Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 241: Auction
Translator: Lynn
The visitor, clad in black attire, sported a stoic expression, exuding an aura of detachment and resilience in his demeanor. Given his considerable talent, Yun Lie typically welcomed his presence, making him quite familiar to the two seniors.
Upon Xi Lin’s entrance, he paid little heed to the servant girl tidying up the utensils, instead nodding to both of them before speaking, “Daoist Yun, there’s an auction gathering outside the imperial city today. The prince wishes to inquire if you’d like to attend together?”
Xu Ziqing was taken aback slightly, aware of the auction gathering in Shengyan City.
Typically, treasures acquired through transactions in treasure pavilions, commercial establishments, and market squares are often consigned to auctions to fetch higher prices and facilitate accessibility for casual practitioners and ordinary cultivators. Hence, such auctions are held throughout the year in every county and district, with one’s luck determining whether any valuable items can be obtained.
What distinguishes an “auction conference” is its reputation for rare treasures, attracting a larger audience, including some venerable figures who cannot afford to miss it.
Shengyan City, as the capital of a dominant super empire in the Western Regions, hosts an exceptional auction, organized by the preeminent business firm, “Longhang Firm,” spanning across the entire country and even the three regions of the East, South, and West. With a history spanning tens of thousands of years, the firm boasts Mahayana venerables, deterring any who would dare provoke them.
This reputation dissuades troublemakers, as past incidents resulted in formidable elders from the firm chasing and eliminating offenders relentlessly.
Consequently, disturbances have become rare occurrences.
Today, the Longhang Firm holds significant prestige in the Qingyun Great World, with its numerous treasure pavilions, workshops, and other establishments earning trust. Its auctions surpass those of other firms in quality and excitement.
Seating for today’s auction is in high demand. Without accompanying Xuan Ze, the royal county king, it would be challenging for a Golden Core stage cultivator to obtain an entry certificate.
While Xu Ziqing was keen on attending the auction, he lacked the necessary spirit stones to make substantial purchases. Considering his modest wealth, consisting mainly of spirit weapons and pills, along with wild beast inner cores reserved for feeding Chonghua and Xue’er, he could not afford much. His scattered spirit stones amounted to a meager sum, equivalent to tens of thousands of low-grade spirit stones. Acquiring anything of value at the auction would be exceedingly difficult, relying solely on luck.
Xu Ziqing let out a sigh inwardly: Even if we don’t acquire anything, gaining knowledge is still worthwhile. With this in mind, he cast a sidelong glance at his elder brother.
Observing Yun Lie nod in agreement to Xi Lin, Xu Ziqing’s eyes brightened slightly, a hint of joy playing across his features.
Noting the subtle exchange, Xi Lin’s eyes also flickered with satisfaction. With no need for further words, he simply gestured, “Follow me, both of you.”
Yun Lie then prompted, “Let’s go, Ziqing.”
Xu Ziqing offered a faint smile, replying, “Of course, Senior Brother.”
Before long, the trio arrived at a hall where Xuan Ze stood, clad in the distinct silver garments and golden belt emblematic of the royal family, his arms folded across his chest.
Beside him sat several cultivators emanating an aura of mystery. Though their expressions remained neutral, their subtle air of superiority marked them as Nascent Soul stage Daoists, known as “Keqing,” enjoying a prestigious status within Tiancheng Palace. Their reverence for Xuan Ze surpassed that of ordinary disciples, reflecting a deference not merely out of obligation but genuine respect.
Without Xuan Ze’s esteemed position, these Nascent Soul stage Daoists would likely disregard him entirely, underscoring his significance.
Accompanying them were a few Golden Core stage cultivators flanking Xuan Ze, serving as his trusted disciples.
As Xi Lin escorted the two senior brothers, curious gazes from the assembly fixated upon them.
Suddenly, a wave of powerful spiritual senses swept over them, probing intently as if scrutinizing their very essence for any hint of vulnerability.
Though Xu Ziqing, being the weaker cultivator, couldn’t resist, he inwardly anchored Rongjin within his dantian, seeking its protection against any intrusion.
In contrast, Yun Lie remained impassive, radiating a palpable aura of sword intent, shattering any attempt at intrusion with his sheer presence.
At this display, the Nascent Soul stage elders’ eyes flickered subtly, acknowledging the formidable presence before them.
Observing the juniors’ skills was merely perfunctory, but the discrepancy in their realms allowed them to appreciate the exceptional sword intent emanating from the white-clad swordsman.
Following a brief assessment, the Nascent Soul stage elders refrained from engaging with the juniors, maintaining their dignified composure as they seated themselves.
In contrast, Xuan Ze stepped forward with a genial smile, remarking, “Since Daoist Yun and young brother Xu have graced us with their presence, let us depart as well. The meeting will commence shortly, and punctuality is paramount.”
Xu Ziqing reciprocated the smile and expressed gratitude on behalf of Yun Lie, “We are deeply grateful to the lord for this opportunity to attend.”
Xuan Ze’s demeanor grew warmer as he led the group out.
While the auction conference held significant importance, it was not under the royal family’s control and thus not hosted within the imperial city. Instead, it occupied a spacious area at the heart of a lengthy street.
A magic circle had been cast to expand the interior significantly, accommodating various tiers for attendees of different statuses. As a dignified county prince, Xuan Ze would undoubtedly occupy a position far from the chaotic fray.
Approaching a grand edifice, they were greeted by a graceful woman in the Foundation Establishment stage. Upon spotting Xuan Ze’s attire, she approached with elegance, addressing him softly, “Prince Tiancheng graces us with his presence. What an honor indeed. Please, follow me to the private room without delay.”
Xuan Ze reciprocated the courtesy, jesting, “Are you not concerned that I lack an entry certificate?”
The stewardess responded with a charming smile, reassured by the prince’s grandeur and the meticulous arrangements made for esteemed guests like him.
With the stewardess’s guidance, they swiftly made their way inside.
The interior was partitioned into several levels, featuring low tables, benches, and grand chairs, each section meticulously arranged to denote different levels of status. The upper floors boasted more spacious and pristine seating arrangements, with the third floor reserved for individuals of exceptional status or formidable cultivation bases above the Nascent Soul stage.
Within these exclusive rooms, spiritual consciousness was barred from entry, ensuring utmost privacy. Positioned at an elevated vantage point, attendees could easily observe the proceedings below.
The stewardess respectfully ushered Xuan Ze and his companions into their designated room.
In the room, several sumptuous seats adorned the space, accompanied by a tall table crafted from spiritual wood. Countless delicacies such as spiritual fruits, teas, and wines were meticulously arranged, exuding luxury and opulence.
Guests quickly settled into their seats, with Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie opting for a more secluded spot, distancing themselves from unfamiliar faces and thereby easing the comfort of those acquainted with Xuan Ze.
Following this, the stewardess remained in the room and signaled for attention.
Moments later, a subtle fragrance permeated the air as the rustle of clothing announced the arrival of a group of over ten stunning women.
Most were female cultivators in the Qi Refining stage, with a few from the Foundation Building period. Their allure extended beyond physical beauty; their demeanor exuded purity and grace, complemented by an undercurrent of allure in their gaze and bearing. Their figures were elegant, and their subtle fragrance lingered, captivating the attention of all present.
The stewardess, with a smile, elaborated, “As per our tradition, distinguished guests occupying private rooms on the third floor are accompanied by stunning maids from our Longhang Firm, fulfilling every desire. These maidens, raised and trained by our firm since childhood, possess not only beauty but also grace, yearning to serve esteemed guests. Should you be so inclined, they stand ready to cater to your every whim.”
With this announcement, the maidens gracefully saluted, each exhibiting unique traits—some demure, others innocent, each radiating charm and allure. Witnessing their presence, admiration filled the room, leaving even the most resolute guests momentarily shaken.
As the captivating beauties emerged, the room brimmed with satisfaction, attesting to the impeccable hospitality of the Longhang Firm. Emboldened, a bold maiden from the Foundation Establishment stage approached a seemingly approachable Nascent Soul Patriarch, settling beside him with delicate steps. Nestling against him, she elicited a raised eyebrow and a warm embrace, her flushed cheeks betraying her bashful demeanor.
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