Unaware of what Naisha was thinking of him, Aksai made his way back into the city instead of leaving it.
At first, he had thought that the preparations he made were enough and there was no need to take excessive precaution. However, Naisha’s words had changed his mind.
“If my dear Heavens wants to fu*k me over, I shouldn’t make it easier by wearing loose pants and bending over. No. I need to wear pants over pants for extra protection. I must also wear a tight belt so that so that my a** stays safe,” Aksai said as he looked towards the sky while scratching his butt for no apparent reason.
***
A few days later.
An elite residential region. Cavereach City.
Aksai stood before the imposing entrance of the private villa, his black robes rustling slightly in the breeze.
The dome-shaped translucent barrier shimmered faintly, a clear indication of the top-tier 2nd-order Array Formation protecting the villa. Only those with invitation tokens could pass through this barrier, ensuring the utmost secrecy and exclusivity of the meeting.
Aksai retrieved his invitation token, a small, intricately carved jade piece, from his robes. He had acquired it through a combination of his connections and a hefty sum of money. Since he had decided to have more trump cards in his sleeves, he didn’t hesitate to spend his money. After all, what use would the money be after he dies?
Holding the token up, he watched as the barrier rippled and parted, allowing him entry.
Stepping inside, Aksai marveled at the villa’s grandeur. The architecture was a blend of elegance and fortitude, designed to withstand both time and attacks. He could feel the multiple layers of enchantments woven into the structure, their purposes varied and complex.
‘Hmm. This villa is surely made by an exceptional Array Formation master. Dadangar is full of talented people.’
Aksai complimented the owner of the villa silently. The barrier was just the tip of the iceberg; the Array Formation was capable of defense, surveillance, and perhaps even offensive capabilities if needed.
Aksai walked through the villa’s courtyard, which was adorned with exotic plants and a gently flowing stream. The tranquility of the surroundings was a stark contrast to the tension he felt emanating from the villa itself. He made his way to the spacious hall where the meeting was to take place.
As he entered the hall, Aksai’s eyes scanned the room. A grand circle of chairs had been arranged, each occupied by a masked and robed figure.
The Foundation Building Experts gathered here came from diverse backgrounds, their identities concealed by various means—masks, alchemy techniques, pill effects, or feature-distorting artifacts. It was clear that trust was a rare commodity in this room.
Aksai adjusted his straw hat and black mask, ensuring his disguise as Ruan Lui, a newly ascended Foundation Building Expert, was flawless. He carried himself with the confidence befitting his supposed status, lifting the suppression on his cultivation base to match his guise. The subtle pressure of his aura mingled with those of the other experts, adding to the tense, expectant atmosphere.
Under the watchful gazes of his peers, Aksai quietly chose an empty chair and sat down. He closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment to attune to the energies in the room and to gather his thoughts. Patience was key in such gatherings; hasty actions could lead to unnecessary trouble.
The silence in the hall was almost palpable, broken only by the occasional rustle of robes or the soft murmur of indistinct conversations. Aksai could sense the undercurrent of power and ambition in the room. Each participant had their own agenda, their own secrets to trade or withhold.
A few more Foundation Building Experts arrived at the scene after Aksai. The scene was truly an eye opener for Aksai. He had thought that there were not many Foundation Building Experts in Cavereach City. However, it seemed that the city was full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons.
As he waited for the meeting to start, Aksai’s mind wandered to the potential opportunities this exchange could offer. Rare treasures, forbidden techniques, and valuable information—anything could be on the table. For now, though, he remained still, a picture of calm amidst the sea of intrigue that surrounded him.
A few hours later.
As the last chair in the circle was occupied, a hush fell over the room.
The door to an adjacent chamber opened, and the host of the private exchange meeting stepped forward. She was a stunning woman who appeared to be in her mid-30s by mortal standards.
Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing a face of striking beauty. High cheekbones, full lips, and piercing black eyes gave her an air of both grace and authority.
Her attire was semi-revealing, a flowing gown of deep purple silk that clung to her curves and highlighted her curvaceous figure, with intricate gold embroidery tracing patterns along the fabric. The gown had strategic cutouts along her sides and back, revealing smooth, porcelain skin and hinting at the toned physique beneath.
Unlike the other participants, she did not conceal her features. She walked with confidence to the center of the circle and addressed the gathering, her voice clear and melodious.
“Welcome, everyone,” she began, her eyes sweeping the room. “I am Calla Wei, a retired elder from the Purple River Sect. I will be your host for this evening’s private exchange meeting. As many of you know, these meetings are held to facilitate the discreet exchange of valuable cultivation resources among Foundation Building Experts like yourselves.”
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. “Before we begin, let me remind you of the rules. First, anonymity is to be respected. Do not inquire about the true identities of your fellow participants. Second, all transactions must be conducted with fairness and mutual consent. No coercion or deceit will be tolerated. Third, all bids must be genuine. If you bid for an item, be prepared to honor your offer.”
Calla Wei smiled, a gesture that conveyed both warmth and authority. “With that, let us commence the exchange.”