The next day Vishnu and the group went to a small city that was near the village. They then found a merchant cavern that will go to Elemental Heaven Sect. As the only great sect in the area, most cities have trade with the sect as the foot of the mountain is a big city itself with Alchemy Association too.
They paid some money to them and bid Ira goodbye. She'll be going to the sect first. Vishnu can't have her alongside in his journey. She is too weak to survive in the Blood hill Mountain range. Vishnu has given her a letter that contained his aura. If she showed it to Winston he'll know Vishnu has sent her and inside the letter, it contained information on what he'd do with her.
After bidding Ira Goodbye they too left. They stayed in small villages for the next 3-4 days until they finally arrived at their second destination. Vishnu looked at the huge city in front of him, his eyes shining. The walls are the same as Eastcalm city but it is almost twice in size. Bluecloud city is Orion Empire's 2nd biggest city. Leaving the capital city aside from where the Imperial family lives this city is famous throughout the continent. This city is directly at the border of the area controlled by the Elemental Heaven sect. And not only them but is the border to all the other 3 great sects too. This city is controlled together by 4 sects. This is unheard of, there is no other city in the whole continent that is controlled by even 3 sects together so it is understandable why this city is so famous but that is not all, as it houses almost all the headquarters of big merchant groups, Mercenary groups and the headquarter of mercenary association too.
The line to enter the city is even longer here but they didn't mind it too much. After waiting for some time they finally entered the city. Vishnu looked at all things in curiosity. There is no place like this on earth, where he came so it is all still new to him. Vishnu could see that the planning of the city is great as there is no garbage or wastewater on the sides of the street. They looked around and Chen Jiaxin took Vishnu showing him around. As the princess of Chen Clan, She has come on a couple of occasions as their clan has a mansion here. Almost Every big clan and those with money and power have mansions in Capital city and Bluecloud city.
The reason the city is named blue cloud is that the person who has the idea to build a city with the help and close to the border of all 4 great sects and convinced all 4 sects to do it is called blue cloud. It was his nickname as he was a fire and wind element cultivator and used blue fire and smoke to kill his opponents. He was feared during his time and was an Elder of the Eternal Divine Sect. And he is the person who brought all four sects to the table to build this city and the city was then named after him.
As they're using disguise, Chen Jiaxin couldn't just take them into her clan's mansion so they stayed in an inn. What surprised Vishnu was that there are many shops here and including the inn, they are staying taking Qi stones as payment.
"Due to the high number of cultivators here they use Qi stone as currency." Chen Jiaxin explained.
"So What is this Auction you were talking about?" Vishnu asked. Earlier Vishnu planned to visit some cities and then go into Blood hill mountain for training but Chen Jiaxin mentioned that a big Auction is going to be held here so they should visit.
"First you need to understand that there are Empire-wide auction houses as well as some Continent-wide auction houses. These auction houses are either owned by multiple merchant groups or Partnerships between multiple big families. One of the biggest Continent-wide auction houses is the Qilin Chamber of commerce and they hold their biggest annual auction in different Empires or alliances every year. This year, it's going to be held here in blue cloud city in the Orion empire. It's a big event and people from everywhere around the world gonna come here. That's why we're here, you never know you might find something useful during the auction." Chen Jiaxin explained.
"Oh! That's good. But Is everyone allowed to enter? Don't they have any invitation or something like that?" Vishnu asked. He thought that as it is such a big event not just anyone is allowed to barge in.
"Of course there are invitations. They send it to everyone from minor nobles to even emperor."
"Then how are we gonna enter?" Vishnu asked. They can't use their identities so he thought Chen Jiaxin must have a way.
Hearing Vishnu's question Chen Jiaxin's ears started turning red. She had not thought about this problem till now. She just assumed that they will be allowed entry but she forgot they can't reveal themselves.
Seeing Chen Jiaxin's reaction Vishnu became sure that she is not as smart as she looks. He sighed " Don't worry about the invitation, just tell me where their auction house is I'll handle it." Vishnu knows exactly what to do to get an invitation.
Chen Jiaxin meekly explained where the auction house is and Vishnu left, Leaving her in the Inn alone "He thinks I'm a stupid fool now, Yes he is thinking that about me. Wahhh! Why are you so dumb Jiaxin." Chen jiaxin rolled on the bed holding a pillow as she mumbled weird stuff to herself.
After Leaving the Inn Vishnu wandered around and finally found the place Chen Jiaxin mentioned. [Qilin Chamber of Commerce]. A large nameplate appeared in front of Vishnu's eyes. The Building was tall. Not as tall as Alchemy Association or TATA Emporium but the unique thing about it is it didn't have many floors. It had 3 stories but is as tall as a 7 or even 8 stories building.
The building was colored in black and gold and it stood out from the rest of the buildings nearby. As Vishnu drew close to the building, he saw many people crowding the place. He got close to one person and asked "Why is so much crowd here?" Vishnu asked. He is currently wearing a black robe with a hood. His face is changed to look as if he is a middle-aged person. The guy looked at Vishnu as if he is looking at a country bumpkin "You must be new here. The Yearly Qilin Auction is going to be held here in 3 days. Everyone here is trying to sell their things during the auction but how could they accept such cheap things and show them during the auction. There will be many influential people during the auction so they are standing here in advance in hopes that their product might catch someone's eyes.
Vishnu looked around and could see that there are stalls at the side. They didn't block the road but could be easily seen and people are crowding some shops too. Vishnu didn't think too much. He went near the gates of the Auction house. The guy from before saw Vishnu leaving and asked "Hey! Why are you going there?"
Vishnu looked at the man "I'm going to sell my products during the auction." He smiled as he left. The man looked and Vishnu's back and sighed to himself "Another fool who thinks he can do whatever he wants. They might just get annoyed and kill you, you know." He said but there was no one to hear his rambling.
Four guards are standing outside the gate. As Vishnu drew close they blocked his way "State your purpose" One of them Commanded.
Vishnu looked at them "You have a manager right? Inform him that an Alchemist has come here in hopes to Auction his products during the upcoming Auction."
The four guards looked at each other and started laughing. One looked at Vishnu and said " You think you can sell your products just because you're an alchemist. Even Most Rank-2 Alchemy products aren't eligible to be sold here."
"Oh! Tell the manager that a Rank-3 Alchemist is here to Auction his products."
The guards who were laughing just now went silent completely. They looked as if their mother found them stealing money.
The odd scenario didn't leave the eyes of those who were keeping an eye on the gate. The guy who talked with Vishnu just now also saw the scene. He saw All the guards bowing to Vishnu then One of them Entered the Auction house only to come out with a female who bowed to Vishnu and took him inside.
"Was that guy telling the truth when he said he's gonna Auction his products there?"
…
Vishnu looked at the blonde beauty with glasses next to him. When he revealed his identity as a Rank-3 Alchemist the guard's attitude changed completely and this person appeared next to escort him inside.
The woman also looked at Vishnu. There is curiosity spilling out of her eyes. She knows almost all Rank-3 Alchemists on the continent as they have business with every single one of them but she has never seen Vishnu.
'Maybe a hidden one' She thought. If that is true they could strike gold here. Most Rank-3 Alchemists are connected to a faction and they aren't really free. Even Alchemy Association has its Alchemists under strict control. But a new Rank-3 Alchemist whom no one has heard of appeared. There is also the possibility that he may be a fake but that is unlikely because if they found that he is a fake and is trying to scam them the consequences would be severe.
"This way sir, the Manager is waiting for you inside." The woman said to Vishnu as they appeared in front of a large door.