Chapter 10: A Masked Visitor

A figure draped in a deep black robe strode into the grand entrance of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. The hem of his cloak barely made a sound against the polished marble floor, yet his presence commanded attention. An obsidian mask with intricate silver etchings concealed his face, the patterns resembling dragon scales shimmering under the warm glow of the pavilion's lanterns. Though his appearance was enigmatic, the aura he exuded was one of confidence—one that made the receptionists hesitate before approaching.

The Hundred Treasures Pavilion was a sight to behold. Towering jade pillars lined the grand hall, their surfaces inscribed with glowing golden runes that pulsed with an ethereal light. The ceiling was adorned with exquisite murals depicting divine beasts, their gazes seeming to follow those who entered. The air carried a blend of sandalwood and rare medicinal herbs, adding to the mystique of the place.

Glass cases holding rare treasures sat atop obsidian pedestals, each item bathed in a soft, golden glow. Exotic weapons, shimmering spirit artifacts, and elixirs radiating faint halos of power—every piece was a testament to the pavilion's wealth and influence. Guests dressed in flowing robes of noble descent strolled through the hall, engaging in hushed conversations about the upcoming auction.

Tianming approached a reception desk where a young woman in an elegant silk robe greeted him with a professional smile. Her hair was neatly coiled into a bun, and her demeanor exuded discipline.

"Honored guest, welcome to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion," she said with a slight bow. "Are you here to purchase an item, or do you wish to auction something?"

Tianming's voice was calm but firm. "I have something to auction."

The receptionist maintained her composure but hesitated slightly. "Forgive me, but all auction submissions must be made at least a week in advance. We cannot—"

Before she could finish, Tianming produced a jade box from within his robes and placed it on the counter. With a deliberate motion, he lifted the lid just enough for the fragrance to escape.

A dense, medicinal scent filled the air, thick with potency. It was rich, pure—an unmistakable indicator of a pill refined to perfection. The receptionist's breath caught in her throat as her gaze locked onto the pristine, pale-golden pill nestled within. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"A second-grade… Marrow Cleansing Pill?" she whispered, stunned.

The Marrow Cleansing Pill was known to temper the bones and meridians, purifying the body of impurities. Though it was only a second-grade pill in terms of level, its quality was flawless—an absolute masterpiece. Even peak alchemists struggled to refine a pill of this caliber without defects.

Trembling slightly, she looked up at Tianming with newfound respect. "Honored guest… please wait here a moment."

Without wasting time, she turned and hurried toward the pavilion's inner chambers.

Moments later, a middle-aged man dressed in fine embroidered robes approached. He bore a dignified air, his posture straight and composed, his eyes sharp as a hawk's. The golden insignia on his sleeve marked him as a high-ranking floor manager of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.

"I am Liu Cheng, a floor manager here," the man introduced himself, his gaze sweeping over Tianming's masked form before settling on the jade box. He carefully took a closer look, inhaling the pill's essence as a flicker of shock crossed his face.

"This is no ordinary refinement," Liu Cheng muttered under his breath. "Whoever refined this possesses extraordinary skill." He looked up, his expression now one of solemn respect. "Esteemed master, our Hundred Treasures Pavilion will gladly auction this pill for you. Please, follow me to a private room. The Vice Pavilion Master will personally oversee this matter."

Tianming nodded and followed Liu Cheng through the pavilion's ornate hallways.

They arrived at an exclusive chamber—one reserved only for the most esteemed guests. The room was a blend of luxury and refined taste. A polished rosewood table sat at the center, its surface adorned with jade tea cups and an ornate teapot steaming with freshly brewed spiritual tea. Silken drapes of pale gold swayed gently, and trays of spirit fruits, delicacies crafted with essence-rich ingredients, were arranged meticulously.

As Tianming took his seat, the door creaked open.

A woman stepped inside, and the very air seemed to shift.

Qin Xuan.

She was breathtaking—an ethereal beauty that could rival celestial fairies. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of ink, each strand gleaming with a silky luster. Her eyes, dark yet luminous, held a captivating charm, their depths concealing an intelligence sharper than most men could fathom.

She wore a light blue silk dress embroidered with delicate white lotuses and golden filigree patterns that accentuated her curves in the most elegant way. The fabric draped around her slender waist like a gentle river current, its flowing nature enhancing her graceful movements. A subtle slit ran along the side, revealing glimpses of her long, flawless legs with each step—tantalizing yet refined. The dress was neither too revealing nor too modest, striking the perfect balance between allure and sophistication.

She moved with effortless poise, each step exuding confidence and elegance. When she sat across from Tianming, the faintest scent of orchids drifted toward him, mingling with the tea's aroma.

"You're quite the mysterious guest," she mused, her voice as smooth as silk, carrying a playful lilt. "Not only do you bring a pill of such quality, but you insist on anonymity. I must say… I'm intrigued."

Tianming remained impassive beneath his mask. "I simply prefer discretion."

Qin Xuan's lips curved into an amused smile. "How curious. A man with such skill should have nothing to hide, yet here you are, wrapped in secrecy." She tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp yet teasing. "Could it be that you're an esteemed alchemist in disguise?"

Tianming did not answer directly. Instead, he merely reached for the teacup before him, taking a slow sip.

Her eyes gleamed with interest. "Fine, keep your secrets," she said, leaning back slightly, though the glimmer of frustration in her gaze was not entirely hidden. "But tell me, what else do you require?"

"A tripod cauldron," Tianming replied evenly. "And… access to certain materials."

"Oh?" She raised a brow. "What kind of materials?"

"Spirit beast corpses. Or, if possible, remains of those from the myriad races."

Her fingers tapped lightly against the table as she studied him. "That's an unusual request."

Tianming met her gaze unflinchingly. "Can it be arranged?"

Qin Xuan's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Anything can be arranged, given the right price."

Just as their conversation deepened, a voice echoed from outside the chamber.

"Qin Xuan!"

The tone carried jealousy and irritation.

Tianming turned his head slightly as the door swung open.

A tall young man stepped in, his silk robes embroidered with golden dragons. His handsome face was marred by a scowl as his gaze flickered between Qin Xuan and Tianming.

Tang Zijie.

A suffocating silence filled the air.