Chapter 19: The Mysterious Auction

Chapter 19: The Mysterious Auction

After returning to Haicheng, Xiao Feng quickly settled back into the rhythm of his life in the city. The atmosphere in Haicheng was vastly different from the small town where his aunt lived, but he found comfort in the bustling energy and opportunities the city offered. Here, he could more easily access the resources and spiritual energy he needed to further his cultivation.A few days after his visit to his aunt, Xiao Feng was in the middle of his cultivation when his phone rang, breaking his focus. He glanced at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. It was the head of the Xiao family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Haicheng. Xiao Feng had interacted with them briefly in the past, but he hadn't expected to hear from them directly.He picked up the call. "Hello," Xiao Feng said, his voice calm and composed."Xiao Feng, it's been a while," the voice on the other end greeted him warmly. The Xiao family head's tone was respectful, a recognition of Xiao Feng's growing influence and capabilities in Haicheng. "I wanted to inform you about an upcoming event that might interest you—a mysterious auction is being held in a few days. It's not a public event, only a select few are invited."Xiao Feng's interest was piqued. "A mysterious auction?""Yes," the Xiao family head confirmed. "The auction will feature various rare and valuable items, many of which are not typically available in ordinary markets. Given your... unique background, I thought you might find something of value there."Xiao Feng considered the offer. Auctions in the mortal world rarely had items that caught his interest, but given the invitation's source and the secrecy surrounding the event, it was worth investigating. "I appreciate the invitation. I'll attend.""Excellent," the Xiao family head replied, sounding pleased. "One more thing—everyone attending the auction will be required to wear a mask to conceal their identity. It's a measure to ensure anonymity and privacy."Xiao Feng nodded to himself. "Understood. I'll be there."The call ended, leaving Xiao Feng with a new task on his mind. A mysterious auction where identities were hidden? It sounded intriguing, and Xiao Feng couldn't shake the feeling that there might be something there of great value to him.The day of the auction arrived quickly. Xiao Feng dressed in simple yet elegant attire, donning a black mask he had acquired specifically for the event. The mask was plain, but it suited his purpose perfectly—anonymity was key, and he had no intention of drawing unnecessary attention to himself.The auction was held in an upscale venue in Haicheng, hidden away from prying eyes. As Xiao Feng entered the auction house, he noted the luxurious surroundings. Everything was meticulously designed to convey wealth and exclusivity. Guests moved about in silence, each wearing a mask that concealed their features, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.Xiao Feng took a seat in the large auction hall, his eyes scanning the other attendees. Despite their concealed identities, he could sense the powerful auras of several individuals present. Clearly, this auction had drawn the attention of many influential figures.The auction began with a variety of rare items—antique weapons, ancient scrolls, and precious gemstones. To the untrained eye, these items were extraordinary, but Xiao Feng, with his vast experience from the Heavenly Realm, saw them for what they were: valuable, but not particularly useful to him.He remained patient, his interest only mildly piqued as the auction continued. However, as the evening wore on, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The final item of the night was about to be unveiled, and there was an air of anticipation among the attendees.The auctioneer, a dignified man in a tailored suit, stepped forward with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlemen, the final item of tonight's auction is something truly unique. It is a box—one that has confounded experts and collectors alike. No one has been able to open it, and its contents remain a mystery. However, its craftsmanship and the aura it exudes suggest that it holds something of immense value."The box was brought forward and placed on display. It was unassuming at first glance—a small, intricately carved wooden box with faint traces of ancient runes etched into its surface. Yet, despite its simple appearance, Xiao Feng felt a faint, almost imperceptible pulse of energy emanating from it.The auctioneer continued, "Because of its mysterious nature, the price for this box is high. But we believe that whatever is inside must be extraordinary, given that no one has managed to open it."The bidding began, and Xiao Feng watched as the price steadily climbed. Many attendees were hesitant, unsure of the value of a box that could not be opened. Some dropped out early, unwilling to take the risk.Xiao Feng, however, was intrigued. There was something about the box that called to him, a subtle yet persistent feeling that it held something more than just a mystery. When the bidding began to slow, he raised his paddle, placing a bid that immediately caught the attention of the room.Whispers broke out among the attendees, but no one else dared to challenge him. The price was steep, and the uncertainty surrounding the box was too great for most."Sold!" The auctioneer's gavel came down with a decisive thud. "To the gentleman in the black mask."Xiao Feng nodded in satisfaction as the box was brought to him. He carefully took it in his hands, feeling the ancient energy coursing through it. Whatever was inside, it was something that had remained hidden for a long time.Back at his residence in Haicheng, Xiao Feng placed the box on a table in his private study. The room was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of spiritual energy as it flowed through the formations he had set up around his home.He sat down in front of the box, examining it closely. The runes on its surface were old, possibly predating even the ancient dynasties of the mortal realm. Xiao Feng recognized some of the symbols—they were similar to the ones he had encountered in the Heavenly Realm, used in powerful sealing techniques."This isn't just any ordinary box," Xiao Feng murmured to himself. "It was sealed intentionally, and whoever did it wanted to make sure it stayed that way."With his vast knowledge of formations and seals, Xiao Feng began the delicate process of unlocking the box. He traced the runes with his fingers, channeling his spiritual energy into them. The process was slow and meticulous, requiring all of his concentration.Hours passed, and finally, with a soft click, the seal broke. The box opened slowly, revealing its contents.Inside, nestled in a bed of velvet, was a small, ancient-looking map. Xiao Feng's eyes widened as he studied it. The map was detailed, showing the layout of a distant land he had never seen before. But what truly caught his attention was the energy it radiated—this was no ordinary map."This… could lead to something extraordinary," Xiao Feng whispered, feeling a surge of excitement. The map was undoubtedly connected to something powerful, something worth the effort it had taken to unlock the box.He carefully folded the map and placed it back in the box. There was no doubt in his mind that this was only the beginning of a new journey. Whatever the map led to, Xiao Feng was determined to uncover its secrets.