Now dressed in a fresh set of robes, Kieran made his way to the neighboring courtyard, the night breeze brushing against his skin as he stepped through the familiar path. When he entered, he found his grandfather seated beneath the flowering plum tree, with his ever-proud uncle Ryuji beside him—surprisingly subdued. Kieran raised an eyebrow; he had never seen his uncle so calm before, not even in the presence of the patriarch.
"Sit," Drake said with a faint nod, his tone serious.
Kieran obeyed, taking a seat across from them. The air between them grew heavy with unspoken tension before his grandfather finally spoke.
"There might be trouble at the auction tomorrow," Drake said plainly.
Kieran frowned, confused. "Trouble?"
Drake exhaled slowly, eyes narrowed with thought. "I received a warning from an old friend. The Fourth Prince of the Vir Kingdom might make a move against you."
Kieran's eyes narrowed. "Why would royalty be interested in me?"
Drake leaned back, gaze piercing. "No clue," he said, "But what will you do?"
"Who is this friend of yours?" Kieran asked. "Your mother's old teacher," Drake replied, trying to read what Kieran was thinking.
"If he tries anything, I will end him," Kieran says in a calm and sure voice, his gaze very determined.
Drake smiles proudly, very much liking his grandson's decisive disposition. He waved his hand casually, signaling the end of their conversation. "That's all, Kieran. Do as you see fit. Just remember—whatever happens out there, your grandfather is behind you."
Kieran stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, grandfather."
With those words in his heart, he returned to his courtyard under the soft light of the moon. He settled into the lotus position and began cultivating, focusing on the merging of his bloodline with his cultivation technique. The rhythm of his heartbeat matched the flow of spiritual energy, and his breath was steady and long.
Hours passed in a quiet storm of refinement and energy. The fusion grew steadier, smoother. He could feel the resonance of his divine bloodline syncing with his spiritual foundation—it was a subtle, transformative process, like forging a new path through his very being.
Just as the sun began to rise fully over the horizon, Baixue's soft voice called, "Husband, it's time to leave for the auction."
Kieran opened his eyes, smiling at the beauty before him. "Let's go," He said as he took his hand.
----
On the outskirts of Long City, a majestic flying carriage soared through the skies, its surface adorned with intricate gold patterns and the unmistakable emblem of the Vir royal family—a majestic eagle perched on a burning sun. The sky rippled with the pressure of powerful guards escorting the carriage, warding off any curious onlookers.
Inside the carriage, lounging lazily with a goblet of fine spirit in hand, Prince Caleb sat reclined against plush cushions. His expression was one of arrogance and malice.
"Your Highness, we will arrive at the Golden Clover Auction House shortly." He heard a servant's voice from outside the carriage.
Caleb swirled the liquid in his goblet, eyes narrowing with anticipation. A slow, wicked smile crept across his lips as a dark thought surfaced.
"Soon, Roulan… I will have my way with you."
He downed the drink in one gulp, his eyes gleaming with perverse delight, utterly unaware of the storm he was about to provoke.
----
A stately carriage carved from rare spirit wood and adorned with the soaring dragon crest of the Long Clan slowly moved toward the towering gates of Long City. Inside, the atmosphere was serene yet charged with anticipation. Kieran sat cross-legged in deep cultivation, golden light faintly pulsing around him as the final threads of his divine dragon bloodline wove into harmony with his cultivation technique.
Baixue and Roulan sat nearby, their gazes soft and filled with longing as they watched their husband, his aura growing increasingly refined and powerful.
Sindra hovered lazily above them, her translucent wings flickering with faint flames. She stretched her limbs and smirked. "Looks like it's almost complete."
Her words made both women's eyes brighten, faint smiles touching their lips.
Eir, sitting cross-legged on Roulan's lap, tilted her head curiously. "Why are you two so excited?" she asked in a pure and innocent voice.
Sindra, Baixue, and Roulan all turned to look at her, a shared thought flickering in their minds—too innocent.
Still, Sindra giggled and leaned close to Eir, whispering with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "You'll know soon, my dear."
Eir blinked, clearly confused, but Sindra only winked before floating back to Kieran's shoulder, leaving the younger guardian spirit puzzled while Baixue and Roulan tried to hide their chuckles.
Just as the carriage approached the golden spires of the Golden Clover Auction House, a sudden pulse of energy burst from Kieran's body—silent yet powerful, like the roar of a dragon contained within a single breath. The air within the carriage shifted, growing denser and warmer, crackling with a barely restrained intensity.
Kieran's eyes slowly opened, their pupils gleaming with a sharp, golden light tinged with purple. He turned his gaze toward his wives, and the moment their eyes met, both Baixue and Roulan felt their hearts skip a beat.
His look, though soft or gentle, now expressed intense possessiveness. There was a silent promise in those eyes, one that made their bodies shudder involuntarily, as if touched by invisible hands that stoked their desire and left them breathless. A faint blush crept across Baixue's cheeks, while Roulan's breath caught in her throat.
Sindra let out a low whistle. "Well… someone's fully awakened," she said, grinning. "Careful, girls. The dragon is starving."
Eir, confused once again, tilted her head. "Why does he look at them like that?" she asked innocently.
Roulan and Baixue couldn't help but laugh nervously, while Kieran gave a faint smile, dangerous and reassuring all at once.
The party of three gracefully stepped down from the carriage, drawing curious glances from onlookers, though none dared approach too closely when they saw the gold-plated VVIP invitation card Kieran handed over. The auction staff member bowed deeply and immediately led them through a luxurious entrance reserved only for the most honored guests.
They moved through velvet-draped halls and marble-floored corridors, ascending a private staircase that led to an opulent viewing room. Inside, the chamber was lined with jade panels and golden filigree, offering a pristine view of the grand auction stage below through a flawless crystal wall.
The guide bowed respectfully as he explained, "This room is protected by high-grade concealment and sound formations. You'll be able to observe everything clearly, but no one outside will be able to see or hear you."
He gestured toward a simple wooden paddle resting on a polished stone table. "To place a bid, simply raise this paddle. Your voice will be projected clearly onto the auction floor through the formation. Should you wish to remain silent and anonymous, a simple gesture is enough."
With a few more respectful words, the guide excused himself, leaving the trio to settle in. Baixue and Roulan take a seat on the cushioned divan, their eyes glittering with anticipation. The auction was about to begin.
But the smirk on Kieran's face suggests his plans are slightly different.