After leaving the Eternal Ancientâs number one store, Xu Zimei returned to the inn where she was staying.
The sky had gradually darkened by then.
When Xu Zimei and her companion returned, other guests were seated on the first floor of the inn, dining.
The first floor was rather quiet, with only a few scattered groups of guests sitting at tables.
"Little brother, where did you go today?" Lin Feng asked with a smile upon seeing Xu Zimei.
"Just wandered around Huohuang City," Xu Zimei replied.
"Did you find out anything about the auction?" Lin Feng continued to inquire.
"What good items could there be at the auction?" Xu Zimei chuckled and shook her head.
"Anyhow, you donât have any Spirit Crystals; the auction doesnât concern you much.
You just have to join in and enjoy the excitement when the time comes," Lin Feng shook his head and did not wish to explain further.
However, Ye Xuan, who was sitting beside them, pondered for a moment and then spoke, "The Wan Family Commerce, which is holding the auction this time,
is said to have prepared for this auction for three full years.
Therefore, the scale of this auction is unprecedentedly huge, and the items are varied and abundant; practically everything is available."
Ye Xuan explained carefully, "Because everyoneâs financial resources are limited, itâs impossible to bid on all the items.
Therefore, before the auction starts, everyone will gather information to know what is generally on auction.
If there are items they are interested in, they will reserve their money specifically to bid for them."
"Then what have you heard?" Xu Zimei, now seated, asked with interest.
"We havenât heard anything yet, except for the three star items that the auction has announced. The rest are kept very secret," Ye Xuan shook her head and said.
"Three star items? Letâs hear them," Xu Zimei asked.
"A Heart of Thunderflame, an Eternal Ancient Body Molding Pill, and a relic left behind by a Saint," Lin Feng piped up first to answer.
"Little brother, why are you asking in such detail?
Even I donât dare to think about those star items."
"I dare to think about things you donât, I dare to do things you dare not do. Donât always compare me to you," Xu Zimei poured herself a cup of wine and said indifferently.
Upon hearing these words, Lin Fengâs face became slightly unsightly.
He put down his chopsticks and said coldly, "Iâve had enough to eat, Iâm going to rest in my room."
After speaking, he left with a flourish of his sleeve, followed swiftly by Murong Yanâer who was sitting nearby.
Seeing this, Ye Kai, who was seated to one side, gave Ye Xuan a look that was both smiling and not, stood up and said, "I canât really hold my alcohol, so Iâll leave you to chat."
"Why did you provoke your brother," said Ye Xuan, her face slightly flushed, reproaching.
"He is our Great Skies Peakâs Imperial Heir and is very likely to become the next Peak Master.
No matter what, you are still brothers.
Youâll have each otherâs support in the future."
"You donât understand," Xu Zimei shook her head and drank the wine in her cup leisurely.
"There will inevitably be a fight between him and me someday.
I just canât be bothered right now. Let that grasshopper jump around for a while longer."
"All you do is talk big, with what will you fight him?" Ye Xuan gave Xu Zimei a disdainful look.
Immediately after, she handed a Storage Ring to Xu Zimei.
"Whatâs this for?" Xu Zimei asked, looking at the Storage Ring with confusion.
"Inside are the Spirit Crystals that Iâve saved over the years; take them for tomorrowâs auction, so you can bid for some defensive items that suit you," Ye Xuan explained.
"After all, youâll soon be participating in the Nine Skies grand event, how could you go without protection?"
"I saw you pulling out the ring and thought you were about to confess to me," Xu Zimei said with a laugh.
"Youâre always so frivolous," Ye Xuan said as she placed the Storage Ring on the table before darting up the stairs in a hurry.
Watching her flee in embarrassment, Xu Zimei laughed heartily behind her.
"A rare heroic spirit, yet the favor of a beauty is hardest to bear," Xu Zimei said, looking at the Storage Ring and shaking his head slightly.
...âŠ
The night seemed like a monstrous beast, silently devouring the endless darkness within the continuous night.
The moonlight and stars hid dimly deep within the clouds.
As dawn approached, the sky slowly started to brighten.
A round of purple sun rose high from the east, casting the entire Huohuang City in its glow.
Around the city walls, the undying flames burned gently.
For the residents of Huohuang City, this day was the liveliest of all.
The Wan Familyâs auction would be held within this fortress; and with the break of dawn, small groups of people had already started stirring within the city.
The auction was to be held in the largest Eternal Pavilion within the city.
The Eternal Pavilion was an auction venue purchased and constructed by the Wan Family years ago.
Such pavilions werenât just found in Huohuang City; it was said that the Wan Familyâs auctions reached across the entire Eternal Ancient Continent.
Therefore, the Eternal Pavilion naturally had branches everywhere.
When sunlight shone down and the whole city buzzed with activity, Xu Zimei and his party were in the inn, enjoying their breakfast.
"The auction doesnât start for another three hours, no rush," Lin Feng stated indifferently.
It seemed that after last nightâs events, his attitude had become somewhat cold, not even bothering with superficial pleasantries.
"We from the Nine Heavens Imperial Sect received an early invitation, so we will have a private box."
After everyone finished eating, they joined the throng heading towards the Eternal Pavilion.
In truth, while the inside of the Eternal Pavilion was vast, the number of people wanting to partake in or simply spectate the auction was far too great, and not everyone was entitled to enter the Eternal Pavilion.
Firstly, the pavilion would issue invitations to the two Holy Sects and the five Imperial Sects of the Southern Domain.
They had the qualifications to enter and would have private boxes on the second floor.
Simply put, those who could go up to the second floor were individuals or powers of some status and standing.
As for everyone else, they would all be arranged on the first floor.
There were no private boxes on the first floor; instead, it was like a large hall, with rows of chairs set up next to each other, positioned around the auction stage.
Even to get onto the first floor, one required sufficient financial proof, showing that you had the strength to bid on the items inside.
This also prevented many who simply wanted to watch the excitement from doing so.
...âŠ
The road leading to the Eternal Pavilion was packed with people.
When Xu Zimei and the others arrived at the Eternal Pavilion, half the seats had already been gradually filled.
"Young Master Lin, please come inside," greeted a man clad in a green robe, sporting a well-trimmed mustache, walking with supreme grace.
The man only gave off one impressionâeffeminate, with flamboyant mannerisms and fingers gracefully curled like orchid blossoms.
"Steward Wan," greeted Lin Feng with a smile, acknowledging the newcomer.
"Iâve been waiting for you for quite a while. This time, only the members from the Great Skies Peak and Green Skies Peak of the Nine Heavens Imperial Sect have come," the man known as Steward Wan said with a smile.
"The box is ready; please follow me."
Xu Zimei took a moment to look around the Eternal Pavilion.