Chapter 11: The Auction Begins

The tension in the room grew palpable as Tang Zijie strode in, his presence disrupting the delicate atmosphere like a blade slicing through silk. His sharp eyes flickered with suspicion as he took in the scene—the steaming tea, the subtle intimacy in Qin Xuan's posture, and most importantly, the masked figure seated before her in an aura of quiet dominance.

His fingers curled into a fist. "Who is this?"

Qin Xuan, however, remained poised. She lifted her teacup with an air of indifference, her lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile. "Tang Zijie, need I remind you that this is a private meeting?"

Tang Zijie's jaw tightened. His expression, though carefully schooled, couldn't completely mask the flicker of jealousy in his gaze. "I heard rumors that an esteemed guest had arrived, and I was merely concerned. After all, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion must be careful about who it deals with."

Tianming, still seated, neither moved nor spoke. His presence alone exuded an enigmatic pressure, one that made Tang Zijie unconsciously wary. The black robes draped over his form carried a subtle but undeniable sense of age-old authority, and the intricate silver-lined mask concealed his features, adding to his mystique.

Zijie frowned. The way Qin Xuan treated this man—this stranger—was unfamiliar to him. She wasn't just indulging another noble guest or respected cultivator. There was genuine intrigue in her gaze, as though she had encountered something rare.

Who was this masked man?

"You," Tang Zijie said, his tone laced with poorly disguised condescension. "What business do you have with the Hundred Treasures Pavilion?"

Tianming slowly set down his teacup, the soft clink of porcelain against wood the only sound in the room. His voice, calm yet chilling in its indifference, carried an unshakable confidence. "Is that your concern?"

Tang Zijie's expression darkened instantly.

Before he could retort, Qin Xuan let out a soft laugh, her delicate fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "Tang Zijie, if our honored guest wished to announce his identity, he would have done so already. You, of all people, should know that the Hundred Treasures Pavilion values discretion above all else."

Her words were subtle, yet they carried an unspoken message—back off.

Tang Zijie's face twisted slightly, but he forced a smile. "Naturally, I would never question your judgment, Lady Qin Xuan." He took a step forward, his posture rigid. "However, the Tang Family has long been one of the strongest backers of the Pavilion. Surely, I deserve to know who sits in the VIP chamber."

Tianming exhaled softly. A mere noble brat throwing his weight around—how typical. He had neither the time nor patience for such arrogance.

Before Qin Xuan could speak again, Tianming's voice cut through the room like a cold blade.

"Do you question my qualifications?"

Tang Zijie flinched, but quickly recovered. "I merely wish to know which esteemed clan or sect you hail from."

Tianming leaned back slightly, his presence unfazed. "Clans and sects are nothing but fleeting names in the grand scheme of the world. If you must address me, call me... an old wanderer."

The room fell into silence.

Tang Zijie narrowed his eyes. An old wanderer? He studied the masked man again, reassessing. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke—it lacked the arrogance of youth. There was a weight to his words, a depth that young cultivators rarely possessed. Could it be...?

A hidden master?

The thought sent a ripple of unease through Tang Zijie. If this man was truly an alchemist or expert who had secluded himself for years, only to return now, then offending him would be unwise.

Qin Xuan, for her part, hid her amusement well. She had already suspected something unusual about this guest, but this only made him more interesting. Just who are you, really?

With a forced chuckle, Tang Zijie took a step back. "Of course. I meant no disrespect, Senior."

Qin Xuan's lips twitched. Senior? How quickly you change your tune.

Deciding to shift the subject, she addressed Tianming once more. "The auction will be starting soon. Would you like me to escort you to your private seat?"

Tianming nodded. "Lead the way."

As they stood, Tang Zijie's gaze lingered on Tianming, his mind still churning. He was not convinced—something about this man did not sit right with him. He would find out the truth.

For now, however, he could only watch as Qin Xuan personally led the masked guest through the halls of the Pavilion, her every step fluid and graceful, her presence commanding the attention of all who saw her.

The grand auction hall of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Towering walls of dark jade gleamed under the light of thousands of floating spirit lamps, casting a warm golden hue across the vast chamber. Rows of intricately carved wooden seats stretched in perfect formation, each arranged for the best view of the stage.

At the center, an enormous platform of polished obsidian awaited the treasures to be auctioned, its surface inscribed with ancient runes to amplify and preserve the spiritual essence of the items displayed.

The moment Qin Xuan stepped into the hall, a hushed wave of murmurs spread through the gathered cultivators.

"Lady Qin Xuan..."

"Even among the beauties of the empire, she stands above them all..."

"I heard she'll be personally hosting the auction tonight!"

Many men in the crowd watched with barely concealed admiration, their gazes drawn to her like moths to flame. But when their eyes flickered to the masked figure at her side, their expressions shifted—curiosity, wariness, and even jealousy.

"Who is that?"

"I don't recognize him..."

"Could he be a hidden master?"

Speculation ran wild. The presence of an unknown, masked figure being escorted by Qin Xuan herself was bound to stir rumors.

Tianming remained unaffected, walking with a measured pace as he followed her to the exclusive section reserved for honored guests. Here, the seats were grander, the space more private—designed for the elite who wished to participate without mingling with the common bidders.

As he settled into his seat, Qin Xuan turned to him with a playful smile. "I trust the view is to your liking?"

"It will do," Tianming replied evenly.

She chuckled. "Then sit back and enjoy. The auction is about to begin."

With that, she turned gracefully and made her way to the central stage.

A Pavilion elder stepped forward and raised his hands, his voice booming through the enchanted acoustics of the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the grand auction of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion!"

A round of polite applause spread through the hall.

"Tonight, we have gathered the finest artifacts, rarest treasures, and elixirs of the highest quality. May the bidding wars begin!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Qin Xuan took center stage, her poised figure radiating elegance under the luminous glow of spirit lanterns.

She smiled, her voice carrying across the vast hall.

"Let us begin with our first treasure."

The atmosphere bristled with excitement.

And so, the auction began.