Chapter Nineteen: The Auction

Upon hearing the fairy’s words, Mu Feng became immediately intrigued. He followed behind Yu Linglong, observing the batch of goods with great interest.

"This is it." The fairy stopped before a stone and spoke.

Mu Feng was somewhat skeptical. The object before him was an incredibly ordinary-looking stone; there was nothing unusual about it to the naked eye. If one had to point out something special, it was the faint, lingering warmth it emitted and the crimson patterns etched across its surface.

"Are you certain you aren't mistaken?"

"I am absolutely sure. While it appears to be a stone on the surface, that gentle, radiating power is precisely the energy found only in the blood of a spirit beast," the fairy asserted with conviction.

Hearing this, Mu Feng nodded slightly and turned to Yu Linglong. "Pavilion Master Yu, may I ask how much this stone is worth?"

"Oh? Young Master Mu is interested in this item?" Yu Linglong asked, appearing slightly surprised. It was evident that she was unaware of the stone's secret and assumed Mu Feng was merely acting on a whim.

"I have some interest in it."

"Young Master Mu certainly has a keen eye. Our appraisers at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion have identified this as a gemstone containing vital essence. Unfortunately, Young Master Mu, you cannot purchase it right now." Yu Linglong smiled faintly and pulled a red cloth over the stone to cover it.

"Why not?"

"This batch of items is reserved for tonight’s auction. Even I do not have the authority to sell them privately. If you are interested, Young Master Mu, you are welcome to attend the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s auction tonight." Having said this, she drew an invitation from her snowy cleavage and handed it to Mu Feng.

Watching the fragrant invitation being presented, Mu Feng couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Is this Yu Linglong carrying a magic treasure pouch? How does she produce items from nowhere?

"Normally, this invitation requires an entrance fee of five hundred taels. However, as a distinguished guest of our Pavilion, the fee is waived for you, Young Master Mu," Yu Linglong said with a smile. In truth, the very fact that this auction could be held here was largely thanks to Mu Feng. If not for his previous large-scale transactions, which drew the attention of his superiors to the potential of the Huangsha Town branch, this auction would never have been granted to them.

Accepting the invitation, Mu Feng cupped his hands. "Then many thanks, Pavilion Master Yu. I shall certainly attend tonight..."

***

The bright moon hung in the sky. The streets, which should have been silent, were now bustling with traffic and crowds, illuminated by bright lights. The reason was none other than the auction at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, which had drawn a multitude of people.

The Hundred Treasures Pavilion had always maintained an air of prestige; anything that could be entered into their auctions was naturally no ordinary object. This event had attracted not only many local factions from Huangsha Town but also those from the surrounding cities.

"Young Master Mu, it has been a long time."

"Young Master Mu, about those pills from your Medicine Hall—could you save me two extra portions next time? Every time I go, they’re already sold out."

"Indeed! You only sell a few each day; it’s not enough for us brothers!"

On the street, many people greeted Mu Feng as they saw him. After all, the Mu Family Medicine Hall was currently at the height of its popularity in Huangsha Town. Their flawless-grade pills had completely stifled the Xiao Family’s Medicine Hall, leaving them gasping for breath. If it weren't for Mu Feng limiting production to one hundred pills a day, the Xiao Family’s business would have long since withered away. The residents of Huangsha Town had changed their perception of Mu Feng, all eager to curry favor with the young master in hopes of securing a few extra pills. Such was the terrifying influence of an alchemist.

But while some rejoiced, others were filled with rage. Not far away, Xiao Quanjia watched this scene with a cold expression, his fists tightly clenched.

"Damn you, Mu Feng!"

"Young Master, there is no need for anger. The Family Head has already dispatched the Great Elder. It won't be long before this brat can no longer jump around," a middle-aged guard in a green robe said, his eyes filled with a smile. Clearly, they were still unaware that Xiao Mo had been killed. After all, a Xuanhuang Realm expert was the most formidable power in Yuanzhou City.

"True. Once Grandfather arrives, he will certainly make this brat realize what it means to be ruined by one's own arrogance!" Xiao Quanjia sneered and prepared to head toward the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. "I heard there is a treasure called 'Blood Stone' being auctioned today. If I can buy it, I will surely be able to break through to the Spirit Entering Realm."

"Did you bring enough money?"

The guard nodded gently. "Of course. I have brought ten thousand taels of silver. In this tiny Huangsha Town, it is impossible for anyone to possess such abundant funds."

Hearing this, Xiao Quanjia felt a pinch of pain in his heart. These ten thousand taels were his entire life savings. But at the thought of breaking through to the Spirit Entering Realm, this mere sum of money seemed insignificant.

Stepping into the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, an attendant approached Xiao Quanjia respectfully. "Is Young Master Xiao here to attend the auction as well?"

"Of course. Prepare a private box for me. I have no desire to sit with these riff-raff." Xiao Quanjia produced a silver card with an arrogant demeanor.

The surrounding crowd turned angry upon hearing this. Being called riff-raff would infuriate anyone. However, fearing Xiao Quanjia's background, they could only swallow their resentment. After all, Xiao Quanjia was a genuine young genius of the Xiao family; offending him would lead to a miserable fate.

"I apologize, Young Master Xiao, but according to the rules, you must sit on the first floor."

The sudden response caused Xiao Quanjia's face to change drastically. He pointed at the attendant and began to berate him. "Are you blind? Can’t you see my VIP card?"

"According to the rules, only Gold-level VIPs are entitled to private boxes."

Facing Xiao Quanjia’s fury, the attendant continued to smile. The surrounding crowd whispered to one another:

"And here he thought he was so impressive; he can’t even get a private box."

"He really thinks he can bully others just because of the Xiao family. It’s laughable!"

Hearing the mocking laughter, Xiao Quanjia was trembling with rage and was about to lash out when he noticed a figure walking toward them.

"Please arrange a private box for me, thank you."

Looking back, it was Mu Feng.

"Another one asking for a private box? Do all these young masters love their quiet time?"

"Sigh, from what I know, Gold-level VIP status can only be granted by the Pavilion Master herself. Let alone Huangsha Town, even in Yuanzhou City, there isn't one."

As the crowd murmured, Xiao Quanjia laughed mockingly: "Hmph, an arrogant fool. I can't wait to see you make a fool of yourself!"

But the very next moment, a shimmering gold card was pulled from Mu Feng’s robes, leaving the surrounding crowd stunned into silence.

"Impossible! Mu Feng is a mere waste of a young master; how could he possibly possess a Gold-level VIP card!"

"It must be fake!"

Seeing the card, Xiao Quanjia roared in fury. Not even he—or even the Xiao Family Head himself—possessed such a card. Where could Mu Feng have gotten it?

"Young Master Xiao, this VIP card is indeed genuine, and it was issued personally by the Pavilion Master. If you have any objections, you are welcome to take it up with her." The attendant’s patience had worn thin, and his expression turned cold.

Recalling the violent woman who had thrown him out just days prior, Xiao Quanjia’s anger instantly evaporated. He could only glare at Mu Feng, his eyes filled with killing intent.

"Move aside." Mu Feng said with a beaming smile as he looked at Xiao Quanjia blocking his path.

"You!"

"Enjoy your time while you can. Once my grandfather arrives, I will make sure you die without a burial place!" Xiao Quanjia whispered, staring at Mu Feng with venomous hatred.

Mu Feng merely smiled faintly. Your grandfather? It would be best if he came. Otherwise, you are going to be in for a world of trouble tonight...