Chapter 14: Auction

The morning air was thick with humidity, the sky overcast with dark, churning clouds that seemed to swallow the light. 

A chill wind swept through Central City, carrying with it a sense of impending doom. 

The people bustled through the streets, their expressions anxious as they hurried about their business.

"It looks like it's going to be a long day..."

Huang Longtian woke up, the unsettling weather setting an ominous tone for the day. 

He quickly dressed and made his way to the inn's reception to get his breakfast, which was included with his stay. 

The inn buzzed with chatter about the upcoming auction and recent unsettling events in the city.

Huang Longtian settled in as a servant delivered his meal.

"Thank you," he said, eyeing the simple meal, enough to kill his hunger.

The servant nodded politely and departed.

Huang Longtian listened intently to the conversations around him, his ears pricking.

"Hey, did you guys noticed that the number of people in the city has increased?" one fat man whispered, his voice low.

"Yeah, it definitely increased in the last 24 hours."

"Well, no surprise there. They're probably here for the auction."

"But, did you heard about the fights? Someone got killed last night," another added solemnly.

"Yeah, I heard about it too. They say it was done by demonic cultivators…"

The inn suddenly felt cold and tense, at the mention of demonic cultivators.

"..."

"Are you serious?…"

"I don't know. It could be some rumours."

"Demonic cultivators are known for their brutality and cruelty. Wouldn't be shocked if it's true."

Huang Longtian ate his breakfast, his mind racing as overheard the conversation. Demonic cultivators. Looks like I've to stay alert and cautious.

Finishing his breakfast, Huang Longtian hurried to the auction house. The streets heavily packed, but the atmosphere cold and lifeless.

As he approached the auction house, he saw a multitude of people, all eager to enter.  

The building was grand and imposing, its façade adorned with intricate carvings and banners fluttering alongside the wind.

Huang Longtian decided to keep a low profile, not wanting to attract too much attention. He patiently waited in line, observing the people around him. Some were visibly impatient, their eyes darting around as they muttered under their breath.

"Why is it taking so long?" a burly man grumbled, his frustration evident.

"This is unbearable," another murmured, tapping his foot anxiously.

"Patience, we'll get our turn," a third person tried to reassure, though his voice lacked conviction.

"Patience?" the burly man snapped, glaring at the third. "I've been waiting for hours! If this keeps up, I'm going end with no seat!"

"Maybe if you weren't so self-centered, you'd realize everyone here is waiting too," the second man retorted.

"Enough!" the third person intervened, his own irritation now evident. "Arguing won't speed things up."

"Tsk," the burly man scoffed, crossing his arms.

It was then that one particularly arrogant man, dressed in gaudy robes, pushed his way to the front, demanding to be let in. 

"Out of my way!" he shouted, cutting the line along the way.

The guards, however, were having none of it. Without a word, they drew their weapons and cut him down, their actions swift and merciless. 

One of the guards wiped his blade and addressed the crowd, "Anyone else thinks they can jump the line?"

The crowd gasped in shock, but no one dared to speak up.

The burly man, who had been aggressive earlier, was now sweating profusely. "Good thing I didn't get carried away," he thought, his heart racing. "Otherwise, my life would have been cut short."

The message was clear: causing trouble would not be tolerated. The auction organisers; the Celestial Epoch Chamber of Commerce, were rumored to be more powerful than the Four Great Clans in Central City. None wanted to offend them.

After a long wait, it was Huang Longtian's turn. I hope they have the items I need.

He passed the guards and entered the auction house. A grand structure with towering columns and ornate carvings.

A woman with a professional demeanor greeted him. "Welcome to the auction house, young master. How may I assist you?"

"I'd like to have a mid-sized room," he replied, handing over his payment.

A mid-sized room normally cost 100 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, but because he didn't book it in advance—it would be 150 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. 

Thankfully, his master had given him some wealth; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to have a room.

The woman frowned at her records. "All our mid-sized rooms are booked. There's one room left, shared accommodation. Is that acceptable?"

Huang Longtian nodded. "That's fine!"

She led him through the grand hallways to his room. "This is your room, young master. Please, enjoy the auction."

Huang Longtian entered the room. 

A beautiful and charming woman with purple hair, was sitting alone in revealing purple robes. Her cleavage was visible, the mountain peaks alluring. She looked charming, exuding an irresistible charm. 

Huang Longtian gulped nervously.

She looked up as he entered, her charming eyes assessing.

For a moment, they stared at each other, no words spoken. Huang Longtian quickly composed himself and nodded in greeting. 

"Hello, miss. I hope my presence doesn't affect your mood."

The woman nodded slightly, impressed by his rapid recovery. Her eyes smilling beautifully.

"Hehe, don't worry," she said, her voice dripping with allure. "With such a handsome man accompanying me, how could I possibly feel uncomfortable?"

Even her voice was alluring. Huang Longtian's heart trembled. He secretly took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

The woman's smile grew at his awkwardness. How cute.

Then he took a seat, glancing around the room. It was elegantly furnished, with plush chairs and a large window offering a view of the auction stage below. 

There were only two seats in the room, close to each other. The woman leaned in, her cleavage catching his attention.

"Young master, aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Her voice was laced with teasing allure as she traced a finger lightly across his arm. 

A current of lightning rushed through his arm, his heartbeat accelerating. This woman was trouble! 

"Huang," he retracted his arm in a hurry, "my name is Huang Longtian. And you, miss?"

"Huang Longtian? How domineering," she said, playing with her hair. "Young master can call me Meiji. I wonder if you're also domineering in the be—"

"Miss, that's not appropriate language for an esteemed lady like yourself. Please refrain from teasing this young master," a voice rang out as a woman suddenly entered the room.

"Hmph, Panji, you're no fun. And who said I was teasing him? I've already fallen in love with him," Meiji said, winking seductively at Huang Longtian, her face charming and alluring.

Huang Longtian's heart raced. Stay calm. Huang Longtian. No impure thoughts. You are Buddha. Buddha is within you.

Hehe, got you! He's quite adorable. I can't get enough of him trying to act cool. Meiji thought to herself as she laughed inwardly, observing Huang Longtian.

Thankfully, Panji's intervention diffused the earlier tension. Meiji seemed poised to say something else, but the auction began as a woman stepped confidently onto the stage.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, to our grand auction. I am Cao Xiaodan, your host for today."

Huang Longtian watched, waiting for the items he needed.

On the stage, Cao Xiaodan lifted a shimmering jade pendant, its intricate carvings catching the light. 

"Our first item of the evening," she announced, "an Evil Warding Talisman, it can bestow protection and ward off evil spirits. Bidding starts at 100 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones."

The crowd rustled, and bids began to fly.

"I'll give one hundred fifty!"

"One hundred sixty!"

"One hundred seventy-five!"

Cao Xiaodan's joyful voice cut through the clamor, "Do I hear one hundred eighty?"

Amidst the fervent competition, one final bid echoed above the rest.

"One hundred ninety!"

The room fell into a hushed silence as Cao Xiaodan's gavel struck the podium.

"Sold, for one hundred ninety Mid-Grade Spirit Stones!"

Bids soared in a rapid-fire exchange, each bidder intent on outbidding the other.

Huang Longtian scanned the stage with interest. Beside him, Meiji leaned closer, her eyes gleaming. "Did you see anything you like, honey?"

Huang Longtian felt a heat creep up his ears as a peculiar sensation washed over him. "Perhaps," he replied casually, though inwardly, his heart raced. This damned witch!

Panji looked at them, shaking her head slightly. Her young miss never listened; she hoped this young master wouldn't have a heart attack.

Moments later, after a serie of bids for other items, Cao Xiaodan unveiled a mysterious box adorned with eerie, pulsating runes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next item: a so impenetrable box that even a Spiritual Foundation Realm master couldn't crack it! What secrets lie within? One of you might uncover its mysteries! Starting bid of one hundred Lower-Grade Spirit Stones!"

Huang Longtian's eyes lit up. That's perfect! I can place the things I wrote last night into that box. Now, deceiving master will go smoothly.

Meiji looked at Huang Longtian with curiosity. He was interested in that mysterious box. Could it hold a secret?

The bids didn't fell short of Huang Longtian's expectations.

"..."

"One fifty!"

"One sixty!"

"One eighty-five!"

"One ninety!"

Just as Huang Longtian was about to bid, a cold, uncomfortable voice rang out.

"Five hundred and fifty Mid-Grade Spirit Stones!"