"I believe Pavilion Master Duobao's caution is understandable."
"However, a heart demon oath is certainly no trifling matter."
"How about this? We swear here upon our Dao hearts that we will never voluntarily divulge the details of this item or what we witnessed today. What do you say?"
"Should we break this oath, our Dao hearts will be flawed, and our cultivation will struggle to advance."
"This would avoid involving heart demons while still imposing some restraint."
Fellow Daoist Situ of the Xuantian Trading Alliance spoke slowly, proposing a compromise.
"That works too!"
The mysterious honored guest's voice remained ethereal, seemingly noncommittal.
True Lord Duobao looked toward Li Yunjing's private chamber, his eyes pleading. "True Lord Leifa, what do you think... of Fellow Daoist Situ's proposal...?"
Inside the private chamber, Li Yunjing's expression remained calm.
He had never liked being coerced, especially into such an ill-defined heart demon oath.
Xiao Wuji and Fu Lingfeng stood in attendance on either side. Sensing the chill that emanated invisibly from the True Lord, making even their souls tremble faintly, they involuntarily held their breath.
They had known Li Yunjing for years and had rarely seen him express displeasure so explicitly.
"Understanding?"
Li Yunjing's voice remained calm, yet carried an unquestionable indifference as it reached every private chamber clearly. "Pavilion Master Duobao, I came here today to give your Treasure Gathering Pavilion face and inspect treasures, not to be bound."
"You would have us swear heart demon oaths over a mere item?"
"Your Treasure Gathering Pavilion does not command that much respect."
"Either open it now and let everyone see exactly what it is, and whether it is worth our attention."
"Or put it away. This auction ends here."
"I have no interest in playing along with your theatrics."
As his words fell, the