Chapter 12 – The VIP Room and the Looming Plan

The Pavilion Master's Signal

The Pavilion Master raised his hand and pressed a small bell at the corner of his desk. The soft chime echoed through the room, barely audible, yet within seconds, the golden-plated door slowly opened.

The Arrival of the Attendant

A young female attendant entered with light footsteps. She wore the deep blue robes of the pavilion, her black hair neatly tied, and her gaze remained calm despite the heavy aura filling the room. Her dark brown eyes gleamed with intelligence, hidden behind a polite expression.

Pavilion Master: "Xiaoqing, escort our guest to the VIP room."

The old man's voice was gentle yet carried undeniable authority. "Make sure he receives the best service. No disturbances."

The attendant—Xiaoqing—bowed respectfully.

Xiaoqing: "Understood, Master."

Without further words, Xiaoqing swiftly exited the room to catch up with Yuxian, who had just stepped out of the Pavilion Master's office.

The Escort to the VIP Room

Yuxian had barely walked through the corridor toward the main hall when he heard light footsteps behind him. He turned to see the female attendant approaching with a polite smile.

Xiaoqing: "Sir, the Pavilion Master has instructed me to escort you to the VIP room. Please follow me."

Her voice was soft, but there was a subtle firmness in her tone—someone who knew how to carry out her duties efficiently.

Yuxian observed her for a moment with a cold gaze before giving a slight nod.

Yuxian: "Lead the way."

Xiaoqing turned and began walking ahead, leading Yuxian through the increasingly lavish pavilion corridors. Each step brought them deeper into an exclusive area reserved only for esteemed guests.

The hallway leading to the VIP rooms differed from the common areas. The walls were crafted from white jade, adorned with crystal lamps that emitted a soft glow, creating a serene yet authoritative ambiance. Ancient paintings depicting legendary heroes and epic battles lined the walls, hinting at the pavilion's centuries-old history.

At every corner of the hallway, pavilion guards stood tall in gleaming black armor, their sharp eyes scanning every movement. Their aura was fierce, signaling that they were no ordinary guards but high-level cultivators, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Yuxian walked calmly, occasionally glancing at the intricate architectural details of the pavilion. He could sense the hidden protective formations embedded in the walls and floor—magical traps that could be activated instantly if anyone attempted to cause trouble.

However, the demonic aura within him remained still, blending seamlessly with the spiritual energy around him, making him nearly undetectable.

At last, they arrived before a grand maroon-colored door adorned with carvings of dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing power and rebirth. Above the door, a golden plaque read: "Supreme VIP Room."

Xiaoqing stopped in front of the door and bowed slightly.

Xiaoqing: "Please enter, Sir. If you require anything, simply pull the small bell on the table, and I will come immediately."

Yuxian gave a brief nod before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

Inside the VIP Room

The VIP room was spacious and magnificent, with polished black sandalwood flooring that gleamed under the soft lighting. Red silk curtains draped over the large windows, offering a direct view of the main auction hall from above.

At the center of the room stood a small round table made of green jade, surrounded by plush velvet chairs. A crystal lantern hanging from the ceiling bathed the room in a warm, elegant glow.

In one corner, a small table held a steaming pot of herbal tea, releasing a soothing aroma.

Yet, Yuxian paid no attention to the comforts provided. His eyes immediately locked onto the one-way glass window that overlooked the main hall. From there, he could see the powerful cultivators beginning to gather, each radiating an intimidating aura.

Below, dozens of experts from various sects and factions were taking their seats. Yuxian recognized a few prominent figures he had heard of during his travels.

With cold eyes, Yuxian observed them all. He knew the ancient scroll he had placed in tonight's auction would ignite fierce competition among them.

But that was precisely his intention.

Seated comfortably, Yuxian took a sip of the herbal tea. Its bitter taste calmed his mind, yet his heart remained filled with calculated coldness.

Yuxian: "Let's see… who will be foolish enough to try and claim what isn't theirs?"

The words slipped from his lips like a ghostly whisper.

Tonight wasn't just about the auctioned items. Tonight was a test of strength, patience, and the unseen political games at play. Shen Yuxian was ready for it all because every move he made was just another step in his greater plan.

The Auction Begins

The auction hall buzzed with excitement as wandering cultivators and local residents eagerly awaited the night's auction event. The atmosphere grew livelier, with countless eyes fixed on the grand stage, ready to witness the rare treasures up for bid.

In the VIP rooms, the tension was just as palpable. Several renowned factions sat with composed yet watchful expressions.

VIP Room 1: The Third Prince of the Ling Empire, accompanied by his alert subordinates.

VIP Room 2: The Snow Blossom Sect, led by their Holy Maiden, exuding a cold yet commanding aura.

VIP Room 3: Shen Yuxian, sitting calmly with a cup of hot tea, his expression unreadable, but his sharp eyes missing nothing.

VIP Room 4: The Sword Sect, their elders radiating a mysterious presence.

VIP Room 5: The Zhao Family's envoy, whose gaze held nothing but ambition and greed.

Other VIP rooms were also filled with wandering cultivators, each with their own unique ambitions. It was clear that every individual present had a purpose for attending tonight's event.

Suddenly, the once lively atmosphere hushed as if an invisible force had commanded silence. All eyes turned to the stage as a stunning woman in a red gown emerged from behind the curtain.

The Auctioneer Arrives

With graceful steps and an alluring smile, the woman spoke in a voice both soft and authoritative, instantly commanding the attention of the crowd.

Auctioneer: "Please settle down, esteemed guests. I am Xuan Yi, your host for tonight's auction. Thank you for your presence."

All eyes fixated on her—some with admiration, others with cautious interest. Xuan Yi elegantly waved her hand, signaling the attendants who carried trays filled with the night's auctioned treasures.

Xuan Yi:

"The first item—Qi Enhancement Pill. Discovered within an ancient ruin, this pill has been tested by a renowned alchemist and proven to rapidly enhance the user's ability to absorb natural energy, boosting their strength in just two days. The bidding starts at 50,000 taels of gold, with increments of 1,000 taels."

Excitement rippled through the hall. Many saw the pill as a valuable asset, while others questioned its short-lived effects.

Voices from the General Seating:

"51,000 taels!"

"55,000 taels!"

"60,000 taels!"

The bidding escalated, finally closing at 75,000 taels to a prominent wandering cultivator.

However, in the VIP rooms, no one even flinched. Such an item was trivial to them.

A Fierce Competition

Xuan Yi:

"The second item—Ancient Spirit Stone! Highly valuable for those with celestial spirit beasts, this stone serves as a secondary nourishment, enhancing their realm. Bidding starts at 100,000 taels, with increments of 1,000 taels."

Tension spread across the room. Cultivators whispered among themselves, while a shift in atmosphere was noticeable within the VIP rooms.

Third Prince's Subordinate:

"Your Highness, the Spirit Stone will be invaluable for your Demonic Butterfly."

The Third Prince nodded, his sharp eyes fixed on the item.

Third Prince: "150,000 taels!"

All attention turned toward VIP Room 1.

Voices from the General Seating:

"170,000 taels!"

Snow Blossom Holy Maiden: "200,000 taels!"

The Third Prince smirked.

Third Prince: "250,000 taels!"

In the midst of this escalating war of wealth, Shen Yuxian remained unmoved, silently sipping his tea, his gaze fixated on a mysterious long box atop the auction table.

Something about its faint, undetectable aura stirred his interest. an aura undetectable to others.

Curious, he kept his eyes on the box.

Sword Sect (Elder of the Sword Sect):

"Two hundred and sixty thousand taels of gold!"

Zhao Family Envoy:

"Three hundred thousand taels of gold!"

The atmosphere grew even more intense. The Third Prince smirked coldly, his sharp gaze shifting between the Zhao Family Envoy and the Sword Sect Elder.

Third Prince:

"Oh? So you've finally decided to bid as well. Do you truly wish to oppose me? Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of gold!"

The auction heated up, with all eyes fixated on the escalating battle of bids. Yet, Shen Yuxian remained calm, as if entirely unaffected by the situation. Deep inside, however, he knew that this auction was merely a part of a much grander scheme.