Greetings, Lady Ling-Lan and Lady Xin-Lan. It is good to see you both," the Crown Prince said politely. His gaze then shifted to the young girl beside them. "And greetings to you as well, Princess Yin-Yu.
"I did not know you would be attending today."
The speaker was a young woman with glorious light-purple hair, beautiful pink eyes, and a gentle smile like that of a fairy. She was none other than Kong Cai-Hang, the First Princess of Wang-Jin Country.
Yin-Yu smiled brightly. "Big Sister, you must be joking. How could I possibly miss such a grand event?"
Cai-Hang's smile remained, but her words turned sharp.
"Hm... then you should thank Third Brother. It is only because of him that you are allowed to be here. Otherwise, a concubine's daughter would not have the status to attend such a prestigious auction."
The Crown Prince, Wang-Wei, frowned.
"Cai-Hang, mind your manners."
"But Big Brother," Cai-Hang replied with a soft huff, crossing her arms, "I didn't say anything wrong."
Lady Ling-Lan stepped forward calmly and bowed slightly.
"Please let it go, Your Highness. After all, the First Princess is still young. We should take our seats now. Thank you for your concern."
With that, Lady Ling-Lan, Lady Xin-Lan, and Princess Yin-Yu turned and made their way toward the Third Prince's VIP room, where they soon took their seats.
Private Exchange
As they walked away, the Crown Prince spoke in a low voice to Cai-Hang.
"You should not speak to people in that manner. You must always be mindful of your status. No matter what, she is still your younger sister."
Cai-Hang pouted.
"Big Brother, I really did nothing wrong. She looks down on everyone beneath her status, so I merely treated her the same way."
She huffed again. "Cai-Hang did nothing wrong..."
The Crown Prince sighed and gently patted her head.
"Alright, alright. I understand. Let's go. We should take our seats as well."
Bai-Xue's Observation
From a VIP room on the second floor, Bai-Xue stood quietly by the window, watching everything unfold below. Her eyes were cold and unreadable beneath her white mask.
How complicated royals are, she thought. Smiling politely on the surface, while sharpening daggers behind each other's backs... how amusing.
Her gaze lingered on the Third Prince's family, her expression growing colder.
The Emperor's Arrival
Suddenly, whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Is it possible... that he has really come?"
The First Princess frowned and turned toward the Crown Prince.
"What is happening? Who is arriving?"
The Crown Prince's expression grew solemn.
"The Emperor... the Emperor of the greatest and most powerful country."
Moments later, a handsome young man clad in royal attire entered through the main hall. His presence was overwhelming, his aura sharp and oppressive. Four powerful protectors followed closely behind him—each of them fifth or sixth-level summoners.
The man slowly surveyed the hall with his cold blue eyes before his gaze settled on the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, Emperor Xing-Jiang-Lin of Xing-Heavenlyland, Southern Country. It is a great honor for our nation that you have come. Had we known earlier, we would have made far greater preparations."
At once, the head masters and senior figures of the Hell Black Market hurried forward, bowing respectfully.
"It is our greatest honor that Your Majesty has graced us with your presence."
Bai-Xue's Shock
From her room above, Bai-Xue stared in disbelief.
How can this be...
This man—he is the one I saved in the forest.
Her breath slowed.
He is the Emperor of Xing-Heavenlyland... the most cold-blooded and ruthless ruler—King Xing-Jiang-Lin.
Xing-Heavenlyland was the most powerful and mysterious country in existence. No one knew the full extent of its strength. Those who dared provoke it—whether individuals or entire nations—simply vanished without a trace. Rumors claimed it was a land where beasts lived openly among humans, where laws were enforced through absolute power.
Who would have thought I saved such a dangerous man with my own hands... Bai-Xue mused.
It would be best to keep my distance. I already have enough troubles. I don't need to invite more.
The Auction Begins
One of the Black Market masters approached the Crown Prince and Emperor respectfully.
"Your Highness... Master White Mask is also present today."
The Crown Prince's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So, Master White Mask is here."
Soon after, a clear voice echoed throughout the hall.
"The auction is about to begin. All guests, please take your seats."
The hall slowly settled as everyone moved to their designated places.
The auction officially began.
On the stage, a saber wrapped in dark cloth was placed carefully upon a stand.
"The starting price for this item," the auctioneer announced, "is four hundred million gold coins."
The hall erupted into shocked murmurs.
"Four hundred million?!"
"Is this daylight robbery?"
"What kind of weapon costs that much?"
The auctioneer raised his hand.
"Please remain quiet."
"If you believe this saber is an ordinary weapon, then you are gravely mistaken," he continued.
"Today's auction items are not normal weapons. Every weapon presented here is a Spirit Weapon, personally crafted by Master White Mask and verified by our Chief Head Masters."
The entire hall fell into stunned silence.
The true auction had begun.
The auction master raised his voice, his words echoing through the vast hall.
"Everyone here believes that Spirit Weapons no longer exist in this world—that they are nothing more than legends or forgotten dreams. But today, that belief will be shattered."
A wave of murmurs spread through the audience.
"What you are about to witness is no illusion," he continued. "Spirit Weapons have returned. They are no longer a dream—they are reality."
The excitement in the hall grew rapidly.
"If anyone still doubts this," the auction master added calmly, "we will provide a live demonstration right here."
The crowd exchanged excited glances, anticipation burning in their eyes.
The auction master gestured toward the audience. "You—young man. Please come forward."
A boy stood up nervously and stepped onto the stage. He was a Fourth-Level cultivator.
The auction master placed the saber into his hands.
"Now, connect your spirit energy to the weapon."
The boy obeyed. The moment his energy flowed into the saber, a brilliant light burst forth. Glowing runes appeared along the blade, and suddenly, the boy's name was engraved onto the saber itself, shining brightly.
The entire hall fell into stunned silence.
Then—
An explosion of excitement erupted.
"Spirit Weapon...!"
"It accepted him!"
"This is real!"
Doubt vanished completely.