Enemies on a narrow road

"You're too kind, Zixin Steward." Ma Xiuxiu gave a faint smile and offered Shen Luo and Xie Yuxin no explanation.

"Miss Xiu, what are you hoping to buy at this auction?" Zixin Steward asked as she led the three of them inside.

"There's nothing in particular I intend to buy. These two friends are here to purchase a few things at your pavilion's auction. I'm merely accompanying them," Ma Xiuxiu said.

"I see. May I ask your names, fellow Daoists, and what you wish to purchase? I can make some arrangements for you in advance." Zixin Steward looked somewhat surprised. She glanced over Shen Luo and Xie Yuxin and asked out of habit.

"We're merely two unaffiliated cultivators. Our names are hardly worth mentioning. We've only come to buy some cultivation supplies, so we wouldn't presume to trouble you," Shen Luo said calmly. He had no intention of revealing his background to her.

Seeing this, Zixin Steward asked no further questions. She led Shen Luo and Xie Yuxin onward, and they soon arrived at the auction hall.

The hall was enormous, almost comparable to a small plaza, with hundreds of seats arranged in rows.

At the very front stood several dozen red square tables, laden with spirit fruit, tea, and other refreshments. Several large rosewood chairs surrounded each table, clearly intended for distinguished guests, in stark contrast to the cramped seating behind them.

"Please take your seats here, honored guests. You'll be closer to the auction platform and have a clearer view." Zixin led the three of them to a square table near the front. The raised auction platform stood a short distance ahead.

She briefly explained the auction proceedings and gave each of them a numbered jade token, then soon excused herself to attend to other guests.

Shen Luo