Ning Family Mansion
"Mother!" Hai-Rang's voice trembled with frustration, her fists clenched tightly. "First Sister has been waiting for this auction for months! And you're not letting her go?"
Her mother's expression remained calm, though her eyes were filled with sorrow. Her voice was firm, but tinged with regret.
"This is my final decision. She will not attend—and that is the end of it."
Hai-Rang's frustration boiled over. "But... she wanted to buy treasures to enhance her cultivation! She cannot even leave the room! How can you deny her this opportunity?"
At that moment, Sister Meilin entered the hall, flanked by her daughters. Both girls walked with grace, the elder exuding quiet dignity, the younger lively and curious. "I heard neither your elder daughter nor your younger daughter will attend the auction. What is keeping both of you from such an important event?"
Their mother shook her head slowly, her voice heavy with melancholy.
"Do not speak of it," she said. "My heart aches every day. I have not been able to find Bai-Xue yet... that is why I have no desire to go anywhere else."
Shu-Hui, ever mischievous and teasing, grinned. "If you wish, Mother, I can bring something back for you from the auction. And, Second Sister, I can fetch something for you as well. Just tell me what you want."
Hai-Rang shot her an annoyed glance but said nothing, simmering quietly.
Jing-Yi, calm and gentle, smiled softly at Shu-Hui. "Do not worry, my little one. I will not be attending the auction myself, but I will allow Hai-Rang to go. I cannot trouble my other daughter for the sake of one."
"Mother..." Hai-Rang began, but Jing-Yi interrupted her softly yet decisively.
"Go, and acquire what you need for yourself and your elder sister. Make wise use of it," she instructed, her tone carrying both authority and care.
Hai-Rang bowed respectfully. "Yes, Mother," she said, finally calming the storm within her. A determined light glimmered in her eyes as she prepared to seize this rare opportunity.
Lily Bloom Mansion
"Master," one of the aides reported, bowing deeply, "we have brought the girls with red eyes. You may now identify the one you are seeking."
Behind the gleaming crimson curtain, a young man of commanding presence stepped forward from his throne. His eyes were sharp and calculating as he examined each girl carefully, one by one.
"No... none of these. Find her... she is not here," he muttered, his frustration barely restrained.
Se-Yong, his loyal protector, stepped close, his voice low and cautious.
"Master... you have been like this ever since returning from Nine Vault Forest."
The memories returned vividly, like a storm raging behind his eyes.
After they had returned from the forest, the master had lain unconscious for two full days. When he finally regained consciousness, he had staggered to his feet, panic and determination warring on his face.
"Where... where is that girl? Who is she? Where did she come from?" he demanded, voice trembling with desperation.
His aides tried to calm him, but their words could not reach him. He muttered incoherently for a time before collapsing again, drained from the sheer intensity of his search. Hours later, he had mobilized every available man, issuing strict orders to find the red-eyed girl. Yet no trace could be found.
Present Day
Now, the young man stood before a painting. The girl's face was almost completely hidden beneath a delicate veil, but her mesmerizing, blood-red eyes glowed with an almost living light, piercing through the canvas.
He reached out gently, his fingers brushing the painting.
"Who are you? Where are you? I will find you," he whispered, his voice low, laden with longing and determination.
Turning to his protector, Se-Yong, he commanded with quiet authority.
"Se-Yong."
"Yes, Master?" the man responded immediately, eyes sharp and alert.
"Prepare everything. What is today's schedule?"
"Master, today is the largest auction in the kingdom, held at the Hell Black Market. We must depart soon to arrive on time," Se-Yong replied.
"Very well," the master said, his eyes narrowing with focus. "Make all arrangements immediately. I will not wait for anything or anyone."
Hell Black Market
Gradually, the crowds began to swell as nobles and wealthy cultivators from Wang-jin and neighboring countries gathered for the auction. The grand hall grew noisy, filled with excited chatter and the clinking of coins.
Among the throng, two elegant women and a strikingly beautiful young girl entered, their presence immediately drawing attention. Their attire radiated the refinement and authority of a royal family. The manager of the Black Market hurried forward to greet them.
"Greetings, Lady Ling-Lan, Lady Xin-Lan. It is an honor to see you," he said, bowing deeply. "And Princess Kong-Yin-Yu, welcome as well."
The women were none other than concubines of the emperor and their daughters. Lady Ling-Lan, third Prince Min-Sheng's mother, had flowing sky-blue hair that shimmered in the hall's light and piercing yellow eyes. Beside her stood her daughter, Princess Yin-Yu, a vision of grace with light pink hair and luminous golden eyes. Accompanying them was Lady Xin-Lan, sister of Ling-Lan and mother of the fourth Prince Shai-Ming, her long chestnut hair cascading like silk, eyes dark and calm.
Princess Yin-Yu spoke first, her tone confident and composed.
"I believe today, our efforts here will be rewarded. We will find the treasures we have come for."
"Of course, Princess," the courtier replied respectfully. "You shall not be disappointed."
Just then, a messenger arrived, bowing low as he delivered the news. "Your Highnesses, the Crown Prince and the First Princess have also arrived."
Upon hearing this, Yin-Yu pouted slightly and whispered to her mother, "They are here too, Mother..."
Lady Ling-Lan's gaze sharpened, and she hissed, "Shut your mouth."
The Crown Prince and First Princess soon entered the hall, their noble aura commanding attention. The women and Yin-Yu hurried forward, bowing deeply.
"Greetings, Your Highness, Crown Prince, and First Princess," they said in unison.