Request

"Truly, an exceptional display!" The resonating cry of the announcer brought the lively crowd back into focus. "Such talent from the young master, indeed an entirely different level." The elderly man complimented Yi Tian, then respectfully bowed.

Yi Tian offered a nod in return to the elderly man and quietly began his descent down the stairs. His mind teemed with thoughts, primarily centered around whether his exhibition of martial prowess might rouse any unwarranted suspicion. As a scion of the primary family, Yi Tian considered it a given that he would outstrip members of the branch families.

Reaching the foot of the stage, he found himself at a crossroads – return to his viewing chamber or make an exit from the building. Opting for the latter, for there were many fresh insights to be absorbed and queries to be addressed, he moved towards the grandly carved wooden entrance. As he was about to leave, multiple voices rang out, calling his name.

"Yi Tian!"

"Yi Tian!"

In response to the summons, Yi Tian turned to find his younger brother, Yi Wang, accompanied by a scholarly young man and others— Yi Hua, Liu Yue, and Liu Jun. He had watched Liu Jun compete in the earlier matches of the youth martial showdown, and the resemblance to Liu Yue was instantly striking.

Taking center stage was Yi Wang, now standing before Yi Tian. His brother's countenance was an unreadable mask, yet Yi Tian could discern the multitude of questions brewing beneath the surface.

"How did you become so proficient in martial arts?"

After a moment's silent scrutiny, Yi Wang voiced the question that had been nagging at him. His understanding of Yi Tian's abilities had been shattered by the revelation of Yi Tian's prodigious skills, thereby upsetting his previously held beliefs.

"I began to take my training seriously, with an eye towards the battlefield," responded Yi Tian, his expression unruffled. Though his response was a stretch from the truth, how could he possibly explain that he had entered a supernatural trance, enabling him to intuit the technique upon a mere glance? Though he was genuinely interested and serious about martial arts was undeniable.

Upon hearing Yi Tian's response, Yi Wang stared at him blankly, unable to discern if his brother was jesting or mocking him. Clasping his hands behind his back, he inhaled deeply, "Fine, if you choose not to share, that's alright." Having perceived that Yi Tian wasn't being entirely forthcoming, he realized that further inquiry was pointless. With his final words hanging in the air, he spun on his heel and swiftly made his way through the gathering crowd, Zhou Quan at his side.

As Yi Wang and Zhou Quan receded into the throng, Yi Hua stepped forward, her face a mixture of shock and curiosity. She too had been dumbstruck by Yi Tian's martial prowess. Like Yi Wang, she had believed Yi Tian to be disinterested in martial arts. However, she held her tongue, still mulling over her conversation with Liu Yue and trying to reconcile it with the multitude of uncertainties currently assailing her mind.

Halting before Yi Tian, she managed a faint smile, "Your performance was commendable." At her side, Liu Yue nodded in agreement, adding, "The young master's talents are indeed impressive."

"I appreciate your words. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yi Hua, let's head back," Yi Tian replied, his tone steady. He was inwardly taken aback by her composed demeanor; her previous outburst still fresh in his mind. He could only surmise that she had made peace with the looming prospect of his departure for the battlefield in four months.

"Yes, it's late. We should return," Yi Hua concurred. Turning to Liu Yue and her brother, she graciously offered, "We will escort you back to your residence as well."

Liu Yue smiled warmly, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, Yi Hua." She then gestured towards her younger brother, who was gazing at Yi Tian with an air of reverence, "Express your gratitude as well, Jun'er."

"Thank you, young master!" Liu Jun inclined his head towards Yi Tian, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

With that, they proceeded to weave their way through the crowd, which parted like a sea before them. Many sought to express their admiration for Yi Tian but held back, not wishing to intrude on his conversation and err on the side of courtesy. However, there was one individual who seemed to disregard this unspoken rule.

As they stepped out onto the expansive stone-paved courtyard of the River Mountain Hall, a voice called out to Yi Tian.

"Young Master Yi! Please hold!"

Pausing on the stone foundation steps of the grand edifice, Yi Tian turned to look at the source of the call. Hustling towards him was a plump young man whom he vaguely remembered from the earlier festivities. His name eluded him, so Yi Tian patiently waited for the forthcoming introduction.

Catching his breath, the rotund young man, known as Zhen Bao, managed to articulate, "Thank you, Young Master, for your patience." As his breath steadied, Zhen Bao straightened and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, "My name is Zhen Bao, and I have the honour of requesting a conversation with you, Young Master Yi." His tone bore a hint of eager anticipation.

Yi Tian contemplated Zhen Bao's request briefly, wondering what could have elicited such earnestness from him. Nodding in acquiescence, he responded, "Very well."

Upon receiving Yi Tian's consent, Zhen Bao's face lit up with a broad smile. He rummaged through his robes and produced a petite, intricately carved wooden box. Flipping it open, he revealed its contents to Yi Tian: a solitary Vitality Rejuvenation Pill. Those surrounding them, including Yi Hua and the siblings, regarded the pill with interest. Despite their wealth, even the Yi Main Family would regard such a pill as a precious asset. Not only was it exceedingly expensive, but the time required to age the necessary herbs or even procure them was substantial.

"Young Master, I propose a trade. This Vitality Rejuvenation Pill, in exchange for your representation of my family at the Seven River Antiquities auction in three days," Zhen Bao proposed respectfully, a hint of hope lacing his words. After much contemplation, he had decided to barter his valuable prize. His desire to have Yi Tian represent his family stemmed from the fact that the respect commanded by the young masters of the Yi Main Family extended far beyond the family compound. It was unlikely anyone would dare to contest him. The item he desired held immense value to his family, and he was confident they would provide the necessary funds once he explained the situation.

Yi Tian studied the pill nestled in Zhen Bao's hands. His knowledge about it was limited; he knew neither its properties nor its true worth. How could he accept this offer without more information? With a calm demeanour, Yi Tian sought more details, "Could you clarify what exactly you would need me to do at this auction?"

Zhen Bao's smile widened at Yi Tian's query, interpreting it as a sign of interest, "Young Master, your only obligation would be to bid on our behalf. It requires no financial investment on your part, merely your time."

Upon pondering Zhen Bao's proposition, Yi Tian discerned that it appeared to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, was everything as it seemed? His suspicions were correct; Zhen Bao hoped that the item set to appear at the auction would not entice Yi Tian.

"What would I be bidding on?" Yi Tian inquired, his countenance tranquil yet focused.

Zhen Bao's heart sank slightly at Yi Tian's question; the one he had hoped would not be asked. He inhaled deeply, pinning his hopes on the chance that the item wouldn't hold any appeal for Yi Tian, "The item up for auction is the Lianhua Pagoda, previously owned by the Wan Branch Family."