Chapter 22 Auction

[Ding! Detected that the host has spent sixty million Low-Grade Spirit Stones, successfully redeeming six "Passing By" opportunities!]

[Current remaining "Passing By" uses: Six.]

[System Hint: It’s good to be rich.]

Gu Heng stood on the streets of Xiaoyao City; the confidence gained from those sixty million Spirit Stones allowed the sense of urgency in his heart to dissipate slightly.

The Wang Family has a secret method for rapid growth? He has a System for instant leveling.

Who’s afraid of whom?

"It is time."

Gu Heng murmured to himself, looking toward the endless wind and snow in the north of the city.

In the next moment,

He no longer suppressed the spiritual energy within his body.

Boom—!

His aura soared into the sky!

The Spirit Severing Peak pressure instantly enveloped a radius of a hundred miles!

Inside Xiaoyao City, the clamor came to a screeching halt, and even the wind and snow seemed to pause.

On the streets, the shouting vendors, the joking rogues, and the plotting demonic Cultivators all froze in place.

Countless gazes turned toward the young man in white standing before a barbecue stall.

"Spi... Spirit Severing... Peak?"

"My God! Which Senior expert is here?!"

"This pressure... I once felt it from the Sect Old Ancestor, but it was nowhere near this terrifying! This is definitely the Spirit Severing Peak, and a Peak expert with an incredibly profound Foundation!"

"Where... where is he going? This direction... it's the Far North Ice Field!"

The crowd instantly erupted, with exclamations rising one after another.

Although Xiaoyao City was a place where dragons and snakes mingled, Nascent Soul Cultivators were not rare, but a Soul Transformation expert was already a being capable of founding a Sect and dominating a region!

Normally, such figures were elusive, let alone releasing such a terrifying aura without any reservation!

"Crazy! Is this Senior going into the depths of the ice field to slay a Dragon?!"

"Quickly, step back! Don't block the expert's path!"

The crowd retreated, and the crowded street instantly cleared a wide path leading directly to the North Gate.

Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to breathe loudly, fearing that a single disrespectful glance would bring about their death.

Gu Heng stepped into the air, flashing toward the North Gate.

The snow beneath his feet left no marks, as if he were not walking on snow but in another dimension.

Just then,

The inter-state teleportation array at the city gate lit up once again.

A cold aura quietly spread.

"Someone... someone else is coming?"

"This commotion... it's even bigger than that demonic woman and the Wang Family's Young Lord combined! Who on earth is it?!"

Everyone looked toward the teleportation array.

As the light faded,

A stunningly beautiful figure appeared before everyone's eyes.

Behind her followed a maidservant, holding a little white raccoon in her arms.

"It's... it's her!"

"The Saintess of Piaomiao Palace! 'Ice Moon Fairy' Lin Qingyue!"

"What? Is she the Fairy Lin rumored to possess an Innate Dao Bone and hailed as the number one of the younger generation in the East Province?"

"Heavens! Why has she come to Xiaoyao City? Could it also be for the matter of the heaven-reaching tower?"

Discussions broke out again, but this time everyone's voices were filled with admiration, yet they didn't dare to be too loud, as if afraid of profaning the Fairy.

Inside several luxurious mansions in Xiaoyao City, many children of noble families and Sect descendants who were in seclusion or enjoying themselves were startled by the commotion.

"It's Fairy Lin! She actually came to the North Province!"

A young man dressed in fine clothes pushed away the enchantress beside him, his eyes burning with fervor. "Quick! Prepare my Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng; this Young Master will personally pay a visit to the Fairy!"

"Young Lord, you must not!" An old servant beside him hurriedly stopped him. "Have you forgotten? Fairy Lin has a cold personality and dislikes being disturbed by others. It's better if we just watch from afar..."

Hearing this, the young man shuddered, the fanaticism on his face instantly cooling, and he could only sigh, looking out from the window from a distance.

Similar scenes played out all over Xiaoyao City.

Those usually arrogant Chosen Sons and descendants were now like well-behaved children, only daring to peek from the shadows, with no one brave enough to approach her.

Lin Qingyue coldly scanned the area.

She naturally felt the Spirit Severing Peak pressure that had not yet fully dissipated, her dark brows furrowing slightly.

"When did a Spirit Severing Peak appear in Xiaoyao City?"

She thought to herself, "The aura is unfamiliar, not like a long-established powerhouse of the North Province. Is he passing by, or... does he have other plans?"

However, she did not look further into it.

Her gaze fell upon a grand and magnificent building not far away; on the plaque, three large characters were written in a flamboyant style.

Wanbao Pavilion.

"Let's go."

She uttered a single word and began walking toward Wanbao Pavilion.

The maidservant followed quickly, and the Little White Fox in her arms let out a desperate whimper.

Lin Qingyue soon arrived at the entrance of Wanbao Pavilion.

Before she could even step inside, a middle-aged manager dressed in a brocade robe with an aura at the Nascent Soul Late Stage came out to greet her with a face full of smiles.

"I did not know Fairy Lin was visiting. Please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner!" The manager bowed.

Wanbao Pavilion's business spanned the Nine Provinces, and their information was incredibly well-informed.

As soon as Lin Qingyue emerged from the teleportation array, he had already received the news.

"No need for formalities."

Lin Qingyue's voice was cold. "This Palace has an item and would like your pavilion to appraise its value."

"Fairy, this way please!"

The manager hurriedly led the way, inviting her into an elegant VIP room.

The maidservant placed the Little White Fox from her arms onto the table.

Bai Qianqian lay there weakly, her golden pupils filled with humiliation.

"Oh?"

The moment the manager saw the white fox, a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

He took out a crystal mirror and shone it at the white fox. Light flowed within the mirror, revealing complex demonic patterns.

"Hiss—"

The manager took a sharp breath, the smile on his face instantly turning into shock.

He suddenly looked up at Lin Qingyue. "Fairy! Could... could this be the legendary ancient variant that has long been extinct in the North Province?"

"You do have some discernment."

Lin Qingyue picked up the spirit tea served by the maidservant and spoke indifferently.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"

The manager's face flushed red as he rubbed his hands and said, "Such a Divine Beast has an extremely noble Bloodline and can rival an Undergoing Tribulation expert once mature! Even as a cub, its value is... is immeasurable! It is truly a supreme treasure that can be sought but not easily found!"

"Fairy, you've come at the perfect time!"

"Tonight, our Xiaoyao City branch happens to be hosting a once-in-a-century large-scale auction! At that time, powerful and wealthy figures from the North Province and even the surrounding provinces will be present!"

"If we use this... Nine-Tailed Sky Fox cub as the grand finale item, it will definitely cause a sensation! The price it fetches will surely be astronomical!"

Hearing the words "auction" and "grand finale item," Bai Qianqian trembled with rage.

"Auction?"

Lin Qingyue put down her teacup. "Fine. However, I don't have time to wait here. Give me an appraisal and directly convert it into Spirit Stones for me."

She only came here to get rid of this hot potato, exchange it for some Spirit Stones, and then go about her business.

"This..."

A look of difficulty appeared on the manager's face. "Fairy, you may not know. For such a treasure, to directly purchase it at a discount without any hype or bidding would be a desecration of a divine object and a huge loss of your interests! I... I simply don't dare to make that decision!"

His eyes darted around as he bowed and said, "How about this, Fairy! You see, this white fox is a rare ancient species from the Far North Ice Field, and its identity is special. According to the rules of Wanbao Pavilion, for valuable items of unknown origin, we need to hold and verify them to ensure their source is legitimate."

"Rest assured, this is just a formality! Once tonight's auction ends, we will not take a single penny of the proceeds and will hand them all over to you! Furthermore, in the name of Wanbao Pavilion, we will present another generous gift to the Fairy to thank you for the prestige you've brought to our auction!"

Lin Qingyue glanced at the manager; she naturally understood his little scheme.

However, she didn't bother to argue.

As long as it could be converted into Spirit Stones, she didn't care about the process.

"As you wish."

Lin Qingyue stood up, brushed her sleeves, and turned to walk out.

"Respectfully seeing off the Fairy!"

The manager was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed to see her off. It wasn't until Lin Qingyue's figure disappeared at the door that he straightened up, looking at the shivering Little White Fox on the table, unable to stop smiling.

Walking back on the street, the wind and snow seemed to have grown heavier.

The maidservant followed behind Lin Qingyue and asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, Wanbao Pavilion is clearly trying to use you and that spirit fox to build momentum. Why did you..."

"It doesn't matter."

Lin Qingyue interrupted her. "It's just a fox. If it can bring the greatest benefit, why not? It saves me a lot of trouble."

Hearing this, the maidservant stopped asking and instead asked, "Then... where are we going next? Are we going straight back to the inn to wait, or..."

Lin Qingyue stopped at a fork in the road.

One direction led to the inn where they were temporarily staying, and the other led to the mansion in the center of the city that sat like a giant beast.

She gazed at the mansion and spoke softly, "Of course, we're going to the Paradise Demon Sect."

"After taking back that item, it won't be too late to go for training."

The maidservant's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

"Your Highness, are we... just going to go straight to the door and ask for it?"

The maidservant was a bit worried. "Would that be too abrupt? Moreover, that Vice Sect Master is said to be elusive and has a strange personality. What if he refuses to acknowledge the debt..."

"He wouldn't dare."

Behind her was the absolute strength of her Revered Master and Piaomiao Palace. In this world, few people would dare to default on a debt to the Palace Revered Master of Piaomiao Palace.

Lin Qingyue no longer hesitated and set off toward the mansion.

The layout of Xiaoyao City was distinct.

The central area was where the Su Clan mansion was located, covering a vast area with pavilions and towers, looking like a city within a city.

The two of them walked along the wide street, and any Cultivators who saw them quickly made way.

As they passed a gate with a "Su Estate" plaque, Lin Qingyue suddenly paused.

As if remembering something, she slightly turned her head.

Looking at the two gold-leafed characters, a hint of thought flashed in her eyes.

"Su Estate..." she murmured softly.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" the maidservant asked, puzzled.

"I remember Revered Master mentioned it once," Lin Qingyue said slowly. "That mysterious Vice Sect Master of the Paradise Demon Sect... seems to also be surnamed Su."

The maidservant was stunned. "Also surnamed Su? This... this is too much of a coincidence, isn't it?"

Su was not a common surname in the North Province. There were only a few powerful individuals with the surname Su who could be connected to the Paradise Demon Sect. And this Xiaoyao City was originally the territory of the Su Clan of the Paradise Demon Sect.

"Could it be..."

Lin Qingyue looked at the mansion, a thought surfacing in her mind. "Is it right here?"

If that were the case, it would save her the trouble of searching.

"Go."

Lin Qingyue instructed the maidservant beside her, "Take my palace token and tell the guards at the door that Lin Qingyue of Piaomiao Palace has urgent business and wishes to see the person in charge of the Su Clan."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maidservant dared not delay and quickly took out a jade token from her Storage Pouch, walking briskly to the gate of the Su Estate.

In front of the gate,

Seeing a stranger approach, two guards immediately crossed their halberds, blocking the maidservant.

"Stop! This is the Su Estate, no unauthorized entry!" one of the guards shouted deeply.

The maidservant held up the jade token and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "This is a token from Piaomiao Palace. My Saintess has urgent business and wishes to see the person in charge of your residence. Please pass the word."

"Piaomiao Palace?"

The two guards exchanged glances.

They looked at the white-clothed figure not far away and immediately recognized her identity.

News of Lin Qingyue's arrival in Xiaoyao City had already spread throughout the city.

They dared not be negligent.

The Saintess of Piaomiao Palace arriving in person was no small matter.

"Please wait a moment, I'll go report this immediately!"

The man said as he quickly ran into the manor.

Deep inside the mansion,

Inside a pavilion,

Su Zhentian was happily playing with the Ice Dragon Monster Core, wondering whether to use it for making wine or to directly refine it.

Just then,

The manager ran in hurriedly, kneeling to report, "Old Ancestor! Something bad has happened!"

"What's the panic!"

Su Zhentian's eyes widened. "Has that Old Dragon Emperor come knocking on our door?"

"No... no."

The manager swallowed hard. "It's... it's Fairy Lin of Piaomiao Palace! She's at the gate, specifically asking to see the person in charge!"

"Lin Qingyue?"

Su Zhentian was stunned. "What is she doing in this godforsaken place of ours? Could she be here to give Weier a challenge letter?"

His first thought was whether his troublemaker granddaughter had offended someone outside again.

"Doesn't seem like it..."

The manager shook his head. "Fairy Lin's attitude is quite polite, only saying she has important matters to discuss."

"Important matters?"

Su Zhentian's brows furrowed.

Although Piaomiao Palace and the Paradise Demon Sect were one righteous and one demonic, there was no deep hatred between the higher-ups; there was even a tacit understanding of not interfering with each other.

As the successor of the next generation of Piaomiao Palace, Lin Qingyue didn't go to visit other righteous Sects upon arriving in the North Province, but instead came to his Su Clan mansion first. This matter was suspicious in every way.

"Interesting."

A playful smile curled on Su Zhentian's lips. "Let her in. I want to see what this little girl is up to."

"Yes!" the manager took the order and hurriedly withdrew.

Soon, the maidservant received a reply.

"Fairy, the Su Clan Old Ancestor invites you in."

Lin Qingyue nodded and, led by a guard, crossed the corridors and courtyards to arrive at the pavilion.

She waved for the maidservant to wait outside and entered alone, pushing the door open.

Inside the pavilion, sandalwood smoke curled.

Su Zhentian had put away the Ice Dragon Monster Core and assumed a sage-like appearance, sitting cross-legged in the main seat, smiling as he watched Lin Qingyue walk in.

"Hahaha, Fairy Lin's visit brings light to my humble Xiaoyao City."

Su Zhentian laughed heartily. "I wonder what brings the Fairy here today? What made you think of visiting my place?"

As he spoke, he discreetly sized up Lin Qingyue.

An Innate Dao Bone, young, already at the Nascent Soul stage, with a solid Foundation, pure aura, and even better state of mind.

Compared to his own flighty granddaughter, she was indeed very composed.

"Senior Su is too kind."

Lin Qingyue nodded slightly and got straight to the point. "I have come today not for personal matters, but by order of my Revered Master, to ask one of your Sect's Vice Sect Masters for an item."

"Oh?"

Su Zhentian's smile faltered slightly.

"Asking for an item for your Revered Master? And from a Vice Sect Master of my Sect?"

A sense of alertness rose in his heart.

There were nominally several Vice Sect Masters of the Paradise Demon Sect, but the only one who could truly be remembered by the Palace Revered Master of Piaomiao Palace and have her Personal Disciple sent to ask for an item was likely only that one.

Su Zhentian's brows furrowed as he fell into deep thought.

"I wonder which Vice Sect Master your Revered Master is referring to? And what item was owed? Is there any token or proof?"

Lin Qingyue replied calmly, "My Revered Master did not explicitly state what was owed, only that it was an old item she left here years ago that could help me improve my cultivation."

An old item? Improve cultivation?

Su Zhentian's mind raced, going through all the high-level members of the Sect with the surname Su.

Himself? Impossible, he never owed women anything.

His son, Su Youwei's father and the current Sect Master? That guy was henpecked and wouldn't dare mess around outside.

The remaining...

Su Zhentian's expression suddenly became strange. "I remember now, it's that brat!"