Chapter 072: Finding a Beauty to Calm My Nerves

Many thanks to “Mist and Rain Over the Western Tower” and “n” for their generous rewards.

When Lin Zhan saw the veils fall from the two women’s faces, he was somewhat taken aback. To be frank, anyone who didn’t vomit on the spot at such a sight could be considered either exceptionally composed or possessed of a rare benevolence.

However, as he observed the ensuing events and pieced together the circumstances, he began to understand. He nodded slightly, a smile blooming on his face.

First, the Golden Lion did not know the two women—how could he have been so certain that they were hideous beneath their veils?

Second, Lin Zhan noticed that, just before the Golden Lion swiftly removed their veils, his hand made a subtle wiping gesture—a movement that seemed suspicious.

Third, when the two women faced each other after their veils were lifted, their expressions were odd, as if they themselves were frightened, and soon broke down in despairing tears.

Thus, that subtle gesture by the Golden Lion must have been some kind of disguise technique—a method to instantly alter one’s appearance.

Indeed, after the Golden Lion whispered a few words to the two women, their spirits seemed to lift, their sobs gradually subsided, and they stopped crying.

But the Golden Lion’s performance was not yet over—Young Master Ji and his companions were still present.

Once again, the Golden Lion adopted a look of camaraderie, stepped forward with a wicked grin and a respectful gesture, and said in a low voice, “Gentlemen, is this your first time in Fuyang City? Ahem, there’s a renowned establishment in the west of the city called Drunken Moon Pavilion. The ladies there are all fresh and lovely—I assure you, they’re a delight to behold. Perhaps you should go find a beauty to calm your nerves?”

Young Master Ji and his companions, shaken as they were, found themselves in need of just such a distraction. So, they took the Golden Lion’s timely advice, left with darkened expressions, and headed toward Drunken Moon Pavilion.

Tonight, the Drunken Moon Pavilion’s business was sure to reach a historic peak. There were plenty whose fragile hearts had suffered blow after blow, and needed soothing.

With their veils restored, Lian Fengying and Cui Cui both offered the Golden Lion a graceful salute.

The Golden Lion’s expression was so amusing that Lin Zhan could hardly contain himself; he seemed shy and bashful, almost like a pure, inexperienced youth.

Lin Zhan shook his head in astonishment. “Goodness, what a performer!”

After such a scene, it was clear that Young Master Ji had inadvertently handed an advantage to the resourceful and charming Golden Lion, the young master of the renowned Southern Robe Clan.

And look—beneath the veils, the eyes of Lian Fengying and Cui Cui glimmered with autumnal charm and springtime warmth. Truly enchanting.

The three whispered amongst themselves. The Golden Lion then reached out, making a gesture as if wiping the air before the women’s faces. The two women turned away, lifted their veils, and looked at each other, then laughter began to spill forth.

It seemed the Golden Lion’s efforts had yielded perfect results.

Now Lin Zhan was even more certain that he had used a disguise technique to help Lian Fengying and her maid weather this ordeal, and in doing so, won their favor. All parties were pleased.

Lin Zhan left the scene and made his way to the heart of the trading district.

There stood a vast circular complex, reminiscent of a modern stadium. Lin Zhan paid ten lower-grade spirit stones to enter.

Ten spirit stones were a considerable expense in Fuyang City, a sum sufficient to deter riffraff; only those with genuine intent to purchase would pay it.

Inside, the circular structure featured a grand central plaza, with a stage at its core—clearly set for a live auction. Many had already gathered, awaiting the auctioneer.

Before the auction began, Lin Zhan strolled around the perimeter.

The building had two levels: the ground floor housed merchant shops, while the second floor was reputed to contain VIP auction boxes.

Compared to the vendors outside, the shops within were far more reputable, each offering quality wares.

As a mere servant disciple, Lin Zhan knew better than to make ostentatious purchases.

So he found a quiet corner, changed into a newly acquired pale blue robe, and continued his exploration.

The treasures within the trading center were not true heavenly wonders, but most were superior to what Lin Zhan had previously encountered—save for the spiritual luo grass he had found in the depths of the Blazing Lake’s Dayan Cavern.

The spiritual luo grass was one of the seven legendary ingredients for alchemy, extraordinary indeed.

Lin Zhan entered several shops at random, purchasing items described in the “Blue Ice World” tome—various pills, herbs, metals, and even unfamiliar alloys that seemed ideal for crafting devices, potentially useful in the future.

His Nine Star Space was filled with high-grade spirit stones. Simply storing them was wasteful; aside from absorbing them during cultivation, they served little purpose. Using them to acquire interesting items was the best choice.

Thus, a mountain of rare stones and meteor metals became fresh decorations in his Nine Star Space.

With so many spirit stones at his disposal, Lin Zhan resembled a nouveau riche, stirring up a storm of extravagance among the trading center’s shops.

Even shops he hadn’t visited yet had already heard the rumors—clerks stood ready at their doors, eager to welcome him. His lavish behavior caught the attention of Lian Shu, the manager of Heavenly Treasures Hall.

Heavenly Treasures Hall was the largest auction house in the Blue Ice World, with branches across the continents. This particular trading and auction event in Fuyang City was hosted by them.

Lian Shu, the branch master, was a man in his sixties. Upon hearing reports that someone had spent millions of lower-grade spirit stones in one spree, he could not sit still.

Millions of spirit stones—to convert that to high-grade stones, it amounted to several hundred.

Heavenly Treasures Hall had been established in Fuyang City for years, yet had never witnessed a transaction of such magnitude.

“Send an invitation to the guest for the top-tier VIP box on the second floor. Treat him with the utmost respect,” Lian Shu instructed, not forgetting to caution his staff.

His subordinate departed to carry out the order.

Lian Shu exchanged a knowing glance with Manager Liu, who stood beside him.

“It seems tonight is the time to bring out those treasures for auction.”

Each branch of Heavenly Treasures Hall received a few valuables from headquarters to serve as centerpiece items. For three years, Lian Shu had not found the right opportunity to unveil them, waiting for a suitable moment.

Such treasures required bidders with both discerning eyes and deep pockets; otherwise, if they failed to sell, it would be a disgrace to Heavenly Treasures Hall.

Tonight, several disciples from influential families had arrived, each spending generously. With Lin Zhan’s arrival, both Lian Shu and Manager Liu felt the time had come.

After a brief discussion, Manager Liu hurried off to make preparations.