Cloud Pavilion
Cloud Pavilion was a mysterious force in Baishidao. They never participated in underworld fights and focused solely on business. On the surface, their strength appeared unimpressive, but Gu Qingfeng knew better—such a force could not have established a stable foothold in Baishidao without substantial hidden power.
From what Gu Qingfeng understood, Cloud Pavilion not only had a base in Baishidao but also had influence in other parts of the Taixuan Dynasty. However, at least for now, this had little to do with him.
"With a mid-grade martial art on the table, I suspect all the major powers will compete fiercely for it. Prepare more silver and see if we can acquire this martial art," Gu Qingfeng said after some thought.
Meng Peng immediately bowed and retreated to carry out the order.
Cloud Pavilion was located in Baishi City, the hub of the Baishi Dao region, which encompassed the rivers and lakes within a 500-mile radius. Establishing a foothold in Baishi City was no small feat. The Gu family had only managed it because Gu Qingfeng had demonstrated overwhelming strength. The same was true for Cloud Pavilion, which was located in the most prosperous part of the city and boasted magnificent decor.
When Gu Qingfeng arrived with Gu Yang, Meng Peng, and a few others, the attendants of Yun Pavilion hurriedly greeted them.
"Patriarch Gu has arrived!" they called out.
Gu Qingfeng nodded slightly. "I heard about the auction and came to take a look."
The attendant, looking even more respectful, replied, "It is an honor for Cloud Pavilion to host the Gu family master. Please follow me inside."
As they entered, the people waiting in line outside cast envious and awestruck glances in their direction, though a few voices muttered in dissatisfaction.
"Why don't they have to queue?" one person complained.
"Yeah, doesn't Cloud Pavilion have rules?" another chimed in.
Hearing this, the others around them stared as if they were fools. An attendant responded, "That was the head of the Gu family. He's a Blood Refining Realm warrior. If you're also in the Blood Refining Realm, you can skip the line."
The grumbling ceased immediately. A Blood Refining Realm warrior! In Baishi Dao, that was no small matter.
Because the Gu family was relatively new to the area and Gu Qingfeng maintained a low profile, not everyone knew of their presence. Nonetheless, the appearance of a previously unknown Blood Refining Realm expert piqued the interest of many.
Inside a nearby restaurant, several people were observing the scene at Cloud Pavilion.
"That must be the head of the Gu family," one of them said slowly, watching Gu Qingfeng with narrowed eyes. "Judging by his powerful vitality, he's likely still in his prime."
Another added, "It's said that the Gu family head is under forty years old and already at the Blood Refining Realm. With talent like that, he could go even further. And the young man with him is his eldest son, rumored to be in the middle stage of skin refining, but from the looks of it, he's likely reached the late stage."
The others were visibly surprised. To reach the late stage of skin refining at such a young age was extraordinary.
They turned to the leader of their group, Yun Tianxing of the Tianyun Sect, who regarded the scene calmly.
"After the auction, we should attempt to recruit the Gu family," Yun Tianxing said evenly.
"And if they refuse?" one of his companions asked.
Yun Tianxing's calm smile shifted, revealing a chilling undertone. "If they refuse... then the Gu family will have no place in Baishidao."
"Master Gu, the auction will begin in about half an hour," the attendant said respectfully as he led them to a private box. Three maids in elegant palace attire soon arrived to serve tea and water.
Gu Qingfeng looked through the window of the box, which was positioned cleverly to provide a perfect view of the auction stage without revealing the occupants of the other boxes. A maid approached with a gold-embossed booklet detailing the items up for auction.
"Master Gu, this is the auction catalog. Please have a look," she said softly, brushing her fingers lightly against his as she handed over the book.
Gu Qingfeng smiled politely. "What's your name?"
"My name is Qiu Shui, my lord," she replied, her voice as charming as her appearance.
After a brief exchange, Gu Qingfeng opened the catalog. His eyes soon landed on the most prized item of the auction: the Fiery Sun Palm, a mid-grade martial art created by Master Lieyang. It was a complete system, combining both cultivation and combat techniques. Mastery of this technique would allow a warrior to reach the pinnacle of the Blood Refining Realm.
"The Fiery Sun Palm…" Gu Qingfeng's eyes gleamed with interest.
In the world of martial arts, there were three types of techniques: those that focused on physical training, those that focused on combat techniques, and those that integrated both aspects. The Fiery Sun Palm belonged to the third category, like his own Collapsing Mountain Fist, which made it especially valuable.