Chapter 46: Heaven Dou Grand Auction House

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Suddenly, as if struck by inspiration, "Xue Qinghe's" eyes lit up.

"Today, the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House is holding an event."

"Consultant, Paimon—would the two of you care to join me for a visit?"

The Grand Auction House wasn't open every day. If it were, where would they find enough treasures to auction off?

Typically, they held auctions weekly or biweekly, once enough items had been gathered.

And one shouldn't underestimate the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House—aside from certain transactions, they had auctioned many rare treasures. Even 10,000-year soul bones had appeared on their stage before.

This spoke volumes about the auction house's influence—backed, of course, by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

"Auction house?"

Paimon blinked. This was her first time hearing the term, and she looked utterly lost.

"Qinghe, what exactly is an auction house?"

"Xue Qinghe" pondered for a moment before explaining:

"An auction house is essentially an intermediary platform."

"Guests can consign valuable items they no longer need to the auction house, which then sells them for gold soul coins."

"Alternatively, one can participate in bidding—the highest offer wins..."

After briefly outlining the concept, "Xue Qinghe" added with a smile:

"At an auction house, anything can become a lot—whether it's something you fancy or a collectible of value..."

"If Paimon would like to join, I'd be happy to gift her one of the auction items!"

She spoke as if coaxing a child.

Money was no object to her. Even without support from the Spirit Hall, her personal assets in the Heaven Dou Empire were substantial.

As someone of her standing, self-sufficiency was a given—these were necessities!

Moreover, in her current identity as the Crown Prince, she could access certain imperial funds.

She truly lacked nothing.

And even if Snowgrave questioned where the money went—

"Spent on Consultant Zhongli"—did His Majesty dare object?

He'd already gifted a national treasure—what were a few gold coins in comparison?

Paimon's cheeks flushed slightly at the offer.

"R-Really?"

"Then we've got time!"

Zhongli: "..."

A single auction item was enough to buy her loyalty.

Then again, knowing Paimon, even a chicken drumstick might have sufficed.

Her innocence was absolute—untouched by the corruption of worldly wisdom.

"Would I lie to Paimon? Since both of you are free, let's head over."

"The Grand Auction House isn't far from here."

"Xue Qinghe" smiled warmly, her gaze lingering on Zhongli with undisguised admiration.

"Work can wait until tomorrow..."

For now, official duties were forgotten—all that mattered was spending a little more time with him.

With Paimon already sold on the idea, Zhongli saw no reason to refuse.

Where they wandered made little difference to him.

He'd heard of the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House before.

In the original timeline, it had been a den of extravagance and vice—even slave trading, banned in name, had been conducted openly there.

Such audacity spoke volumes about its backing.

Perhaps because Dugu Bo hadn't taken Tang San away, the latter was currently strolling through the city with Xiao Wu, the pair resembling a young couple.

After Dai Mubai's enlightenment, Tang San had finally confronted his feelings.

The mere thought of Xiao Wu—whom he'd always regarded as a little sister—wedding another man someday...

Just imagining it made his skin crawl, as if swarmed by ants.

To him, Xiao Wu was far more than a sister—she was someone he'd protect for life!

"San-ge, why aren't you training today? You actually have time to accompany me?"

Xiao Wu clasped her hands behind her back, twirling her fingers nervously as she studied Tang San with curiosity.

Since when had this block of wood sprouted feelings?

After their encounter with the two Titled Douluos upon arriving in Heaven Dou, Tang San had thrown himself into cultivation with even greater fervor.

These past days had been equal parts terrifying and dull for Xiao Wu.

Whether Dugu Bo had discovered her true identity remained unclear.

But Zhongli—that Titled Douluo with a 100,000-year spirit ring—had absolutely seen through her!

Of this, she was certain.

Because he'd glanced at her twice.

What puzzled her was that after receiving "compensation", Zhongli had seemingly lost all interest in her.

No covert moves, no schemes—just silence.

After ten-odd days of waiting in vain, she'd finally relaxed.

"No reason. I just wanted to spend time with you."

Tang San replied evenly, his expression unreadable.

He was capable of screaming "Revive, my love!" in the future—but that was years away.

For now, he was only beginning to understand his own heart, let alone how to charm a girl.

This was natural. Though he'd lived two lives, his first had been devoted entirely to the Profound Heaven Records and hidden weapons. As an assassin, when would he have had time for romance?

In this life, the closest he'd come to intimacy was Meng Yiran's "gratitude".

Xiao Wu's cheeks pinked at his words—both delighted and flustered.

This was more than she'd expected from him.

"Th-Then..."

"Ah—!"

"Where is this place?"

Under Tang San's intense gaze, she hastily changed the subject.

"???"

Now that she mentioned it, Tang San also noticed something amiss.

The building before them was opulent yet oddly quiet—resembling a high-end establishment but devoid of patrons.

Occasionally, a portly middle-aged man would enter, vanishing inside for extended periods.

"Heh."

"How amusing—a pair of youngsters flirting at the auction house entrance. First time seeing that."

A passerby tossed the remark over his shoulder before striding inside without a backward glance.

"???"

"Auction house?"

The term was equally unfamiliar to Tang San and Xiao Wu.

"San-ge, should we go in and take a look?"

"Pfft—HAHAHA!"

"You think someone of your status can just waltz into an auction house?"

Another onlooker scoffed, raking Xiao Wu with a brazenly lecherous stare before adding:

"Well, there is a way... Pity you're from a top-tier spirit master academy."

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 90 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.