Chapter 77: Waiting for the Right Moment
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation.
The arrival of Young Master Fan successfully eased the crowd’s discontent over the Black Water City Auction.
Once Young Master Fan swaggered away, the other ticketless people soon dispersed.
Yu Zheng Mao leapt off the table, preparing to leave, but was stopped by a poised young woman approaching him.
His steps slowed slightly, and a polite smile appeared on his face.
“Manager Yu, I’d like a premium seat ticket.”
As her words fell, ten mid-grade spirit stones were laid on the table.
Yu Zheng Mao was momentarily stunned but quickly broke into laughter.
He instructed his staff to produce a premium seat ticket, handing it to Yu Zhao along with the ten spirit stones.
Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Yu Zheng Mao chuckled. “Miss, you’ve helped me secure a significant transaction. Consider this a small token of appreciation—please don’t take offense.”
The moment Yu Zhao spoke earlier, he recognized her as the one who had stirred the crowd, compelling Young Master Fan to purchase three VIP tickets.
Compared to the commission from selling three VIP tickets, one premium seat ticket was insignificant. Moreover, seeing that she was talented and promising, Yu Zheng Mao was willing to spend a little to establish goodwill.
Yu Zhao understood.
Smiling, she accepted both the ticket and spirit stones, thanking him politely.
This pleased Yu Zheng Mao, who exchanged names with her briefly before tactfully excusing himself.
Having obtained what she wanted, Yu Zhao didn’t linger on the city streets and returned directly to her inn, awaiting the auction.
…
Meanwhile…
Fang Cheng Lang and his group learned of Yu Zhao’s whereabouts from the Dark Pavilion.
At the inn, the four senior and junior brothers gathered in one room.
Su Ming was the first to speak, impatiently. “I’ll inform Little Junior Sister that we’re leaving for Black Water City tomorrow!”
With that, he stood up, ready to knock on the neighboring room’s door.
“Hold on.” The one who stopped him was Lan Zi Yu, whose expression was displeased. “Let’s hear what Eldest Senior Brother has to say first.”
“What’s there to discuss?” Su Ming pressed his hands on the table, scanning the three others. “Yu Xiao Zhao is already on her way to Black Water City, and she might even be there by now. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be too late!”
Fang Cheng Lang sighed. “We’re already too late.”
Su Ming froze.
Cui Jue explained, “Third Senior Brother, considering the distance to Black Water City, it would take us at least a month and a half to get there. By then, the auction will be long over, and Xiao Zhao will have left. We won’t see her.”
“We can increase our pace…” Su Ming trailed off.
He suddenly remembered Ye Cong Xin was part of their group, making his suggestion impossible.
“Then what do we do? We can’t predict Yu Xiao Zhao’s next move, so are we supposed to just sit here and wait?” Su Ming ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
“Who says we can’t predict it?” Fang Cheng Lang smiled faintly, his tone brimming with confidence.
Both Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming perked up.
Cui Jue, deep in thought, asked, “Eldest Senior Brother, are you saying Xiao Zhao’s next destination is…?”
Fang Cheng Lang nodded. “Exactly.”
Exchanging glances, Cui Jue and Fang Cheng Lang seemed to share an unspoken understanding.
“What riddles are you two speaking in?” Su Ming complained.
Lan Zi Yu also looked puzzled.
“Marsh Forest,” said Fang Cheng Lang and Cui Jue in unison.
“Marsh Forest?”
“Indeed, Marsh Forest.”
To locate Yu Zhao, Fang Cheng Lang spent a significant sum to purchase clues from the Dark Pavilion. Staying true to its customer-first philosophy, the Dark Pavilion not only revealed Yu Zhao’s whereabouts but also informed him about her recent purchases from their services.
From this, Fang Cheng Lang learned that Yu Zhao’s current goal was to gather two specific materials for artifact crafting. The best locations to acquire these materials were Black Water City and the Marsh Forest. Since Yu Zhao had already visited Black Water City, her next destination was likely the Marsh Forest. Instead of chasing after her trail, Fang Cheng Lang decided to get ahead by reaching her likely destination first.
After explaining his strategy to Su Ming and Lan Zi Yu, they were quickly convinced. The four senior and junior disciples then planned to travel to the Marsh Forest and wait for her arrival.
When Ye Cong Xin heard about their plan the next day, she was utterly dismayed. The Marsh Forest, located in the southern part of the western region, is perpetually shrouded in darkness, damp, and teeming with poisonous miasma. It is notorious for hosting venomous snakes, insects, and rodents, most of which are deadly to cultivators. Every year, thousands of cultivators reportedly perish due to these toxins.
For someone like Ye Cong Xin, who had been pampered since childhood, the Marsh Forest was even more terrifying than a restricted zone. However, knowing she couldn’t change their minds, she reluctantly pretended to agree while secretly cursing them.
…
Unaware of Fang Cheng Lang’s group heading to ambush her in the Marsh Forest, Yu Zhao remained focused on her cultivation. She didn’t leave her room until the day of the Black Water City Auction.
“Senior Yu.”
Chen Tian Dong, hearing movement, quickly emerged from his room and bowed to her. Before Yu Zhao could respond, he eagerly asked, “Are you going to attend the auction, Senior? Would I be fortunate enough to accompany you?”
Chen Tian Dong was representing his family at the auction, carrying a Realm-Breaking Pill as one of the featured items. Yu Zhao didn’t refuse, and they headed to the auction house together.
Held every five years, the Black Water City Auction was renowned throughout the southern region for its credibility and impressive lineup of over a thousand items. Cultivators from afar would travel great distances just to witness its grandeur.
The streets were packed with bustling crowds, and auction-related discussions filled the air.
Chen Tian Dong remarked, “The Black Water City Auction far surpasses others in both popularity and reputation. That’s why our family patriarch chose it.”
Though he didn’t elaborate, Yu Zhao inferred from his words and behavior that the Chen family was struggling. A Realm-Breaking Pill, capable of advancing a Foundation Establishment cultivator to the Golden Core stage, was a rare and highly sought-after treasure, even among Golden Core cultivators like the Black-Robed Elder.
Instead of reserving it for a family member, the Chen family was auctioning it off, likely due to financial strain. The proceeds from selling the pill would offer temporary relief, but without a long-term solution, the family’s decline seemed inevitable.
Understanding this, Yu Zhao refrained from commenting on their situation and continued casual conversation with Chen Tian Dong.
Following the crowd, they soon arrived at the auction house. Several long queues had already formed outside, with numerous staff maintaining order.