Chapter 112
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Chapter 112: Merchants’ Guild Auction
"The name doesn’t matter," Qin Chu Yi said, her heart racing as she met Ming He’s sparkling peach blossom eyes. Joy swelled within her, and with a soft laugh, she turned her gaze to the sky above the Moon Grasping Palace. "The auction is about to begin; let’s go."
She took Ming He’s hand and stepped out of the Moon Grasping Palace, where a carriage already awaited them. Made from rosewood, the carriage shone under the sun, its black curtains billowing in the wind. Four tall and proud Dragon Horses stepped forward, their demeanor full of spirit.
Ming He paused slightly, recognizing the four steeds from her reading in the Floating Cloud Sect’s library. They weren’t just any horses—they were Dragon Horses, bearing a faint dragon bloodline. While the lineage was so thin it could almost be ignored, they were indeed part of the dragon clan.
“Senior Sister, is this…” Ming He appeared puzzled. She knew that Tianwu City was a distance from Qin Huang Mountain, but riding on a sword would only take half an hour. Why go through all this trouble?
"Young Miss Ming He, the Young Master of the Ancient Clan traveling out requires four Dragon Horses; that’s quite modest," Chu Yi explained as she stood beside the carriage, her expression respectful.
In the past, when Qin Chu Yi was known as Chu Yi Qing and was merely a true disciple of the Floating Cloud Sect, she could arrive in any manner. But Qin Chu Yi was different now; she was the Young Master of the Ancient Clan, which required her to embody the demeanor expected of her status. The Young Master’s presence was not just for the sake of the auction; it also showcased the Ancient Clan’s heritage and grace.
Even though various races roamed and beasts thrived, competition existed even among the ancient clans.
Qin Huang Mountain stood outside Tianwu City, far from the heart of the Tianwu Continent. However, the Qin Clan was the leading ancient clan. If they desired a stronghold in the central region, they could have it, but they chose Qin Huang Mountain because a royal grade spiritual vein swirled beneath it.
This royal grade spiritual vein contained nearly infinite spiritual energy, making it a unique treasure of the Tianwu Continent. The Qin Clan could hold Qin Huang Mountain for thousands of years, which showed they were not a soft-hearted clan.
The title of the leading ancient clan concealed immense power and noble status, which required diligence at all times.
Ming He’s gaze flickered, seeming to grasp something. Watching Qin Chu Yi change into splendid robes with a graceful wave of her sleeve, she understood the hefty significance of Qin Chu Yi’s identity as the Young Master of the Ancient Clan. One small action could resonate throughout.
Inside the carriage, Ming He sat beside Qin Chu Yi, glancing at Liu Yun, who appeared transfixed. It wasn’t that she was surprised the Dragon Horses could soar into the sky; it was that the Qin Clan’s carriage was different from common carriages, as it had been modified by a heavenly rank refiner to withstand the impacts of natural forces.
She merely recalled riding the flying boat with Qin Chu Yi to retrieve the Star Lock from the ancient cave dwelling. The once little cultivator now possessed the ability to stand amidst the swirling mist, even if she still couldn’t afford a flying boat. The contrast felt like a lifetime had passed.
Ming He lifted the curtain beside her and looked out at the world; her heart soared at the sight of the pristine blue sky above and the rushing clouds, while below were mountains, rivers, flowers, and trees. She stood at the center of the world, free and unbound.
With a mighty roar, the Dragon Horses charged upward, swiftly crossing the mountains beneath them, entering a vibrant realm. At the point where heaven met earth, they leapt powerfully, their majestic hooves landing gracefully before a towering building without causing a tremor inside the carriage.
"Dragon Horses, which noble figure has arrived?"
"This carriage is no ordinary one; it must have been crafted by a heavenly rank refiner. Besides flying and creating mist, it possesses both offensive and defensive formations. The person within certainly holds a notable background."
"Dragon Horses, formations, inscriptions; who might this be…" The crowd murmured their guesses, breath hitching and gazes filled with anticipation as they glanced towards the carriage.
Ming He, hearing the discussions, leaped down from the carriage, instantly feeling all eyes upon her. As they recognized her cultivation level, bewilderment crossed their faces.
Ignoring the sudden shift in attention, she reached out her hand into the air and bent slightly, performing a gesture of respect. Her eyes shone brightly, radiating focus and seriousness.
Qin Chu Yi paused, realizing her cultivation was at the Heaven Origin realm and didn’t need assistance disembarking. However, Ming He’s gesture didn’t seem like a request for support; it felt more like… a special form of etiquette?
She smiled gently at Ming He, her own smile blossoming as she allowed the little cultivator to hold her hand and guide her down. The attention that had momentarily fixated on Ming He shifted back to the carriage, only to be entranced again.
As Ming He led Qin Chu Yi out, she noticed the surrounding area had fallen into a hushed silence. Everyone seemed captivated, their breaths stilled as they gazed at Qin Chu Yi with awe and fascination, as if time itself had frozen.
Furrowing her brows slightly, Ming He felt a surge of unhappiness bubbling within. Tightening her grip on Qin Chu Yi’s hand, she positioned her body to shield them from some of the gazes. When she looked back at Qin Chu Yi, her normally gentle gaze transformed, revealing the sharp intensity of a sword cultivator, rousing those enchanted by the beauty before them.
After stealing another glance at Ming He, they averted their gazes, though their peripheral vision still focused on the unfolding scene.
"That person is the Young Master of the Qin Clan!" One cultivator whispered, recognizing Qin Chu Yi’s identity. His words resonated clearly, akin to a stone cast into water, sending ripples throughout the crowd.
The Qin Clan’s Young Master.
They regarded Qin Chu Yi with newfound respect, understanding that in the vastness of the world, only one woman could bear the title of Young Master among the Qin, renowned for twenty-three years.
Many cultivators in the central region had yet to see Qin Chu Yi, but few had never heard her name.
Qin Chu Yi, the Young Master of Qin Huang Mountain, recognized by the Ancient Emperor’s Tomb as the future of the human race, stood at the pinnacle among young cultivators in the central region. Her elegance was unparalleled, her presence commanding the heavens.
"Steward Zui Sheng Meng of the Merchants’ Guild has met the Young Master of the Qin Clan," a warm voice echoed from within the building. Out stepped a young man clad in green silk, his features as refined as a painting, exuding a gentle elegance that matched his name. To Ming He, he seemed like a fine wine—unassuming at first glance, yet undoubtedly exquisite.
Zui Sheng Meng, the steward of the Merchants’ Guild?
Ming He glanced at the surrounding cultivators, easily noting their surprise at his personal welcome for Qin Chu Yi. Yet, Qin Chu Yi was the Young Master of the Qin Clan. How could a mere steward from the Merchants’ Guild elicit such astonishment from these distinguished cultivators?
"No need for formalities, Steward Zui Sheng Meng," Qin Chu Yi replied with a cool nod, her demeanor distant. She took Ming He’s hand and led her into the Merchants’ Guild under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Zui Sheng Meng was more than a name—it was a title, a symbol of power and status within the Guild.
The Merchants’ Guild boasted several masters, numerous elders, and protectors, but only one Young Master and one steward. The Young Master, Lou Qing Shang, was an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery, while the steward, Zui Sheng Meng, remained stationed year-round at the Guild’s auction house in Tianwu City. On the surface, the two seemed unrelated.
Auctions, no matter where they were held, always followed a similar layout.
The most prestigious auction Ming He had ever attended was at Baiyu Building in Ding Kang City, Eastern Region—her sole experience with such events. Baiyu Building, named for its white jade, was a spectacle of opulence and brilliance. Yet, compared to the Merchants’ Guild’s auction, it paled in comparison. The Guild was the foremost commercial power in the central region, and indeed, the entire World of Martial Arts. While its martial prowess might not rival that of the Ancient Clans or major sects, its financial strength was unmatched.
As Ming He gazed upward, she noticed the Guild’s luxurious glass lanterns, each exuding an air of extravagance. Crafted with the essence blood of the red flame sparrow beast, a single lantern illuminated the space with the brilliance of a starry galaxy, casting a radiant glow that showcased the grandeur of the auction.
"Young Master Qin, you’ve arrived," a Woman in White greeted Qin Chu Yi from a private room on the Guild’s top floor. As their eyes met, a flicker of admiration passed through the woman’s gaze, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared. Ming He, standing behind Qin Chu Yi, caught it all.
This Woman in White seemed to harbor feelings for her Senior Sister.
Ming He felt a pang of frustration but softened her gaze toward Qin Chu Yi, her eyes tinged with helplessness.
Qin Chu Yi’s features were more exquisite than any woman Ming He had ever seen, her aura ethereal and noble. Today, bearing the title of the Ancient Clan’s Young Master, her attire was far from ordinary. Instead of her usual white robes, she wore a radiant crimson gown, as vibrant as a sunrise, adorned with intricate patterns that symbolized the Ancient Clan’s nobility, accented with white cloud motifs.
The interplay of red and white softened her typically cold demeanor, and the slight lift of her brow radiated a beauty that outshone the stars. She resembled a celestial being descending into the mortal world, her presence captivating all who beheld her.
Ming He’s dark eyes lingered on Qin Chu Yi. Suddenly, she stepped forward, took Qin Chu Yi’s hand, and raised her chin to ask, "Senior Sister, who is this?"
"This is Song Guanting of the Haoran Sword Sect," Qin Chu Yi replied, her smile gentle despite her confusion at Ming He’s sudden boldness. She then turned to Song Guanting. "This is my Junior Sister, Ming He."
Unnoticed by Qin Chu Yi, Song Guanting’s gaze lingered on their intertwined hands, her expression unreadable. Qin Chu Yi continued, "She is also my chosen Dao partner."
Ming He and Song Guanting both looked up in surprise at Qin Chu Yi’s declaration, witnessing the unwavering light in her eyes as she affirmed Ming He as her partner.
Even if they couldn’t establish a formal contract yet, Qin Chu Yi never spoke lightly of such matters. Her words carried weight.
Song Guanting, who had known Qin Chu Yi since their youth, understood her character well. For Qin Chu Yi to declare this so resolutely, her feelings must run deep and unwavering.
Deep and unwavering.
Ming He repeated the words in her mind, a bittersweet ache rising in her chest. Qin Chu Yi, too, could feel such profound emotions—but for someone else. Did it have to be a man, like the rest of them?
If only she had known sooner… Song Guanting clenched her fists, blinking away her thoughts, and forced a familiar smile. "Ah, so this is Dao Friend Ming He. Please, come this way. The auction is about to begin."
She gathered her robes and seated herself gracefully on a cushioned chair, her demeanor warm yet distant. Clad in pure white, she resembled the Cold Moon in the sky—strikingly similar to Qin Chu Yi, yet not quite the same.
Ming He watched her closely, not missing the fleeting shadow of sorrow in her eyes, even as her own frustration began to melt into joy.
She knew it wasn’t right to find happiness in another’s pain, but she couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. With Qin Chu Yi’s extraordinary charm, it was no surprise she had many admirers.
But what did it matter?
Qin Chu Yi would only ever love one person—and that person was Ming He.
