Shi Lang told Shi Wei about his views, and the two discussed them. They did not argue but shared their views on pursuing strength. Shi Lang said, “Xiao Wei, I may be twenty years old in this world, but I was already an old man in the lower realms. Throughout my life, I only pursued strength because I knew there were some people I needed to defend and care for.”
Shi Wei understood his words and could not say anything after this. She was young but knew she was striving to support her family so they could live well.
Thinking about something, Shi Wei said, “Big brother, maybe you should apply for a post in the Imperial government.”
Shi Lang was surprised and asked, “Why do you say so?”
Shi Wei replied, “The exposure you will get there is better than in the city. Even if you becometh city hall, you will have to heed the calls from a court official. However, once you become a court official, you will have the chance to climb higher.”
Shi Lang shook his head and said, “I already have a goal in my heart, the Spirit Heart sect. I will go there after the situation here is stabilized, and the position of the Shi Family is firm.”
Shi Wei was surprised and could not believe it, but Shi Lang said, “When my family ascends to the upper realm, they will arrive in the central plains. I need to be there and have a foothold before that. Otherwise, the enemies I have made will hinder their peace. That is something I cannot allow.”
Shi Wei could not say anything. Shi Lang had all the reasons one could need to go, and it would not be kind if she asked him to stay behind. None of the four sisters were weak. However, they felt secure ever since Shi Lang took charge of a few things.
She nodded, and after a simple farewell, she left the courtyard with her maid. Shi Lang watched her leave and shook his head. He knew these girls’ thoughts but could not forget the old for the new.
Thinking about it, Shi Lang also retired for the night. His journey was long, and time was less. He needed to work harder and more than others.
…
In the morning, the Shi Family was visited by a deacon of the Tianxu Pavilion, and they were invited to watch the auction proceed with Xiao Nan. This was not out of the ordinary, the Shi Family was one of the big families in the city, and Tianxu Pavilion sent invites to every big family.
This way, the enemy or the spies will not be triggered. Shi Yulong assigned the task to Shi Lang and Shi Yua. He was going out for a few days to negotiate with a few people from the imperial capital.
This was just an excuse; he would take the spies with him. It was time to clean up the family.
…
While the Shi Family was moving in the shadows, there were shockwaves in the Ling Manor. The people had been tirelessly working to gather the good material for the auction. Ling Tian was personally overseeing the proceedings, and he made sure that no corners were cut.
However, they did not know what awaited them in the auction.
…
Six days passed quickly and on the day of the auction. Shi Lang and Shi Yua moved through the streets like normal pedestrians to avoid attention, but their temperaments still drew gazes. Shi Yua said, “I was wondering if I should put on some viel every time I leave home or shall I carry a sword to castrate these dogs in heat?”
Shi Lang chuckled and said, “You should carry some hidden weapons and kill them silently. These sorts of people are not worthy of attention whether it is glory or pity.”
Shi Yua smiled and said, “I did not know you were such a bad influence.”
The two chuckled and soon reached the Tianxu Pavilion. Under Xiao Nan’s orders, an attendant bought them to the VIP section. They had a special box reserved for themselves. From the window above, they could see a podium and the crowd.
Shi Yua said, “I always wondered what an auction is like. Today I will get to see it.”
Shi Lang sat calmly on a chair and said, “Yua, an auction is a battle of wits, and from what I can figure, the people in this auction will not let anyone win what they want easily.”
At this moment, the door slid open, and Xiao Nan walked inside with an old man. Shi Lang stood up and clasped his hands, “Greetings, Miss Xiao, Senior.”
Although he did not know the identity of this person, he could tell this guy was not weaker than Shi Yulong. The old man nodded, and Shi Yua bowed to the elder as she said, “Greetings, Grandpa Chen.” 𝞸𝗏𝐿xt.𝒸𝑂𝑀
The stern face leaked a little smile, and Shi Lang guessed that the relationship between Shi Yua and Xiao Nan was closer than he expected. Xiao Nan said, “Young Master Shi said it right. The people in the auction will often mistake that once they have paid for the item. It will belong to them. However, the real test and bidding start outside the auction hall.”
Shi Yua asked, “You mean that people can forcefully steal things? Isn’t that a bit too much?”
Xiao Nan shrugged as she replied, “You are only fourteen, Yua, so you might not know that the world is not all rainbows. Your elder sisters would know this.”
Shi Yua nodded, and Shi Lang said, “Miss Xiao, is everything set?”
Xiao Nan smiled and replied with a question, “It seems that Young Master Shi Lang cannot wait to watch the good show.”
Shi Lang chuckled at this. Then he asked, “Well, Miss Xiao, I was wondering if you could help me with a few doubts.”
…
While the two people were discussing things in the box, the Ling Family arrived at the auction hall. Ling Tian and the elder of the Ling Family, Ling Xei, were present. As for the patriarch of the Ling Family, how could he appear at such a small event? After all, he was a celebrity in the city.
The Ling family came to a VIP box, and soon a beautiful lady in a red cheongsam climbed the podium. The lady smiled and said, “Greetings, patrons from Tian Yu City. I am Jing Leilin, your host for the night. I will also help you conduct the auction today.”
The crowd cheered. Who did not like a pretty face with a robust mix of curves and edges? Jing Leilin said, “Today, the Tianxu Pavilion has the honor to show you the treasures from the imperial capital.”
The crowd fell silent, and soon they were shocked. Goods from the Imperial capital were higher in grade than they could find from the city. This news shocked the people, and Ling Family was no different.
This meant that the goods they had put up for auction would be pushed up the list, which would be a loss statement for them. Jing Leiling said, “Well, let us not waste time. The first item for the day is a batch of ten medium-grade spirit recovery pills. It can help the cultivators to regain their spirit energy in five minutes. The recovery rate is thirty percent and has no side effects.”
This sort of pill could be used by people when they were in battle and needed spiritual energy. Jing Leilin saw that a lot of people were interested and said, “The opening price for the bid is twenty medium spirit stones. Every increment should not be lower than five.”
Someone in the crowd said, “Twenty-five medium spirit stones.”
The bids started flowing in and Shi Lang asked, “This prize, is it not a bit too much?”
Xiao Nan said, “Just watch.”
Similarly, one more batch of the pills was auctioned when a person in the crowd below said, “May I ask how is the price of these pills determined?”
Jing Leilin was surprised, and so were others. This was the first time someone was raising a question. However, a customer was a god. So Jing Leilin replied, “This sir, the pricing is discussed with the seller after they are given an appraisal.”
The man nodded and asked, “If I said I could find the same quality and quantity of this pill in ten medium spirit stones. Would that not mean Tianxu Pavilion is fooling us?”
BOOM!
The bomb was dropped. At this moment, Elder Chen said in a sonorous tone, “This sir, the Tianxu Pavilion only charges a small commission for auctioning the items. We only set a base prize that the seller determines.”
The man nodded and asked, “Since that is the case, please tell me who this seller is. I swear to god, such scammers shall not exist.”
The people all nodded. They agreed. Elder Chen replied, “We cannot go against the rule by doing so. I apologize to you.”
Another voice sounded, “Who else could it be but the Ling Family? Aren’t they the only ones who make such pills?”