Reunion at the Auction

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Seeing the Blue Silver Empress return to her room for an afternoon nap, Lin Yongming headed to the bathroom to wash off the cold sweat he had broken out under the pressure from the Chrysanthemum Douluo.

...

Two days later, Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Empress donned brand-new outfits, purchased for over a hundred gold coins, and stepped out of their room.

The auction at the Treasure Pavilion was set to begin after lunch today. Over the past few days, Lin Yongming had managed to win nearly a hundred thousand gold coins by placing bets at the Great Spirit Arena.

At around ten in the morning, they arrived at the Heaven Dou Palace, as they had agreed to accompany the Chrysanthemum Douluo to the auction.

"Greetings, Elder Chrysanthemum! Greetings, Bishop Sarath!"

Upon entering the main hall, Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Empress stood side by side and bowed respectfully.

The Blue Silver Empress, in particular, had removed the silk scarf that usually covered the lower half of her face before entering the hall.

"You're quite early!" The Chrysanthemum Douluo played with his hands as he replied, "By the way, regarding your situation, His Holiness the Pope has given me a definitive response."

"Please enlighten me, Elder Chrysanthemum," Lin Yongming said with a smile.

"The Pope has agreed to your request. However, you must participate in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament two years from now. If you can reach the Soul King level within these two years, you will be awarded the Purple Record Medal, which is even rarer than the Yellow Record Medal."

"Furthermore, after the Continental Elite Tournament concludes, you will be granted a position equivalent to that of a sub-palace bishop. Of course, as you progress to Soul Emperor, Soul Sage, and beyond, your authority will also increase accordingly," the Chrysanthemum Douluo explained with a smile.

"Thank you for His Holiness's recognition. I will continue to work hard," Lin Yongming replied solemnly.

"Good. Train diligently and demonstrate your greater value to His Holiness," the Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded.

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Chrysanthemum," Lin Yongming nodded in return.

After chatting in the hall for a while, they had an early lunch and then set off for the Treasure Pavilion Auction House.

The group consisted of Lin Yongming, the Blue Silver Empress, the Chrysanthemum Douluo, Bishop Sarath, an assistant, and Coroll. The others remained behind, as the Spirit Hall naturally needed guards to maintain security.

Along the way, they saw many nobles and dignitaries heading to the auction in carriages. Of course, commoners wouldn't be able to afford such an event unless they were bringing items to auction.

The carriages parked along the roads near the auction house, and their occupants, holding invitations, made their way toward the ancient castle.

"Elder, there are quite a few people here today. It seems the Treasure Pavilion's promotion of the spirit bone has been quite effective," Bishop Sarath remarked, standing slightly behind the Chrysanthemum Douluo to emphasize their difference in status.

"I'm just here to see what's going on. A thousand-year spirit bone is nothing more than a piece of bone to me. Only a ten-thousand-year spirit bone would be of any use," the Chrysanthemum Douluo said, making it clear that he didn't have high hopes for the auction. However, since he was already here, he held onto a sliver of hope. After all, missing out on a ten-thousand-year spirit bone would be a significant loss.

"Of course, Elder. A thousand-year spirit bone is beneath your notice," Bishop Sarath flattered.

Lin Yongming and the Blue Silver Empress naturally walked behind Bishop Sarath and the others.

"Bishop Sarath, you've come too. And who is this?" A middle-aged man approached to greet them, eyeing the Chrysanthemum Douluo curiously.

"Is that any of your business?" Bishop Sarath's expression turned stern as he replied.

"Of course, of course. I'll be on my way," the man said, noticing that even Bishop Sarath stood respectfully behind the Chrysanthemum Douluo, and quickly took his leave.

Bishop Sarath had been in charge of the Heaven Dou Palace for many years and had to navigate the complex relationships with the nobility of Heaven Dou City. Even if they weren't close, they at least recognized each other.

By the time they reached the entrance they had visited before, Bishop Sarath had been greeted over ten times.

"Bishop Sarath, what a rare guest! What brings you here today?"

At the entrance checkpoint, Cai Qi, dressed in the same form-fitting pink and white cheongsam that perfectly accentuated her figure, stood with one long, fair leg exposed and a deep cleavage that exuded sensuality.

"Manager Cai Qi, you're looking quite stunning today," Bishop Sarath stepped forward, passing the Chrysanthemum Douluo. "However, we don't have invitations to the auction. Do we need to go through any formalities?"

"Bishop, you jest. Your presence alone is the greatest honor for our Treasure Pavilion. Your status is the best invitation," Cai Qi replied with a bright smile.

"You flatter me, Manager Cai Qi," Bishop Sarath smiled.

"Enough chatter. Let's go in," the Chrysanthemum Douluo stepped forward and glanced at her.

"Yes, Elder!" Bishop Sarath immediately responded.

"Esteemed guest, Bishop Sarath, for the safety of our customers, masks are required to enter," Cai Qi said apologetically.

"Oh? Is the Spirit Hall not safe enough in Heaven Dou City? Or do you doubt my strength?" the Chrysanthemum Douluo coldly snorted, staring at Cai Qi.

"Elder, she's just following the rules. It's her duty, not a slight against your strength," Bishop Sarath quickly mediated.

"My apologies, esteemed guest. I was too presumptuous. Please forgive me," Cai Qi said, noticing Bishop Sarath's subtle signal, and quickly apologized. "Please, come in."

"This is the first time I've seen Bishop Sarath show such respect to someone. Could this flamboyant person be a Title Douluo from the Spirit Hall?" Cai Qi was shocked by her own speculation.

It was no wonder. Across the Douluo Continent, aside from the hidden Title Douluo, there were only about twenty publicly known Title Douluo, half of whom belonged to the Spirit Hall.

So, while spirit bones were rare, Title Douluo were even rarer. Some spirit masters might never encounter a Title Douluo in their lifetime, as they stood at the pinnacle of power on the Douluo Continent.

"Big brother, second brother, Brother Lin and Sister Lan are over there. Should we go say hello?" Tang Yuehua, along with her two brothers, had also arrived near the auction and spotted Lin Yongming. She was visibly excited.

"Little sister, it's best not to. Don't you see the two people in front of him? Especially the one dressed like a woman. If I'm not mistaken, that's the Chrysanthemum Douluo, a close confidant of the Spirit Hall's Pope," Tang Xiao calmly grabbed Tang Yuehua's arm and warned her.

"Exactly. The person next to the Chrysanthemum Douluo is likely the bishop in charge of the Heaven Dou Palace's Spirit Hall," Tang Hao added.

"Ah! Are they here for the spirit bone at the auction?" Tang Yuehua asked, puzzled.

"Of course. But it's no surprise that Lin Yongming is highly regarded by the Spirit Hall. After all, he's a genius," Tang Xiao sighed.

"A talent like Lin Yongming would be highly valued even if he joined the Clear Sky Sect. The Spirit Hall, which thrives on spirit masters, would naturally hold him in high regard," Tang Hao nodded seriously.

"Also, little sister, don't overthink things. Don't forget why you came to Heaven Dou City," Tang Xiao subtly reminded her.

As Tang Yuehua's older brother, Tang Xiao could tell that his sister had developed a special fondness for Lin Yongming.

"I know," Tang Yuehua pouted, somewhat resigned.

"Uncle Sword, is that the Spirit Hall's Chrysanthemum Douluo?" On the other side, Ning Fengzhi had also arrived at the auction with the Sword Douluo.

"Indeed, it's the Chrysanthemum Douluo. His appearance is quite distinctive," the Sword Douluo nodded.

"Strange. A spirit bone of unknown age shouldn't be enough to draw the Chrysanthemum Douluo all the way to Heaven Dou City. Could it be for Lin Yongming?" Ning Fengzhi wondered.

"Exactly. Aside from Lin Yongming, why else would the Pope send his trusted aide here? But it's odd. Didn't the Spirit Hall already know about Lin Yongming obtaining his fourth spirit ring? Or did they not help him with it?" The Sword Douluo couldn't help but express his confusion.

"It's hard to say. Let's just head into the auction," Ning Fengzhi shook his head helplessly.

Soon, three more people arrived, one of whom was none other than Yu Xiaogang, who hadn't been seen for days.

"Father, that's him. The one with the second thousand-year spirit ring and the fourth ten-thousand-year spirit ring," Yu Xiaogang pointed at Lin Yongming from a short distance away, speaking to a tall, middle-aged man.

This man was Yu Xiaogang's father, the master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Yuanzhen.

Yu Xiaogang had been absent for the past few days because he had returned home to seek his father's help.

"Father, if you can capture him and bring him back to our clan, we can extract the secret of his spirit rings. This would be of immense value to us and could even help us surpass the Clear Sky Sect to become the top of the three great sects," Yu Xiaogang explained excitedly.

"Keep your voice down!" Yu Yuanzhen whispered, stopping Yu Xiaogang from continuing.

"Do you see the two people in front of him? One is a level 94 Title Douluo, the Chrysanthemum Douluo, and the other is an level 83 Spirit Douluo, Bishop Sarath of the Heaven Dou Palace. Do you expect me to snatch that kid right under their noses?" Yu Yuanzhen explained.

"The Chrysanthemum Douluo? I've heard of him, but this is the first time I've seen him. So this is what he looks like," Yu Xiaogang's expression turned grave.

"But father, the secret of his spirit rings is too valuable to pass up. If we can uncover it, our clan's overall strength will increase, and we can use this secret to recruit more spirit masters to serve us," Yu Xiaogang's eyes gleamed as he spoke earnestly.

"It's not that easy to take something from the Spirit Hall's grasp. We need to proceed carefully. Let's not say more for now, lest someone overhears and spreads rumors. Let's head into the auction," Yu Yuanzhen sternly warned.

"Yes, father," Yu Xiaogang reluctantly nodded.

"Ah Yin, it's quite lively here," Lin Yongming whispered to the Blue Silver Empress.

"Yes, it really is," the Blue Silver Empress looked around.

"No, I mean familiar faces are here," Lin Yongming said slowly.

Despite the large crowd at the auction, Lin Yongming's keen perception and mental senses allowed him to detect several familiar gazes falling on him.

"Oh? Is that so? That Yu Xiaogang has reappeared. It seems he went to seek reinforcements these past few days," the Blue Silver Empress remarked, spotting Yu Xiaogang and his group entering the auction.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 180 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 70 power stones I will publish the next chapter.