92 - A Farewell to Mr. Luo
Chapter 92 A golden-colored halo emerged, revealing an ancient artifact—a golden bracelet, adorned with numerous black-veined patterns and encrusted with three differently colored gemstones. Bai Fan gazed at the patterns on the bracelet, feeling a sense of familiarity. She hurriedly rolled up her sleeve and looked at her wrist adorned with a Vajra bracelet, realizing that the patterns on her bracelet closely resembled those on the auction stage item. He Yan Man, seated next to Bai Fan, also noticed the similarity and whispered, “The bracelet on the stage looks quite similar to yours.” Behind them, the Yin Rou Male overheard their conversation and glanced at Bai Fan’s wrist. It was apparent that the bracelets were indeed similar, but this was not his priority. He was solely focused on getting closer to the dragon. Once the bracelet was showcased, it was taken to the backstage, and the woman who successfully bid on it was escorted by the people of Moon Lake. As the bracelet disappeared from sight, the host continued, “Alright, the previous item has been sold. Now, let's proceed with the eleventh auction item of the day.” Another woman in purple attire presented the next auction item. Bai Fan, feeling a bit demoralized for not having enough spirit stones, turned to He Yan Man and said, “Let’s leave.” “Mm.” The two stood up and intended to leave, with Qiang Zi promptly following them. They had momentarily forgotten that Ming Zhu had not returned since she left. Ming Zhu, after leaving the auction hall, slipped into the flowers. As the plants swayed, a crystal skull dropped from her clothes. Fortunately, no one was around to see it, or else they would have been terrified. The crystal skull lay on the ground for a moment before slowly disappearing. It could no longer be found among the flowers. Ming Zhu, having detached from the skull, reverted to her spiritual form. She floated through walls and sneaked into the backstage of the auction hall. At that moment, there were fewer people backstage compared to the front. The golden bracelet was still placed on the table. Ming Zhu noticed the transaction happening in the adjacent room, where they seemed to be counting spirit stones. Just as she was about to reach for the bracelet, the door opened. Startled, Ming Zhu quickly withdrew her hand, knowing that her spiritual form could still be detected by those with high cultivation. The person who entered picked up the bracelet box, closed it, and left. Ming Zhu quietly followed into the next room where the transaction officially began. After the spirit stones were counted, it was time to inspect the item. “This is the item you just purchased. Please verify it.” The woman wore light blue clothes and a conical hat, not willing to show her real face even in the backstage. Ming Zhu glanced at the black veil covering the woman's face. The woman, likely sensing something, asked the Moon Lake staff, “There are no other people here, right?” The staff, smiling confidently, replied, “Rest assured, we block all external sensory detection, ensuring no one will know your details. You won’t be harassed by the seller after the transaction.” The woman nodded, and the box was handed to her. Her slender fingers opened the box, revealing the magnificent golden bracelet. Despite the passage of ages, the three gemstones still shone brightly. She gently traced the patterns on the bracelet and said, “You can use your divine sense to inspect it. The specifics are up to you to explore. Our responsibility is merely to verify the seller’s information for a successful transaction.” The woman nodded, then wore the bracelet. She sat there for a while, seemingly using her divine sense to probe its contents. Meanwhile, Bai Fan and He Yan Man left the auction hall, and Qiang Zi was about to relay some news. At that moment, a delicate-featured man walked out and accidentally bumped into Bai Fan. Bai Fan frowned, wondering how she could be bumped into when most cultivators instinctively avoid obstacles. She contemplated saying something but was interrupted by the man who quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, really sorry. I was just lost in thought.” Seeing the man without a conical hat, Bai Fan figured he might be as new to this place as they were and swallowed her words. “It’s fine, it’s fine.” Just when Bai Fan thought the matter was over, the Yin Rou Male continued, “Excuse me, ladies. Could you tell me where to find accommodation here?” “Go to the second floor and pay with spirit stones. The reception will guide you from there.” “Thank you very much.” With that, the Yin Rou Male departed. Bai Fan paid no further attention to him, and neither did He Yan Man, who thought it was just an accident. At the first-floor counter, Bai Fan and He Yan Man inquired about information regarding the Wildlands. The staff apologetically told them, “Sorry, but we don’t have the information you need at the moment. Would you like to leave your details with us? We’ll post it on Moon Lake’s information board, and we’ll notify you as soon as someone provides the information.” “Alright, but hopefully, we’ll receive something tonight. I’d hate to wait too long.” Leaving their details at the counter, they went upstairs. The Yin Rou Male then approached the counter, asking, “What were those ladies looking for? Can I see the information? Maybe I can help.” The staff didn’t mind showing him the details, as it was meant for information providers. The Yin Rou Male frowned as he read the paper. “Wildlands?” He had never heard of that name. The staff, noticing his confusion, retrieved the information and said with a smile, “It's a place they’re looking for. Any details about its location or anything related would be helpful.” “Apologies, I’m not familiar with that place.” “No problem.” Upstairs, Bai Fan and He Yan Man parted ways, each heading to their rooms. Bai Fan collapsed onto her bed, finally able to rest after a long journey, despite still being gravely injured. Closing her eyes, Bai Fan felt the spiritual energy within her body. She noticed her meridians had unknowingly begun to recover. Her meridians, except those in her limbs, had a faint blue hue due to her Golden Core, producing dual-colored spiritual energy. Releasing a ball of spiritual energy, she watched the golden and blue energies intertwine. The dual cores hadn’t fully merged, and she wondered when they ever would. Remembering that Ming Zhu had not returned, she wondered, “Didn’t she say she needed to use the facilities? Why hasn’t she come back?” “But she’s an adult; she won’t get lost. If she can’t find us, she’ll return to the room.” Talking to herself, Bai Fan took out some spiritual herbs from her storage bag, inhaling their thick fragrance. She thought that these might be auction-worthy. A single thousand-year-old herb would be enough to astound the world. Given her current financial predicament, with numerous future needs requiring spirit stones, she couldn’t always count on He Yan Man’s support. Hence, she had to consider selling these herbs. However, she kept this to herself. Despite liking He Yan Man, Bai Fan remained cautious. She had trusted Lotus Sheng, whom she had raised, only to be deceived and forced into wearing the fateful Vajra bracelet. Thinking about her past persecution at the Qingxu Sect made Bai Fan shiver. It’s best to hold fate in your own hands. In a world where lack of power means being cannon fodder, Bai Fan understood her urgent need to grow stronger. She never wanted to experience the terror of being hunted by the monster in the palace, the sheer dread that her life could end at any moment. Bai Fan contemplated selling the millennium-old spiritual herb. Although she didn’t know its exact type, its age alone would make it valuable. She quickly got up from the bed, grabbed the conical hat on the table, and put it on. Just as she opened the door to head out, she saw someone stepping out from the room across the hall. She looked up and realized it was the same male cultivator who had bumped into her earlier. Recognizing Bai Fan’s attire, the man greeted, “Oh, it's you from before. What a coincidence!” “Yes, quite a coincidence,” Bai Fan replied, anxious to get to the auction hall and not wanting to engage in conversation. However, the man seemed particularly eager to chat, which made her wary, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why—perhaps it was his overly enthusiastic demeanor. “Are you heading out?” the man inquired. “Yes.” “I see. I’m also about to go out. May I ask where you're headed?” Pressing her conical hat down, Bai Fan turned towards her room door and closed it behind her, indicating she didn’t want to share her plans. “Sorry, I can’t say. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll be on my way.” With that, she quickly left. The Yin Rou Male watched her hastily depart, squinting his eyes as he gently stroked the emerald green bird perched on his shoulder. The bird, with its cute round head, nuzzled against his palm, appearing very docile. “She seems to be in a hurry, leaving right after returning. I should follow and see what’s up.” “Chirp, chirp.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** I need to sleep early tonight. Last night’s writing session gave me some chest tightness and a racing heart. Everyone, don’t stay up late! Previous Chapter Table of Contents Next Chapter Home Desktop Bookshelf Full Novel List Popular Novels