84. The Auction; The Aspiring Xin Ci
Mae Da Mountain, The Jia Clan.
Despite being a large clan, the Jia Clan does not possess the thousand-year history of the Gu Yue Clan or the foundations of Immortals like other Super Clans. This Clan established itself on Mae Da Mountain roughly 60 years ago. It managed three Spirit Springs, allowing it to nurture many Gu Masters.
The Jia Clan’s leader was a Legendary figure. He started from scratch, working his way up through trade and becoming a Rank 5 Gu Master. But time and tides wait for no man.
The Clan descended into deep mourning. The Jia Clan’s Leader was a just man despite being a shrewd trader. He raised several Elders as his own sons.
Yet, kindness, money, and justice only go so far. The ruthless river of time sweeps everything in its path.
The Clan Leader died on this day—13th March, 4am.
The Jia Clan held a massive funeral service.
‘So, he died,’ a figure lets out a puff of turbid breath. His jet-black hair cascades onto his waist. An unkempt beard and mustache cover his slightly bland features. The dust on his robes and skin fails to hide the abyss-like pools hidden in his dark pupils.
A brilliant aura of a Rank 4 Peak Stage Aura emanates from the youth.
The cavern around him is unique. Sapphire-blue clouds cover the ceilings. Thin sapphire crystals jut out from the layer of mist. Within these crystals is a swaying light. This is the famous Sapphire Cloud. It condenses around water sapphires. But the most valuable material is the Sapphire Milk inside these water sapphires.
‘I spent a year setting this formation. It’s been some time since I escaped Qing Mao Mountain. Sigh. I’ve been too busy with the Drifting Keng’s Inheritance. I don’t know who else survived and what’s the situation. The Blood Tide in Qing Mao Mountain must have attracted other Super Forces.’
This man is Fang Yuan.
He escaped Qing Mao Mountain with a plan and arrived at one of the few Inheritance Sites useful to him.
Fang Yuan stares at the cloud. He discards the useless thoughts.
“Drifting Keng was a Water Path Rank 4 Righteous Expert. He was assassinated by his brother, Old Flaming Beard Keng. Old Flaming Beard Keng would appear in the Jia Family’s dispute and make a name for himself under Jia Gui. However, the future inheritor of the Drifting Keng would kill him. That’s because Drifting Keng’s Water Path is a smokescreen. He wanted to develop in Time Path because of a fortuitous encounter.”
“Always jealous of his younger brother’s fortune, Old Flaming Beard Keng assassinated Drifting Keng.”
“Only—Drifting Keng survived.”
Droplets of blue liquid start pouring down on the cave from the crystal tips. The blue droplets drench the ground and Fang Yuan.
He stares at a spot, noticing a tiny fluctuation.
“Drifting Keng survived because of the Time Path Healing Gu—One More Day Gu. Drifting Keng escaped the Keng Clan and used several other means to delay his death before setting this inheritance.”
“He used his outstanding talent to combine Water and Time Path at the end of his days, compelling his fated Inheritor to follow the same ingenuity before attaining this Inheritance.”
Fang Yuan stares at the set of healthy Gu.
“I spent a few years using the Water and Time Path Gu from the Inheritance to clear all the tasks. To think I will have such ‘affinity’ with Time Path. Hehe. I’m already close to being a Master in this mysterious path. Ah, Zie Qi. Thank you.”
Fang Yuan glances at his aperture.
His aptitude is already at a shocking 93%!
However, Fang Yuan isn’t happy.
“A Rank 4 Gu Master’s Primeval Essence has better effects on my Aperture. I can’t rest all my hopes on the Jia Clan’s dispute. I will prepare several things for my ascension before the two great ‘Fortunes’ inside kill me!”
Fang Yuan narrows his eyes.
‘In my memories, the Divine Thief would come looking for benefits in the Jia Clan after causing enough issues in the Demon Suppressing Tower. I must spend time collecting information.’
Fang Yuan takes the Gu and unhesitatingly destroys the cave’s section before revealing a hidden path.
<<<>>>
“Die!”
A loud, hateful shout follows a Bloody Palm light! It enters Lo Jik’s body during his meditative session before—
*Splat*
“Hah!”
Lo Jik’s eyes snap as he swiftly sits up with cold sweat drenching his back.
‘Fuck,’ he heaves while rubbing his tired eyes. ‘This nightmare again.’
Lo Jik admits that things are becoming more tense for him.
Although he died twice before, Lo Jik never had to ‘wait.’ But the thing about colluding with Su Shou is there’s still a 10% chance it’s all a magnificent trap, and Shang Yan Fei is a bored fucker who likes playing cat and mouse with other talents. The deadline is in June. It’s already March.
The closer Lo Jik gets to the Deadline, the more pressure his heart and soul experience. It’s as if a tight chain is wrapped around his neck. It gets tighter daily, forcing him to gasp for breath. But such fears are instinctive. It’s due to the unknown factor in the scheme. Everyone fears the unknown. Yet Lo Jik doesn’t try looking away from it. He made up his mind.
He will leave Su Shou weak in the knees for the sweet Platinum!
… and maybe as a repayment for all the mental stress her plan is already causing him.
He wipes his sweat before freshening up. Lo Jik returns to cultivating without delays. The use of Rank 4 Half Effort Gu is outstanding.
‘It’s a shame how other Rank 5 Gu aren’t as effortless to refine as the Blood River Python and Heaven and Earth Before My Eyes Gu. Almost all of them require dozens of materials and several Rank 4 Gu.’
It’s one of the reasons Lo Jik decisively used the Rank 4 Thicker Skin Gu for the Dreamer Gu instead of refining it into Rank 5 Thickest Skin Gu. It’s more efficient to purchase it once needed.
Lo Jik’s mastery of the Refinement Path does not lower the difficulties of Refining a Rank 5 Gu due to his mortal status. Even Immortals have a probability of failing to fuse a Rank 5 Gu!
Lo Jik doesn’t let these thoughts distract him. Rank 5 Cultivation is still a considerable time away. He isn’t even Rank 4 Peak Stage yet. Once he reaches the Rank 4 Peak Stage, he will nurture the Crystal Wall until it’s ready to break. Of course, getting another Rank 4 Yellow Gold Relic Gu will make his life easier.
But Lo Jik doesn’t dare have such wishes.
What if his future rewards all turn out to be Relic Gu? That would be fucked up.
A few days pass as the auction begins.
Based on the Ju Feng Mountain’s peak, the Ju Clan contested the might of hurricanes. Like the Gu Yue Clan, other Clans had their issues. No territory is perfect. Even Shang Liang Mountain has its issues.
However, the Ju Clan suffered against a rare and disastrous Hurricane that destroyed their Spirit Spring and killed several Gu Masters. Spirit Springs is a Clan’s lifeline. The Ju Clan could not survive without a Spirit Spring and scaled down the Ju Feng Mountain to enter the Shang Clan.
But Shang Clan is an expensive location to reside in. So, the Ju Clansmen resolved to auction off their wealth and unique commodities.
It’s merely an uncommon situation. Wasn’t the Bai Clan in a similar situation? However, they didn’t live in a place struck by natural disasters. It could hold out until encountering the Spirit Spring in Bai Gu Mountain—for which Bai Lin ‘rewarded’ Lo Jik plenty.
The super-sized auction house is packed with thousands of individuals finding their seats. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing sat in a private room using their Purple Thorn Token. Even they had to expend some resources since there were limited Private Rooms, and several individuals wanted them.
“Sigh, it’s a tragedy.”
One of the Gu Masters speaks.
“But it’s a fortune for us. There are so many things the Ju Clan wouldn’t have ordinarily sold.”
“Not even a Large Clan can stand the nature’s test.”
“It’s the same everywhere. Didn’t a Blood Tide suddenly eradicate the three Clans of Qing Mao Mountain?”
Others chatter among themselves as Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing peer through the slit of the curtain covering the private room.
“It’s already 91%.”
Bai Ning Bing suddenly speaks. He doesn’t glance at Lo Jik as he nods.
“I’ve been busy for some time. I’ll earn funds and refine it.”
Bai Ning Bing doesn’t question the validity of his words. However, he asks, “Do you think there is a better way in the items listed for the auction?”
Lo Jik quietly shakes his head, making Bai Ning Bing groan and roll his eyes.
“Maybe you can cripple your cultivation,” Lo Jik quips. “It would be an intriguing experiment. Do you think you would heal?”
“Oh, shut up,” Bai Ning Bing sighs, already used to Lo Jik’s casually destructive words.
Young Masters start appearing in Auction Houses one after another.
“Oh, look. Your damsel is here,” Bai Ning Bing snickers as the arrival of two beauties attracts everyone’s attention.
Shang Xin Ci and Shang Chi Wen enter the Auction House hand-in-hand, chatting and giggling with each other. Behind them walk four servants. Two of them are Xiao Die and Tian Lan.
The four servants block the excited men trying to meet the two celebrities as Shang Xin Ci’s gaze brightens.
“Brother and Sister Monkey!” she greets after entering the Private Room. Shang Chi Wen enters with a soft giggle.
“I hope you won’t mind my unannounced visit, Lo Jik.”
Lo Jik would take this chance to build a good relationship with Shang Chi Wen. Although not as sensational as Xin Ci or pre-dicked Ning Bing, Shang Chi Wen is attractive. But Su Shou’s issue matters more to Lo Jik. Still, he smiles.
“I wouldn’t dare, Young Master Chi Wen.” He offers a seat without further dialogue or witty lines.
“How are your injuries, Brother Monkey?” Xin Ci sits near Lo Jik, speaking with concern. “It’s been some time since we met. Are you taking care of yourself?”
Lo Jik smiles at her, “It’s only been a few days, Xin Ci.”
“Someone has to worry,” she asserts before glancing at Bai Ning Bing with a rare accusatory glance. Bai Ning Bing doesn’t bother himself with this shit. As a man and a woman, he gives his heart to battle and a side of benefits and soup.
Lo Jik snickers and nods as Tian Lan and Xiao Die.
Shang Chi Wen watches their interaction with amusement. However, she can’t help but study the duo. She manages the Battle Stages. So, Shang Chi Wen knows Lo Jik’s and Ning Bing’s records.
The duo hasn’t lost a match!
Unwilling to participate in the Clan’s politics, the duo rejected invitations from other Young Masters. But Shang Chi Wen didn’t send them any invitation since she didn’t have startling ambitions.
‘But it’s clear Xin Ci’s and Lo Jik’s relationship is more than friendship.’ Her lips twitch as she’s ignored by all. Bai Ning Bing keeps to himself, akin to an Icy Prince. His piercing blue eyes can evoke despicable desires within several women. Meanwhile, Lo Jik is like an experienced womanizer.
Unlike Shang Pu Lao, however, Lo Jik doesn’t use elegant means. He’s almost half-naked. His appearance and appeal are risque and raw.
‘Gosh!’ Shang Chi Wen muses, not letting others know her scandalous thoughts. ‘How exciting would it be if Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing were more than just partners and found each others’ manly charms even more to their liking!’
A cold Ice Prince and a Raw Giant!
The pale and the bold!
“Heh! Relax, Xin Ci,” Lo Jik smiles, unaware of Shang Chi Wen’s despicable thoughts. She’s fantasizing about his nightmares! Lo Jik offers Xin Ci a plate of fruits. “I’m all healed now. It was just that refining is truly a Gu Master’s lasting challenge. I ought to reward you, hehe! I guess your concerns worked. I refined the Gu is desired for so long.”
Lo Jik laughs shamelessly. “If I didn’t fear the Clan Leader, I would have kissed you.”
Xin Ci’s expression freezes while Shang Chi Wen’s eyelids jump in surprise.
‘Oh? So, you fear someone?’ Bai Ning Bing narrows his eyes. ‘No. You don’t fear Shang Yan Fei. You fear the politics and how it would hinder your growth.’
“Don’t look so shocked,” Lo Jik continues snickering. “I’m not a bad kisser. See? Tian Lan agrees.”
Gazes converge on Tian Lan as the woman stiffens. She glares at Lo Jik.
When have I ever kissed you?!
As for Xiao Die?
She thinks the opposite.
When will you kiss me, Lord Lo Jik?!
“I see,” Xin Ci regathers her composure. “Congratulations, Brother Lo Jik.” She beams. Now, he wouldn’t have to take such risks, right?
“Thank you,” Lo Jik looks at her. “Now, others in the Third Battle Stage are of no challenge. Only Ju Kai Be and Yan Tu are a challenge.”
Shang Chi Wen looks at him with surprise.
Wei Yang arrives soon, too.
“I checked the listings. The Bitter Strength Gu is the 13th item. But I also have some news. Shang Ya Zi seems prepared to cause trouble as he withdrew his assets.”
Fate is mysterious.
Although Ya Zi was removed, he unexpectedly climbed back to the Young Master’s position last year, causing troubles for Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing. Fortunately, they fulfilled their needs the year Ya Zi wasn’t a Young Master. He’s been hounding Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing since then. He would appear in the auctions they attend or try to hinder the purchase of Strength Path and Ice Path Gu.
But Lo Jik primarily relied on gambling last year and wasn’t affected.
“Shang Ya Zi isn’t here for fun,” Wei Yang sighs. “There are also Shang Bi Xi and Ju Kai Be.”
Shang Bi Xi manages the Substitute Refinement Zone, and his Core Gu is the Turtle Tire Gu, allowing him to possess the might of ten turtles instead of the usual limit of eight. Although the Substitute Refinement earns less, he banded with Shang Pu Lao and Shang Suan Ni. Shang Pu Lao manages the Brothels, and Suan Ni leads the silk stores and restaurants. They earn buckets of Primeval Stones and will undoubtedly assist Shang Bi Xi.
Meanwhile, Ju Kai Be is a rank 4 Gu Master!
What does it mean?
A Rank 4 Gu Master is ordinarily a Clan Leader! But Ju Kai Be rejected the invitations from all forces, declaring: “I will not leave the Battle Stage unless I defeat Yan Tu!”
Yan Tu is also a Rank 4 Fire Path Gu Master. The Rank 4 Duo is considered the Sky of the Battle Stage.
They dominate the Battle Stage, and their matches sell out the arena. Ju Kai Be must be rich, too.
“Here, I saved a small amount, Brother. The Bitter Strength Gu will be a crucial contest.” Wei Yang retrieves the Primeval Elder Gu. The Primeval Elder reveals a joyful expression. There must be almost a million stones inside!
Shang Chi Wen almost squeaks in surprise. She never expected Lo Jik to have such a firm bond with Elder Wei Yang.
Who is Wei Yang?
He is one of the five Generals under Shang Yan Fei, the White Light Swordsman! The auction also has a Light Path Gu that Wei Yang needs. But he is sacrificing it for Lo Jik.
“Brother…” Lo Jik smiles as Wei Yang shakes his head.
“Say no more, Brother Gu Yue,” Wei Yang smiles.
“Brother Monkey, here,” Xin Ci retrieves her Primeval Elder. It's frowning and upset, revealing her collection of about 200000 stones.
Lo Jik feels moved. He looks at the sincere duo before revealing a candid smile.
“Brother Wei, please sit with us. I just told Xin Ci how I got lucky after she took me to get healed by Doctor Su. Rejecting your concerns will be hypocritical, but there was a reason I risked such injuries.”
Wei Yang’s gaze brightens, and he suddenly grins. “I see. Haha! Then, you must shower Lady Xin Ci with banquets for seven days and nights. It’s good! Good news!”
Wei Yang laughs and sits beside Lo Jik.
Xin Ci also takes her Primeval Elder back with shining eyes.
‘To think…’ Chi Wen stores this news.
‘Oh? He’s gotten stronger.’ Battle intent flashes in his eyes. Lo Jik only won last time because he played with the rules. He wants another duel!
But…
Lo Jik is beyond everybody’s scope inside the Private Room.
Xiao Die had an urge to tease Xin Ci again. However, she glances at Ning Bing and stays quiet.
More people entered the Auction house. An eight-foot-tall man sculpted from muscles attracts Lo Jik’s and Bai Ning Bing’s attention. He is Ju Kai Bei, a Rank 4 Strength Path Gu Master. Other Young Masters invite him, but he directly rejects them and sits in one of the public seats. His body carries a stifling presence as others bow and greet the man.
After Ju Kai Bei enters a strange individual. He’s in the Shang Clan’s attire. However, the right side of his face is pale blue, and the left side is bright red.
“Oh? Even Shang Bu Li arrived?” Wei Yang narrows his eyes.
Shang Bu Li, the Two-Faced Man, is the Shang Clan’s crucial subject. He is Shang Yan Fei’s first general, capable of dual cultivating Fire and Ice Path Gu. He also controls the number one trade in the city—Slaves.
The Rank 4 Gu Master strolls, revealing a prideful expression as others lick his boots and praise him to Heaven.
“Can you walk slower?” A cold and unhappy voice interrupts the clamoring Gu Masters as they all retreat with fear written on their faces. “A man your age shouldn’t be dragging your steps. Do you need some treatment?”
Fury flickers in Bu Li’s expression before he turns. Anger subsides for fear as he steps aside.
“Bu Li greets Lord Doctor Su,” he quickly sidesteps, allowing the veiled Su Shou and her eight servants to walk past him.
Wei Yang snickers seeing this.
“I wonder if I should return the Essence Cloud Elephant King to Doctor Su?” Lo Jik mutters. “She did heal me.”
“Please, don’t!” Wei Yang sweats. “You will only make matters worse.”
Lo Jik smirks and nods.
Soon, Yan Tu and other experts arrive.
It’s the gathering of the most influential beings in the Shang Clan. Even Shang Yan Fei is paying attention to it.
The hostess soon arrives and begins the auction. Her pleasant voice spreads using the sound amplification Gu.
She quickly introduces the first item.
Frost Arrow Gu.
It’s a Rank 4 Gu that looks like a drain fly. Its ice-blue body has a pointed, needle-like head.
Like Gu Yue’s Moon Series, this Gu is the Ju Clan’s treasure.
“Rank 4 Frost Arrow Gu. It condenses Frost Energy and shoots out Frost Arrows at the enemy. It's a Rare Gu with the advantage of low Essence Consumption, and even Rank 3 Gu Masters can use it.” The hostess lists its food before revealing the base price—70000 Stones.
“75000!”
“80000!”
“85!”
The bids decreased after reaching the 90000 mark. Only a few voices remain after the 100000 mark. Others only increase the price by 1000 Stones.
“110000,” Bai Ning Bing speaks coolly.
“The Lord from the Ninth Private room bids 110000!” The Hostess continues.
“120000,” Shang Ya Zi’s voice leaves the Fifth Private Room.
“130000,” Bai Ning Bing squints his eyes.
“140000!” Shang Ya Zi laughs.
“150000.”
“150000 for a Frost Arrow that doesn’t even follow the enemy? Hmph! Good. Suffer more!” Ya Zi smirks coldly, not bidding further.
Bai Ning Bing’s gaze turns frosty as he glances at Lo Jik.
He shrugs. Lo Jik doesn’t have any advice to offer. Malice blooms in Bai Ning Bing’s eyes while Wei Yang sighs.
“It seems Shang Ya Zi doesn’t forgive anything.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Bai Ning Bing keeps it concise, not adding anything. Like Lo Jik, Bai Ning Bing occasionally spars with Wei Yang. They are on acceptable terms.
Xin Ci frowns, slightly upset for Bai Ning Bing.
‘Well, Second Brother has always been like that. What surprised me was him overturning the situation and becoming a Young Master again.’ Shang Chi Wen shrugs.
The auction enthusiastically continues.
“This is the Thousand-year-old Wind Willow, a precious Rank 5 Refinement material…”
“It’s the rare Rank 4 Wind Goat Strength Gu! It allows a Gu Master the strength of a Wind Goat!”
“Oh?” Lo Jik blinks, adding to the bid, “90000!”
“100000!” Shang Ya Zi’s voice supplants.
Lo Jik smirks and adds, “130000!”
“Heh! 140000!” Shang Ya Zi laughs.
However, they are the only two bidders.
Lo Jik’s voice doesn’t emerge as Ya Zi’s expression twists.
“Oh?” Bai Ning Bing blinks before smiling.
Since it’s the mix of Super and Ju Clan’s auction, the Hostess interchanges the items from both sides.
“This is the rare Rank 4 Wind Chasing Gu.”
“110000,” Bai Ning Bing bids. She does lack a good Movement Gu.
However, Shang Ya Zi doesn’t bid as another competitor bids for the Wind Chasing Gu.
“115000,” Bai Ning Bing adds.
“118000,” Shang Ya Zi lowers the bidding price after suffering the first loss of the day.
Bai Ning Bing doesn’t add another price.
Shang Ya Zi would only raise the price if Lo Jik or Bai Ning Bing bids, letting them understand what narrow-mindedness truly means.
“Wisdom Gu are rare. One of the Clansmen discovered a pair of Gu. These are well-paired and can be used by Gu Masters of different paths, allowing them to act like brave heroes! These are the Rank 3 Brave Thoughts and Brave Will Gu! The base price is 50000 Primeval Stones!”
Lo Jik laughs. “Braveness is a Strength Path Gu Master’s trait. Wouldn’t you agree, Young Master Shang Ya Zi? 80000!”
Only a few Gu Masters interested in the product lose their urge to bid against the affluent individual from the Ninth Private room as Shang Ya Zi’s cold chuckle echoes. “Do you take me for a fool, Lo Jik? Who would take such an obvious bite? Hehe, you are muddled. You do require these Gu Worms.”
Others in the public hall laugh as Xiao Die grits her teeth. However, Lo Jik remains unfazed. It’s acceptable if public mockery saves him tens of thousands of Primeval Stones he would otherwise spend due to Shang Ya Zi.
‘Oh? This is also a feasible method,’ Bai Ning Bing nods. She can sense Lo Jik desires the two Gu.
“Wisdom Path is mysterious and ever-present,” Shang Chi Wen’s gaze flashes. “It is said that the Wisdom Path comprises Thoughts, Wills, and Emotions. Do you know more about these aspects, Lo Jik?”
“How can I?” Lo Jik snickers. “But I feel these two Gu are good for me.”
“You feel it?” Wei Yang catches on as Shang Chi Wen shakes her head internally. She overestimated Lo Jik. Meanwhile, Lo Jik replies to Wei Yang. “It’s hard to put it in words, Brother Wei. But I just have a feeling.” He shrugs and doesn’t appear to think much about it.
However, Wei Yang blinks and contains the slight confusion in his eyes.
‘It cannot be that… right?’ Wei Yang focuses on the Auction as the item he wants appears.
The auction continues, and soon arrives the Bitter Strength Gu.
‘It’s here,’ Lo Jik’s gaze flashes.
“This is the Rank 4 Bitter Strength Gu. However, Strength Path Gu has low Primeval consumption demand and can be used by Rank 3 Gu Master—”
“Everyone knows about its use! Finally, it’s mine!” Lo Jik’s excited voice interrupts the introduction as he shouts, “300000!”
Ju Kai Bei snorts. This Gu will improve his strength by a level.
“Don’t you have the Hateful Strength Gu, youngster?” He knows about Lo Jik, marking him a fierce challenger. “Stay content with your choice. 350000.”
“370000!” Shang Bi Xi also bids.
“That Hateful Strength Gu?” Lo Jik laughs. “How can it compare to this treasure? 600000!”
The crowd gasps. Even if Lo Jik has the Bitter Strength Gu, he won’t let another one fall into Ju Kai Bei’s hands.
“600000?” One of the Gu Masters grows speechless.
“This Lo Jik is so rich!”
“Hmph! It’s our money! We’re the fools who pay to watch his match, and now he is wasting it!”
“Sigh,” Ju Kai Bei shakes his head. This amount is too much for a Bitter Strength Gu. He could purchase several other useful Gu with this sum.
Shang Bi Xi also retreats, unwilling to suffer such loss.
“600000 going once!” the Hostess excitedly speaks.
“600000 going twice!”
“600000 going thrice—”
“Hold on,” Shang Ya Zi snickers. “610000.”
“Again?” The crowd murmurs.
“Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing are Purple Thorn Token holders. Is Young Master Shang Ya Zi at odds with them?”
As the crowd mutters, Lo Jik snorts.
“700000.”
“710000!” Shang Ya Zi beams. He can feel Lo Jik’s determination for this Gu!
Lo Jik narrows his eyes before he looks at Xin Ci and Shang Chi Wen.
“Thank your second brother for me, Xin Ci, Young Master Chi Wen. I just wanted to keep Ju Kai Bei from having this Gu.”
The duo reveals a baffled expression. The Sisters expected Lo Jik to have a use for this Gu despite his earlier words.
Lo Jik smiles and states, “Senior Ju Kai Bei was right. This junior already has the Hateful Strength Gu. This Bitter Strength is useless.”
‘BASTARD!’
Shang Ya Zi, Bi Xi, and Ju Kai Bei curse!
Lo Jik didn’t let the ones who needed the Gu bid for it and allowed someone who didn’t walk the Strength Path to pay an atrocious price for it!
Lo Jik leans back while giggling, revealing a carefree expression. His hands sprawl back on the seat while his robes open further, allowing the girls in the room to look at the chiseled goods.
Wei Yang laughs alongside Lo Jik. But his heart is astonished. Luck is also a talent. If Lo Jik refined the Gu Worm, he led all of them to believe…
He’s a treasure trove of talent!
“Hehe! This Shang Ya Zi is so petty he didn’t even consider he would lose.” Others discussed.
Other Young Masters were furious about Shang Ya Zi’s display.
‘No, the true losers are all of us who wanted the Bitter Strength Gu,’ Ju Kai Bei sighs. ‘Lo Jik has the Hateful Strength Gu. But it’s inconvenient compared to the Bitter Strength. If only I had the Bitter Strength…’
Shang Ya Zi smashes his glass against the floor as he grits his teeth. Veins bulge around his veins as his breathing turns ragged. He is a capable fellow. How else could he have restored his Young Master title?
However, the character often decides fate.
Lo Jik already fooled him once.
As they say—Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice; shame on me.
‘I want to kill you! I want to cut you into a million pieces!’ Shang Ya Zi roars in his heart.
What use does he have for the Bitter Strength?
He prepared around 1.4 million to create issues for Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing. But he lost half his funds on a Rank 4 Gu? He could have bought two Rank 5 Gu with this money!
The Auction continues.
Already possessing so many Gu, Lo Jik reveals little interest in other items. He only came here for the Brave Thoughts and Will set. However, Bai Ning Bing freely bids on things he likes. Shang Ya Zi barely spoke after that disastrous loss.
Bai Ning Bing successfully purchased a Rank 3 Wind Stream Gu before stopping.
Wei Yang bids for a Rank 4 Atmosphere Gu, losing it to the Yi Clan’s elder.
Shang Chi Wen also bids for the Rank 3 Wood Charm Gu. She is a Wood Path Gu master. Her competition was fierce as she lost to one of the Refinement Experts who wished to study this Gu and its connection with the Lifespan Gu.
Xin Ci doesn’t bid for anything. She’s here to broaden her horizons.
<<<>>>
“Here, drink,” Lo Jik smilingly pours more wine for Wei Yang, Xin Ci, and Chi Wen. He then casually does the same for the servants sitting beside them. He invited them all for a banquet after the Auction ended. Chi Wen’s servants feel flattered and embarrassed, but Xiao Die and Tian Lan are used to it.
After all, Lo Jik always indulges everyone with food once he decides to treat others.
“Don’t look so flustered,” Lo Jik snickers at the two servants. “Do you think Xiao Die and Tian Lan long for me for my good looks alone? That is only a part of it!”
“Leave it to Brother Lo Jik for making such absurd comments after a few sips of wine,” Wei Yang shakes his head.
Chi Wen smiles as she states, “I never expected the last item to be the Heavenly Essence Treasure King Lotus’ recipe. Father must have kept it a secret. It wasn’t revealed in the listings. Fei Clan earned a lot in this Auction.”
“Oh? Lady Chi Wen is interested in that Gu?” Lo Jik questions.
“Who wouldn’t be?” she giggles before shaking her head. “However, it’s too rare. Even getting the Rank 3 Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus will be an outstanding feat.”
“Can’t the Young Masters ask for three Gu Worms for the Clan to help them find, Sister Chi?” Xin Ci blinks.
“It’s not so simple, Little Sister,” Chi Wen sighs. “Heavenly Essence Treasure is too rare. We can request a slightly more uncommon Gu, like the Bitter Strength Gu. But Gu, like the Heavenly Essence Treasure, is either held for the Elders or the Living Treasure Door.”
“It’s still an envious position,” Lo Jik reveals his emotions after a sip of wine.
“Hehe,” Wei Yang laughs. “Careful, Brother Lo Jik. Such temptations will also see you becoming an External Elder like me.” Although he adopts a joking tone, his gaze observes Lo Jik.
“It doesn’t sound bad,” Lo Jik rests an elbow on the table and supports his cheek. “But I don’t want to stop yet. Still, when I’m truly exhausted, I wonder how good it would feel to not worry about a thing. You understand it, right, Brother Wei? To have someone map things out for you. To allow someone trusted to guide without spending another thought.”
Lo Jik reveals a pure look. “It must be blissful. To not think that is.”
“No.”
Surprisingly, Xin Ci firmly argues. She stares into Lo Jik’s eyes. “Brother Monkey, the tide exists to be endured, and the sea exists to be mapped. Humans are explorers in their lives. Never must we let this joy taken by others.”
Lo Jik laughs. “You misunderstand, Xin Ci. What I’m speaking of isn’t giving up.”
“It’s trust,” Wei Yang suddenly states.
“It’s quite rare,” Bai Ning Bing adds softly as he momentarily recalls the Bai Clan Leader before glancing at Lo Jik.
“I misspoke,” Xin Ci lowers her head.
“Finish your thoughts,” she hears him speak. Xin Ci looks at the fond youth. “I want to hear what Xin Ci thinks.”
Xin Ci smiles.
“We are like boats, Brother Monkey. We let the tides carry us. It looks peaceful at a glance. But what happens when the winds of tribulations blow? What happens when giant calamity of tidal waves crash into the boat? Our boats are small and helpless. Only by cultivating and building bigger boat can we lead our loved ones to safety.”
Chi Wen glances at Xin Ci with a surprise. She interacted with Xin Ci on several occasions. Chi Wen never knew Xin Ci hid such ideologies under her gentler exterior. Her aspirations spoke of bitter determination and stubbornness to surpass the winds and waves of the World!
“Lord Clan Leader taught you well,” Lo Jik smiles. Xin Ci’s heart skips a beat. But she doesn’t look away.
“How can you forget Brother Monkey? You taught me this.”
“Heh!” he laughs. “I suppose I can take the credit tonight. But Brother Wei and Sister Chi, please don’t tell it to the Clan Leader. I can’t bear Lord Shang’s indignance on the matter.”
Chi Wen doesn’t show a negative expression at Lo Jik’s warm address. She smiles and jokes back. “No, no, Brother Lo Jik. You now possess Brave Thoughts and Brave Will Gu. I’m sure the hero surges within you.”
“Haha! Lady Chi Wen is right.” Wei Yang laughs.
‘Hero?’ Bai Ning Bing snickers. ‘Him? Who is he saving? All the heroic thoughts go to his lower half!’
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