BXBX NOVEL Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Su Ling and The Auction
Aric\'s eyes gleamed with interest. "Ah, my wife knows me so well," he murmured, leaning in closer to her, his breath warm against her ear as he playfully nibbled her earlobe.
Ru Shenshen let out a soft, shy laugh, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "My husband is such a tease," she said, her voice a mix of affection and embarrassment.
Aric chuckled, his eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and desire. "Don\'t worry, my love. Soon, you won\'t be the only one by my side. Another will join us."
Ru Shenshen\'s blush deepened, but she couldn\'t hide the glint of intrigue in her eyes. "You always have such grand plans," she whispered, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "But remember, no matter who joins us, you will always be mine."
A few hours later, still disguised as Yu Haotian, Aric met with Su Ling. Her demeanor was as composed and dignified as ever, though there was a subtle shift in her gaze that he couldn\'t quite place.
"Hello, Junior Sister," Aric greeted her with a warm smile. "How are you feeling today?"
"Quite well, Senior Brother. Thank you for your concern," Su Ling replied, her voice calm and measured, though there was a softness in her eyes that hadn\'t been there before.
Aric nodded approvingly. "Good to hear. Are you ready for our journey to Dongzhai?"
"Yes, Senior Brother," Su Ling responded, her voice laced with determination. "With your guidance, I am confident we will secure the item Master has requested."
Unbeknownst to Aric, Ru Shenshen had been working behind the scenes over the past few days. Whenever she wasn\'t with Aric, she spent her time with Su Ling, subtly showing her the virtues of Yu Haotian. With gentle persistence, she spoke of his talents, his strength, and his unwavering sense of justice.
The conversations had left a subtle but undeniable mark on Su Ling\'s heart. She found herself thinking more about Yu Haotian, recalling his actions and words with a newfound appreciation.
As Aric made his way to the flying boat, preparing for their journey to Dongzhai, he was alerted by a soft chime from his system. A notification appeared before him:
[Su Ling\'s Favorability has increased from 25 to 35(Friend).]
Aric allowed a small, satisfied smile to curve his lips.
As Aric and Su Ling traveled together on the flying boat, the landscape below them gradually transformed from vast, rugged mountains to fertile plains dotted with thriving villages.
After a full day of travel, the boat descended upon Dongzhai, a city known for trade and its vibrant culture. Dongzhai was a sight to behold—located between two mighty rivers - Zen and Hadoshang river that glimmered like twin serpents under the sun.
Marketplaces thrived on every corner, filled with the clamor of merchants hawking their wares, the air thick with the scent of exotic spices, incense, and the sweet aroma of freshly steamed buns.
The streets were alive with activity. Traders from distant lands bartered for rare ingredients and mystical artifacts, while traveling cultivators, draped in robes of varying colors, discussed the latest cultivation techniques and the upcoming auction.
What set Dongzhai apart, however, was the sense of order that permeated the city. This was no lawless trading outpost; it was a well-guarded city. At every corner, guards stood watch, their sharp eyes scanning the crowd for any hint of trouble.
Above them, the presence of several Divine Transformation Rank cultivators loomed large, their auras subtly oppressive, ensuring that peace and order were maintained at all times. These powerful cultivators were both revered and feared, their very presence a deterrent to any would-be troublemakers.
Aric, who was intimately familiar with the plot, knew that Dongzhai\'s current state was no coincidence. This entire scenario had been meticulously crafted as a stage for the protagonist, Ye Chen. According to the plot, Ye Chen would have arrived at this auction as a True Disciple of Starry Sky Sect, drawing the attention of countless onlookers with his unassuming demeanor.
It was here that Ye Chen would have encountered a series of fortuitous events—he would win rare treasures, face off against arrogant young masters, and ultimately emerge victorious, his reputation soaring to new heights.
Aric could almost see it: Ye Chen, standing in the auction hall, initially underestimated by everyone around him. The sneers, the disdainful glances, the whispered insults—Ye Chen would endure it all with a calm smile. And then, in a dramatic twist, he would reveal his true strength, his stunning victories shocking the crowd and silencing his detractors.
The typical face-slapping moment, where the protagonist humbles those who doubted him, followed by admiration from the masses and the interest of various influential figures.
But as these thoughts passed through Aric\'s mind, he couldn\'t help but feel a wave of irritation.
"That\'s just a cliché plot," Aric mused, his lips curling into a smirk. "The protagonist always loses face first, then turns around and face-slaps the other party. How predictable."
He shook his head, the disdain evident in his eyes. "As a respected villain, I\'ll do things differently. I won\'t give them the chance to underestimate me. I will directly suppress others and seize every opportunity before Ye Chen even arrives."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over Dongzhai, the city began to transform. The bustling streets that had been alive with activity during the day now took on an air of anticipation. Lanterns were lit, their warm glow illuminating the pathways and the grand buildings that lined the roads.
The Taichi Auction Site, in particular, was a sight to behold.
Earlier in the day, after settling into an inn with Su Ling, Aric had wasted no time in preparing for the night ahead. They joined a modest inn. Su Ling, unaware of the true extent of Aric\'s plans, had taken her own room to rest and meditate. Aric, on the other hand, had other priorities.
Mia and Ulsa, disguised to blend in with the common folk of Dongzhai, arrived at the inn under the cover of afternoon. The two women were beautiful even in their plain attire, their allure only slightly diminished by the simple cloaks they wore to avoid drawing attention. As they entered Aric\'s room, the door clicked shut behind them, sealing off the world outside.
Aric wasted no time. The moment the door was locked, he pulled both women close, his hands finding their waists with a possessive grip. There was no need for words; the unspoken understanding between them was clear. His lips found Mia\'s first, a passionate kiss that deepened as he drew her closer, then he turned to Ulsa, giving her the same fervent attention.
The tension that had built up over the days of planning and waiting was released in a frenzy of passion.
The room was soon filled with the sounds of their love-making, the three of them moving together in a heated embrace. The intensity of the moment was a stark contrast to the serene exterior of the inn, a hidden storm that raged behind closed doors. By the time they had finished, the afternoon had given way to dusk, the first hints of nightfall creeping into the sky.
Aric, his energy now restored, took a moment to collect himself. Mia and Ulsa, flushed and slightly breathless, adjusted their clothing, their eyes still alight with the afterglow of their time together.
"Tonight\'s auction is crucial," Aric said, his voice low but commanding. "Remember your roles. We cannot afford any mistakes. "
Mia nodded, her expression serious. "We\'ve prepared as you instructed."
Ulsa added, "The VIP tickets you requested have been secured."
Aric smirked, satisfied with their preparations. "Good."
With that both the women left the place.
As night finally fell, Aric made their way to the front of the inn. Su Ling, dressed in elegant robes that accentuated her ethereal beauty, was already waiting for them. She looked at Aric, her gaze softening slightly as she took in his presence. To an outside observer, they would have appeared as a perfect match—a striking couple, poised and powerful.
The carriage that awaited them was equally refined, a sleek vehicle adorned with subtle enchantments that hinted at its occupants\' status. As they rode through the streets of Dongzhai, the city\'s vibrant nightlife unfolded around them. The streets were filled with cultivators of various sects, merchants, and nobles, all heading towards the same destination—the Taichi Auction Site.
When they arrived, the site was already bustling with activity. Cultivators of all ranks and affiliations filled the grand hall, their whispers and conversations creating a low hum of excitement. The air was thick with anticipation, and the allure of rare treasures drew them in like moths to a flame.
Aric and Su Ling, entered the auction site. Su Ling was going to sit towards the sitting area. But Aric interrupted her,"Junior Sister, let\'s go the VIP area. Its not comfortable to sit there."
"Here are the tickets.", Aric said while showing her the VIP tickets.
Su Ling was surprised by Aric\'s craftfulness. She did not say anything and just took the tickets.
With their VIP tickets in hand, they were led to an exclusive section near the front of the auction hall. The seating arrangement offered an unobstructed view of the stage, where the night\'s most coveted items would soon be displayed.
As they settled into their seats, the opulence of the surroundings became apparent—luxurious furnishings, glowing lanterns, and subtle formations designed to enhance the security and grandeur of the event.
Su Ling glanced around, her eyes wide with awe. "This place is incredible. One can get a great view of the whole auction site from here."
Aric leaned back in his seat, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "It\'s designed to impress. But remember, tonight is not just about watching—it\'s about winning. We\'re here to secure that Thunder Law Weapon."
As the hall continued to fill, Aric\'s mind remained sharp. He knew that the auction would be the site of several key events in the protagonist\'s journey. Ye Chen, if the script held true, would have been here tonight as well, destined to acquire the very weapon that Aric now sought for himself.
"But how can the heavens let Ye Chen miss this opportunity? I have this gut feeling that the protagonist will arrive," Aric mused, his senses heightened.
As if in response to his thoughts, Aric\'s eyes caught sight of a mysterious figure entering the hall—a man wearing a mask and clad in the distinctive robes of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. The masked man presented a VIP ticket to the attendant, who respectfully guided him to one of the exclusive rooms reserved for distinguished guests.
Aric\'s suspicions were immediately piqued. "System, identify that masked individual," he commanded mentally, his tone sharp.
A moment later, the system\'s response confirmed his worst suspicions.
[Ding! Host the person is the protagonist, Ye Chen]
Aric\'s expression darkened slightly, though he maintained his composed exterior. "So it is him after all. But why is he not causing a scene? This isn\'t like him..."
He observed as Ye Chen smoothly entered the VIP room, his presence seemingly unnoticed by most of the other attendees. The Heavenly Dragon Sect\'s robes provided him with a level of protection, as few dared to question a disciple of such a powerful sect. Aric couldn\'t help but feel a tinge of surprise.
Ye Chen\'s behavior was uncharacteristically subdued, almost as if he were purposefully avoiding attention.
Meanwhile, inside the VIP room, Ye Chen was savoring the luxurious treatment he was receiving. The attendants were polite and efficient, and the room was furnished with the finest silks and cushions that adjusted to the comfort of the occupant.
Ye Chen was still relatively new to such high-status environments, but today, things seemed to be going smoothly for him. His mentor, Fu Hong, had informed him about the auction and even provided him with a substantial amount of spirit stones—100 million to be exact—to purchase the Thunder Law Weapon.
The prospect of having additional spirit stones to spend on other treasures filled him with excitement.
"This is going better than expected," Ye Chen thought, a satisfied smile hidden beneath his mask. However, a sense of unease lingered at the back of his mind. Though everything was going well, he couldn\'t shake the feeling that something was amiss. It was a vague sensation, an instinct honed from years of facing adversity and unexpected challenges. He felt as if the calm was a prelude to a storm.
The rumors circulating from the Starry Sky Sect had also been troubling him. He knew that many saw him as a threat, and he couldn\'t afford to reveal his identity here. That\'s why he had chosen to wear a mask, concealing his true face from the public.
Outside of Ye Chen\'s room, the auction hall continued to fill with influential figures from across the region. Representatives from the powerful Bai, Lei, Tang, Wang, Zhou families, and many other prestigious clans were present. They all had their sights set on the Thunder Law Weapon, each hoping to secure it for their own sect or family.
The tension in the air was palpable—no one wanted to leave empty-handed, and everyone was aware that this auction could shift the balance of power.
Finally, a ripple of attention swept through the hall as Sia Lu, the auction\'s host, made her entrance. She was a striking woman, her beauty enhanced by her graceful movements and the aura of authority she carried. Dressed in a flowing robe that shimmered with intricate embroidery, she made her way to the podium, commanding the attention of every person in the room.
"Esteemed guests, welcome to the Taichi Auction," Sia Lu began, her voice clear and melodic, yet carrying an underlying tone of firmness. "Tonight, we have a selection of extraordinary items, each one rarer than the last. As always, the rules are simple: the highest bidder wins, bids will be called three times, and all payments must be settled immediately following a successful bid.
In the case of a tie, the first to place the bid will be given preference. Please note that any attempts to disrupt the auction will be met with swift and severe consequences."
Her eyes swept over the crowd, making it clear that the rules were non-negotiable. "Now, without further delay, let us begin the auction."
As she finished speaking, the first item was brought onto the stage—a small jade box, intricately carved and emanating a faint, mysterious glow. The anticipation in the room grew as Sia Lu introduced the item.
"Our first offering of the night is a rare treasure."