"Expert?" Liang chuckled, his voice filled with a hint of humor, "I wouldn’t claim to be one." His eyes sparkled mischievously, betraying a confidence that contradicted his humble words.
Mister Yuan’s mouth twitched, a subtle sign of amusement or annoyance, perhaps both. "I assume both of you are attending the auction, right?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"Auction?" A hint of surprise flashed through Liang momentarily, his eyebrows arching in intrigue. Just as he was about to respond, Kai interjected with a hearty laugh, his eyes gleaming brightly with mischief, "Ah, yes! Alchemists are indeed clever people. We have traveled a long distance to attend it."
Mister Yuan, though sensing something amiss in Kai’s words, nodded in acknowledgement, his expression veiled with suspicion.
"Let’s enter then, the auction is about to begin," Yun Wei suggested, her voice calm yet laced with anticipation as she confidently took a step forward.
The trio nodded in agreement and followed suit, their anticipation building as they moved closer to their destination. Before long, they reached the towering iron gates that stood as guardians of the auction house.
Behind the gates stood two formidable men, both with shaved heads that added to their imposing presence. "Your jade cards, please!" they said simultaneously, their voices stern and commanding.
Mister Yuan’s eyes flickered with a mix of anticipation and caution before he reached into a hidden pocket of his robe. With nimble fingers, he retrieved a golden card, its intricate engravings catching the light as he held it out for inspection. The two guards exchanged a nod of recognition before stepping aside, granting him passage.
This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.
Surprise flickered across the guards’ faces as their gaze shifted to Yun Wei, their eyes widening imperceptibly. Without missing a beat, Yun Wei gracefully smiled, The guards nodded in silent approval, parting ways to allow her access.
Now it was Kai and Liang’s turn, their every movement watched closely by Mister Yuan and Yun Wei.
Mister Yuan’s eyes narrowed in disdain as he scrutinized the two, a subtle air of superiority emanating from him. In contrast, Yun Wei’s eyes danced with amusement, a faint smile playing on her lips as she observed the unfolding scene.
Kai’s eyes twitched, caught off-guard by the sudden scrutiny. Uncertain of how to respond, he hesitated momentarily. On the other hand, Liang smiled, an air of confidence emanating from him as he calmly extended his hand, revealing a shimmering purple jade card between his fingers.
In that moment, the surprise was not only confined to Mister Yuan and Yun Wei, but it also registered on the faces of the two guards. The jade cards, differentiated by their grades, ranged from the lowest white to the highest crimson. To possess a purple card — a rarity among rarities — marked Liang as a distinguished and immensely important guest indeed.
As the realization sunk in, a newfound respect glimmered in the guards’ eyes, mingling with a tinge of awe.
The first guard, with a deep voice that resonated through the hall, spoke with impeccable politeness, "We hope you had a good journey, sir." He gestured with a gloved hand towards the swirling portal that materialized behind them, its ethereal energy bathing the hall in a soft glow.
Liang,nodded in acknowledgement and proceeded towards the portal. Following closely behind was Kai, whose normally serene expression was marred by a flicker of disdain as he cast a fleeting glance towards Mister Yuan, his eyes filled with undisguised contempt.
Though Mister Yuan’s jaw clenched and his teeth gritted together with a barely contained fury, he managed to maintain a semblance of composure. His brows furrowed, and his eyes narrowed as he locked gazes with Kai, each silently challenging the other.
As if sensing the underlying tension, another portal materialized, its brilliance unfurling to reveal an unknown destination. The guards, their gaze now fixed on Yun Wei, spoke with deference, their voices laced with gentle undertones, "From here, miss."
Yun Wei acknowledged their words with a resolute nod. With her head held high, she walked purposefully towards the portal.
Finally, the attention of the guards shifted to Mister Yuan. Their scrutinizing gazes bore into him. In a voice tinged with a hint of weariness, they intoned, "You may proceed."
A heavy sigh escaped Mister Yuan’s worn lips. With embarrassment etched into his face he stepped forward passing the guards.
Stepping through the portal, Liang and Kai found themselves instantly transported to an ethereal realm. The chamber they entered was a sight to behold, its grandeur evident in every exquisite detail. Translucent glass walls enclosed the space, allowing gentle sunlight to filter in and bathe the room in a soft, diffused glow.
As the duo took in their surroundings, they couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the extravagant ambiance that enveloped the chamber. Elegant golden chandeliers dangled from the high ceiling, casting a warm and inviting radiance across the space. Each chandelier was a work of art in itself, with intricate designs and pristine craftsmanship.
The walls of the chamber were adorned with elaborate paintings and tapestries, which further enchanted the observers. The artworks depicted scenes of ancient alchemical practices, their vibrant colors and meticulous brushwork bringing the paintings to life. On some of the tapestries, captivating landscapes unfolded, transporting the viewers to fantastical realms full of enchantment and wonder.
As the duo turned their attention to the opposite side of the glass, they were greeted by symmetrical rooms that mirrored the elegance and refinement of the chamber they were in. The glass walls offered a tantalizing glimpse into these sister chambers, revealing matching intricate details and a sense of order and balance.
Dominating the lower level between the symmetric chambers, a grand hall beckoned with its majestic presence
Their eyes were then drawn to the focal point of the grand hall—an expansive stage positioned at a slightly lower level. Its grand and imposing presence demanded attention and reverence. The stage was a masterpiece itself, adorned with ornate carvings and draped in rich, velvety curtains. It seemed to possess an otherworldly aura, as if it had witnessed countless performances and basked in the applause of enchanted audiences.
Extending gracefully before the stage, a multitude of seats awaited eager patrons. These seats were meticulously arranged in perfect rows and columns, forming an orderly and inviting seating arrangement. The chairs, upholstered in plush fabric, embodied comfort and luxury, promising a delightful experience for anyone fortunate enough to occupy them.
In this impeccably designed chamber, Liang and Kai could sense the anticipation and excitement that lingered in the air.
As the hall fell into a reverent silence, the lights dimmed, and a figure slowly emerged from the shadows onto the stage. All eyes turned towards her, captivated by her striking presence.
The auctioneer was a vision of elegance, her hair a luscious cascade of silky pink locks. Each strand seemed to shimmer with a soft glow, catching the light in a mesmerizing dance. Her eyes, filled with warmth and wisdom, sparkled with a hint of mischief.
Dressed in a flowing gown of ethereal pink, she exuded an air of grace and sophistication. The gown, adorned with delicate embellishments that danced like starlight, clung to her slender form, accentuating her radiant beauty. Her enchanting smile, like a bouquet of delicate blooms, graced her lips, inviting all who beheld it into a realm of wonder and possibility.
Her presence commanded attention, drawing the audience into her magnetic orbit. With every movement, she exuded a sense of confidence and poise, as if she held the key to unlocking their deepest desires.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests," the auctioneer’s velvety voice rang out once again, capturing the attention of the crowd. "Welcome to the Heavenly Fortune Auction, where dreams are realized and destinies are shaped."
Her commanding presence commanded the room, engulfing everyone in an aura of anticipation. The audience hushed, their eyes fixed on the stage, eager to embark on this extraordinary journey of opulence and possibility.
"Tonight, we have prepared a selection of remarkable items that have traveled through time itself, each carrying its own unique story." The auctioneer’s words wove an enchanting spell, evoking imaginations and desires.
With her graceful presence, she moved to the center of the stage, a beacon of elegance and sophistication. The anticipation in the hall was palpable, as the audience leaned forward, eager for the unveiling of the next stage of treasures.
"Now, let us embark on the first leg of our extraordinary journey—the stage of ’Mystical Artefacts.’" As she spoke, the curtains behind her gracefully parted, unveiling an exquisite tableau of enchantment.
Glowing under the warm lights, a platinum pendant adorned with a mesmerizing moonstone took center stage. "Our first item is known as Luna’s Embrace Pendant—a celestial masterpiece said to symbolize harmony between the earth and the heaven power. Its gentle luminescence offered a safe haven for flawless meditation, shielding against any potential negative repercussions."
The auctioneer’s eyes then shifted to an ornate crystal ball resting on a velvet cushion. "As for our next item it’s known as the Orb of Divination, An ancient artifact that held the essence of the Divination Path from a distant era. Through its enchanted powers, the possessor could access the vivid visions of the past, present, and future, guiding them towards discovering their true path. Additionally, this mystical artifact provided a protective shield against unwanted divination attempts, ensuring the privacy and safety of its possessor."