Chương 132: Chapter 23: The Auction Begins

The Treasure Pavilion was the premier auction house in the Huizhou region, with influence stretching across the entire State of Zhao. Their background was shrouded in mystery, so much so that even the Mu Clan—the number one cultivation family in Zhao—treated them with the utmost deference. Today's auction at the Tianli City branch was rumored to feature items that even Golden Core experts would covet.

This hype drew a massive tide of cultivators, many of whom attended simply to witness the legendary treasures, even if they couldn't afford a single bid.

"Senior, the Treasure Pavilion is just ahead," Hu San said, pointing toward a colossal structure. Reyn looked up. The Pavilion occupied hundreds of acres. Its main entrance was dozens of feet wide, flanked by two massive statues of Azure Dragons that looked ready to take flight. The gold-leafed plaque bearing the words 'Treasure Pavilion' seemed almost gaudy at first glance. However, as Reyn focused his gaze, the air around the plaque suddenly shifted. A crushing, mountain-like pressure descended upon him.

Even with Reyn's current Divine Sense, his face paled, and he was forced back three steps. He looked at Hu San, but the guide seemed completely unaffected, as if the pressure didn't exist. I see, Reyn realized. This plaque is a test specifically for high-level cultivators. To exert such pressure on a Divine Sense equivalent to the Golden Core stage, the calligraphy must have been penned by a Nascent Soul ancestor. He withdrew his probing gaze, and the suffocating weight instantly vanished.

"A mere plaque possesses such might. The supernatural powers of a Nascent Soul cultivator are truly enviable," Reyn whispered, suppressing the surge of ambition in his heart. He had not even reached Foundation Establishment yet; the path to the Nascent Soul stage was still a journey of ten thousand miles.

"Senior, we have the VIP jade talisman. We can use the priority lane and avoid the crowds," Hu San noted, sensing something had happened but wisely choosing not to pry.

"Lead the way," Reyn nodded. They moved toward a separate entrance carpeted with the crimson hide of a high-level demon beast. Two elders stood guard at the VIP entrance, both at the Mid-Foundation Establishment stage. They inspected Reyn's jade plate with professional courtesy, returning it with a respectful bow before allowing them entry. Inside, they were met by a young woman in her early twenties.

Though she was only at the second level of Qi Condensation, she was exceptionally beautiful and dressed in revealing silks that left little to the imagination, showcasing smooth, porcelain skin.

"Which booth has been reserved for Senior?" she asked with a practiced, melodic voice. This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Hu San swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly.

"Booth twenty-three." The woman let out a soft giggle, tossing him a flirtatious wink before turning to lead them deeper into the hall, her hips swaying with deliberate grace.

"Senior, do not feel constrained," Hu San whispered, leaning in.

"These women are trained by the Treasure Pavilion specifically to please VIP guests. They are all untainted. If Senior takes a liking to her, you may enjoy her services as you wish." Reyn found the situation amusing, but compared to the likes of Ji Yueli or Yu Meiren, this girl was like a common pebble next to fine jade. She didn't interest him in the slightest.

"If you like her so much, you are welcome to her," Reyn joked. Hu San's face turned bright red. He considered it for a second before shrinking back.

"I... I had better not. If the tigress at home found out, I'd never be allowed back in my own bed." Reyn burst into a rare, hearty laugh. Hu San didn't feel embarrassed, joining in with a low chuckle. The maid in front of them paused, realizing that the young man she had initially ignored was the true master of the party. She immediately felt a pang of regret and began directing her charms toward Reyn.

However, seeing his total lack of interest, she eventually settled down and led them to their destination with a more professional gait. For women like her with poor cultivation talent, being noticed by a powerful or wealthy cultivator was their only chance to rise. Even if they weren't taken away as a concubine, the rewards from the Pavilion for 'servicing' a VIP were substantial.

"Seniors, this is Booth Twenty-Three." She lingered at the door for a moment, hoping for a summons, but when none came, she departed with a disappointed sigh. The VIP booth was several yards wide, furnished with two plush reclining chairs and carpeted with white beast fur. Four massive luminous pearls embedded in the ceiling provided soft, steady light, and a vibrant green spirit plant sat in the corner, refreshing the air. It was opulent without being tacky.

Through the one-way crystalline window, Reyn could see the entire auction floor. He tested the perimeter with his Divine Sense and found a powerful invisible barrier that deflected his probe. It was a high-grade restriction designed to prevent any outside spying. Reyn nodded in satisfaction. He had paid for the booth to maintain a low profile. If he ended up in a bidding war for a rare item, he didn't want to be marked by some greedy observer.

With a few minutes left before the start, Reyn sat and closed his eyes to meditate. Hu San stood respectfully to the side, not daring to sit in the presence of his benefactor. A quarter-hour later, Reyn's eyes snapped open. Simultaneously, a ruddy-faced man in his fifties stepped onto the central stage, bowing to the four corners of the room.

"Fellow Daoists, today's Treasure Pavilion Auction will once again be presided over by this old man. If there are no objections, I shall dispense with the pleasantries and begin the proceedings!" The man's voice was resonant and warm, carrying a natural charisma that put the audience at ease.

"Elder Sun is fair and knows every treasure like the back of his hand. We naturally trust him!"

"If we can't trust Elder Sun, then no one in North Sea City is fit for the job!"

"Start the auction, Elder Sun! We've waited long enough!" Though Elder Sun was only at the seventh level of Qi Condensation, his prestige was clearly immense. However, just as the crowd began to cheer, a cold, impatient voice drifted down from the leftmost suite on the third floor.

"Enough, Old Sun. Every auction starts with the same tired script. Can't you find something new to say? Just get on with it." The voice cut through the hall like a blade. Silence fell instantly as every cultivator cast a look of profound dread toward the third-floor VIP suites.