Auction[1]

The Blackstone City auction was famous for the rare and unique items it offered. Wealthy merchants and high-ranking elders from prominent clans regularly attended, drawn by its reputation.

The auction hall was located in the northeast of the city, surrounded by bustling markets that sold everything from precious herbs to rare weapons. The area was lively, with the hum of traders sounding and the aroma of roasted meats and exotic spices filling the air.

"Master," a voice called out to Zynos, who was strolling through the market, whistling and casually checking out the items in the stall.

Zynos turned toward the source and saw a hooded figure standing in the shadowy corner of an alleyway.

Zynos smiled and walked toward the figure. "Did you bring that?" he asked, his tone light but firm.

The hooded figure uncovered her face, revealing Rowena. "Yes, Master," she said, retrieving a small bottle from her dimension ring. Inside, two pills shimmered faintly under the sunlight.

"Good. You'll be rewarded for this," Zynos said with an evil smirk, taking the bottle.

"But Master, that bastard charged too much for this," Rowena said with a slight frown.

"Doesn't matter. Don't worry about the money—this thing is valuable," Zynos laughed. "Now, come. Let's go." Then after a few minutes,

Zynos stopped at a small stall, eyeing a shriveled root that looked like it had seen better centuries. "How much for this?" he asked, holding it up like it was a priceless treasure.

The shopkeeper perked up. "Ah, sir! That's a rare Spiritual Root—ten low-grade Mana Crystals!"

Zynos raised an eyebrow. "Rare? This thing looks like it came from under your father's ass. Five."

The shopkeeper stammered, "B-but, sir, it's—"

"Four," Zynos interrupted, inspecting the root closer. "Oh, there's a crack. Three."

The shopkeeper's face turned red. "It's just dirt—"

"Two, and I'm doing you a favor," Zynos declared, tossing the crystals before the man could respond.

As he strolled off, Rowena whispered, "Master, it wasn't even worth one."

"Exactly," Zynos said, pocketing the root with a smirk.

He strode forward with Rowena following closely behind, pulling her hood back and masking her face.

…

They arrived at the grand auction hall, a massive dome-shaped structure adorned with intricate carvings of lotuses and gilded accents that shimmered under the sunlight. A large signboard displayed the name Golden Lotus Auction Hall in bold letters.

Two grand entryways were situated at the front of the building: the main entrance for the general attendees and the exclusive VIP entrance reserved for influential figures.

Zynos, without hesitation, approached the VIP entrance.

"Sir, the VIP entry is 5 mid-grade Mana Crystals," a guard said in a low, formal tone. Zynos nodded and handed over the crystals.

The guard inspected the crystals briefly before nodding in approval and handing over a card with the auction hall's emblem. Zynos and Rowena walked in without another word.

The auction hall's interior was even more impressive. A massive, glittering dome loomed overhead, with faint glowing runes etched into its surface that pulsed gently, a sign of powerful protective arrays. 

The seating area was tiered, with the general audience occupying the ground level. Above them, a middle tier was reserved for well-known clans, while the uppermost level, shrouded in luxurious curtains and one-sided glass, housed the VIP rooms.

Unbeknownst to Zynos, two men had been watching their every move.

"Elder, it's true—the bastard cripple has gone to the auction," said a young man, his voice laced with disdain.

"Humph. Truly that bastard has some guts. Don't worry, I'll make him regret setting foot in the auction hall," the elder sneered.

"Hehe, Elder, you're a Mid-stage Master Realm cultivator. It would tarnish your dignity to deal with him personally. Let me handle that bastard—I'll present his head to the young miss. And that woman with him doesn't look bad either," the young man added with a sinister laugh.

"Alright, you deal with him. I'll focus on retrieving the item the Madam requested," the elder said, his eyes gleaming with purpose.

"Is the item truly that special, Elder?" the young man, Wei Hong, asked curiously.

"Yes. The Madam seems desperate for it and hasn't even informed the clan leader. Whatever is happening must be significant," the elder replied with a sigh.

"Enough chit-chat. Let's go in," the elder said, waving his sleeve as he walked inside, Wei Hong trailing behind him.

…

"Young master, it's this way," a servant pointed out to Zynos, who was now wearing a mask to conceal his identity. "The manager said he'll be here shortly," the servant added before bowing and leaving.

"Young master, will they really come?" Rowena asked, frowning slightly. Although she rarely questioned him, her master seemed particularly relaxed today, almost too confident. Her gaze lingered on him longer than usual, and for a fleeting moment, she caught herself thinking… he looked rather… attractive?

"No, no, no! What am I thinking!?" Rowena shook her head, trying to push away the errant thought.

Oblivious to her internal struggle, Zynos simply smirked. "Oh, they'll come. After all, this thing is that valuable," he said, glancing at the bottle of pills in his hand.

He entered the VIP room and sat in a luxurious chair behind a one-way transparent screen. Rowena stood silently behind him.

"So, how close are you to your breakthrough, Rowena?" he asked casually, his voice calm but curious.

"Master, I'm close to mastering my element," she replied curtly.

"Hmm." Zynos nodded, his gaze shifting toward the main hall below. The stage was enormous, with intricate patterns carved into its surface, and the lighting focused all attention on it. The crowd consisted of cultivators of various stages, each eagerly awaiting the rare treasures to be unveiled.

The VIP section had the best vantage point, and from his position, Zynos could spot everything. His eyes narrowed as he noticed movement three rooms away from his own.

"So they came, huh?" he murmured, his black eyes gleaming mischievously as he smirked.

Suddenly, a sweet, melodic voice rang through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, I, Anna, welcome you all to this auction!"

The crowd erupted in excitement as a stunning woman wearing a mask stepped onto the stage.

"WO-HO, IT'S MISS ANNA!"

"ANNA, MARRY ME!"

"ANNA, PEG MEEEE!"

"WHO THE FUCK SHOUTED THAT?!"

The crowd buzzed with energy, and Anna's faint smile widened.

"In today's auction, many rare items will be up for grabs, so I hope your pockets are full!" she announced playfully.

"Alright, let's get started!"

"The first item is a hundred year old Jade! It carries vast amount of mana invaluable to the Body refining stage cultivators"

"Starting price 150 Low grade Mana crystals!"

"170!"

"230!"

"The next item is..."