Chapter 111: A Grand Spectacle

The auction proceeded as scheduled, and it seemed as if the entire Liangzhou City had been set into motion. Ji Jiuxuan followed her junior uncle and senior sister to the auction site, heading toward the towering ancient tree below which a spatial formation had been established.

With the entry token in hand, the three were immediately transported to a mist-shrouded location.

“To ensure the safety of our esteemed guests and maintain confidentiality for the auction winners, please wear these masks,” a figure dressed in a white robe with black trim and wearing a white mask announced nearby. A long table beside them held numerous identical masks.

Jiuxuan couldn’t discern the person’s appearance at all; the mask had even altered the voice, making it impossible to tell their gender or recognize any other vocal traits.

After receiving and donning their masks, the trio proceeded as guided.

“Ah Jiu, if you accidentally get separated from us, remember to return to the tree and wait there. Your junior uncle will come find you,” her senior sister reminded her.

The Liangzhou City auctions were always conducted with strict secrecy and security—this was customary every year. Jiuxuan had attended many times before, but because she was participating this time, her junior uncle was somewhat worried, constantly giving her reminders along the way to prevent any mishaps.

“All right, junior uncle, I’ll remember,” Jiuxuan replied.

Once the mask was on, she noticed her attire had completely changed. Unlike the simple garb of the attendants—black-trimmed but otherwise plain—their clothing now bore elegant patterns and looked far more luxurious.

Even the masks alone were valuable; each guest received one, a grand gesture that was truly astonishing.

Liangzhou City, as a major economic stronghold, was worthy of such an authoritative auction, whose grandeur spoke for itself.

The three soon left the misty area and entered a vast hall. Surrounding it were rows of rooms, and below were seats, each protected by formation arrays.

The auction stage was spacious and lively, currently hosting dance and musical performances.

During her stay at the Jinda Tavern these past days, Jiuxuan had often enjoyed the singing and dancing, as well as enchanting tales. Each had its own charm, making it hard for her to choose favorites; the scene before her was deeply captivating.

“Senior sister, are these dancers all trained here in Liangzhou City?” Jiuxuan asked.

She had heard that Liangzhou City maintained a group specifically for preparing this annual auction gala.

“Some are, some aren’t,” Meng Jiao said, taking her junior sister’s hand as they followed their master forward, indulging Jiuxuan’s curiosity.

Liangzhou City held annual competitions of song and dance, and those selected underwent intensive training before performing at the auction.

Jiuxuan suddenly recalled what Sikong Chanyan had said—implying that she was part of this performance—and scanned the crowd, trying to spot her.

Unfortunately, by the time they approached the rooms, she had yet to be found.

Even the dancers here wore distinctive masks.

“What are you looking for?” Meng Jiao asked, noticing Jiuxuan’s expression.

“I’m looking for Auntie Yan. She told me to watch her performance; she promised it would be wonderful,” Jiuxuan replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“Oh, don’t worry. Her part is saved for last. When she appears, you’ll recognize her immediately,” Meng Jiao smiled. With Sikong Chanyan’s uniquely enchanting aura, even among a crowd of masked performers, she would stand out unmistakably.

The room was fully equipped. The transparent light screen ahead clearly displayed the auction stage, further protected by formations.

Jiuxuan had read about such arrays in the Eight Trigrams Record. They were said to make the items on display perfectly visible, facilitating the bidding process.

Soon, Jiuxuan caught Sikong Chanyan’s performance. It was breathtaking, a blend of seduction and unique charm. Even masked, she was instantly recognizable in the crowd.

As the dance ended, Sikong Chanyan took the stage as the auctioneer.

Jiuxuan was surprised. “Auntie Yan is the auctioneer?”

Wasn’t Sikong Chanyan supposed to be under the command of the second junior uncle? Besides, when the junior uncle had sought information about the auction earlier, Sikong Chanyan had been involved in the investigation. This didn’t add up.

Could it be that she had mistaken her identity because of the mask?

Among all the dancers, Sikong Chanyan was unmistakable.

“She’s from the Liangzhou City Lord’s Mansion,” Nie Xingyuan explained, startling Jiuxuan.

“But how can she be the manager of the Jinda Tavern?” Jiuxuan asked.

The Lord’s Mansion of Liangzhou City held considerable status in the cultivation world.

If Sikong Chanyan could serve as the auctioneer, her strength and position must be respectable.

Though the second junior uncle wielded significant influence and owned several properties in Liangzhou City, no outsider could surpass the power of the local overlords.

Jiuxuan was truly amazed.

“That’s because your second junior uncle also hails from the Lord’s Mansion,” Nie Xingyuan said.

Back then, the second young master of Liangzhou City was quite renowned.

However, after a certain incident, the second senior brother changed his name and devoted himself entirely to the Xuantian Sect.

The years had passed, and few knew of this.

The revelation that her second junior uncle came from the Lord’s Mansion sparked Jiuxuan’s imagination of power struggles.

“Junior uncle, may I ask—what is the relationship between the second junior uncle and the Lord’s Mansion? Are they allies or enemies?”

If allies, future encounters with the Mansion’s people would be amicable; if enemies, then foes indeed. She would surely stand with her second junior uncle.

Nie Xingyuan chuckled at her expression. Though his demeanor remained calm, Meng Jiao believed her master favored the junior sister far more than himself.

“They are allies. But nowadays, your second junior uncle leans more toward our Xuantian Sect. Unless the Lord’s Mansion faces grave trouble, they won’t be involved.”

Nie Xingyuan seldom spoke of gossip or others’ personal affairs; he only shared this so the young girl could understand the dynamics.

“If you want to know more, ask your second junior uncle. He’s willing to explain.”

Jiuxuan had no intention of asking; she was merely curious. Since her junior uncle had spoken, she would pay attention moving forward.

The auction soon began. Sikong Chanyan stood gracefully, waving her hand gently. An intricately carved tray appeared on the display table, lined with red velvet.

Resting atop the velvet was a water-blue crystal orb, glowing with a captivating azure light.

“This is the Azure Water Pearl,” Sikong Chanyan announced. “Those who use it can live underwater as if they were ordinary people.”

Listening to her introduction, Jiuxuan was filled with admiration.

No wonder this grand auction was so prestigious—just this opening item, the water-repelling pearl, was already incredibly valuable.

Ordinary water-repelling pearls didn’t last nearly as long and came with many restrictions; this one had none.

“The starting bid is 100,000 spirit stones,” Sikong Chanyan smiled charmingly. “Please place your bids.”

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(End of chapter)