Bai Zian held off on directly contracting the spirit beast egg. He anticipated the upcoming gambling battle, hoping to gain access to Scarlet Crow Valley and have more options. Bai Zian wasn't rushing to make a contract; he planned to evaluate the quality of the crow cubs in the valley after the gambling battle before making a final decision.
An excited Bai Zian shared his discoveries with Bai Jingchong, "Grandpa, you won't believe what I found! An amethyst-level potential eagle-like spirit beast egg! And that's not all, I also stumbled upon another diamond-grade material called Xiguang Guo at a black market in Scarlet Wing City."
Bai Jingchong raised an eyebrow, "Diamond-grade material in a black market? Tell me more."
"Well, they were selling it as a mere black iron-grade material, but I saw through it. It's a valuable find, and I think we can use it strategically," Bai Zian explained.
In addition to these discoveries, Bai Zian also acquired crystal cores from water-type and fire-type spirit beasts. He elaborated on his plans, "I got a water-type crystal core for the White Shadow Giant Scale Fish, and a fire-type crystal core for the amethyst-level latent eagle spirit beast. It should complement our strategy since the Chi family in Red Crow Valley primarily raises fire-type spirit beasts."
Bai Jingchong nodded in approval, "Good foresight. What else did you gather?"
Bai Zian continued, "I've also collected crystal cores of other elemental properties for emergencies. Gold-level spirit beast cores with mostly blue skills, unless there's something extraordinary, like that foam layer skill I found earlier. Those skills might come in handy."
As the auction approached, Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian made their way to the auction house. Outside, guards scrutinized invitation letters to ensure that only silver-level and above beastmasters could attend. Bai Jingchong had his invitation, which he received promptly upon his arrival in Chiyi City.
Inside the auction house, Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian settled in the second box, observing other invited beastmasters entering. Bai Zian, curious about these powerful individuals, used the [Eye of Apocalypse] to gather information on them, treating it as an opportunity to gather intelligence.
As the guests continued to arrive, a distinctive duo caught their attention— an old woman with gray hair and a pale girl with glasses and ponytails. Clad in blue, they resembled a grandmother and granddaughter, akin to Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian.
Bai Zian, noticing the old woman, whispered to Bai Jingchong, "Grandpa, look at the old woman with the little girl. My intuition tells me that those two seem to be a little complicated."
Bai Jingchong, intrigued, replied, "This is... that old witch Lan Dongli, how could she appear here?" He continued, remembering, "Lan Dongli, the City Lord of Lan Lan City. The city lord of Lan Lan City actually came to Scarlet Wing City, and even planned to participate in the auction. This is a bit unfortunate."
Bai Zian, connecting the dots, added, "She might be here for Qingyunlu's diamond-grade material. Grandpa, we need to be cautious."
Bai Jingchong agreed, "Indeed, Lan Dongli is known for her pursuit of diamond-grade materials. We must watch our steps."
As they pondered Lan Dongli's presence, Bai Zian's [Eye of Apocalypse] indicated the discovery of a diamond-level spirit beast with her. Bai Zian couldn't help but murmur, "Diamond-level spirit beast? This is a diamond beastmaster, and it's still an unfamiliar face. Could they be here for Qingyunlu?"
Bai Jingchong, considering the possibilities, stated, "We need to be prepared. Lan Dongli's actions might impact our plans."
Bai Zian nodded, "Exactly. Let's see how the situation unfolds."
As the anticipation built, Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian awaited the start of the auction, knowing that strategic decisions would be crucial in this high-stakes event.
Bai Zian is unwilling to take advantage of the situation. Despite giving away a valuable diamond-grade material to obtain Qingyunlu, he finds it difficult to exploit such a situation. Instead, he aims to negotiate a deal with the other party. Bai Jingchong is surprised when he learns of Bai Zian's intentions.
Bai Zian proposes selling Xiguang Fruit to City Lord Lan Dongli at a reasonable price. In return, Lan Dongli agrees not to engage in malicious competition for Qingyunlu. This approach benefits both parties, preventing heavy losses that would result from fierce competition. The agreement is to avoid detrimental rivalry and discuss further matters after the auction concludes. Bai Zian is open to future opportunities for advantageous deals.
Bai Jingchong is initially taken aback. Although Bai Zian's method involves a regular transaction, the fact that a diamond-grade material is involved surprises him. Despite potential losses, Bai Zian has already made up his mind, and Bai Jingchong refrains from objecting.
Bai Jingchong instructs the auction house attendants to invite Granny Lan Dongli and her granddaughter to their private room. The attendants relay the message discreetly to maintain the guests' dignity.
Upon hearing the mention of "Bailin City's old friend," Granny Lan Dongli has a vague idea that Bai Jingchong is involved. She decides to meet Bai Jingchong, suspecting that he might be eyeing the same diamond-grade material.
Guided by the attendant, Lan Dongli's grandson arrives at Bai Jingchong's private room. As they meet, pleasantries are exchanged. Bai Jingchong inquires about the purpose of Granny Lan's attendance at the auction, and she indirectly confirms their shared interest in the diamond-grade material Qingyunlu.
Bai Jingchong subtly shifts the conversation to Granny Lan's granddaughter. He mentions the rumor about her collecting diamond-grade materials for her granddaughter's treatment. Bai Jingchong proposes a deal: if Granny Lan refrains from maliciously competing for Qingyunlu, he will offer another diamond-grade material in exchange. This way, they can avoid detrimental competition, assuming Bai Jingchong successfully secures Qingyunlu.
Granny Lan finds the proposition agreeable, but before she can respond, Bai Zian intervenes. He suggests giving the diamond-grade material to Granny Lan's granddaughter directly, expressing sympathy for her situation.
Bai Zian, who had been silent, reveals that he noticed something special about the granddaughter when they entered the room. Using the "Eye of Apocalypse," Bai Zian discovers the granddaughter's secret—a space worm spirit beast. He explains that the girl's pale appearance is due to the burden of supporting the space worm's growth.
[Race]: Space Worm (Space Department)
[Boundary]: The ninth order of not entering the stream
[Talent]: Space Wormhole (SS)
[Qualification]: Primary Epic
[Skill]: Space Wormhole (Orange・Introduction)
Bai Zian suggests that, considering the potential of the space worm, they could give the diamond-grade material to Granny Lan's granddaughter. This revelation shocks everyone, especially Bai Jingchong. Bai Zian is intrigued by the idea of investing in the girl's potential.
Despite initial plans for competition, Bai Zian's perspective changes upon discovering the unique spirit beast. He even contemplates bringing the girl with the space worm back to Bailin City, realizing the immense potential she holds.
Bai Zian expresses regret that a spirit beast, once contracted, cannot form a second contract. Despite this limitation, Bai Zian is fascinated by the idea of having such a unique spirit beast under his control.