45. The Pavilion Master’s Invitation
After this little interlude, a few more uneventful days passed.
Of course, this was only on the surface. Behind the scenes, the various factions were working tirelessly to secure their prize, doing everything short of open warfare.
Threats, bribes, investigations, spies—all the usual tricks.
Their goal was clear: to ensure they were the only ones who could bid on the Immortal-grade longsword. Everyone else could just watch.
But since everyone had the same idea, this created a turbulent undercurrent beneath the surface of peace, meaning that after the auction, a fierce battle was inevitable.
During these days, Gong Yiling secretly investigated the so-called Eight Desolations Sword Master while pretending to be on a leisurely stroll with Leng Yuli, visiting various shops.
In Leng Yuli’s words—”Stop feeding me! I’m going to get fat!”
However, it was worth mentioning…
Gong Yiling found no information about the Eight Desolations Sword Master.
Perhaps the auction house’s security was too good, or perhaps she just couldn’t find any rumors.
But in the process, she did learn something about the sword itself.
Originally, it wasn’t supposed to be sold here.
Yes, this sword was initially intended for auction in the Youhan Dynasty.
But for some reason, the final auction location was changed to the Baiyao Dynasty.
“There’s always a reason for such strange occurrences.”
At the auction, Gong Yiling couldn’t help but make this cryptic remark to Leng Yuli.
“Are you on drugs?” Leng Yuli retorted. “Why would you suddenly say that?”
“Ahem—” Miss Gong, slightly embarrassed, coughed. “I was just marveling at the number of cultivators here.”
“A lot?” Leng Yuli raised an eyebrow and looked around.
The auction house didn’t seem particularly crowded.
“If their disguises could be seen through by you, then they’ve wasted all their years of training.” Gong Yiling shrugged.
Then, just like that day at the inn, she casually started pointing out various people, just as she had done before.
Honestly, this auction house was a melting pot of characters, even more so than the inn.
It wasn’t until someone from the Mo family came to get them that they followed, heading to their private room.
The room could accommodate four people. Mo Yechong had originally booked two, intending to put them with two other people, but those two seemed to have no interest in the auction, so only Gong Yiling and Leng Yuli were there.
“Aren’t we here to investigate?” Leng Yuli couldn’t help but mutter. “Why did we book a large private room?”
“We have to look the part to avoid suspicion.” Gong Yiling walked to the window and looked down.
“Although, I don’t think it makes much difference. That Sword Master must know he’s lured the Sword Alliance here. He probably already knows who’s who.”
“Couldn’t we have used the money for this room to buy something to eat?”
Leng Yuli smiled. “Honestly, Youyuan, all you think about is food. How much have you eaten these past few days?”
Gong Yiling turned and looked at her. “As if you haven’t eaten anything.”
Leng Yuli was speechless, looking away awkwardly. “Who said that? You were the one who took me.”
Gong Yiling snorted. “Then I won’t take you next time. Are you sure you don’t want to eat?”
Leng Yuli crossed her arms and mumbled, “We’ll see about that. How can you make such a decision so rashly?”
Gong Yiling shrugged helplessly. “You girl…”
As they were talking, someone gently knocked on the door.
“Ladies, the list of all the items in this auction has been written down. Please take a look if you wish.”
Gong Yiling casually replied, “Just leave it by the door. I’ll get it later.”
“And also…” The attendant’s voice held a hint of something more. “There’s one more thing.”
“Miss Lü, Miss Leng, the Pavilion Master would like to see you. Are you available?”
The Pavilion Master?
The Pavilion Master of the Youcang Court in this region?
Gong Yiling frowned. Why would he want to see them…? Could it be because of Leng Yuli’s father?
She looked at Leng Yuli, who seemed to have realized the same thing. “It must be my father.”
“Then we…?”
“Let’s go.” Leng Yuli smiled at her. “This is what Young Master Mo was hoping for.”
“Mmm.”
—
—
This branch of the Youcang Court was the largest in the northern region of the Baiyao Dynasty. Its decoration followed the court’s usual style.
Low-key on the outside, and low-key on the inside.
Of course, “low-key” was just an impression.
In reality, all the decorations were exquisite and valuable, just concealed by the dark color scheme and dim lighting. Even the railings were made of a material so precious that a small piece could bankrupt an ordinary family.
This showed just how wealthy the Youcang Court was, a wealth that couldn’t be described as simply “rich enough to buy a country.”
At the end of the third-floor corridor, a room stood with its door wide open. It didn’t look particularly special, blending into the dim surroundings.
The moment Gong Yiling and Leng Yuli stepped inside, the door suddenly closed behind them, and several candles lit up simultaneously.
The room was about the size of a private box. A person sat with their back to them, their figure obscured. Opposite them was a giant white screen.
The man’s shadow, cast by the candlelight, was much larger than a normal person’s.
So, this was his way of creating a sense of oppression?
Gong Yiling looked at him, feeling he was just playing tricks.
But for her, an old swindler, this kind of thing was useless.
