CHAPTER 13: THE AUCTION

Bai xieye stood on the edge of the cliff, looking at the rocky path stretching in the distance, below him the dark forest echoed with the sounds of night insects, the wind carrying the scent of wet soil and slowly decaying leaves.

The destination is now clear - the city of Guangzhou.

There, I would find what I needed.

Guangzhou city, the center of commerce and power in the region, loomed beneath a twilight sky reddened like blood, the smell of incense mingled with the scent of sweat, and something more foul traces of a life filled with decay and gluttony.

Bai xieye walked through the city gates without attracting attention, his black cloak blending in with the lengthening shadows, the streets bustling with merchants shouting their wares, patrolling soldiers standing guard on street corners, and beggars sitting slack in dark alleys.

He was in no hurry.

His eyes scanned the crowd, his ears catching every scrap of information whispered in the air.

"I heard that the Sembilang langit auction house is holding a big auction tonight. There are rare artifacts for sale!"

"Yes, yes! Not only that, there are said to be heirlooms from ancient ruins! Rich people from various regions have already started arriving."

"Hah! If you don't have money, don't dream of going there, the entrance fee alone can make you fall into poverty!"

Bai xieye squinted. The nine skies auction house? An exciting opportunity.

However, there was one problem.

His hand reached for the Canton in his robe. It was empty.

Damn, I need money.

He stepped to the side of the road, leaning against the wall of a building, watching the wealthy passers-by crossing the main road. Some were escorted by heavily armed guards, while others were accompanied by servants or maids.

That's when he saw her.

A young woman in a purple dress with gold embroidery. Jade rings adorned her fingers. Her long hair flowed like Black silk, and her every movement carried an air of grace and naivety.

Bai xieye grinned faintly.

This would be easy.

He straightened his clothes, then stepped closer with light steps, sneaking into her path without looking suspicious. Once they passed each other, he deliberately bumped into her, his hand deftly grabbing her wrist before she could fall.

"Ah, forgive me, miss." His voice was low and smooth, like a seductive whisper.

The woman looked up, staring at Bai xieye with wide eyes. There was a hint of surprise on her face, but also interest.

"I-It's okay..."

"You're alright?" Bai xieye released her hand gently, letting their touch leave a faint impression on the woman's skin. "I didn't expect to meet someone as elegant as you in a place like this."

The woman smiled shyly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Oh? You're quite articulate. But I don't recognize you, do I?"

"That's a pity, that's so. But perhaps, we can get to know each other after this?" Bai xieye grinned faintly, his eyes full of mystery. "I know a quieter place to talk. This city... Not a safe place for a woman accompanied by only one maid."

The woman looked at him for a moment, hesitating however, Bai xieye's charm was too strong to resist.

"Alright... But only for a moment."

A quiet alley, behind the teahouse.

The woman stepped into the quiet narrow alley, the sound of her footsteps echoing between the damp stone walls. She turned to Bai xieye who was walking behind her.

"You said this place is quieter, but ..... why does it feel so very quiet?"

Bai xieye only smiled faintly.

"Because no one will be able to hear you scream here."

Before the woman could react, Bai xieye darted forward with terrifying speed, his hand gripping the woman's neck firmly.

"Khh-!!!" Her eyes widened, her hands clawing at the stone wall, trying to break free.

Bai xieye pressed his body against the stone wall, a loud noise resounding as his skull hit the rough surface.

"You look rich." Bai xieye whispered in her ear, his voice turning cold compared to before. "That means you must have something valuable for me."

The woman tried to speak, but the grip on her neck was too strong. Bai xieye smirked seeing the fear in her eyes an expression he always enjoyed.

"Don't worry... I'll make this quick."

With a swift movement, he pulled out his dagger and slipped it into her mouth, cutting her cheek open towards the ear.

A scream rang out, blood gushing from her torn lip. The woman shook violently, her body losing balance.

"A-ARGHH!"

Bai xieye pulled his knife out and thrust it into the woman's abdomen, then turned the blade slowly.

The woman looked at him with eyes full of fear and pain, blood starting to flow from the corners of her lips. She tried to raise her hands, wanting to plead... But Bai xieye just smiled coldly.

"Thanks for the gold coin."

With a single slash, she slit the woman's throat, letting the blood flow like a crimson river.

The woman's body fell to the ground with a low thud, blood pooling around her head. Bai xieye squatted down, reached into his pocket, and found a fairly heavy bag of money.

He got up, kicking the woman's body into a pile of trash in the alley. No one would find her anytime soon.

With the money bag in his hand, he grinned.

"Cross the sky auction house, I'm coming."

Without looking back, Bai xieye walked out of the alley and back into the bustling city, as if nothing had ever happened.

Bai xieye walked through the cobbled streets of Guangzhou city with light steps, as if nothing had happened. The light of lanterns illuminated the faces of merchants, nobles, and treasure hunters mingling in the hustle and bustle of the city. The scent of wine and spices mingled with the chilly night air.

Within his grasp, the money bag felt heavy as a result of his brief game earlier.

He raised his head, gazing at the magnificent building that stood in the center of the city of nine-sky auction houses.

The building towered with crimson walls and a golden roof, exuding an aura of elegance and power, guests were arriving, most dressed in expensive robes, while some of them carried well-armed personal bodyguards.

At the entrance, two large men in black robes guarded the gate with cold expressions.

"To enter, present an invitation or pay an entrance fee of one thousand gold coins." One of the guards spoke in a heavy voice, his eyes sweeping over the crowd.

Bai xieye stepped over, tossing the money bag he had just looted into the guard's hands.

"Enough?" He asked flatly.

The guard opened the bag and counted quickly, after confirming the amount, he nodded and signaled to enter.

Bai xieye stepped through the large doors, his eyes sweeping across the spacious room filled with crystal lights and luxurious red carpet. In the center of the hall, there was a round stage with a black podium, where auction items were displayed.

Blue-clad waiters walked among the guests, offering wine and snacks. In the corners of the room, groups of people spoke in low voices some excitedly, others warily.

Bai xieye took his place in the center row, sitting casually on a dragon-carved wooden chair.

An old man with a long beard took the stage, striking his small mallet against the podium.

"Welcome to tonight's auction. We have rare items that you won't find anywhere else. Without further ado, let us begin!"

A servant approached the stage, carrying a wooden box covered with a black cloth. As the cloth was pulled away, it revealed a short sword that was pitch-black, emitting a sharp cold aura.

"Our first item is the youming demon sword (eternal darkness!) a weapon said to have claimed a thousand lives in the ancient war era. The price starts at five thousand gold coins!"

Cheers and whispers filled the room. The participants began to raise their bidding boards.

Bai xieye watched expressionlessly. He wasn't here to buy ordinary weapons.

He was waiting for something bigger. And he wasn't going home empty-handed.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the auction, Bai xieye remained silent, paying close attention to each item on offer. However, that wasn't his main focus, his eyes scanned every corner of the room, looking for his next prey.

Among the lavishly dressed guests, his eyes fell on a young woman in a dark yellow silk dress adorned with silver embroidery. Jade jewelry hung from her neck, and her fingers were adorned with gold rings. She seemed like the perfect target-rich enough, but not strong enough to fight him.

She'll be paying for my entry ticket to the next auction.

Bai xieye smiled faintly before standing up and approaching the lady's table with leisurely steps. He was in no hurry for everything to be done perfectly.

"Lovely evening, isn't it?" His voice was soft, full of charm.

The woman raised her head, slightly surprised by his presence however, upon seeing Bai xieye's handsome face and piercing eyes, her expression softened.

"Yes... Very beautiful." Her voice sounded hesitant, but there was a hint of interest in her tone.

Bai xieye sat down without waiting to be told to by the woman, taking the wine cup that was on her table.

"A beautiful woman like you... Must have great taste, could it be that you've come for something special?"

The woman smiled a little, taking a sip of her wine. "I was just looking around. Sometimes, the most valuable item is not the most expensive, but rather the one that suits us."

Bai xieye nodded, feigning interest in the conversation. Slowly, he guided the conversation, instilling a sense of comfort and trust in the woman, he spoke as if they were two strangers who happened to share the same understanding of this world.

The woman in front of her seemed to be getting comfortable. From initially just answering, she now began to ask back, intrigued by every word that came out of Bai xieye's mouth.

"So, you also admire things like this?" He asked in a more relaxed tone.

Bai xieye smiled faintly, taking a sip of the wine in his cup before replying. "It's not the items that interest me, it's the stories behind them-each heirloom has a history, a mystery that cannot necessarily be unraveled. Just like humans..."

He tilted his head slightly, gazing at the woman with deep eyes, as if they could penetrate her soul.

"You must have an interesting story too, right?"

The woman smiled faintly, her cheeks blushing slightly. "You talk too much... But I like the way you talk."

"And I like seeing your face when you smile like that." Bai xieye replied quickly, his facial expression soft, but the look in his eyes remained sharp.

The woman lowered her head slightly, hiding her smile behind her wine cup. Bai xieye knew he was already on the right track.

Then, he shifted his seat, approaching, but not touching. He kept just enough distance to let her feel his presence without feeling intimidated.

"Sometimes, one can feel lonely despite being surrounded by many people," Bai xieye continued, his voice quieter, as if only speaking to the woman and no one else in this room.

The woman fell silent, staring into her wine with a dreamy gaze. Bai xieye noticed that small detail in her expression for a moment that suggested something in her life might not be perfect.

"I'm not lonely..." She said softly, but there was doubt in her voice.

Bai xieye smiled faintly, then raised his hand, his fingers lightly touching the woman's hair, fixing the few strands that fell on her shoulder. A touch that was barely felt, but enough to make her startle and hold her breath.

You don't need to admit it," Bai xieye said, then lowered his hand quietly. "I just want you to know, that if you ever need someone to listen.... I'm right here."

The woman's eyes softened, and for a moment she was silent.

Then she sighed softly, and her smile returned. But this time, there was something different. There was warmth there.

"You're really strange," she said in a soft voice. "I've never met someone like you before."

Bai xieye smiled, then extended his hand, his palm open. "If that's the case, why don't we know each other?"

The woman looked down at her hand, then up at her face. There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes, but it was only for a moment before she finally extended her hand as well, letting her fingers come into contact with Bai xieye's.

A warm touch.

And that's when Bai xieye knew he had won the woman's heart.

The night was getting late, but they still sat together, talking about increasingly personal things Bai xieye carefully tailored his conversation, making the woman feel appreciated, understood, and most importantly. Desirable.

He didn't force anything. No insistence, no pressure.

Just a calming presence and a gaze that always locked onto her attention.

As the woman finally leaned into him slightly, Bai Xieye didn't move, letting the intimacy develop on its own.

Inside his mind, he smiled in satisfaction.

Now, this woman would obey all his wishes.