The older brother, called A Da, possessed a steadiness and understanding of rules that was uncommon among his peers.
The younger brother, called A Er, had a somewhat reckless personality.
Fortunately, with a reliable brotherâs careful guidance, he could now handle some small tasks.
Such as grooming Dahuang and White, and buying wine for Song Changming when he went out.
"You both eat too," Song Changming said.
"Yes, Young Master," A Da nodded in agreement, leading his younger brother to a slightly smaller table nearby.
That table also had some dishes, complete with vegetables, fruits, and meat, though it wasnât demon meat like at Song Changmingâs table, just the meat of ordinary livestock instead.
The energy contained in the demon meatâs blood qi couldnât be handled by the two children.
A Er was already drooling from hunger, and once seated, he impatiently reached for the chopsticks to grab food.
A Da slapped his hand away, only allowing his brother to start eating after Song Changming began.
After the meal, Song Changming immediately began body refinement, absorbing and cultivating the demon meat heâd just consumed.
This was part of Song Changmingâs daily routine for cultivation.
While he practiced, the two little ones sensibly kept quiet and didnât make any noise, rendering the entire courtyard serene and peaceful.
In the evening, Song Pingâan returned and asked,
"Young Master, thereâs an auction being held tonight at the Golden Jade Building, shall we go have a look?"
"Yes, letâs go take a look," Song Changming stood up and said.
Though he hadnât been in the main city for a year, he was still aware of the reputation of the Golden Jade Building.
Much like the Celestial Treasure Pavilion under Wang Familyâs enterprise, it collected numerous exotic treasures and divine weapons.
Its regular auctions at the Golden Jade Association showcased items rarely seen even in the main city, top-grade good stuff.
Previously, Song Changming attended such auctions mostly to observe, join the crowd, and expand his horizons.
Even if he found something he wanted, he had no money to purchase it.
Things were different now.
He recently acquired an unexpected fortune, the spirit crystals were now retrieved, just perfect to spend at the Golden Jade Association.
"Alright, A Er, go fetch the Young Masterâs attire, A Da, prepare the carriage," Song Pingâan called.
After changing into a more formal white robe, tying his hair up and wearing a ceremonial headdress adorned with jade ornaments, he immediately appeared more noble.
Thereâs no choice, as the Golden Jade Association clearly stated it only catered to well-dressed nobles.
Ordinary folks couldnât even get in to join the revelry.
Song Pingâan carried Song Changmingâs long sword and heavy weapon as they set off.
He also had the Dragon Physique, so carrying this sword was no problem for him now.
"Any news of Qingqing recently?" Song Changming asked in the carriage.
Song Pingâan shook his head, expressing concern, "Since half a year ago when she messaged back, saying sheâd entered Yuan Province, no further news has come."
Song Changming pondered for a moment and then said, "Iâll write a letter later, you dispatch someone to take it."
Liu Xiangnan had previously given a mailing address for their correspondence.
Due to the vast size of Ancient Abyss Country, messages between human races were mostly sent via messenger birds and pigeons.
Pigeons were used for short distances, while specially trained messenger birds were for long distances, with outstanding flying speed and stamina.
Hence, transmitting letters wasnât too difficult within the sprawling Ancient Abyss Country, far more developed than Da Lai.
Engaged in conversation, the two soon arrived at the Second District, outside the Golden Jade Building.
"Young Master, weâre here." A Da pulled the reins outside the carriage and turned back to say.
"Thank you," Song Changming replied, stepping off the carriage to gaze at the exceptionally bright and lavish building ahead.
At a glance, this was a place common people couldnât set foot in.
Compared to it, Song Changmingâs robe, which originally seemed decent, appeared plain and modest.
"This Young Master, do you have an invitation?"
Two guards stopped Song Changming, politely folding their hands and asking.
Song Pingâan frowned at the question, "I havenât heard that one needs an invitation to enter the Golden Jade Association. Is it that my Young Master, who is a General of Cuiqi Army, canât get in?"
The guards hurriedly smiled apologetically, "Young Master, please donât misunderstand, tonightâs Golden Jade Association has already begun, and according to the rules, guests cannot enter midway without an invitation, we ask for your forgiveness."
Their attitude remained fairly cordial as they explained the situation.
Seeing this, Song Pingâanâs anger subsided somewhat, although he still felt like arguing.
For his Young Master, having made the trip only to be turned away was quite frustrating.
After all, his Young Master now held a position.
But Song Changming shook his head, "Forget it, since weâre late, letâs head back."
Honestly, attending the Golden Jade Association wasnât essential for him.
"Yes, Young Master." Song Pingâan agreed once he heard Song Changming.
Just as they turned to return to the carriage, the closed door of the Golden Jade Building suddenly opened, and someone hurriedly walked out from inside.
"Is General Song here for the Golden Jade Association?"
Song Changming heard his name called and turned his head.
He recognized the person.
It was one of the centurions, Shi Dongsheng, who had greeted him earlier at the Recruit Training Camp.
Like Song Changming, he was part of the 41st Flag Army.
Though he wasnât under Xing Tiexinâs command but served as a centurion under another Commander.
Therefore, although Song Changming was the Deputy General, he wasnât Shi Dongshengâs direct superior.
"Originally, yes, but I missed the time and couldnât get in," Song Changming replied frankly.
For others, this might be a rather embarrassing situation, but he didnât mind these trivialities.
Shi Dongsheng heard this and immediately apologized, "Itâs entirely my fault, Iâm unaware that General Song was interested in the Golden Jade Association and couldnât send the invitation in time, I hope to be forgiven."
Song Changming was stunned for a moment, "Itâs your familyâs business?"
"The Golden Jade Building has always been part of my Shi familyâs enterprise," Shi Dongsheng nodded, looking at the two guards.
"You should apologize to General Song without delay."
The two guards already sweating, immediately bowed and continuously voiced their apologies.
"Itâs fine, it was just their duty, nothing to apologize for," Song Changming waved it off without caring.
"If it hasnât ruined General Songâs mood, perhaps I could lead you to tonightâs Golden Jade Association." Shi Dongsheng offered the invitation.
"That works." Song Changming accepted.
Accompanied by Song Pingâan, he followed inside.
Inside the Golden Jade Building was glittering gold and jade, with treasure artifacts everywhere, even a small screen seemed made of an entire block of Beautiful Jade.
Shi Dongsheng led Song Changming to the second floor.
Soon, there was a multitude of calling prices in the ears.
"Iâll offer ten middle grade Spirit Crystals."
"I bid twelve."
"Iâll bid fifteen."
"..."
Indeed, the Golden Jade Association had already started for a while, with the opening words concluded, even several auction items had passed.
At this moment, bidding focused on a jade bowl with a White Phoenix Pattern, eventually sold for a high price of twenty middle grade Spirit Crystals, making Song Pingâan click his tongue in wonder at how precious the bowl was.
Song Changming had seen plenty before, understanding that for wealthy families, it wasnât only cultivation-related items that they valued but also many meaningful objects that were worth spending huge amounts on.
Therefore, he wasnât surprised.
Even in the past life, a bowl or a porcelain vase could be auctioned at prices above millions, as history imbued those items with unique past significance, making them more valuable than gold.
The second-tier ceiling was at least seven meters high, with a mini-level for the Golden Jade Associationâs design.
Thanks to Shi Dongshengâs connection, Song Changming could go to the upper level, sit by a tea table, drink alcohol, and leisurely overlook the auction scene.
Shi Dongsheng also had family tasks, so he didnât accompany them long and left hastily.
As each auction item concluded its bidding, Song Changming watched with interest but hadnât made any move.
Though he had many Spirit Crystals at hand, he didnât intend to spend lavishly, saving the true value for the right moment.
Suddenly, a small brocade bag of yellow-black was placed up again, catching Song Changmingâs attention.
"Next up, folks may not need more of an introduction from me... the Low Grade Spiritual Object Qiankun Bag!"
...