An Encounter Before the Auction

In a city within Spirit Prefecture.

"Xiao Jian, have you had enough? Are you planning to go meet your mother-in-law?" Xiao Yan complained as he watched Xiao Jian darting about. The moment this fellow had arrived in the city, he had begun shopping like mad. They had turned down the beast-hunting operation just to come out here.

When Xiao Jun learned that they had actually fled at the critical moment, he gave them a thorough scolding. Still, he gave them a considerable sum of money. It was not enough to buy battle techniques, but it was enough to purchase a few items.

Shopping was one thing, considering they had become Battle Practitioners in this world and people regarded food as their heaven. But this fellow had bought nothing but jewelry and ornaments for women.

In the end, Xiao Yan bought a few things himself, intending to give them to Xun'er and Cai Lin. Though he did not know when they would come up, Xiao Yan believed there would come a day when they were reunited.

"Since we can't afford battle techniques anyway, I'm just buying Rou'er a few gifts while I'm at it," Xiao Jian said.

Rou'er was what Xiao Jian called his wife. Xiao Yan had not asked which Lineage his wife belonged to. No matter how close they were, it was still someone else's family matter, and Xiao Yan did not want to interfere. At the same time, he admired Xiao Jian somewhat. He was a good husband.

"Xiao Yan, do you believe I'll turn against you? You don't have any money anyway, so what are you going to the auction house for? I told you, that battle technique is not fated for you." Xiao Jian was dragged toward the auction house by Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan said coldly, "Say that again, and I'll sew your mouth shut. Just who is your wife? Did you really need to buy her so many things at once?"

At the mention of his wife, a trace of sorrow flashed through Xiao Jian's eyes. The rogueish air about him vanished, replaced by the bearing of a resolute man.

Xiao Yan knew he had misspoken. He said to Xiao Jian, "Sorry, I didn't mean..."

"Come on. Let's go take a look at that battle technique. No one can say for certain what will happen." Xiao Jian patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder.

"Could you two stop standing here and blocking the way? You've been blocking our young lady's path for ages!" Just then, an angry female voice rang out behind them.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Jian both jolted. Turning around, they saw a rather pretty maid standing there with her hands on her hips, glaring furiously at them.

Their gazes passed over the maid and fell upon an enchantingly beautiful woman standing behind her. A white gown wrapped around her exquisite, graceful figure. Her delicate face shone with a faint soft radiance, and her clear eyes were like rippling water. Her jade-white neck bore a beautiful flush, while her full **** rose and fell, seeming ready to burst through her clothes. Everything about her exuded allure. Her delicate curves, outlined beneath the white dress, formed astonishing contours. Although Xiao Yan had seen many women of breathtaking beauty, this woman could definitely rank among the top three.

The passersby nearby all stopped what they were doing, their eyes fixed on the beautiful woman. At this moment, she was undoubtedly the most beautiful scenery here. Quite a few people secretly swallowed, each speculating which Lineage the woman came from.

Naturally, Xiao Yan and Xiao Jian were also stunned by the woman's beauty. Then, an discordant voice rang out again, breaking the silence.

An Encounter Before the Auction

"Haven't you ever seen a beauty before? Move aside already. We're in a hurry." Seeing that Xiao Yan and Xiao Jian were still standing there, the maid snapped angrily.

Xiao Jian tugged at Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and said something that made everyone want to beat him up.

"Actually, you could have gone around."

Xiao Jian hurried to the side, making it clear that he did not know this person. What a blockhead—an absolute blockhead. How could he say something like that to such a beauty? Before a beauty like her, let alone making way, countless people would be willing to lie down and let her step over them.

"You..." The maid stared at Xiao Yan, momentarily at a loss for words. When had her young lady ever received such treatment?

Whenever people saw her young lady, did they not always obediently make way? She did not know what to say.

"Enough, Xiao Yun. He is right. We could have gone around. The auction is about to begin, so if you two are attending, you should hurry." The beautiful woman parted her red lips. Her voice was melodious, sweet, and full.

After saying that, she actually walked past Xiao Yan's side without the slightest hesitation.

"Hmph, you've got quite the nerve. You dared treat our young lady like that—you're dead for sure." Xiao Yun pointed a finger at Xiao Yan's face, looking as though she wanted to devour him.

"You're impressive. Didn't you see the way they looked like they wanted to eat you alive?" After the woman left, Xiao Jian came over to Xiao Yan's side.

"Since ancient times, beautiful women have brought disaster. She is probably the sort who could topple a nation and bring ruin to its people." Xiao Yan spoke helplessly, automatically ignoring their hostility.

"Come on. Even if there's no chance, we should still go take a look. It'll make you give up on it." Xiao Jian said.

Xiao Yan also felt rather troubled. This battle technique was extremely important for improving his strength, but...

When Xiao Yan arrived at the auction, he was immediately stunned by the sight before him. The seats had long been claimed by the major powers of the region, while both sides of the venue were packed with people holding auction placards. Xiao Yan naturally stood at the very back.

Seated at the very front of the auction were Spirit Prefecture's three great Lineages: the Qin Clan, the Xiao Clan, and the Xue Clan. The struggle between the three Lineages had never ceased. Today, these three old foxes would naturally engage in another confrontation.

"Xiao Tian, it seems no one in your Xiao Clan uses a ruler. What are you here to join the fun for?" An elderly man with a somewhat gloomy expression beside Xiao Tian said.

"Hmph, Old Qin, does anyone in your Lineage use one? My grandson uses a ruler. How about your two Lineages take a step back? I'll give each of you ten thousand gold coins." Another ruddy-faced old man said.

"Whether my Xiao Clan has someone or not is none of your business. If you have the ability, just keep raising the price. I'll keep you company." Xiao Tian sneered.

Amid the three old foxes trading barbs, the auction began.

An old man stepped onto the stage and smiled. "Everyone, welcome to my merchant guild's auction house. Although many of you are familiar with the rules, I must still emphasize one point: when bidding, state your number and your bid. The highest bidder will win."