Lord Xiao Came Out . . .
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't shake a peculiar sensation the moment he stepped out the door. The street before the House of Cha was seemingly ordinary to the common folk, but for cultivators, it bore an ominous undercurrent. A multitude of spiritual minds seemed to permeate the air, creating an oppressive atmosphere. This dense aura instilled dread and anxiety in every cultivator treading upon the street, as if unseen adversaries were closing in.
The closer Cha Eun Xiao approached Ling-Bao Hall, the more intense this sensation became. After walking for some time, he was compelled to halt. In his stupefied state, he contemplated the unusual circumstances that had arisen.
[Why has Ling-Bao Hall become a focal point? It defies reason.]
He believed that following the auction's conclusion, attention should be redirected towards the supreme dan bead recipients. Since Ling-Bao Hall had successfully met the desires of its clientele, it should have faded from people's awareness. Moreover, during the auction, the House of the Chaotic Storms, Wan of the Clouds, and even Master Bai had shown favor towards Ling-Bao Hall. Hence, there was no apparent reason for it to remain under scrutiny.
As realization dawned on him, his brows furrowed. He quickened his pace, turning corners and vanishing from view. The facade of Lord Ye melted away, revealing Feng Monarch in his place. He entered a small shop: a modest tailor's establishment.
Within the store was an elderly, silver-haired man, nearly blind, sitting at the entrance, patiently awaiting customers. Although the business did not prosper, the elderly tailor appeared content with his lot. For one of his age, the only necessities he sought were sustenance and shelter.
Unbeknownst to anyone, this humble tailor's shop concealed a secret room. Feng Monarch found himself in this concealed chamber, a teacup in hand, a pensive expression on his face.
Sudden, rhythmic knocking reverberated from beneath the floor.
In response, Cha Eun Xiao lightly stomped on a particular spot, creating an opening in the floor. From the newly formed hole, Liu Changjun emerged. He immediately knelt, saluting his master with the utmost respect. While his interactions with Wan Zhenghao were marked by insubordination, he demonstrated unwavering deference to Cha Eun Xiao.
Since his recruitment by Cha Eun Xiao and the invaluable skills he had acquired under his tutelage, Liu Changjun's martial prowess had grown significantly, even within the same cultivation level. Though his practice of these martial arts was relatively brief, the knowledge he had absorbed would render him one of the most formidable cultivators in the Land of Han-Yang.
Additionally, Liu Changjun held the esteemed position of overseeing Cha Eun Xiao's subordinates, which included the assassins that had been conscripted. His power and authority in this role even elicited envy from Wan Zhenghao. Liu Changjun's unwavering loyalty and ability to execute Cha Eun Xiao's orders flawlessly had solidified their trusting relationship.
In Cha Eun Xiao's assessment, Wan Zhenghao occupied the position of second most capable individual in his service, while Liu Changjun held the top rank.
"What's transpiring in the capital? Why is there such unrest, with all fingers pointing at Ling-Bao Hall?" Cha Eun Xiao queried, his brows furrowed in concern.
Liu Changjun appeared poised to share information but hesitated for a moment. Eventually, he replied, "The cause of this turmoil unquestionably stems from our recent auction."
Cha Eun Xiao's eyes widened, his curiosity piqued. "Please elaborate. I need to know the details."
While Cha Eun Xiao possessed considerable martial prowess and skill, he lacked the acumen for intricacies of politics and subterfuge. This inherent limitation had persisted through both his lives. He sensed that something was amiss, but the full extent of the situation eluded him.
Liu Changjun began to elucidate, saying, "It revolves around the supreme dan beads that we offered during the auction. The sheer quantity of supreme dan beads made available was quite substantial. Furthermore, the auction this time around differed from past events in that these beads were obtained through legitimate means. As a result, their prices soared to extraordinary heights, beyond the means of many individuals. Numerous factions managed to secure some of the dan beads, and while this should have been a favorable outcome, human nature's insatiable greed came to the fore."
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback. "Is this truly the case?"
Human avarice proved to be far beyond his imagination. Those who had obtained less than they desired sought to acquire more, while those with substantial holdings aspired to both protect their acquisitions and accrue further. Even individuals who had failed to acquire any supreme dan beads were tirelessly searching for alternate means to obtain them, wishing for a way to gain these coveted treasures without expending their own resources.
Liu Changjun heaved a thoughtful sigh and continued to provide insight. "Additionally, the two great sects have been unsuccessful in securing a single dan bead this time. The sudden influx of supreme dan beads during this auction has undoubtedly drawn the attention of numerous superior cultivators. As time elapses, the dominant positions held by the great sects may come under threat. Therefore, they are resolute in not leaving the city. Knowing that departing the city would expose them to imminent danger, no one among them dares to venture outside its protective confines. Each of them understands that stepping beyond the city's borders would mark them as easy prey, ripe for capture and elimination by the two great sects. Escaping such formidable adversaries is nigh impossible."
He continued, "What remains within their power is to await the arrival of their sect members or kin. With the reinforcement of their respective families and sects, these individuals will gain added strength. In such a scenario, any attempt to seize or eliminate them would exact a heavy cost on both sides. This cautious strategy compels the great sects to reconsider their actions."
Liu Changjun also added, "It has been rumored that the Boundless Saint of the Boundless Lake is now present in Chen-Xing City. Curiously, he refrained from participating in the auction. If this information holds true, it is evident that the Boundless Saint is awaiting a specific event or development—a goal he shares with the two great sects."