Capital City Undercurrents Chapter Four: The Auction (1)

"Young Master, the rooms in Star Peak Manor are completely tidied up and ready for occupancy," Brother Wang said respectfully as he walked into my room and stood beside me.

I closed the Diamond Sutra and looked up at Brother Wang. The morning sun shone through the window, warming me all over, but my mood was far from good, and I felt a bit anxious. I asked Brother Wang, "Brother Wang, have Uncle Zhang's letters all been sent out?"

"Young Master, as soon as Uncle Zhang returned from the secret chamber yesterday, he wrote the letters. They were sent out an hour ago," Brother Wang explained.

"Then have you informed the Capital City auction house about our intention to auction the Blood Phoenix?" I asked, voicing the thoughts that had been troubling me. I wouldn't be at peace until I clarified these matters, simply because I was so eager to succeed quickly.

"Young Master, I've already told them. We just need to deliver the Blood Phoenix before tomorrow! Young Master, I've noticed you've been restless all day. Establishing a noble family isn't something that happens overnight. You're still young, Young Master, there's no need to rush. Besides, aren't you immortal? Why the hurry to achieve success?" Brother Wang, being an outsider, could clearly see the root of my current worries.

"Brother Wang, I know that, but I truly want to prove my abilities to the world sooner. I'll be more mindful of this in the future, so you don't need to worry," I told Brother Wang. Honestly, I was very grateful for his concern.

"Brother Wang, after we send the Blood Phoenix today, tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and it's also the day of the Capital City auction house's annual auction. We must make a stunning debut at tomorrow's auction and let everyone know that our jade shop will open on the sixth day of the new year. Oh, Brother Wang, what should we name our jade shop?" I asked Brother Wang, having just realized this oversight. I hadn't even named my jade shop yet!

"Young Master, isn't our most prized possession the Dragon Soaring jade? Then our jade shop should be called Dragon Soaring Jade Shop," Brother Wang said after some thought.

I stood up from my seat and paced back and forth in my study. After much consideration, I felt the name was quite good, with no downsides. It could even evoke the image of flawless jade – the Dragon Soaring.

"Alright, we'll do as Brother Wang suggested. The jade shop will be called Dragon Soaring Jade Shop. You must invite the best sign-making master in the entire Capital City. The sign must be perfect; it's the face of a shop, and there can be absolutely no mistakes," I said sternly to Brother Wang.

"Yes, Young Master, rest assured. Our opening is still on the sixth day, with several days to spare! This matter will be handled beautifully, and you will be satisfied. Young Master, in my eyes, you yourself possess a unique aura and astonishing abilities. What do you have to worry about?" Brother Wang tried to comfort me again.

That's right, I, Zhang Xingfeng, am unparalleled in martial arts. In terms of experience, I dare say very few in this world have as much as I do. And now, I have a group of loyal brothers and family. What do I have to fear? Shouldn't I cherish this wonderful life I have now?

A smile appeared on my face. I felt very relaxed and even thought Brother Wang looked much more handsome. No wonder my Sister Yu fell for him. What's gotten into me today, thinking about such things? I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Young Master, what are you laughing at? Is there something wrong with my face?" Brother Wang looked a bit flustered.

"Nothing, I just realized you're quite handsome," I said as I walked out of the study, leaving Brother Wang utterly bewildered.

I stepped out of my room and walked towards the man-made lake in front of the entrance. The calmly flowing lake water reflected the winter sunlight across the entire manor. I took a deep breath of the fresh air by the lake and felt incredibly comfortable. Why should I torment myself alone when I could enjoy these beautiful days? I suddenly felt foolish for my earlier mood.

"Young Master, the auction will begin in a little while," Brother Wang said as he approached me by the lake. Seeing me lying on the bamboo chair, watching the sunset, Brother Wang was very pleased. The carefree Young Master had returned.

"Oh, the auction is about to start. We still need to be careful today. This Blood Phoenix is no ordinary treasure. After the auction, with the large sum of money we'll have, we're bound to attract attention. Although the auction house will escort us back to the manor, I don't want anyone coming to our manor to steal things later," I said to Brother Wang after some thought.

"This is a difficult problem to solve. We can't exactly stop them from trying to steal. Their legs are their own. If only they didn't know where we lived, but that's unlikely. How can we resolve this?" Brother Wang couldn't think of a good solution for a moment.

I smiled, "I have a way, the best and most convenient way." I channeled my True Primordial Energy into my Dantian, and my appearance immediately changed. With sword-like eyebrows, an aquiline nose, slightly full lips, a cool, one-meter-eight handsome guy emerged!

"Young Master, you mean you'll personally deter those guys?" Brother Wang understood what I intended to do as soon as he saw my transformation.

"Clever. I'll appear at the auction with this face today and, while I'm at it, teach those ill-mannered fellows a lesson," I said with a smile. This was quite amusing. With my intervention, success was assured.

"With Young Master taking charge, there's nothing to worry about. Young Master, it's time to go now!" Brother Wang, afraid I'd forget the time, immediately reminded me of the most important event of the day.

"Alright, let's go. Oh, Brother Wang, aren't you calling Lang Feng and the others?" I stood up, took a few steps forward, then turned back to ask Brother Wang.

"Young Master, don't mention it, let's go! They already went ahead to have fun. Today is New Year's Eve, and the Capital City is very lively tonight!" Brother Wang said as he pulled me along, leaving only Xia Shui, my personal maid, behind. Her eyes widened: Is there no distinction between master and servant in this manor? The steward treats the manor lord like this.

When Xia Shui first arrived, I told her I was an immortal for convenience. She didn't believe me. Then I transformed into the appearance of Sword God Sui Yu, and she was stunned. When she woke up, she called me 'Immortal Young Master.' Finally, under my immortal command, she only calls me 'Young Master.'

Wow, the night view is truly beautiful tonight. People on the streets are wearing their finest clothes, with their families or lovers. Many vendors are also working hard, calling out their wares, creating a bustling and magnificent scene! Although Suzhou City is also a famous large city, its New Year's Eve night view pales in comparison to the Capital City. Alas, at this moment, it's time for the entire family to gather for a joyful meal. Will my father drink as heartily as before? How is my mother now?

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"Master, it's time for the family reunion. Everyone has arrived," Steward Zhang said, looking at the patriarch of the Zhang Family, who was lying in his grand armchair. He was once a man of immense power, but now his face was pale. The steward sighed in his heart. Ever since the Third Young Master left, the Master hadn't smiled a single day.

"Oh, how is Little San now?" Zhang Tiande suddenly opened his eyes and asked Steward Zhang.

"Master, the Third Young Master is quite capable. When they encountered Li Si of Pingding Mountain, they actually seized all of Li Si's property and bought a manor in the Capital City, the very mansion left by Prince Wen," Steward Zhang replied immediately. This news might bring the Master a bit of joy.

"Oh, Li Si of Pingding Mountain. It's said that this fellow once seized the Blood Phoenix and then deliberately killed one of his subordinates, claiming that his subordinate had stolen the treasure. He managed to get away with it. This fellow is quite cunning and excels at playing the innocent. Little San was able to get past him and even seize Li Si's assets back. Excellent, excellent. Now I can rest assured," Zhang Tiande said, showing a rare smile.

"Old Zhang, how is Third Madam now?" Zhang Tiande suddenly asked Steward Zhang.

"Third Madam is still in her room. She hasn't participated in family activities for a long time, and she probably won't today either. Oh, Master, I haven't told Third Madam about the Third Young Master's recent success yet! I'll go tell her now. Third Madam will surely be very happy when she hears about it," Steward Zhang said, about to turn and head to Third Madam's room.

"I'll do it. I need to go to the main hall with her for the gathering," Zhang Tiande said, suddenly standing up from his chair and running towards Third Madam's room.

"Master, run slower, be careful of your footing!" Steward Zhang shouted from behind as he ran…

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"Young Master, our seats are upstairs, in that room on the south side, numbered 251," Brother Wang said, standing beside me. I looked at the countless seats below and broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, our seats were upstairs, otherwise…

"Okay, okay, let's go, let's go," I said, unable to bear the sheer density of people. I activated my protective True Primordial Energy and quickly rushed towards my destination.

Brother Wang watched my rapidly disappearing figure and gave a wry smile. To think someone would use such profound martial arts for this. Still, if I had to walk up like a normal person, it might cost me my life. With that thought, he also immediately unleashed his martial arts and rushed upwards.

The moment I pushed the door open, a wave of rose fragrance hit me. The interior was quite nice and spacious. I walked in.

"Master, you're here! We've been waiting for you for a long time. Please, Master, this best seat is reserved for you by your disciple," Li Da said as soon as he saw me, getting up from his seat and extending a warm invitation.

I didn't refuse and calmly walked to the seat directly facing the auction stage through the window. I glanced at Li Da, who was smiling, nodded as if in praise, and sat down.

Li Da sat down next to me, squeezing Li Er, who was in the original seat, to the side. I heard Li Er grumble a few times and then fall silent. It seemed Li Da still had the demeanor of a leader.

I casually picked up a teacup from the nearby tea table. Just then, the door suddenly opened. I turned my head and saw Brother Wang, who had accompanied me. I placed the teacup back on the tea table and said to Brother Wang:

"Brother Wang, you're truly thoughtful. You've even booked our VIP room. Thank you so much!" Everyone around, remembering the crowded scene downstairs, looked at Brother Wang with gratitude. Sister Yu's face even flushed red.

"Young Master, don't tease me. I've never been here before. It's just that our Blood Phoenix is too valuable, so the person in charge here specially opened a VIP room for us," Brother Wang said with a hint of embarrassment.

"Master, the auction has begun!" Li Da's voice rang in my ears.

We all turned our heads and looked towards the main event of the day – the annual auction.

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