As the first light of dawn broke across the sky, Xue Laohu arrived at Kewang Chengshi, the sprawling city still veiled in the lingering mist of early morning. His figure cut through the fog as he descended in front of a modest inn, where clusters of people gathered, their voices drifting through the stillness. Blending in with the shadows, he listened to the buzz of conversation. The word "auction" caught his ear.
Leaning against a pillar near the group, he kept his eyes on the men while pretending to look at the inn food menu. Their discussion grew clearer—Rongyao Dong palace, tokens, exclusive access.
He stepped forward, his tone casual yet deliberate. "Excuse me, do you happen to know where the auction is being held?"
One of the men, already flushed from his morning wine, squinted up at him. "Hmmm, it's at Rongyao Dong Palace," he said, gesturing vaguely eastward. "But unless you've got a token, there's no getting in."
"And where might I purchase one of these tokens?" Xue Laohu asked, his voice smooth but hiding a sharp edge of impatience.
The man chuckled, his companions following suit as they exchanged knowing glances. "Sold out, my friend. You'll have better luck next time." He raised his cup in a mock salute, smirking as he downed the rest of his drink. The group's laughter was loud, careless, echoing in the inn's courtyard as they returned to their wine.
Xue Laohu's expression remained impassive, but a cold calculation flickered in his eyes. Next time? There is no next time. "Just great," Yi Ming thought to himself, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. He was about to turn away when he caught the faint sound of someone hissing "pssst" in his direction. His gaze shifted to a shadowy figure lurking near the edge of the alley, a man beckoning him over with a sly grin and a discreet wave.
Curious but cautious, Xue Laohu approached, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. The man leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Looking for entry to Rongyao Dong? I've got tokens right here." With a subtle flourish, he pulled open his lapel to reveal a hidden stash of glimmering tokens, neatly lined along the inside of his coat.
"How much?" Xue Laohu asked, his hand instinctively clutching the satchel at his side, wary of what the man might say next.
"1000 tael," the man replied without missing a beat, eyes gleaming with the anticipation of an easy sale.
"1000 TAEL?!" Xue Laohu's voice shot up before he could stop himself, the price absurd even in his wildest calculations. The man quickly raised a finger to his lips, his eyes darting around in alarm.
"Shh! Keep it down, gongzi. I'm trying to run a business here," the man whispered urgently, glancing over his shoulder. "Look, the auction is today, and it's completely sold out. You won't get in anywhere else. So... what do you say?" His smile was a mix of charm and coercion, as if he already knew Xue Laohu had no other option.
Xue Laohu ground his teeth, his irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. Reluctantly, he opened his satchel, the weight of the 1000 tael a bitter reminder of the man's inflated price. With a grumble, he counted out the coins, handing them over with a begrudging scowl.
As the man pocketed the money, Xue Laohu paused, eyes narrowing. "At what time is the auction being held?" His voice was cool, but his mind was already planning his next steps.
The man grinned again, his fingers tracing the coins in his pocket. "At 9PM, gongzi. Don't be late." He gave a mock bow before slinking back into the shadows, leaving Xue Laohu standing alone, 1000 taels poorer.
Yi Ming exhaled sharply, frustration gnawing at him. 9PM? he inwardly groaned. That's not enough time. Desperation stirred beneath his calm exterior. He wasn't one to waste time or money, and the thought of being duped left a bitter taste in his mouth. Determined to find the man with the mole on the bottom of his lips, he muttered, "Maybe I can find him—mole on the bottom of his lip… it can't be that hard."
He spent the next hours combing the bustling streets of Kewang Chengshi. His feet took him down alleyways, through crowded markets, past countless vendors and shops. He even stopped at tea houses and inns, sketching out a crude drawing of the man—long hair, beautiful face, the distinctive mole below his lip—but each time, the faces of those he showed it to twisted in confusion.
By the time evening approached, Xue Laohu's search had yielded nothing but frustration. He hadn't caught even a glimpse of the Shou, and as 9PM struck, the city's bells echoed like a taunting reminder. Defeated but determined to see the auction through, Xue Laohu made his way to Rongyao Dong Palace.
His stride was confident as he approached the gate, producing the token with an air of certainty. The attendant at the entrance, dressed in ceremonial robes, examined it for a moment, his eyes narrowing before his expression darkened.
"This is a fake," the attendant said coldly, his voice sharp enough to cut the air. "Guards, seize him!"
"Wait—what?" Xue Laohu barely had time to react before two armored guards grabbed him by the arms, their grips iron-tight.
Dammit, I should've known that guy was a scalper, he thought bitterly, his jaw clenched as he was dragged back toward the palace gates. Anger flared in his chest. The sting of being outsmarted, and the humiliating thought of losing 1000 tael, gnawed at him.
Just as he braced for the worst, a booming voice interrupted the scene. "Hold on!" A large man, face flushed from drink, swaggered forward, a goblet of wine sloshing in his hand. His eyes widened as they focused on Xue Laohu. "Grandmaster Xue—is that you?"
The guards froze at once, exchanging uncertain glances. The man strode closer, squinting before letting out a hearty laugh. "It is you! Guards, release him immediately! Grandmaster Xue is a friend."
The guards hesitated for a beat, but then promptly let go of Xue Laohu. He staggered forward slightly, dusting off his shoulders with a sharp shake of his head. His eyes flicked to the newcomer, not having and inkling clue of who he was. He let out a casual "Yo!" under his breath, suppressing a sigh of both relief and annoyance.
Mi Douzi wrapped a massive arm around Xue Laohu's shoulders, patting him with a jolly force that nearly knocked the breath out of him. "What a surprise! I never thought I'd see you here. What brings you to the auction?"
Without waiting for an answer, Mi Douzi led him toward the entrance, while Xue Laohu brushed off his clothes shooting a sharp disdainful glance at the guards, flipping his hair with an irritated "Hmph" as he strode past, regaining his composure before stepping into the opulent palace.
"Perhaps you can help me," Xue Laohu said, his voice calm but edged with a hint of urgency. "I'm looking for a man with a mole under his lips."
Mi Douzi's jovial expression faltered for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise. "A mole?" He blinked in shock, then leaned in closer as if he had uncovered some great secret. "I had no idea Grandmaster Xue was looking for a furnace."
"A furnace?" Xue Laohu blinked, momentarily thrown off by the strange response. *What? I'm not cooking,* he thought with bewilderment, shaking his head quickly to dispel the confusion. "No," he waved a hand dismissively, his tone firm as he corrected the misunderstanding, "I'm in search of a disciple."
Mi Douzi raised an eyebrow, the surprise still lingering in his expression but now mixed with curiosity. "Oh… a disciple, you say?" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then gave a knowing nod. "Well, my son, Duzi Tong, personally selected the items for tonight's auction. I'm confident there will be something of value to catch Grandmaster Xue's discerning eye."
With that, Mi Douzi gestured grandly, leading Xue Laohu deeper into the grand palace. The interior was vast, sprawling like a labyrinth of wealth and opulence. Intricately carved pillars lined the walls, their surfaces inlaid with gold, while silk banners hung from the ceiling, swaying gently in the breeze. The hall was filled with rows of seats, each occupied by men of various ranks and stature. Some wore frowns of deep contemplation, calculating and cold, while others chuckled amongst themselves, their expressions filled with anticipation as they awaited the auction.
As they walked, Xue Laohu's eyes swept across the room, taking in the sight of potential bidders—merchants, scholars, and nobles, all gathered for the event. The tension in the air was evident, a quiet hum of excitement and intrigue building as everyone prepared for the auction to begin.
Mi Douzi clapped him on the back again, beaming. "Tonight's collection is exceptional, Grandmaster Xue. You'll find it worth your time."
Xue Laohu nodded, though his mind was still focused elsewhere. The man with the mole—he couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play.
A young man, barely in his twenties, stepped onto the podium with a wide, unsettling smile that stretched across his face. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on his features, giving him an almost ghostly appearance. "Welcome, gentlemen, and thank you for attending tonight's auction," he announced, his voice smooth but carrying a strange undertone. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement evident as the young man bowed deeply, a practiced gesture that felt more like a performance than gratitude.
"We have a great one for you tonight," he continued, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "Prestigious jewels from the farthest corners of the world. Dragon pearls plucked from the deepest abysses of the sea. Enchanted musical instruments that sing with the spirits of old. Glorious swords bathed in the blood of heroes. And divine cultivation books, coveted by even the greatest masters."
As he spoke, a woman dressed in elaborate silks silently rolled out each item, displaying them with a cold, mechanical precision. Each time she unveiled a new treasure, the crowd erupted with gasps and murmurs of awe, their greedy eyes devouring the sight of such rare and powerful artifacts.
Xue Laohu sat in the back, his face half-hidden behind the jade fan he had recently purchased, gently fanning himself in an attempt to stave off the oppressive atmosphere. Despite the grandeur of the items, he felt a growing sense of unease as the auctioneer continued, his smile never faltering, as though he took pleasure in the crowd's anticipation.
Then, the young man paused, letting the silence hang in the air for a moment. The tension was obvious, as he leaned forward, voice dropping slightly. "And now, for the more... unique items of the evening," he said, a twisted smile curling his lips. "Among these treasures, we present the fingernails of the great General Tao Pei. A lock of Princess Ling's hair, cut from her in the throes of her final breath. And... the left pinky toe of the late Emperor Hu Xi, preserved in perfect condition."
Xue Laohu's fan snapped shut in his hand as his stomach churned with disgust. His eyes darted around the room, expecting to see shock or outrage at the grotesque nature of the items being presented. But to his dismay, the crowd only roared louder, clapping and cheering as though these morbid offerings were the grandest prizes yet.
Across the room, Xue Laohu caught sight of Mi Douzi, his face flushed with wine, raising his cup high in drunken celebration. He let out a bellowing cheer, oblivious to the horror of what was unfolding.
Xue Laohu's lips pressed into a thin line, his unease deepening as the macabre spectacle continued, wondering just what kind of people surrounded him—and what darkness lay hidden beneath the surface of the night's auction.
The young man's lips curled into a chilling grin. "And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for... live humans." His voice dripped with dark amusement as the heavy velvet curtains drew back, revealing the pitiful display. Men and women stood shackled, their bodies trembling from the biting cold, clad only in thin, tattered undergarments. Their eyes, wide with fear, darted across the room like frightened animals being led to slaughter. They were herded toward the podium, with their chains clinking.
"Let the auction begin."
Yi Ming's heart sank. So this is it, he thought bitterly. The Shou must be among them. I just need to find the one with the mole on the bottom of his lip. But as the auction began and the human merchandise was paraded one by one, Yi Ming could barely suppress the sickening wave of dread. His heart clenched as each soul was sold off like a mere possession, his conscience wavering as pity gnawed at him.
Then, one particular figure was dragged onto the platform. A young man, disheveled and dirty, but there was no denying the beauty beneath the grime. His jade-like skin gleamed under the dim light, and even in his ragged state, his sharp phoenix eyes, were like molted brozen in emerald, they captivated the room. The auctioneer yanked the man's head back by his hair, exposing a delicate face marred only by the mole at the corner of his lips. Yi Ming's pulse quickened. It's him.
"Do I hear 3,000 for number 68?" the auctioneer barked, his voice cutting through the tense silence.
"3,000 for 68!"
Bids flew fast, the numbers rising so quickly Yi Ming could hardly keep up. The price soared to 6,000 in the blink of an eye, leaving his nerves frayed. Desperation took hold as he clutched his money bag. "10,000!" he shouted, his voice trembling with urgency. The crowd turned to glare at him, but none dared challenge his bid.
"Do I hear 10,100 for 68?" Silence hung in the air, thick and oppressive.
"Sold to Xue Gongzi for 10,000!" the auctioneer declared with a triumphant sneer.
Yi Ming cursed under his breath. Just perfect. Now, the Shou will surely think he's some deranged man with a taste for human trafficking. Shoulders tight with frustration, Xue Laohu approached to claim his 'prize,' his face set in a deep frown. The young man met his gaze with fiery, defiant eyes, his lips cruelly sealed by an enchantment spell, leaving him mute and powerless. Yet, in his gaze, there was a storm of resentment, a silent rage that twisted his gut.
"Congratulations, please enjoy." The woman's voice dripped with saccharine sweetness as she handed the chains over to Xue Laohu, her fingers lingering on the cold metal links as if passing on the leash of a brand new puppy. Her smile was almost tender, but behind it was a knowing gleam, as though she fully expected what would happen next.
Xue Laohu, gripping the chains that bound the young man, led him out of the oppressive building and into the cold, starlit night. The moment they were beyond the eyes of the auction crowd, he whispered the incantation to undo the spell. The instant the magic dissipated, the young man's eyes blazed with fury. He sprang at Xue Laohu with the ferocity of a cornered beast, sinking his teeth into Xue Laohu's neck, sharp and unrelenting like a tiger clamping down on a helpless deer.
Xue Laohu yelped, the pain searing through him. "Wait! Let me explain!" he gasped, flailing as he tried to pry the man off. "I don't intend to do anything improper to you, I swear!"
The young man released him with a snarl, wiping the blood from his lips and spitting it onto the ground, his seafoam green eyes narrowed in disgust. "Lies! All you filthy men do is lie! You plan to use me as a furnace, don't you? Until I'm drained dry."
"Furnace?" Xue Laohu blinked, his hand clamped over his bleeding neck. What the hell? Are we cooking? His mind raced, confusion mixing with the pain. "Listen, I don't know what a furnace is, but-"
Before he could finish, the young man bolted into the shadows of the forest, the chains around his wrists and feet rattling like a death knell. Xue Laohu groaned, his heart sinking as the sound of those shackles faded deeper into the woods. Midnight loomed, the sky dark his Shou was slipping out of his grasp. Of course, he thought bitterly. Even the damn system is quiet now when I need it most.
Determined not to lose him, Xue Laohu sprinted after the young man, his boots crashing through the underbrush. The clanging of chains echoed faintly, a trail leading him deeper into the forest's suffocating gloom. His eyes caught the faint shimmer of the iron links as they flickered in the moonlight. "Ah-ha!" he exclaimed triumphantly. With a quick, decisive step, he brought his foot down on the chains, yanking the young man off balance. The force sent him tumbling face-first into the dirt with a harsh thud.
The young man grunted in pain, lying still for a moment, his hands clawing at the ground in frustration. Xue Laohu stood over him, panting heavily, gathering the chain tightly in his hand, Xue Laohu approached the young man with deliberate slowness, his voice calm and soothing. "I'm not going to hurt you. So please, just listen."
The young man lifted his head slightly, revealing a visage tainted by mud and grime. Strands of hair clung to his face, half-concealing his beautiful features but unable to hide the fierce intensity of his piercing gaze. His eyes glimmered with a mix of anger and defiance, burning into Xue Laohu with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.
Before Xue Laohu could formulate his thoughts into words, a blaring alarm erupted in his ears, slicing through the tense atmosphere like a blade.
FAILURE! FAILURE! 100 LIFE POINTS DEDUCTED!
"What the fuck?!" Yi Ming screamed loudly, forgetting that only he could hear the hoarse voice. A neon screen flickered to life before him, vivid and stark against the darkness, displaying his life points plummeting from 250 to a pitiful 150. "System! Explain yourself!" he demanded, his heart racing as he struggled to grasp the situation.
The system, still recovering from an apparent fit of coughing, finally cleared its metaphorical throat.
THAT IS NOT THE SHOU MC
Yi Ming's head snapped around, disbelief flooding his senses. The young man still lay on the ground, bound by chains and looking utterly helpless, mud clinging to his skin like a shroud. "What do you mean he's not the one? Clearly, he is!" Yi Ming protested, frustration mounting. "He's beautiful, thin, gorgeous eyes…" He rattled off a series of descriptions, mentally ticking off the boxes for what constituted the stereotypical Shou from a Danmei novel.
With determination, he grasped the young man's chin, lifting his face to inspect him more closely. "...and he has a mole in the bottom corner of his lips." Yi Ming nodded vigorously, convinced that the system must be blind if it couldn't see all the defining traits that made a Shou a Shou. He was certain of it. But before he could bask in his own confidence, the young man suddenly bit down on his hand, teeth sinking into flesh with surprising ferocity. Xue Laohu yelped, yanking his hand back and blowing on his throbbing thumb.
"And he's spicy! Is he not the one?" Yi Ming exclaimed, directing his frustration at the system.
The system promptly responded, its voice dripping with indifference.
THAT IS AN NPC.
Yi Ming was left utterly dumbfounded, his mouth agape. "What about the mole in the bottom of his lip?" He pointed emphatically at the young man's face, as if the mole itself was concrete proof that he was the Shou MC.
The young man, however, let out a cold sneer, his lips curling in amusement. "Oh, this?" He gestured dismissively to the area Xue Laohu had just pointed out. "It was a mosquito bite that I picked at because it was too itchy. It scabbed over."
Yi Ming blinked, processing the revelation with a mixture of disbelief and annoyance. A scab? He struggled to comprehend the situation. This was supposed to be the beautiful Shou he'd been seeking, not some random guy with a battle-worn scab that looked suspiciously like the coveted mole from the novel!