Chapter 191: The Item Exchange Ceremony Begins

Before Duo Bao Pavilion's grand gate…

Despite visiting branches in Ling Wu City and Ping An City, Lan An couldn't help but marvel at its extravagance each time.

Beyond its impeccable security and towering, cloud-piercing architecture crafted entirely from rare jade, what truly dazzled him was the array of stunning female staff. Their graceful figures, curvaceous forms, and warm, welcoming smiles offered impeccable service.

Hundreds of beauties lined both sides of the entrance, a mix of Eastern and Western women, each showcasing their charm, bowing respectfully to every guest. The constant stream of visitors kept their bows ceaseless, yet their radiant smiles never faltered.

At the gate's center stood Bao Li, the rotund figure in a luxurious golden robe, warmly greeting prominent guests.

Above the gate, a Rules Plaque loomed, its calligraphy like soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes, exuding an extraordinary aura that pierced the soul.

Lan An and his four companions Xiao Qing Xuan, Ji Ya, Shui Niang Qing, and Ai Er approached to read the rules. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, lest they face the humiliation of expulsion.

The closer they got, the more palpable the plaque's oppressive aura, its calligraphy reaching an unfathomable realm.

"This Rules Plaque was definitely written by an Integration-stage expert," Ji Ya said gravely, sensing the pressure.

Shui Niang Qing and Xiao Qing Xuan nodded solemnly, awestruck.

"Mid Integration-stage, skilled in calligraphy," Jin Ni confirmed coolly.

Lan An nodded. Truly worthy of Duo Bao Pavilion's reputation such a grand flourish.

They began reading the rules.

Rule 1: All festival participants must conceal their appearance and identity.

Lan An and the three women exchanged smiles. Duo Bao Pavilion had thought this through, protecting participants' privacy to minimize negative consequences. For instance, if a Seventh-grade force leader acquired a coveted item, revealing their identity could make their faction a target for greedy opportunists. Hiding one's identity curbed post-festival treasure-snatching.

But concealment alone wasn't enough, as others could probe with divine sense or other means, leading to the next rule.

Rule 2: Under the supervision of Duo Bao Pavilion's experts and the Forbidden Sense Array in the plaza, no one may probe others' identities or engage in combat within a thousand li of the pavilion.

"Duo Bao Pavilion truly considers its guests' needs. No wonder its reputation is unmatched," Xiao Qing Xuan said softly, impressed.

Lan An and the others nodded.

The second rule reinforced the first, ensuring safety within a thousand li, preventing stronger cultivators from robbing others. Acquire a treasure, escape the radius, and none could probe your identity, making pursuit nearly impossible.

Final Rule: All items offered for exchange must be genuine. Fraudulent or deceptive items are forbidden, under penalty of becoming Duo Bao Pavilion's mortal enemy.

Lan An and his companions took a deep breath. Crossing such a terrifying force was a nightmare.

"Big Brother Lan An, let's go! The festival's about to start," Ai Er said, munching a spirit fruit, leaving adorable nibble marks, her juicy lips speaking eagerly.

"No problem, but you should mask up too," Lan An smiled, placing a Seamless Mask on her, adhering to the rules.

"Only the strong set the rules," Shui Niang Qing sighed. A lesser force's rules would be ignored, but Duo Bao Pavilion's might ensured compliance.

"Little Nan, this festival has many Void Refinement and Integration experts. Competition will be fierce. Are you prepared?" Ji Ya asked via transmission.

"Don't worry. Whatever you ladies fancy, I'll get it," Lan An replied confidently.

He'd spent a hefty amount of Prestige Points on System items for this festival, none critical to his harem's growth, ready to trade for valuable finds. During a shop refresh, he'd also snagged something intriguing.

"Greetings, honored guests. Please present your invitation," a female overseer said courteously, tasked with checking attendees.

Shui Niang Qing nodded, presenting the invitation Bao Li had given her.

The overseer accepted it respectfully, noting the inscription: "Water Spirit Fairy."

Her demeanor remained composed. With Integration-stage guests invited, a Void Refiner like Water Spirit Fairy didn't faze her.

"This way, please," she said, retrieving the invitation and signaling a staff member to guide them to their seats.

Lan An surveyed the interior a colossal plaza, larger than stadiums from his past life. Dragon-throne-like seats spiraled upward, spaced evenly. At the center, a grand stage hosted the exchanges.

Unlike the Ling Wu City auction, there were no VIP rooms, as all guests concealed their identities. Even arrogant figures like Night Shadow Island's trio, Lan Ji, and Ai Xin masked themselves upon entering, their locations unknown. None dared defy Duo Bao Pavilion's rules.

Little Lion hid within Lan An's Sun-Moon Robe, purchased from the System's shop, her aura concealed. This was only his second time wearing it, the first as Wen Lang.

The crowd grew, yet the atmosphere remained eerily quiet.

Even Ai Er, infected by the mood, sat obediently, her mischievous eyes scanning the scene.

"This isn't like an auction. Spirit stones might be useless," Xiao Qing Xuan transmitted.

Lan An nodded. The Item Exchange Ceremony relied on bartering items based on mutual desire, leaving little room for spirit stones.

"You never know. Someone might crave a fortune in spirit stones," Ji Ya said casually, having seen all types in her travels.

With the festival yet to start, Lan An opened the System. He had two unused summons from completing the Black Shark Hunt mission.

"Summon a Soul Skill."

Ding, initiating Soul Skill summon. Countdown: 30, 29, 28… 3, 2, 1.

Ding, congratulations, Host, for obtaining Heaven-grade High-tier Soul Skill—Soul Explosion Technique.

Lan An nodded, satisfied. His current soul cultivation made Heaven-grade skills sufficient, and he still had the unused Soul Chains skill. Soul cultivation was sensitive; using it risked Tian Ji Palace's attention, so he'd avoid it unless necessary.

"Summon a Bloodline."

Ding, initiating Bloodline summon. Countdown: 580… 570…

Lan An mused silently. His Reverse Dragon Bloodline summon had taken 1000 seconds; this one, at 580, suggested a lesser but still formidable bloodline.

As he waited, the central stage blazed with light.

A void rift opened, and two breathtakingly beautiful women emerged one Eastern, one Western their combined allure captivating the entire plaza.

Seeing one, Lan An's eyes narrowed.

A woman in her thirties, her curvaceous figure accentuated by a tight purple qipao, her chest straining against the fabric like ripe peaches begging to be plucked. It was Cheng Bi, Ling Wu City's Duo Bao Pavilion overseer.

What shocked Lan An wasn't her presence but her cultivation.

He clearly recalled her as Late Nascent Soul in Ling Wu City. In just over two years, she'd reached Peak Divine Transformation? Such a heaven-defying breakthrough speed was unthinkable.

"Nia Er, wasn't Cheng Bi only Late Nascent Soul back then? Now Peak Divine Transformation?" Lan An took a deep breath, turning to Ji Ya, who'd met her at that auction.

Recalling the past, Ji Ya's eyes softened. She squeezed his hand, smiling. "Cheng Bi's cultivation was never weak. An injury from a cultivation mishap set her back. She's likely fully recovered now."

Lan An smiled wryly, understanding. He'd wondered why a mere Nascent Soul served an Integration-stage expert.

"By Tian Ye Yao's side are four great maids, all prodigies. Three are on the Golden Emperor List," Ji Ya continued, eyeing the stage. "The woman with Cheng Bi is Bao Qiao, daughter of the Bao Clan's head, ranked sixtieth on the Golden Emperor List, also Tian Ye Yao's maid. This festival's scale demands two maids to host."

Lan An shifted his attention to Bao Qiao.

Her pale green hair fell to her shoulders, her snow-white skin glowing, with a high nose, red lips, and soulful black eyes a blend of Western and Eastern beauty. Her blue dress hugged her body, exposing delicate collarbones and a deep, captivating cleavage.

Lan An appraised her with interest.

Her Early Void Refinement cultivation marked her as a Golden Emperor List figure, though the maids' strengths varied.

"Having Golden Emperor List figures as maids? Tian Ye Yao's influence is terrifying," Shui Niang Qing said admiringly.

"Even on the Golden Emperor List, the top five are a league apart. We can't compare," Ji Ya said, unfazed, noting their elders' greater age.

"Those sisters are pretty, but far from Ai Er's mother," Ai Er piped up, her childish voice firm, confident in her mother's beauty.

"Is your mother that beautiful?" Xiao Qing Xuan asked with a smile, curious, as women often are about other beauties.

Ji Ya and Shui Niang Qing perked their ears.

"Of course! Some call her Lan Zhou's number one beauty," Ai Er said proudly.

The women exchanged glances, finding her confidence amusing. Aesthetic tastes varied; no one dared claim to be a continent's top beauty. Even a fairy like Su Yan hadn't claimed Bing Tian Continent's title.

Seeing their disbelief, Ai Er huffed, "I'll introduce you to Mother. Don't gape when you see her!"

Finally, under countless eager gazes, Cheng Bi and Bao Qiao bowed gracefully, their curves drawing Lan An's appreciative smack of lips.

"You've all read the rules outside?" Bao Qiao's voice, rich and resonant, filled the plaza.

"Yes, Fairy Qiao Qiao!" the men roared, as if failing to respond was a capital offense.

Bao Qiao smiled. Cheng Bi continued, her voice like an orchid's breeze, "Besides the three general rules, we have specific rules for this festival."

"Each of you may ascend the stage once, presenting your item and desired exchange."

"Guests below may offer suitable items for the presenter to choose."

"All items must have their name and function clearly stated. No deception, as Duo Bao Pavilion's expert appraisers observe discreetly."

"Trades occur on stage, witnessed by Duo Bao Pavilion's experts and all guests to prevent mishaps."

"After a successful trade, you may return to your seat and continue exchanging if interested."

"Given this festival's scale, it may last long. You're free to leave at any time to avoid wasting your precious time."

The crowd nodded, finding no fault with the rules.

Bao Qiao's radiant smile echoed across the plaza. "The Item Exchange Ceremony officially begins! The first guest to trade, please take the stage!"

At that moment, the System's mechanical voice rang in Lan An's ears.

Ding, congratulations, Host, for summoning a Bloodline…