Flame City

The trip was a two day walk for a mortal, but for Tang Yun it was a few hours if he kept a consistent pace without pause.

A few hours later, Tang Yun arrived in front of a towering wall approximately ten meters high, with guards stationed above and two more at the base collecting entry fees before granting passage.

The queue stretched so far that Tang Yun estimated he would spend more time waiting in line than he had on his journey here.

Tang Yun tapped the shoulder of the man in front of him and asked, "Excuse me, sir. What's happening today? Is the line typically this lengthy?"

The man pivoted to face Tang Yun, observing his handsome visage and assuming he was of importance. "The line is usually never this extensive, but this week is exceptional. It's the renowned annual Flame Auction hosted by the Flame Clan," he explained, pausing to take a sip from his water pouch.

"Is it truly that remarkable? It's merely an auction," Tang Yun remarked casually, prompting the man to nearly choke on his water in surprise.

The man struggled to recover from his coughing fit and exclaimed, "Merely an auction?! You underestimate it, sir! This auction showcases the most coveted treasures, drawing even the most powerful sects from distant regions to our humble western lands!"

Despite the man's fervent description, Tang Yun remained skeptical. He knew that the world was still too underdeveloped to harbor treasures or pills beyond his own capabilities.

"Thank you for the information," Tang Yun said, handing the man a hundred Jade Stones.

The man's eyes widened in disbelief as he accepted the generous gift. He couldn't decide if Tang Yun was simply generous or incredibly wealthy to casually part with such a sum before the start of the Flame Auction. He quickly concealed the Jade Stones, wary of attracting unwanted attention or potential thieves.

"Are you a newcomer? Those Jade Stones could've possibly been the determining factor in whether you secure an item in the auction or not," a voice said from behind Tang Yun.

Tang Yun turned to see a young man wearing a golden robe adorned with a golden dragon design.

The man, appearing to be of a similar age to Tang Yun, had golden eyes, blonde curly hair, and a remarkably clear complexion.

Tang Yun could discern that the man was likely a young master of some sort. He exuded an air of pride, indicating he believed himself to be superior to others, a trait evident in his very demeanor.

The man was taken aback by Tang Yun's appearance, his sect peers wearing similar expressions of shock.

"The probability of such a thing happening is so low that I couldn't care less about it," Tang Yun responded dismissively, turning back around to ignore the man.

"My name is Cai Renjie from the Golden Dragon Sect. What's your name?" Cai Renjie asked, making an effort to withhold any disparaging remarks toward Tang Yun, especially given the presence of powerful sects and clans. He didn't want to risk offending someone he shouldn't.

Without turning to face Cai Renjie, Tang Yun replied, "Never heard of that sect. My name is Tang Yun, and I'm from the Jade Pill Sect."

Cai Renjie's face flushed red, and his veins bulged so much they seemed ready to burst. "I've never heard of the Jade Pill Sect. Which region is that from?" he asked.

"It's not surprising that you haven't heard of us. We're from the western region, and we're only a mid-tier sect. But in a year or so, our sect will be ruling over all the regions, so I suggest you remember it," Tang Yun declared, prompting nearby sect members to burst into laughter.

"Haha, a nameless sect dares to claim they will rule over all the regions?! Not even the top three clans and sects would dare make such a statement!" mocked one of the nearby sect members.

"That kid must be wet behind the ears to even think of such a thing."

Cai Renjie, however, didn't laugh. Instead, he allowed his anger to surface upon learning of Tang Yun's status.

"A disciple from a nameless sect in the western region dares to act with such disrespect to the Golden Dragon Sect, one of the top three sects in the eastern region!" Cai Renjie declared, preparing to attack Tang Yun. However, an elder from the Golden Dragon Sect intervened.

"Renjie, stop it. We are guests in another sect's city. Do not disgrace our sect by resorting to violence before we even have the chance to enter the auction," the elder scolded Cai Renjie, who was about to retort but was silenced by the elder once again.

Cai Renjie's face brimmed with anger, but it swiftly subsided upon hearing the elder's admonition echoing in his mind, "We must avoid any disturbances that could hinder our attendance at this auction. Though that brat has offended us, we shall not let him off lightly. We will procure anything he attempts to purchase at the auction."

A wide grin stretched across Cai Renjie's lips as he envisioned Tang Yun's reaction when he claimed everything he desired.

Meanwhile, Tang Yun remained vigilant, aware of the covert machinations unfolding behind the scenes. Despite the elder's facade of civility, it was evident they were devising an alternative method to deal with him, likely during the auction itself.

After waiting for five hours, it was finally Tang Yun's turn to pay the entry fee. "Ten Jade Stones," the guard demanded, holding out his hand.

Tang Yun handed over the required payment, and without delay, he was granted entry. Stepping inside, he beheld a colossal red tower in the distance, adorned with the emblem of a flaming sword. The bustling streets were teeming with people, forcing Tang Yun to frequently halt his progress amidst the congestion.

Making the most of his time in the city, Tang Yun decided to seize the opportunity to both await the auction and get ingredients for his cultivation. With the funds he received from the matriarch, he intended to make prudent purchases that would enhance his cultivation.