Zhi Xuan walked calmly, moving in the opposite direction of the luxurious carriage procession of the Zhu Clan and the Jade Star Sword Sect that had just passed. Behind him, the silence left by the arrogance of power was quickly replaced by buzzing whispers. Those whispers now carried his name, the Black-Haired Devil, making him the mad fighter tied to the cruelty and life-and-death gambles of the Dragon Fang Fighting Arena.

  He ignored it all. His stomach screamed, a harsh reminder that he had not eaten since his brutal duel. The Cold Blood Pill had reconnected his bones, but the spiritual energy depleted by the forced healing desperately needed mortal nourishment.

  He found a small tea house located in a quiet alley, far from the hustle and bustle of the main path, called Cold Cloud Tea House. The place was illuminated by old oil lanterns, casting a dim yellow light that barely drew attention.

  Zhi Xuan entered the shop. Inside, the atmosphere was quiet, with only a few middle-aged cultivators and mortal merchants sitting in the corners, enjoying soup and tea. The fragrant scent of bone soup and mortal spices immediately welcomed him, an aroma much warmer and more human than the sandalwood and spiritual scents he had left behind.

  He chose a table in the most hidden corner, next to a closed window, providing his back protection from anyone's view. He did not care about his still dirty and tattered appearance; exhaustion and hunger were far more pressing than self-image.

  A young waiter, his eyes slightly widened upon seeing Zhi Xuan's robe, which was still stained with dried dirt, immediately approached him.

  "Your request, Sir?" the waiter asked, his voice trembling slightly with respect and a little fear.

  "One bowl of Three-Spice Pork Bone Soup and one pot of Dried Ginseng Tea," Zhi Xuan replied, his voice hoarse but calm. He immediately took out one jade coin—a considerable amount that might be too much to buy mortal food—and placed it on the table.

  Seeing the excessive payment, the waiter's eyes sparkled, and he immediately hurried to the kitchen.

  Zhi Xuan sat down, allowing the warmth of the tea and the steam of the soup to calm his strained nerves. In his Sea of Consciousness, Ruo Xianxue snorted.

  'Foolish Monkey. Why bother with mortal food? You should be consuming spiritual pills or high-grade herbs immediately!' Ruo Xianxue hissed.

  'Silence, Ruo,' Zhi Xuan countered in his heart. 'I cannot swallow spiritual pills on an empty stomach. I need a mortal base to hold the spiritual nourishment for the Auction later. And I need peace of mind.'

  Zhi Xuan sighed softly, his thoughts returning to the time when he stared at Zhu Qinglan, how her elegance and beauty were both terrifying and attractive.

  Zhi Xuan shook his head lightly, Zhu Qinglan was not a frightening girl after all. 'No, a beautiful woman is terrifying. This is not like Lin or Yun Xiao girl, this is an arrogant girl from an ancient clan!'

  The Zhu Clan and Jade Star Sword Sect carriages had passed, carrying with them luxury and intrigue shrouded in a spiritual mist. Zhi Xuan, in the dark corner of the Cold Cloud Tea House, chose a more fundamental reality.

  The waiter returned with the steaming Three-Spice Pork Bone Soup and the pot of Dried Ginseng Tea. Zhi Xuan took his spoon, ignoring appearances, and began to eat. The rich salty taste and the warmth of the spices immediately spread in his mouth, calming his churning stomach.

  The mortal nourishment immediately worked, restoring his body's energy that was depleted after the brutal regeneration. Every sip of the Three-Spice Pork Bone Soup felt like healing oil seeping into his still-bruised organs, stabilizing the neglected mortal foundation. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the honest and un-cruel warmth.

  'Peace of mind?' Ruo Xianxue sneered. 'You are enjoying mortal food. You should already be at the Silver Moon Auction, not sitting here like a farmer who has just returned from the field.'

  'Know this, Ruo,' Zhi Xuan countered, without opening his eyes. 'A strong Dao must have a strong mortal foundation. I am a Divine Wheel cultivator, not an Immortal Spirit. True power begins with the stomach and bones.'

  After finishing the soup to the last drop, and consuming half a pot of ginseng tea, Zhi Xuan felt his body somewhat recovered. His mind became sharper. He wiped his mouth with the edge of his robe, forgetting etiquette, and took a deep breath. The pressure on his ribs was now almost gone.

  'Your words sound like you were not trembling when facing that holy fairy, you stupid monkey.'

  Zhi Xuan shivered, and his spine tingled. He opened his right eye, the sapphire blue one, and glanced across the empty table.

  "I did not tremble, Ruo," Zhi Xuan countered inside his Sea of Consciousness, although his tone was a little too sharp. "I was just... wary of the Consciousness Transformation aura that still lingered in the air."

  'Wary?' Ruo Xianxue mocked. 'You were trembling, Monkey. I felt your Taiyin fluctuations. Your hand almost dropped that Bone Soup spoon when you remembered her light gray eyes. Tell me, how does it feel to be looked at by a future Emperor who considers you an interesting insect?'

  Zhi Xuan sighed, he pulled back the hand holding the teacup, ensuring his hand was steady.

  "She is arrogant. And boring," Zhi Xuan countered, trying to control his tone to sound cold and flat. "Her beauty is not commensurate with the intelligence she should possess. Making the lives of Divine Wheel cultivators a spectacle is a waste of resources."

  'Arrogance is a weakness, that is true,' Ruo Xianxue agreed. 'But you were fascinated. And you made a Dao Protector pact with an eternal revenge threat. That is a disgusting romance, Monkey.'

  Zhi Xuan almost choked on his ginseng tea. He closed his eyes, forcing control.

  "Never mention that word again, Ruo," Zhi Xuan hissed, his tone full of warning. "Romance is a shackle, a fragile Dao. I will never bind myself to any cultivator, let alone someone who considers me a pawn. I am her future Dao Protector? That is just nonsense to buy time. Once I achieve what I seek, I will escape."

  'Sure, Monkey. Sure,' Ruo Xianxue mocked, amused. 'You will escape from the woman who bound the lives of her own guards just so you could stay alive. Your arrogance is certainly entertaining.'

  Zhi Xuan quickly finished the rest of the Dried Ginseng Tea; the warm and slightly bitter taste cleared the remaining restlessness caused by Ruo Xianxue's sarcasm. He wiped the table with the edge of his robe—an unintentional movement that showed his habit of hard living.

  The young waiter returned quickly, his eyes still focused on the jade coin on the table. "Sir, your change—"

  "Keep it," Zhi Xuan interrupted, rising to his feet. His movement was now much steadier. His muscles, though still bruised, responded with stable agility, thanks to the Cold Blood Pill and the urgent mortal nourishment.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  "Thank you, Sir! Good night!" the waiter exclaimed happily, bowing deeply.

  Zhi Xuan ignored the greeting, stepping out of the dim yellow light of the Cold Cloud Tea House back into the darkness of the night. He had to move quickly. The Silver Moon Auction would not wait.

  'I must reach the Falling Water Pavilion as soon as possible. I cannot be late,' Zhi Xuan thought, quickening his pace.

  Zhi Xuan accelerated his steps, crossing the streets of Shoutuo City. He no longer used the alley paths, as he now carried the Fake Identity Jade and the rapid healing had restored most of his strength. He was not afraid of ordinary cultivators; he was only afraid of overly clever spies.

  Not long after, he arrived at the edge of the artificial lake in the heart of the wealthy district. There, on a small island shrouded in a thin mist and the trickling sound of artificial water, stood the Falling Water Pavilion.

  The Pavilion was a masterpiece of jade and sandalwood architecture, radiating an aura of calm luxury. Spiritual fountains cascaded from its roof, creating a soothing trickling sound, but beneath that calm, a dense, oppressive spiritual aura was palpable. Strong protective formations enveloped the entire area, only allowing cultivators with official Identity Jades to enter.

  Outside the marble gate, several guards in Silver Moon Auction uniforms, all at the high-level Divine Wheel realm, stood upright. Beside them, the personal guards of the Zhu Clan and the Jade Star Sword Sect, exuding a Consciousness Transformation aura, added a layer of intimidation.

  Zhi Xuan clenched his jaw. He was facing Young Master Gu and Zhu Qinglan, and he had to act perfectly. He stepped forward calmly, ignoring the sharp gazes of the Zhu Clan guards on duty. He took out the Fake Identity Jade he bought from the Seal Carver.

  "Identity Jade," commanded one of the guards, his voice cold and official. Although his eyes were slightly surprised to see Zhi Xuan, the identity of auction participants would be fully protected.

  Zhi Xuan presented the Fake Jade. The jade emitted the stable aura of a Divine Wheel cultivator, and the fake blood seal of a Consciousness Transformation cultivator carved by the Seal Carver worked perfectly. The guard touched the Fake Jade with his finger, activating the verification formation. The formation glowed briefly with a bright green light, and then dimmed.

  "Ming Xu, Divine Wheel cultivator. You are registered," the guard said, emotionlessly, returning the Jade. "You are a participant in the middle area. All weapons and forbidden artifacts must be placed in the storage cabinet."

  "I only carry spiritual jade coins," Zhi Xuan countered, his tone flat.

  Zhi Xuan stepped through the marble gate, entering the Falling Water Pavilion. Inside, the atmosphere felt majestic and filled with the scent of spiritual flowers and expensive pills. In the main lobby, Zhi Xuan caught a glimpse of Zhu Qinglan's procession being led upstairs, towards private rooms, which were shrouded by isolation formations. Young Master Gu, in his striking golden silk suit, followed with a satisfied smile.

  "So, that is the face of Gu." Zhi Xuan stared at Young Master Gu's departure from the corner, his eyes fluttering sharply but maintaining cold composure. "The first time I see him, I already smell the rotten scent of a poisonous talisman."

  Young Master Gu, the heir of the Jade Star Sword Sect, was a prominent and arrogant figure. He had a sharp, handsome face, adorned with a confident smile that almost resembled a sneer. He wore a golden silk robe embroidered with spiritual threads; every movement radiated wealth and power.

  On his fingers were two interspatial rings that emitted a faint light, and the thundering Consciousness Transformation aura from his body indicated stable and profound cultivation. He walked with deliberate steps, ensuring all eyes were on him.

  "Proceed, Young Master Gu," said a Zhu Clan guard, his tone formal yet respectful, directing him to the jade staircase towards the upper level.

  Gu sneered with satisfaction, glancing back at the lobby full of low-level cultivators. He saw the Divine Wheel cultivators lowering their heads, showing respect and fear. Only a handful dared to look at him, and they immediately turned their faces away.

  "They are all insects who want to taste a moment of luxury," Gu muttered, boasting.

  Inside the upper-level private room, the Ice Orchid Chamber, Zhu Qinglan was already sitting gracefully on a cooled silk cushion. Elegant spiritual curtains surrounded the room, separating them from the auction noise, but still allowing them to see the main stage. The room was illuminated by a spiritual light orb, making Zhu Qinglan's snow-white skin seem to glow.

  Ling'er and Mei stood behind her, serving steaming spiritual tea.

  Gu entered the room without explicit permission, sitting across from Zhu Qinglan with an overly casual demeanor.

  "Holy Maiden, this auction will belong to us. I have heard the Poison Sect is also coming, looking for the Thousand-Year Snake Herb. But with the Zhu Clan and the Jade Star Sword Sect together, they are just clowns."

  Zhu Qinglan merely sipped her tea, her light gray eyes cold and distant. "Young Master Gu, do not be too arrogant. The Poison Sect is a deceptive entity. Besides, the most important thing for me is the Heart-Nourishing Jade Dew."

  "Heart-Nourishing Jade Dew," Gu repeated mockingly. "An expensive spiritual pill to strengthen the water element foundation. Why are you worried about that, Your Highness? Aren't you already the most stable in the entire Five Elements realm?"

  "This is preparation for a higher realm, Young Master," Zhu Qinglan countered. "And we came here not just for Pills. We came to ensure someone does not get what they want."

  Gu chuckled, waving his golden silk sleeve. "Sure, sure. But let us discuss something more interesting. My Dragon Fang Fighting Arena. You came, and you even sent your guard, Qin, to... what, observe? I understand. It was a good spectacle, wasn't it? I made a lot of money."

  Zhu Qinglan placed her jade cup down with a soft sound. "I was only watching. The most interesting spectacle was the Black-Haired Devil. He made money that should have been yours."

  Hearing the name, Gu's expression hardened slightly. "The Black-Haired Devil? Hmph. A lucky rat. I did hold the arena for the slaves, and he was the only one freed. I heard he is a spirited Divine Wheel cultivator. But he is just an insect who dared to challenge my authority."

  Gu had never seen the Black-Haired Devil's face, only heard the rumors. To him, the Black-Haired Devil was merely a tool.

  "If he dares to come to the Silver Moon Auction. I want him to come, so I can see how small the guts he has when facing real power." Gu laughed. "He will probably be sitting in the middle area, trembling at the sight of us sitting here."

  Zhu Qinglan touched the silk curtain beside her with her fingertip. "He does not tremble. I saw him on the road. He stood tall amidst our luxury, and he did not turn his head. That is true arrogance. Not arrogance born of wealth, but arrogance born of the will to live and seek revenge. I liked his gaze, Young Master Gu. It was a cold and unpredictable gaze."

  Gu frowned, slightly annoyed that Zhu Qinglan's attention was focused on a dirty Divine Wheel cultivator.

  "A dirty Divine Wheel cultivator is just a dirty Divine Wheel cultivator, Your Highness," Gu snorted. "He is society's trash. He will not have enough coins to buy anything at this auction, unless he stole all the money from the losers in the arena. But even if he does, it is nothing compared to what we have."

  Gu reached out his hand, picking up a spiritual fruit served on a jade plate.

  "I will buy all the Poison Pills and Scarlet Lotus the Jade Star Sword Sect needs. After this, we can discuss our engagement, Holy Maiden," Gu said, his smile returning to a sneer.

  Zhu Qinglan ignored the sarcasm, her eyes returning to the spiritual curtain separating them from the auction stage.

  "Look, Young Master Gu," Zhu Qinglan whispered. "The auction begins. And we will see who truly trembles tonight."

  In the middle area, Zhi Xuan had taken his seat, a round table in the back row of the middle area. He chose that spot so as not to attract the attention of Young Master Gu upstairs, and so that he could easily observe everything in the hall. He sat there, in the Divine Wheel realm, in his tattered robe, exuding a cold and cruel, aberrant aura.

  On the auction stage, an elegant old woman, wearing a silk robe embroidered with silver stars, ascended the podium. She smiled, a formal and intriguing smile.

  "Welcome, distinguished guests," the old woman's voice echoed throughout the hall, protected by a sound amplification formation. "Tonight, at the Silver Moon Auction, we will witness transactions that will determine the fate of Shoutuo City for the next hundred years."

  Zhi Xuan clenched his jaw. Beneath the mask of calm, his heart pounded. He had three hundred fifty thousand Spiritual Jade Coins. That was a fortune, but here, amidst the Consciousness Transformation and Five Elements cultivators from outside the area who gathered, it might only be enough to buy a piece of cloth.

  He took out the animal skin scroll he had bought. The ancient map. He needed something, and at least a weapon and a flying sword that could strengthen his foundation and at least guarantee his safety. He looked up at the upper floor, where Young Master Gu and Zhu Qinglan sat, separated by isolation formations.

  Upstairs, in the Ice Orchid Chamber, Gu chuckled again. "I will start with a low price, Holy Maiden. I want to see them spend all their money first."

  Zhu Qinglan only smiled faintly. "The auction begins with High-Grade Spiritual Pills. Just as I expected. Young Master Gu, play gracefully. Do not disappoint the insects down there."