After the two boys finished speaking, they formed some unknown hand seal. A broad road immediately appeared before Yan Chihuo, and at its end stood a vast complex of pavilions and towers, as though they had no fear whatsoever of being seen by the town's residents.
Yan Chihuo had seen such scenes many times and paid it no mind. He followed the two boys toward the buildings. Before the largest pavilion stood eight Origin Core Stage Cultivators, evidently there to receive guests. Snow Fairy's heart gave a slight tremor, and only then did she put away her contempt for this auction.
An old man stepped forward and said to Yan Chihuo, "Senior, please enter." The two boys turned and left on their own.
Yan Chihuo nodded, but suddenly a warning rose in his heart, telling him something was amiss. Since entering the cultivation world, he had rarely experienced such a feeling—but whenever it came, it had always proved true. He could not possibly remain indifferent.
Thus, he said blandly, "I am waiting for a friend, so I will not be going in yet."
The old man froze. He had never expected such a development, and said again, "Senior, you may as well wait inside. Simply send your esteemed friend a Flying Sword message."
Yan Chihuo waved a hand. "I have not seen him for many years. I will wait for him here. You should attend to the others first."
As they spoke, several more Cultivators arrived, some at the Dao Integration Stage and others at the Origin Core Stage. Yan Chihuo ignored the old man entirely and moved to one side. The old man gave two dry laughs and could only go greet the other guests.
Yan Chihuo quietly took out a tortoiseshell and cast a divination. He was seriously