The streets grew busier as noon approached. The deeper they walked into Violet Luminous City, the more vibrant everything became. Cultivators in long robes, merchants with glowing wares, and mortals weaving between them—it was a bustling chaos that Lin Hua watched with wide, eager eyes.
Li Tian stayed beside her, one hand loosely holding hers.
"Is this your first time in a city like this?" he asked, watching her lean toward a stall selling sweet lotus cakes.
Lin Hua nodded, eyes shining. "I've visited sect markets before, but this feels different. It's… alive."
She's so easily pleased. That's… kind of nice. She hasn't seen much of the world, has she?
He bought two cakes and handed her one. She took a small bite and looked up at him with a smile that nearly melted the years of distance between them.
"This is delicious."
Spoiling her is… easier than I thought. And not as annoying as I imagined it would become. Even if it was annoying, I'd still do it just to see her smile.
They continued walking through the crowds. There were cultivators boasting their wares—enchanted armors, glowing herbs, scrolls with complex runes. One merchant tried to push a "Heaven-grade" talisman on them, but Li Tian gave him a single glance and the man shut up instantly.
"Do people here really get scammed this easily?" Lin Hua asked, giggling.
"Most don't have the eye to see through it," Li Tian replied, voice dry. "Or they think getting lucky once justifies losing ten times."
After a few more turns, they arrived at the towering structure of the Starfall Auction House—a majestic building wrapped in silver Qi patterns and guarded by two intimidating cultivators at the gate. A flow of wealthy nobles, sect elders, and mysterious rogue cultivators entered and exited in waves.
"This is it," Li Tian said.
Lin Hua looked up at the building, impressed. "Is it really as famous as people say?"
He nodded. "They once auctioned a Rank 7 Immortal Pill here. A True Immortal from the Western Sea Sect personally came to bid for it."
Her eyes widened. "We're going to see things like that today?"
"Maybe not quite that rare today," he said. "But still valuable enough."
As they approached, one of the guards raised a hand. "State your identity and reason for visiting. Entry requires a verification token or a 500 spirit stone fee per guest."
Lin Hua looked confused, but Li Tian simply pulled out a jade token from his sleeve. "Li Tian of the Great Li Clan."
The guards blinked. Then they looked again. One of them bowed quickly. "Honored guest, welcome. Please, proceed."
The other guard stepped aside immediately, not daring to meet Li Tian's eyes.
Lin Hua leaned in and whispered, "That token seems really powerful."
"It's not the token," he said. "It's the name."
Her gaze lingered on him for a second. "You've always been distant, but I keep forgetting how powerful you are out here."
He said nothing, just gently guided her inside.
Inside the auction house, the air changed. It was quieter, more refined. The lighting was dim but elegant, spiritual lanterns floating along the walls. Attendants led them to a private balcony overlooking the main auction hall.
Lin Hua looked over the edge, watching as cultivators took seats below, chattering with anticipation.
She glanced at him. "You came here looking for something specific?"
"No. I just felt like it."
A pause.
She tilted her head. "You? Acting on impulse?"
His lips twitched. "Even I can do that sometimes."
Li Tian's eyes scanned the auction floor below. The auctioneer hadn't yet arrived, but he could already feel the presence of at least three Nascent Soul experts and two at the Ascension Realm in the room. The pressure was subtle but undeniable.
Lin Hua looked at the private room's offerings—tea, fruits, and a small selection of incense.
She poured him a cup.
He took it. "You're not worried about being targeted here?"
She smirked. "With you beside me? Not even a little."
She trusts me more than I deserve.
Just then, the auction bell rang once, echoing through the hall. A beautiful woman dressed in pale violet robes floated onto the stage with elegant grace.
"Esteemed cultivators, welcome to the Starfall Auction House. Today's offerings include rare spiritual plants, ancient techniques, and… one item with unknown origin."
A low murmur spread among the crowd.
Lin Hua leaned in. "Unknown origin?"
"Probably a gamble," he said. "Could be trash. Could be a lost divine artifact."
The first items were brought out: a High Earth-grade sword, a mid-tier cultivation technique, and a small stockpile of Rank 5 pills. Nothing Li Tian or Lin Hua needed. They simply watched as others placed bids and competed.
Midway through the auction, the auctioneer gestured, and a velvet-covered box was brought forth.
"This item was discovered in a ruin within the Desolate Moon Province. We have not yet been able to identify it, but experts suspect it may be connected to the Ancient Heaven-Binding Sect."
The crowd stilled.
Li Tian narrowed his eyes. That sect… it vanished ten thousand years ago. If it's real, that would be interesting.
The box was opened, revealing a small orb of pale blue jade, swirling with internal mists.
The bidding started at 1,000 spirit stones. Quickly climbed to 5,000.
Lin Hua looked at him. "You're not bidding?"
He shook his head. "Let them fight. If it's truly valuable, the real bidding will start later."
By the time the price reached 20,000, most of the low-level cultivators dropped out. At 50,000, even the major sect elders paused.
One voice called from below, "100,000."
That silenced the room. All eyes turned toward a hooded figure in the third VIP box.
The auctioneer looked around. "Any other offers?"
Li Tian raised a finger. "150,000."
Gasps echoed.
The hooded figure turned slightly, but didn't speak again.
"150,000 once… twice… sold!" The hammer fell.
Lin Hua looked at him, impressed. "You really wanted it?"
"No," he replied. "But I didn't want that person to have it."
Her eyes sparkled. "That's so like you."
He smirked. "Let's collect the item and leave. I think the city's real excitement starts after the auction."