Chapter 13 - Dignitaries
About 7-9 PM in the night, the Autumn Leaf Manor had ended the exhibition. At this moment, any ordinary man was no longer allowed to enter because the auction was about to begin. Those who either did not have the invitation or whose wealth did not reach a certain criteria were not allowed to enter...
Although the Antiquity Town's residents could not enter the Autumn Leaf Manor again, some of them still choose to wait outside. However, they, on their own accord, stood on either side of road; they did not dare to stand in the middle and block the road. They wanted to know who will be able to own the Seven Color Snake King's corpse as soon as possible. After all, in the Antiquity Town, this could be regarded as a big event!
The Autumn Leaf Manor's doors were still open, but the guests entering at the moment were completely different from the one visiting in the afternoon. A bunch of VIPs who were dressed in luxurious clothes continued to walk into the Autumn Leaf Manor along with their subordinates. They all had certain status among the public, and most importantly, they had no shortage of money. Only they had the ability to encroach on the Seven Colored Snake King.
"Check it out, that's the Cleansing Song Trading Guild's President. Although the Cleansing Song Trading Guild is not as big as three major trading guilds, there is not much difference. That is one big magnate. It seems the Cleansing Song Trading Guild is very interested in this auction!"
"Even the Moonlight Trading Guild's President, Great Sea Restaurant's owner, and Snow Flower Trading Guild's President are also here. The Captain of Antiquity Town's guards is also here, all dignitaries are coming one by one!"
"My god! It's the Cloud's Feather Guild's President Yang Yu. The Cloud's Feather Guild is one of three major trading guilds of the Antiquity Town. These trading guilds have so much money that you can't even imagine, not to mention that Yang Yu is also a very powerful martial artist. Who knew that he will also come for the Seven Colored Snake King."
Everyone looked at a young man who wore a white long gown and had an extraordinary bearing as he stepped into the Autumn Leaf Manor's door. Two entourage also followed behind the white robed man. This white robed man was none other than the Cloud's Feather Guild's President — Yang Yu!
"It's not just Cloud's Feather Guild, I heard that the other two major trading guilds, the Thousand Sun Guild and Qingmo Guild, have also received the invitation; they should be coming soon to participate in this banquet!" Some of the people, who watched Yang Yu enter the Autumn Leaf Manor, said after pondering a bit.
This auction had already gained the attraction of countless people. Everyone in the Antiquity Town could not refuse such temptation, and now the initiative turned into the hands of Autumn Leaf Caravan!
There was a constant pandemonium among the bunch of folks standing outside the Autumn Leaf Manor. The VIPs who usually didn't make a public appearance were now entering the seemingly plain and bland Autumn Leaf Manor one by one; so everyone was completely shocked!
Suddenly, only for a moment, the entire pandemonium strangely quieted down. Everyone's gaze turned towards a nearby road, moreover, everyone had a slight look of panic on their face as if they had seen something very terrible!
Not so far away, a bunch of people were walking over. The number of people in this group was approximately ten. Furthermore, after taking a careful look, the entire group consisted of females who looked stunning. Although they could not be regarded as exceedingly beautiful which could lead to the downfall of nations, they were as beautiful as a flower.
What's more was that every female in this beautiful group carried a longsword in their hand. Although the sword was inside the scabbard, everyone had not the slightest doubt that they could take it out it an instant and would cut anyone who dared to intrude upon them.
However, amidst these group of females was a young girl who wore a royal long dress. This young girl's appearance was not much different than the beautiful females beside her, but, "her skin was as soft as cream, it was completely white and delicate, her breath smelled like an orchid", this sentence could perfectly describe that she was like a seductress who could beguile any man's soul.
"Femme fatale, this seductress would one day ruin some nation!" Such kind of thoughts unconsciously appeared in everyone's heart when they looked at the seductive girl. But they didn't dare to have any thoughts for her. She was the President of one of the three major trading guilds, the Qingmo Guild. In the Antiquity Town, she was known as Demoness Qingmo!
The demoness' looks were deceptive, she was not as weak as her appearance showed. She was rather outstanding who had turned an obscure Qingmo Guild into one of the three major trading guilds in the Antiquity Town. Her seductive appearance was very deceptive, everyone who had underestimated her and tried to hit on her had fallen beneath her foot. God knows how many men's corpses who thought of hitting on her were fed to dogs!
The Qingmo Guild had a team of guards that was completely comprised of females, who went by the name of Demon Guards. And the beautiful females beside Demoness Qingmo not only looked beautiful, they were the elite of the elite of the Demon Guards.
Everyone of them possessed an extraordinary strength; not one of them was any weaker than Yang Hu. Moreover, these Demon Guards had experienced bloodshed, who knows how many enemies of Qingmo Guild had fallen to hell under their swords!
The Demon Guards surrounding Demoness Qingmo walked towards the Autumn Leaf Manor's gates. Although, it was only some ten individuals, when they were walking on the road, everyone unconsciously retreated two steps , more importantly, they did not dare to even glance towards Demoness Qingmo's direction. After Demoness Qingmo's figure disappeared inside the Autumn Leaf Manor, everyone heaved a sigh of relief.
Who knew how much blood had been shed for Demoness Qingmo to get such notoriety. They didn't have the guts to infuriate this Demoness Qingmo, who despite her seductive appearance, had a bloody heart.
Everyone had not yet woken from their stupor before a silhouette from far away arrived at a quick speed. His was extremely fast to the point that in just few breaths, this silhouette who was a few hundred meters away had appeared at the entrance of Autumn Leaf Manor. It was a middle-aged man of approximately forty years of age. The man had an black ancient longsword on his back, and a sharp aura was gushing out from his entire body. Under his aura, everyone shuddered; they did not dare to make any sound!
The middle-aged man did not seem to care about the behavior of these people. With a flash, his figure once again disappeared as he went straight inside the Autumn Leaf Manor!
"Who is this expert? Why is it that I was unable to move just from his aura?!" A weak man said with a look a fear. Just a moment ago he felt as if his life was not his own!
"He is the Antiquity Town's strongest expert, Tyrant Sword Xiao Feng!" A man beside him said. His tone, too, had a trace of fear in it. His strength was not too bad, but facing the strongest expert, he was no different than an ant!
"Xiao Feng? If I remember it correctly, isn't the President of Thousand Sun Guild also called Xiao Feng, is it him?" The previous man skeptically asked!
"Right... The Thousand Sun Guild's President, Xiao Feng is also the Antiquity Town's strongest expert!"
"Hiss..." Everyone who did not know about him sucked a cold lump of air. The Thousand Sun Guild's President was already a top level VIP in the Antiquity Town, not to mention, this President was the strongest expert of the Antiquity Town. Who else could provoke Thousand Sun Guild!
Whatever was happening outside, it did not affect the proceedings of the Autumn Leaf Manor. A large hall inside the Autumn Leaf Manor which had gone through some simple modifications was completely filled with guests already. Whereas, at the front of the hall, a makeshift auctioning platform had been constructed.
Several glass boxes that were covered in red cloth were placed upon the stage; inside was the Seven Colored Snake King that was going to be auctioned tonight. However, it had been dissected by the Autumn Leaf Caravan. After all, almost no one was capable enough to pay for the entire Seven Colored Snake King. Even if the three major trading guilds could pay its price, their respective trading guilds would lose a substantial sum of money which even they could not be able to bear. This loss of money would substantially affect the normal operation of their respective trading guild!
Under the stage, the presidents of all three major trading guilds, the Thousand Sun Guild, Qingmo Guild, and Cloud's Feather Guild, sat right at the front, followed by the representatives of various trading guilds. Everyone was clearly aware of their own status, they were all clear where they should sit and where they shouldn't!
Yang Yu lightly waved a white paper fan while seated. He was extremely refined as if he was a good young master in a chaotic world. However, everyone did not dare to look down upon him. Although he had only inherited the Cloud's Feather Guild's President's position, he was the best among a dozen or so successors who had finally inherited the president's position. This itself clearly speak of his abilities, moreover, since he inherited the Cloud's Feather Guild, the profits of Cloud's Feather Guild grew every year. This person could not be underestimated!
As for the Demoness Qingmo, she lazily sat on her seat. She was unimaginably charming, but thinking about the bloody road she had paved, they had no choice but to withdraw their gazes. Even Yang Yu did not dare to directly glance at Demoness Qingmo!
However, Xiao Feng was unlike everyone else. When he sat on his seat, he directly closed his pair of eyes, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him!
As for the guests sitting in the back, they were all discussing in a hushed tone. After all, they were weak. Just by relying on their own wealth, they simply could not compare with the three major trading guilds. If they did not cooperate together or draw some people in, perhaps they could only watch the show!
Soon, after all the seats in the large hall were completely full, the auction started right away…
Chapter 14 - Auction
Gu Hai slowly walked onto the auction platform. After all, as far as the Autumn Leaf Caravan was concerned, they were completely unfamiliar with auctioning. A qualified auctioneer couldn't be raised in a single day. So, Gu Hai could only take it up on himself.
Dressed in white colored robe, a pair of white gloves on his hand, and his long hair casually thrown behind his back, Gu Hai peacefully stood on the stage, which also gave him some bearing of a scholar.
However, the very moment Gu Hai went up the auction platform, Demoness Qingmo, who had her eyes closed all along as she sat below the platform, suddenly looked at Gu Hai. The others too in the same manner looked at Gu Hai and noticed that he was just an ordinary person who didn't have any cultivation whatsoever, yet all three of them could feel an air of superiority surrounding Gu Hai. Being able to maintain a noble temperament in all circumstances meant that he was just the same as those three. All three simultaneously engraved this impression in their hearts that this person was not so simple!
Gu Hai stood atop the platform with an air of calmness. Waving the small hammer in his hand as he gently struck it on the table, the hall immediately quieted down. Everyone knew that the auction had already started. This was a grand feast. They had to invest their entirety into it. Perhaps most people were only here to watch the drama, but even doing so required them to maintain silence!
"Welcome everyone, I'm gratified by your presence in this humble Autumn Leaf Manor. This Gu won't bore you with any more courtesies. I'll directly start the auction!" Gu Hai directly lifted up the red cloth from a somewhat small glass box. Inside it were four sharp snake fangs. The fangs even had a green lustre which seemed to be coming from the netherworld itself, sending shivers down the spine of anyone looking.
"I believe that this doesn't need my introduction. Four fangs of the Seven Colored Snake King. If forged into a weapon by a Forging Grandmaster, I believe that they would certainly become four best quality weapons. These kind of weapons could be considered as Divine Artifacts in the Chen Kingdom." Gu Hai paused for a bit before continuing, "Starting bid price is 1000 Gold, the increase each time cannot be less than 10 Gold….."
"Qingmo Guild bids 3000 Gold." Gu Hai's voice hadn't even faded away when Demoness Qingmo casually extended her snow-white hands and spoke in a soft voice. Even though the tone was light, it carried an inexhaustible charm as if it had a trace of magic which was beguiling everyone in the hall!
In that moment, except for Xiao Feng who showed a severe and strict temperament from top to bottom, the other people became absent minded momentarily. Even the dull as water Yang Yu couldn't help but stare foolishly at the extraordinarily beautiful lady by his side.
However, the moment Gu Hai became absent-minded, the black Weiqi piece in his mind sent out a dull and serene light directly rousing Gu Hai and causing him to sober up immediately.
Gu Hai was afraid of looking at Demoness Qingmo below the platform. He became somewhat apprehensive all of a sudden. Not only did this woman have a charm that could cause fall of countries and bring calamity to its people, her intelligence was also beyond the ordinary. Now it seemed like she even possessed the ability of bewitchment. It seems that for her to single-handedly develop Qingmo Guild to this level was definitely not so simple as it appeared on the surface!
As for Xiao Feng, he only glanced at the snake fangs on the platform earlier and then closed his eyes. As far as he was concerned, there was only the sword behind his back. His heart would not be affected by these external objects and would definitely not be influenced in the slightest by Demoness Qingmo's voice!
"Qingmo Guild has bid 3,000 Gold, is there anyone who wants to bid here?" Gu Hai said looking at the dull faces of everyone. This time's auction was precisely to seek wealth, it would naturally not allow these snake fangs to be auctioned so easily even though the price that the Demoness Qingmo had offered was already quite high!
Gu Hai's voice was very gentle, but upon hearing this voice, everyone was awakened as if they were roused from a dream. As they looked once more towards Demoness Qingmo, a cold sweat ran down their backs. This woman was really too formidable.
However, Yang Yu actually looked deeply at Demoness Qingmo and took a deep breath before saying: "I really didn't expect that President Qingmo's Sound Charm Technique is so fierce. Even this Yang fell into it."
"Chairman Yang jests. This little girl just put out a bid, How can there be any Sound Charm Technique?" Demoness Qingmo let out a faint smile. Although she replied to Yang Yu's question, her attention was focused entirely on the platform. Xiao Feng's strength was extremely abnormal and there was nothing out of the ordinary for him to resist her Sound Charm Technique, but the one on the platform who didn't even have the slightest bit of cultivation was able to instantaneously awaken from her bewitchment. This person was definitely not simple!
Yang Yu looked around towards the attendees and the Demoness Qingmo. After pondering for a moment, he didn't raise his own right hand and eventually discarded the thought of raising the price. It was not worth it to incur the hostility of this woman for these snake teeth, let alone the fact that this price of 3,000 Gold couldn't be considered to be low.
Since even Yang Yu didn't make any bid, it was impossible for the Presidents of other trading guilds to bid. Gu Hai also didn't dawdle, and directly sealed the deal at the price of 3,000 Gold.
"Up next in the auction is the Seven Colored Snake King's snake skin. I believe that you all can see for yourselves that the Xiantian Powerhouse had directly cut this Seven Coloured Snake King into two halves. Therefore, this snake skin is also divided into two for auctioning separately. I believe everyone has also seen the snake scales atop the snake skin. We had to use an extremely special method to peel off this snake skin. If it were used to make Soft Armour then aside from a Xiantian Powerhouse, I believe there won't be any person capable of cutting it open!" Gu Hai narrated slowly while simultaneously pulling off the red cloth from atop a box revealing the Seven Colored Snake King's snake skin inside. The snake scales were glittering with the shine of seven colours and looked particularly dazzling.
"The starting price is 800 Gold, and the increase each time cannot be less than 10 Gold!"
For a long time after Gu Hai spoke, there wasn't anyone bidding to raise the price. Rather they were looking at Demoness Qingmo sitting on her chair. However, beyond all their expectations, Demoness Qingmo remained reclining down on the chair without any intent of raising any bid!
"Moonlight Trading Guild bids 850 Gold." Finally there was someone who couldn't resist making a bid. There was almost no one that could withstand the temptation of a soft armor that could resist the attacks from most of the experts in Chen Empire.
"900 Gold, Snowy Peak Trading Guild bids for 900 Gold!"
"920 Gold."
"I bid for 1,330 Gold…"
The biddings did not show any signs of halting. All the trading guild presidents were bidding like madmen.
"2,000 Gold!" At last Yang Yu made his bid raising the auction price to 2,000 gold.
The presidents of other trading guilds quieted down instantly, "It's not that they couldn't bid beyond 2,000 gold, but in doing so their business would end being paralyzed." Almost all of the trading guilds stopped bidding!
"Cleansing Song Trading Guild bids for 2,100 Gold!" The middle-aged Cleansing Song Trading Guild president said. Cleansing Song Trading Guild was also a big trading guild in Antiquity Town and putting out 2,100 gold wouldn't strain them very much.
"2,500 Gold Taels." Yang Yu contemptuously looked at Cleansing Song president. There were only three big trading guilds in Antiquity Town and other trading guilds couldn't even dream of matching their capabilities!
One must know that these three big trading guilds weren't limited to just this Antiquity Town. Even in the Royal City, these three would be considered as major trading guilds!
Cleansing Song Trading Guild president looked on helplessly at Yang Yu. Even though he was capable of bidding even higher, Yang Yu was equally capable of doing the same. When it came to financial capability, even several Cleansing Song Trading Guilds would not be able to match up to Cloud's Feather Guild. Moreover, they couldn't go on increasing the bid. If they were to offend Cloud's Feather Guild, then Cleansing Song Trading Guild's days in Antiquity Town wouldn't pass by so easily!
Xiao Feng, still as before, maintaining his composure, kept his eyes closed. Clearly this seven coloured snake skin was nothing in his eyes. Even Demoness Qingmo was still insolently leaning on her chair, seemingly not paying any heed to this seven coloured snake skin at all!
Gu Hai swept his vision across everyone's expressions. He knew that there won't be anyone raising any more bids, so he naturally struck his little hammer down three times indicating that this deal had been closed.
"Now we are auctioning the second portion of the snake skin. The starting price is 800 Gold, and the increase each time can't be less than….."
"2,500 Gold!" Demoness Qingmo once again interrupted Gu Hai mid-speech. However this time, even though her voice carried an intent of attraction, it didn't have the same bewitchment as before. Clearly, this time Demoness Qingmo didn't unleash her Sound Charm Technique, but after she had finished speaking Demoness Qingmo provocatively looked at Gu Hai!
Gu Hai looked at Demoness Qingmo and couldn't help but praise inwardly for her strategic retreat only to advance later. And now, there was no one who could compete with her for the Seven Colored Snake Skin. Even Yang Yu also wouldn't be able to make matching bids again. This should probably be some rule that became established through common agreement amongst themselves.
"Congratulations to President Qingmo for being successful in bidding for this piece of Seven Colored Snake Skin." Gu Hai spoke softly.
Chapter 15 - Xiao Feng's Favor
"Before we go into the next auction, I have a thing to announce to everyone!" Gu Hai raised his hand motioning everyone to quiet down, "The Autumn Leaf Trading Guild has decided that each and every Trading Guild's President here would receive a jin of Seven Colored King Snake's meat for free!"
Just as Gu Hai's voice faded, the minor trading guilds' presidents sitting at the back of the hall became somewhat excited. They originally believed that they could only play the role of spectators to this show, so receiving a jin of Seven Colored Snake King's meat was completely beyond their imagination. Even though it was not much, but it was still rare and precious. They couldn't even dream of this kind of thing earlier..
However, regarding the presidents of those big trading guilds, especially the three major trading guilds, their faces didn't change in the slightest. After all, they were well experienced and knowledgeable. The Seven Colored Snake King's meat was merely something used by Houtian Realm Cultivators to boost their cultivation. Even though it was rare, there were many objects that could act as substitute for it.
"Up next, the Autumn Leaf Trading Guild will be auctioning 10 portions of Seven Coloured Snake King's meat. Each portion weighs two jin. Now the auction of the first portion will begin. Each portion will have a starting price of 200 gold!" Gu Hai struck the little hammer in his hand onto the table immediately stopping the discussions amongst the people, indicating that a new round of auction had already begin!
"Snowy Beauty Trading Guild bids 210 Gold!"
"Don't even think of getting that Seven Coloured Snake King's meat for just 210 Gold, don't you dare. I bid 230 Gold."
As far as those small guilds were concerned, the Seven Coloured Snake King's meat was a treasure. Moreover, the price was also within their acceptable range. Naturally, they would bid like crazy!
"Good, this final portion of Seven Coloured Snake King's meat has been successfully bid by Cleansing Song's President for 430 Gold. Congratulations, Cleansing Song's President!" Gu Hai struck down the auction hammer in his hand.
Out of these ten portions of Seven Coloured Snake Meat, six portions had been successfully bid by these small trading guilds. The remaining four were equally divided between Cloud's Feather Guild and Qingmo Guild. Naturally, this was also due to Yang Yu and Demoness Qingmo feeling it beneath them to fight these small trading guilds thereby leading them to deliberately give up. Otherwise these trading guilds would definitely not have been able to successfully bid for even a single portion. As for Xiao Feng, he kept his eyes closed, not paying any attention to their struggles!
Even though none of these ten portions of Seven Colored Snake King's meat was sold for the same price, they all ended up approximately around 400 Gold, adding all up to around 4,000 Gold, and adding further the previous sales, the figure had already reached 10,000 Gold. The Autumn Leaf Trading Guild's objective had already been fulfilled!
However, this auction was not yet over!
Gu Hai took out a fist-sized brocade box from his bosom and slowly placed it on the table in front of everyone!
"Now is the time for auctioning this auction's final article which is absolutely deserving of being called a treasure!" Gu hai deliberately lowered his voice to spread a kind of mysterious atmosphere across the hall.
Everyone's attention was focused on this small box. Since it was capable of being used as a finale item, naturally, it wouldn't be anything ordinary. Moreover, it should at least be greater in value compared to the snake fangs and snakeskin auctioned earlier. However, the majority of the people had expressions of astonishment on their faces. They hadn't been informed earlier that a mysterious article would be auctioned.
However, Yang Yu and Demoness Qingmo were still maintaining an indifferent look on their faces. They had long known that there would be a mysterious auction, but even they didn't know what article was there in that box in the end!
However, there was one exception from the norm. The one who had all along been keeping his eyes closed, Xiao Feng, suddenly opened his eyes and stared at this brocade box as if the item contained within was of utmost attraction to him. It was quite evident that he knew what treasure was contained within the brocade box.
Gu Hai slowly opened the brocade box revealing a pigeon-egg sized oval shaped bead within. The oval bead was glowing in seven colors. As the moonlight fell onto the oval bead, it immediately let out a dazzling seven colored light. Seeing this seven colored bead, everyone had an impulse to fall into depravity.
"Bang!" The chair that Xiao Feng seated on suddenly disintegrated, even his body was emitting a fierce aura. Xiao Feng stood up, he did not care for the fear within the other people's eyes, his eyes were completely transfixed at the seven colored bead in the box!
Yang Yu and Demoness Qingmo were afraid to look at Xiao Feng. Xiao Feng was the most powerful man in Antiquity Town and this was not a joke. Moreover, only they knew that Xiao Feng's cultivation ranked at the apex of the Chen Kingdom. Within the Chen Kingdom, the people who were stronger than him could be counted on one's fingers.
Gu Hai's face remained unchanged and he remained unmoved by the actions of Xiao Feng. It was impossible for a person like Xiao Feng to set aside his pride as a warrior and take the object forcefully. Therefore, there was no need to be anxious of Xiao Feng attacking.
"This seven colored bead is the Seven Coloured Snake King's Inner Core. Although only spirit beasts are able to form their inner cores, since this Seven Coloured Snake King was a variant species, it was able to form this incomplete inner core. I don't need to speak much about its value, now……." Gu Hai said softly.
"100,000 Gold!" Xiao Feng who had been silent till now suddenly spoke out an astonishing number. This was the first time he had opened his mouth. His voice carried a feeling of 'showing off one's ability'.
"100,000 Gold!" Everyone's faces including Yang Yu and Demoness Qingmo exposed an expression of astonishment. Let alone the talk of these small-time trading guilds, even if their trading guilds were sold it would still remain far from this huge number. Contrary to what one might think, Yang Yu and Demoness Qingmo could think of upping this price further, but Cloud's Feather Guild and Qingmo Guild would also suffer a major blow. This was something that they couldn't bear!
However, giving up in this manner was also something that Yang Yu and Qingmo were unwilling to do, but what other means did they have? They could only stare at the upright standing Xiao Feng. Quite clearly Xiao Feng had decided to obtain this Snake Core. Only if they were prepared to put their everything on the line could they stand a chance, otherwise they wouldn't be able to compete at all!
However, what Xiao Feng and they seeked was completely different. He pursued the path of a cultivator, thinking of becoming a Xiantian Powerhouse. The Thousand Suns Guild couldn't really be considered as something important to him. Let alone talk of 100,000 Gold, as far as he was concerned, even if he had to exchange his Thousand Suns Guild for the Seven Colored Snake Core, he would consider it to be worth it. After all, this Seven Colored Snake Core would bring him even closer to the Xiantian Stage.
"100,000 Gold!" The people of the Autumn Leaf Trading Guild sitting behind the platform became excited upon hearing this number. This much wealth was simply inconceivable for them.
One must know that this was only accidental profit. After all, even the Xiantian Powerhouse had not detected the Seven Colored Snake Core within the body of the Seven Colored Snake King. Only when Autumn Leaf Trading Guild's members were dissecting the Seven Colored Snake King's body was the Seven Colored Snake Core discovered. They decided to auction it on the spot. After all they had no use for this kind of treasure. It would be most appropriate to sell it for a good price. Although they knew that this was a treasure, the Autumn Leaf Trading Guild had never thought that it would be able to fetch such a huge amount. It was something that exceeded their imagination.
Gu Hai was also looking at Xiao Feng in astonishment. Even though he knew that Xiao Feng was determined to win this Seven Colored Snake Bead, this kind of determination was beyond his expectation.
However!
Gu Hai looked at everyone below the platform and said softly: "President Xiao Feng is truly generous, but if President Xiao Feng desires this Snake Core then there is absolutely no need for you to pay a sum of 100,000 Gold, what Autumn Leaf Trading Guild requires from President Xiao Feng is—a favour!"
The entire hall quieted down, obviously nobody could understand this request of Gu Hai. Only Demoness Qingmo glanced at Gu Hai with profound intent.
"Oh? Is my favor worth 100,000 Gold?" Xiao Feng questioned.
"Having too much gold can also burn one's hands, Autumn Leaf Trading Guild is incapable of holding it. Not to mention, just a trivial sum of 100,000 Gold , in exchange for President Xiao Feng's favor, it is well worth it!" Gu Hai said quietly. A very long time ago Gu Hai had understood that if a person kept riches that were beyond his capability to safeguard, then it was bound to be pried into by others!
"Ha ha, Good. What this Xiao has despised the most in his entire life was owing someone a personal favor. However this time, what would be the harm in owing this favor?" Xiao Feng let out a hearty laugh facing skywards before his figure turned into a blur. In the blink of an eye, the brocade box within Gu Hai's hand had disappeared, "Remember, this Xiao owes you a favor……"
Gu Hai let out a faint smile. As far as he was concerned, this transaction was absolutely worth it.
"Good, this auction hereby comes to an end. Thank you everyone for supporting. Now all Presidents may please take their one jin of Seven Colored Snake King Meat from the backside of the manor!"
The crowd in the hall began to disperse slowly. Everyone turned to walk towards the backside of the manor, however, before leaving, everyone, without any exception would look at Gu Hai standing on the platform before engraving his image into their minds. Gu Hai didn't express even the least bit of greediness over 100,000 Gold, it was quite evident that he by no means was any run-of-the-mill person. They certainly needed to pay attention to him!
Demoness Qingmo looked at Gu Hai and then spoke softly, "Mister Gu is truly extraordinary. Qingmo Guild looks forward to further cooperation with Mister." After having finished, Demoness Qingmo didn't wait for Gu Hai to answer, leaving behind her enchanting rear figure!
Gu Hai, looking at Demoness Qingmo's disappearing figure, sank into a silence!
Chapter 16 - To the Royal Capital
The curtain fell on the auction that shook the entire Antiquity Town. This grand auction became the talk of everyone during their breaks!
As far as the protagonist of the auction was concerned, the Autumn Leaf Trading Guild had made its way into the visions of everyone in Antiquity Town, its name was widely spread to everyone's ear. Moreover, under the propagandizing of some caring people, everyone was amazed by Gu Hai's feat of exchanging 100,000 gold to win Xiao Feng's favor. This was what you call a true prodigal, treating the money as dung.
Moreover what was more surprising to the townsfolk of Antiquity Town was that the Autumn Leaf Trading Guild had completely become wealthy. In the Antiquity Town, they splurged all their money mainly to buy land as well as in large-scale constructions.
Although the Antiquity Town's land prices were worth a lot, under the massive spending of Autumn Leaf Trading Guild, in just a few months, about three manors, as well as a few dozen stores, were now under the name of Autumn Leaf Trading Guild.
And among the three manors, one was named Gu Mansion, one was named Vast Ocean Manor, and the last was the rebuilt Autumn Leaf Manor.
Almost everyone in the Antiquity Town knew that among the three manors, two manors, the Gu Mansion and Vast Ocean Manor were both the property of Mister Gu.
And far more crazy than this was, besides the stores named Autumn Leaf Pharmacy, the other stores unexpectedly were either called Vast Ocean Bank or Vast Ocean Gambling House…
Obviously, Gu Hai had decided to start developing his own business in the Antiquity Town. And Gu Hai believed as long as he introduced many different types of gambling, the Vast Ocean Gambling House would be immensely profitable!
The Vast Ocean Trading Guild was now only in embryonic form, the day when it will be completely established, it would definitely bring a great change to the Antiquity Town!
However, now, the Antiquity Town held no place in Gu Hai's heart, he now yearned to embark on the road of cultivation to live forever and never die.
In the Antiquity Town, it would almost be impossible for Gu Hai to ever encounter cultivators. Even Xiao Feng who was the strongest expert of Antiquity Town was just a mortal, nothing more!
That was why Gu Hai's next target was the Royal Capital of Chen Kingdom. Maybe there weren't any cultivators there, but the Chen Kingdom's Royal Court has all kinds of connections with cultivators. Moreover, it was definitely a bigger stage. Gu Hai believed that in the Royal Capital, he would be able to find an opportunity for himself!
Gu Hai passed some orders to the Autumn Leaf's members, hired a carriage, and left for —— Chen Kingdom's Royal Capital!
The Tiger Cage Pass was the last line of defense of the Chen Kingdom, so the Chen Capital was not too far away from the Antiquity Town. Furthermore, this was the most important part of the Chen Kingdom, the degree of attention this area received was naturally extraordinary, that's why this place was basically devoid of any fierce wild animals or bandits!
It only took just two hours for Gu Hai to arrive in the range of the Chen Capital via a horse carriage. Because of the existence of the Tiger Cage Pass nearby, there weren't any walls enclosing the Royal Capital. After all, if the Tiger Cage Pass had fallen, then the Chen Kingdom was not far away from its destruction. Whether there were any city walls or not, it wouldn't matter!
The Chen Capital was vast!
Its streets were packed with people coming and going. Stores on both sides of the streets exhibited a variety of beautiful things. This was Gu Hai's first impression of the Royal Capital of Chen. No matter where he looked, he could not find the end of these streets!
Gu Hai had already prepared a map of the Royal Capital. Having taken out the map, Gu Hai observed it carefully. Only after going through the map did Gu Hai truly realize how vast the Chen Capital was. In terms of the area alone, the Royal Capital was not inferior to a province from the world where Gu Hai came from!
Gu Hai pondered for a bit and decided to first find a peaceful location!
"Great Sea Inn!"
This was also Gu Hai's destination of this trip. When he was in the Antiquity Town, he came to know that there existed a Great Sea Guild in the Royal Capital. The three major trading guilds of Antiquity Town could not be compared with this trading guild. The Great Sea Guild well deserved to be regarded as the major trading guild of the Royal Capital. The Great Sea Restaurant of the Antiquity Town was just an establishment under the Great Sea Guild!
By ill luck, Gu Hai had held the auction suddenly, the manager of the Great Sea Restaurant was simply too late to relay any information to the Great Sea Guild. Otherwise, it would be hard to say who would have been the final winner of the Seven Color Snake King's corpse in that auction!
The Great Sea Guild's influence in the Royal Capital was definitely not small, that's why small time thieves simply didn't dare to create any trouble in the Great Sea Inn which was under the Great Sea Guild. Although it was a little expensive, the safety was guaranteed. Before coming to the Royal Capital, Gu Hai had already prepared some golden bills that were in circulation throughout the kingdom. He simply didn't need to worry about any shortage of money!
Gu Hai had money, what did he have to fear. After all, money makes the world go round. Gu Hai walked into the Great Sea Inn very smoothly!
The same time Gu Hai was resting inside the Great Sea Inn, in another place of the Chen Capital —— the Weiqi Celestial Hall, things were not very calm!
The Weiqi Celestial Hall's location was in a remote street of the Chen Capital. Although it was far away from the royal palace, contrary to its location, it was not sparsely populated. That's why everyone knew that the Weiqi Celestial Hall was absolutely not an ordinary place. Rumour had it that the supporter of the Weiqi Celestial Hall was somehow related to the royal family.
The Weiqi Celestial Hall was a four-floor building. The first floor was dedicated to the ordinary Weiqi players. As for the second floor, it was for some Weiqi experts, while it was only possible for peak Weiqi players to enter the third floor. And the final fourth floor was extremely unique. Almost all of the personnel in the Weiqi Celestial Hall were prohibited from entering.
Because the fourth floor of the Weiqi Celestial Hall was the residence of a legendary figure — Elder Wuya who had been acknowledged as the Weiqi King by eight countries. After all, Elder Wuya was a legend in all his life. At the age of four, he began learning Weiqi. At the age of seven, he defeated his own Weiqi Teacher. At the age of eighteen, there wasn't anyone in the Chen Empire who could defeat him in Weiqi. Later he left the kingdom to travel around, challenge some hidden Weiqi experts. At the age of thirty, within eight countries Elder Wuya couldn't find any person capable enough to defeat him. That's why everyone acknowledged Elder Wuya as the supreme Weiqi King!
After Elder Wuya had become famous, he returned to the Chen Kingdom and established the Weiqi Celestial Hall in the Chen Capital. He lived a semi-secluded life in this place. The Weiqi Celestial Hall also became the Holy Land of Weiqi in the eight countries. Every Weiqi player in the world yearned to enter the Weiqi Celestial Hall!
Elder Wuya lived on the fourth floor of the Weiqi Celestial Hall. However, besides some attendants, other personnel were simply restricted to enter!
However today, the calmness of the fourth floor of the Weiqi Celestial Hall had been broken. The fourth floor, which had always been closed, had an unexpected guest. An approximately twenty years old fellow dressed in a purple robe was climbing the stairs towards the fourth floor of the Weiqi Celestial Hall alone. With one glance it was quite evident that this person was certainly an extraordinary gentleman. Although he was walking alone, and there weren't any entourage following him, his entire body was filled with a noble temperament. He was absolutely a top figure!
The purple robed fellow walked into the restricted fourth floor. Moreover, not a single guard on the fourth floor seemed to have any intention to stop him; they directly allowed the fellow to enter the fourth floor!
"Never thought the Crown Prince will once again come looking for Mister Wuya. However, Mister Wuya's age truly forbade him to leave!"
"Ah! So true, Mister Wuya's mind is willing but he is powerless. I also hope to resolve the crisis of the Chen Kingdom as soon as possible!"
The purple robe fellow was the Crown Prince of Chen Kingdon — Chen Taiji. He didn't care the whispering of the two guards. He lightly pushed the door open and slowly walked into the room!
The room could not be considered big. It was a very simple room, even the furnishing and decorations were rather common. Besides a couple hundred Weiqi boards as well as some common commodities, there was nothing else!
At the center, an old man sat facing a table. Although the old man's hair and beard were already white, his vigor and temperament were extraordinary. He had a scholarly air to him. This old man was precisely the Weiqi King, Elder Wuya.
Elder Wuya's pair of eyes were fixed at the Weiqi Board in his front. He was completely immersed in the world of Weiqi. He even didn't sense the arrival of Chen Taiji!
Chen Taiji slowly arrived before Elder Wuya. He tried not to make any sound. Afterward, Chen Taiji glanced at Elder Wuya who was completely concentrating on the Weiqi board and surprisingly, he slightly bent his body to salute...
"Taiji, you have arrived!" Elder Wuya finally noticed Chen Taiji's arrival. However, he didn't seem to care. In here, there was no Chen Kingdom's Crown Prince, it was just a teacher and his student.
"You don't need to do these kinds of things! You are the Crown Prince, there is no need to salute this old man!" Elder Wuya reproached him.
"Teacher, a student should do this!" Chen Taiji suddenly paused then continued speaking, "Student this time came to bid farewell. Tomorrow, student is going to leaving for battle!"
"Ai!" Elder Wu heaved a sigh and helplessly said, "Unfortunately, this old man already has one foot in his grave. Or else I would have done everything in power for the Chen Kingdom!"
"Teacher..." Chen Taiji felt a little sad. Who could have known that the legend's days were already numbered!
After all, Elder Wuya was not only an invincible figure in the Dao of Weiqi, he had an extraordinary ability to arrange the marching of troops. If he had Elder Wuya's help, Chen Taiji would be able to settle the crisis of Chen Kingdom. But Elder Wuya already had no time left!
"Come, accompany me to a game of Weiqi for the last time!" Elder Wuya casually said.
Chen Taiji settled his heart and sat in front of Elder Wuya before taking out a Weiqi piece from the box...