Chapter 10: Ancient Moon Pavilion

Chapte10: Seizing the Land of Opportunity

The next morning, Bai Zhi sat at the highest balcony of the fortress, sipping a fragrant cup of spiritual tea as the sun painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson. She had spent the night reflecting on her next move.

Mu Qing was growing more intrigued by her, and the other commanders had started seeing her as someone worth their attention. But she needed something more than their favor—she needed real assets to secure her place in this world.

— Ding! —

[New System Mission: Acquire a Property]

[Description: True wealth lies in land and influence. Secure a territory and establish your foundation.]

[Reward: 500,000 Gold, Property Title Deed (Ancient Moon Pavilion), +5 Intelligence, +5 Business Acumen]

Bai Zhi's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"Property, hmm? That's exactly what I needed."

She turned to the young maid standing beside her, the same girl who had served her the previous morning.

"Where do the wealthy merchants and nobles trade land in this city?"

The maid, taken aback, hesitated before answering. "Miss Bai, most lands are controlled by noble families or the military. But… there is a place."

Bai Zhi arched an eyebrow. "Tell me."

The maid lowered her voice, as if speaking of forbidden things. "The Merchant Guild hosts secret auctions for land and properties. Only high-ranking figures or those with immense wealth can attend."

A secret auction?

Interesting.

Bai Zhi knew she couldn't attend the auction as just another woman in Mu Qing's camp. She needed to be recognized as someone with power.

She made her way toward the fortress training grounds, where Mu Qing and his generals were gathered for their daily strategy meeting. As she walked in, the room fell silent—the men had already learned to expect surprises from her.

Mu Qing leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "What brings you here, Bai Zhi?"

She tilted her head slightly, a mischievous glint in her silver eyes. "I have a request."

The generals exchanged looks. Bai Zhi had never outright asked for anything before—so what was she up to now?

Mu Qing gestured for her to continue.

"I wish to attend the Merchant Guild's private auction tonight," she stated calmly.

One of the older commanders snorted. "That's not a place for women, Miss Bai."

She merely smiled. "Then it's a good thing I'm not just any woman."

The room was silent for a beat before Mu Qing let out a low chuckle.

"And why do you want to attend?"

She met his gaze without hesitation. "I wish to purchase land."

This time, even Mu Qing looked intrigued.

"Land? You have gold?"

Bai Zhi sighed dramatically, waving a hand. "Do you truly think I lack wealth, General?"

— Ding! —

[Current Gold: 750,000]

750,000 gold—enough to shake many noble houses.

Mu Qing exhaled, shaking his head with a smirk. "Very well. I'll grant you an invitation. But you'll need protection."

One of his commanders, a young and ruthless-looking man named Xiao Ran, spoke up. "I'll accompany her."

Bai Zhi glanced at him. A powerful man, but one who had no interest in women. A perfect bodyguard.

"Then it's settled," she said with a smile.

By nightfall, Bai Zhi was draped in dark silk, her silver hair flowing freely like moonlight over her shoulders. Xiao Ran, ever the stoic guard, stood beside her as they entered the illuminated halls of the Merchant Guild.

The air buzzed with wealth. Noblemen, merchants, and military officials—all seeking power through land, artifacts, and slaves.

Bai Zhi barely concealed her disdain for the last category.

They were escorted to the private bidding hall, where only the elite sat. She took her seat, scanning the list of items up for sale.

"The next item," the auctioneer announced, "is a rare property—the Ancient Moon Pavilion!"

A murmur ran through the crowd.

Bai Zhi's interest piqued.

She glanced at the details:

Ancient Moon Pavilion

Location: Near the capital, perfect for a private residence or business

Formerly owned by a noble family, abandoned for decades

Perfect.

The bidding began at 200,000 gold.

"250,000!" A nobleman called.

"300,000!" Another merchant raised his hand.

Bai Zhi calmly lifted her fan. "400,000."

The room stirred.

A merchant glared at her. "Who is this woman?"

She merely smiled, tilting her head slightly in mock innocence.

"500,000!" The nobleman called again, clearly unwilling to let go.

Bai Zhi sighed theatrically, then lifted her fan once more.

"600,000."

Silence.

The auctioneer waited for any more bids.

None came.

"Sold!"

The crowd muttered among themselves, some shocked that she had spent so much without hesitation.

Xiao Ran leaned in. "That was risky."

Bai Zhi merely smirked. "No risk, no reward."

— Ding! —

[Mission Complete: Acquire a Property]

[Reward: 500,000 Gold, +5 Intelligence, +5 Business Acumen, Title Deed (Ancient Moon Pavilion)]

Her gold had been instantly refunded, leaving her with the same amount of wealth—but now, she owned valuable land.

She rose from her seat, exuding confidence.

Now, it was time to turn that land into power.

As she left the Merchant Guild, Bai Zhi was approached by a tall figure, his presence commanding.

A man with silver-rimmed glasses and cold golden eyes.

"Miss Bai."

She paused. "And you are?"

He smiled. "A man who appreciates bold women."

Her lips curled. "Then I suppose you're here to make an offer?"

His golden eyes glinted. "Perhaps. But first, I'd like to see what you do with the Ancient Moon Pavilion."

Bai Zhi's heartbeat quickened.

This was no ordinary man—he was someone influential.

And she had just caught his attention.

— Ding! —

[New Mission Unlocked: Restore the Ancient Moon Pavilion]

[Reward: 1,000,000 Gold, Rare Artifact – Phoenix Jade Pendant, Title: Lady of the Moon Pavilion]

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed.

"Then watch closely," she murmured. "Because I'm going to build an empire."

Bai Zhi stood at the entrance of the Ancient Moon Pavilion, her gaze sweeping across the grand yet abandoned estate. Overgrown vines, dust-covered floors, and shattered windows hinted at years of neglect.

But where others saw ruin, she saw opportunity.

— Ding! —

[Mission: Restore the Ancient Moon Pavilion]

[Progress: 0%]

[Reward: 1,000,000 Gold, Rare Artifact – Phoenix Jade Pendant, Title: Lady of the Moon Pavilion]

She smirked.

"Time to turn this place into a legend."

Fixing this estate alone would be impossible. She needed skilled workers, guards, and trusted allies.

She met with Xiao Ran the next morning. He studied her thoughtfully.

"You truly intend to restore this place?"

She nodded. "And I need your help. Recommend some reliable people for me."

After a moment, he spoke. "I know a few former mercenaries and craftsmen. They're skilled but have no work. If you offer them good pay, they'll be loyal."

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed.

"Bring them to me."

That afternoon, twenty men arrived—some warriors, some skilled artisans. They looked at her with skepticism, but when she casually handed them gold in advance, their attitudes shifted immediately.

"From now on, you work for me," she declared. "Fix the pavilion, and I'll make sure you're well-compensated."

— Ding! —

[10,000 Gold Deducted – Skilled Workers Hired]

The men nodded firmly.

"We won't let you down, Lady Bai!"

She smiled. "Then get to work."

As the restoration progressed, Bai Zhi received an unexpected visitor.

The man with golden eyes and silver-rimmed glasses stood at her entrance.

"You're making quite the name for yourself, Miss Bai."

She raised an eyebrow. "And you still haven't told me your name."

He chuckled. "Call me Jin Yue."

Jin Yue. A name she had heard whispered in the underground circles.

A merchant king—one who controlled vast resources beyond the imperial court's grasp.

He smiled at her. "I have a business proposal for you."

Her heart raced with intrigue.

"I'm listening."

Jin Yue's golden eyes gleamed. "This place has potential. But it needs more than just repairs—it needs purpose. What will you do with it?"

Bai Zhi smiled. "Turn it into a high-end establishment. A place for the powerful to gather, sealed with secrecy and luxury."

He studied her for a long moment, then smirked. "Then I'll invest."

Her eyes widened slightly. "In exchange for?"

He leaned closer. "A partnership. You provide the vision, I provide the resources."

— Ding! —

[New System Reward: Exclusive Partnership with Jin Yue – Increased Influence & Merchant Connections]

Bai Zhi's heart pounded.

"Then let's make history."

TheAncient Moon Pavilion stood tall and radiant under the moonlight, its newly restored walls gleaming with golden accents. The once-forgotten estate had transformed into the most exclusive venue in the capital, a place where the elite would gather, deals would be made, and alliances would be forged.

The scent of incense and exotic flowers filled the air as silk banners bearing the Phoenix Pavilion's crest fluttered in the evening breeze. The entrance was lined with red lanterns, casting a warm glow over the stream of noble guests arriving in luxurious carriages.

Bai Zhi stood at the pavilion's grand entrance, dressed in a flowing crimson robe embroidered with golden phoenixes. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, adorned with a delicate jade hairpin. The Money-Spending System had upgraded her charm and beauty once again, making her presence even more mesmerizing.

She watched as wealthy merchants, noble lords, and esteemed scholars stepped inside, their eyes widening at the opulence before them.

This was her domain now.

And tonight, she would prove to the world that the Ancient Moon Pavilion had risen from the ashes.

— Ding! —

[System Reward: Private Estate Ownership, +10 Prestige, +5 Business Acumen, +3 Charm]

Among the distinguished guests, Jin Yue was the first to arrive. Dressed in a sleek black robe with golden embroidery, his golden eyes gleamed with amusement as he took in the transformed pavilion.

"I must admit, Bai Zhi, you work fast."

She smiled. "A successful woman doesn't wait."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Nor does she play fair."

She chuckled, neither confirming nor denying his words. Tonight, she had a game to play, and he would not be her only opponent.

Moments later, another guest arrived—Lord Xuan Yi, a powerful noble with connections to the imperial court.

His presence alone caused whispers among the guests. The fact that he had chosen to attend Bai Zhi's opening meant that the pavilion was already gaining favor among the most influential figures.

He approached her with a measured gaze. "Lady Bai, your reputation precedes you. I'm intrigued to see what your establishment has to offer."

Bai Zhi bowed slightly. "I guarantee you won't be disappointed, my lord."

Jin Yue, standing nearby, smirked. "Careful, Bai Zhi. If you charm too many men tonight, you might cause unnecessary trouble."

She turned to him with a knowing smile. "Oh? Are you worried?"

He laughed. "Just entertained."

The centerpiece of the night was a private auction held in the pavilion's grand hall, where rare treasures were displayed on an elevated stage.

Servants moved gracefully, presenting each item with care. The guests were eager to bid, knowing that only the wealthiest and most powerful could afford to participate.

Among the treasures was the Celestial Ice Pearl, a legendary jewel said to grant its owner a boost in cultivation. The bidding war was fierce, with noblemen and merchants raising the stakes higher and higher.

Bai Zhi watched carefully, noting the key players and their spending habits. Tonight was not just about wealth—it was about influence.

And she intended to seize it.

As the auction progressed, Jin Yue leaned close to her. "You should place a bid yourself, Bai Zhi. Make a statement."

She smirked. "I don't need to bid. I own the stage."

His eyes glinted with approval. "Now that, I believe."

— Ding! —

[System Reward: Luxury Private Vault, +10 Wealth, Exclusive Access to High-Level Auctions]

As the final item was about to be revealed, a new figure entered the pavilion—a man dressed in silver robes with an intricate dragon emblem.

His presence commanded attention, and whispers spread through the hall.

"That's the Silver Dragon Merchant, Ye Ming."

"He rarely attends public gatherings!"

"If he's here, it means Bai Zhi's pavilion has truly caught the attention of the highest circles!"

Bai Zhi studied him carefully. His aura was dangerous, but there was something magnetic about him.

He approached her with a slight bow. "Lady Bai, your establishment is truly remarkable."

She met his gaze without hesitation. "I appreciate the compliment. But I doubt you came just to praise me."

Ye Ming chuckled. "You're right. I came for business."

"Then let's talk."

And with that, the real power play of the night began.

— Ding! —

[New Influence Path Unlocked: Ye Ming – The Silver Dragon Merchant]

[Status: Interested / Calculating / Potential Rival or Ally]

By the end of the night, the Ancient Moon Pavilion had cemented its status as the newest hub for the elite. Powerful figures had gathered, deals had been made, and Bai Zhi had successfully placed herself at the center of it all.

As she stood on the pavilion's balcony, overlooking the city, Jin Yue joined her.

"Satisfied?" he asked.

She exhaled softly, a confident smile on her lips. "This is only the beginning."

He chuckled. "Then I look forward to seeing what you do next."

With the city lights shimmering below them, Bai Zhi knew one thing for certain—

She was unstoppable.

— Ding! —

[Final System Rewards for the Night: +50 Prestige, +20 Wealth, Exclusive Pavilion Status Unlocked]