The Master and His Wealthy Fiancée

The three of them shared a car. In truth, Li Huiran knew nothing about the man who came to greet them. Other than their internal Illusory Sect connection, they had never crossed paths before. However, the Illusory Sect's current vetting process was extremely rigorous, so she had no need to worry. More importantly, she had Murong Qing, her 'great bodyguard,' by her side. In the current Martial Artist Circle, aside from a few undying old monsters, Murong Qing was more than capable of ensuring their safety.

Before she knew anything about the Martial Dao, she had only thought Murong Qing was very strong. Now, having been a newcomer in the Martial Artist Circle for three months herself, she had a much deeper understanding of just how terrifying Murong Qing's talent and power were. Take the process of tempering one's sinews and bones to cultivate external strength, for example. Murong Qing had accomplished it in just one month, whereas Li Huiran hadn't even made a dent after three.

Just two months ago, at not even twenty-one years of age, Murong Qing had a breakthrough and reached the Outer Appearance realm. This was a full year faster than even Chen Dong.

Even Grandma Qian Ruo was endlessly amazed. To possess such immense talent in this End of the Dharma Era was unheard of. Furthermore, Murong Qing's talent would only grow stronger as Spiritual Qi was restored. In Grandma Qian Ruo's words, in ancient times, Murong Qing would have absolutely been a Daoist, the chosen prodigy of a region. Not only did she possess a Top-Grade Water Element Celestial Spirit Root, but she had also awakened a peculiar divine beast bloodline. It was just that her current power was still too shallow for the bloodline's nature to manifest. Once a person like her broke through to the Profound Pill realm, her strength would become terrifying, and her bloodline would experience a second awakening.

Knowing that such a supreme genius was right beside her dealt a heavy blow to Li Huiran's confidence. Murong Qing had started building her foundation at age seven and began formally cultivating at ten. It had taken her thirteen years to reach the Outer Appearance realm, and she was still two full realms away from the Profound Pill realm. Compared to that, Li Huiran's desire to reach the Profound Pill realm in three years was utterly fanciful.

Qian Ruo had also advised her to just enjoy the rest of her life and give up the struggle, but she still couldn't bring herself to resign to that fate.

The middle-aged man who greeted the three of them arranged for them to stay at a six-star hotel, then took his leave, informing them that he would return to pick them up before the auction began tomorrow.

The night passed without a word.

The next day, led by the middle-aged man, the three of them arrived punctually at a magnificent and luxurious auction house called the Qi Yun Auction.

The Qi Yun Auction had a history of over a hundred years and an excellent reputation. Its backer was the Yun Family, the 'local emperors' of Yunyazhou.

Because of this Apostle's thorough preparations, there was no drama of being stopped outside the auction house.

Watching the endless stream of rich and powerful people arriving, Li Huiran praised the Apostle, "You've done well!"

Hearing this, the man's eyes grew fervent, his face filled with awed surprise. "It is my honor to be of service to you!"

Li Huiran couldn't help but admire the appeal of the Illusory Sect. 'In an era where chaos is just beginning to stir,' she thought, 'perhaps a religion like this can give people something to believe in.'

Entering the auction house, a bunny girl in black stockings was assigned to receive their group. Clearly, not every group received this kind of reception; most people headed directly for the main hall.

Following the bunny girl through a circular corridor, they arrived at a private room with the number seventy-two on its door. The room wasn't large. Inside were four soft sofas you could recline on. In front was a large glass window that overlooked the massive, ring-shaped auction hall. On a nearby wall was a high-definition projector, used to display the details of the auction items.

The three of them sat on the sofas, waiting for the auction to begin, while the Apostle, like the bunny girl, stood waiting at their side.

Murong Qing gazed down at the circular auction hall below, which now held several thousand people. She remarked with a sigh, "In the short time since we came in, I've sensed that nearly half of these people are Martial Artists. That would have been impossible in the past!"

Li Huiran's expression turned grave. 'The more Martial Artists there are, the more people will want to bid on the Black Feather. Judging from the scale of this auction and the crowd here, I'm not sure I can actually win it.'

Today's Black Feather auction was the only one in recent months. The flourishing of the Martial Dao caused the price of the Black Feather to climb continuously, but one only heard of people making offers, never of anyone selling. Most transactions were completed privately.

People these days weren't stupid. A single Black Feather represented the rise of a Martial Dao genius. Even if an ordinary person obtained one, only a very small number would trade it for temporary wealth.

Xiaoyu took out her phone, pulling up the information she had collected. "President Li, according to the data I've gathered, the last Black Feather transaction was two months ago. It sold for 180 million. I think we won't have a problem with today's bidding!"

Li Huiran shook her head slightly. "That was the price two months ago! Now, someone has offered a billion online and still couldn't get one!"

Murong Qing looked over in surprise. "Black Feather? You came here to bid on a Black Feather? What do you need a Black Feather for?"

Li Huiran smiled faintly. "To cultivate, of course."

Murong Qing's eyes narrowed and her lip twitched. 'This woman is way too competitive,' she thought. 'She already has the Celestial Measuring Ruler and can repel an Inner Scenery realm expert with one strike, yet she still wants a Black Feather!'

Just then, a female auctioneer in a Hanfu walked onto the stage in the auction hall. She said in a clear, loud voice, "Welcome, everyone, to today's Qi Yun Auction. I am your auctioneer, Yunxing, and on behalf of the Qi Yun Auction, I offer you all my sincerest thanks!"

A round of applause rose from below the stage. It was only natural to give the organizers this bit of face, especially since the Yun Family was behind the Qi Yun Auction.

On stage, Yunxing smiled and said, "Alright, without further ado, today's auction will now officially begin. Let's take a look at our first item."