Chen Wentian, Zhou Ziyun, and Li Yuechan arrived in front of the auction house accompanied by their hosts from the eagle lord's faction. Today's event was still part of the Liu Wu Festival. The festival would go on for several more days but the auction was an important part of the celebration as a whole.
The festival was meant as a time of unity, celebration of the past, and a look towards the future. As a cultivation sect, the Beast God Sanctum held auctions in high regard as it was an opportunity to mingle with each other, trade valuables and treasures, and obtain items critical to one's cultivation path. Cultivators in the wilderness would kill each other over these things. But many would agree that it was better to spend gold than shed blood.
Chen Wentian hopped off the carriage and looked around. They were in the central district of Beast God City, the most populous and busiest section that also contained the teleportation array. The grand auction house was an impressive building made of stone and lumber. Countless beast statues and carvings adorned the walls, columns, and even roof files. The interior was large enough to hold a few thousand people easily. This was not the usual place that he was used to through He Xingping, it was one specifically used for special occasions.
"Lord Chen, Miss Zhou, Miss Li, this way." Qu Jing said and led the way.
This senior brother of the eagle faction was still their guide. This suited Chen Wentian just fine as it made things easier.
The group went through the wide doorway and soon reached the auction chamber. There was a raised stage to one side and a rectangular open space with the height of several stories. People on the ground floor were taking seats among narrow and crowded rows. These were senior disciples, low-ranking elders, and lesser noble families. The walls surrounding the space were occupied by private boxes. These were reserved for executive elders, large noble clans, core disciples, and family members of the immortals.
"This way," Qu Jing said and led the group up the stairs.
They paused at a central box where Qu Jing bowed to Chen Wentian, "Lord Chen, Lord Nan and Lord Gu are requesting your company for this auction. This is their special box."
"Oh? If it is Brother Nan and Brother Gu, then I can't be rude and refuse. But I am curious, Is the eagle lord going to attend today's auction?"
"I think so, Lord Chen," Qu Jing replied, "The eagle lord went to the eastern border this morning but he will be back in the afternoon for the second phase of the auction."
"Ah, good, good. I am looking forward to it." Chen Wentian replied happily.
He asked about Qu Shen but he already knew the answer. The eagle lord had received reports of strange movements from the insects. He had set off toward the eastern border as a precaution.
Just as the insects had spies everywhere and monitored their territory diligently, the Beast God Sanctum also kept tabs on their movements. With three mantis lords leaving their usual posts to take up advanced positions at the edge of their territories, it was bound to raise some alarms.
However, this was all within Chen Wentian's considerations. Although the insect lord's movements were strange, it was far from enough for Qu Shen to try anything. The eagle lord was merely being cautious and this action actually fell into Chen Wentian's plans.
Because Qu Shen moved east, this would prompt the last mantis lord, which should be Little Gray, to move westward to counter. Thus, with this clever move, all four mantis lords were out of position. The center, the queen, was wide open and ripe for the taking.
Chen Wentian glanced at Zhou Ziyun. She returned his gaze with a small smile. She understood the situation as well. After all, she had been closely involved in the planning for this mission.
All of the pieces were in place. Chen Wentian's real body as well as Jasmine were poised to attack when the opportunity came. Now it was up to them in Beast God City to make sure that everyone was preoccupied.
"Master, please enjoy yourself. I am sure Brother Qu will take good care of us." Zhou Ziyun said with a slight bow.
Li Yuechan also bowed, "Rest assured, master. We know what to do."
Chen Wentian smiled and gave them a wave before entering the private box.
The hallway fell silent as four people were left. They were Zhou Ziyun, Li Yuechan, Qu Jing, and Qu Rong. They looked at each other and took in their outfits which were far different from the first time they met.
For one, Zhou Ziyun and Li Yuechan were wearing face veils. Just this alone gave them a mysterious, ethereal aura. The white robes added to the effect, making them seem like disciples of a sect of unfathomable beauties.
Qu Jing had also changed his looks. His hair was done up in an elegant top knot akin to a prince or cultured young master. He also chose a muted red robe that was refined and graceful. Gone was the wild rogue. What replaced it was a gentleman.
Li Yuechan silently appreciated Qu Jing's transformation. It wasn't physical attraction but more like casual interest. Chen Wentian had told her to expect a little surprise. And indeed, she was pleasantly surprised by the chance. She preferred men to be this way, cool and refined instead of wild and brutish.
The impish Qu Rong had also drastically changed her outfit. She had given up on heavy makeup as it was impossible to paint an ugly duckling into a swan. Instead, she had chosen a more form-fitting battle robe with revealing armor pieces. These strategic placements highlighted her physique which was quite good. She also wore an eye mask. It had the same effect as face veils and created a sense of intrigue beyond simple measures of beauty.
"Sister Rong, you look great!" Zhou Ziyun praised.
Qu Rong let out a happy laugh, "It was all because of Sister Ziyun. At first, I didn't believe that your ideas would work. But I tried it out and wow!"
Zhou Ziyun grinned. Helping Qu Rong had been an easy task. Qu Rong was a simple-minded person who focused too much on cultivation and on trying to impress her senior brother. It was straightforward to highlight her assets while distracting from her weakness which was her face.
"I concur, Sister Rong, you look really good." Qu Jing added.
At this compliment from her senior brother, Qu Rong's entire face became red and she quickly hid behind Zhou Ziyun.
The group shared a laugh and went on their way. Their private box was one floor above on the right side of the auction arena. As they took their seats, servants immediately poured freshly brewed tea and introduced the auction program for the day. While the other three chatted idly, Zhou Ziyun picked up the engraved piece of paper and studied it carefully.
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