Chapter 021
Chapter 21: The Fifth Auction Item
In the water mirror nearby, the scene on the auction stage was clearly reflected, catching Shi Zi Chu’s attention.
After the auctioneer, Lan Xi, briefly introduced the proceedings, the first auction item was brought forth.
“This is tonight’s first auction item—an earth-rank fire attribute offensive magic artifact, the Blazing Fire Sword! The starting price is one hundred thousand spirit stones! Each bid increment must not be less than one hundred spirit stones…”
Lan Xi’s rhythmic voice stirred up excitement within the hall.
This was Shi Zi Chu’s first auction, and she observed everything attentively.
Ye He Qi handed her a booklet, saying softly, “Here is the list of all items up for auction today.”
Shi Zi Chu accepted it, flipping through the pages while asking, “Where will your mother and little sister be?”
It was impossible for Liu Cui Yu and Chu Zhi Rou not to attend such an event, especially Chu Zhi Rou. After all, many important events from the plot were set to unfold tonight!
“A private room on the third floor,” Ye He Qi replied, his gentle and refined voice sounding rather detached.
The top-floor private rooms weren’t accessible simply by wealth. Those who occupied these rooms regularly were either from the three sects, five schools, or the seven leading noble clans.
Shi Zi Chu nodded softly, then placed down the booklet with a sigh, “Everything here is so expensive.”
The first item alone began at one hundred thousand spirit stones, and in just this short time, the price had risen to three hundred thousand.
Ye He Qi observed Shi Zi Chu curiously.
Truthfully, with Shi Zi Chu’s elegant, noble aura, she hardly seemed like someone who would lack spirit stones.
After watching a little longer, Shi Zi Chu withdrew her gaze and eyed the delicately prepared refreshments and fruits on the table. Turning towards Ye He Qi, she asked hopefully, “Can I eat these?”
“As you please,” Ye He Qi answered casually.
Receiving permission, Shi Zi Chu immediately took off her Mu Li, placed it aside, picked up the silver chopsticks, and started enjoying the snacks.
Ye He Qi glanced at the pastries briefly as Shi Zi Chu happily closed her eyes, clearly satisfied. Then he turned his attention back to the water mirror.
In the private room on the third floor:
Chu Zhi Rou, who had refused her own mother’s invitation after being persistently pursued by Pei Qing You and Xu Zhou Ye, had secured her own private room.
Still heavily injured, Chu Zhi Rou reclined bonelessly against her chair, her pale face tinged with delicate weakness. Two handsome men hovered attentively at her side.
Pei Qing You picked up a pastry she favored and gently offered it, saying in a tender voice, “Rou Rou, you’ve always liked this. Eat some more.”
Chu Zhi Rou smiled softly, her voice sweet, “Thank you, A’You.”
Watching the affectionate exchange between these two, Xu Zhou Ye grew uncomfortable.
He promptly handed her a cup of tea, saying with concern, “Pastries can be cloying. Little Junior Sister, I remember this tea is your favorite. Come, have some.”
Chu Zhi Rou looked at Xu Zhou Ye, eyes wide with delighted surprise, her voice soft and grateful, “Thank you, Senior Brother!”
Seeing Chu Zhi Rou’s adorable and gentle smile, Xu Zhou Ye’s stern expression softened instantly.
Not to be outdone, Pei Qing You leaned closer, skillfully pulling her attention back to himself with just a few words.
The intense rivalry between the two men kept Chu Zhi Rou thoroughly occupied.
In the top-floor private room:
Ye He Qi elegantly held a glazed lotus cup, his slender fingers effortlessly gripping the delicate teacup. Steam rose from the tea inside.
With a graceful, noble aura, he appeared somewhat idle, watching the water mirror leisurely to pass the time.
Beside him, Shi Zi Chu leisurely enjoyed her snacks and tea, completely relaxed.
At this very moment, outside the room appeared a young man—or rather, one might call him a mature man.
He was clad in luxurious purple robes embroidered with silver patterns, silver ornaments hanging beautifully from his sleeves, intricate yet refined.
His strikingly handsome face was cold, his aura strange and chilling, like a poisonous snake silently lurking in the darkness.
As he stared at the door in front of him, the Gu worm hidden deep within his heart grew increasingly restless.
Without hesitation, Jiang Wan Sheng lifted his hand. With clearly defined knuckles, he steadily knocked on the door.
Ye He Qi released his spiritual sense and was puzzled to discover that the Gu master he’d intended to intercept had now willingly delivered himself to the door.
“Come in,” Ye He Qi spoke clearly.
Shi Zi Chu continued eating her snacks, seemingly unaffected by what was happening around her.
The door creaked softly open, accompanied by slow, steady footsteps and the gentle tinkling of silver ornaments.
Jiang Wan Sheng lifted the beaded curtain and stepped inside. His eyes immediately landed on Shi Zi Chu, who was quietly enjoying her food.
Under the warm, golden glow of the lamps, the woman in the vivid red gown was exceedingly beautiful, relaxed, and at ease. Her slender fingers gracefully held a pair of silver chopsticks with half a pastry between them.
Her slightly puffed cheeks moved gently as she chewed, her curved peach-blossom eyes full of contentment and ease.
After a brief glance, Jiang Wan Sheng calmly withdrew his gaze.
Though his heart beat wildly, his face remained indifferent, and he spoke in a voice as cold and damp as a poisonous snake flicking its tongue, “Clan Chief Ye, who might this be?”
Years ago, when he had rushed back home early, he’d found nothing but a burnt village, with no survivors.
He refused to believe that the cunning, ruthless Qing Qing had perished in those flames.
Now, finally, he had found her again.
Ye He Qi wore a courteous, elegant smile as he introduced, “This is Shi Zi Chu from Jade Void Sect’s Rising Succession Peak.”
Seeing Shi Zi Chu finally glance up, Ye He Qi continued, “And this is Jiang Wan Sheng, Young Lord of the Jiang Family.”
Jiang Wan Sheng had returned suddenly to the Jiang Clan more than a decade ago, becoming the family’s Young Lord overnight.
Known for his ruthlessness and madness, everyone in the Jiang Clan feared him. Yet, as he was the only son of Clan Chief Jiang, he was pampered endlessly, given everything he desired.
Jiang Wan Sheng’s movements had always been unpredictable. This time, Ye He Qi planned to corner him at the auction, but unexpectedly, Jiang Wan Sheng had arrived on his own.
“Young Master Jiang,” Shi Zi Chu greeted warmly, her voice gentle yet clearly reserved.
That ugly little freak from her past had indeed transformed into a young lord from a top noble family.
Yet, it wasn’t entirely surprising.
Noting Shi Zi Chu’s reserved demeanor, Jiang Wan Sheng understood immediately that she wasn’t yet ready to acknowledge their past relationship.
Suppressing his irritation, he cooperated by keeping his expression distant.
With an icy face, Jiang Wan Sheng nodded briefly to Ye He Qi as a greeting, then casually took a seat. He leaned back comfortably, his long, elegant arm resting carelessly upon the armrest.
“I’ve already received Clan Chief Ye’s invitation. Who knew Clan Chief Ye was so impatient that he’d seek me out here first?” Jiang Wan Sheng’s cold voice carried a trace of mockery.
Lowering his gaze slightly, he summoned a tiny golden snake, small as a finger, which lazily coiled around his fingers, obedient and quiet under his touch.
Ye He Qi chuckled helplessly, his tone graceful and mild, “Young Master Jiang hadn’t replied yet. Given the urgency, I had no choice but to resort to this.”
Jiang Wan Sheng snorted coldly.
Ye He Qi invited warmly, “Since Young Master Jiang’s visit is brief, why not come to Ye Clan tomorrow and allow me to properly host you?”
Jiang Wan Sheng tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest without answering.
Ye He Qi gracefully poured a cup of tea, offering it gently, “The night is still young. Young Master Jiang need not hurry to respond.”
Since Jiang Wan Sheng had willingly appeared, Ye He Qi certainly wouldn’t let him go easily.
Accepting the tea, Jiang Wan Sheng replied, “Clan Chief Ye shows such sincerity; it’d be impolite to refuse.”
Ye He Qi’s eager invitation was likely tied to the gu venom matter.
Initially, Jiang Wan Sheng was uninterested. But since Qing Qing was temporarily residing with Ye Clan, for her sake, he’d have to pay a visit.
Meanwhile, the fifth item was now being auctioned.
“The fifth item is a man, age twenty-five, with exceptional talent, a top-grade water spiritual root. Unfortunately, his meridians are damaged, but he has a remarkably handsome appearance…”
“The starting price is two hundred thousand spirit stones! Each increment must not be less than one hundred spirit stones!”