"Bought it." Gu Sheng said without a hint of embarrassment.
"Bought it?" Lin Miaomiao clearly found it hard to believe.
Gu Sheng nodded and took out the Thunder Pills: "Distribute these Thunder Pills among Brother Dai and the others. The Red Cloud Secret Realm is opening soon, and strengthening your abilities a bit more is always beneficial."
Thunder Sword, Thunder PillsâLin Miaomiaoâs mind was instantly filled with speculation. Gu Sheng paid no attention to it, patting her arm and saying, "My mentor treats me very well; I never lack silver coins or treasures in daily life. I was casually browsing the Mu Family Trading House in Holy Pill City today, saw these, and bought them. This Thunder Sword is quite lightweight, and itâs suitable for you to use."
Lin Miaomiao quickly declined: "Junior Brother Gu, this is far too precious! You... you should keep it for yourself."
Although the Thunder Sword was merely a Yellow Level Low Grade treasure, it was exceptionally valuable for an ordinary Inner Sect Disciple. Even among the Core Disciples, not everyone could use treasures like this. While the two knew each other well, their relationship hadnât reached the point where accepting items worth millions would be casual.
Despite Lin Miaomiaoâs verbal refusal, a flicker of envy in her eyes did not escape Gu Shengâs notice.
"Senior Sister, just take it! Weâre teaming up to enter the Red Cloud Secret Realm, arenât we? If your strength improves, itâll benefit me as well. Or do you wish to be a burden?"
Lin Miaomiao lowered her head, biting her lip, unable to reply.
"Before the secret realm opens, stick to your current sword. Save this one for inside the realm."
After finishing his instructions, Gu Sheng left immediately.
Lin Miaomiao watched Gu Shengâs departing figure, her gaze soft as water. A blush rose on her delicate face. It wasnât until his silhouette fully disappeared that she closed the door somewhat disappointedly and, sitting at the table, began to play with the Thunder Sword, unable to let it go.
Returning to War God Peak, Gu Shengâs life remained as disciplined as ever, focused daily on practicing the Gale Nine Swords and tempering his sword aura.
A month later, Wen Mingyan led Gu Sheng to the Red Cloud Governor Mansionâs city.
The city of the Red Cloud Governor Mansion was the largest in the Red Cloud Prefecture, directly governed by the mansion itself. It was at least three to four times the size of Holy Pill City, with expansive streets and countless seven-to-eight-story buildings lining the area.
Even the martial artists wandering the streets were of remarkably high qualityâit could be described as: Copper Bones were as common as stray dogs, Golden Bones filled every corner, and Marrow Refining Realm powerhouses were plentiful.
Walking through the streets, Gu Sheng could already sense several of them.
Wen Mingyan and Gu Sheng were precise with their timing; they didnât linger in the city and went straight to a resplendent building.
The buildingâs design resembled that of the Mu Family Trading House in Holy Pill Cityâfocused entirely on extravagance!
Due to the auction event, the Mu Family Trading House was bustling. They even stationed several first-to-second-layer Marrow Refining Realm fighters at the entrance to greet experts from two sects, three gates, and the three other powerful families.
"Wen Mingyan! Didnât expect Holy Pill Sect to send you!"
No sooner had the two reached the entrance, a charming older woman approached them.
The woman carried herself with dignity, wearing an opulent crimson qipao adorned with exquisite ornaments. Her aura was rather profoundâGu Sheng estimated it was at least fourth or fifth layer Marrow Refining Realm.
When the woman saw Wen Mingyan, her face lit up with joy. Her gaze clung to him obsessively, barely straying from his figure. That lookâit nearly sparkled!
Wen Mingyanâs expression stiffened upon noticing her and even became evasive; Gu Sheng guessed that if he werenât present, Wen Mingyan might have already bolted.
Observing the woman closely, Gu Sheng noted she looked to be around Wen Mingyanâs age. Then, considering her glances, his imagination began to run wild.
"Thereâs a story here!"
"Why are you here?"
The womanâs name was Mu Yingyou, the younger sister of Mu Guangfu.
Mu Yingyou covered her mouth with a laugh: "Why else? Iâm here specifically waiting for you. The auction is about to start; come, let me take you upstairs."
Walking side by side, the two entered, with Gu Sheng behind them, taking an elevator to the top floor.
The top floor housed a several-hundred-square-meter auction venue. The center featured an auction stage, surrounded by soft, plush sofas for seating.
As one of the two sects, Holy Pill Sect held seats in the front row, close to the auction stage.
After sitting down, Mu Yingyou did not leave but instead took a seat next to Wen Mingyan. Like a lovestruck girl, she propped her chin in her hand, staring intently at him as she teased, "Iâm the auctioneer today. Want me to give you a sneak peek of the auction items?"
Wen Mingyan, unable to bear Mu Yingyouâs gaze, refused outright: "No need! Anyway, this auction wonât produce anything too groundbreaking. Iâll get a clear look myself soon. Isnât the auction about to begin? Shouldnât you be warming up the crowd as the auctioneer? What are you doing sitting here with me? Off you go!"
Seeing that Mu Yingyou remained unmoved, Wen Mingyan directly pulled her up and pushed her away: "Go on, go on! I need to talk with my disciple!"
Only then did Mu Yingyou notice Gu Sheng. After assessing him for a moment, she asked with a smile, "Since when did you take on a disciple? How come I didnât know?"
Wen Mingyan rolled his eyes irritably: "What does me taking a disciple have to do with you? Now scram, scram!"
Mu Yingyou completely ignored Wen Mingyan and instead approached Gu Sheng with a laugh, asking, "Whatâs your name?"
Gu Shengâs gaze darted between Wen Mingyan and Mu Yingyou, silently thinking to himself: "Iâm just here for the show. You two sort out your dramaâdonât drag me into it!"