughts suddenly aligning. He now had a good idea of how Yun Yun had acquired that Breaking Saint Pill.
"But surely a sixteen year old, no matter how extraordinary, couldn't have swayed Yun Yun's heart?" Gu He thought, though an inexplicable unease stirred within him.
"You said this youth will auction off some items at the Mittel Auction House in two days?" Gu He asked, fixing his gaze on Liu Ling.
Liu Ling nodded slightly. "Invitations have been sent to all alchemists above the third tier in the capital."
"In that case, we'll attend as well," Gu He said, his curiosity piqued.
Morning of the Auction Day
As the sun bathed the city in golden light, the grand Mittel Auction House slowly opened its doors.
"Impressive. The Mittel family truly deserves its reputation for business. This auction house is magnificent," Xiao Yan remarked from within a private VIP suite, surveying the massive venue.
The auction house was as large as half a football field, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of attendees. Its second floor featured multiple layers of private rooms, all meticulously designed.
What made it even more impressive was that this was an indoor facility. The cost of its construction was unimaginable.
Everywhere Xiao Yan looked, he saw opulence: sparkling crystal chandeliers, plush fur lined furnishings, and intricately designed private lounges.
"Xiao Yan, as a member of a great clan in Central Plains, haven't you ever seen such a modest auction house before?" Ya Fei teased gently, though her heart swelled with pride.
After all, the elegant design of this auction house was her own creation.
"Not often," Xiao Yan replied with a chuckle.
Such venues were rare even in the grand Holy Pill City. As for the Xiao Clan, they didn't build such extravagant spaces they didn't need to.
"I'll be heading to the stage soon," Ya Fei said softly.
"Go ahead. Let me see how dazzling my little secretary looks on the auction platform," Xiao Yan teased with a grin.
"I'm a bit nervous," Ya Fei admitted, squeezing his hand.
"Nervous? Why?" Xiao Yan asked, feeling a faint trace of sweat on her delicate hand.
"The items you've provided for the auction are so valuable. Each one is worth nearly half the Mittel family's entire fortune," she said, giving him a playful yet exasperated look.
"Oh, then should I take them back?" Xiao Yan laughed mischievously.
"Not a chance." Ya Fei huffed, giving him a sidelong glance. "But don't joke about this. I'm serious."
"Relax. Even if they're lost, it doesn't matter. These things are meant to help you build capital," Xiao Yan reassured her, giving her a light pat.
"I'd still feel heartbroken if they were," Ya Fei replied, then suddenly stood on tiptoe to plant a soft kiss on his cheek.
"I'm off to prepare," she said, her seductive figure swaying as she walked away.
"Women truly need to be nurtured," Xiao Yan mused with a smile, watching her retreating figure.
As the guests began to arrive, those who usually occupied VIP rooms were forced to settle for seats in the main hall.
Today, only those with Dou Wang level strength or above could sit in the private suites. Even most fourth tier alchemists weren't qualified for this privilege.
In the Jia Ma Empire and throughout the Dou Qi Continent Dou Wang was the threshold for being recognized as a true powerhouse. Even in the Xiao Clan, Dou Wang was the minimum requirement for entering the clan's genealogy records.
In one of the private suites, Liu Ling looked toward Gu He, frustration evident in his expression.
"Teacher, why aren't the Sect Leader and her disciple sitting with us?"
"I wish I knew," Gu He replied with equal exasperation, running a hand through his thinning hair. Devotion to alchemy had its costs.
In another suite, Nalan Yanran scanned the venue but failed to spot Xiao Yan.
"Teacher, I don't see Xiao Yan anywhere," she said.
"I wouldn't know," Yun Yun replied, shaking her head.
"Teacher, don't you want to see him?" Nalan Yanran asked, her beautiful eyes blinking inquisitively.
"Yanran, the Yun Lan Sect owes Xiao Yan far too much. I must bear that burden," Yun Yun sighed.
"So, you're willing to become his concubine, Teacher?"
"You insolent child!" Yun Yun's face turned crimson.
"Looks like Teacher doesn't dislike him that much after all," Nalan Yanran thought, her heart inexplicably bitter.
"This sourness it's so real, yet I can't quite explain it."
"If he hadn't annulled our engagement, perhaps things would've been better," she mused. But the thought was quickly dismissed.
"Even if he hadn't, he's nothing but a shameless flirt. To think he dares covet Teacher… If I married him, who knows what kind of absurdity he'd get up to!"
Her thoughts spun wildly, causing her to shake her head repeatedly.
"Yanran, what's with all the head shaking? Did you mess up your cultivation technique?" Yun Yun asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing. I'm fine," Nalan Yanran replied hastily.
Just then, the venue's crystal lights dimmed, their glow softening to a warm ambiance. A brilliant spotlight illuminated the central stage, while the internal passageway slowly opened.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, a stunning woman dressed in a red qipao gracefully stepped onto the stage.
Her attire was elegant and sophisticated, embroidered with gold thread in intricate patterns that added a touch of refinement.
Of course, no matter how exquisite the clothing, it was the wearer who truly brought it to life. Ya Fei's enchanting figure showcased the dress perfectly, highlighting her mature and alluring charm.
With every step she took, her slender legs peeked out, her presence captivating countless men in the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Mittel Auction House. Today marks the grandest auction in our family's history. I promise you, this will be an event to remember."
Her soft, seductive voice carried a lazy magnetism that made hearts race.
"And now, let the auction begin!"
(Chapter End)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/LightKira10