"S—sir here are your winnings, t—thousand solid Qi Pills." The attendant said, his voice trembling as he handed over the pouch.
"Hm," Fang Ryuu nodded calmly. "Here—consider this your tip."
He casually handed over a portion of the pills.
The attendant's eyes lit up, his expression breaking into a wide grin. "T—thank you sir! Please allow me guide you to the auction. Your VIP seats are already prepared."
Fang Ryuu took Lin Yanran's hand in his and followed the attendant at an unhurried pace, chatting softly with her as they walked.
Soon, they arrived at a lavish private room.
One entire wall was occupied by a wide window, its opening covered by a translucent formation screen that shimmered faintly.
Through it, Fang Ryuu could clearly see the auction hall below. Rows upon rows of cultivators filled the seats, their murmurs blending into a low hum. At the far end stood the grand auction stage, constructed from an unknown cultivation jade and gilded with gold, a heavy curtain concealing whatever lay beyond.
Fang Ryuu spread his spirit sense outward, letting it drift through the crowd below.
"Ha… to witness the Grand Auction, held only once every century, is a fortune in itself."
"Exactly. I sold off all my treasures and even borrowed from a sect elder just to get in. Just imagine how much they earn from entrance fees alone."
"You're not wrong. But it's worth it. I heard they might bring out a fragmented chapter of a Nihil Pill Stage cultivation method."
"What? I thought the Nihil Pill Stage was nothing more than a myth."
"That's precisely why so many people are here—to find out."
Fang Ryuu withdrew his spirit sense.
Even with his cultivation damaged, he was still considered a top-tier existence in this world. Information like this reached his ears faster than most.
If the Nihil Pill Stage truly exists…Then I must obtain it—for Lin Yanran.
He turned slightly toward the attendant.
"Does your establishment exchange resources for currency?"
"Yes, sir," the attendant replied without hesitation. "We provide such services."
'Golden Core–level resources should be more than enough… any more would draw unnecessary attention.'
Fang Ryuu began taking out treasure after treasure—Eight Yin Sword, Array Flags, Cultivation Plants and Demonic Beast bones.
Fang Ryuu began taking out treasure after treasure — an Eight Yin Sword, formation flags, rare cultivation plants, and even the bones of demonic beasts.
The attendant's scalp went numb as he stared at the items.
"S-sir, please give me a moment. Resources at the Solid Pill Stage and above require the boss's approval."
He quickly pulled a jade talisman from his sleeve, closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again.
"The boss will arrive shortly. Thank you for your patience, sir."
"Husband, why are you trading so many resources?" Lin Yanran asked softly, tugging Fang Ryuu toward the sofa by the window. "If you want to buy something, I can just purchase it for you."
"Oh?" Fang Ryuu smiled and lightly pinched her nose. "I can't very well buy you a gift with your own money."
"Husband…" Lin Yanran's eyes widened, warmth blooming in her gaze. A smile tugged at her lips as she leaned forward to hug him—
"Baby!"
A joyful scream pierced the room.
"You're alive!"
Fang Ryuu and Lin Yanran both turned toward the source of the voice.
Before Fang Ryuu could react, something soft slammed into his chest. A tall woman wrapped her arms tightly around him, her head pressed against him.
For a split second, Fang Ryuu barely had time to register the overwhelming sensation—
Before a chilling aura surged from his side.
His scalp prickled.
She wore robes that walked a delicate line between elegance and temptation.
The outer garment clung lightly at her waist, accentuating her slender figure without revealing too much. The collar dipped just low enough to hint at softness beneath — a suggestion rather than an invitation — while long sleeves draped gracefully over her wrists, concealing more than they revealed.
Subtle embroidery traced her robes. Fine golden threads shaped into drifting clouds and faint fox-like patterns shimmered only when the light struck at the right angle. It was luxury that did not shout wealth, but assumed recognition.
A thin jade belt circled her waist, neither tight nor loose, guiding the eye before letting it wander away again.
Her beauty was the calm, dangerous kind.
Almond-shaped eyes curved gently upward, always carrying a faint smile. Her lips were a soft pink, perpetually on the verge of amusement.
"Miss, I presume you are the bos—"
"Slut!"
Lin Yanran cut him off before he could finish.
"Oh~ you're here as well?" the woman said lightly, her smile deepening. "Come now, little sister. Why be so harsh? We are women serving the same husband, after all."
"What?!" Fang Ryuu blurted out. "What are you talking about? I only came here to exchange resources for currency!"
"Husband, don't pay her any attention." Lin Yanran's gaze turned icy as she glared at the woman. "She's just a fox, daring to steal another woman's man."
The woman did not seem offended in the slightest.
She completely ignored Lin Yanran and instead raised her left hand, showing Fang Ryuu her ring finger.
Engraved upon the ring were two names:
Fang Ryuu & Ji Ruyan
Fang Ryuu's pupils shrank.
'This woman… she's like Ran'er.
A ring from Earth's customs… something that doesn't exist in this world.
Did I lose part of my memories?'
"Hmph! What's so special about that ring?" Lin Yanran scoffed, pulling out her own ring.
Ryuu & Yanran
The air between the two women instantly dropped to freezing.
They stared daggers at each other.
"We'll have a serious talk after the auction," Fang Ryuu said, stepping between them and gently pulling them apart. "For now, let's focus on business."
He wanted answers immediately—but the auction was about to begin.
"Yes." Ji Ruyan's playful smile faded, replaced by a sharp, businesslike calm. "How much are you looking for each item?"
The negotiations stretched on for quite some time. Ji Ruyan fought tooth and nail over every detail, pressing relentlessly for even the smallest advantage. More than once, she tried to sway Fang Ryuu with charm alone—only for Lin Yanran to shut her down with a single cold glance.
At last, a deal was reached.
"Welcome to the Enchanted Gold Auction House's Grand Auction."
The heavy curtain behind the stage slowly drew back as a young woman with features strikingly similar to Ji Ruyan stepped forward. She ascended the platform with practiced grace, her voice echoing clearly through the hall as the auction officially began.