Starlight Auction House, Star Luo City

The journey north went smoothly.

The Star Luo Empire was a typical southern nation. Aside from its two southernmost provinces, most of its provinces had relatively mild climates, fertile land, and the largest area of arable land among the four great empires.

Other than crossing two mountain ranges at the beginning, the scenery along the way mostly alternated between endless farmland and lush green forests.

But soon, as the view grew broader and broader, towering city walls stretching endlessly into the distance appeared before Qiangu Yunche's eyes.

Star Luo City was right ahead.

This massive city, known as the imperial capital that would never fall, was unquestionably the largest city in the Star Luo Empire. It was also the political, cultural, and economic center of the entire empire.

After entering the city, the endless cries of vendors and the sounds of passing carriages never ceased.

Qiangu Yunche lifted the curtain. The soft glow from the streetlamps lining the road at dusk and the dazzling variety of shops shone across his face, leaving him dazed for a moment.

For that instant, he felt as though he had returned to his previous life.

But he quickly came back to himself.

The past could not be chased, but the future could still be reached.

He was now Qiangu Yunche, the young clan leader of the Qiangu Clan. The past buried deep within his soul was now merely an aid that would help him reach the pinnacle of this world.

The outside world was simply too prosperous and bustling, and the carriage could not completely block out the clamor. Qiangu Yunmei, who had been sleeping soundly against Qiangu Yunche's shoulder, was awakened by the noise. She sat up and stretched lazily.

"Have we arrived in Star Luo City?"

Freshly awake, Qiangu Yunmei had lost some of her usual flamboyant arrogance and gained a touch of the dazed gentleness rarely seen in her. Combined with the breathtaking beauty that had perfectly inherited her parents' finest traits, she truly had the air of a girl-next-door older sister.

"Mm, we just got here."

Qiangu Yunche rolled his shoulder, then looked toward Qiangu Liting, who was resting with his eyes closed, and softly asked,

"Dad, Starlight Auction House can directly sell auction items that have failed to sell multiple times at the reserve price plus ten percent of that price, right?"

Qiangu Liting opened his eyes, considered it briefly, then nodded.

"Something you want is at Starlight Auction House?"

Qiangu Yunche nodded.

"There is indeed such a rule, but it requires the corresponding membership level. What is this item you want?" Qiangu Liting asked softly.

"It's a ranked carving knife called Spirit Eater. I estimate that if it appeared at auction, its starting price would be around one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins," Qiangu Yunche said quietly.

"The Spirit Eater Carving Knife?" Qiangu Liting was somewhat surprised. He had heard of this carving knife's fierce reputation, because he had once attended a top-tier auction held by Starlight Auction House, and this knife had been one of the auction items.

After pondering for a moment, Qiangu Liting took out a metal token and a golden card.

The golden card signified that it held savings of at least one million Gold Soul Coins. The metal token was rather unusual. Only when Qiangu Yunche took it did he discover that it was warm, with tiny points of starlight flickering across its surface. It was exceptionally beautiful.

"That token is proof of identity prepared by Starlight Auction House for guests who have attended a top-tier auction and successfully bid on at least one item. With it, you can directly purchase the Spirit Eater Carving Knife."

Qiangu Liting did not ask what Qiangu Yunche wanted the Spirit Eater Carving Knife for. He knew his son had his own ideas and would not rashly do something he was not confident in or something extremely risky. Since he wanted to buy the Spirit Eater Carving Knife, he naturally had his own plans.

In other families, daughters were more worry-free than sons, but their family happened to be the complete opposite.

Qiangu Liting looked at his eldest daughter, who had long since grown up, and silently sighed to himself. He felt somewhat helpless, but even more expectant.

Once the carriage stopped before a grand hotel ablaze with lights, the three of them stepped down and immediately attracted quite a bit of attention.

It could not be helped. With their looks and bearing, they were simply born to be difficult to ignore.

"Starlight Auction House is in that direction. Yunche, take your sister and look around. I won't be accompanying you."

Qiangu Liting pointed in a direction, then entered the hotel by himself.

The siblings exchanged a glance and walked shoulder to shoulder in that direction.

Perhaps because their presence was too imposing, pedestrians automatically made way wherever they passed. At the same time, though, they inevitably drew countless gazes.

Feeling those gazes upon them, Qiangu Yunmei linked her arm through Qiangu Yunche's.

Five years had passed, and the siblings were now nearly the same height. Qiangu Yunche had even surpassed her.

"How does it feel to have so many people watching you?" Qiangu Yunmei asked with a light laugh.

"Nothing much." With the warm evening breeze blowing against him, the strands of hair by Qiangu Yunche's ears swayed slightly. He answered honestly, drawing a soft chuckle from Qiangu Yunmei.

"Sis, what are you laughing at?" Qiangu Yunche asked in confusion, unsure what had gotten into his sister this time.

"I'm laughing because you're cute, because you're handsome, and because a girl was so engrossed in staring at you just now that she walked straight into a tree." Qiangu Yunmei was in a good mood, and her words lacked their usual blunt arrogance.

"Same to you. After all, just now there was a guy who stared blankly at you without paying attention, and his girlfriend slapped him twice in the street."

Qiangu Yunche expressed his respect for the warrior who had dared to look at another beauty in front of his girlfriend, as well as his recognition of the man's thick skin. After all, with the strength of that girlfriend's slaps, it would truly be a waste if she did not become a blacksmith.

While chatting and laughing, the siblings had already arrived at the busiest street in Star Luo City.

And Starlight Auction House stood in the prime location of that street.

Well, it had the royal family backing it. Was it not perfectly normal for it to have money, influence, and resources?

Night had already fallen, yet the brilliant lights made Starlight Auction House even more dazzling than it was during the day. Its extravagant, paradise-like luxury washed over them, especially eye-catching.

The golden gates in particular carried a unique majesty amid their splendor. Anyone lacking confidence would likely not even dare approach the edge of the building.

Eight welcoming maids, each carefully selected by the auction house for their delicate beauty and outstanding bearing, stood respectfully before the entrance in matching formal dresses. Upon seeing the siblings approach, all eight immediately bowed. Then, two of them respectfully led the pair into the auction house.

As they walked, one of the maids said with a bright smile, "Honored guests, are you here to attend an auction or have an item appraised? Starlight Auction House provides all kinds of services. We have the most efficient channels and the most professional team, enough to meet all of your needs."

Qiangu Yunche took out the golden token and handed it to the maid who had spoken.

"I want to directly purchase an unsold auction item. That won't be a problem, will it?"

At the sight of the golden token, the two maids were startled. Then, their expressions became even more enthusiastic and respectful.

"Of course. Please rest for a while in the lounge, honored guests. Someone will be assigned to assist you shortly."

Qiangu Yunche nodded and said no more.