Here Comes The Robbers . . .
"The two mightiest sects in this realm, the Sunshine Sect and the Starglow Sect," Wan Zheng-Hao replied, his complexion taking on a greenish hue. "We're mere specks of dust in their presence. Ling-Bao Hall is but a minuscule entity compared to their might. They wield unimaginable power."
Cha-Eun Xiao scoffed, his countenance growing cold. "Too powerful? And what demands did they make, these Sunshine Sect and Starglow Sect?"
He wore a stern expression.
[Sunshine Sect? A likely subsidiary of the Sunlight Sect within the Qing-Yun Realm. Starglow Sect? Probably affiliated with the Starlight Sect. Both have branches in the Land of Han-Yang!]
"The Sunshine Sect seeks all varieties of Supreme Dan and wants six Dan Beads of each type. Similarly, the Starglow Sect requires the same variety but eight Dan Beads of each kind," Wan Zheng-Hao lamented, his bitterness and frustration apparent.
Cha-Eun Xiao's face darkened. He chuckled bitterly. "So they requested that many? And what did they offer in exchange?"
Wan Zheng-Hao's expression grew more forlorn, and fury blazed in his eyes. "They haven't mentioned any price."
"Hahahaha," Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't contain his laughter, though it was steeped in anger. His voice held a deep edge as he spoke, "So they wish to rob us? Without paying? I find myself in the midst of a genuine robbery, it seems."
"Even if they plan to pay, it will be a paltry sum. I doubt they could afford even one Dan Bead," Wan Zheng-Hao sighed, adding, "I've blundered this time. I never expected millennia-old super sects to engage in such audacious behavior."
"You're mistaken, Wan Zheng-Hao. Your knowledge is limited, and what you do know is rudimentary," Cha-Eun Xiao retorted. "You needn't blame yourself for this. In truth, there's no need, because…"
He sneered and continued, "The more powerful these sects become, the more audacious they behave. They believe their overwhelming might renders us powerless to resist. Hence, they act with such impunity."
"Fortunately, we've magnified the auction's scale. Otherwise, we might have been covertly obliterated by some sects. We've broadcasted our possession of numerous Supreme Dan Beads, akin to a child flaunting gold in a marketplace. It's only natural for people to covet them."
He chuckled, saying, "I foresaw this outcome. I would be truly astonished if they were even willing to make a token payment. From my perspective, it's par for the course that they'll seize the Dan Beads without remitting any compensation. Yet, they still appear concerned about preserving their reputation. In their eyes, we should be grateful they've consented to pay at all."
Wan Zheng-Hao wiped sweat from his brow and asked, "That's why you advised me to maximize the scale of the auction. You had already devised a plan for this, hadn't you? But now, given the circumstances, what should we do? They are ruthless and shameless, and we are the weaker party. It's clear that we cannot best them!"
In his thoughts, Wan Zheng-Hao mused, [Why is the Monarch so well-acquainted with the modus operandi of those sects? He appears upset but not surprised; it's evident that he was already aware and had formulated a strategy. I've been in this business for years, but I've never had dealings with these super sects. The Monarch, despite his youthful age, possesses an exceptional knowledge. He's innately intelligent and wise, yet experience-wise, he's still lacking.]
He silently pondered these notions, refraining from uttering a word.
Monarch Feng, with his air of confidence and enigma, inspired a deep reverence within Wan Zheng-Hao.
"Wan, there's no need to fret excessively," Cha-Eun Xiao reassured him. "Since I foresaw this situation, I've also devised a means to handle it. They won't easily take advantage of us."
He sneered, his disdain palpable.
Wan Zheng-Hao's apprehension dissipated.
In reality, for some inexplicable reason, Wan Zheng-Hao had unwavering faith in Feng Zhi-Ling. The two super sects represented the apex of power in the entire Land of Han-Yang. Even the entire Kingdom of Chen might not be able to contend with either one of them. Moreover, both had support from the higher realms—formidable forces indeed. Feng Zhi-Ling indeed possessed a substantial quantity of Supreme Dan Beads, and as Wan Zheng-Hao knew, he had a Grandmaster Dan-maker. Although Feng Zhi-Ling himself was a proficient Dan-maker, his martial cultivation base was somewhat lacking. Despite Ling-Bao Hall's recent improvements and the addition of Liu Chan-Jun to their ranks, their strength remained limited. Dealing with ordinary sects might be feasible, but contending with the Sunshine Sect and Starglow Sect was akin to throwing eggs at a stone wall. Yet, Feng Zhi-Ling had merely spoken a few words, and Wan Zheng-Hao believed them wholeheartedly, his worries dispelled.
Cha-Eun Xiao inquired, "Are all of our large rooms already reserved?"
"They are all booked," Wan Zheng-Hao confirmed. "Only three rooms have been set aside, as per your request—the Sky Room, the Earth Room, and the Human Room. Those who haven't booked rooms will need to sit in the main hall. The Earth and Human Rooms have been occupied by the Sunshine Sect and the Starglow Sect."
Cha-Eun Xiao nodded contemplatively. "What about Sky Room No.1?"
Wan Zheng-Hao found himself taken aback, wondering how Cha-Eun Xiao was aware of Sky Room No.1's existence. It seemed he should be the sole individual privy to this information. However, Cha-Eun Xiao's knowledge appeared comprehensive.
"Monarch, how did you find out..." Wan Zheng-Hao began to ask.
"It was within my expectations. In the Land of Han-Yang, there's only one individual powerful enough to claim Sky Room No.1—just a single person," Cha-Eun Xiao declared.
Cha-Eun Xiao's eyes gleamed with determination as he calmly declared, "I must meet him."
Wan Zheng-Hao couldn't conceal his astonishment. He hesitated before replying, "Well...I'm afraid it might be too perilous."
Cha-Eun Xiao maintained his composure and replied, "This is a necessity for our current predicament. To overcome the current obstacles, we must harness his abilities. Once we've had the opportunity to grow stronger, they will all meet their demise."
"The two so-called super sects... Super?" As Cha-Eun Xiao uttered the word 'super,' his voice resonated with an unyielding resolve and a chilling intent.