A graceful woman with flowing auburn hair and eyes like polished amber stepped onto the stage, her every movement exuding elegance and charm. Clad in a form-fitting golden dress that shimmered under the light, she raised a delicate hand to quiet the crowd before speaking, her voice melodic and clear. "Distinguished guests, welcome to the esteemed Golden Clover Auction," she said with a radiant smile. "I am Mei Lin, your host for today's grand event. We are honored by your presence, and I assure you, today's treasures will not disappoint." A murmur of excitement spread through the hall, all eyes on her.
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In a lavishly adorned private VIP room overlooking the grand auction hall, Prince Caleb lounged lazily on a cushioned chair, a goblet of fine spirit in hand. His eyes flickered with amusement as the auctioneer strode confidently onto the stage below.
A servant beside him bowed low and reported, "Prince Caleb, we've searched among the arriving guests, but Lady Roulan has not been spotted." Caleb's expression darkened slightly, though a smirk played on his lips. "Interesting…" he murmured, tapping the rim of his goblet thoughtfully. "Would she really pass up the chance to buy a Phoenix Tear Fruit?" He leaned forward, intrigued, watching as the first item was brought onto the stage.
"If she is not among the guests below, then pay attention to the VIP rooms that bid for the Phoenix Tear Fruit," He ordered his servant.
"Yes, my prince." The servant bowed, then disappeared from the room.
There's no way Roulan would pass up the chance to obtain something that might help her cure that worthless cripple. He thought to himself.
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As the auction hall buzzed with anticipation, Kieran's eyes were drawn to a faint, pulsing purple glow emanating from beneath the silk blanket draped over Baixue and Roulan. His brow furrowed in curiosity, and he gently lifted the fabric. There, around each of their navels, the intricate dragon tattoos were slowly moving—gliding in a mesmerizing, circular motion.
Sindra appeared beside Kieran in a flicker of light, her gaze drifting toward the glowing tattoos with a knowing smile. "Those marks are more than just symbols of your bond," she said, her voice soft and sultry. "They're dragon seals, tied to your Yang Chi. Right now, they're refining your energy—nourishing their bodies, tempering their foundations." She glanced at the sleeping women, their complexions glowing with a faint flush of vitality. "It's a passive form of dual cultivation," she added with a playful wink, "and it looks like their bodies are instinctively absorbing the energy ."
Kieran gently pulled the silk blanket back over Baixue and Roulan, careful not to disturb their sleep. The faint purple glow dimmed beneath the fabric, the dragon tattoos still subtly working to help them digest his Yang Chi. He turned his gaze to the stage below, just as the beautiful auctioneer lifted a glowing silver slip of jade for all to see.
"Our first item today," she announced with a radiant smile, "is a mid-grade Teleportation Talisman—capable of instantly transporting the user up to ten thousand kilometers. An indispensable treasure for both escape and long-distance travel." The crowd below murmured in excitement, and Kieran leaned back slightly and closed his eyes, uninterested in the teleportation talisman.
The auction continued in a steady rhythm, with various rare treasures paraded across the stage—mystic herbs, enchanted weapons, spirit beast eggs, and cultivation manuals. Kieran watched with mild interest, but none of the items stirred his interest enough to bid. He remained seated by his resting wives, sipping tea and exchanging quiet thoughts with Sindra. Hours passed.
"Now presenting," the auctioneer declared, "the Extreme Yang Flower, saturated with pure, blazing Yang energy. Ideal for body refiners and alchemists." Kieran's attention was finally piqued. This was a rare catalyst that could accelerate his cultivation and complement his dual cultivation perfectly by enhancing his Yang essence.
Mei Lin's eyes sparkled as she held the gleaming crimson blossom aloft, its petals pulsing faintly with scorching vitality. "The bidding for the Extreme Yang Flower shall start at ten spirit coins," she announced, her melodic voice ringing clearly through the auction hall.
In Kieran's private room, he reached for the paddle resting beside him. Raising it with a flick of his wrist, he spoke evenly, "One hundred spirit stones." His voice, though quiet, carried through the sound array to the hall below. A stunned hush swept through the hall—then gasps and murmurs broke out in waves. Mei Lin blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before her radiant smile returned. "We have a bid of one hundred spirit stones from VVIP room number one!" she called out with renewed energy. The crowd stirred, eyes turning toward the shadowed room above. Who dares to leap the bid so boldly? Curious gazes and speculative whispers filled the air, and the identity of the mysterious bidder suddenly became the hottest topic in the hall.
No other bids followed. The hall remained silent, the sheer audacity of the offer leaving even the wealthiest guests hesitant. Mei Lin let the pause linger before raising her hand gracefully. "Going once… going twice… sold!" she declared, striking her gavel. "The Extreme Yang Flower goes to our distinguished guest in VVIP room number one."
Kieran stepped away from the divan and retrieved a simple purple robe with gold accents from his storage pouch. He slipped it on with practiced ease, tying the sash just as a soft knock sounded at the door. He opened it and stood squarely in the entrance, blocking the view inside.
Sheamus stood there with a grin, happy to see his God of wealth, a small wooden box in his hand. "Still making statements, I see," he chuckled, "Here's your Extreme Yang Flower. Figured I'd bring it up myself."
Kieran took the box with a nod. "Appreciate it."
Sheamus straightened and added with a courteous tone, "As for the payment, there is no rush. Once we finalize the sale of the items you entrusted to us, the balance will be adjusted accordingly." He gave a respectful nod. "Please enjoy the rest of the auction."
Kieran closed the door with a quiet thud and went back inside. The soft glow from the dragon seals still shone beneath the blanket, casting gentle shadows across the walls. He moved to sit on the divan, but the slight dip of the cushion stirred Roulan from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, the faintest haze of drowsiness still clinging to her gaze, that is until they locked onto the wooden box in his hands.
She sat up slowly, careful not to wake Baixue. The silk blanket slid off, revealing her beautiful white mounds. "What's that?" she asked, voice hushed but curious.
Kieran opened the lid slightly, letting her glimpse the radiant crimson petals. "Extreme Yang Flower," he replied.
Roulan's eyes widened in delight. "You actually got it?" She leaned in, studying it with awe, then suddenly looked thoughtful. "Wait… the Extreme Yang Flower never grows alone. There's always an Extreme Yin Flower nearby—one nourishes the other."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Mei Lin's voice rang out again from the stage below. "And now, dear guests, a rare and fortunate find—the Extreme Yin Flower, discovered growing near the previous item." Gasps echoed through the hall.
Roulan's lips parted in surprise, then curled into a grin. "Told you."