The day of the auction had finally arrived. Long before the sun had fully risen over the Imperial City, the main branch of the Obsidian Treasury was already awake.
Runes glowed along every corridor. Servants hurried between rooms carrying sealed boxes, ledgers, trays, and communication talismans.
Guards in obsidian-colored uniforms took their positions throughout the building, while specialized formations continuously scanned the premises for anything that might threaten the proceedings.
For the first time in many years, the main branch of the Obsidian Treasury was preparing for an auction of this scale. The people responsible for it had been awake since dawn.
Xiao Chen stood before a mirror in his chambers, no visible trace of the slightly tanned visage of his regular self. Today, he truly was Lord Obsidian.
A new dark, shadowy mask concealed his face, its surface akin to polished black obsidian. It closely resembled a dragon with fierce sliver eyes.
His robes were equally dark, decorated with subtle silver embroidery that seemed to shift whenever he moved. A faint magical aura surrounded him. It wasn't particularly powerful, nor did it need to be.
The mere sight of Lord Obsidian was enough to make even powerful cultivators instinctively become cautious.
Behind him stood Meng Lan, looking every bit as imposing and impressive, even without the giant sword that usually accompanied her.
Jin Huang was sitting on a nearby chair, still looking half-asleep, with Luo Ran beside him.
Unlike Jin Huang, who was just wearing the casual uniform of an Obsidian Treasury employee, Luo Ran had dressed carefully.
His long hair fell freely down his back, while his simple black robes gave him a considerably more respectable appearance than usual, even with his shady eyes.
Jin Huang looked around the room. "So… What exactly are we doing here?"
Xiao Chen slowly turned around, the sound of irritation barely hidden. "We are hosting an auction."
"I know that." Jin Huang scratched his head. "I meant what am I doing?"
"Isn't that obvious?" When Jin Huang shrugged and shook his head, Xiao Chen chuckled. "The distinguished disciple of Lord Duotian certainly must be present. I have plans to make use of this title of yours."
Jin Huang nodded thoughtfully as Luo Ran seemed to start wracking his brains at the mention of the name 'Duotian.'
"Excellent," Jin Huang licked his lips. "I knew you couldn't resist my amazingness."
Luo Ran glanced at him and Jin Huang cleared his throat awkwardly.
Meng Lan covered a small smile all the while they were chatting. Before anyone could continue, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter."
The doors opened and two young women stepped inside. They were sisters, both dressed in elegant obsidian-colored dresses bearing the emblem of the Obsidian Treasury. Their attire was deliberately glamorous and eye-catching while remaining suitable for the prestigious auction hall.
The sisters possessed similar features, though their expressions differed. One carried herself with a graceful confidence, the other wore a slightly more playful smile.
They bowed together. "Lord Obsidian."
Xiao Chen nodded. "Miss Liu."
The first woman smiled. "Liu Yue, my lord."
Her sister followed. "Liu Ning."
"These two will be the primary announcers for today's proceedings," Xiao Chen explained.
Luo Ran looked between them and nodded approvingly, "Such beautiful ladies are sure to command the attention of the masses. Of course, in my eyes, they are only so-so."
Jin Huang immediately shot him a look, seeing Luo Ran waving his hand as though he were casually swatting flies. "Luo Ran, don't try to posture in front of these ladies! You haven't even held hands with a girl!"
Scoffing, Luo Ran was on his feet, "I did too!"
Jin Huang snorted coldly, "I meant besides your sister, you virgin!"
Luo Ran clutched his chest as he started sweating and groaning in pain, falling to his knees.
Suddenly, he regained his composure and climbed to his feet, pointing a finger at Jin Huang, "Like you can talk! You haven't even held eye contact with a girl! Loser!"
Jin Huang was on his feet as well, waving his fists around dramatically, "That was in confidence!"
Xiao Chen ignored them as they continued bickering and eventually broke out into a full-fledged scuffle. Meng Lan was the only one that seemed amused.
"Today will be the largest auction this branch has hosted in a very long time. I expect everything to proceed perfectly," Xiao Chen said to the ladies.
Both Liu sisters bowed. "Yes, Lord Obsidian."
Xiao Chen turned toward the door, not even looking at the two neanderthals behind him. "Let's go."
The group soon arrived at the highest level of the Obsidian Treasury. The doors opened into the most prestigious private room in the entire establishment. This was practically a luxurious hall unto itself.
A massive viewing platform overlooked the auction chamber below through a transparent magical barrier. The room contained exquisite furniture, several couches, tables covered with refreshments, storage compartments, private communication formations, and even its own miniature defensive array.
The walls were decorated with black stone and silver patterns. From here, the entire auction hall could be observed.
Jin Huang immediately walked toward the refreshments. Xiao Chen grabbed him by the back of his robes. "No. We haven't even started, and I'm expecting to have to entertain quite a number of guests afterwards."
Jin Huang reluctantly stepped away as Luo Ran snickered. Xiao Chen walked toward the viewing platform.
"Now, pay attention."
Everyone gathered around him. "The auction hall itself is divided into several levels of patronage."
He gestured downward. Below them was a massive auditorium containing countless seats arranged around the central stage.
"The lowest level is the public seating. Anyone who possesses a legitimate invitation may enter this area, provided they meet the necessary requirements."
Xiao Chen pointed toward the surrounding walls. "Several floors contain private luxury rooms. These rooms are reserved for individuals and organizations of sufficient status or wealth."
"Some are already occupied by major clans and wealthy organizations."
Xiao Chen paused. "But none of those rooms are the most important."
He turned. "The room we're standing in is one of the highest VVIP chambers."
"They all boast absolute privacy, the strongest defensive formations in the building and direct communication with the auction stage. Also, priority access to the auction staff and, naturally, the best view."
"More importantly, this room in particular is intended to be used for entertaining the most influential guests later."
Meng Lan's expression became serious. "And we're expecting tensions to be high as well."
Xiao Chen nodded, then pointed to the other rooms on the same level as their own. "The Scarlet Emperor, Vice-Sect Master of the Vermillion Gate Sect."
Jin Huang blinked. "The strongest sect in the world? Even I've heard about them."
Luo Ran swallowed. "And he's coming here?"
"Along with his entourage." Xiao Chen's voice remained calm.
"Next is the Ghostlight Sovereign. The Ruler of the Southern Region and Vice-Sect Master of the Void Severing Pavilion," Xiao Chen added.
Luo Ran slowly began counting on his fingers, looking increasingly concerned."Who else?"
"The High Druidess, leader of the Myriad Spirit Sanctuary. She was on a pilgrimage to the far West, and decided to come here first before returning to the Great Chasm."
Xiao Chen turned toward another section of the viewing chamber. "Then we have the Forge Masters. You might remember them, Jin Huang."
"Xia Yuyue," Xiao Chen said, "Sect Master of the Eternal Forge Hall, and her husband, Wang Yijian, who's also the Vice-Sect Master."
Meng Lan added. "Together, they are known throughout the world as the Forge Masters."
Jin Huang stared blankly before seeming to realize something and giving a pretentious, "Wow..."
Xiao Chen's expression shifted slightly. "The Magic Beast Society should also send people."
Jin Huang finally looked away from the snacks. "Beasty Guy, huh?"
Not even surprised by how Jin Huang chose to address the Beast Master, Xiao Chen said, "Yes. Ximen Ming will be attending, as will Ximen Lanran."
Meng Lan added when she saw Luo Ran's confused expression. "Ximen Ming is the Beast Master, while Ximen Lanran holds the rank of Grandmaster within the Magic Beast Society."
Jin Huang scratched his chin. "So they're actually important?"
Luo Ran stared at him. "Boss, you really have no idea how important these people are, do you? Tsk, tsk, what a country bumpkin. Tell me which destitute canal birthed you-"
Jin Huang fired a kick at Luo Ran's shin.
"Ouchie!"
Xiao Chen shook his head. "Regardless, those are only the most prominent names that will be publicized."
He looked down at the auction hall. Below them, the preparations continued.
Rows of seats were checked. The auction stage was polished until it gleamed. The privacy formations surrounding the private rooms were activated one by one.
The guards took their final positions as the Liu sisters reviewed their scripts. Everything was ready.
Luo Ran slowly looked around the enormous building. For perhaps the first time since meeting Jin Huang, he felt himself truly settle into this position. He was only just beginning to believe that his life had changed as much as it did.
Jin Huang noticed the awed expression on his face and sat in his seat smugly before smirking. "Pretty nice, huh?"
Luo Ran glanced at him. "It really is, Boss."
Jin Huang smiled before saying, "Don't worry. I'll take you to see many places just like this- maybe even better."
"There's that confidence again," Luo Ran stared at him.
Xiao Chen was about to speak when suddenly-
Ding!
A clear bell resounded throughout the entire building. Every conversation stopped as a communication rune appeared in the air before Xiao Chen.
A servant's voice came through. "Lord Obsidian."
Xiao Chen's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Speak."
"The first guests have arrived."
The room became silent, then a second voice followed. "More guests are approaching from the eastern aerial route."
Then another. "Additional flying arks have appeared above the Imperial City."
Xiao Chen slowly turned toward the massive windows. Far outside, the skies of the crimson Imperial City had begun to fill with magnificent flying carriages and enormous magical arks.
The auction had begun. Or rather... the guests had begun to arrive.